TRE by Natalie Ratabesi. Pre-Fall 2020 - New York

Images from the designer and the public domain. Credited to the photographer/company where applicable: TRE by Natalie Ratabesi)

The Los Angeles fashion scene/industry is somewhat an unsung hero as an imprint of fashion throughout the later part of the 20th Century, more so the 1970s and 1980s.  The London designers of the said era maybe credited for reestablishing and shaping post punk and new wave styles to their tune, in which America embraced with gusto, however it was the L.A. scene that redefined and sold back to those same markets - the aesthetics wrapped up within a unique West Coast 80's vibe, ala the California take on the grittiness of punk and daring 'Paris' inspired avant garde styles, adding the Valley Girl glamor onto the darker aspects of urban fashion.  Whilst the Surf and skate culture, with its West coast Hiphop and street wear icons, incorporated, at times the commercial surreality of emerging fashion trends of the 80's, it was not until the 1990s solidified its mass production of styles; which drew even more attention to L.A's impact on fashion.  As the entrepreneurial desires and over enthusiasm of 90's pre internet boom began to dilute a lot of the originality.  The 'looks' that defined a decade began to petter out.  

Natalie Ratabesi is a Los Angeles native, being of the environment she has originated from, evident in the creation of her designs.  With her signature brand now just over 2 years old, since 2019, Ratabesi has been able to show five complete collections to date, not shying away from denim to which she has used to portray as an overall look.  Ratabesi has proven to be able to draw from the various influences that have driven the brand's style since its first showing.  

For the Pre-Fall 2020 collection, she has reinvigorated the West Coast style, inspired by the famous Los Angeles Melrose Ave ambiance of the late 70's and mid 80's.  A snapshot of a very creative time that was the L.A. fashion industry, from its boutique shop and designers, which lined the avenue, renown for its cutting edge fashion styles ala the 'California look'.  Ratabesi has ensured that the new collection has captured all the sass and risqué that is L.A. street styles of yesteryear, but with a darker resonance, as the post punk feel is evident throughout, cojoining to Hollywood's expectations of sex appeal – with San Fernando Valley being the boulevard of broken dreams.  Open blazers, cleavage, visible bras and waist high hemmed wool pants, the color palette is very much muted, so any aspect of L.A. fluro is nonexistent, instead it has been replaced with the nightlife tones via mini skirts, body suits, stockings and sheer ensembles.  Think, Melanie Griffith's look in Brian De Palma's 1985 murder mystery 'Body Double'.