The city of Los Angeles is one of the fashion capitals of the world. And every year, the much-awaited Los Angeles Fashion Week takes place—each March (for fall collections) and October (for spring collections) in locations throughout the Los Angeles area.
Last Oct 22-23, the LA Fashion Weekend at Sunset Gower Studios kicked off in Hollywood, where the weekend’s designers showed off their hottest new collections.
The event was attended by the industry elite and stylists as well as some of today’s most recognized celebrities.
Among the designers featured in the recently-concluded LA Fashion Weekend was Filipino designer Karen Capili-Mijares who launched her line of “Funky Victorian” Spring/Summer 2012 line at the gala event last October 22.
In the LA Fashion Magazine, Karen ‘s new collection was reviewed as having “brought jaws to the floor … Wow!”
In LA Fashion.com, Karen Capili’s gowns were described as “a show stopper. There were gowns with hundreds if not thousands of delicate flowers carefully connected to create exquisite and wearable pieces of art in bold reds, yellows and pinks. The lavish gowns all had their own unique styles. From the yellow feathered gown that would make big bird blush to the Cinderellaesque design of the bustled lavender and pink ball gown, Capili spared no imagination and glamour when creating this new collection.”
"Capili’s variety of colors and fabrics are inspired by the boldness of those the 1980s was known for, entwined with the eloquence of the Victorian Era. Even the more modern designs like the black bubble mini with a white one- shouldered top and the dress designed with reusable supermarket bags for the eco-friendly consumer, were a smashing hit. Capili is definitely one to watch in the coming year for more unique and bold collections.”
Truly, Karen Capili-Mijares is one of the fast rising stars in the West Coast fashion world for her use of bright vivid colors inspired by the 1980s, incorporated into Victorian era designs.
In an exclusive interview with the Asian Journal, Karen said, “LA fashion Week was the debut of my line, and I was very pleased with the response we received. The designs were bold, and really stood-out, which got us a lot of attention. All the buyers and media we spoke with were very enthusiastic about the designs and I’m very optimistic about what lies ahead.”
Born in Manila, Philippines, Karen Capili belongs to a new generation of fashion designers who combines originality and imagination to create a line of couture and ready-to-wear that defines the personalities of the women who wear it.
A graduate of De La Salle University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, Karen moved to the United States in 2000 to work with both manufacturers and retailers. She settled in Los Angeles and quickly established herself as a force on the West Coast fashion scene.
After several years in the fashion industry, helping 
manufacturers keep up with ever-changing trends and working with retailers to identify the most exciting styles and looks, Karen decided to focus her energies on creating her own line of apparel.
“I began my first line this year, inspired by my father’s work as a Filipino illustrator and my mother’s career as a successful entrepreneur,” said Karen.
“My designs are a clear reflection of an evolving artist who is fascinated by fashion, multiculturalism, bold colors, divergent influences and pride for my native Pacific island homeland,” she added.
Karen designs for the young, contemporary woman, beginning in her 20s, when she is starting to discover her unique style; through her 30s, as she becomes more confident in her fashion choices; and, finally, seeing her through her 40s, as her look becomes a clearer indication of her personality.
“I am very eager for the industry to get a sense of my vision and a feel for my imagination that is expressed through my use of different colors, textures, fabrics and styles,” said Karen. “This line of couture brings together my love of formality and romanticism with the excitement of the hipness that was embodied during the 1980s.”
As a designer, Karen is attracted to the grandeur and majesty of the Victorian era, which is a recurring theme in most of her designs. She often balances this formal look with a lighter, more fun interpretation using bright colors and unique textures for a completely unique and somewhat contradictory combination.
Right after the successful debut of her “Funky Victorian” collection, Karen is now busy for the future. “We have plans already underway to expand the line, our distribution and availability at retailers across the country. I am already working on next season, which will be both a couture and ready-to-wear line,” she said with a smile.
When not busy working, Karen spends her time with her husband in LA, which they have made their home.
“I’m married to a wonderful guy, Jesse, who is a teacher,’ she said. “I spend my time either designing or exploring different cultures through traveling, food, film and art.”
Karen has this advice to Filipino fashion designers who also want to break into the Hollywood scene: “It’s vital to learn all aspects of the industry. Carry your passion and love for fashion to every aspect of what you do, and above all else, never, ever get discouraged,” she said.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek Nov 2-4, 2011 MDWK pg.2)
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