Rock & Republic mixes music with fashion

Rock & Republic brought new meaning to the concept of "rock n' roll style" during L.A. Fashion Week.

Photo: Rock & Republic mixes music with fashion

Rock & Republic mixes music with fashion

The designer denim label threw a black-tie concert featuring the Pretenders on Monday night to unveil its new line.

Sony Studios Stage 18 was transformed into a stylish nightclub. Drinks flowed and hors d'oeuvres were passed. An ice sculpture glistened in the corner. You could almost forget it was a rock concert or a fashion show.

Rather than remind everyone with a runway, the company artfully displayed its wares in a series of glass cases. Pieces from the fall collection and new "ultra-premium" line, Tailor Made, were illuminated in wall-size displays not unlike a museum exhibit.

Smaller cases held accessories: studded leather cuffs, a sparkly evening bag and a designer dagger (no kidding) with a leather sheath.

It was hard not to watch singer Chrissie Hynde, who wore a pale blue pair of Rock & Republic jeans ("I don't have to rock in them, but I do," she said). But the encased goods remained nonintrusive, waiting to be noticed.

Heavy hardware, fur accents and some unexpected details are key to both lines.

The denim collection shows jeans slimmer at the ankle than in seasons past, and back pockets adorned with stitching, studs and rhinestones. Fitted denim jackets are intricately embroidered with the company's skull logo. A green military-style jacket gets girly with a fluffy fur collar, while guys get a classic motorcycle jacket reinterpreted in fur.

Tailor Made is decidedly dressier than Rock & Republic's denim offerings, but with the same edge and slim fit.

A pinstripe blazer with leather trim tops a houndstooth vest, white business shirt and furry, leopard-print tie. A V-neck sweater has fur puffs for sleeves. Another has jewel buttons and is matched with a shirt and tie.

Two wine-colored gowns completed the display. One was red carpet-ready, with a fitted bodice that spilled into a regal train. The other was a funky, strapless number with a corset top and full bustle in back.

The collection also includes sleek fur boots for men and women and pointy-toe pumps textured with fur, glitter and chains.

L.A. Fashion Week continues through Thursday night, including collections by Sue Wong, Jennifer Nicholson and Bebe. Design suites will showcase more than 30 additional lines, reports AP.

O.Ch.