For fall, Scott Studenberg and John Targon envisioned their clientele on a glitzy step-and-repeat. What would their Baja Baes wear, for instance, at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar party? Backstage before the show, they finished each other’s sentences with a frenetic energy. “We have this core group that we love so much,” said Targon, referencing the label’s cozy, luxe cashmere knitwear. “But how could we take that to the red carpet in our West Coast-meets-street sort of way?” added Studenberg.
The duo worked a black-based hummingbird print — a nod to the artwork of Ross Bleckner — onto silk pajama suiting and an elegant one-shoulder dress. The finale look, a shimmering gold slipdress which Targon and Studenberg called “Moroccan Metal,” featured patchwork Lurex in a grid pattern. Keeping to the brand’s rebellious spirit, the evening looks were paired with sneakers or athletic, open-toed slides done in collaboration with Fila. This being Baja East, the lineup was not without some cheekiness: Sparkling velvet tracksuits and gold chain accessories felt reminiscent of early Aughts decadence. A white alligator jacket — crafted from a single hide — was priced at a cool $65,000.
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As for the men, evening influences played best when mixed with Nineties retro street elements. Printed slogans such as “Baja Babe” and “Bye Felicia” on the lineup’s knits reinforced the light, fun spirit of the young brand.