There was an electric excitement in the air during the VIP preview of the second edition of Frieze Los Angeles, held yesterday at Paramount Pictures Studios. Buzz for the fair is all over town, stoked by Barbara Kruger’s bold questions plastered throughout the city (a public art commission conceived by Frieze to drum up excitement). The preview brought celebs like Usher and Leonardo DiCaprio as well as plenty of less-well-known Angelenos, all eager to take in challenging contemporary work that tangles with cultural representation, the current political climate, visibility for Latinx communities, and other hot-button issues.
Given the sunny forecast this weekend, the fair should continue to bring out the crowds—and with them, plenty of chances to spot the art world’s sartorial flair. After our trip to Frieze yesterday, we can confirm that comfort—paired with a cheery ensemble—is the key to a successful visit.
In our latest installment of Art Style, we’ve rounded up some of the best fashion we saw at Frieze Los Angeles, along with a few personal details about the people behind the outfits.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Magê Abàtayguara
What they do: Gallerist
Why they’re here: Representing Mendes Wood DM of Sao Paulo, Brazil
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: The ensemble is Zara. I love to mix high fashion and low fashion, and I’m a big fan of monochromatic looks, especially when I travel so much—it just makes it easy.
One LA thing they’re doing while they’re in town: Going back to Crossroads! It’s a great vegetarian restaurant I found last year.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Chara Schreyer
What they do: Collector and art patron; board member of MOCA, Hammer, and SFMOMA
Why they’re here: I’m here to view the different booths, which is the fun of finding new pieces and artists. You never know who or what you find when you turn the corner—it’s all serendipitous.
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: I’m wearing a new piece by [Copenhagen-based] Cecilie Bahnsen that I just bought yesterday. It fit perfectly and I thought, “Perfect, I’ll just wear it to the art fair!”
One LA thing they’re doing while they’re in town: Relaxing and visiting with my grandsons.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Karolina Dankow
What they do: Gallerist
Why they’re here: Representing Karma International gallery
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: I’m wearing a Sies Marjan coat, Rodarte top, Moschino pants, Nodaleto shoes, and vintage Chanel jewelry. The inspiration behind this outfit was the rain from last year’s Frieze LA—my main concern this year was making sure to wear something that covered me on all bases, weather-wise.
How they’d describe their style: Mostly eclectic, but also representative of different times in my life.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Genevieve Gaignard
What they do: Mixed-media artist
Why they’re here: Exhibiting with Vielmetter Los Angeles
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: I wanted to be in conversation with some of my work—[which is] inspired by my mixed heritage (I’m white and black), and created to broaden the conversation—to hit home this message of selling to black collectors and making art more inclusive for everyone involved. I bought this canvas garment and painted the text in my studio. I’m also wearing these Grace Jones-inspired earrings by this Australia-based line called Doodad and Fandango.
How they’d describe their style: Colorful and conversation-starting.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Victoria Rogers
What they do: Collector and art patron; board member of the Brooklyn Museum
Why they’re here: I’m excited to see Frieze LA, since it’s one of my favorite fairs, and I’m also a big supporter and champion of artists.
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: I’m wearing Alexander McQueen pajamas, a BODE jacket, and a Jennifer Behr headband—I came straight off a plane from New York to Frieze LA, so I had to be comfortable.
How they’d describe their style: Comfortable and colorful.
Favorite artwork or booth at the fair: David Kordansky gallery
One LA thing they’re doing while they’re in town: A home-cooked Valentine’s Day dinner with a girlfriend!
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Young Joon Kwak
What they do: Multi-disciplinary artist
Why they’re here: Exhibiting work with Commonwealth and Council gallery
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: I’m trans, femme, and non-binary—my gender pronouns are they/them/she/her—so I wanted to wear something comfortable for the day. I’m currently wearing a mix of Theory, Zara, and thrifted pieces. My earrings spell out Xina Xurner, the name of my band. I’m also wearing a piece by my friend Stephanie Colunga, who has a Chicago-based jewelry line. She makes bronze casts of female deities, like Baubo, the Greek goddess of sexuality and humor.
How they’d describe their style: Sometimes I go high femme in five-inch heels, and sometimes I’m a hot mess because I’m in sculptor mode in the studio.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Nu Nguyen
What they do: Curator for the Ovitz Family Collection
What they’re wearing: Vintage Comme des Garçons, Celine shoes, and a Bottega Veneta bag.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Elizabeth Sahlman
What they do: Real-estate broker in New York
Why they’re here: I’m here with my husband, who is an art consultant—and I never miss an art fair.
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: Today’s outfit is much more casual and inspired by the LA vibe–like just off an airplane. I’m wearing a Herno jacket, Cedric Charlier cords, and Dior shoes.
How they’d describe their style: Typically, very tailored.
Favorite artwork or booth at the fair: Hauser & Wirth and David Kordansky
One LA thing they’re doing while they’re in town: Hanging out with my daughter.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Name: Irene Kim
What they do: Regional Head of VIP Relations, Americas for Art Basel
Why they’re here: To see the entire art scene—it’s so impressive to see that the whole community gathers together. And to see the galleries and museums put on their amazing shows. I was here for the inaugural Frieze LA, and the energy this year is even more exciting.
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: I’m actually seven months pregnant, so my outfit is influenced by whatever can fit me. This is a Marni blouse, a Zara blazer, 7 For All Mankind pants, a Saint Laurent purse, and Prada shoes.
How they’d describe their style: Practical and professional.
One LA thing they’re doing while they’re in town: Dinner at Parks BBQ in Koreatown.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Ethan Tate
What they do: Gallerist
Why they’re here: Representing the Pit Los Angeles gallery
What they’re wearing and what inspired the look: I’m wearing the first suit I ever bought—a vintage Saint Laurent—and the shirt is also vintage. It’s opening day of the fair, and I thought I should wear something a little extra!
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Marie Chambers
What they do: Art consultant
Why they’re here: To view the fair—it’s really fun to find something I didn’t expect to find for my collectors, and it typically happens at fairs like Frieze LA.
What they’re wearing: I’m wearing a Paul Smith suit and top paired with Zero + Maria Cornejo shoes, and these funky earrings and ring by Mali, a lovely Balinese jewelry designer. I got the bag from a local artisan market in Bennington, Vermont, and I loved the green color and felt fabric.
How they’d describe their style: Tailored, but a little funky and a little unreasonable.
Favorite artwork or booth at the fair: Patrisse Cullors’ performance, Fuck White Supremancy, Let’s Get Free!
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: R F Jefferies
What they do: Collector
Why they’re here: To explore the fair and support various artists and galleries.
What they’re wearing: The entire ensemble is by Los Angeles-based brand 69. The jacket in particular was in 69’s first solo museum exhibition at the MOCA Pacific Design Center in 2018. The glasses are made of wood and are deadstock from the ’70s.
How they’d describe their style: Sustainable, ethical, and 98 percent 69.
Favorite artwork or booth at the fair: Greene Naftali
One LA thing they’re doing while they’re in town: Dining at Bavel in downtown LA.
Photo by Jennelle Fong.
Who: Michelle Perr and Lynnette Dodds
What they do: Collectors and art enthusiasts
Why they’re here: To check out the LA edition of Frieze
What they’re wearing: Yayoi Kusama keychain dolls! (In addition, Michelle wears Fendi and Gucci, while Lynnette wears Wolford and Marni.)