LOS ANGELES, Mar 29, 2003/ FW/ -- Upcoming local designer John Sakalis will hold his first solo show April 2nd, 2003 at 6 pm inside the Zipper Concert Hall at the Colburn School of Performing Arts during Los Angeles Fashion Week.

Though just 23 years old, John is no stranger to the LA fashion scene. He made his debut with his Fall 2002 Collection at the “get L.A.I.D” (Los Angeles Independent Designers) Runway Show and was part of the LAID: A Fashion Exhibition event last season, where his collection was well received. As a result of his creative styles, Blest boutique in Hollywood started carrying his line, where celebrity clients such as Courtney Love have picked up pieces like his hounds-tooth laced skirts.

Since Los Angeles has gained more attention as a hub for fresh new designers, John felt that it was the perfect opportunity for him to produce his first solo show.

“With the momentum surrounding Los Angeles Fashion Week, it's a very exciting time for local designers to showcase their unique visions and contributions to the industry,” says John Sakalis. “Focusing on body conscious clothes this season, the rich fabrics and colors are free of restraint and boundaries: slashes are sewn back together with alpaca yarns; high pile wool and wool/mohairs.”

“The Sakalis woman this season is inspired by a combination of Scottish print forms and colors coupled with French couture sewing,” continues John. “The look is just tough enough to strut the streets of London in the late 19th century. She is the epitome of the Sakalis woman, she is ‘Brave Joan.’”

John chose the Zipper Concert Hall at the Colburn S.O.P.A. due to its unique environment and theatrics. Though the venue is usually used as a location for film and television productions such as “Adaptation” and “The West Wing” or for a Jennifer Lopez music video, the John Sakalis show will be the first fashion show ever held at the Zipper.

He is also pleased that one of the leading models featured in his April 2nd show will be model Jamie Bochert. The rocker beauty who was discovered in a Los Angeles restaurant will be flying in from New York to work the catwalk at the Sakalis show. Jamie has starred in a recent Sisley campaign and has shot ads for D&G and Francois Nars makeup. Jamie was featured on Style.com’s “Model Watch.”

“Jamie has a great look that perfectly embodies my theme this season and I couldn’t be more thrilled that she is doing my show,” says John.

Product sponsors for the show include Smashbox Cosmetics, KMS Haircare and VLife Magazine, a new design publication from Variety.

The Zipper Hall is located at 200 S. Grand Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Street (4 blocks north of the Downtown Standard Hotel).