The Battalion presented the final installment of shows Tuesday night at Concept with a collection of womens contemporary wear inspired by the ever mystical (at least to this European not used to desert landscapes) South Western desert, from Joshua Tree to Sedona, Arizona.

Interestingly enough this was a collection that I instantly adored as it made it's way out on the runway but did not stand out in my memory, say, 48 hours later. However, given time to pore over my images after the fact I can see why I loved this collection as I saw it and at the same time why it was perhaps over shadowed by the showmanship of, say, the Jen Awad collection shown earlier in the evening.

What initially presents as a basic collection of tight pants, sweaters and draped jersey is so much more than that. The detail on the tight pants, that I have deemed 'treggings', that would be trouser leggings…the most logical step up from the jegging for Fall/Winter, to the beautiful lattice weave backed jersey dresses and tunics this collection is both wearable and aspirational. You want it in your wardrobe, it would fit perfectly in your wardrobe, it could be worn everyday, day to night. The pieces are special without being 'special occasion'

Due to my newly acquired (long time coming) vegetarian status and lifelong stance on fur (I'm of the PETA persuasion) I was extremely happy to see the use of 'faux fur', particularly on the 'Minsk-esque' hats (If we have another cold LA winter I might actually be able to pull this off) and amazing stole with a jersey panel hugging the body. Not only was the faux in full effect with the fur but also with the leather. Each beautifully constructed jacket, the vest and the leggings were all produced in veggie leather. Creating quite the wish list for this animal lover.

Highest on the wish list were these beautifully draped dresses (pictured above) the lattice backs actually caused me to emit a gasp when the model turned back up the runway. Yes please and thank you The Battalion I'll take one of each.

Also on the wish list, but not particularly attainable for 'Miss Chunky Thighs' over here, were the tight tight "treggings" (see earlier discussion)….gorgeous but only on the list for me personally if I can have the slim thighs to go with them….!

Stop Motion Photo Animation, Still Photos and Article by Kelsi Smith