MONARCHY COLLECTION

As an admirer of Vivien Westwood and the punk look of the 80s, founder, creator, and designer Eric Kim created Monarchy Collection because he wanted to reinvent the looks of London street fashion to what is "trans-globally considered hot for any decade."

With his trademarked British embroidery, Kim (a native of Los Angeles) has turned Monarchy Collection into an electric apparel line for men and women, with trendsetting tees, ground-breaking denim, and hand-styled graphics. His pieces are works of art, so it makes perfect sense that A-list celebs enjoy the "creative quintessence and brooding use of artistic flare" that Monarchy offers.

Spring/Summer 2008 definitely looks a bit different for Monarchy; this is the collection that pioneered the need to break conventions and be different, as well as helping to spread the word on global warming. With models stepping out onto a runway of grass (yes, green grass), Monarchy set itself apart from the rest.

Tees and shirts were of original art and design and were somewhat inspiring, such as the white collared top with the bold back that exclaimed: "Global warming is so hot right now," or the white tee with a picture of a bicycle on the front, saying "Unlimited MPG." Original. With the traditional jeans and sandals, there was also a touch of deconstruction, but not over the top, which kept the collection in tune with the season.

And pink ascots and red spectator shoes were just some of the interesting accessories, which included some tasteful and very fashionable suspenders, scarves, and gloves. The most apparent theme running throughout the collection was that of a day at the country club and/or playing polo.

With western vests and cowboy hats, Monarchy stays true to its designer's origins, that is, the west. Monarchy also played with proportions with high waist pants and loose shirts that cut off, or stayed long. For the guys: perfectly designed cropped pants and Bermuda shorts; many ensembles were reminiscent of the traditional tennis get-up one would see at a country club.

A unique pairing was that of a blazer and Bermuda shorts for the guys ...interesting, but practical. As far as colors go, Monarchy kept it a bit dark, emphasizing grays and blacks, brown, and some creams, with more appropriate Spring and Summer colors, such as hues of purple (as seen in prints and some plaid), and pinky reds.

An interesting touch was the juxtaposition of the classic argyle print and the traditional cardigan; this touch gave those sweaters just the right amount of panache. But what clinched the whole collection was the last piece: a metallic-gray, tight-fitting bustier dress with purple trim, completed with a walking stick, top hat, and gray stripped tights.