Karen

Written and announced by Lorrie Ivas, while presenting Karen with the 2006 AIU-LA’s 2006 Style & Substance Award:
"Since 2004 the Fashion Department at AIU has instituted a yearly award to recognize those in the Los Angeles Fashion and Entertainment Community who, throughout their careers and personal endeavors, have exemplified not only Style, but Substance … hence the Style and Substance Award.
To begin, let’s see how the dictionary defines style: a distinctive & identifiable form; impressive flair in the way something is done, especially a quality that suggests a self-confident willingness to exhibit skill or good taste; fashionable status or quality. Then define substance: real or practical value or importance; the unchanging essence of something; something that is individual and caused. Then look over the many overused nouns and adjectives … multi-talented, style maven, fashionista, etc., etc… But tonight, in this case, they are not cliché.
How does one define Karen Mamont in one phrase? Would it be Fashion Entrepreneur? Director of Marketing? Public Relations Guru? Buyer? How about Trendforecaster? Videographer? Consultant? Video, Print and Runway Stylist? Retail Relations Director? Fashion Show Producer? Showroom Director? Fundraiser? Equestrian? Tango Dancer? Flamenco Dancer? Supporter of ALL the arts: music, dance and cinema?
In the years I have had the privilege of knowing Karen Mamont – personally and professionally, she never ceases to inspire - and remind one of why they love the fashion industry. Events that are taken for granted in LA’s garment center … as having “always been there,” really haven’t … until she came into the picture. Trade shows, including Urban Suburban, The Look, and LA Fashion Week held at Smashbox … all have had the presence of this person in their inception.
Drew Bernstein, President & CEO of The Original Cult, Lip Service, Blacklist, Kill City and Rokara, describes her as the “Supercharged Fashion Queen…insanely quick on her feet ...with a million ideas, always connecting those ideas with people, designs, customers, markets.” Alison Neider, Executive Editor of California Apparel News, describes Karen as a one-woman publicity machine. “If she believes in you--or your company or your collection--she will let the world know just how fabulous she thinks you are. She’s always on the hunt for the next big trend, while staying true to her signature vintage-cowgirl-with-an-edge look. Karen is an invaluable source for information about fashion, music and pop culture. And she is the center of attention wherever she goes—which makes her great fun to be around. But most of all she is a unfailing supporter of the Los Angeles fashion industry and its designers.”
If there is a recipe to make more of this woman, there would be a mad rush to copyright it! But I’ll take a stab at what it might be:
Stir in a cup of Betsey Johnson, a pint of Elsa Schiaparelli, a bit of Patricia Field. Blend in Frida Kahlo or, as Estevan Ramos would say, “Freaka’ Kahlo” Add a drop of Fern Mallis, Dawn Mello and Geraldine Stutz; Fold in Diana Vreeland, Peggy Guggenheim, Zandra Rhodes, Edith Piaf, Bettie Page, and Chanel. Pour in a pint of Patsy Cline, or “Punk” Patsy Cline, according to Sue Wong. Then add some sequins, cowboy boots and Chihuahuas and…
...Karen Mamont, the true definition of what Style and Substance truly is."