FASHION : Canvassing Arty-Goers

Art by Henry Matisse, Robert Longo and Andy Warhol may have been on the walls.

But guests attending the ART/LA ’90 preview party Wednesday night opted for art of the wearable kind by such fashion designers as Jean Paul Gautier, Valentino, Betsy Johnson and Commes des Garcons.

Although the event was billed around an Earth theme, few party-goers taking in the fifth international contemporary art fair got the message.

About the only thing green at the Los Angeles Convention Center was a smattering of velvet party dresses, an occasional man’s suit and a few floppy hats.

Some men accented otherwise uninspired navy or gray pin-striped suits with “rain forest” floral-printed neckwear.

However, many of the artists and/or art lovers took a more, well, artistic approach.

Engineer-striped blazers, stirrup pants, leather jackets, baggy jeans and vintage sharkskin suits were among the most inspirational.

Designer Michele Lamy, wearing a prison-striped leggings and fishing for “art that will fit in my pocket,” set the costume tone for many of the women.

Several guests appeared to have gotten lost in a sequin supply house.

Others opted for leggy party dresses, fitted jackets, wraparound bustiers and, in one instance, a cocktail dress complete with hat and feather boa.

“Are you an artist?” one guest inquired. “No,” another replied.

“Artistic?”

Yes!”