Friday, October 17, 2014

Fashionable Friday: LA Fashion Week

L.A. Fashion Week kicked off with a great start.  This week fashion came to LA in a big way.  I was able to get the inside scoop on everything fashion related; so now I'm sharing it with you.  Events were happening all over the place,in true L.A. style.



The first event I attended was at Maker City L.A. in the heart of the fashion district in downtown, located in the twelve-story building called the Reef.  Maker City is a hub for creative events and there are many different occupied spaces inside; covering everything from home design to clothing and accessories. Its also a great place for brands to rent space for individual projects.

The Collections Fashion Show, held on October 9th, produced by L.A. Fashion Council was  great place to see new designers and trends.  Collections is a place for new designers to showcase their work and network with industry professionals.  The brands presented at the show included Ody Lyne, Stella P. Roseyn, William Bradley, Sauri, Rochelle Carino, Linden, Colton Dane, Eva Franko Design, That's Totally Fine, and Hanger Shortage.

 Each designer had their own style and there was a large variety.  Looks ranged from bridal to street chic to party dresses.  I was able to help out at the show behind the scene with StyleSmith, the company who planned the event.  As the fashionable crowd arrived, I directed the photographers, bloggers and other industry professionals to the refreshments and deli lunch for attendees.  The room buzzed with excitement as people filled their seats.  With three shows in one afternoon, we worked at a fast pace to keep on schedule.  I stepped in during the second show to dress models for Colton Dane and got an up-close look at the preppy collection. After the show, everyone headed over to the atelier to view the designs up close and it was a great opportunity to network.


On Tuesday, October 14th I attended the All Aboard Fashion Show, put on by Fashion Business Incorporated (FBI).  

FBI is a non profit that supports emerging designers and the fashion industry through various means.  You can follow FBI on Facebook at Fashionbizinc or instagram at @fashionbizinc! This event included several red carpet celebrities.  Frances Harder, the owner of FBI and author of Fashion For Profit, was interviewed on the red carpet along with Marcus from Moss Adams. Another celebrity included Carlos Boozer, former L.A. Laker.  FBI presented him with the emerging designer award for 2014.  


This upscale event was held at the historic Union Station, and the swing music playing in the background was reminiscent of Hollywood glamour days. 


Everyone had a great time at the reception, sponsored by Martini and Rossi drinks, among others. 

Fashion bloggers, designers, photographers, and business partners mingled before the show with an air of anticipation.  Some expressed relief that the night was finally here, after all their preparation and hard work.  The show was also a milestone, representing the 15 year anniversary of FBI.  Over the years FBI has helped emerging designers such as American Apparel, Johnny Was, and Continuous Line.
The show opened with the emerging designer of the year award, presented by Francis Harder to former Laker Carlos Boozer with BK Apparel.  Loaded Dock showed a men and women's collection made from recycled military wear. 

Next, dancers livened things up with a performance to swing music then the show continued.

 Vintage inspired clothing line, Stop Staring, continued with a film noir look with pinup dresses and full skirts to Lana Del Rey's Summertime Sadness.
 

Exclusive Behind the scenes at Stop Staring! My view from backstage while I was helping out! It was crazy back there!
 
  CWST, pronounced "quest", showed a menswear line with California flare.

 Other designers included Becca Swimwear and Love on a Hanger, with a California hipster look.
Marisa Kenson was channeling a 70's vibe.

 Johnny Was showed beautiful flowing dresses with colorful prints and feathered fans for accessories.
 The MAFI innovator award was presented to Sam and Lavi for original prints and a day to night vibe.  According to CA Apparel News, Sam and Lavi was founded in 2010 by husband and wife team and fuses downtown New York chic to cool California vibes.  

Everyone had a great night partying LA style!
Was anybody at LA fashion week? Let me know in the comments! What did you think of the styles at LA fashion week?