LAFW Returns to Petersen Automotive Museum in Style: The Cars and Fashion Opening Night Gala

This year LAFW returned to the Petersen Automotive Museum to hold a weekend of shows, live entertainment, and celebrate the return of live fashion shows. The opening night gala was all about cars and fashion this year and guests got to enjoy the museum's exhibit on cars and style through the ages while attending the gala. The gala was a quintessential LA experience from the star studded yellow carpet to the street tacos and Ceviche served to guests among the vintage Hollywood cars and music and DJ. To top it off designer to celebrities For the Stars Fashion House opened the runway show on the terrace and guests took their seats just as the sun set on the Los Angeles skyline. The designer, who has created pieces for stars such as Lady Gaga, and more showed a dazzling collection of their latest avant garde pieces. 

For refreshments guests enjoyed the Topo Chico mineral water booth where they were able to experience the relaxing LA lifestyle and sip on lime flavored mineral water in the sitting area complete with mini Palm trees and beach chairs. It also made for a great photo op! 

NEFT Vodka sponsored the bar and also offered a tasting of their premium Austrian sipping vodka. The brand relaunched during the pandemic and the US HQ are located locally in LA. During the tasting guests experienced the "sipping" taste that makes NEFT unique. While the vodka can be mixed into cocktails it is made to be sipped and enjoyed on its own. This fresh taste evolves over time while sipping the drink revealing layers of flavor. 

The museum exhibit featured several iconic cars used in Hollywood movies throughout the years as well as a historical background on the role style has played in the automotive evolution. 

The show opened with remarks by hosts actress Kym Whitley and Tiktoker Joe Flow who warmed up the crowd with some comedy and a high energy introduction of LAFW. 

Before the runway show, guests got treated to a live performance by Palaye Royale. The rock band gave an energetic show that blended into the first runway presentation by designer Jacob Meir of For the Stars. Everyone came out dressed for the occasion and I saw some seriously fashion forward looks at this event. 

One of the highlights of The For the Stars show was the featured runway appearance by Sports Illustrated model Christie Valdiserri who is the first bald Sports Illustrated model. She rocked a dazzling silver dress garnering cheers from the crowd. 

Keeping with the theme of the LA red carpet celebration the final designer was Elie Madi whose work has also been worn by several celebrities including Demi Lovato, Paris Hilton, Katy Perry and more! This was my personal favorite collection of the night featuring glittering gowns and light and airy designs. This collection did not disappoint and I saw several sparkling looks fit for the red carpet. 

The night closed out with a resounding applause from the audience and a VIP afterparty on the museum's private rooftop. It was a great way to kick off the season and celebrate LA's creativity once again. Everyone was looking forward to the amazing lineup of designers scheduled throughout the weekend.