CdM Exclusive: FWLA announces brand new location in downtown Los Angeles

FWLA is the next Los Angeles fashion week event I'll be attending this season from October 15-19 and I can't wait to see what amazing designers they will have lined up for this season. Check out my articles from last season to read exclusive interviews with designers such as Cynthia Rowley here. FWLA is a unique event during Los Angeles fashion week because this event not only focuses on showcasing talented designers but also holds panels and networking events for fashion industry professionals attracting everyone from buyers to startups. This industry focused event is a great place to hear about the exciting up and coming direction and opportunities of the Los Angeles fashion industry. I got an exclusive update on some exciting news for FWLA today. According to Executive Producer Gio Ferrigno FWLA will be announcing a new 4 year partnership with the Ratkovich company to host fashion week in the heart of the LA fashion district at 700 West 7th street in downtown Los Angeles on Monday. FWLA is looking forward to this exciting new deal because according to Ferrigno the street has just undergone several million dollars in remodeling and is establishing itself as a cross between world famous fashion destinations such as Le Bon Marche, Avenue Montaigne, and Calle Serrano. Ferrigno also shared that FWLA will be hosting over 30 designers in less than 4 hours at their new location on Monday October 17th and Tuesday October 18th making it the most efficient runway show format. I am looking forward to the event and can't wait to see what they will do with the new space! Don't forget to follow Cerisesdumatin on Instagram and Snapchat for live updates from the events!

Exclusive Interview Jessica Farrugia designer for Cynthia Rowley

Today was the first day of FWLA in downtown Los Angeles at union station. The headlining collection Cynthia Rowley was the most anticipated show at the event. I went backstage to interview womenswear designer at Cynthia Rowley Jessica Farrugia about the collection. Jessica has a job that many young designers dream of so I asked her how she got her start in the fashion industry. She started out at FIT in New York and received an internship working with Cynthia Rowley and has been there ever since. The young designer wearing a brightly colored tweed jacket prepped the clothes backstage before the show as we talked. This is the first time Cynthia Rowley has presented at FWLA and according to Jessica they decided to come out to the west coast to present their athleisure collection. They were excited to come to the LA market as it is a new adventure for them and felt their new collection went well with the LA lifestyle. One look came down th e runway with a colorful signature surfboard showing the California inspiration. Cynthia Rowley is known for being sporty and pretty and Jessica wanted to translate that into the sportswear and swimwear collection as well saying, "why shouldn't it be pretty?" The collection was the perfect combination of the two with floral patterns and bright colors throughout and one of my favorite looks this sparkle jacket!

 According to Jessica the Cynthia Rowley brand doesn't focus on just one age for their customer and the collection had pieces for all ages. I asked Jessica about the brand's social media presence and she believes it is very important to connect with the customer. Cynthia Rowley has a large following on Instagram and their feed is filled with fun shots as well as snapshots of designer and owner Cynthia Rowley. The show was a success and the crowd enjoyed the amazing collection which incorporated classic Cynthia Rowley style such as these fun shoes as well as new trends in the athleisure market.

I loved all the bright colors and accessories such as this cute backpack.

These clothes were perfect for the California lifestyle and were very fun and functional. I loved this cute wetsuit and these leggings.

I have always loved the Cynthia Rowley brand and am so excited to see west coast style from this New York based brand. The collection captured the surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon lifestyle of the golden state.

 I can't wait to start wearing these fun pieces ans I'm sure they will be very popular in the Los Angeles market!

Fashion Week Los Angeles Opening Day

Today was the first day of FWLA a fashion event for industry insiders held in downtown LA at Union Station one of the most popular venues for Fashion shows in Los Angeles. We got treated to several great collections on the runway as well as two panels. First we heard from the panel on buying with several interesting business people form all sides of the fashion industry.

We heard from Matthew James Boelk of Groceries apparel which is a 100% recycled and organic clothing factory in Los Angeles. We also heard from Charmian of DZNR chic boutique a company based in Los Angeles that helps start up fashion designers. They all agreed on one thing that Los Angeles is the place to be for anyone interested in the fashion industry. Los Angeles is on the rise as the next big place for the fashion industry so watch out New York!

The show opened with the Cynthia Rowley Sportswear and activewear line which was the most anticipated show of the day. Read about my behind the scenes interview with the womenswear designer Jessica here.

Next we saw local designers Saltwater Luxe. A fun flirty California lifestyle brand with fun floral prints and flowy dresses. I spoke with the two designers behind the brand Kristy and Christa.

Their line is based out of Long Beach and they design clothes that can be worn to a day at the beach and then out to dinner embracing the California lifestyle.

We also got to see Ro and De Noir the new collection by well known brand Ro and De. The designers wanted something minimalist and stylish and so they premiered their new Noir line for the first time at FWLA.

They also handed out free gift bags and I am enjoying my cute new crop top from the brand.

We also heard form the FWLA panel on the beauty industry called FACE IT where panelists discussed sustainability in the beauty industry. Lauren, founder of Plume cosmetics an all natural eyelash serum and Steve Nunez of the social cut a men's beauty blog as well as Tamara host of beauty on wheels all shared their knowledge on the upcoming trends in the industry.

They believe there will continue to be more natural and environmentally friendly products hitting the shelves.

The show closed with Los Angeles based brand Romeo and Juliet which is sold in stores such as Saks Fifth avenue. Read about the collection and my exclusive interview with CEO David Shamouelien here.

The evening runway show included menswear collections from Royal Majesty clothing a grunge collection that included menswear and womenswear and Robins Jeans.

Check out my interview with Robins Jeans here! I can't wait to see what else these great designers have in store for us!