LAFW Returns with a Standout LineUp of Designers in Hollywood

This season LAFW returned for the second time under new ownership by N4XT with a standout lineup of designers and additional programming as well as experiences open to the public. The fashion week incorporated similar elements from New York fashion week such as the designer discovery shopping area open to the public while adding programming that was specific to LA such as a film screening and panels highlighting LA talent and sustainability. For NYFW veterans the event felt familiar while also adding a signature LA vibe to the week with a more relaxed and open vibe for networking and mingling. According to designer Maxwell Osborne of An Only Child, LA brought a unique perspective to the fashion week experience. He said, "I think LAFW is different from New York or Paris or London because it's its own thing and its people based and less editorial based. It's a community and a vibe and its a great place to hang out and that's why its great to di it here berceuse its an all day thing with panels and shows and everything's is very intimate and intertwined and it has a space in entertainment and it feels like it should be entertaining. Like they are doing movie screenings panel talks, shows, and presentations so that's what I think LAFW brings to it that's different."

Designer Sergio Hudson echoed this sentiment backstage at his show later in the evening telling me, "It's relaxing very much more relaxing than New York I mean but that's LA it's relaxed you don't really have to have all the extra I really love the feeling of it and I had a great time." 

The week kicked off with the IMITATION OF CHRIST show which brought out fashion lovers form all over as well as influencers and celebs based in LA. The iconic brand showed their collection against the backdrop of the Hole Gallery on La Brea in West Hollywood. The crowd dressed accordingly with denim, rhinestones, and vintage LA inspired looks taking center stage amongst the street style. One of my favorite looks was this vintage DIORANGELES jacket worn by one of the guests. 

Even the art was on the theme of LAFW with the gallery featuring California inspired pieces such as a photograph of JUICY sweatpants set against a vibrant sunset. 

The show featured live musical performances as well as dancing from the models and at the end the audience was encouraged to join in and everyone got a chance to participate in the show. The show featured rituals from religions around the world and according to the designer behind the brand Tara Subkoff the collection was meant to represent the need for community and connection in today's digital world. The collection started off with dark colors using veils of tulle and draped fabrics to represent how we can be pulled into darker thoughts while alone with too much media, and then slowly morphed into lighter tones featuring bright floral prints, light pinks, and delicate ruffles as well as long silk maxi dresses in neutral tones. The evolution represented how being out in the world and part of a community can brighten our thoughts and feelings according to the designer. The poignant theme of the collection resonated with the audience especially during a time saturated with bad news and tensions in the media that we get delivered directly to our phones and personal devices all day long. 

After the show fashion's in crowd gathered for a cocktail hour to officially open the LAFW campus in Hollywood. On Thursday the first official day of the campus, guests could experience the Lancome Beauty Days and the SAP shopping experiences that were open to the public starting at noon. In addition to the brand moments there were also tons of photo ops and free coffee sponsored by Arabica coffee where attendees could relax in between events. The Lancome beaty days experience offered a futuristic photo shoot as well as a complimentary skin test. There was also a nail bar sponsored by dazzledry nails and giveaways from Khalifa Kush. 

Thursday's opening events included several panels as well as a film screening. The Ice Cold: A History of Jewelry in Hip Hop panel was especially popular as it brought together music and fashion lovers to hear from the hottest trendsetters in the jewelery industry as well as music journalist and hip hop historian Vikki Tobak. The panel featured Maxwell Osborne who also spoke on an earlier panel in the day about design, jewelry designers David Tamargo of Alligator Jesus, Lillian Shalom jewelry designer to the stars, and Essence Ventures stylist Corey Stokes. 

The panelists spoke about the evolution of hip hop jewelry as well as the personal meaning and identity aspects that artists represent using jewelry choices. Afterwards there was also a cocktail hour for mingling where guests could buy the newly released book directly. 

Shortly following the panel was the film screening of fashion film "Fashion Reimagined" presented by Otis College of Art and Deisgn. The film's creator Becky as well as the star of the film Amy welcomed the audience and introduced the sustainability focused film which featured the British brand Mother of Pearl. Sustainability is still a thorny topic for the fashion industry and this film aptly described the production chain issues that brands face when trying to implement sustainability initiatives. LA has always been a hub for sustainably minded designers but in recent years Otis and other fashion colleges have been working diligently to make sustainable design a core part of the design curriculum. 

Finally, it was time for the highlight of the evening with the Sergio Hudson presentation that drew the biggest crowd of the day. The designer who regularly shows at NYFW created a special presentation experience showcasing his Spring/Summer 2024 collection in an ethereal candlelit backdrop featuring signature Sergio Hudson cocktails as well as upbeat jazz music and decadent floral centerpieces. The presentation had an intimate feel to it that was distinct from the NYFW shows. After the show, I spoke to the designer about the all white and neutral colored spring collection. He told me, "The inkwell black society wealthy black people that was my first point of inspiration and then it was my client and my customer what would they need in the summertime what would they need when it's really hot and you know they still wanna wear their suits but they can't wear heavy suits." He also told me about his process for creating the collection saying, "The simplicity of it and the smallness of it, it was very concise and very short and very enjoyable. I think the lightness of it and the airiness of it is where I am going next." 

And that's a wrap for Day 1 of LAFW! Check out my recap video on Instagram or visit the LAFW to find out more about the rest of the programming! 

NYFW The Talks: Fluidity in Fashion with Tresemme

This season at NYFW Afterpay presented a great panel featuring  Jonathan Simkhai (Founder & Creative Director), Parris Goebel (Creative Director, Choreographer, Dancer & Muse), Lacy Redway (Tresemmé Stylist & Celebrity Hair Artist) and Moderator Jenna Rosenstein (Beauty Director, Harper’s Bazaar). 

The panel focused on how fluidity can help the creative process in art, fashion and beauty industries and panelists had an engaging conversation that offers an inside look at how fluidity is represented and impacts each partner's professional work and personal expression. The audience got a treat listening to Parris Goebel discuss her latest work as Rihanna's Superbowl choreographer. Fluidity played a bug role in her work on this project and she stated that Rihanna wanted the whole performance to feel seamless so fluidity was key in her choreography planning. The dancer and choreographer has also worked with many other celebrities'and was most recently tapped by Tresemme to create their new marketing campaign video featuring dancers in the water. The project was a very interesting artistic challenge according to Parris who had to come up with dance moves that would highlight hair movement in and out of the water. Hearing from the artist only a few days after the career-making Superbowl halftime performance that had immediately gone viral was very revealing about how much work goes into creating a performance like that. Parris shared that fashion week was her first opportunity to get dressed up in over 10 months as she had been working hard on practicing the SuperBowl performance for so long. 

All the artists shared similar perspectives on keeping fluidity in the artistic and creative processes. Parris said that working with Rihanna was a fun challenge because she was often spontaneous and could change her mind at any moment about music, and the performance. Jonathan Simkhai also agreed that in the design process he aimed to incorporate fluidity by embracing mistakes and getting inspired at every stage of design. Lacey Redway agreed referencing that working with clients and on sets under tight deadlines requires a lot of fluidity and creativity. 

This was a very important panel because creative industries can often be misunderstand and with the advent of technology the creative process can sometimes be expected to be very predictable or rigid. But this panel reminds us that the best artists agree that the spontaneity and fluidity lead to the best work. 

Trends from PROJECT NYC 2023

This year Project NYC was all about creating a cool and curated space to discover what's new in menswear and even some genderless clothing as well. The opening day kicked off with a trends presentation from Moose Tracks. 

I headed through the floor to look for the latest trends as well as discover the up and coming talent in menswear this season. 

I started with this lovely pastel collection by LA based brand no one. The friends and founders created a menswear line that is all about letting go of ego and contrasts utilitarian style with fun colors and embroidery. Guillermo Bravo was another standout brand featuring unique deconstructed styles with removeable pockets, patchwork clothing, and mixed media designs. 

The modern styles are open to genderless styles and focus on high quality designs that add a statement to the everyday. John Carl Yates an NYC based designer displayed pieces from the fall collection inspired by wool. The elevated silhouettes allowed for comfortable and stretchy wool sets that could be mixed and matched with other pieces. I love the cowl neck design that could be worn for either gender. Javelin another NYC brand also stood out as a trend setter with simple and elegant designs that each told a story. 

Jagvi a French brand with stores in Paris presented a contemporary and sustainable collection that brought elements of classic European style to Project. The collection was full of basic pieces perfect for a capsule wardrobe with a few pops of color for statement pieces. This brand was one of my favorite sustainable collections from the show. Other sustainable designers included Natalie Brown New York who creates unisex puffer jackets and other pieces out of recycled vintage t-shirts. Denim brand Gilded Age also based in NYC offers a more unique take on sustainability focusing on making products that are timeless and limiting collection releases. Not giving in to the ever expanding fashion calendar is an important but not often talked about part of reaching sustainable goals for the fashion industry. 

Awet NYC is another sustainable minded brand that focuses on fashion and social change. The brand's founder a refugee who previously worked at the UN brings his unique experience to the fashion industry by organizing events and products around topics such as refugees, women's history month, and more. The brand is also dedicated to helping garment industry workers in NYC who are a vital part of the reason that NYC is such a hub for the fashion industry. 

Loungewear and vacation wear brands including Samuel Zelig, Sundek USA, and Jasper Los Angeles all showed unique takes on the athleisure industry which is still going strong after Covid. Accessories at the show included footwear and eyewear. One of my favorite lines was the sunglasses collection from brutish brand Spitfire eyewear. I also loved some of the more colorful pieces from the GH Bass fall collection. 

The day ended with a fireside chat with Edwina Kulego VP of Project and futurist/influencer Jerome Lamaar about the future of fluidity in fashion and retail. Check out my coverage of the panel in my next article coming soon! 

NYFW Celebrates Latinx Heritage Month

This season UPS kicked off NYFW with an opening party at the Bodega Baque pop up shop in downtown. The party celebrated the collection which is a collaboration between UPS, famed streetwear designer Angelo Baque, and several small Latinx designers. As Latinx Heritage month kicks off later this week it was the perfect moment to highlight these talented designers and small businesses. The event was a huge success with fashionable attendees showing off their stylish streetwear looks as the party spilled out on to the sidewalk. The Bodega was decorated with pieces from the collaboration including hoodies, t-shirts, and hats. There were also appetizers and drinks! Baque attended the event and enthusiastically told me that New York is back! 

The following week NYFW The Talks featured a panel with Angelo Baque himself and several other latinx designers and business partners including Thermal Taveras, Carlos Cuerto Danny Buezo founder of Kids Of Immigrants, and Moderator: Karla Martínez de Salas. The panelists discussed how their culture has influenced their work and has inspired them to create some amazing projects and collaborations with the community. 

For Taveras culture informed his work as a designer through bringing in imagery inspired by the art he saw in church growing up and being a New Yorker as well. For Baque having immigrant parents from Ecuadaor and a strong connection to music has always informed his designs. He said that he often designs a collection imagining a soundtrack in the background. 

For Cuerto who works on the corporate side at UPS he talked about the work ethic his family and community instilled in him to always the the grind on. He also mentioned that growing up in a collectivist culture with  n emphasis on community ahs helped him to work well on a team and excel in a team environment which is so important for success in today's world no matter what industry you're in. 

Additionally the panelists mentioned that they have been able to take a fresh perspective on their own culture often growing up as children of first generation immigrants. Baque said, "I'm ok with being a trail blazer. Holding open doors for others like me to come behind me and hearing from other Ecuadorian kids that I inspired them is how I know I've done good." the panelists also talked about ensuring that the community comes first when they partner up on projects such as the UPS collab which will donate proceeds to a latinx scholarship fund here in NYC. 

Baque talked about dealing with obstacles when he entered the fashion industry from finances to discrimination and how he has overcome them. He now focuses on transparency and sharing the lessons learned so that others can ask for help and won't be afraid to reach out. 

For Cuerto being results oriented and making the most of opportunities has always helped him overcome obstacles he's faced in his career. 

For Danny Buezo putting the community over competition and overcoming shyness and gaining self confidence has helped him to succeed in business. 

The panelists also discussed the best ways to help new talent. They all agreed that it often starts at a personal level and helping evolve form a scarcity mindset and encouraging people to ask for help can make all the difference, According to Cuerto UPS has also worked to ensure that money invested is going to programs that are actually helpful and research is key in finding programs that will have the most effect. It was a great way to kick off a stylish Latinx Heritage month! 

NYFW Report Day 4: Looking to the Future with Virtual Fashion

New York Fashion Week returned in person this season with a stellar lineup of fashion shows and presentations from new designers and household names alike. However, several major brands chose to remain virtual including Jonathan Simkhai, Alice and Olivia, and more. It seems this pandemic practicality is here to stay for the fashion world. At NYFW: The Talks a panel of experts explored what we can expect from virtual fashion shows, the metaverse, and more in the future. 

The panel held at Spring Studios included experts on the Metaverse, digital fashion design, fashion marketing, and Vogue Business Senior Innovation Editor Maghan McDowell. 

The panelists focused on the future of fashion in the metaverse and how designers and brands can continue to reach customers in an increasingly virtual world. One major theme the panelists covered was the virtual fashion show. While live streams and fashion films have been around for years, technical advances in the metaverse and the rapid digital adoption that occurred during Covid have given a new meaning to the term virtual fashion show. Now, audience members can participate in virtual runway shows as if they were really there, using personalized avatars and even gaining special access to backstage footage. While virtual fashion shows allow people to participate from anywhere including the comfort of their own homes, it doesn't necessarily mean that the shows will be any less exclusive. For luxury brands, virtual fashion shows offer another avenue to provide a personalized experience for VIP customers around the world. Virtual fashion also provides for endless creativity and the panelists agreed that virtual shows are a great way to find out what fashion can look like when it is not confined by the laws of physics. Some exciting design possibilities could be in our future and as Maghan McDowell pointed out, we could even get to wear virtual fashion items while on Zoom! 

The panelists also discussed the future of how physical clothing items will integrate with virtual worlds. According to panelist John Lynden, CEO of Mythical Games, video games and virtual worlds offer the perfect environment for luxury brands to test out virtual pieces of fashion to an existing customer base. Panelist Umindi Francis CBO at Infinite World agreed that studying use cases and the success of exclusive digital merchandise in video games is a great way for brands to dip their foot into the future of digital commerce. According to the panelists, a future where every luxury purchase comes with a digital twin in the metaverse could be closer than we think. There are numerous benefits to this idea and panelist Daria Shapovalova and CEO of a virtual fashion store DressX pointed out that it would make verifying luxury items in the resale market fast, easy, and accurate. Perhaps more so than ever before. 

Some brands like Dior, have already begun to test out the virtual world partnering with video games to offer exclusive products while other luxury brands have partnered with young creators to inform on strategy. According to the panelists, the new perspectives have been energizing for everyone involved. According to Umindi Francis just as social media has become a key marketing strategy for fashion brands, a Web 3 strategy will be key in the future and a successful Web 3 strategy must include collaboration. 

Whether the metaverse was always an inevitable part of fashion's future or our post-pandemic world has created this opportunity one thing is clear: virtual fashion is here to stay. 

NYFW Day 2: Deity New York, Thriving with Thrifting, and More!

The second day of NYFW was another busy day filled with shows and events around the city. I started my morning off heading to the Tiffany Brown show held at Slate NY in the flatiron district. The young designer made her NYFW debut this season with a fun and flirty collection. This collection departed from many of the major designers in that it did not feature bright colors for winter and stuck with more traditional tones such as browns and nudes. However, the dresses and looks were infused with a young and fun spirit often featuring cut outs and matching separates. 

After this show I headed back to Spring studios for the Second lifestyle panel featuring a discussion with some of the city's leading vintage dealers. The panel featured Emma Rogue TikTok star who recently opened her own vintage boutique in the city, Mina Le fashion and culture analyst and Marie Laboucarie founder of Nina Gabbana vintage. The panel was moderated by Vogue vintage fashion writer Liana Satenstein. 

I closed out the night at the Deity New York presentation which was also held at Spring studios in the lounge. This sophisticated collection featured some of my favorite colors including fuchsias with bow accents and glitter. I loved the tailoring and sharp styles in this collection as it was perfect for a businesswoman on the go but also retained feminine qualities with the pretty details. The presentation featured free sparkling beverages for guests to enjoy while admiring the collection on display along with the collection video which was playing in the background. 

  

Greg Lauren Headlines LAFW Day Three with a Star Studded Runway Show

"I think it was really exciting to do something here on the rooftop of an amazing museum in the middle of LA with this incredible skyline... In the heart of where I live and where my studio is and everything about what we've done is made in LA." - Greg Lauren

Day three of LAFW at the Petersen Automotive museum served up several more amazing fashion designers and closed out with the LA based headliner Greg Lauren. The industry veteran who grew up learning about fashion from his famous uncle Ralph Lauren celebrated his 10 year anniversary at LAFW this year with a special collection titled, "Ten". 

Day three was all about contemporary styles and featured collections from: Bishme Cromartie, Naids, and Laura Theiss leading up to the finale. The evening kicked off with a colorful collection by Bishme Cromartie couture featuring one of this season's hottest trending colors: lime green. The designs were full of fit to perfection creations with statement ruffles on the sleeves and hips. 

The show was followed by hand crafted NAIDS collection featuring beautiful prints and matching men's and women's suiting.  

Laura Theiss presented a collection featuring another of Spring 22s trending colors: bright pink. The collection featured flouncy dresses and intricate cutout styles in beautiful crocheted materials. 

Finally, the show everyone was waiting for, Greg Lauren opened with a star studded front row including celebs Usher, Chance the Rapper, Hannah Brown, Adam Weiss, and more! 

This unique show took the audience through the artist's evolution as a designer showing looks from various collections Greg Lauren has created over the years starting with 2008 and going all the way through to 2021. The show started off with looks 1-4 from the 2008 collection titled "The Artist" and were presented during an amazing dance performance titled "Scraps" choreographed by Jacob Jonas The Company. 

The show used dance, music, and fashion to make a statement about social justice with a focus on the social revolution that has taken place over the past decade. Many of the clothes were reminiscent of the 60's and 70's as a nod to the social justice movements happening today and how they are a continuation of events from years past according to the designer. 

Looks 5-6 were from 2011-2014 and pulled from the archive from the collection titled "Deconstruction". Greg Lauren explained that these looks were created from repurposed military duffle bags and other recycled items. The designer spoke about the importance of sustainability in fashion and stated that while he did not set out to be a "sustainable designer" when creating those pieces it was something that just naturally happened as the focus on reuse and the environment became more important. Lauren explained that he believes sustainability should be an important focus for all creators going forward and not just relegated as a special category. 

Looks 9-16 were from the collection titled "50/50" from 2014-2018. Looks 17-20 were from the 2019 and 2020 collections titled "Scrapwork and Stitchwork" and featured long trench coats and knitwear accessories. Looks 21-30 from the 2021 collection Dress Codes featured relaxed suiting and denim. 

And finally "Mosaic" closed out the show with looks 31-37 from the 2021-2022 collection Greg Lauren created with Gee's Bend. Throughout the show there were several nods to the designer's home base of LA including a Malibu sunset backdrop as well as the LA based dance company and relaxed California lifestyle looks. Lauren gave insight into the beauty looks used for the show saying that he wanted each model's unique beauty to be highlighted so there were no two beauty looks the same in this show. Some models wore no makeup at all. The designs were also all androgynous creations which Lauren explained was another important statement he wanted to make with this collection. He explained that he planned for each look in this collection to be able to be worn by any gender. 

I spoke to Greg Lauren about the story he wanted to tell with "Ten" as well as his favorite things about designing in LA in an exclusive behind the scenes interview after the show. When asked about the color evolution of this show the designer told me, "The story in this collection was it was really in honor of ten years and so it started with the idea of the artist and moved through our stuff that we did with the deconstructed army materials. Then it moves through 50/50 which combines multiple elements and then what I was most excited about were the last two storylines. All of these groups that were about a new elegance and the sun rising pinks and browns and beautiful colors. Then those vivid colors that were all part of this final group. So there was an evolution from those kind of muted tones to like bursts of color."

We also talked about his decision to present at LA fashion week and he said, "You know LAFW is interesting because it doesn't necessarily get he same type of attention that New York or Paris does but I built my company in LA and everything is made in LA and that's something that's really important to me that I wanted to say thank you for and almost rewrite the narrative of LA fashion week because there is an unbelievable group of talent here that LA fashion week is putting out there and it all comes from LA. So I think it was really exciting to do something here on the rooftop of an amazing museum in the middle of LA with this incredible skyline. And again in the heart of where I live and where my studio is and everything about what we've done is made in LA." 

Day One of LAFW Featuring Red Carpet Designers

"Fashion is back" -Designer Oliver Tolentino

LAFW kicked off this year with an exclusive opening gala on Thursday night. Friday night was the first official day of shows featuring red carpet designers including: Ronaldo Arnaldo, Frisk Me Good, Ria Victoria, and Oliver Tolentino. 

The evening began with celebrity arrivals on the yellow carpet including stars such as model Christie Valdiserri who walked in the opening night shows. 

Apl de Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, as well as some real life frontline healthcare workers who were honored for their life-saving work during the pandemic. Guests returned the the Petersen Automotive museum and enjoyed the reception before the shows held in the "Cars and Fashion" exhibit. There was a tasting booth by Stella Artois featuring a custom engraving station where guests could engrave a personalized Stella Artois beer glass. 

As the sun began to set everyone headed out to the terrace to get ready for the first runway show of the night. Before heading to the catwalk guests could also grab a Seltzer tasting by Fruit Smash. The all natural fruit flavored hard seltzers were the perfect refresher to enjoy before the shows. And their playful "#SorryforSeltzering" photo station was the perfect photo op! 

The show opened with a colorful collection by designer Ronaldo Arnaldo with MC2 productions. The collection featured a salute to frontline workers and addressed the last year of pandemic challenges with a line of loose fitting matching sets designed for healthcare workers. The designer even brought a few real life healthcare workers out onto the runway to close the show! It was a great way to honor their work as well as bring hope for the future. 

Next up was Frisk Me Good by designer Cierra Robinson. This inspiring show featured models of all shapes and sizes wearing the stand out designs in bright colors and unique cutout silhouettes. This collection was also all about sustainability and was designed using repurposed material for the ultimate sustainable fashion statement. 

Following Frisk Me Good was Ria Victoria. This collection featured a grunge beauty look and moody deconstructed designs in a dark color palette with pops of red and lavender. The draped dresses and printed suiting set the tone for the effortlessly cool style of this collection. 

Finally he night closed with red carpet designer Oliver Tolentino who showcased an amazing collection of fun and elegant dresses fit for the red carpet. The gowns were made of voluminous material in classic colors like red, black, white and royal blue. Many of the designs featured ruffles, bows, and distinctly feminine details that added to the fun and flirty designs. I spoke with designer Oliver Tolentino after the show who told me about the inspiration for his collection saying, "Hollywood Glamour. Clothes that you can relate to that when you see the clothes, I can ear that. It's very sophisticated and when you see the details in the clothes you will feel that there's a lot of love in making the clothes." 

The designer was so excited to present at a live show. He told me, "I've been waiting here for a long time. Its so nice to see a lot of people. Fashion is back. I'm so happy its been a long time that designers are not doing fashion shows. And this is the better way, LA fashion week."

After the final show the night wrapped on another evening of talented designs and trend setting moments. 

LAFW Announces Fall 2018 Venue

A post shared by LA FASHION WEEK (@lafw) on Jun 26, 2018 at 8:51am PDT

LAFW is one of LA’s most recognized fashion event brands and they are known for putting on some great shows. Each year the group changes it up and always has a new and interesting theme that keeps guests coming back. The show has taken place at some of LA’s most exclusive venues including, the rooftop lounge at the W Hollywood Hotel, Union Station, and many more. This year LAFW is going all out and has announced the Petersen Automotive museum as their fall 2018 venue. The LA museum is a popular attraction for automotive enthusiasts since it houses some of the world’s most elite cars from brands like Ferrari, BMW and more. It also has several classic models for those who love retro styles. With its unique architecture and backdrop of rare vehicles this venue is the perfect place to host a fashion show. Is this a hint at the lineup for this Fall’s designers? Perhaps we’ll be seeing some mechanical influences on the fashions coming down the runway this year. Either way it will no doubt be a success for the LAFW brand. 

LAFW S17 Opening Gala at the W Hotel Hollywood

"One word, Amazing. Love my team, love the city, and love LAFW." is how Executive Director of LAFW Arthur Chipman described their opening gala held at the rooftop pool and bar of the W Hotel overlooking Hollywood boulevard on Thursday night.

The event was full of fashion industry influencers as well as some of the designers scheduled to show during the LAFW S17 shows this weekend.

I got the chance to interview Candice Cuoco and Vanessa Simmons who are showing their BADBUTTERFLY collection this Sunday at the finale of LA fashion week. Check out my article on the interview here.
It also included art installations from their partner Sur le Mur Gallery. The art was inspired by Andy Warhol and photos of the artist as well as these amazing dresses by Soniaete Couture featuring portraits of Warhol decorated the room.



There was also a live portrait installation where guests could get their portrait done in Charcoal by artist Robert Vargas. The theme went well with the amazing rose decorations throughout the room giving the whole night an avant garde garden party feel. Guests turned out in their most fashionable outfits and many opted for a metallic look. Everyone (including moi) enjoyed the multiple photo ops including this fun sparkly backdrop.

The gala also showed feature presentations from a few designers and a live performance by the Anaheim Ballet. It was a great way to kickoff the season and celebrate the LA fashion industry in the heart of Hollywood.

Courtney Allegra LA Fashion Week Party on Melrose

On Thursday night at the Courtney Allegra store on Melrose avenue I caught up with the young designer as she celebrated her upcoming LA fashion week runway show. The event was sponsored by Obvious Magazine and the Editor in Chief as well as several Courtney Allegra models and customers attended. Courtney Allegra showed up wearing a cute white dress and greeted guests as they arrived at the colorful store. Rainbow swimsuits decorated the walls as the store prepared for the spring and summer swim season. When I last spoke with Courtney at the opening of her store this past fall she was looking forward to the new experience of the Melrose store (you can read my full interview with her here). The young designer has been working hard at managing her store while also being enrolled in school at UC Santa Barbara. When I asked her how she handles such a crazy schedule she told me that normally she drives down to LA to visit the store and attend events on the weekends and, stays in Santa Barbara for classes during the week. I asked her how things had been going since the launch and according to Courtney opening her swimwear store in the fall was a risk but, everything has been going really well and people have still been coming in thanks to the warm California weather. Now they are preparing for an even busier summer season but, Courtney isn't worried about being away saying, "I'm so lucky I have a great team here."