LAFW Recap Video

 Check out my celeb interviews, behind the scenes coverage and more in the video below! 

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 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. 

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!

Fashion Bloggers night in: Kasai Hair Salon in Manhattan Beach California

On Thursday night I headed over to the Kasai Hair Salon in Manhattan Beach California for their first Fashion blogger event. Beauty and fashion bloggers from all over LA came out to the fun event. As I walked in I was greeted at the door and asked what I would like to have done. I was offered a style consultation, blow dry, or color consultation. I opted for a style consultation as I've been playing with the idea of a new style for awhile. Kasai himself, the expert hair stylist who has worked under Frederick Fekkai in Beverly Hills (one of my all time favorite hair product brands) and styled celelbrities, came over to my chair and we talked about different style options. Kasai was able to come up with the perfect cut for me since I was interested in something low maintenance that I could style different ways. Next, I go tot speak with Amy the color consultant who gave me some fun and creative ideas for coloring my hair! Then Kasai asked me if I would like to do the cut tonight. I was not about to turn down the opportunity for a Kasai cut so I agreed. We headed over to the shampoo station and then back to my chair.

After Kasai had finshed Amy gave me a bouncy blow dry and showed me how to style my bangs different ways. I enjoyed a s'more flavored dessert in a cup while Amy finished my hair. I love my new look and can't wait to debut it at Fashion Week LA in a few weeks!

I enjoyed mingling with the other bloggers and tasted the delicious cupcakes and appetizers.

Amy handed me a goody bag on my way out and I can't wait to try out all the new fun products inside! I would definitely recommend the Kasai treadtement for anyone unsure of what style they are looking for.

Before and After!