Recap and interview with Executive Producer of LAFW Arthur Chipman

International was definitely the theme from this LA Fashion week. Designers from Los Angeles and around the world showed up at events throughout the week.  The newest event on the scene called LAFW was held in the historic Union Station and showcased international designers from Belgium to Fiji. After the opening night gala on Wednesday night the weekend shows started on Saturday at 5pm. The new LAFW event was a much anticipated show with only a few brief mentions of the event in the news leaving the LA fashion community guessing about the newcomers. There was some controversy leading up to the event regarding the trademarking of LAFW and some of the existing fashion week events in LA but it seems to have worked out. Events not associated with LAFW are now using FWLA. In any case they definitely set a standard for themselves with their red carpet event showcasing innovative designers and entertainment.
The opening designer for Saturday night was Sanchez Kane you can check out my ec;lusive interview with the designer here. Highlights form the shows included iimuahii's futuristic collection with glowing accessories and futuristic forms with excellent construction. iimuahii is a local LA brand who has previously designed for music industry stars. Keeping with the futuristic theme was Flora Miranda a Belgian designer with an interesting collection focused on deconstruction. LA designer Reese showcased a high end swimwear collection with California surf vibes. The last designer of the night was much anticipated by the crowd. The show was a little disorganized since the staff had everyone move from their seats and a crowd of new guests was brought in leaving many guests standing in the back of the hot room for almost an hour while the show was set up. Luckily I was still able to get a seat and the show was worth the wait. Ashton Michael a celebrity in the LA fashion world showcased his new all pink and cargo collection. Ashton Michael has designed for many celebrities in LA including Nicki Minage. The designs had excellent craftsmanship something the designer is known for.
The shows continued on Sunday afternoon with more amazing designers. My two favorites were LA locals Araksi Balyan and Polina Zeyrina. You can check out my exclusive interview with Araksi Balyan here. The Polina Zeyrina collection had a classic LA style making it a crowd favorite. The clothes had beautiful and unique painted prints and each excellently styled outfit was accessorized with a unique pair of sunglasses giving each look a personality. The closing show was a showcase of Fijian fashion designers from Fiji fashion week giving off Isalnd vibes for the Sunday afternoon.
The event certainly made a spalsh and has everyone wondering what we'll see next form LAFW. 
I asked the Fashion Director Kim Krempien and Executive Producer Arthur Chipman just that and more in my interview. 

CdM: Do you think this event was a success?

       Chipman and Krempien: Yes. 

CdM: What are the plans for the future of LAFW?

       Chipman and Krempien: We are already hard at work preparing for the upcoming season of LA Fashion Week in March 2016.  

CdM: Will you continue to focus on international designers or more LA based designers? Why

       Chipman and Krempien: It's important to showcase a range and diversity in our designer lineup. There are certain elements of local and international designer's collections that play into what works in Los Angeles, and we will continue to be on the lookout for what those things are and how we can develop them. 

CdM: Are you more focused on up and coming designers or do you hope to attract more established designers to your event?

      Chipman and Krempien: We are interested in designers that are pushing the envelope and working in new and dynamic ways. That could be someone in their first years of business or an industry heavyweight. 

I am definitely looking forward to seeing what these two have in store for us this Spring!