LAFW Recap Video

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

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.