It may not be as well-received as its counterparts in New York, Milan, and Paris, but Los Angeles Fashion Week will always hold a special place in my heart.  I’ve worked there and tagged along to events there so many times now that I now know the layout of Smashbox studios almost as well as I know that of my own apartment.  Victoria Beckham and Mary-Kate Olsen may not attend shows there, but the Hiltons (above is a look from Nicky’s recent “Chick” collection) and the former stars of The OC are almost as fabulous, and I always find the lack of bodyguards and pomp to be refreshing, even comforting (although Anna Wintour did bring all her bodyguards and definitely all her pomp to the fantastic Louis Verdad show last year, she has quite fairly earned the right to do so).

Besides, although LA is known for its casual, trendy, even sloppy style, some of the hottest designers around got their starts here.  Rodarte, Jenni Kayne, and Grey Ant all have roots in the City of Angels.  And the latest LA up-and-comers show great promise of one day being just as huge - Petro Zillia, Louis Verdad, and Kevan Hall have each dressed their fair share of starlets, and the Smashbox tents have played host to designers from Heatherette to Collection Bebe to Jeremy Scott.

So, while the shows are going on, why not celebrate LA’s fashion resurgence?

dresses by Yaya Aflalo and Corey Lynn Calter.

Posted on October 21st, 2007 by ashley