Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa hosts an eco-conscious opening gala for market week.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaks onstage during the 8th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards
Kicking off the fall 2008 trade shows—the let’s-do-business follow-up to L.A. Fashion Week—will be an installation of eco-conscious couture exhibited at a March 13 invitation-only gathering hosted by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Dubbed FutureFashion L.A., the event is the brainchild of the founders of the exclusive bicoastal trade show Designers & Agents.
Each of 15 designers, including such forward-thinking Angelenos as Magda Berliner, Trina Turk, Rozae Nichols, Hazel Brown and Deborah Lindquist, has been invited to create a garment from eco-conscious fabrics donated by cosponsor Earth Pledge, a nonprofit devoted to promoting sustainable development. For the evening, the designers’ creations will be displayed on the grounds of the mayor’s official residence, the Getty House in Windsor Square near Hancock Park. “This is the crowning event of market week,” says Barbara Kramer, co-founder of Designers & Agents. She and co-founder Ed Mandelbaum worked with the Council of Fashion Designers of America to plan the event (also cosponsored by the Los Angeles Times’ Image section). The top-tier group of fashion designers, stylists, retailers, editors, tastemakers and Hollywood celebrities who will attend represents “the new guard of fashion power in Los Angeles,” Kramer says.
And I am meeting with casting people for this show tomorrow and Friday! So wish me luck! This sounds like SO much fun, and SO up my alley! Either way, this should make for some good TV...
The CW has ordered eight episodes of a brand new reality series from the duo behind America’s Next Top Model and a trio of producers behind Project Runway. Described as The Devil Wears Prada meets The Assistant, the show is a competition about aspirants looking to become assistant editors at a fashion magazine. Fashionista hopefuls will have to prove they have a sense of style and savvy, all the things needed to make it in the fashion world. In each episode, there will be an individual challenge and a team editorial challenge—with groups submitting a page for “The Book,” a mock edition of the magazine. The losing team’s page will end up in the trash, and one of its members will be eliminated. Producers are in negotiation with a leading fashion magazine to host the contestants and help judge the challenges. The overall winner will land a job in the fashion industry. Though still untitled, the series will begin production in April for a TV launch in late spring or summer, and is viewed as a potential companion piece for The CW’s #1 show, Top Model, which returns with Cycle 10 on Feb. 20. The Devil Wears Prada, incidentally, was the 2006 Oscar-nominated film, starring Meryl Streep as a ruthless NYC fashion magazine editor and Anne Hathaway as her put-upon assistant.
Lindsay Lohan At Fred Segal On Melrose (Major SALE!)
So Friday I made my way to Fred Segal on Melrose with just enough time to get some really hot stuff on sale for 50% off. (Miss Sixty, another fav of mine right across the street, was also having a sale: everything in the store is 40-50%! I scored there too!) I'm going through the clothes, oohing and ahhing to myself, and I look to my left and THERE IS LINDSAY! If you have been reading Couture Cult as religiously as you should be, you know by now that I just LOVE her!
Further, she was in the dressing room RIGHT NEXT TO MINE. Dont get me wrong, I am not easily star struck, but its different with Linds. She looked AMAZING, so well put together.
Anyway, if you are in LA, get to Fred Segal before there's nothing left! I got so much great stuff. And here are some pics of Linds at Fred Segal on Friday!
Swoon. Lindsay and a sale at Fred Segal. I've died and gone to heaven.
I finally got a chance to get to the MOCA to see the Murakami exhibit, which will only be showing until February 11th! So if you have waited all this time, get in gear and go check it out!
I ignored the clearly posted sign stating no pictures or video would be allowed, and managed to take the pics in this slideshow below with my iPhone.
Inside the exhibit, Louis Vuitton built their first ever "pop-up store" where they sold special edition items with Murakami's designs and characters. Items that have been selling out like crazy, and are popping up on ebay already! By the time I made it in to make a purchase, the now infamous Murakami Neverfull bag was only available in the small size. They also still had a planner with one of the artists new characters on it. I wasnt able to get a picture of it though. However, here is a pic of my very own Murakami Neverfull!
I love it SO much! I also picked up the museum's book of the exhibit. You can check it out here:
Something else exciting about the exhibit was the room set up for viewing the music video "Good Morning", by Kanye West. Murakami did the entire video is his classic style, and I really loved it. The only place you can see this video is at the MOCA. There is this one bootleg version on YouTube, but its not the best. You get the idea.
If you are in Los Angeles, it's definitely worth it to check out this exhibit!
I found this store by accident in Echo Park, and I just LOVE it! With the holiday shopping season officially kicking off, I am SO excited to find out they are having a sale this weekend! If you haven't checked them out yet, you can view their website and check out their online store. But really, if you can, stop in! They have WAY more merchandise in their retail store, than they are showing in their online store. I promise, well worth checking out!
I have recently fallen in love with Twisted Heart. To be totally honest, I am SO over Juicy Couture velour, and yet my wardrobe still needs that sassy, sexy sweat ( say THAT one 3 times fast! ). In their designs, attention has been paid to every detail: embroidery, embellishments... top quality and wonderful fit!
If you live in the greater Los Angeles area, you can buy Twisted Heart at M. Fredric stores.
There is a website for the brand "Twisted Heart." If you click on "store finder," all the stores are listed where you can purchase the amazing sweat outfits. The website it: www.twistedheart.com There are more fun new styles available now as well that you won't see on the website, but are featured in the stores listed!!
This Thursday November 8th, H&M's new line by Roberto Cavalli hits stores:
"The Italian designer icon has created a unique, highly personal and extravagant ladies’ and men’s collection for glamorous everyday or party. The collection, with 20 men’s and 25 ladies’ pieces including underwear and matching accessories, is all about Roberto Cavalli’s expressive and sensual signature style.
The Roberto Cavalli at H&M collection will be available in around 200 selected H&M stores worldwide from 8 November 2007. A selection of the collection will also be available at www.hm.com in the Nordic countries, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands."
I'm thinking this is the perfect excuse to hit up their new location on Sunset Blvd. here in LA. I drove past it last night on the way to dinner, and it looks amazing! If I go, I'll try to remember to take some pics for you guys!
This Just In... Stores: White Trash Charms Does Disney Couture
White Trash Charms has long been a favorite of mine. Their shop on Hillhurst in Los Angeles is one of the first places I go when I have a gift to buy, or want to splurge a little bit on something new for myself. But those of you not lucky enough to live near a retail location of theirs, can click on any link or image in this post and be directed to their website! I discovered them when our correspondent (and my best friend!) Amelia gave me this awesome piece about a year ago:
Their styles usually come in sterling silver, gold vermeil, and 14k gold, and also typically are available in 3 sizes. Worn by so many celebrities it would be impossible to list them all, featured in so many publications it would be impossible to index them all, they are truly growing into such a style influence we just had to tell you about them!
Some pieces I have purchased:
Their new line, Disney Couture, is truly amazing and believe it or not, sophisticated! These are not your little sisters Disney charms. The pieces are truly beautiful, with no detail over looked. Some of my favorites from their latest line:
The best part about these 3 favorites of mine is they are each $50 or less! Seriously, take minute to browse their website! If you aren't already a fan, trust me, you will be.
MAFI (MOSS ADAMS FASHION INNOVATOR) AWARD Winner: Juan Carlos Obando Accepting the Award: Juan Carlos Obando Presenter: Rob Greenspan, managing director, Moss Adams LLP (nominees included Jasmin Shokrian, Rami Kashou & Thomas Wylde)
SUPIMA DENIM DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: J Brand Accepting the Award: Susie Crippen & Jeff Rudes Presenter: Mark Werts, founder & CEO, American Rag Cie & World Denim Bar (nominees included GoldSign, 7 for All Mankind, Oligo Tissew, Paige Premium)
MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD Winner: GUESS by Marciano Accepting the Award: Tarina Tarantino in the absence of Paul Marciano Presenter: Jewelry and accessories designer Tarina Tarantino (nominees included BCBG MAX AZRIA, L.A. Eyeworks, Kitson)
FASHION RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Winner: Fred Segal Accepting the Award: Sharon Segal Presenter: 2006 Fashion Retailer of the Year co-winner Christos Garkinos
WELLS FARGO CENTURY FASHION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Winner: MAX AZRIA, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP Accepting the Award: Max Azria & Lubov Azria Presenter: Kevin Sullivan, EVP Wells Fargo Century
FASHION COMMUNICATIONS AWARD Winner: DailyCandy Accepting the Award: Crystal Meers, LA Editor Presenter: Rose Apodaca, editor, style writer and co-owner A+R
INSPIRATION AWARD Winner: "Project Runway" Accepting the Award: Rich Bye, Michael Rucker (Magical Elves) & Jane Cha (Full Pic) Presenters: E Entertainment style expert Amanda Luttrell Garrigus, with Nick Verreos, designer of the Nikolaki collection and Project Runway season 2 alumnus
Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton are setting up shop temporarily at L.A.'s Geffen Contemporary Gallery at MOCA, from October 29 through February 11, 2008.
"Though the 1,000-square-foot store will feature an LED display table and interlocking logos projected onto exterior facades, traditionalists can take heart: The space will also include the same lacquered finishes and Chilewich flooring found in Vuitton boutiques worldwide, along with actual LV employees. Look for the multicolor reinterpretation of the classic Neverfull bag and a special-edition monogram diary cover featuring Murakami's newest character, Chibi Kinoko ("Little Mushroom")—two decidedly chicer alternatives to the kitschy museum postcard."
"Set for October 26th at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles' Fashion District, the awards honor excellence in Los Angeles fashion, from designers, retailers and communicators to the marketing geniuses who have helped position LA as a true worldwide center of creativity and innovation. Known for her quick wit and equally dynamic style, Matenopoulos was the perfect choice to host, according to Jen Uener, the LA Fashion Awards co-founder and executive producer. States Uener, "She's fresh, funny, clearly a fashion aficionado, and so LA. She'll add great energy to the ceremony."
Confirmed presenters include award-winning vintage fashion experts Cameron Silver & Christos Garkinos of Decades/Decades Two, fashion editor & retailer Rose Apodaca, world-renowned accessories designer Tarina Tarantino, and "Project Runway" favorite alum, fashion designer Nick Verreos.
The LA Fashion Awards presented by Saturn takes place on October 26, 2007 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, from 7pm to 9pm. Orchestra level seating is reserved for invited industry guests, but seats are available to the public in the Mezzanine ($65) and Balcony ($50) through Ticketmaster.com or by phone 213.480.3232.
Tickets include access to the cocktail reception at 7pm, and awards ceremony at 8pm, where winners will be announced in 7 categories."
CULVER CITY, CA - 21 Mar 2007 Samora Olayaw (Photo by Katy Winn/Getty Images for Samora)
Mention LA fashion week in NY and prepare to be snubbed. Los Angeles designers dont seem to be taken as seriously as the rest. But one LA designer I am RAVING about, and just HAVE to call attention to is Samora. From her bio:
"Influenced early on by her mothers flair for couture and elegant sense of style, Samora's love for fashion began at a young age. While growing up in Italy and Egypt, she began creating clothing for her friends and for herself. She found she had an incredible talent with an eye for style and design and was able to successfully translate that into a full-scale brand.
After graduation from USC with a Bachelor of Arts, Samora completed and internship at Stefanel, one of Milan's most exclusive design houses, where she learned neccessary design skills. As a result of this experience she perfected the craft and intricacies of Italian couture, which are evident in her designs today. On her travels throughout the Middle East and Europe, Samora acquired an abiding love for combining many cultural influences, which she has beautifully blended with the invigorating glamour of Hollywood in her collections.
One of the first designers to show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles, Samora launched her first collection during Fall 2002. She has been at the forefront of Italian couture, earning her a stellar reputation with Hollywood and fashionista's alike. She is best known for her exquisite, luxurious and high quality fabrics, as well as her romantic and elegant looks. Her clientele include's some of today's most notable trendsetters, such as Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, and Aisha Tyler, among others."
I cant get enough!
Here are a few images of her latest designs seen at LA Fashion Week this month, for Spring 2008!
Come to a special presentation that will rock your world! Get the facts that determine superior brilliance, beauty, and value of Tiffany diamonds. View the many Tiffany ring styles, including the newest Tiffany NOVO: a modern cut with a dazzling difference.
Who & What: The Spring 2008 collections of 12 emerging designers. Featuring the Los Angeles runway debuts of six womenswear and two menswear designers on the catwalk & four accessory designers in installations.
Participating designers:
WOMENSWEAR: CW Christian Weber Dorothy Lee Marlova Rhys Dwfen Suh-Tahn Wren
MENSWEAR: Endovanera Orthodox
ACCESSORIES: Anita Hopkins Cerre Mannin Shane by Brooks Salzwedel
You are invited to the landmark 10th Year of Fresh Faces in Fashion Los Angeles - the largest and most fabulous event of Los Angeles Fashion Week! This is the show that featured the debuts for designers including Louis Verdad, Kate O'Connor, Michelle Mason, Alicia Lawhon, Claire La Faye, Rami Kashou, Corey Lynn Calter & Grey Ant...
Join the fashion elite, celebrities, press and everyone else that wants to be part of fashion’s next major discovery. The evening will consist of a pre-reception surrounding the accessory designer installations, followed by a 60 foot catwalk show and now legendary after party. What else could you ask for on a Friday night!
Where & When: October 12th, 2007 at the Peterson Automotive Museum. 6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA.
7PM: Accessories Pre-Reception 8PM: Runway 9PM-11PM: After Party!
TICKETS:
VIP TICKETS: (includes pre-reception, reserved seating, access to exclusive VIP lounge with cocktail servers, light food, wine and spa treatments and a complimentary Goorin Bros. Hat - up to $80 value each!) Executive Producer Members: 2 complimentary front row seats Associate Producer Members: 2 complimentary seated tickets Platinum Member: $50 / ticket Silver Member: $90 / ticket Non-Members: $100 / ticket
OPEN SEATING TICKETS: Platinum Members Only: 2 complimentary tickets
If you live in Los Angeles, and are a veritable-vintage-veteran check out the Vintage Fashion Expo! I will be going for sure!
Santa Monica's Civic Auditorium hosts the increasingly popular Vintage Fashion Expo, now held three times every year. Around 75 dealers display clothes that range from Victorian dress through the Roaring Twenties and the bell-bottomed Seventies and right up to modern-day retro styles. The show features many international designers, including Halston, Dior, Issey Miyake and Azzedine Alaia, and as a result is frequented by representatives from the fashion industry looking for inspiration for today's designs.
The expo also attracts costume and set designers, and the occasional celebrity. Although there are some men's clothes on offer, the fashion is mainly female.
When: May 12-13 2007 Where: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Cost: $10 / Sat. early buying session $20 Hours: 10.30am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm; Sat. early buying session 9am-10.30am http://www.vintageexpo.com/
Spotted this afternoon at a horse rental place on Magnolia and Riverside by the Los Angeles Equestrian Center:
Rose McGowan!
I have always been a fan of hers, since I first saw her in The Doom Generation in 1995. Since then, I've followed her all the way to the outrageous Grindhouse, where she played "Cherry". So to see her there as my friends and I were filling out paperwork and waiting for our horses to be ready, was an unexpected moment of excitement in my day. She looked absolutely beautiful with very minimal makeup, wearing jeans and a denim jacket. Very inconspicous. My friend turned around and mouthed "Isn't that...", and I mouthed "Rose McGowan! OHMYGOD!", and practically swooned. Only in Los Angeles can you spot such a lovely starlet when you go riding... and not have the place be in an uproar.
What's so great about Rose McGowan is her edge. There is something incredibly punk rock about this woman, while coming off as a modern day Vargas girl.
Rose has a film in pre-production called "Black Oasis", set to be released sometime in 2008.
i once sat & had dinner w/ her, Marilyn Manson, & Vincent Gallo @ Benihana on La Cienega...she was very pretty in person, yes, and had an amazing porcelain complexion and lips that were sexy as hell (as for her clothes, she was wearing a very pretty 40's-style print dress and heels...VERY pin-up), but you still could see she was kinda looney and sounded as such...i mean, the girl DID get busted a year or so ago for being brazen enough to be doing coke while ON THE DANCEFLOOR at LAX...but on looks alone, the woman is totally hot...hey, who did you go see GRINDHOUSE with? ;-)
Spotted at the Los Angeles Textile Show at the New Mart in the Fashion District, Downtown this Tuesday:
Jeffrey Sebelia, winner of Project Runway!
I was very excited to see him there, as I perused fabrics and trims... He was a favorite of mine all season, and I feel his win was justified! His look was a little bit raunchy, a little bit rock and roll... but also classy in a young, hip, kind of jet-setting way.
ALANA JOY Los Angeles, CA alanajoy.tumblr.com
I work in the fashion industry in Los Angeles. This blog is a place for me to talk about all things fashion and beauty related, hopefully touching on the real art, emotion, and sometimes humor of the industry as a whole.
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