FIRST.LA RUNWAY SHOW IN 1 WEEK!

The countdown begins as it’s less than a week until FIRST.LA launches fashion week in Downtown Los Angeles!

Join us as we present a dynamic mix of directional contemporary designers, including: Jbrand, Dolan, James/Icon, Twinkle by Wenlan, Whitney Eve, 50 Dresses, Kolae and more!

For FIRST.LA FALL 2011 we keep it fresh by collaborating with our favorite LA STYLE BLOGGERS: HELLIN KAY of CHAMPAGNE + HEELS, ERIN WEINGER of STYLE SECTION LA and LAURIE BRUCKER of LAURIE B STYLE and reveal their exciting CURATED RUNWAY SECTIONS, featuring their choice LA DESIGNER!

MONDAY, MARCH 14^th 2011
Cocktails – 5:30 PM
Runway Show – 6:00 PM

www.directiveswest.com

People's Choice Awards

The 2011 People's Choice Awards hosted by Queen Latifah brought enthusiastic recognition to entertainment fan favorites in music, movies and television. After weeks of online voting the live telecast was filmed in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre, where award winners were appropriately revealed one-by-one through the opening of a text message. Young Hollywood seemed to shine brightest in bold hues and cosmetic neutrals. Taylor Swift, Choice Country Artist Winner, and TV sensation, Ashley Tisdale, represented the night's choice of vintage femme frocks in mini to maxi lengths. While teen TV series starlets, AnnaLynne McCord and Lucy Hale, chose minimal yet daring mini dresses in saturated jewel tones.

www.directiveswest.com

LA Fashion Week

Although it lasts longer than a week, Los Angeles made a strong showing again this season for its edition of Fashion Week. With events and shows spanning across the city, one of the major draws was downtown's Concept Fashion Week featuring, martinMartin, Jen Awad, MILA, Mike Vensel, Elmer Ave, Fremont, among others.

LA Fashion Weekend returned to the Sunset Gower Studios for a full schedule including, Joyrich, Balthaczar, JLMarks and the Green Initiative Humanitarian show featuring several promising contemporary designers using eco-friendly practices. Other events like, Project Ethos in Beverly Hills and a runway show at Exchange LA drew crowds to view the spring lines of designers Anthony Franco, Ashton Michael and hometown favorite Skin Graft. Brands like Siwy Denim and up-and-coming AI FOR AI chose retail boutiques to offer an intimate and up close look at their next collections.

The Softer Side

Tapered, softly tailored trousers continue to be strong moving into fall. With new looks emerging in prints, both knit and woven styles remain as the latest go-to bottom in Los Angeles. Perfectly suited for professional and party time, these pleated harem-like and carrot top silhouettes match cropped tops, sweaters and structured jackets hitting big for the season.

Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915

Celebrating the museum's recent groundbreaking acquisition of a major collection of European men's, women's, and children's garments and accessories, Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915 will present a selection to the public for the first time.

The exhibition will tell the story of fashion's aesthetic and technical development from the Age of Enlightenment to World War I. It will examine the sweeping changes that occurred in fashionable dress spanning a period of over two hundred years, with a fascinating look at the details of luxurious textiles, exacting tailoring techniques, and lush trimmings.

Highlights will include an eighteenth-century man's vest intricately embroidered with powerful symbolic messages relevant to the French Revolution; an evening mantle with silk embroidery, glass beads, and ostrich feathers designed by French couturier Émile Pingat (active 1860-96); and spectacular three-piece suits and gowns worn at the royal courts of Europe.

October 2, 2010-April 3, 2011

LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.857.6000

LA Designers @ NY Fashion Week

Los Angeles based designers breezed through New York Fashion Week by bringing elements of left coast cool to many impactful collections. Jenni Kayne showed her eponymous California collection to rave reviews with high-waisted berry shorts, sage-colored lace dresses, twinsets with sweaters thrown over shoulders, working perfectly with the laidback feeling of spring. New York favorite, Rodarte, created their most wearable collection to date. Inspired by their native California and its Northern redwood forests, tailored sportswear donned bold wood-panel prints and leaflike embroideries, alongside ladylike draped silk skirts and dresses. Juan Carlos Obando found his inspiration after watching the film "Hubble 3D" at the California Science Center. The mysterious space became the foundation for his galaxy prints and structured shapes. Max Azria continued his simple approach to this season's collection with pale dresses, from short to sweeping, a black crepe jumpsuit, layered slips in beige gauze, halter looks under easy tops and the usual mix of sexy and easy dresses. Other West Coast designers showing included: Band of Outsiders, Kimberly Ovitz, Tadashi Shoji, mikCire, Gregory Parkinson, Monique Lhuillier, Odyn Vovk and Trina Turk.

Connect the Dots

LA's female trendsetters are spot-on with the latest polka dot prints and patterns. As this is an emerging trend in the resort season, Angelenos are already opting for dots on dresses, skirts and tops. Ranging from speckled to spacious, this is a refreshing alternative to summer florals. Expect to see more of these looks as feminine and flirty continue to be important.

Blues Clues

As a nod to the warmer weather, the ladies of LA are sporting lighter shades of denim and softer versions of this classic fabric. Pale blues and chambray have been spotted in skirts and casual jackets, along with oversized shirts for cool layering. As an alternative bottom, lightweight denim works with delicate pleats and a more loosened silhouette for the ultimate in California chic.

Romper Room

As summer starts to sizzle in Los Angeles, trendsetters are cooling down in rompers. This easy, breezy one piece is California casual and comfy for the lazy days of the season. Predominantly seen in prints - bold floral and tropical prints are the newest- while stripes on seersucker add a textural update. Miniature prints and solid colors are a simple approach, but welcome the tribal inspired accessories of the moment for extra flair.

The Red Bag Boutique

Model and native Angeleno Chanel Iman recently opened her own contemporary and vintage shop in Culver City. Partnering with her mother China Robinson, The Red Bag Boutique is off the beaten path of the leading shopping destinations in LA, but still offers unique finds. Guests will find "new" stock in the front and extra-special vintage finds in the back, including some of the best of what was either given to her by designers or that she personally picked out herself. The relaxing vibe of the shop boasts the same down-time elements that Iman loves about her home city. Living a life of high-fashion doesn't stop this SoCal born and bred gal from kicking back with her friends and family when she has time to come home.

10754 Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90094
310.559.7332

Orange Alert

Trendsetters in Los Angeles are punching up their wardrobe this season with shades of orange. Juicy tangerine, persimmon and coral have been spotted in breezy tops, summer dresses, mini skirts and even the classic cotton t-shirt. Pairing these popsicle colors with less intense hues like brown or navy tones down the tartness, while wearing an easy one-piece solo lets the color really shine.

Last Remaining Seats

Last Remaining Seats is the Los Angeles Conservancy's annual series of classic films and live entertainment in the historic theatres of Los Angeles. What started in 1987 as a way to draw attention to neglected historic theatres is now a summer tradition and the most popular event for this non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of LA's architectural history. With classic films like The Graduate, American Graffiti, Strangers on a Train, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, this season promises to sell out quickly. Each film is introduced and discussed with the night's special guests like, Matthew Weiner, creator and executive producer of the award-winning television drama Mad Men, actress Cindy Williams and many more.

Advance tickets are $16 each for Conservancy members and $20 each for the general public. Conservancy members may buy four tickets per show or four series tickets (now sold out) at member prices.

For more information and a complete schedule of events:
www.laconservancy.org

Runway Presentation from Directives West introducing FIRST.LA

Boyfriend Material

Boyfriend blazers are the latest top layer for updating any casual style. The ladies of Los Angeles are out and about sporting this look during daytime and evening. Slick grey, navy and black are predominant colors, with a boyish woven lining exposed by rolled-up cuffs as a definite styling detail. Plaid and tweeds add a more masculine influence and surface texture. This light weight layer is a perfect transitional piece as temperatures begin to change.

Six Taste Food Tours

One of the best experiences in life is the discovery of new flavors and one of the best ways to learn about a culture is through its food. With such vibrant neighborhoods like Little Tokyo, Koreatown, and Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles is home to an incredible array of eating establishments and restaurants. Six Taste's mission is to be more than just a food tour and to highlight all the senses. These 'tastings,' explore foods from restaurants, bakeries, and other ethnic eateries, allow guests to speak to restaurant owners and chefs, learn about the culinary cultural influences, and learn the history of the local community all while enjoying great food.

For schedule, tickets and more information, visit sixtaste.com.