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.

Subliminal Projects

Subliminal Projects will present Printed Matters, a solo exhibition featuring the work of renowned artist Shepard Fairey. Printed Matters, which focuses on the importance of printed material, and incorporates every variety of Shepard's printed works, works on wood, metal, album covers, and fine art collage papers. As co-owner of Subliminal Projects, along with his wife Amanda Fairey, this is Shepard's first experience exhibiting at the Echo Park location since the gallery moved in 2008. The printing press may have begun the democratization of art, but another printer evolved it both conceptually and practically. Andy Warhol made art based on accessible products and personalities from pop culture. In addition to his attempts to democratize art through his subject matter, Warhol used screen-printing to produce multiple versions of his images. Where elitism, preciousness, and scarcity had been the ruling principles in the art world, Warhol embraced commercial reproduction techniques and mass culture.

September 16th - October 9th, 2010
Subliminal Projects Gallery
1331 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
info@subliminalprojects.com

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.

Santa Monica Place

The long awaited Santa Monica Place finally opened to huge crowds this past weekend. Stores rolled out the red carpets, champagne and a local LA DJ to spin for the special evening festivities. Bloomingdale's held their celebration the previous evening and had a large celebrity showing, including Donna Karen, Barbra Streisand, James Brolin and Diane Keaton. With three packed levels of indoor and outdoor shops and restaurants, this new addition to the southern California shopping experience is truly dynamic. Stores include Barney's CO-OP, BCBG, Fluxus, Joe's Jeans, Kitson, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co. and many more, with Nordstrom opening August 27th. Along with an open air rooftop patio deck that boasts a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, some restaurant highlights are La Sandia, Ozumo, Pizza Antica, Sonoma Wine Garden and Xino. Weekly entertainment and events are planned through the fall.

For a complete list of stores and events visit:
santamonicaplace.com

395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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.

Eco Stiletto

Proving that you can be as gorgeous and stylish and hip and frugal as any other shopper on the planet, while still remaining conscious of your impact on the world, Eco Stiletto celebrated its second anniversary this week with a party in West Hollywood.

At the newly opened nursery/boutique, Rolling Greens, EcoStilleto featured a handful of earth-friendly companies and products for its 400 guests to enjoy. Vegan appetizers by chef Makini Howell of Seattle's famed Plum restaurants, who created a pop-up menu for the night at the WorldFare Bustaurant which pulled into the lot for the private soiree. Other activities offered were eco-makeovers by jane iredale cosmetics and eyebrow threading by Eco Brow, while guests received a goodie bag to collect green swag from Gypsy Tea, Water Pik, Green Works Natural Cleaning Products, Tom's of Maine and Nicobella Vegan Dark Chocolate Truffles.

The event also benefitted Dress for Success, the non-profit organization that provides interview suits, confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide, with guests donating a work-ready purse to support their new Los Angeles headquarters.

www.ecostiletto.com

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.