Whenever the group of slightly askew events that collectively make up “L.A. Fashion Week” come to town, it’s a chance to see some clothes, yes. But it’s also a chance for us to expand our social calendar past the Bravo reality shows that usually comprise a standard weeknight in the Weinger house.
But with multiple runway shows, cocktail gatherings and dinners throughout the city each night, one must be choosy when deciding where to spend their Fashion Week evenings.
Luckily, the current lineup of fashiony fetes has made it quite easy with a slew of fun, highbrow events that couldn’t feel farther away from the implant-and-booze-fueled Smashbox tents of yore.
Here’s what we’ve hit up, thus far.
What: Directives West First L.A. runway show
Where: The California Market Center
The guest list: Fashion bloggers Lauren Shane (elshane.com), Kristen Turner (GlitterNGlue.com) and Kelly Lee (BussBuss.com).
Why we had a good time: Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that the apparel business is just that, a business. And trend forecasting firm Directives West never fails to show L.A. Market buyers what they should stock in their stores for the season ahead. This time around, the showcase featured looks from contemporary brands including Sanctuary, Language and Whitney Port’s Whitney Eve, all broken down by “seasonal messages” such as “social heritage” (Feminine Americana) and “Rapture” (vivid, mis-matched prints). And the entire display acted as a nice primer of what spring should look like, for both showroom buyers and bystanders alike.
Photo: A look from the “Sophisticated” spring trend. Jacket by Walter Baker, metallic pants by Whitney Eve.
What: Designer Kimberly Ovitz hosts a benefit for the ASPCA
Where: The awe-inspiring, 28,000 square foot Ovitz residence in Beverly Hills.
The guest list: Musicians Moby and Pete Yorn, actress Bonnie Somerville and Vogue editors Lawren Howell and Meredith Melling Burke.
Why we had a good time: Sure, the cause was extremely noble — Ovitz partnered with the ASPCA to wage war against the atrocities of puppy mills in this country after finding out that her own dogs came from one. But the reason why we personally got our jollies at the swanky affair was because of the Ovitz family art collection, one of the top 200 private collections in the world that is comprised of pieces by Jasper Johns, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning. Not to mention countless other fantastic pieces that our art-world ignorance couldn’t identify. We wished we could have taken part in the silent auction, where among the pieces of CC Skye baubles and Kimberly Ovitz collection goods was a private tour of the art. But the bidding began at $1,000. And while we abhor animal cruelty, we abhor the thought of not being able to pay our rent more. Luckily, those in attendance took care of the bidding for us, and raised more than $60,000 — enough to raid and shut down two puppy mills. See, fashion does mean something after all.
Photo: Kimberly Ovitz in a dress and blazer of her own design (Photo courtesy of WireImage).
What: British Fashion Council Show Rooms L.A. closing cocktail party
Where: Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel
The guest list: Anna Wintour and daughter Bee Schaffer, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Hartnett and more fashion world darlings than we can pronounce.
Why we had a good time: Though we only stopped by for a bit (we spent quite a bit of time at the actual London Show Rooms earlier in the week), the crowded, lively cocktail party was the perfect atmosphere for connecting with new friends and old and enjoying the glittering lights of the city below.
Photo: Bee Schaffer and Anna Wintour (photo courtesy of WireImage).
What: Beckley by Melissa launch party
Where: Eveleigh
The guest list: Selma Blair, Emmy Rosum, Busy Phillips and Jenna Dewan.
Why we had a good time: We got there late and missed all the food. But we got to see the sumptuous leather goods and covetable chiffon blouses that make up Beckley Boutique owner Melissa Akkaway’s brand new house brand, all while enjoying the sounds of DJ Ana Calderon, good wine and impeccable conversation. And Chick-Fil-A was still open when we left. Genius.
Photo: Selma Blair, Busy Phillips, Beckley Boutique Melissa Akkaway, Jenna Dewan and Emmy Rossum (Photo courtesy of WireImage).
L.A. Fashion Week looks to be another nebulous amalgamation of events happening all over town this month.
Confused.
Some of L.A.’s best designers took over the Tropicana bar at the Roosevelt Hotel last night for Gen Art‘s “Reunion Party,” meant to kick off the L.A. Fashion Week festivities.
Corinne Grassini, designer for Society for Rational Dress, chose a beautiful cream-colored maxi dress featuring an asymmetrical neckline punctuated by a belt-like accent, while Kashou went old Hollywood in a strapless black frilly red-carpet gown.