Los Angeles Fashion Week is solidifying its position as a respected and influential fashion event with each passing year. This year’s edition, held in Hollywood at the NYA Studios sites, presented a captivating program that surpassed expectations. Produced by N4XT Experiences, the event featured an impressive lineup of 10 runway shows and presentations, 4 film screenings, 7 round tables, and masterclasses, all focused on ethical fashion, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Noah Kozlowski, head of designer relations at N4XT Experiences, expressed his enthusiasm for curating a diverse range of brands that would appeal to a wide audience and resonate with the people of Los Angeles. The aim was to reimagine LA Fashion Week and establish a platform that showcased both local Los Angeles brands and those that were a natural fit for the city’s unique style.
The fashion week commenced with a mesmerizing show by Imitation of Christ, delivering a powerful message of peace through their lyrical presentation. This was followed by nine shows that highlighted both emerging talents and established brands. One particularly remarkable show was by London-based, Spanish-born designer Luis De Javier, who received rave reviews for his collection. Gypsy Sport, founded in New York by Angeleno Rio Uribe, also stood out with their dynamic show featuring rebellious drag queens, gay rappers, and other captivating characters.
Bulgarian-based brand Demobaza, which had previously participated in the event, made a comeback to Los Angeles. The brand expressed the significance of the Los Angeles market to their business, as they have a substantial customer base in the United States. Their collection for this year adopted a futuristic theme with warrior-inspired looks and a color palette inspired by the jungle.
No Sesso, a brand known for its genderless approach, presented a dark and captivating fashion show featuring an army of zombies and otherworldly creatures. The collection garnered attention with its inclusion of leather pieces.
Claude Kameni, a Los Angeles-based designer of Cameroonian descent, showcased her very first fashion show, blending vibrant Afro-inspired patterns with streetwear influences and exquisite tailoring. Her unique style has gained popularity among celebrities such as Tracee Ellis-Ross, Janet Jackson, and Kelly Rowland.
Renowned designer Sergio Hudson, notable for his red-carpet dresses, also made his first appearance in Los Angeles. His presentation featured models posing among giant peonies and camellias, accompanied by a jazzy soundtrack. Hudson explained that his spring 2024 capsule collection drew inspiration from the warmth of summer and the elegance of the Hamptons. He hopes that LAFW will continue to flourish in its diversity and maintain its distinctiveness, recognizing that Los Angeles is not a conventional city and requires a non-traditional fashion week.
Advisry, led by Keith Herron, was another standout at LA Fashion Week, showcasing his advanced-contemporary style. The presentation traced Herron’s creative evolution, featuring stunning velvet balloon dresses, shoulder-less blazers, sculptural shoulder covers, embroidered denim ensembles, and oversized sweaters.
The second edition of LA Fashion Week, organized by Chapter2, was executed flawlessly and infused with energy. The event featured insightful panel discussions and round tables that delved into topics such as sustainability and industry ethics. One notable panel explored the intersection of hip-hop and jewelry, featuring author Vikki Tobak and jewelry designers Lillian Shalom and David Tamargo.
In addition to the runway shows and discussions, LA Fashion Week also incorporated film screenings into its program. Behind-the-scenes shorts on the Sami Miro Vintage and Tombogo fashion shows were showcased, alongside a feature-length film titled “Fashion Reimagined,” directed by Becky Hutner. The film documented the sustainable journey of British designer Amy Powney’s Mother of Pearl brand, spreading a message of hope for a cleaner luxury fashion industry.
Overall, the latest edition of LA Fashion Week demonstrated an array of talented designers and brands, with a strong emphasis on ethical fashion and sustainability. The event provided a platform for engaging discussions and meaningful interactions. As LA Fashion Week continues to evolve and gain credibility, it is evident that it is becoming a significant player in the global fashion scene.
Links:
1. LA Fashion Week Official Website
2. The Rise of Fashion Week Cities – Vogue Business
