We brought you our picks from the first few days of L.A. Fashion Week, and now that the week has commenced, here's our roundup of the rest. From Wednesday through Friday a dozen or so designers showed their West Coast versions of Fall 08, and our favorites among them were DDC LAB and Ashleigh Paige. Los Angeles Fashion Week isn't something we have a whole lot to say about but there are a few designers who deserve a little extra recognition. This season, DDC LAB for innovation and Ashleigh Paige for costumery. Funnily enough, these designers showed Fall 08 from the two Los Angeles angles we actually can relate to, namely environmental awareness and old hollywood glamour.


DDC LAB: Designers Roberto Crivello and Savania Davies Keiller showed their DDC Lab Fall 08 collection during L.A. Fashion Week. The draw of their collection, given the basic aesthetic, is in their innovation with fabric and functionality. Blazers that block UV rays, charge your mobile phone, or are otherwise made from environmentally friendly textiles like cork, make for a simple but intelligent statement. The mens and womenswear line for Fall 08 was utility based with that sort of Diesel aesthetic that appeals to twenty somethings who like their fashion simple, modern, and heavy on charcoal and black. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.


Ashleigh Paige: This Fall 08 season Ashleigh Paige showed her Fall 08 collection and convinced Los Angeles that what might be considered 'high end lingerie' is more accurately 'couture swimwear'. The delicate ensembles have questionable authority when it comes to actually submerging oneself in water but, as we know, not every bathing suit donning fashionista likes to swim in the first place. Some, that is, like to lounge under umbrellas with a good book. Swimsuits lined or not, Paige does an excellent job of vamping up your average underthings and giving them that old hollywood appeal that is highly classy however marketable. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.

Oh, Los Angeles, you crazy old broad. Los Angeles Fashion Week, which comes just before Market Week, is chalk full of many license-less New Yorkers hitting the pedal to the metal and cruising to the shows. We think it's a funny little image, and although the shows never generate the same kind of excitement as New York, there are always those moments when you say to yourself, "Baby, a star is born". As much as the thought of Jenna Jamison unveiling the newest Peta Ad, well, startles us, we'd prefer to just, well, recap. Below, our rundown of what Los Angeles has thrown on the table the past few days. Namely, one designer for each day and a little Gen Art lovin'.






JMary, Jesse Kamm, & Le Sang des Betes: This will be the fifth year that Gen Art hosts its "The New Garde" event, showcasing up and coming designers West Coast style. The event, sponsored by Botox, kicked off Los Angeles Fashion Week. JMary showed West Coast evening appropriate outerwear in black and charcoal wool, there was a pleated black dress that would have satisfied fashionistas from both coasts. Jesse Kamm, who launched her label a few years ago, showed a collection inspired by Crocodile Dundee. The hand printed head scarves she created as part of the collection, we're right on target with Fall trends but not a far reach, given her inspiration. Finally Trang Chau of Le Sang des Betes, showed off her training as a sculptor by showing tailored garments with a slightly off-kilter silhouette (pictured above).


Sunday, March 9, Whitley Kros: The line, rep'd by People's Revolution, featured bohemian layering in bright colors. The best print by far, a sort of digital Southwestern print, appeared on three frocks, each to suit different figures. The designers, Marissa Ribisi and Sophia Coloma (one of the founders of Satine), specialize in what they refer to as 'luxe casual wear' which we saw manifest in the high quality knit sweaters and chic silk trousers. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.


Monday, March 10, Suh-Tahn: All the black, brown, and leather a New Yorker in Los Angeles can handle. This Fall 08 season, Suh-Tahn featured a palate of basic colors, and one refreshing white cotton dress. The dress, a simple scoop neck with dipped waist seam, epitomizes what casual West Coast style does best. Namely, a well-made basic that is as glamorous as any high maintenance frock (given the right accessories and attitude). Indeed, this is how you dress up in Los Angeles and for a moment there, we felt a little jealous. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.


Tuesday, March 11, Falguni & Shane Peacock: This Fall 08 saw leopard silk prints, dramatic drapery, and jeweled embellishments. At worst it veered towards tacky airport-shop sheaths, and at best, towards vintage Versace glamour. What was most successful were the mixing of loud prints, jewels, drapery, and length without appearing like the bedspread from hell. Falguni & Shane Peacock, also known as Peacock Couture, governs a bridal, resort, and men's line in addition to the womenswear collections. The company made its debut during India Fashion Week, some years back. Click to see images from the Fall 08 collection.