Designers flaunt their threads at Project Ethos downtown Los Angeles

The end of Paris prêt-a-porte (ready to wear) fashion shows signifies the beginning of Los Angeles fashion week. This year, Project Ethos partnered with Downtown LA Art Walk and kicked off fashion week Thursday, October 11, 2012 with a mixture of fashion, music and art, giving the fashion community, fans and media the chance to get up close and personal at the Exchange nightclub on S Spring street downtown Los Angeles. Dj Rob Rockwell warmed up the crowd while fashionistas were able to take their seats or enjoy the view from the upstairs balcony. The show opened with emerging designer Jose Galeana whose collection with its bright reds, blues and violets seems fresh and retro inspired.

Gorgeous is the long green skirt and blue dress with a reconstructed waist. Some peaces seem more theatrical than others. There was a more futuristic feel towards the end of the show confirming the designers ongoing inspiration from Hollywood sci-fi movies.

Next up was the young Marialia collection, a Barbie and Rock star inspired collection which with its glitter gold bikini, super short flirty dresses, theatrical bustier and provocative booty shorts saying “bite me” or “kiss my” struck me as ready to wear during this Halloween season.

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Jennifer Krischer with her line Linden shows a bit more classic lines and restraint, showing interestingly cut jackets paired with 50is style bras tops and high-waist shorts and tight pants.

The cuts and carefully chosen pastel colors are not only very flattering to the female physique but also evoke femininity and class of a bygone area that evidently still inspires fashion designers to this day. Not so flattering the white shirts and dresses with red splattered paint on the waistline reminding of a print gone wrong on the production table.

Nine Menswear followed and proved with its casual red pajama looking pants paired with fashion forward sweaters and their black and white underwear collection that men can be fashionable and cool dressing casual every day.

Some of the key pieces were more edgy but most male models looked light and comfortable strutting across the catwalk.

B. by Aperire rounded off this set of designers with their outrageous and daring footwear collection getting a very welcoming reaction from the audience.

Their zebra sandals with cutting edge wedges and fashion forward heel designs were well received and although some of the designs like the over the knee boots seemed more catwalk appropriate then every day fashion one could see the workman ship and effort go into these boots and appreciate the unique leather designs just the way they were.,

During the break one could enjoy a sprawling art experience in the downstairs gallery featuring live painting and pop up gallery with Tanina Jackson, INDEPTH, Max Neutra, Mark Jacobs, James Rhodimer and Amy Baca López while the rotund main room hosted the Icelandic pop group The Charlies.

 Kiki Resort wear opened the second set with colorful cover ups caftans and tunics this season dazzling the runway.

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Talented, Columbian Designer, Claudia Gonzalez Pruitt, creator of Beso Moda, ‘The Endless Feeling’ launched her latest collection, “Vanity” just in time to showcase it at fashion week.

The collection included some elegant, flowy dresses in white, red and black one could see Hollywood starlets wear on the red-carpet, as well as some more sexy, mini dresses in black and purple suitable for young Hollywood hypsters enjoying a night out.

Lawren Michele followed with her classic feminine line, evoking romance and playful fun fitting all women with a splash of energy and fun. The brand encompasses clothing fitted to all women.

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Last but not least was Collective26 showcasing the latest collection of their urban contemporary women’s line with some beautiful dresses, authentic under garments and fashion forward skirts all worn with combat boots. The line stands out and embodies a modern aesthetic mixed with bohemian and grunge elements that are very characteristic for our present time.

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Electro-club duo Oliver started off the “Synthesis” after party complete with fashion shows, live performances, special guests and a DJ set at midnight from Caroline D'amore to continue the LA Fashion Week 2012 celebration.

Sponsors of the night included The Fashion Law Group, model hair and make-up styling by TNT Agency and Scion who will exhibit a new addition to their line-up, the 2013 FR-S sports car.

Published on Oct 14, 2012