Trends

Trends: "Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring '08: A Season of Contrasts

This season Los Angeles presented the full range of its contrasting character. With nearly a month of runway shows, Angelenos were reminded of the diversity offered on the Left Coast, with the looks on the runway as varied as the venues in which they were presented during the Oct. 12-30 run. Runway shows were presented by BOXeight at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles and at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City. The California Market Center hosted contemporary collections on the runway throughout the Los Angeles Fashion Market, and the Los Angeles Fashion Awards showcased the innovative designer nominees. And, of course, independent shows and events around town offered designers the versatility of creating a personalized presentation. The shows put the spotlight on everything from T-shirts, sweats and denim to contemporary labels, designer readyto- wear and red-carpet finery.

For Spring '08, the runway reintroduced sportswear

with bold colors, graphic prints and dynamic '80s silhouettes. A colorful new-wave look emerged with a techy cartoon twist reminiscent of Japanese animation. On the softer side of the spectrum, classic romantic looks, sheer fabrics and floral prints were prevalent. Key silhouettes ranged from high-waisted trousers to chic rompers and dresses in every possible variety. Eco-designers took center stage presenting looks"