Fashion Overload

First Looks: Brian Lichtenberg FW 09

Designers Vanish From Runways

The global economy has taken its' toll on the fashion marketplace. High end retailers are offering deep discounts on luxury goods and many designers are anticipating the crunch.

Betsey Johnson and Carmen Marc Valvo announced that neither of them would produce runway shows at Bryant Park next season. Donna Karan, Francisco Costa, and Vera Wang are considering following suit, while  Zac Posen has delayed the launch of his menswear collection.

In Paris, things aren't sounding much better. In an effort to cut costs,  Fendi, Valentino, and Marni don't plan to present menswear collections either.

LA Fashion Week won't be taking place at Smashbox Studios (this isn't a surprise) and the semi-replacement "Reveal" has been postponed. However, BOXeight plans to increase the number of designers that present in their space downtown.

Kim Kardashian Is Selling Shoes

Kim Kardashian launched a new online shoe company called  ShoeDazzle. Remember that service where you got 12 free CD’s and all you had to do was promise to keep the annoying selections they would send you each month while all you wanted was the free CD’s in the first place then they threatened to send you to collections for $17.99?  Yeah. Well she’s doing that for shoes.

First Looks: Yotam Solomon

LA based designer Yotam Solomon showcased his latest collection at BOXeight Studios. The Israeli native showcased a flowing collection in natural tones with architectural footwear of his own design. Overall the looks were creative and intriguing silhouettes that were awkwardly appealing, sophisticated and tasteful.

First Looks: Brian Lichtenberg SS09

Many attendees at the "official" IMG showings were a buzz with mumblings about this being the last season in Culver City. As much as this is true, I'm not sure I mourn the loss of the festivities. Nothing I saw at Smashbox Studios compared to the level of creativity of ANY of the designs that were presented at BOXeight Studios in downtown LA.

Case in point, Brian Lichtenberg's Spring/Summer 09 collection which showed off his evolved use of patchwork (this time sheer fabrics and lace versus holographic prints) and extraordinary head pieces by Franc Fernandez. The revealing designs were full of texture and optimism which are sure to go over well with his musician heavy clientele. Images by Dirk Mai, click to enlarge.

First Looks: Nonja McKenzie SS 09

Nonja McKenzie started off with some snooze worthy frocks in crayola colors and animal print (ewww). The best stuff came in the form of some rather cute poolside looks in that could be complemented by watery reflections or glittery sand.  Click images to enlarge

First Looks: American Lord SS09

Christian Audigier brought the ugly when showcasing American Lord in his second runway presentation this week. What can I say? If you want to spend a lot of cash to look like a cheap coke slut this is the way to do it. I love it when they make models up to look like they're doing the walk of shame down the ramp. Who wears flannel during the summer? Photos by Mark. Click images to enlarge.

Britney's GAY "Womanizer"

• Britney Spears
• New Music

Britney Spears new video Womanizer premiered last week to rave reviews. There's been uninteresting criticism (always the case with her) and there's been an exceeding amount of curiosity about the Womanizer himself. Yesterday, while at Smashbox Studios for LA Fashion Week a booker for LA Models informed me that Brandon Stoughton is the name of Spears video beau. Then, it was made plain to me that the idea of Brandon being a Womanizer was pretty unlikely. Something that should be surprising to absolutely no one is the fact that pretty boy Brandon is in fact openly gay.Sorry ladies!

Images from Stoughton's zed card and a few shots of the cutie in his skivvies after the jump.

First Looks: Kevan Hall SS09

The starlets arrived for the Spring/Summer 09 show by Kevan Hall. Among them Dana Delaney, Rachel Griffiths, Garcelle Beauvais and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The opening presentation for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios was full of muted pastels, sheer layers, painterly florals, and heavily beaded accents. These designs were built for events so there's no doubt they'll be seen on many red carpets. Click images to enlarge.

LA Fashion Week Has Arrived

Brian Lichtenberg - Static from GREKOTV on Vimeo.

Last night, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gen Art presented green collections with designers who produce eco-friendly lines. One of my favorites of the night was The Battalion, created by a design duo who have a very wearable and yet unique line. I was bowled over by their show last season at BOXeight. This evening Gen Art will show their second crop of designers with an event hosted by Mandy Moore.

The "official" Mercedez-Benz LA Fashion Week begins Sunday with designs by Kevan Hall. Although there are a few standouts I anticipate seeing in the lineup, MB Week is often a snooze in LA in terms of creativity. BOXeight has gained momentum showcasing the youngest and most innovative of designers who are more influenced by street culture than the red carpet. I hope to attend the showings to cover for several print publications and promise to bring you exclusive images here. BOXeight has a big, beautiful new space that was recently christened with an art show with work from among others designer Mike Vensel and a live performance by Chester French.

Brian Lichtenberg is not to be missed October 17th. Skipping a presentation last season this will be his first showing in a years time. Since then, his designs have been sported by a long list of celebrities and musicians. He told me the other day that he has been busy producing a hologram jumper for Miley Cyrus.