Louboutin open its doors in West Hollywood

I’ve always loved the stretch of Robertson Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue — the site of cute restaurants, home interior stores and several high-end shops that have popped up in recent years.

And with the new Christian Louboutin boutique kicking off its opening last night with a shopping event complete with champagne foot baths, the block has even more appeal, even if all you are in the market for is a little drooling and window shopping.

The quaint, two-story shop with a charming courtyard filled up quickly Thursday night, with several die-hard Louboutin shoppers and plenty of people who mostly gravitated to the champagne table.  Party guest Renges Fabris donned a sparkly pair of silver Louboutins from last fall, but has already scooped up about seven pairs from this season and was eyeing a pair of hot pink, patent leather heels from the holiday collection.  “They’re like the original Barbie shoes,” Fabris said.

Upstairs, the usually closed-off VIP room was set up to give guests champagne foot baths.  Rose petals and champagne were poured into tubs while ladies had their tootsies pampered.

And as if you needed more décor than the shoes themselves, the shop is filled with fun and unique treasures from Mr. Louboutin's travels, far and near.  A beaded zebra-print chair and a giant white bird statue were hauled in from the Rose Bowl flea market and hand-blown glass bubbles made in Syria hang on the entire stairwell.  The space is one of the largest Louboutin boutiques in the world, modeled after the shop on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Paris.  Bigger store just means more shoes to love.

Christian Louboutin, 650 N. Robertson Blvd. West Hollywood.

— Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Christian Louboutin neon sign and a pair of sparkly shoes from the collection/Melissa Magsaysay

Victoria's Secret? Maybe it's California girls

After conducting a nationwide casting call for its next fashion show "runway angel," Victoria's Secret announced 10 finalists, and three of the 10 are model citizens of the Golden State.

Among the leggy and lingerie-clad ladies vying for a spot on the catwalk in the next Victoria's Secret fashion show are Simi Valley's Kylie Bisutti, Carmel's Jamie Lee Darley and Krystina Holbrook of El Dorado Hills.

With the angels in the outfield winnowed down to 10, they've taken wing to New York City for "Angel Boot Camp" for a series of challenges that will test their mettle as spokesmodels in such categories as charisma and ability to walk the runway in lingerie  (what, no wing waxing or halo highlighting?), while kicking it in a luxury  condo outfitted with -- and this comes verbatim from the press release -- "sofas accented with brightly colored pillows" and "playful beanbag cushions."

The inevitable pillow fights between underwear-wearing models will naturally be chronicled in weekly webisodes (available at VSAllAccess.com and CBS.com), and starting Monday at noon Pacific time, the public can start voting on which of the women should earn her wings and walk with the angels in this year's "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show," scheduled for broadcast by CBS on Dec. 1.

The rest of the finalists are:

Raven Ervin, Birmingham, Ala.
Katelyn Fortes, Boston, Mass.
Alicia Hall, Las Vegas, Nev.
Tika Ivezaj, Detroit, Mich.
Catharina Lee, Washington D.C.
Courtney O’Conner, Raleigh, N.C.
Allison Turner, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

-- Adam Tschorn

Photos: The list of 10 recently announced finalists in the nationwide Victoria's Secret search for its next runway angel included no fewer than three from California: Kylie Bisuti of Simi Valley, top, Jamie Lee Darley of Carmel, center, and Krystina Holbrook of El Dorado Hills. Credit: Victoria's Secret.

Natalia Brilli's jaw-dropping leather accessories

You know you've fallen deeply in love with a fashion item when you dream about owning it. And that's exactly what happened mere hours after I first laid eyes on designer Natalia Brilli's leather accessories at Zainab, a new high-fashion boutique on Melrose Avenue.

Whimsical -- and often comical -- Brilli's jewelry, bags and small leather goods are defined by what can most succinctly be described as leather shrink-wrapping: objects wrapped so tightly in leather, you can distill every bump and curve of the item underneath. 

There are bags dripping with leather-wrapped bones, an eyeglass case sporting leather-wrapped specs and (perhaps Brilli's most inspired piece) the ghostly, futuristic "Nolexes": fake Rolex watches-turned-bracelets that are wrapped in hides and affixed with snap closures ($378).

The stuff of dreams, for sure. 

Natalia Brilli accessories are available at Zainab, 7021 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 930-8951.

--Emili Vesilind

Photo of Natalia Brilli's brilliant "Nolex" bracelet. Courtesy of Natalia Brilli.

This is not your mom's MCM bag from the '80s

As things go with fashion, everything old is new again.  And sometimes that can be a good thing.

This is the case with MCM or (Mode Creation Munich) bags, which we all remember from the '80s — our moms toting around a logo-emblazoned satchel or our cool older sisters tossing the Tambourine bag across her body on the way out to meet a hot date.

Styles have certainly been updated since then, but there's still that old-world feel — as if you’ve had it forever, which seems to make more sense these days rather than splurging on a trendy “It” bag you’ll just want to replace next season. Accessories designer Joy Gryson was tapped to refresh the brand and create a collection of bags, the first of which recently hit Saks Fifth Avenue.  The line continues for spring. Keep your eyes peeled for the Annodare tote, which is a black and white origami-esque leather bag with what looks like a knot twisted on the front. It’s buttery, slouchy and most likely doesn’t look like something you already have.  And if it does, oh well — like that’s ever stopped you before?

MCM is available at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills.

— Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: The Annodare Tote bag/MCM

Zac Efron shows off his jeans at G-Star's Hollywood fiesta

G-Star Raw hosted a supper party on the Strip for Zac Efron on Wednesday, celebrating the actor’s appearance on this month’s Nylon Guys cover.

Efron filled an entire table with his entourage, including his stylist, Jenny Ricker, at Michael Mina’s XIV restaurant, followed by a dance party attended by actors Brittany Snow, Christian Serratos, Ashley Tisdale, Taryn Manning and Hollywood hipsters Cory Kennedy and Brent Bolthouse (who also DJ'ed).

“I’m wearing G-Star jeans -- some kind of skinny, not sure which one” (3301 Sec in raw denim, $190), said Efron, who completed his look with a striped Marc Jacobs sweater worn over a G-Star T-shirt. "They're really cool."

“Zac likes stylish yet simple styles and never goes for trendy,” chimed Ricker. “He’s like the best of my clients, because he’ll never make a bad choice."

-- Max Padilla

Photo: Zac Efron. Credit: Amy Graves / WireImage

Liv Tyler hosts a kiddie party at the Stella McCartney for GapKids pop-up shop

Liv Tyler hosted the opening party for the new Stella McCartney for GapKids temporary store on Robertson Boulevard on Wednesday. Tyler was joined by pals Amber Valletta, Jessica Capshaw, Monet Mazur, Jennifer Meyer Maguire and Sasha Alexander, who all brought their tykes.

The former Gap 1969 denim boutique was converted into a kid-friendly space offering face paintings, balloons and red velvet cupcakes and other sweets.

Tyler acknowledged that when it comes to picking children’s fashion, “it’s probably what the parents like best.” Her Stella McCartney for GapKids favorites? “The Sergeant Pepper jacket and the sweater with the tiger on it -- it’s kind of a famous Stella piece," she said. (It’s actually a leopard.)

Glendale fashion blogger vies to be 'America's Most Stylish Blogger'

Tiffany Tse, an indie fashion blogger based in Glendale, is competing to be "America's Most Stylish Blogger" in a national contest sponsored by AOL lifestyle website Stylelist.com and online designer retailer Bluefly.com.

She's one of eight finalists in the competition -- in which Bluefly sends bloggers a mystery item of clothing every week to style as they see fit. The bloggers then post photos of their styled outfits and are judged by a panel of experts via video. But voting takes place online -- with America picking the weekly winners on Bluefly.

Currently on week two of the five-week contest, the bloggers have so far put together ensembles incorporating a bright blue Priorities "boyfriend" vest (the winner paired it with jeans and riding boots) and a pair of studded suede Prada booties.

Tse, whose Style Sophisticate blog is a running photo diary of her favorite fashion trends, styled her booties with a drapey purple dress and a furry gray vest.

Voting automatically enters you to win a $1,000 Bluefly shopping spree, and the winner walks with a $1,000 Bluefly spree, a weekly column on StyleList and a blogger store on Bluefly. Talk about a win-win.

--Emili Vesilind

RELATED:

MTV's 'Styl'D' shows the reality of a stylist's job

Photo: Glendale-based blogger Tiffany Tse. Credit: Tiffany Tse

Store openings: Orange County's Henri Bendel opens Friday

Henri Bendel, the storied New York Fifth Avenue retailer, unveils the first of its two new Southern California stores on Friday. The 2,000-square-foot boutique at South Coast Plaza stocks Bendel's array of handbags, jewelry, perfumes, scarves, chocolates and other gifts.

3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (800) 423-6335. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

-- Max Padilla

Bendel heads to the Beverly Center this November

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Weekend Update: Temperley Bridal, Privé Salon, Club Monaco, William Rast

On Friday and Saturday, Temperley London hosts a 2010 bridal trunk show for brides-to-be and prospective wedding planners.
Meet with luxury vendors from Frédéric Fekkai, Moët & Chandon, Sweet Lady Jane cakes, Patina Catering, Me & Ro Jewelers, Sepal Floral Design and Ceci New York Stationery. A $2,000 Bridal Bliss Kit filled with gift cards and a Champagne magnum will be raffled off.
The first 20 guests who mention “All the Rage” at the door will receive a complimentary Temperley candle and an extra ticket for the Bridal Bliss Kit raffle. RSVP to John Zimmerman, (323) 782-8000 or Johnz@Temperleylondon.com.

8452 Melrose Place, West Hollywood. (323) 782-8000. Noon to 5 p.m.

Salon

Feed Your Hair Drive at Privé ongoing through Nov. 30: Get your locks done and help the L.A. Mission feed hungry people this holiday season. Make a hair appointment at Privé then bring two canned edibles to the salon and receive a complimentary house Vert Eclat conditioning treatment (value $45).

7373 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 931-5559. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Offers

Club Monaco: Through Monday, Nov. 9: Get a jump on holiday shopping: Spend $50 at Club Monaco area stores and receive a free gift (gifts range from leather goods, gloves and bracelets).
401 N Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. (714) 957-3080. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa (714) 556-0611. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Events

Real Style for REAL Women at Coldwater Creek Saturday: Stylist Sam Saboura, who has worked with Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston, gives tips on revamping your look without breaking the bank. Saboura will dole out tips on finding the perfect fit for any shape, incorporate this season’s trends into your outfits and pick those pieces that can layer up or down plus learn how to “shop” your closet. RSVP to kpoelma@muchandhousepr.com
12191 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach. (310) 927-8660. Noon to 3 p.m.

Opening

William Rast Outlet: Contemporary clothing line, helmed by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala, opens a William Rast outlet at Desert Hills this week. Expect to find denim, knits, woven shirts and outerwear for men and women priced at below retail. 

48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. (951) 849-6641. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

-- Max Padilla

Photo Temperley Sophie dress ($6,450). Credit: Temperley.
 

Coming next September: Fashion's Night Out, Part Deux

Grab that Nars eyeliner pencil and draw a big circle around Sept. 9, 2010, in your Smythson fashion diary calendar, because that's the date for the sophomore engagement of Fashion's Night Out.

Last week, New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and representatives from Vogue magazine, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and NYC & Company, the city's marketing and tourism organization, announced that this fall's "get-out-the-shop" initiative/consumer confidence builder/retail mardi gras -- which included extended hours, special deals and in-store designer and celebrity appearances -- increased retail foot traffic some 50% across the five boroughs and would return next year.

Krisa designer launches Lanston, a new T-shirt collection

When designer Krisabelle Ann Tan launched her Krisa contemporary collection in 2004 it was full of knit layering pieces: ribbed tanks, French terry hoodies and cotton supima tops. 

But as the collection gained steam in the market it veered away from sportswear and into more typical contemporary fare -- dresses and structured separates.

Now the L.A.-based designer is returning to her roots -- with a new T-shirt-based collection called Lanston that launched for fall 2009. The beyond-basics collection features tanks, tees and long-sleeved knit tops along with a handful of knit accent pieces including vests, jackets and cardigans. 

The super-soft tops (which retail for under $100, with most pieces coming in at under $60) are the stuff of daily wear, the kind of tees you pull on again and again to layer under cardigans, blazers and other T-shirts. The collection reminds me of Alexander Wang's tee-driven line, T by Alexander Wang, but is less louche-looking and a tad cheaper.

"Originally I didn't set out to start a new line," said Tan. "I just wanted to add a capsule group of basics to Krisa that would easily merchandise back to the existing collection. I realized that I missed my basic tees and layering pieces. Lanston started out with just five pieces, but the fabric was so amazing. ... I knew it could stand on its own. It feels like tissue cashmere but for a fraction of the price."

The new collection is available at Revolve Clothing. 

-- Emili Vesilind

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Photo: Lanston tops

Dress for Success at Footcandy and Feature boutiques

Thursday through Sunday, donate three items of clothing or shoes for women in need and receive a $20 credit toward new merchandise at Brentwood's Footcandy and Feature boutiques. Feature stocks fall offerings from Wren ($100 to $300) and Aussies Camilla and Marc ($300 to $600).

11934 and 11958 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 826-6600. 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Sunday by appointment.

-- Max Padilla

Photo: A look from Wren Credit: Wren

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Have your say: How much is too much for kid’s clothes?

Stella McCartney designed a collection for GapKids and GapBaby that she calls “accessibly priced” in a news release. But is $78 for a Stella McCartney for GapKids girl’s tuxedo jacket or $38 for a boy’s Western shirt still priced too high? A reader from Santa Monica, Peggy Jo Abraham e-mails All the Rage:

Reading your article, “Mind The Gap” it is obvious that not only did Stella McCartney grow up in the Wings decade, but she also grew up the daughter of a Beatle. While I'm sure her children's designs are adorable, it's ridiculous for her to call these "accessibly priced.” How many mothers, especially in this economy, will find a trendy military jacket for $128 or sweat pants for $78 affordable items for their kids?

Clearly both Ms. McCartney and GapKids are not in touch with the plight of the average consumer. It will be interesting to see how holiday sales of these clothes stack up against sales at the discount stores.

Point taken. But Stella McCartney’s collection for kids might be accessibly priced compared with her designer-label collection where recent women’s styles including accessories cost around $1,000 and upwards (the Stella McCartney for Adidas collection retails mainly at a more accessible $200).

On Friday, JCPenney is launching Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Olsenboye, a tween and juniors collection priced from $20 to $50. Retailers Target, Kohl’s and Wal-Mart can go as low as $10 for children's clothes. However there’s the question of quality and manufacturing -- a dress from a made-in-USA brand such as Little Ella by Ella Moss retails for $32 at the Mini Social, a children’s online retailer based in Burbank.

“The quality tends to be better with domestically made garments,” says Melinda Marinack, co-founder of the Mini Social. 

Have your say: How much is too much for kid’s clothes?

-- Max Padilla

RELATED:

Stella McCartney's new GapKids line hits select stores

Photo: Boys' looks from Stella McCartney for GapKids. Photo credit: The Gap

Bearded & Tschorn: A Movember battle of the media mustaches?

If the guys in your office are starting to look a bit like they've got a sprinkling of black pepper on their upper lip, chances are they're participating in Movember, a month-long charity mustache cultivation ("mo" is Australian slang for mustache) to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues -- specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

After writing about the Movember Foundation for last Sunday's Image section, I decided to get my own 'stache on for a good cause, coming up with a cool name (Media 'Stache) and trying to wheedle/cajole/beg and shame my compatriots here in The Times building to join me.

Despite a whole lot of verbal promises and bobbing of heads, to date the team of those supporting my cause consists of me, my father-in-law, my sister-in-law, and an awkward silence.

To make matters worse, as I was getting ready to leave the house Monday morning, KNBC's "Today in LA" weekday co-anchor Chris Schauble announced he’d gotten special dispensation from management to grow his mo – which at that point wasn't even visible to the naked eye.

This morning, as I awoke with what looks like coffee grounds affixed to my upper lip, Stubble - I mean Schauble -- seemed to be sporting a more definite line of hair right there. I don't know if he's tending it with "Miracle Mo" or what but I have to give the man props, since his team and donations page seem to be growing as rapidly as his mustache, and currently stands at four times the size of mine member-wise with donations at just over three times the dollar amount.

Did I mention the man has gone all mustache multimedia, too? He's also ginning up support via Twitter.

But it's still early in the month, and I'm not going down without a fight. Call me crazy, but I think there's a chance Media 'Stache can best the Mocasters, if not in donations to charity, at least in sheer numbers of supporters.

I think it's a fair matchup; he's a triathlete, marathon runner and the father of two sets of twin girls, and I'm a lazy couch potato who can drink St Pauli Girls until I see double.

So to you, Chris Schauble, I throw down the mustache comb of challenge. Care to wager?

To the rest of you, don't let me grow it alone.

-- Adam Tschorn

Photos: At top, a mustachioed file photo of "Today in LA" co-anchor Chris Schauble. Photo credit: KNBC. At bottom, a file photo of Times staff writer Adam Tschorn. Photo credit: Adam Tschorn / Los Angeles Times. Both began November clean shaven and are growing their mustaches for the next month to raise funds and awareness in the fight against prostate and testicular cancer.

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Wardrobe Why: What's so cool about pith helmets?

As a former game show question-and-answer man, I always appreciate finding out the "why" of our wardrobe choices. And a few weeks ago, when I was wandering about Carmel-by-the-Sea looking for cuff links, a chance detour into the the Carmel Hat Co. yielded not only a dapper looking straw Scala for my balding pate, but the explanation behind the instantly recognizable staple of jungle and tropical excursions known as the pith helmet (which the Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion also calls a "topee" or "topi").

According to the husband and wife owners Mary San Marcon and Chris Estrella -- who've been married 31 years and owned the postage-stamp-sized chapeau shop (it's less than 400 square feet) in the Doud Arcade for the last 16 of those -- the virtue of the solid yet lightweight domed head gear lies in the thick layer of solid material underneath the thin layer of fabric: pith or cork (essentially a layer of tree bark).

"Originally what they would do is soak the helmet in water overnight," San Marcon explained. "And then it would keep your head cool as the water evaporated slowly throughout the day."

While I didn't think it was quite the appropriate headgear for that evening's black-tie wedding, it fits in nicely with the explorer/desert military vibe that labels like Versace and Galliano had embraced for their Spring/Summer 2010 men's runway collections in Europe earlier this year. 

Now, I'm not advocating that when next spring rolls around everyone should chuck that stingy brim fedora and go all safari, but if global warming trends continue, a tree bark topper is certainly one low-tech, old-school option for keeping a cool head with a dash of retro-explorer style.

The Carmel Hat Co. at the Doud Arcade, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.  (831) 625-9510.

-- Adam Tschorn

Photo: The Carmel Hat Co.'s stock of pith helmets includes a style historically associated with British troops in South Africa and Afghanistan, center, and a lower-profile style, right, more common in India and known as a "Bombay bowler." $48.50 each. Credit: Adam Tschorn / Los Angeles Times

Celebs go cheap chic to celebrate H&M's new Jimmy Choo collaboration [UPDATED]

All the L.A. lovelies turned out for the Jimmy Choo for H&M party in Hollywood last night, wearing pieces from the line that hits stores Nov. 14.

Nothing in the line is over $300, which meant the look was cheap chic. M.I.A. wore over-the-knee boots (the most expensive item at $299) with a sequined shark-emblazoned top by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, before changing into a dress that shimmied when she performed later in the evening. Nicky Hilton chose a sparkling little black dress accessorized with a star-emblazoned clutch, while sister Paris wore a Jimmy Choo for H&M cat suit and Hayden Panettiere slid into a pair of black leather leggings and a zip-up, sequin-covered cardigan.

Social Primer pop-up launches at Alpha Gear for Gents

Mens etiquette website Social Primer launched a pop-up shop inside Alpha Gear for Gents boutique on Monday -- bringing high-brow social accouterment to the West Hollywood guys gift shop.

The website, which tackles age-old problems such as how to avoid flu-season handshakes ("make a hasty retreat to the nearest loo and wash the hands like 'Silkwood'"), also boasts a retail component, selling gentlemanly items such as reversible bow ties, belts and monogrammed everything -- from stationery, belts and drinks coasters to napkins, pillows and cuff links. 

The pop-up shop, which will be up through Dec. 31, features an expanded mix of the site's usual fare -- heavy on the stationary -- along with a handpicked selection of vintage books, antiques and art, all chosen by Social Primer's founder, Cooper Ray, who offers sartorial and lifestyle advice on the site under his haughty alter ego, SP.

"We have always wanted to offer personalized gifts, because what Alpha gentleman should be without his own stationary?" said Darren Gold, who co-owns Alpha (8625 Melrose Ave.) with Christos Garkinos. "SP has offered us an amazing opportunity to do that. ... Personalized items make for really special gifts. It's all very civilized, which every Alpha man should be."

-- Emili Vesilind

Photo: Reversible bow ties. Credit: Social Primer

The buzz about Melvita beauty products

When traveling, I love buying beauty products only found abroad.  There’s something chic about the packaging and the fact that it can’t be bought in the US.  And so what if I can’t understand the language on the bottle or read the possibly harmful ingredients -- it looks really cool perched in my shower. 

Melvita, an organic beauty and skin care line from France, is one of those cool, well-packaged brands that I would gravitate to in an apothecary-style shop in Europe. 

But starting Wednesday, no plane ticket is necessary -- Melvita will be available online.  And in January, the first U.S. store will open in San Francisco.

The line was started by a beekeeper/biologist who uses all-natural ingredients, including royal jelly, lime tree sap and green tea in his products.  There’s stuff for men, women, babies and even jars of honey straight from the farm in Ardeche, France. 

Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Melvita products; credit: Melvita

Vintage video: Patt Morrison teaches you how to wear a hat

 

Everyone gets comfortable in their individual fashion style. Branching out to try something new and unexpected can be a bit scary. To -- correctly -- add a bit of pizazz to your noggin, check Times columnist Patt Morrison's video on how to wear a hat. Sure, this video coincided with her 2008 article for Los Angeles Times magazine, but some looks never go out of style.

-- Whitney Friedlander

MORE HOW-TO VIDEOS:

How to wear sequined clothing

How to wear animal print

How to get the perfect manicure

How to do a marble manicure at home

Runway fete for the 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists

The 2009 Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists brought their designs to the Chateau Marmont last Friday for a runway show beneath the palm trees and billboards in the hotel’s back garden.

Sally Singer, fashion news director of Vogue, introduced the 11 women's wear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers, who have worked in everything from banking to wardrobe styling and have trained under the likes of Helmut Lang, Karl Lagerfeld and Ralph Lauren.

Each designer showed five spring/summer 2010 looks. The afternoon's highlight was Ohne Titel, designed by Alexa Adams and Flora Gil, who met as students at Parsons School of Design. Their knit dresses, tops and leggings are really fabric art—a marvel of stark architectural lines, body-conscious banding and draping inspired by Egyptian wall paintings. (The two were also feted on Thursday night at the salon-style Zainab boutique in Hollywood, which carries their collection. )

Both Gary Graham and Alabama Chanin showed edgy prairie looks (corsets, petticoats and ticking stripes for Graham; homespun layers and fraying embroideries for Chanin), while L.A. shoe designer George Esquivel’s handmade boots and lace-up shoes looked lived in and loved.

In the menswear category, Simon Spurr is a rising star for slim-cut suits that are American prep with a dash of British tailoring. He said afterward that he wished his pieces had been ironed before hitting the runway, but I kind of liked their rumpled texture. (Decades' Cameron Silver wore his support on his sleeve -- literally -- turning out in one of Spurr's suits.)

The crowd was a chic one, filled with celebrities (ranging from the familiar faces, Eva Mendes, Mary-Kate Olsen and Jessica Alba, to relative newcomers including recently redheaded Lily Collins and "Glee's" Dianna Agron, who was bound for LAX and the World Series, where the cast would sing the National Anthem before Game 3).

There were plenty of designers looking on too (Juicy Couture’s Pamela Skaist Levy and Gela Nash Taylor, Russell Simmons, Jeremy Scott, J.C. Obando, Chrome Hearts’ Laurie Stark, Toms Shoes' Blake Mycoskie and Trovata's John Whitledge), along with hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai, the beauty partner for the event.

Model/designer Erin Wasson was dressed very Venice Beach boho, in blousy print pants and motorcycle boots, and carrying an ethnic handbag. (She was bound for the beach for Halloween, to go camping with her dogs and swim in her birthday suit, she said.) Commenting on her recent turn as preppy purveyor J. Crew’s catalog cover model, Wasson said she had heard more comments about that than anything else in her career. Apparently, some people in the blogosphere considered it a betrayal of her edgy image. Her response? "Hey, a model's got to work."

After the show Vogue West Coast Senior Editor Lisa Love, in a dress by Obando, a finalist from last year's competition, escorted guests to the lobby for Champagne, macarons and tea. The winner of the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund prize, which includes cash and industry mentoring, will be announced in New York on Nov. 15.

-- Booth Moore

Top photo: A spring look from Ohne Titel. Credit: Donato Sardella /WireImage courtesy of Vogue.

Bottom photo: A spring look from Simon Spurr. Credit: Donato Sardella /WireImage courtesy of Vogue.

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