Leather jackets are the big draw at Simone’s Summer Soiree

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Penthouse 29 at the Chateau Marmont was abuzz with stylists, celebrities and editors who showed up Wednesday night to check out the Simone Summer Soiree –- a fall trunk show for designer Katie Simone Nehra’s collection of party-ready frocks and signature leather motorcycle jackets.

Racks of blazers, faux fur vests and moto jackets were pushed up next to a grand piano and the ladies in attendance couldn’t get enough of the line, grabbing for leather jackets, trying them on, posing for friends and then trying to decide which they liked best. The jackets could be customized with the leather of your choice or even monogrammed with initials or a nickname on the lower back area.

Nehra’s leather jackets have developed quite a following of trend-conscious women all over town, since Nicole Richie was spotted in one and rarely seems to take it off. What makes Nehra’s version so coveted (especially with a steep price tag nearing $1,000)? Celebrity stylist and E! Fashion Police co-host George Kotsiopolous mentioned while perusing the robust selection of jackets -- which included everything from aggressive silver-studded black leather to a deep eggplant and crackled, metallic leather -- that the Simone jackets are a “good weight and the leather moves. If the leather doesn’t move, it won’t shoot (read on camera) or wear well.”

And besides the celebrity factor, it’s no wonder L.A. ladies love the jackets so much, they’re the right weight to throw on over a thin day dress once the sun goes down, and judging by the way most ladies were styling them last night, that’s exactly how they plan to wear theirs.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

RELATED:

Frugal Fashion: Who says Selena Gomez needs Bieber fever to attract attention?

Your Stylist: A chic and versatile day to night bag

Two L.A designers are inspired by their city

Top photo: Simone fall 2011 leather jackets on a rack in the Chateau Marmont.