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FIRST.LA presented by Directives West showcased the strength of LA’s undeniable influence on retail, merchandising and trends with the Contemporary market.

On a brisk early Monday evening in March, buyers, stylists, bloggers, and fashion trend forecasters gathered on The Patio at the California Market Center to mix and mingle while sipping Pisco Gran Sierpe cocktails and check out the fall collections of some of LA’s talented designers.










Now in its second year, the First.LA Fall/Winter 2011 runway show exhibited a fresh mix of notable and emerging talent in the local contemporary market.

Directives West selected three prominent LA fashion influencers to style the show---Erin Weinger from StyleSectionLA.com, Fashion Editor and Stylist Hellin Kay of ChampagneAndHeels.com and Stylist and Image Consultant Laurie Brucker of LaurieBStyle.com.

“In our own right, Los Angeles definitely has created a unique emerging design talent that continues to steal the spotlight every season and we’re here to highlight a few of those talents as well as some collections that continue to awe and wow and capture us in the fashion industry,” explains Shelda Hartwell-Hale, Vice President at Directives West.


“In our second year we are really proud to say that the market looks new and fresh it’s exciting, and our prediction is that the consumer is going to continue to spend. She’s going to invest on more statement pieces, she is definitely going to continue to look for value and she’s going to look for some of the hot new items you’re going to see on the fall runway shows this evening.”

Designers shown were YUYU, Twinkle by Wenlan, Whitney Eve, J Brand, James Icon, Dolan, Kolae, Dolce Cabo, 50 DressesHazel and more.

Here are a few highlights.

YUYU. A leading LA based knitwear company featuring timeless, new contemporary designs in sweaters and knits. Gorgeous yarns in sophisticated styles and diversified silhouettes make this collection perfect for the season.






Twinkle by Wenlan. The Twinkle by Wenlan collection was born from designer Wenlan Chia’s affinity for design, love of art, and prolific imagination. Twinkle’s Chunky Texture Hand Knits are the most beloved items from Twinkle’s collection year after year.







Whitney Eve. An exciting and eclectic collection launched by Whitney Port evoking a girly nature with a touch of punchy sass.




J Brand. J Brand set out to create a sophisticated jean from a fashion point of view to make a woman look and feel beautiful. Known for its remarkable fit, J Brand has achieved a winning combination of style, comfort and sexiness.





Dolce Cabo. For Fall 2011 Dolce Cabo stayed true to the clean-lined sporty-cocktail vein the line is known for and once again has a solid lineup of special-occasion styles that strikes a hard-to-achieve balance between high fashion and accessibility.


James Icon. James Icon is the edgier contemporary counterpart to coveted demin brand James Jeans, known for its perfect and comfortable fit. Exuding a subtle sex-appeal, it is today’s answer to tomorrow’s fashion.









Dolan. Dolan is based on making the unexpected approachable. Even with surprising details, the styles remain unstructed and uncomplicated. Based and made in downtown Los Angeles, Dolan embodies authentic and creative California style.


Kolae. An edgy, chic and glamourous new collection launched for Fall 2011 created by partners Cameron Spear and Kristen DePalma. Kolae’s separates are perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle, and offer a seamless transition from cosmopolitan street chic to cocktail hour sophistication.



50 Dresses. Designer Tess Vigil presents vintage inspired, contemporary styles with the new LA-based line 50 Dresses. Modern lady-like silhouettes and feminine fabrics unite with an easy chic attitude.




Hazel. Hazel re-masters its playful and youthful take on classics and introduces an updated, more sophisticated look for Fall 2011. From statement jackets to romantic tops and feminine dresses, the collection captures a sporting aristocracy with a touch of modern enchantment.




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The finale…



1 comments:

Tsvetana Yvanova said...

Hi Editor-in-Chic! Thank you for giving a comprehensive overview of Directives West  event FirstLA this Spring. 
As an accessories Designer, who was also represented by Directives West during this event- I would like to add, that J.BRAND's collection was enhanced by STYLEVIEW  silk Scarves. STYLEVIEW 's collection is based on original gallery  fine art and has launched it's first season for Fall. The three pieces , that came with J.BRAND's models are ZEBRA, CUBE SOLEIL AND VASARIO. They vary from 42x42 in size to 26x74 , while the fabrics used are hi quality Chiffon,Double Georgette,Silk Mesh and Silk Wool blends .The StyleView Collection may be accessed at www.StyleView.co. One more interesting fact about StyleView's  products - they are all made in the US. I will be very happy if you keep a 'Chic' eye for the next season, especially about the upcoming Handbag collection by StyleView. Keep up the great posts ! And thank you once again, Chic-Eye!

Yours truly,
Tsvetana Yvanova, CEO/ Designer  StyleView

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