L S P R: Directives West FIRST.LA Fall/Winter 2011

Big kudos to the team from leading merchandising consulting firm Directives West and producer James Campbell who put on a beautiful show Monday night for their FIRST.LA seasonal runway presentation.

For Fall/Winter 2011, Directives West gathered together a handpicked collection of designers -- mixing both emerging brands with beloved notables -- highlighting the best of tomorrow's fashion in the contemporary market. Designers shown on the runway included Whitney Eve, by Whitney Port, YuYu, Hazel, J Brand, Imposter, Dolce Cabo, Twinkle by Wenlan and more.

I always enjoy working with Directives West for this show as their expert team has combed the market to present the freshest in fashion for the season. The show never fails to introduce me to a new obsession and this season was no exception. Designed by Manhattan Beach native Cameron Danielle Spear, Kolae's easy-breezy 70's style kimono wraps and billowy maxi dresses are on my list to hunt down for fall. The Kolae collection was styled on the runway by none other than one of my favorite LA stylesetters Erin Weinger of StyleSectionLA. A fashion free-spirit in her own right, Erin gave the collection the perfect boho-fab look it was calling for.

For the first time, Directives West drew in some of LA's local stylesetters including Erin Weinger, referenced above, as well as Fashion Editor, Stylist and all-around rock star Hellin Kay of ChampagneandHeels.com and Image Consultant and creative styling mastermind Laurie Brucker of LaurieBStyle.com to co-curate and style sections of the show featuring the FIRST.LA designer of their choosing. It was fun to see each girl's spin on their favorite designer. Hellin added an edgy twist to 50 Dresses' feminine frocks with oversized cocktail rings and shoulder-sweeping fringe earrings while Laurie Brucker layered Dolan's go-to tank dresses and off-the-shoulder sequined sweatshirts (also one of my future must-haves!!!!) with great aplomb.

A few highlights: