L.A. Fashion Weekend - Day 1

L.A. Fashion Weekend kicked off at Sunset Gower Studios with SWIM L.A. – a night dedicated to Spring 2011 swimwear.

Before the show guests mingled in the lounge area and enjoyed a pre-cocktail reception which featured The Real L Word wine from Domenico Winery (in honor of Mikey’s appearance on the show), beer from Six Rivers Brewery (California’s Second Female-Owned Brewery), flavored tequila from Tequila Mar Azul, chocolate jalapeño martinis from 360 Vodka, and water to hydrate from Premier Label Water Co. Crustacean was gracious enough to provide yummy hors’d’oeuvres, which included their delicious garlic noodles that we refer to as crack because they are so addicting. 

Mar Azul Tequila offered a variety of mixed tequila drinks made from their flavored tequilas. Produced by a family company based in San Antonio, with 13 years of tequila making under their belt, Mar Azul handcrafted tequila is made with 100% Agave, flavored with natural flavors, and has no chemical additives. Flavors include coconut, almond, banana, chocolate, coffee, and pomegranate. Of course they also have the traditional Añejo, Blanco, and Reposado blends as well. I can attest that Mar Azul Tequila is quite tasty and very smooth.

360 Vodka also had a variety of tasty offerings that they made from their Double Chocolate, Cola, and Sorrento Lemon flavored vodkas. The Double Chocolate was good on the rocks, but even tastier when muddled with a little jalapeño, which gave it a nice kick. 360 Vodka is the first eco friendly distilled spirit in the world. The bottles are made from 85% recycled glass and each comes with a postage paid envelope made from 100% recycled paper in which to return the swing-top cap. For each cap received the company donates $1 to Global Green USA.

Guests also had an opportunity to test drive the Chevy Volt. I found it amusing that 150 horsepower was a selling point, especially since I have 560 hp sitting in my garage. However, for an eco-friendly car it’s not too shabby. There was also a pop-up boutique that featured jewelry from Morning Glory, Wishcraft, and Mia Milano Collection. Matt Geiger’s Nature's Mistake offered screen printed Tees for attendees.

The fashion show kicked off with a smoking hot performance by Christina Milian. Here to promote the debut of her C. Milian Eyewear the singer, who was decked out in a leopard leotard and thigh-high boots, performed “Zipper” from her forthcoming album Elope. When her performance was over confetti rained from the sky and thus signaled the beginning of Fashion Weekend.



The first collection of the night was a.Che. (http://www.acheswimwear.com/)
Founded by FIDM graduate Amanda Che the line featured sexy swimsuits comprised of bold colors and animal prints made from Italian fabrics. The bikini bottoms came in various styles and one pieces were accentuated with cut-outs. The collection ended with a bridal bikini complete with a feathered pearl veil that would be perfect for a wedding on the beach.



Teeki opened their show with a darling little girl with beautiful blonde hair. 9 year old Kaylyn Slevin modeled a yellow bikini from Teeki’s new girl’s line for Spring 2011. This little girl was fierce and she walked the catwalk like a pro. Teeki’s swimwear—created by Lindsay, also a FIDM alumn—are eco-friendly and don’t sag when wet because they are made from recycled water bottles. Yes, you heard correctly. The swimsuit styles were playful and fun and actually looked quite comfortable.



Kooey, a brand from Australia, provided a little entertainment courtesy of two bongo playing cuties. Kooey shifted the focus from beach to desert as the line was inspired by the rich colors of Australia’s central desert. As a result, bright colored swimsuits graced the runway. The collection featured resort wear for men, figure flattering bikinis, and traditional one pieces.



Christina Milian and Kaylyn made a final appearance on the runway and bid everyone goodnight. And, with that everyone headed off to Crustacean for the after party. Because you can never get enough crack.

Narrative by Nikki Neil, Photos by J