Five days and 41 catwalk shows might not seem a lot to the international fashion press who are used to the more hectic calendars of New York, Milan and Paris, but considering that Los Angeles is still emerging as a fashion capital, it’s a very good showing.

(By the way, as a point of clarification, we did not include Custo Barcelona, Lloyd Klein and Richard Tyler, who historically show their collections in New York for this trendspotting.)

Designer Gendler Tomer for Tomer

Designer Nabeel Jaber for Lords

Designer Rami Kashou

From what we have seen so far, several Los Angeles designers have great potential. Best of shows for emerging talents are Tomer and Lords, whose distinctive styles can easily fit into the New York calendar.

Rami Kashou, Naqada and Martin Martin with their avant-garde take on daywear and eveningwear get “two thumbs up” from our writers and editors.

Designer Octavio Carlin for Naqada

Martin Martin

Sue Wong

All time favorites are Sue Wong, Eduardo Lucero and Louis Verdad whose masterful executions of cut, draping and tailoring technique can bring Los Angeles into a whole new level.

Casual and Sporty:

Maybe it’s the California sunshine or just the California way of life. The biggest trend is for the casual and sporty looks as seen in 2 B Free, Frankie B, Sanctuary, Joe’s Jeans and Michelle Mason.

Jerseys and t-shirt knits seem to be the fabric of choice, which is not surprising because these fabrics are wearable, can take a lot stress and most of all --- wash and wear. Casual and sportive lifestyle.

Rock & Roll:

Los Angeles is a music capital, with all the musicians and rock bands in the area. It’s an inherent part of the L.A. lifestyle. Leather skirts, jackets and pants – from biker chic to those trimmed with fur, it’s about seeing and being seen. It’s not for the faint of heart, but I tell you, these clothes are a lot of fun. Check our Lords and Sheri Bodell.

Touch of Europe:

Maria Bianca Nero, Samora, Single and Petro Zillia brought Milan, Paris and other countries in the European continent front and center on the runway, bringing a touch of sophistication and worldliness with an LA twist.

Ruffles Here, Ruffles There, Ruffles Everywhere

The now ubiquitous ruffle which had been seen from New York, Milan and Paris have reached Los Angeles! It’s romantic and its old world elegance. As for me… arghhhhhh… I hope that this trend will not be around during the Spring 2005 season.

Travel

Shay Todd, Corey Lynn Calter and Heike Jarick all dressed their women to be jetsetters either to follow the sun or just to sightsee. Just pack your bag and go, just don’t forget to bring the right clothes!

Time & Place

Inspiration from different parts of the world --- Coco Kliks Montevideo nights to John Sakalis’ “East Meets West,” the world just became smaller as different parts of the world are represented on the runway.