LOS ANGELES, Oct 20, 2005/ FW/ --- Twenty-two year old Yana K did not go to design school. After graduation from high school, armed with a raw design talent, she started making clothes for herself, family and friends.

She was just a kid having fun, yet as she sold more clothes, she realized that it could be a viable business. So, in 2003, she launched Yana K, starting first in L.A.’s fashion underground, having presentations in small venues that can only be called ‘off off calendar’ in fashion terms.

Her fun and chic line with vintage-inspired designs gathered enough momentum that the Russian-born designer finally had the courage to emerge from the fashion underground and enter the mainstream with her debut catwalk show at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios yesterday at the Lightbox.

Showing to a full capacity crowd, Yana K showed 61 exits of flirty mini skirts, frocks with plunging necklines, slim fitting pants and shorts.

With details like embroidery and ruching, the fabric draped almost flawlessly on the model’s body, it is really hard to tell that Yana K did not have any formal design education.

In a pre-show interview Yana K told FW that there was no real inspiration for her Spring / Summer 2006 creations. ‘It’s revolves around the free, individual spirit inside very woman,’ Yana K said.

So, it was surprising that she presented a very eclectic collection on the catwalk that can ‘be worn by almost every woman, from the stylish fashionista to the professional working girl, to even the most simple country gal.’

A very strong showing for a debutante and though the show could have use some editing (61 exits proves to be a little bit much), it can easily be forgiven considering that Yana K is just in her freshman season.

With this collection, Yana K rightfully earned to be listed as a ‘Name to Watch’ in the Los Angeles fashion scene.