News Coverage:

Showcasing LA’s premier designers as well as some of the city’s most promising talents, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios features 35 catwalk shows as well as Design Suites at HD Buttercup.

Kicking off the event is Kevan Hall who will show his Fall 2006 collection on Sunday, Mar 19. Ya-Ya, Mexico City’s Carlo Demichelis and Louis Verdad are also on the calendar for that date.

Day two of the collections begins with newcomer Lourdes and continues with Moda Management, Corey Lynn Calter, Elsie Katz Couture, Joseph Domingo, Project Runway runner up Kara Saun, Morphine Generation, Deborah Lindquist, and closing the evening shows Agent Provocateur.

Day three includes shows by Alan Del Rosario, Uriel Saenz, Sue Wong, Samora, and Octavio Carlin. The evening shows of Day three feature the quintessential LA must, denim: lines by Antik, Buffalo, Yanuk and Taverniti. Day four features the return of Juan Carlos Obando followed by Anthony Franco, Kelly Nishimoto, Voom by Joy Han and Iron, the evening shows will begin with the first time showing of Collection BeBe, the anticipated collaboration of stylist Arriane Phillips and designer David Cardona, followed up by Chulo Pony and the return of Jennifer Nicholson.

The final day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios continues with shows by David Meister, Oligo Tissew, Bradley Bayou, Yana K and Meghan. The week closes with St. John’s return to Smashbox Studios.

In addition to the runway shows at Smashbox Studios are the many collections being presented in the Design Suites at HD Buttercup, located this season in Culver City just blocks away from Smashbox Studios. Confirmed participants to date include Taverniti, So Jeans, Antik Denim, Elvis, Duarte, Imitation of Christ, Yanuk, Ame and Lulu, Clara Kasavina, Dean Alan, Hadley Pollet ,Jacquelyne Love, Justin Boots, Lady Luck, Rockstyle, Ziba Beauty, Rossana Designs, Sheiki Jeans, Confisierie, Cass and Co., Alex and Ani and Ginch Gonch. Many new participants are being confirmed.

Joining Mercedes-Benz this season as Official Sponsors of the event are Smashbox Cosmetics, Aquafina, Judith Ripka, Cotton Incorporated, Effen Vodka, Gran Centenario Tequila, HD Buttercup, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, NV and Los Angeles Confidential Magazine.

For more information, please visit: www.mbfashionweek.com