LOS ANGELES, Mar 19, 2006/ FW/ --- Closing the first day of the Los Angeles season, Louis Verdad ‘packed them in,’ previewing his 48-piece collection to a SRO crowd at the Main Tent, the biggest venue at Smashbox Studios, with no other than A-list celebs Matthew Perry, Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton sitting front row.

The show started late, thanks to the paparazzi mayhem caused by the entrance of the Hilton Sisters. But, the lateness of the hour was immediately forgiven when the house lights went out and the spotlights came up with several models wearing black & white ensembles posed ready for an editorial shoot at the beginning of the catwalk were revealed.

His press notes said it all – “New Wave music, vinyl and patent leather, boning, corseting, wool blanket, plaid, Anita Burger, shredded ruffles, cigarette shapes, sleek shoulders, black and white wood platforms,” which basically mentioned all the looks proposed for Fall 2006.

Dividing the show into three sections, the first one was a fashion statement in black and white that featured suit jackets and pencil slim tuxedo pants. Pencil skirts with kick pleats were reminiscent of the 1940s, but made modern by pairing them with bustier inspired tops.

Boned strapless dresses that gracefully curved the model’s figure, trumpet dresses with taut bodices and sweater dresses defined most of the daywear.

Boy shorts, wide leg trousers, culottes and knickers gave the collection a playful aura, with a surprising military touch with an aviator dress and snug fitting military jacket.

Part 2 was a performance by a lone hula-hoop dancer, capturing the audience’s attention and garnering applause as he exited.

Then came the plaids with patent leather insets, Louis Verdad playing with texture. And though the collection was feminine, the patent leather gave it a hard edge.

And, if Louis Verdad has his way, women will be wearing obi-wide belts come fall, with their matching Charles David shoes. Together with envelope clutch bags, that summed up the accessories of choice for this collection.