Fashionably Natural

(LOS ANGELES) Leave it to Tinseltown's crop of budding young talent to kick off the fashion festivities in Los Angeles with a bang. On Thursday night, art scenesters and the fashion elite alike packed into the Petersen Automotive Museum to honor four emerging lines--Brigid Catiis, Popomomo, The Battalion and Velvet Leaf--hand-selected by Gen Art for an unforgettable fashion show, hosted by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The eco-friendly event drew guests like Christine Lakin, Krysten Ritter, Willa Holland, Rachel Smith, George Blodwell, Hellin Kay, and George Kotsiopoulos.

Before the crowd took in the fashion spectacular (which featured looks ranging from casual organic cotton knitwear to sophisticated raw silk party dresses), several of the city's fashion veterans offered insights about the approaching week ahead.

"There have been rumors that L.A. fashion is on the decline, but I won't hear of it! Granted what we produce can't be compared to that of New York or Milan, but we offer the world something else," countered Blodwell in the first row. "When I come to these shows, I'm, not necessarily looking for the best workmanship or top fabrics; I just appreciate the great ideas and raw innovation that comes with fashion week in L.A." 

Inches away, Kelly Cook, also paid careful attention to the artful designs sauntering down the runway; even snapping a few candid shots on her digital camera, for use on her blog, BagSnob.com. "Eco-fashion is taking over the world right now, and I wanted to see for myself what it was all about. To be honest, I'm a bag snob! I don't even own any eco-friendly clothes or handbags," she admitted with a glint in her eye. "Is it even politically correct to be at this event carrying an ostrich and croc leather handbag?"
JENNIFER CHAN