Los Angeles Fashion Week

New York may still be the capital of fashion in United States, but that doesn't mean the residents of Los Angeles don't have their own thing going on. There's no doubt that LA has style, so when they launched their first fashion week, just a few years ago it fit right in with the culture of the city. The events are put on my Mercedes-Benz, which is why it is called Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and most of the shows are held at Smashbox Studios.

The idea behind fashion week is simple; twice per year big name design houses put out a clothing collection, and debut them to the world at their fashion shows. The shows for the Fall/Winter season are held in March, and the Spring/Summer collections are shown in October. Presenting at fashion week is one of the best ways for designers to get press for their fashion line, and to get buyers from boutiques and high end department stores interested in ordering their pieces. Along with buyers, celebrities, fashion critics and often socialites are seated in the coveted front row of fashion shows. The two groups feed of off each other; designers get publicity for their lines if a big name celebrity such as Britney Spears or Gwyneth Paltrow attends their show, and in return the stars and starlets get their pictures in the press.

The last fashion week in Los Angeles was one of the most successful yet. Since LA is home to many of the big denim labels and casual wear companies, it's no surprise that labels such as Morphine Generation, 2 B Free, Rock & Republic and Antik Denim were some of the biggest names on the runway. The runway also saw the likes of designer Jennifer Nicholson, the daughter of Jack Nicholson, who specializes in vintage wear, Petro Zilla's unique designs, and racy lingerie label Agent Provocateur, who's show caught the attention of celebrities like Carmen Electra and Christina Aguilera. Of course, those two weren't the only celebs to be spotted at the events; Kelly Osbourne, Lara Flynn Boyle, Eve, Lisa Rinna, Constantine Maroulis, and Paula Abdul were among the famous faces in attendance. Paris Hilton and her sister Nicki strutted the catwalk for 2BeFree, dressed in the lines trademark edgy graphic tees and two piece sweat suits.

With all the glitz, glamour and exclusivity that surrounds fashion week, what fashion maven wouldn't want to get in? It's not easy to score tickets to a one of the runway shows for non industry insiders, but it's not impossible. The best way to get into the fashion shows is through a connection. For instance, the mother of a friend of mine knew someone who coordinated fashion week in Los Angeles and New York. The two of them were able to view several shows by smaller designers, and even get front row seats for one of them. Still, many style fans with no connections find ways to view the shows. By arriving at the location of the show early, waiting in the stand by line and perhaps chatting up a PR person or two, there's a chance you'll get in. If you are a fashion student or work for a media outlet, even if it's just your own blog, you can always use that information which can at times up your chances. Make sure to get a schedule of the shows from FashionWeekLA.com in advance so you know you're way around..

So maybe your plans on viewing the shows live didn't pan out, all is not lost. Television and internet make it easy to view all the collections from fashion week in an up close and personal setting. The Style Channel has the best fashion week coverage, which often includes a daily recap of all the shows and backstage happenings. Also check out E! News Live on the E! channel for daily blurbs on the fashion shows. BookLA.com and GettyImages.com are the best sources for pictures from the red carpet, the shows and backstage.

Sure, the shows in Paris, Milan and New York are exciting, but L.A. definitely isn't a city to pass over. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles is quickly, and effectively carving out a style of it's own, and my guess is it will continue to grow into an even more star studded and commercial event in the years to come.