LA Fashion Week: Last Year was Fun, This Year will be Awesome

The first runway show was a collective project arranged by several designers. Some styles were dramatic, others subtle and elegant, and some wildly outrageous. Overall the energy was high, the models were beautiful, and there certainly was a lot to talk about afterward in anticipation of the next show.

This was my first time covering a fashion show and presented a new set of challenges for me as a photographer. Fortunately I was able to adapt quickly to the low lighting conditions and rhythm of the models, adjusting aperture and film speed so that I wasn't some rude newcomer shooting the poor girls in the face with flash. How embarrassing would that have been? My only regret is that I didn't bring along a monopod; my wrists and arms were quite sore at the end. The second runway show was Jared Gold's Black Chandelier, and eclectic collection characterized by vibrant color and classical design - long, flowing shirts, ruffles, and military-inspired jackets. The 2007 show was impeccably organized and plenty of fun, with a small Art Gallery and an after-party with live music and drinks (although the drinks were expensive). If I am going to pay $20 for a martini it should at least be something excellent, like Chopin or Belevedere or even Effen, but all these theater bars never have anything better than Ketel 1 - even the Disney Concert Hall has a lousy bar. But that has absolutely nothing to do with fashion.

I'm really hoping to cover the event again this year, and will be in the Fashion District working on the day of the show... I'll be starting my samples shortly and will hopefully have then back in time for an April photo shoot at the Salton Sea. If not, other arrangements will be made, but the most important thing is that I'm ready to go in June for Market.