Directives West First LA was held March 14, 2011, on the patio at the California Market in Downtown LA.  The Fall 2011 lineup included fashion designers who were selected to showcase the seasonal trends on the West Coast.  A video was shown before the runway started with a resounding message that Los Angeles is the most creative when it comes to fashion, that the consumers will invest in statement pieces, continue to spend money on clothes, and that LA is the contemporary capital.   What did I see on the runway?  Flared jeans, romantic blouses, capes and ponchos; mixed media tops, high waists and wide legs; textured sweaters, colored bottoms, fur pieces, the maxis, extreme hi-low tops, the midis, and statement jackets.   LA designers for Directives West First LA showcased the sum total of all these trends.

Photos by Angela Weiss (Getty Images)

Whitney Eve showcased silk baby dolls, maxi skirts, wide cuff pants, comfy oversized patterned sweaters, and long-sleeved micro mini dresses.  Accents of various patterns are the key to this collection.  Footwear provided by Michael Antonio.

YuYu utilized the ever-growing popular Navajo theme with Navajo-inspired sandals, knit jodhpurs, uneven-hemmed and hooded sweaters.  Loved the styling with the knit, striped leggings and the fur-rimmed convertible sweaters.  Footwear provided by Koolaburra.

Twinkle by Wenlan consisted of patterned rayon maxis and the comfy sweater dress.  Blouses were shorter and fuller on top than in past seasons with the one-shoulder, patterned scarf and flowy effect.  Footwear provided by Wanted and Gypsyz (Knit Boots).

James Icon had patterned stitching on the leggings, cotton tops (sustainable), corduroy pants—burgundy for men—and stitched skinny black jeans worn with a vest.  Also for men, Denim and jeans with elongated back pockets.  The women wore black capris, black blazers paired with shorts.  What was different?  The leather leggings—loved ‘em.  Footwear provided by Michael Antonio.

Hazel presented stretched leggings with leather accents, dresses with black lace.  Hers was a very layered look with ruffled, patterned maxi skirts, polka dots with oddly non-matching fur or faux fur jackets.  Footwear provided by Auri.

50 Dresses was a collection of nicely styled, very feminine dresses for all occasions. Footwear provided by Michael Antonio.

Dolan was what I’d call ‘casual over clubbing’ attire, filled with fur wraps, wool-stitched vests over gray casual leggings. Footwear provided by Michael Antonio.

Kolae showcased long orange wrap dresses leather cheek-hugging shorts, green leather capris, flowing wrap skirts, and more evening black and silver metallic maxi wrap dresses.  Footwear provided by Michael Antonio.

J Brand’s main looks were the long feather vest, waist-length and mid-length sleeve fur coat with ribbon tie, and the striped open collar fur coat for her.  For him, black tanks and tees worn with jeans and boots.  Footwear provided by Poetic Licence.

Photos by Volker Corell

Imposter created looks of faux fur vests, fur mid-sleeve coats, Fur vests worn over semi-wide legged jeans, fur fringe hems, men’s casual tees worn with boot-cut jeans, and mixed media fur and feathers.  Footwear provided by Poetic Licence.

Dolce Cabo was a collection of show-stopping sporty cocktail attire with clean lines for special occasions.  Footwear provided by Poetic Licence.

Seasonal Messages for Fall 2011 were broken into four categories.

1.     Wild Estate is luxury mixed with touches of sporting aristocracy.  So what does all that mean?  Simply put, capelets, speckled wool, and classic riding attire.  Fabrics include plaid, nice leather, and fur; sweater knits, yarn tweeds, and dark denims; tarnished metallics and plush surfaces, like velveteen; and color palettes of camel, mustard, and orange bases with accents of rustic woods and bronze.

2.     A Simple Affair is modern simplicity combined with vintage romance and renewed femininity, which equates to mild draping, shades, plush layering, and vintage glam.  Hand-drawn prints, wallpaper florals, spots, and nature inspirations prevail.  Knitted fabrics like bouclés and intarsia will be paired with silk chenille, and crushed velvet, and deeper toned matte neutrals along with creamy sorbet shades.

3.     Cold Front includes capes, ponchos, off-set-shoulder blanket wraps with unexpected colors and Mexican inspirations (L.A.M.B. Fall 2011); Nordic styling, including jacquards and lofty knits, and quilting (United Bamboo Fall 2011).  What used to be considered sleek for urban attire has now been converted to rural farming details with utilitarian structures and a gritty appeal that’s either gold rush or coated denims.  The colors are neutrals with navy, midnight sky, grays, and clear ice overcasts.

4.     Gypset Siren is chic, sensual, bohemian, and well traveled, ranging from sophistication to unconventional to elegant vagabond.  The style is that of 70s free spirit with funky furs over vivid color bottoms.  Bold, mismatched prints, geometrics, digital and mixed media; and the colors are pigmented mid-tones, and bright crayon for eye-popping updates.

There is something for everyone in these focused collections.  The trend to mix and match has spread across coasts.  Winter and summer combinations utilizing a mixed media of feathers and furs, maxis and minis, and the juxtaposition of textiles and silks, rough and delicate, Navajo and Nordic inspirations, side by side with classic and traditional styles and fabrics.  The colors of jewel tones, oranges, and plaids play the ever-important role in designers’ cavalier approach to the selection of fabrics.

View the collections.