During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, designer Mimi Plange showcased her collection entitled “Labrynth” at a 5th Avenue penthouse with breathtaking views. This private residence was the ideal setting for Plange’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. The elegant presentation boasted art installations, a classical violinist, and beautifully poised set design.

Mathieu Mirano showed in New York for the very first time at The Box at Lincoln Center last February. His was a presentation full of Chinese inspirations and bold colors of red and shiny gold; other colors consisted of more muted tones ranging from browns, blacks, and blues.

Held at the EYEBEAM Atelier in New York City, designer Rolando Santana recaptured the mood of the 70s by his variety of sequins, silk lamé, and modern embroideries.

When the verdict was read, that’s when all hell broke loose! South Central became the scene of riots, fires, and deaths. I remember. I witnessed it as a passenger in a friend’s car while on the freeway peering into the war zone, where violence and looting erupted almost instantaneously upon the broadcast news that four out of the five cops were found “not guilty.” The Blacks of Los Angeles had finally had enough!

“Our inspiration was Loulou de la Falaise. She was a fashion icon, and whatever she threw on, she looked like the best-dressed person in the room. She did everything from bohemian to French to military. She could pull anything off with her confidence and her natural style.” —St. John Designer George Sharp

LK Paris has come up with a new collection called “Couture to Wear.” I found the name to be catchy and appealing. After all, couture is associated with high maintenance, expensive dry cleaning bills, and careful handling. Upon close inspection, the garments in this collection are impeccably sewn and surprisingly durable. The price points are nowhere near couture. In fact, they would definitely be comparable to the “special occasion” wear at a Bloomingdale’s or any other high-end luxury department store.

I strongly recommend seeing Camp Logan. If you’re curious about military history, if you want to see another side of patriotism, or if you’re just interested in basic human rights, you will find this play profoundly interesting, moving, and most importantly, educational. I walked out of the Robey Theatre changed.

Are you an athlete? If so, most likely you participated in an organized sport in high school. As a young girl, facing challenges relating to competing can be daunting. I for one feel I benefited from playing sports (tennis and track) and as a result have used those experiences to guide me through my adult life. I am the stepmother of a graduating high school senior who has participated in the sport of girls’ gymnastics. She started her gymnastic career as a sophomore.

Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. Spring 2012 was true to it’s brand at the presentation during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Stefani loves vibrant colors juxtaposed with prints.

Spring always brings with it lighter and brighter colors. Well, this Spring 2012 is no different when it comes to Diane Von Fustenberg’s new line; except that she presented a taste of old Hollywood, reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s style and hints of Givenchy 40 years ago with a bold set of prints, and I simply loved every piece!