The Schumacher Runway showcased during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Spring/Summer 2012 at the Brandenburg Gate on July 7, 2011 in Berlin, Germany. Photo by J. Coldrey (WireImage).

Chechy Benedetti launched the Colombian swimwear label Pitahaya Swimsuits in 2006. A native of Cartagena, Benedetti has a passion for travel, which inspires her designs. Pitahaya Swimsuits Spring/Summer 2011 showed its collection styled with jewelry designs by Fernando Rodriguez Naranjo during the Cancun Moda Nextel 2010 Fashion Show at Le Blanc Spa Resort on November 20, 2010 in Cancun, Mexico.

“Regardless of where we live, we’re all at the mercy of Mother Nature, but we can choose to work with her as our spirits can unite for the benefit of good and brotherhood. In these times of economic strife, I am inspired and impressed as to how much the American people have stepped forward to help. How can I not be proud to be a Japanese man living in the United States?” –Shin Koyamada

January 19, 2011, Kevan Hall showcased highlights from his Spring 2011 Collection at Agenda Loft. The event was produced by Agenda Loft’s team Arun Nevader, Kaylene Peoples, and Anna Ferguson. It was styled by Kendrick Osorio, and photographed by Ash Gupta, who shot the event live that evening.

During LA Fashion Week, Houstina (Tina) of CGH Couture showcased her Fall 2011 collection alongside talented independent designer Holly Waas on March 19, 2011, at Agenda Loft. It was a packed house with a bevy of child stars, including Madison Leisle, Brandon Tyler Russell, Camryn Molnar, Taylor Beckett, Sam Lant, and Camryn Molnar. Emma Zehrner hosted the event. The two designers showed their latest collections, which consisted of couture and ready-to-wear.

March 14, 2011, at the “Unmasked” was a spectacular Masquerade Ball and runway presentation for the Fall Winter 2011 Black Label collection, at the private venue of Castle Antiques Warehouse and Showroom. LA’s hippest were in attendance, including the bevy of bloggers, publishers, and local celebrities.

Born in Scotland, Alakazia has lived in some 40 countries to date. His mother was from Africa, and his father was from India. In Paris, he worked with Ungaro, Valentino, and Armani. He is also an incredible illustrator. He recently self-published his first book. Seven children and ten grandchildren later, Alakazia has ventured into a new and very long-awaited chapter in his life, designing hats.

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.

Ina Soltani launched her collection of “siren” evening wear on March 18, 2011, at Vibiana in Downtown LA on the closing night of Style Fashion Week LA. This collection was inspired by the designer’s homeland and its dramatic narratives and artisans’ traditions, and a lot of old Hollywood glamour.

For the kickoff of LA Fashion Week on March 12, 2011, Project Ethos at the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood was the place to be. Aside from the intimidating long line, which literally wrapped around the building with guests and press clamoring to get in, one could feel the buzz of electricity emanating, anticipating the upcoming shows that evening. Red carpet arrivals were busy posing for media, and the fashion portion of the show was backstage, preparing for the emerging designers’ debut of their collections.