Runway Report: LA Takes NYC, Part 1

Anyone who has any doubts about the West Coast style scene need look no further than the past few days of NY Fashion Week coverage. A good percentage of the weekend's most buzz-heavy shows have had some sort of westside connection - Band of Outsiders, Juan Carlos Obando, and Katy Rodruiguez, to name just a few who have already shown. And the best is yet to come with the Halston and Herve Leger collections launching soon, masterminded by LA locals Harvey Weinstein / Rachel Zoe and Max Azria, respectively.

Because of this, I've decided to devote my NY fashion week postage to the West Coast designers who are taking on the Bryant Park tents - some for the first time, others quickly becoming veterans, but all challenging the notion that LA fashion is all about jersey and jeans.


From this weekend's shows...

1. Juan Carlos Obando

This is the LA-based designer's first time showing in New York, and he's definitely proven he has what it takes to go up against the big boys. He's been a local celebrity for years, since he's the closest thing LA has to a bona fide couturier, and it's easy to see why - his architectural tailoring and attention to detail are impeccable, and he seems to instinctively know how to make a woman's body look its best. According to the LA Times, the inspiration for his collection was the comic book superhero - a concept that could look costumey, but one that he's subtly interpreted to look nothing but classy.

2. Katy Rodriguez

She rose to fame via Ressurection vintage, one of the Hollywood set's go-to venues for one-of-a-kind red carpet attire. Apparently, being immersed in such a catalog of fashion history rubbed off on Rodriguez, as her second collection had a totally modern, yet 80s nostalgic feel. Slinky, black cocktail dresses and tiny skirt suits were updated with futuristic pointed shoulders, while the trapeze dress, quickly becoming the mascot for naughties fashion, was taken back in time with black and bright purple colorblocking that reminded me of my third-grade collection of spandex bike shorts. Definitely one we'll be seeing on many a tabloid page in the future.

3. Boy by Band of Outsiders

Proof that LA designers can draw from influences outside of palm trees and sunshine - Scott Sternberg's fall collection for Boy. The inspiration for this one came straight from the Scottish highlands, by way of a rustic log cabin - lots of woolen plaids, furry trapper hats and flannel suits, sexed up with little fitted oxford shirts and low-slung trousers. It's clear that the designer has left the city he once called home, both physically and aesthetically - but if the results continue to look like this, am sure his West Coast fans will be able to cope.

All photos & more from style.com