Clear the Runway for Fashion Talent

While the big-name designers compete for red-carpet Oscar exposure, a group of lesser-knowns has been putting finishing touches on their own moment in the limelight. On Feb. 26, 11 fashion students at downtown Los Angeles' Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising will debut their collections at a fundraiser at Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. We stopped in for a little shop talk at their FIDM atelier.

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Elias Luna

35, Los Angeles

How do you describe your work?

Elegance with a little sexiness. For this collection, I looked at 1930s architecture, auto and train design.

What defines the L.A. look?

It's a mixture. The street look and a little bit of urban. Then you have the whole vintage classic look.

What's your first fashion memory?

My mom having a party. It was the early '70s. I was about 7. I remember her with huge hair and a lime-green A-line dress and white boots. I thought that was the coolest outfit.

What is the biggest fashion faux pas of the last 20 years or so?

The really low low-rise jeans. That should go away. Women and young girls think it's sexy. But it isn't.

Who would you love to dress?

Sharon Stone. She's a classic beauty and she wears clothes so well.

Who is your favorite designer?

Alexander McQueen. He's theatrical but his tailoring is impeccable.

Your favorite article of clothing?

This jacket. It's the perfect fit.

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Florence O. Leleji

28, Lagos, Nigeria

Tell us about your designs.

This collection is Watery Dusk--romantic, lots of poofs, flounces and beads. A marriage of Western silhouettes and African trims.

What defines the L.A. look?

Dressed down. The opposite of New York, where they dress up a lot. That was a shock to me.

What's your first fashion memory?

In an art contest at my school I got first place in textile design. My math teacher said, "This might be destiny. You never know."

Who would you love to dress?

Naomi Campbell. I love the way clothes look on her.

Something you'll never see in a Florence Leleji design?

I like sexy, but excessive nudity is just too much.

Who is your favorite designer?

Carolina Herrera. Her clothes are classic, timeless and very feminine.

Favorite article of clothing?

You won't see me without earrings. It's a big deal in Africa.

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Shannon Figgins

21, Lake Stevens, Wash.