Following in the footsteps of legions who've headed west to reinvent themselves, the rag-trade reality show "Project Runway" changed channels and production companies and relocated. Heidi Klum and increasingly less-than-mild-mannered mentor Tim Gunn are now basking in a sun-drenched, celebrity-stocked sixth season set in downtown L.A. and airing on Lifetime.
Although the show is expected to shift coasts from season to season (all but the final episodes of a New York-based Season 7 are already in the can), the first cycle to touch down here makes L.A.'s offerings seem so picture-perfect you may find yourself searching for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in the credits.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Sunday, October 11, 2009 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 4 National Desk 1 inches; 33 words Type of Material: Correction
L.A. Fashion's Class of 2010: In an article in today's Image section highlighting up-and-coming L.A. fashion figures, an incorrect Web address was provided for the Malin collection. The website is aplusrstore.com, not aplusr.com.
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Best in class
When it comes to up-and-comers, it's a four-way tie for the L.A. labels we love.
* Chic and understated Bird handbags (by former model and part-time comedienne Liz Carey, 32, above left) are a refreshing change in a sea of heavy-handed and over-adorned bags.
* Carlee Santarelli, 24, above right, doesn't make statement jewelry as much as jewelry that makes a statement; she collects everything from old Bill Blass fabric to real peacock feathers, encasing them under oval bubbles that magnify detail and couldn't be more charming. Her most recognizable creations are the vintage fabric cabochon cocktail rings she makes by hand in her downtown L.A. studio.
* The Malin Collection by Malin Nyman-Smallcombe, 35, is full of imaginative rope necklaces with eye-popping colored beads; the pieces are playful and totally unexpected -- unlike the drapey Bohemian jewelry that is so ubiquitous these days.
* L.D. Tuttle shoes, designed by Tiffany Tuttle, 32, are not for the timid. Cage heels such as the Screamer and the worn-in, chunky leather unisex boots with grommets called the Shifter exemplify the appeal that got Tuttle's work noticed by Victoria Bartlett at VPL and RVCA -- she created footwear for both for spring 2010.
Bird handbags,$200 to $2,400 at www.netaporter.com. Carlee Santarelli accessories range from $50 to $100 and are available at Arcade in West Hollywood. Malin Collection, $70 to $225, www.aplusr.com. LD Tuttle shoes, $300 to $500 at Saks Fifth Avenue and www.shopbop.com.
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Big men on campus
Ben Harper and David Arquette have all the quintessential BMOC qualities. They're charismatic, famous and have a bevy of beautiful friends. Last spring, Harper, 39, and Arquette, 38, broadened their curriculum and launched Propr, a contemporary collection for men and women inspired by Southern California skate and surf culture, Pendleton and vintage OP.
The design duo have been friends for 10 years, but long before they met, they knew of each other's passion for rare vintage clothing. "I would get to a vintage shop and ask if they had a certain item," Harper said. "And they would be like, 'Oh, we did, but David Arquette was just here and bought it.' " Eventually, they met and developed a friendship and a mutual admiration for each other's style. "For fall, we looked to '60s Liverpool, beatniks and the poets of the period," Arquette said. Think fuss-free, plaid men's button-downs; women's shirtdresses; and straight-leg, dark-wash denim. Propr retails from $48 to $345 at various boutiques including Kitson and Fred Segal Trend.
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Most energetic
The term "fashion empire" is often doled out too generously, but Max Azria, 60, defines the phrase. Since launching BCBG in 1989, Azria has expanded his business to include 22 labels, three runway shows each season and more than 560 BCBG retail stores worldwide. With his wife, Lubov -- the company's creative director since 1991 -- the designer and chief executive of Max Azria Group fuels the brands with the go-to clothing and accessories their loyal customers have come to know.
The company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and it's hard to find a starlet who hasn't worn a Herve Leger bandage dress since Azria relaunched the label two years ago. Most recently he has teamed up with Miley Cyrus to channel her rock-bopper style into Wal-Mart stores.
