On Wednesday September 15th 2010, Los Angeles' Fashion's elite gathered in the unassuming Lot 17 in Downtown Los Angeles. With Walt Disney Concert Hall in the background and our fine city's Civic Center in the foreground, this humble parking lot will be the new home of fashion in L.A.

Councilwoman, Jan Perry and LA Public Works Commissioner (and Fashion Ambassador!) Cynthia Ruiz stood front and center, alongside Fashion Los Angeles founders Michael Venedicto and Jeff Warrington, who were backed up with their illustrious team, which yes, includes me, but also includes the ever impressive Leo Marmol of Marmol Radziner, to break ground in LA Fashion.

The crowd, which included fantastic LA based designers such as Tarina Tarantino and Mila Hermanovski, and illustrious Two Point Oh LA bloggers, gathered to hear Michael Venedicto's enigmatic and empowering speech which called on those gathered to enact their passion for Los Angeles with their drive for fashion and get inspired to make history.

Michael cited inspiration from the skateboarding culture, founded in Venice, California in the 70's. He stated that because these individuals were willing to go out and try something new and were willing to take a hit for their love and their craft they incited a worldwide movement. His speech encouraged those in the fashion industry in Los Angeles to have the same drive, passion, stamina and willingness to take a risk as these skateboarders had, to make a difference in our city.

The speech was greeted with whoops and cheers and one could feel the motivation and passion fill the atmosphere.

After the speeches the crowd mingled and were abuzz with excitement for the future. A future I'm ecstatic to be a part of.

To learn more about Fashion Los Angeles visit their site, or feel free to send me an email: kelsi (at) fashionlosangeles (dot) org with any questions.

Photo by Vero Image.

Kelsi Smith.