In 2007, the Los Angeles Times launched the Image section. The first issue included a story about nine designers who were changing the L.A. look. To mark Image’s 10th anniversary, here are stories about nine L.A. designers (including one about Jenni Kayne, who was named in the 2007 story) whose work covers everything from high-end jewelry and luxury footwear to, yes, jeans, T-shirts and tracksuits, which are having a moment again.
These nine — Anita Ko, Marjan and Maryam Malakpour of Newbark, Meritt Elliott and Emily Current of the Great, Beatrice Valenzuela, Kelly Urban and Misty Zollars of Amo and Kayne — show how the West Coast’s creativity has continued to help define L.A. as a major hub in the world for luxury and fashion brands.
— Marques Harper, Fashion Editor
Jeans and T-shirts aren’t the only fashion looks coming out of free-spirited Los Angeles anymore. More designers are creating sophisticated styles and upping the fashion game in this West Coast city of dreams. Here are nine designers to watch.
The cool-girl jewelry designer
Creating fine jewelry based on what celebrities and “It” girls want to wear on and off the red carpet
Sole Sisters
Creating luxury accessories in Los Angeles one pair of shoes at a time
Masters of nostalgia
Working whimsy and the comfort of vintage into a modern women’s fashion brand
The Eclectic Eastsider
Creating a collection reflective of her heritage, community and free-spirited approach to living
The denim veterans
Ensuring that denim for women by women becomes the true-blue standard for premium jeans
Queen of California lifestyle
Imparting an easy California aesthetic into silk button-downs, cult-status slip-on flats and a brand-new home line