FGILA's 'Meet the Power Players in Fashion"

Words and images by Stefhan Gordon

Fashion Group International, one of the oldest networking organizations in Los Angeles founded in 1935 by the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Arden and Edith Head, stages an event every month. This past Thursday, at Boxeight Studios, an equal number of members and non-members gathered to network and listen to an interactive symposium featuring some of the Los Angeles area’s most prominent fashion writers.

 

Before the symposium, under bow trusts, and surrounded by the beautiful artistic photography of Peter Gurnz and Ben Cope, those that gathered shared conversation, wine, cheese, and a lot of business cards. Members and non-members came from all sectors of the fashion industry. Educators, students, and designers intermingled with editors, PR people, studio reps, photographers and sourcing plus production people.

 

After about an hour, everyone went to the adjoining studio space next door where the current regional director of FGI John Arguelles introduced the moderator Susan Stein of Palm Springs Life magazine who, in turn, introduced the other panelists: Jayne Seward with Apparel News, Kristen Calavas, with TheLookBook.com, Laurie Pike with LA Magazine, Tasha Adams with BlackburnandSweetzer.com and Erin Weinger with Los Angeles Times Style.

 

 

The moderator directed this discussion on fashion trends, what they are, where they come from, and how media plus fashion writers impact them, by posing a number of questions to the panelists.

 

In response, Tasha Adams noted that what’s going on culturally, socially, politically, culturally, in music and movies establishes trends. She later mentioned Michelle Obama as a trend setter. Jayme Stewart mentioned Lady Gaga as someone else establishing styles. While Kristen Calavas noted that especially in LA, the wardrobe stylists and the many celebrities they dress establish what other’s wear. Though Laurie Pike added that these celebrities don’t necessarily originate a trend but they do push these fashion directions over the edge creating the newest now looks. Laurie also noted that with so many different demographic groups being catered to that there is no longer a single trend, but many concurrent ones for these different audiences.

 

Other responses discussed blogs, bloggers, and the role of fashion writers. Erin Weinger cited how both good content and search engine optimization attract readers. Laurie Pike noted that fashion writers sort through what’s new and out there and thus become advocates for certain design directions. As to what is out there and what some of the newest trends are, the panelists had many divergent opinions and cited divergent examples, like sexy lingerie and more presentable, less disheveled looks as the trends reflecting what’s currently  going on in the culture and the economy.

 

The symposium ended with questions from the audience, and then a video presentation of the latest styles walking down the runways of New York, Milan and Paris.

 

Learn more about Fashion Group International Los Angeles: FGILA

Comments

[Terry Hampton]

This was my first "official" meeting with the Los Angeles FGI chapter and I must say what a well run, professional organization with plenty of business contacts and just good people to know. I have been on the Board of Directors for the Desert and a member for over 8 years. This single event really opened my eyes to what all FGI National and Local can do to improve and add to your network of Fashion Business friends. Not to mention the panelist were ALL informative, articulate and worth the 2 hour drive to attend.
Kudo's to FGI LA for a great evening.