L.A. Takes Fashion’s Center Stage

The amorphous event known as fashion week in L.A. kicks off this week with Gen Art’s "The New Garde" presentation, featuring three breakout designers; a two-night series of indie shows at the PDC; and a quasi-fashion event showcasing accessories for the new PlayStation Portable (though this easily has the best designer names attached, with contributions from Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg, among others). But the main event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, doesn’t start until Wednesday, with a curious blackout of shows on Thursday night. Hmmm ... could it be because a certain MJ is throwing a party for the opening of his new boutiques that evening? Check back often to find out which (if any) A-listers will show and which C-listers will try to nab their front-row seats ...