New York, London, Paris and Milan have always been famous for their fashion forward vision but Fashion Week gave Los Angeles its turn to show off. LA was abuzz when Mercedes-Benz sponsored Fashion Week and previewed tons of Spring 2005 collections. The New York-based 7th on 6th joined forces with LA-based Smashbox Studios (the cosmetic company and photo studio owned by the heirs to the Max Factor fortune, Davis and Dean Factor) to put on many of the week's fabulous shows. Shows also popped up all over LA, establishing a beachhead for fashion in a town quickly becoming famous for its quirky, innovative trends. VIP's were vying for the front row seats, the ultimate brass ring in the fashionista world.

Los Angeles designers such as Ashley Paige, Coco Klicks, Custo Barcelona, Da Nang, 2 B Free, Ella Moss, Enyce, Erica Davies, Frankie B, Heike Jarick, Rami Kashu, Jenni Kayne, Kate O'Connor, Louis Verdad, Maggie Barry, Naqada, Oligo Tissew, Pegah Anvarian, Petro Zillia, Rachel Pally, Shay Todd, Sheri Bodell, Sue Wong, True Meaning, Anaud Jon and Rock and Republic all were featured.

Stylists, buyers, and VIP's viewed the newest brands and collections at The Mondrian, the official hotel of Fashion Week. Carilyn Vaile, Biatta Lingerie, Smashing Grandpa, and True Religion Brand Jeans, among many others, participated in the showing. The stylish Mondrian with its Phillippe Starck design, acclaimed Asia De Cuba restaurant, red-hot Skybar, and fabled Sunset Boulevard address was the perfect host.

Of course, celebrities were ever present. Da Nang boasted Samaire Armstrong and Jillian Barberie. Jessica Capshaw and Kimberly Stewart showed up for Jenni Kayne. Carmen Electra viewed Shay Todd's bikinis. Ex-Sugar Ray rocker and now Extra Television host Mark McGrath sang for Sheri Bodell. Israeli-born Petro Zillia, men's classic designer Louis Verdad and Frankie B jeans all had star studded shows that included Erika Christensen, Hanson, John Stamos, Kathy Griffin, Jaime Lynn DiScala, Rick Fox, Tracee Ellis Ross and Rebecca Gayheart.

The Steve Madden/2B Free Fashion Show was one of the hottest tickets in town with Jessica Simpson, Alyssa Milano, Melissa Rivers, Owen Wilson, Tara Reid, and Anthony Kiedis. Rock and Republic's hip show was where the usually ubiquitous Paris Hilton made her only stop, as did ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, who co-designed some of Rock's groovy jeans and skirts.

Anand Jon, the Indian-born, New York-based leading couture designer, debuted his collection in his show "Apsare" at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel. Styling was provided by Prive Salon, while M.A.C. was in charge of make-up. Beverly Hills jeweler Judith Ripka, whose famed store is on Rodeo Drive, was the official jewelry designer for the shows. She also co-hosted the Denim & Diamonds Party at Smashbox earlier in the week. Bai Ling, Courtney Peldon and Jason Davis, Roselyn Sanchez, and Kiera Chaplin all stopped in to view Anand Jon's debut collection.

Barneys held a book signing for designer Tom Ford, who had loyal fashion fans lining up for hours. Of course, it would not be Fashion Week without a handful of fabulous parties! The NEXT In show at the Mondrian, hosted by Belle Gray designer actress Lisa Rinna and her actor husband, Harry Hamlin, was a hot ticket, which brought out Pink, Daisy Fuentes, and Tatiana Ali. A few doors down at Sunset Blvd's Argyle Hotel, famed photographer Patrick McMullan and 7th on 6th's Fern Mallis hosted IMG's bash.

So there you have it! Fashion Week went off in LA without a hitch. With the POWER dresser in mind, we will also be covering the next spring previewing of the Fall fashions. As the designers return to the drawing board to create more illusion and excitement, POWER will surely be front and center.