Style LA 03

Cover photographed by Raul Vega at the studio of Rabin Rodgers Inc. in Hollywood *Makeup by Kathy Jeung *Hair by Gina Monaci *Stylist: Steven Price (Cloutier)

Left to right: Patric Reeves, philanthropist, wears a wool-and-leather jacket by Cosa Nostra (exclusive for Maxfield), tulle-and-yarn neck puff by Ujein, silk taffeta skirt and shoes by Michelle Mason, and vintage hat courtesy of Wendy Ann's House of Hats; Deborah Falconer, singer/songwriter, wears a hand-distressed silk-jersey dress by Bao Tranchi (www.belladonnapress.net) under a silk charmeuse ball skirt by Goretti, suspenders by Corey Parks, leather-and-Swarovski-jet-crystal cuff and bugle-beaded cuff by Michael Schmidt, platinum diamond cross earrings by Ron Hami (www.belladonnapress.net) and boots by Jimmy Choo; Jennifer Gimenez, actress, is in a jersey dress with leather trim by Michelle Mason (from Diavolina), Swarovski crystal stud bracelet by Michael Schmidt and shoes by Gina; Lisa Edelstein, actress, is in an Eduardo Lucero stretch silk-satin origami gown, Michael Schmidt sterling-silver Swarovski-crystal-encrusted scorpion ring and vegan Jimmy Choo couture shoes; TC Conroy, life coach, wears a Michelle Mason rayon-silk dress with copper necklace by Reform for Michelle Mason, sterling-silver Swarovski-crystal-encrusted flower ring by Michael Schmidt, shoes by Gucci and vintage hat courtesy of Wendy Ann's House of Hats.

Iconoclasts Rule

There's no question that L.A. has style to spare, from red-carpet razzle-dazzle to stoner surf chic and everything in between. More than any place else, the iconoclast rules. We've never been bound to East Coast dictums of what makes for proper dress, nor do we tend to follow the trends idolized by the international fashion pack. In fact, there are nearly as many definitions of what L.A. style is as there are people who live here. With enough confidence and the right attitude, just about anything goes. We asked six fashionistas — two boutique owners, two event producers, a costume designer and a stylist — to share their interpretations of L.A. style. The sole rule: They could only use local designers. Each of our participants offered up a quintessential vision of what it means to live and dress in L.A. — and together they create a complex portrait of the many faces of style in Los Angeles.

— Kateri Butler

proprietor, Aero & Co.

L.A. style is comfortable, functional, whimsical and fun. It isn't intellectual or uptight.Most of all, it's about looking like you're not trying too hard, but looking as fabulous as you can. And it's never wearing a designer head-to-toe. It's knowing how to mix and match designers, as well as new and vintage. The most important factors that influence L.A. style are the SoCal lifestyle, Hollywood (old and new), the huge California sportswear industry, denim, and our year-round climate. It all adds up to casual funky glamour. Unbeknownst to the greater fashion world, L.A. has some amazing young talent emerging. While most of these young labels have very raw products, their creativity and bold desire to express themselves are refreshing. Aero & Co. is committed to supporting the L.A. design scene. L.A. style is our answer to not being taken seriously by the international fashion world. If they don't care about us, why should we care about their rules? We're more casual and carefree. It's not about who's who, it's about who cares. (Photographed by Larry Hirshowitz)

costume designer (Blue Crush,Crazy/Beautiful, and the upcomingHoney)

L.A. style reflects the wild contradictions of L.A. life, both self-absorbed and humanistic. Flavor of the month vs. has-been. Malibu vs. Whittier. Entitlement vs. altruism. Artificially flavored vs. organic. Very apt in a town where the book The Day of the Locust describes L.A. better than L.A. describes itself. Often, you can't tell the difference between a movie set and reality: How we see things is influenced by the constant play of light and shadow. But the façade is fun, and that's part of what makes L.A. such a curious style center — there will be an outfit for whatever role you choose to play, whether it's starlet or politico. L.A.'s a great town to play dress-up in — and sometimes even forget you're growing old. Where else can you wear a tube top when you're 85, and hardly anyone would bat an eye? In L.A., style is all about embracing the superficial and the profound. (Photographed by Dean Chamberlain)

event producers, Rabin Rodgers, Inc. (WWD & A Diamond Is Forever Oscar week event, Absolut Stella McCartney,W Tribute to Vintage Style, Nintendo GameCube launch featuring the Strokes, William Morris Sundance event)

DAVID: L.A. style is fresh — it's coming from a different perspective. Fashion seems to rise organically, incorporating influences from whatever pocket of L.A. you're submerged in. And fashion here is part of everyday life. In a way, L.A. style feels like it's in a new-beginning stage, and that's exciting. It seems like L.A. has gotten more stylish over the past few years. There are more designers living here, more magazines coming here to do stories — the English magazines can't get enough of L.A. It's a new frontier — it's got legs!