roject Ethos celebrated new talent at its L.A. Fashion Week event Friday night at the Avalon in Hollywood.
The event combined fashion, music and art with a line-up that included two runway fashion shows and live musical performances.
Art student and event attendee Brian Aspinwall, 28, said the event celebrated the human spirit and artistic expression.
“I love the whole concept,” Aspinwall said. “It gives artists a platform to express themselves however they want.”
The fashion show, hosted by “Project Runway’s” Nick Verreos, showcased designs by familiar designers but spotlighted the work of newcomers.
Newcomer Summer Titone said Project Ethos gives new designers like herself a platform to exhibit their work.
“I love how they’re willing to promote people,” said the designer, who drew inspiration for her line from 1940s Hollywood glamour.
“I love that 1940s French Riviera look,” Titone said. “My family owns an Italian lace factory that houses vintage materials. I use vintage lace recycled materials in all my designs.”
Clothing line Doctrine debuted its new line centered on sleek, modern apparel for men and women.
“(Doctrine) is primarily a denim line,” said Paul Pyu, national sales manager for Doctrine. “There are no frills or embellishments in our jeans. We focus on fit, quality, and attention to detail.”
Pyu said the Project Ethos event was the line’s first time participating in a high-profile production.
“This is a great venue for us to have fun and promote the line,” he said.
“Annie and Jade” designer Annie Le said she was approached by members of the Project Ethos team after they spotted samples of her work on Facebook.
“It’s the most professional event I’ve ever done,” she said.
Le said her fall line features eco-friendly luxury fabrics in designs for both day and evening cocktail events. She said the feminine designs center on silhouettes and subtle embellishments.
The designer said showcasing a line at a Project Ethos event is a great chance for new designers to promote their work and gain exposure.
“This business can be difficult,” Le said. “I have to think big if I want to grow the line.
“This event is an amazing experience for me,” she continued. “It’s a chance for designers to share their passion.”
The show also provided a platform for upcoming musicians. Indie band Voxhaul Broadcast headlined the event to promote its upcoming full-length debut album titled “Timing is Everything.”
The band’s drummer, Bruce Allen, said the band traded the peace and quiet of oceanside life in San Clemente, Calif. for the high-energy hustle of Los Angeles.
Since their recent arrival onto the Los Angeles music scene, the quartet has enjoyed recognition in being named one of L.A. Times Magazine’s “Best New Indie Bands” and their inclusion in Project Ethos’ highly publicized event.
“Tonight’s definitely been a big night,” Allen said. “I guess that makes us the half-time show. I see this event like the Superbowl for fashion.”