>> For the first time, Los Angeles Fashion Week is without former sponsor IMG.  Things were up in the air until early this month, when a weekend of runway shows was announced and tickets were made open to the public — for a price.

Last night, Gen Art hosted three of the most promising talents of the week(end): Raquel Allegra, whose shredded t-shirts have been spotted on Kate Lanphear and launched a DIY epidemic — she added hand-dyed leather pants and leggings for Fall 2009 and promises expansion into cashmere and silks, shoes and accessories next; Grai, the three-year-old line designed by one-time Rick Owens student Maya Yogev (whose Owens training clearly inspired her full-length skirts and draped leather jackets); and Society for Rational Dress, whose designer Corinne Grassini launched a capsule collection exclusive to Barneys last month — the Fall 2009 collection features her signature harness detailing and a chain-and-leather breastplate.
*image: source