Focusing on L.A. Design

Focus Syndicate, a new fashion show series, kicked off its first event on Dec. 16 at the Selah Artistic Giving Center in downtown Los Angeles. The runway show featured Los Angeles designer Miguel Torres and music by the Gypsy Troubadours and DJ Kjel.

Organizers Feliz Salzman and Dhani, who goes by just her first name, said they plan to expand the monthly event into a biweekly happening that will spotlight downtown Los Angeles’ art movement and up-and-coming designers.

“We wanted to focus in on the multimedia artists in Los Angeles, exposing their creativity to a greater audience, including the mass media such as magazines, newspapers, the Web and television,” said Salzman, who explained that they chose the name Focus Syndicate to represent “a group of artistic individuals making a concentrated effort to produce a creative experience for all to enjoy.”

Salzman said preliminary plans include enlisting small Los Angeles boutiques to co-host shows featuring independent designers carried in the stores.

The two organizers also said they hope to host a pre–fashion week event that would serve as a “best of the independents show.”

The small, white-walled loft space on First Avenue served as a clean backdrop for Torres’ designs, which included mixed-media dresses with feminine details such as handkerchief hems and flutter sleeves. Many designs showed an Asian influence, with obi-like sashes and jackets with kimono sleeves. For a closer, Torres showcased a series of diaphanous bridal gowns.

Salzman said he and Dhani would like to continue hosting the monthly event at the First Street venue as well as additional events at other Los Angeles venues. “We hope to continue to attract individuals interested in independent artistic expressions,” Salzman said, adding that he and Dhani are currently scouting additional locations and securing new sponsorships.

“We are considering locations that allow for heightened visibility to a greater audience,” he said. “We are also looking for sponsors interested in supporting this type of experience, and we would like to attract new faces to our runway.”

The next Focus Syndicate event is planned for Jan. 20 at the Tropico de Nopal Gallery and will feature Nude by Vered. For more information, call (310) 709-3480 or (310) 500-5455. —Alison A. Nieder