L.A. Fashion Week Spring 2011: Fashion Minga

Fashion for everybody could be the slogan for Fashion Minga. The independent fashion event debuted in 2009 as a place where VIPs and fashion fans could see emerging designers for free—they just had to RSVP to the website (www.fashionminga.com), according to co-producer Amber Reed.

More than 800 people attended the second event of Fashion Minga’s history. It took place on Oct. 22 at the Boulevard 3 nightclub in Hollywood. The show’s looks ranged from the premium denim of Orange County–based Urban Republic Clothing to the eco-luxury line of M5 Couture.

Los Angeles–based Onanong Swimwear made its debut at Fashion Minga. Designer Oni Souratha showed 10 looks, ranging from bikinis to one-pieces. A signature look was the “butterfly bottom,” which mixed a thong silhouette with ruffles.

Destroyed By Fame, also based in Los Angeles, debuted its Spring 2011 collection at Fashion Minga. The women’s contemporary collection showed loose, draped styles. Some the line’s dresses were made out of micro Modal silk. Other looks included rompers constructed out of a denim Tencel fabric.

Cerritos, Calif.–based BiPolar Clothing displayed its women’s collection during the show. A signature look was a gold sequin dress. It had a train that formed a fish tail and a top with “matador” shoulders, said designer LaRae Wilson.

Los Angeles–based M5 Couture makes its collection from organic silk and recycled clothing such as vintage Levi’s. One signature look was a mini-dress with a front zipper and leather accents recycled from purses said designer Morgan Olson.

Anaheim, Calif.–based Urban Republic Clothing made a splash in the past couple of years with its premium denim. This season, designer Peter Rhima added some twill pants looks. The twill pants and a signature plaid jacket both took inspirations from military styles.—Andrew Asch