Fashion Party in the Hollywood Skyline for LAFW Opening Reception!

Laurel Dewitt presented a collection of chain metal apparel and accessories.

By Estevan Ramos

As of Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The rooftop of the W Hotel, Hollywood was the scene of the March 16 opening reception for L.A. Fashion Week, one of the producers of Los Angeles Fashion Week events.

LA Fashion Week Executive Producer Arthur Chipman was on hand to greet all the fashion and art lovers.

Designer label Laurel Dewitt presented its current collection of chain metal apparel and accessories. Models adorned in one-of-a-kind head garb and face jewelry looked statuesque while wearing revealing couture metal dresses, crop tops and skirts. The collection looked perfect for the music industry beauties.

The fashion presentations continued with an art-meets-couture event curated by Megan Philips of Sur le Mur Gallery. Philips came up with the idea of having one of her artists—Karen Bystedt—known for her Warhol mixed-media art—collaborate with couturier Sonia Ete’ to create one-of-a-kind gowns and jumpsuits. Philips created the hashtag #andylovesfashion for “Andy Warhol loves fashion” for this event. Bystedt took her Warhol art and had Ete’ incorporate it into her custom gowns and jumpsuits. The result was innovative and beautiful.

Philips also brought in downtown LA charcoal artist Robert Vargas who did live, quick charcoal rendering of guests in 10-minute sitting sessions.

The event proved to be the perfect mixture of fashion, art, people-watching and a fun party scene!

LAFW Executive Producer Arthur Chipman in lipstick red, #andylovesfashion large print and some of the men’s fashion risktakers of the evening!

Megan Phillips of Sur le Mur gallery, artist Karen Bystedt, far right, with her Ete’ collaboration designs and some individual shots of the one-of-a-kind couture pieces

Laurel Dewitt’s chain metal clothing and accessories

Shani James, Ceelo Green’s fiancé, in an amazing ’60s throwback look and some of the other beautiful, sexy fashionistas at the event

Fashion statements were being made throughout the evening including early 2000s pop, ’80s Prince revival, ‘90s hip hop chic and evening glam Goth.

Downtown LA charcoal artist Robert Vargas busy at work, pictured here are some of his amazing portraits including one with actress Jane Seymour, far right

Artist/photographer Richard Ransier contributed selected photos for this article