The scene: A crowd of 1,600 partygoers packed into the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood for the seventh installment of Project Ethos. The brainchild of co-founder Jason Peskin, Project Ethos hosts biannual events presenting emerging artists, designers and musicians.

The Sept. 26 event had a “Pop Universe” theme this time around, complete with frenetic pop-culture imagery from past and present, a pop-art motif, and pulsing dance beats. Before the fashion show, the crowd danced to the music of hip-hop duo LMFAO.

The fashion show offered up an eclectic mix of looks from up-and-coming designers compiled by Project Ethos fashion director Monica Ruiseco. Designer Rachele Fainstadt and Chief Executive Officer Ali Hijazi touted Red English, a denim and sportswear collection shown in a range of cuts and washes. Jamehdor designer Shireen Jamehdor showed a dress collection made even more sophisticated by cocktail dresses draped in chiffon. Designer and artist Jason Lee showcased his talents in the form of Subrage, his collection of graphic-print T-shirts. Leggings with a computer chip–print design and shiny dresses helped Jen Garcia achieve a futuristic theme for her Vim Trousseau line. With a name as subversive as Syc Fuk, designer Bucky Bakes kept the anarchic theme alive with punk rock–inspired looks that featured skull prints, distressed denim and models who flipped off the audience. Cannon Lewis showed her Caring Hands collection of jewelry made from recycled materials. The show also featured handbags by Lesa Wallace.

Standouts included contemporary collections Spooky by Eva Devore and Sun Leem. Whimsical dresses in white lace and pleated Grecian dresses complemented Devore’s pastoral-inspired menswear, featuring high-waist pants with suspenders in rust and dark brown. Sun Leem showed a varied collection that transitioned from androgynous to feminine. Wide-leg pants, tuxedo jackets and neckties moved on to strapless cocktail dresses and evening gowns with pleated layers and floral ruffles.

Several buyers were in attendance, including representatives from American Apparel, Ed Hardy, Ekqualyte Apparel and Habit, based at The Lab in Costa Mesa, Calif.

One special participant of the event was Covenant House California, an organization that assists homeless youth in Los Angeles. Project Ethos previously held an art event in August, called the “Essence of Ethos,” for the residents of Covenant House. The artwork completed by the residents was sold in the artist gallery at the “Pop Universe” event.

“They are our peers, and we can relate to the residents and identify with each other,” Peskin said.

For more information, visit www.projectethos.com and www.covdove.org.  —Connie Cho

Photography by Maria Ramirez