L.A. Fashion Week Fall 2002: Frederick's of Hollywood

The stars were out to kick off fashion week at Frederick’s of Hollywood’s Fall preview show held on April 11 in the up-close-and-personal confines of the Star Shoes boutique on Hollywood Boulevard. The event highlighted Frederick’s bra, ready-to-wear, eveningwear and new bridal collections and Joseph LaRose’s museum-ready shoe collection.

At the show, there was plenty of oohing and aahing as Playboy Playmate Nicole Lenz helped to model the sexy lingerie sets as well as jumpsuits, mini-dresses, corset ensembles and elegant marabou costumes.

When the eyes weren’t on the runway, they were on stars, either the dozens lining the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside the boutique or the ones in the store squeezing through a crowd that the local fire marshal had to control.

While scheduled co-host Paris Hilton was a no-show due to her latest dive into motion pictures, two offspring of the rich and famous, Kimberly Stewart and Nicole Richie, filled in. Stewart, daughter of singer Rod Stewart, now designs for Pinkie Starfish, and Richie, daughter of singer Lionel Richie, is making it on her own with a hit single and aspiring acting career. Other star sightings included Daphne Zuniga of “Melrose Place,” Red Hot Chili Peppers lead Anthony Kiedis, model/actress Milla Jovovich and fashion TV host Melissa Rivers.

The event was another shot in the arm for Hollywood’s renaissance following the launch of Hollywood & Highland down the road. “Los Angeles has long been a force in the fashion and entertainment industry and nowhellip;the stars are returning to Hollywood Boulevard,” said Star Shoes owner Paul Devitt, who added that “the mystique and romance” of Hollywood is back. —Robert McAllister