The yearly Los Angeles Fashion Week is held each March and October in locales throughout the city. The event started as 'Press Week,' wherein fashion journalists nationwide were invited to see SoCal clothing collections. Much of the action happens in the L.A. Fashion District, which is a business improvement district financially supported by more than 700 property owners. The District spans about 90 blocks and functions as the hub of the Los Angeles apparel industry.



Historically, Fashion Week has been run by a group of area fashion designers, journalists, and marketers since the late 1990's. In 2002, IMG's fashion department, which runs the New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, came west to put on a show in downtown Los Angeles. Dozens of designers display their styles to interested parties at various venues, while others showcase their wares in nightclubs, private houses, churches and lofts.

In 2005, the Fashion Awards were established during Fashion Week to honor the best Los Angeles apparel designers. The Awards are given at the close of Fashion Week, and are judged by a nominating committee of over 40 of LA's top fashion journalists, merchandisers and designers. The program is produced by LA Fashion Awards, LLC, which was co-founded by two fashion industry veterans.

The main attraction of the Fashion Week is the previously mentioned Mercedes-Benz show held at Smashbox Studios. Other key events include the Atmosphere Trade Show, BOXeight Fashion Week and Gen Art's Avant Guardians.

With the assistance of various fashion industry influences, the success of the Los Angeles Fashion Week continues to ascend. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has understood the positive effects of the Week, and has connected with the local fashion industry. In late 2007 he recognized the industry's contributions with a speech at the opening of the LA Fashion Awards, toured a runway show, and visited others. The mayor's office is currently in the process of establishing a committee to attempt to harness the energies of the Fashion Week to bolster the reputation of Los Angeles as a fashion capital and to improve the bottom lines of the businesses operating there.