The Designer Launch Pad Runway Show is an event hosted by the California Market Center, The Focus Tradeshow and FBI (Fashion Business Incorporated). The small runway series, held at every market in the CalMart’s Penthouse, showcases up and coming California-based designers.

The shows are designed to help new talent get their feet wet before they participate in larger venues. East Coast brands also use the Launch Pad to test the waters of the West Coast market. This series featured four designers, Love Dragons, Toute la Nuit, Mariska and Gia Lee, who caught our attention.

Love Dragons Custom Lingerie is designed by Lori Shapiro, an LA-based designer. Her the delicate, extremely provacative pieces that make up her collection are made from silk charmeuse, silk chiffon, French re-embroidered lace and Valentino lace. Shapiro has a superior attention to detail and construction when it comes to bras and bustiers, something that’s hard to get right for most designers.

San Francisco-based designer, Karen Judge’s  lounge wear collection, Toute la Nuit, featured pieces that offered femininity and comfort while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. We love the coral pant/robe combination and the navy plunge neck robe at the end of the show.

Mariska Los Angeles is a higher-end, contemporary women’s line created and locally produced in downtown LA. The line is a modern interpretation of Austro-Hungarian fashion, intertwining aristocratic elegance with peasant simplicity.

Gia Lee, designed by Joan Park, is a modern, contemporary collection with 1950s – 1960s influences.  Her collection is targeted at a confident, modern woman with discerning tastes.

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