With offices in LA, a thirst for fashion and a soft spot for indie designers, we appreciate the edgy confidence that Los Angeles independent designers contribute to the fashion world.  It’s not Paris.  It’s not New York.  Perhaps living in LA does something to designers, contributing to their unique take on fashion.

We have five Los Angeles indie fashion designers on our radar that you need to know about.  These five designers make us love LA, fashion and indie designers even more…if that is even possible.

• Mike Vensel:  A designer known for weaving architectural and natural elements into his designs.  Vensel’s spring/summer 2011 collection, Crown Cheetah, explores shapes found in nature, with attention to sensuality, strong lines, colors and patterns.

• Kittinhawk:  Allysun Maria Dutra, the designer behind Kittinhawk, is a leader in slow fashion.  Dutra’s recycled couture line began in 2007 when she began reconstructing her own clothing.  Kittinhawk’s edgy spring/summer 2011 collection boasts layered chains, crystals, feathers, mixed metal and other recycled treasures.

• Mila:  Known for her appearance on Project Runway Season 7, designer Mila Hermanovski, believes in creating clothing that is both unique and timeless.  Mila’s spring/summer 2011 collection, Rutilated, was inspired by mineral formations and offers artistic, yet wearable clothing.

• Angel Johnson:  A designer who creates clothing for strong women who want to stand out effortlessly.  Angel Johnson’s spring/summer 2011 collection is a play on opposites, combining elements that are very different together, but work well and create a fashion forward look.

• Valerj Pobega:  A lover of high end fashion and the artistic process, Valerj Pobega’s creations are each designed, cut, sewn and dyed by Pobega.  Her spring/summer 2011 collection, “Black flowers blossom”, offers a fresh take on spring florals, with hints of black blooms throughout.