Although I haved lived in LA for over six years, I had never been to a fashion show, let alone to Fashion Week, and was lucky enough to attend four shows at Smashbox Studios for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. My fabulous day of fashion firsts began with Charlotte Solnicki's 3 pm show. By the time the third model neared the end of the catwalk, I was observing with a half-open mouth a collection that seemed to be full of what fashion magazines like to refer to as 'must-have items.' I say this because I love clothes (particularly dresses) that are both fun and functional, with an easy-to-wear edginess that seemed to be the mantra of this collection.

The drool-worthy designs managed to embody both a sexy sophistication and a prim-and-proper playfulness, alternating between slinky strapless and v-neck creations.  There were high-necked dresses and tailored jackets, adorned with ultra feminine accents in the form of cap sleeves, lace, tiny buttons, and ruffles.  Shown over black tights and velvet leggings, Solnicki successfully produced that rare and righteous blend of 'polished rock-n-roll.'

 Standout pieces included a halter-neck black pantsuit that I would consider cutting out carbs in order to wear, and two splurge-worthy leather pieces, including a distressed jacket with a gathered waist, and a fitted vest that was modeled by 'America's next Top Model' runner-up Jade, who, although famously left her mark as 'the girl everyone loved to hate,' looked every bit the top model as she strutted her stuff in what was most definitely a top design. Breaking up the predominantly black and neutral line were playful hot pink and metallic-patterned dresses, lending just the right amount of color and contrast to a collection that I would classify as high-style simplicity.

The show's finale consisted of the models doing a final walk down the runway each with a birthday cake in hand, to celebrate the designer's birthday. The Solnicki family has more than just birthdays to celebrate these days; Started in 2002 by brother-and-sister partners Melina, Jessica, and Jonathan, the Charlotte Solnicki line has since become a multi-million dollar business. Their collection, which is a mix of the family's native Argentina-meets-New York City,  is sold worldwide at stores such as Saks, Lisa Kline, Planet Blue, Intermix, and more. Many A-list celebrities have been seen wearing the designer's creations, including Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson.  I also spotted the lovely ladies of The Hill's cast (Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag, Audrina Partridge) getting photographed after the show, where Lauren Conrad was snapped wearing a hot-pink Charlotte Solnicki dress.
The fall collection was inspired by the Studio 54 era, and the dark, moody make-up paid homage to legendary fashionistas such as Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick. This was my first and favorite show, and I hope to see (and wear!) much more of Charlotte Solnicki in my fashion future.

 (photos courtesy of Dan Lecca)

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