LA Fashion Council - Open Runway Part 2

The cameras were rolling a couple of weeks ago at Open Runway Part 2 an event held by the Los Angeles Fashion Council. The producers of Fashion Police (and crew) were there to document five emerging designers as they competed for a spot in LAFC's October runway shows "The Collections" which will now be  held at The Grove in Los Angeles.  Here are some highlights from the night. (Note: I forgot my memory card for my camera, so I had to use my phone for pictures.)

Couture, Hollywood (location)

 

 

If you would like to vote for one of the five designers, you still have till August 12th.  Simply click here and vote for either,  Kimberly Luu, Rose La Gru,  ISM Mode, QLee Studi or Émeute.  One last shot of the night, these lovely ladies and myself.

Wendy and Audrey

Once again, it was great to be out there surrounding myself in fashion.  I have more updates to come from my world later this week, so I hope your return Lovelies!

Xo

 

TPOLA 4th Annual Picnic!

Hello Darlins!

Yes, it's actually a new post!  Moving back to L.A. has been much harder and more time consuming then I had excepted but I am happy to announce that I am ready to get back on the saddle again.  In other words, back to work and back to my crazy fashion social life and what better way to start that all of with TPOLA's 4th Annual Picnic!

Must get one of those giant swan floaties!

This years event was held at the new Icis Apartments in Glendale, CA. which felt like a chic Las Vegas hotel meets urban living.  It really had a fun surprise at every turn.  Would honestly love to shoot my next collection here.

Gifting Suite

Thursday Friday Handbags Gifting Table

I just love to attended this event for so many reasons, from the amazing gifts to visiting with some of LA's top trend setters and trend followers. It's really LA's fashion at it's best, from mod to trendy.  Everyone's style is really represented at these events.  Which is really inspiring sometimes for me as a designer.

 Gifting Suite

 

Sole Society Gifting Table

Lulus.com Gifting Table

All the lovely gifts I chose

I was given the pleasure of choosing so many wonderful new items from all the great gifting areas.  One of the most original pieces I chose was this tote bag with a red handbag printed on it (shown above) from Thursday Friday.  These bags are not only very creative but very well made too. Loved it.  I will be doing another post in a couple of weeks with the dress, the clutch and the beauty products I received at this event too.  Make-up tips and all.

Just me, wearing a Capwell and Co necklace I chose from the gifting suite

I would have taken a  full outfit post but in all honesty, I hated what I was wearing.  This is also the reason I didn't take any fun pictures with my girls at the event. Bummed. I decided at the last minute to make myself a long floral maxi skirt to put over my black swimsuit but it just didn't come out the way I wanted it too.  Guess I'm just going to have to make something else out of it later.  I am truly my biggest critic.

Did I mention the food, treats and drinks were delish?  This was really a great event and a fabulous day.  I am so happy that I made the effort to finally get out and soak myself in fashion.  Big thank you to Kelsi of StyleSmith for putting on a great event and to my sister (future blogger) for coming out with me.  Already looking forward to next year's picnic!

 

Denise, my sister

Lastly, I just had to share one of my favorite pieces I spotted at the picnic.  It was this fun watermelon printed wrap skirt worn by Tess from Treehouse Trunkshow. Loved it!

 

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get everyone's names in the pictures. So if you or someone you know are in the pictures, please comment below so I can add them.  Thank you!

Xo, Melissa

Melissa Velia - FALL 2013 COLLECTION Look Book

 

Introducing my Fall 2013 collection!  Although it is not the entire collection, it is the majority of it in it's prints and details.  I decided not to share the entire collection this early in the season due to those who might be "inspired" by my collection.  Believe it or not, but I've already had issues with things like that in the past.  My collections are never inspired by other designers but inspired by the crazy world inside my head. I decided to shoot this collection with a vintage filter and an off-lighting to bring out my inspiration in the collection.  Instead of doing a fashion show this season, I choose to do a look book and a collection video which is scheduled to be released late this summer.  So without further ado, here the Fall 2013 Look Book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big thank you to my amazing team, 

 Models:  Melina Perez and Christa Marlei

Make-Up Artist:  Amber Laws

 *If your a fashion blogger or fashion media and would like to share the pictures above, you are welcome to do so as long as you send a link to the post/ article to contact@melissavelia.com and we will be sure to send you a thank you gift from the Fall accessories collection late this summer.

Xo.