There was a Hollywood hotbed of cool designers and sizzling models that we would put up against any major showing in Milan and Paris. Ok, the yearly Armani party in Milan is fun. So is the Versace in New York. But here it was about young designers, not big business.

Retro was the ticket at many of the runway shows, but with an original flair. You knew it was going to be when the Grey Ant show opened with Michael Jackson, Boy George and Cher look-alikes. Designer Grant Krajecki decked out his models in jumpsuits and 70s sportswear. Designer Rebecca Beeson went back to the 60s for a sultry, slutty Bridgette Bardot look. Iron had some of its girls dressed in tie-dye and hot pants. One had to wonder when we will define this era and stop copying others.

Casual wear was key, as always with California-minded designers – after all, even our Governor rarely wears a tie. Pegah Anvarian and 22-year-old designer Jenni Kayne were the stand-outs, yet we like the little guy. Italian designer gone native Tokid Oki impressed us with a line of Japanese anime t-shirts – though he has never been to Japan. Yet when wearing one of his shirts the next day, a dozen people asked where it came from. That is the hallmark of something original. Louis Verdad and Magda Berliner were also raves and names to remember.

Hollywood loves a Red Carpet, so stars turned out by the dozens over the course of the exhausting week. Here’s the guest list for just one on the events, Gaelyn & Cianfarani at Smashbox: Paula Abdul, Maria Menounos, LaToya Jackson, Jen Schefft (The Bachelorette), Jack Osborne, Pamela Day (The Apprentice 2), Elizabeth Jarosz (The Apprentice 2), Mark Hoppus (Blink 182), Courtney Peldon, Lyndsy Fonseca (the Young and the Restless), Snake Sabo (Skid Row), Lil Zane (Rapper), Anastasia Ashley (Professional Surfer), Trisha Dixon (Miss Arizona, USA), Katherine Bailess (One Tree Hill/Gilmore Girls), Kimberly J. Brown (Be Cool), Lauren Conrad (Laguna Beach), Kerri Kasem (E! Hostess), Dorian Gregory (Charmed), Danielle Nicolet (Second Time Around), Countess Vaughn James (The Parkers), KaDee Strickland (The Grudge) and Julie Benz (Lackawanna Blues).

Others spotted giving it away during the week were Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Wesley Snipes, Laura Flynn Boyle, Robert Downey Jr., Tori Spelling, and too many more to mention.

Yet since Hollywood has always been about glamour and sex, the lingerie shows were a main attraction. There is a new direction and mentality taking over the lingerie market. As denim has become the staple for the apparel market, lingerie is being adapted by certain designers to be the most chameleon-esque element of any wardrobe.

And, just as there are denim brands that cater to a particular style and taste, so are there a number of designers who are choosing their niche in the market, and are breaking down the stale, stereo-typical image of lingerie.

Four designers come to mind, all of whom are promoting the unstructured, ‘soft’ look lingerie in their individual style.

Beija Brazil is a line based out of Rio de Janeiro that is inspired by the colorful and sensual nature of Brazil. Using cottons, meshes, rayons and poliamides, Beija Brazil has created a line of accented tunic dresses and camisoles, boyshorts, underwear and G-strings that, although simple, are soft and flexible to the touch and appealing to the eye. (www.beijabrazil.com)

Clo succeeds in appealing to the woman who is looking for a piece that maintains the elegance of lingerie, whilst incorporating hand sewn semi-precious stones such as Jade, Mother of Pearl and Howlite.. The collection uses fine mesh, lace and micro-fibres to allow for a comfortable, yet fitted look. (www.clostudio.com)

Susan Beichel is the designer for her own line – skin. She has filled a void in the market by offering separates in finely combed pima cotton. The styles are very clean, and the design concept unique – one of her most versatile signature pieces is a three quarter wrap robe with a triple ruffle trim. (www.skinlingerie.com)

Up and coming designer and contributing columnist Sami Martin Sarmiento for Euclid, uses a fusion of printed stretch silks with fine French chantilly laces in bright colors. Her sense of subtle details add flair to her simple soft cup bras such as her charm rings of brushed dangling gold elephants & dragonflies, and zigzag rolled edges, these are incorporated throughout the collection. (www.euclid8.com)

Within this new mentality of the lingerie market, there can be found moderate to highend price ranges, all without compromising the basic philosophy that lingerie is becoming far more versatile and visual than ever before; with each piece having a longer lifespan and a multitude of potential uses.

The parties were scattered about town from Gen Art’s “The New Garde” at the MOCA to Bliss in West Hollywood, to the Beverly Hilton and the official venue, Smashbox in Culver City. One of the most memorable parties was at Kimberly Ventre’s stylish furniture showcase H.D. Buttercup, at the old Helm’s Bakery. Limos lined the blocks.

Finally, California has always influenced the fashion world to some extent. Light, breezy mid-length dresses and khakis were in vogue on the runways, but so were evening gowns and tuxedos, because no city has more Red Carpet events than we do. Los Angeles should be proud over its accession in the fashion world, gradual but steady.

Sami Martin Sarmiento contributed to this story.