The top 10 places to be for L.A. Fashion Week

Didn't know it was Los Angeles Fashion Week? Well, it may be less high-profile than its Christian Louboutin-strutting, couture-flashing older sister in New York, but that doesn't mean its prêt-à-porter lines can be considered less than avant-garde. After all, L.A. is where ready-to-wear became glamorous; where everyday clothing like hoodies, hats and jeans transformed into high-end fashion with the help of Angeleno designers like Christian Audigier of Ed Hardy, and Michael Ball of Rock and Republic. Catch a glimpse of the latest trends for Spring '09 at the 7th Annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, kicking off Sunday. Though most shows and parties are ultra-exclusive and invitation-only, we hear you can still strut your way past the doors. If you do happen to (cat)walk through the security gates, here's a list of ten events you should definitely look -- or sneak -- into.

FRIDAY

1. Gen Art- "Fresh Faces in Fashion Los Angeles Show"

If you're like the rest of us, you looked into your mailbox without an invitation to Fashion Week in sight. Whatevs. Check out Gen Art's 11th annual, open-to-the-public "Fresh Faces in Fashion Los Angeles Show" where talented new designers will be showing their lines. Bump elbows with celebrities (such as host Mandy Moore) and the fashion elite and compare your trilbies and dancing shoes at the after-party. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 7:00pm: Accessories Pre-Reception 8:00pm: Runway Show 9:00 - 11:00pm: After-Party $40 to attend. RSVP at www.genart.com.

2. Planet Funk Fashion Party

Does Fashion Week have you going gaga over sequins, tulles and soutaches? If you can't make it to the shows and just want to celebrate with other fashion enthusiasts (or just want to mingle with expected guests Paris Hilton, Hugh Hefner, Blake Lively, and Audrina Patridge) check out Planet Funk's First-Annual Fashion Party hosted by 90210's AnnaLynne McCord. Get there early or you'll be left out in the cold. The Kress, 6608 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood. (323) 785-5000. Red carpet 9:30 pm, party at 10:00 pm.

SATURDAY

3. Sjobeck Fashion Show

Malibu-based designer Sjobeck will be straying from the spotlights of Smashbox, showing her California-inspired line at The Victorian in Santa Monica. Some celebrities are rumored to attend and an after-party will follow. The price of the ticket may deter many, but for true fashion enthusiasts it's an event that speaks American design from the seams. 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. 7:00 pm. $50; (310) 392-4956

SUNDAY

4. Kevan Hall Kicks off Fashion Week

One of Los Angeles' most renowned designers, Kevan Hall makes his return to the runway with his Spring '09 collection that already has people talking. Known for his an A-list clientele that includes Celine Dion, Salma Hayek and Sharon Stone, Hall brings star power and notoriety to jump-start this year's line-up. Smashbox Studios, Main Tent, 8538 Warner Drive, Culver City, CA. 4:00 pm. Invitation only.

MONDAY

5. Ed Hardy Fashion Show

Ed Hardy's tattoo-inspired clothing line became an international success under designer Christian Audigier's direction. Audigier, whose designs are worn by everyone from Britney Spears to Madonna, adds enormous star appeal to Fashion Week. Don't be surprised if his show is flashy and even eccentric -- they're known to be edgy and over-the-top. Smashbox Studios, Main Tent, 8538 Warner Drive, Culver City. 4:00 p.m. Invitation only.

TUESDAY

6. Lana Fuch's The Stork After Party

Newcomer Lana Fuchs, debuting her Las Vegas-based line at L.A. Fashion Week, is having an exclusive after-party at The Stork. Joel Madden from Good Charlotte will be DJing for a planned guest list of celebrities and industry people. The event is closed to the public. The Stork, 1738 N. Orange Drive, Hollywood, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

7. Lauren Conrad Collection

The star of MTV's "The Hills" and recent FIDM graduate will be showing her line for the second time at L.A. Fashion Week. The show is sponsored by Mark Cosmetics and will introduce new fabrics as well as more prints and silhouettes. Smashbox Studios, Main Tent, 8538 Warner Drive, Culver City, 8:00 p.m. Invitation only.

WEDNESDAY

8. Eco-Ganik Fashion Show

Hoda Mallone's Eco-Ganik line is one of the few eco-conscious lines showing at Smashbox this year. Mallone's motto is to be fashion-forward using only organic materials such as jersey fabrics. It's Eco-Ganik's second year at Fashion Week, and a work-to-play fashion line for women is said to be the theme. Smashbox Studios, Stage One, 8538 Warner Drive, Culver City. 6:00 p.m. Invitation only.

THURSDAY:

9. Samora Fashion Show

Veteran to Los Angeles Fashion Week, Samora's 12th season show is inspired by Paris and designed for the modern sophisticated woman. The collection adds flirty dashes of greens and pinks, and is said to be elegant, yet playful and romantic. Smashbox Studios, Stage One, 8538 Warner Drive, Culver City. 6:00 p.m. Invitation only.

10. The Green Initiative Fashion Show

Concluding Fashion Week is the Green Initiative, a show put on by five different designers who worked collectively to create an eco-friendly line. All of the clothes are sustainable and made from recycled materials, bamboo, and soybean (watch out for the dress made from recycled glass). There will be live performances along with African dancers, drummers, breakdancers and live animals including a python, wolf and more. Smashbox Studios, Main Tent, 8538 Warner Drive, Culver City. 8:00 p.m. Invitation only.