AZADA
TARA HAGGIAG is a young, international designer whose spirited multi-colored line was inspired by her travels in Asia. "I fell in love with the colors and fabrics of the Far East and decided to fuse this beauty with the elegance of Italian tailoring." AZADA items are hand-woven from fabrics selected in South East Asia. The AZADA look is young, fun and sexy, a fusion of Eastern textures and colors with the elegance of a Western cut. "As a woman, I understand that women want to feel confident and look stunning. My jackets are beautiful, but easy to wear. They can be casual with jeans or dressed up with knee high boots and a mini skirt for evening." AZADA is for anyone who loves that flexibility. The designs have an earthy glamour yet a bohemian chic. The focus is on high quality limited edition and one-of-a-kind items for a unique clientele. Worn by actresses Elizabeth Berkley, Courtney Cox, Ashley Judd, Bai Ling and Jennifer Lopez…the buzz is just beginning. AZADA: 310.552.1600; www.azadacouture.com

BABYDOL
In the first showing of her new BABYDOL collection, writer, producer, and recording artist Jody Babydol Gibson shifts her theatre background and entrepreneurial skills to make room for fashion design. Wooed into design and manufacturing because "teenagers kept following me everywhere demanding to know where they could buy what I was wearing," much of her inspiration comes from her entertainment background, which includes designing her own Babydol costumes during her music recording career. A true trend setter, her favorite designers are Thierry Mugler, John Galiano, and Alexander McQueen. This collection, appropriately named Babydol, combines cutting edge couture with junior sportswear. An avid animal activist, Miss Gibson does not wear fur and carries that cruelty free mantra into her clothing collection with the use of faux furs and synthetic fabrics. BABYDOL ENTERPRISE: 310.285.8233; www.babydol.com

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
RITA THIERRY-SCOTT is living her dream. Since the age of 12 she has loved to sew and make things; and people love the things she makes. After working as an Aerospace Engineer for years and hearing people say: "You sew so beautifully; you are in the wrong business," she decided to pursue the dream of having her own line. In pursuit of that goal, she earned both a Business Management and Fashion Design Degree. She is now the owner, designer and CEO of the Rita James Collection. Her Mission is to develop contemporary, stylish, trendy clothing for pregnant women that make them feel beautiful and comfortable. Her first collection includes: business, casual, active wear and an after-five group. Future plans include developing a mentoring program for young at-risk women to teach them how to be designers. "God has done this great work in my life for a reason. I want to extend a hand to my young sisters and show them that with God all things are possible." DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: 310.217.1066 doubleoccupancymaternity.com

KADIJA "NEEMO" QAAL
KADIJA "NEEMO" QAAL was born on March 29th 1974, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Her journey began within her country's capital, where she sought out to explore the natural beauty that surrounded her. In discovering the rich culture and the exotic wonders of her country's colorful landscape, she realized her dream of becoming a designer with a vision of sharing her fascination of Somalia for the world to appreciate. For Neemo, there was inspiration in everything. From the changing colors of the rising and setting sun, the endless rhythm of the Indian Ocean, to the textures of crackled leaves and over-ripened fruits descending from a tree, every detail became an inspiration in her creations. Using backcloth as her trademark in her creations, which was the material once used by Africa's royalty centuries ago, Neemo's work reflect her rich culture and heritage. Incorporating nature and industrial elements, her innovative designs can be best described as "Organic Luxury." KADIJA "NEEMO" QAAL: 562.787.0556 www.kneemo.com

PAUL MAGALAD
Filipino born Australian designer Paul Magalad has real charisma and a knack for staying involved with his audience. No wonder he chooses to focus business on a strictly made-to-measure service. Each dress seems tailor-made, with well executed blouses of diaphanous chiffon, trailing raw-edged ruffles, and asymmetrical pin tucked bustles. A dynamic presentation of urban semi-couture, Magalad offers one-off deconstructed spring dresses, flirty separates and body-conscious sportswear that, combined with hair and makeup, creates an alluring palette of 50's diva meets bead headed geisha, giving it a streetwear charm. A renegade artist and loyalist Chinatown supporter, Paul has developed a range of urban-post-modern inspired clothing under the label of SAN PAREDES. His work has appeared in numerous style journals throughout Australia and the Asian Pacific. Magalad draws his inspiration and materials from the synthetic clothing of the 1970's fashion. SAN PAREDES: 213.446.2506

PETER LAI -THE 2004 GNA WINNER
Peter Lai's designs bear witness to his rich background in Chinese culture. Born in Hong Kong where his family designed costumes for the Hong Kong Opera, television and movies, Peter assisted in the creation of many exquisite traditional costumes, and the elaborate hairstyles essential to each production. Relocating to L.A. in 1980 to attend Otis Parsons School of Design, Peter flourished in California's innovative design climate, presenting his first collection after graduation. His Melrose boutique attracted the attention of many in the entertainment industry. Peter considers L.A. home and feels the international quality enriches and inspires his work. In 1994 he moved to his current San Marino location where clients find a tranquil respite from the fast-paced Angeleno lifestyle. His magical window displays, exotic fabrics and accessories create a world where imagination effortlessly merges into reality. Peter's creations grace many high-profile galas in Los Angeles.

RENAISSANCE XXI
Originally from Odessa, Ukraine, Flora Poldneva began designing from an early age and graduated from the Art College for Movies and Theatre where she received a BA degree in Professional Costume Design. After years of designing for stage and films, Flora came to the U.S. to pursue a career in fashion, designing evening wear for women. Using the finest knit fabrics, elegant laces and embroidery, Flora's unique creativity and fashion elegance give her the ability to create garments with the look and feel of distinction. Each custom-made piece is hand crafted and embellished with skillful tailoring and artistic detail. With an eye for artistic and intricate craftsmanship, Flora creates unique accessories to related to each garment: jewelry, hats, hand bags, silk flowers, and more. Not only does she create a vision for customers with a touch of artistry but delivers one and the same. High quality alternation services are also provided to clients who desire the quality and fit of designer crafted apparel. RENAISSANCE XXI: 310.276.3046

RENEE JON
RENEE JON started creating custom-designed bridal gowns in 1986. Originally from the East Coast, she has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. With her unique designs, discerning eye, and handbeaded gowns, Renee received much recognition and many student awards. But destined to go west and wanting to further hone her design capabilities and technical skills, Renee returned to the Golden State to receive her certificate in Computer-aided Fashion Design at California Design College. After working in downtown Los Angeles in the garment district, Renee Jon started her bridal salon and now specializes in re-designing and updating mothers' wedding gowns to fit their daughters. The Renee Jon for the Bride collection are her custom-designed bridal and bridesmaids gowns. Her private salon has a beautiful selection of in stock ready to wear bridal gowns and can custom make to a client's vision and specifications. RENEE JON BRIDAL AND FORMAL: 909.860.8842

SHEARWEAR
RHONDA SHEAR is probably best known as the star and host of USA Network's long-running, popular Friday night movie series, "USA: Up All Night." For eight years and 400 shows, RHONDA converted an entire generation into insomniacs as they became addicted to her tongue in cheek humor. Recently married to VAN FAGAN, the twosome created SHEAR SHAPEWEAR, designing beautiful foundations for all body types. Initially launched as a line of lightweight, seamless panties, beautiful waist cinchers, control hosiery and camisoles. SHEAR experienced great success and expanded her concept of "Foundation IS Where Fashion Starts" to include casualwear and shapewear. RHONDA's latest venture into swimwear, Bikini-A-Go-Go, includes a line of disposable bikinis that you wear and toss away. No more worrying about packing a wet swimsuit or paying top dollar for a small amount of fabric. SHEAR uses cutting edge technology to bring styles and prints that are fun, functional and affordable. SHEARWEAR: 310.5501222

SOSSY'S ORIGINALS
SOSSY BAGHDOIAN has been designing clothes from a very young age. By the age 8, she began making clothes, hats and purses for her own dolls, which evolved into a lifetime love affair with both design and pattern making. After graduating from the French Method Design School, Sossy came to America, where she continued designing under her own label. Astonishing clients with her creativity and ability to manipulate fabrics, Sossy's Originals has ready-to-wear designs that cater to a wide spectrum of 'modern woman' - ranging from conservative to business attire to fabulous evening wear and from classic wedding gowns to eclectic designs. SOSSY does custom orders for clients and sets herself apart by turning an original concept into a finished creation, in a short turn around. Sossy's timeless designs are crowd pleasers that have been showcased internationally in fashion magazines, newspapers and television. SOSSY'S ORIGINALS: 818.766.5008.

STUDIO C
CARLA MARIE FREEMAN graduated from NYU with a BFA degree and moved to L.A. where she immediately landed a job as the Fashion Coordinator for I. Magnin. Wanting to delve into design, she continued her education at Otis/Parsons in pattern making, draping, and illustration. Her first position in the industry was with Tomboy/Domino Apparel, followed by design positions held at L.A. based companies Cherokee Apparel, Teddi Apparel, and Jonathan Martin. For the past fifteen years, Carla has worked for an importer in India, while simultaneously establishing a design studio for product development for STUDIO C. The label, primarily known for better jackets, is easy to wear and comfortable and inspired by print, color, and pattern mixing. The result is a collective group of items that can all play back to one another: allowing the customer freedom of choice from categories which include skirts, dresses, knits, sweaters and jackets. Carla is a master craftsman with a strong technical knowledge. STUDIO C: 310.801.1746

ZEITGEIST USA
Swiss-born Tatjana Luethi, 29, is the Founder and President of Zeitgeist USA, designers of unique, high-quality handbags in Los Angeles. With a degree in Graphic Design from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Tatjana has honed her creative vision to develop products that capture the essence of today's modern woman. When it comes to describing the goal of Zeitgeist USA, we believe Tatjana says it best: "Zeitgeist, best translated, means spirit of the times. And it's that spirit which is at the center of Zeitgeist USA. We hope to inspire women to go after their dreams, be it on a personal or professional level. Because no matter what obstacles we come across in life, the strong spirit distinguishes itself by not shrinking away, by not backing down, and by viewing each obstacle as an opportunity in disguise, allowing us to learn, grow and gain strength. It is my goal, rather my purpose, to encourage women to reach within themselves and realize their dreams." Zeitgeist USA: 310.663.6898 www.zeitgeistusa.com