Is this a new cat fight for lafw or friendly competition? BOXeight never set out to be the go to event for lafw, it just kind of happened. Without them, this season’s fashion week would be cut short. On the contrary, CoLA wants to be the premier lafw event and they did put on quite a show.
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BOXeight got custody of the ‘it’ event, Friday’s GenArt show. However, being open to the public and allowing those already inside admittance to every show and the after party, it was hardly exclusive. It really did feel more like a concert than a fashion event. Let’s not forget everyone that showed up late only for the after party and not the fashion. The lack of a consistent open bar and free water was a minus. The staff was also a minus – more confusion than necessary. Hardly anyone in charge of seating, and lets not forget everyone yelling at guests to go upstairs because they weren’t seating the bleacher section yet. Um…one problem with that, the only woman’s restroom was down there. Please don’t yell at me when I have to pee. Not polite.

The theatre situation was a total free for all. Luckily, LA Pretty chose the balcony as the best spot to scope out fashion. At least we could see and didn’t have to turn our heads while seated up high. Although, the historic LA Theatre was absolutely gorgeous. Every floor had amazing architectural detailing. Overall, it was a fun event, but lacked the seriousness of a more professional show. However, BOXeight is all about the indie scene and tends to attract a rowdy crowd. Thus, you need to know what your getting yourself into when attending their events. Peter Eaton Gurnz, head of arts collective BOXeight, told The Los Angeles Times: “I don’t think BOXeight is necessarily ready to be, or planning to be, representative of L.A. Fashion Week in its entirety.”

CoLA set out to be pro from the beginning. According to them, “Los Angeles has season after season lacked a respectable presence. This city has produced a small army of uniquely talented and universally lauded designers who, orphaned by the city that birthed their creativity, have fled to New York and Paris to show their wares. COLA is out to change all that, to build a seasonal event that will demand respect and attention throughout the fashion world.”

CoLA is an industry event, not a consumer event. That’s the biggest point of difference and showed with the audience in attendance. Even though they both had Coke Zero, but CoLA had open bar and a more intimate lounge area. They may have been smaller, but they had a bigger bite or should I say drink. One crisp clean runway + crowd control+ amazing designers = awesome shows!
So who’s the winner? That’s up to you or maybe the the claws will really come out next season. I say it’s Coke Zero, they had a strong presence at both events. Either way, we are eager to see how LAFW will progress and become more reputable nationally and globally.

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