While Los Angeles fashion week tends to be generally lackluster, one of the shows we always look forward to is Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion. (Full disclosure: we sometimes write for Gen Art's arts and culture blog, but were fans of the show long before that was the case.) The non-profit organization has launched the careers of fashion heavyweights including Derek Lam and Zac Posen. Fresh Faces shows are held in a few major cities each year, and are always a surefire spot for sighting upcoming designers.

This year, Mandy Moore hosted the L.A. event, which featured swimwear, menswear, hats, and fine jewelry. We were especially taken with designs by WAYF, Laeken, Wayne Hadly and KZO -- whose Hussein Chalayan-esque flannel creation sent an appreciative murmur through the crowd.

On the accessories tip, our good friend, jewelry designer Azature, put together an ambitious display, featuring a sexy cat burglar robbing his jewelry vault. And Jerome Rosseau's candy-colored, handcrafted high heels and booties were also a crowd favorite.

As we've previously reported, Los Angeles Fashion Week appears to be dead in the water, and it's unfortunate. As the hub of the film and celebrity universe -- which, like it or not, dictates much of the fashion world's taste -- we think the city deserves it. Especially with innovative talents like these calling L.A. home.