L.A. Muses

Let's start by saying we're not going to even delve in the "Do we need an L.A. Fashion Week?" conversation that has always rung hollow and continues to do so. Plenty of mediocre lines will be shown in coming days, for sure, but many more may prove exquisite.

In that spirit, we recently asked three L.A.-based designers -- Ashton Hirota of Ashton Michael, Jonny Cota of Skin.Graft and Anthony Franco about their upcoming joint show on Wednesday. Ashton's work we've been impressed by on trips to EPIC in Echo Park, Skin Graft always puts on a show and Franco is back after a seasons-long hiatus. Here's what they had to say:

Ashton Hirota, Ashton Michael Black Label

Style Section L.A.: Have you always gone eco-friendly in your design? Is it a misnomer to call the label an "eco line"?

Hirota: Even prior to this collection, I have always considered myself to be an eco designer in the respect that I hand make everything myself and I don't source overseas. My carbon footprint has always been minimal. For this particular collection, I teamed up with Rethink Fabrics, which takes recycled water bottles and produces basically any type fabric. It's an amazing company that is by far doing its part to aid in eco fashion. Working with them to produce all the Black Eyed Peas tour shirts triggered my interest furthering my eco mindset. In addition to PET I used tensile, bamboo and organic cotton in the Black Label collection. So yes, this line is not only eco, it's rock and roll.

Speaking of which, this collection is inspired by a certain rock legend. What screams "Morrisey" about spring 2011?

Really nothing screams "Morrisey" in the collection. It just screams! Morrisey as an artist and writer, and his beliefs were more influential to me. The collection is more militant, androgynous and rock-and-roll.

You've already shown in New York. Is there an advantage to showing in L.A. as well? Showing in New York at the Green Shows was amazing. I haven't shown in over 6 years so it was like giving birth -- glory AND madness. The collection was made in three weeks and my purpose of showing at a "green" event was to show a darker side of eco fashion. breaking down the stereotype that all eco fashion is as granola as it seems. The L.A. market is vastly different than the New York market and attracts a completely different demographic of attendees to the shows. This time around I get to team up with my friends Anthony Franco and Jonny Cota. Together it's a powerhouse of eclectic designs.

Where are you from? Why design here? Originally from Hacienda Heights. HTOWN! I love L.A.! This city has some amazing, talented kids who need to be put on the map. I not only plan on being part of that movement, I want to help lead it.