Haute and Hooded

We think it's safe to say that if Kat Von D is in the front row of a fashion show, there are going to be some worthy looks marching down the runway.

The tattoo priestess was indeed at last night's Exchange LA show downtown, and while not all the flouncy skirts likely spoke to her, a mix of three L.A. based labels — Skingraft, Ashton Michael Black Label and Anthony Franco — proved one of the more enjoyable evenings we've had in this ragtag fortnight of fashion week. The L.A. Stock Exchange made for an ideal venue.

Skingraft, never a brand to dismiss the potency of theatrics in fashion (designer Jonny Cota is an ex-circus performer, if memory serves) put on a tight show, complete with some beautifully disheveled knits; razor-sharp, high-collared men's leather jackets (styled with harem pants, but whatever); and two extravagant, hooded couture pieces close to perfection. Ashton Michael's punk-ennui vibe was evident in his signature woven details on low-slung suspenders and chain-mail shoulder accents. We've seen his work at EPIC in Echo Park, though would have liked to see more looks here. But a shout-out to Hector Pocasangre for hair. Finally Anthony Franco's return to ready-to-wear eschewed sullen aggressiveness for the demure and pretty. We were a little more taken with the menswear—great suits, and we hope they make it to production (memo to Franco: let us know which retailers pick them up).