Hi lovelies,

Art Hearts Fashion took this year's Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week by storm and did the same on the West coast with a 3-day fashion runway extravaganza that kicked-off with a fabulous launch party at the W Hotel Hollywood on Sunday, October 12th. The even didn't stop there and continued with back-to-back runway shows on Monday, October 13th and Tuesday, October 14th, at the Taglyan in Los Angeles.

I was able to score a one-on-one interview with the founder, Erik Rosete, on the inspiration behind Art Hearts Fashion and behind-the-scene fashion secrets.

Candy Washington: What was your inspiration behind creating Art Hearts Fashion?

Erik Rosete: I was working with this brilliant fashion designers, photographers, models, artists, and musicians and I wanted a way to showcase them all in one place and to give back. After working and collaborating with such creative people, it just evolved into this experience where we could display all of their work and put their names on the map. My vision was to create a platform for everyone to showcase at the same time. I ended up developing my own fashion line as well, I wanted to be able to tell my story through design too. 

Art Hearts Fashion brings together designers from all over the world and uses a wide array of diverse models. Even celebrities have graced our runways for free as a way to give back to the community. We partner with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. 

CW: You're also a designer, can you tell us about your designs and collections?

ER: My collection, Mister Triple X, was born out of me being a triple threat: a fashion designer, a fashion producer, and a fashion manager. It also a play on Generation X, the X Factor, and X marks the spot. It's an ironic and playful contradiction. The inspiration for my designs is for them to be larger-than-life. 

My “Reflection Collection” uses mirror, metallics, chains, leather, and harnesses. I want people to join me in traveling down the Rabbit Hole and all of our press, editorials pieces, and photo-shoots are connected in telling that story. It's all inspired by the Alice in Wonderland story with a cool, dark, and edgy twist. 

CW: How did you put the designer line-up together?

ER: I pulled from all of the people that I have worked with in the past, from costume designers for runway shows, television series, movies, music videos, and more, but you've never seen their designs in stores and you never get to hear their names. These designers have created outfits for Katy Perry, Rihanna, Shakira, and others, I wanted to make sure that they had a platform to make a name for themselves and showcase their work. 

CW: What was your experience like during the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week?

ER: Hectic and amazing! Our show was the most highly attended show of the entire week, with over 1500 guests. We were deemed “the coolest and edgiest of the season,” by CBS and named in the 7 highest quality shows of all fashion week by the Examiner.

Since our show was on 9/11, we had the most famous war veteran walk our show and we kicked-off the event to the “Star Spangled Banner.” 

Details on Art Hearts Fashion:
Hailed as the premiere art and fashion event in the nation, Art Hearts Fashion designers including Michael Costello, MT Costello, M the Movement, Tumbler and Tipsy, Maya Hansen, Jun Escario, Zhang JingJing, Sachika and Mister Triple X. The event will showcase their latest collections to LA’s fashion elite and media. Guests will be privy to one-of-a-kind art and music performances and live fashion installations. 

The event will include a special performance by chart topper Katy Tiz, and a DJ set by Colleen Shannon, as well as a showcase by celebrity artist Sham Ibrahim. As Art Hearts Fashion welcomes a new location it launches its greatest season yet, bringing art, fashion and music together in an immersing entertainment experience that will leave guests in awe.

The all-star beauty professionals of Official Hair Sponsor Paul Mitchell, will collaborate with the designers to create gorgeous fashion forward runway looks.

October 13th: Designers Debut SS/15 Collections

• VIGGOFashion / Dan Richters / Noia
• Courtney Allegra / Kami Shade' / CONSORT 62
• Crystal Hefner Fashion Preview DJ set
• Tumbler & Tipsy / Hallie Sara
• Tribute to Couture Dance Performance
• Jun Escario / Zhang JingJing / Maya Hansen

October 14th: Designers Debut SS15 Collection

• Jaime Elyse / Nancy Vuu
• Artistix Jeans / Blindado Launch
• Twala Intimates / Sachika / M The Movement
• Kicka Custom Design
• Mister Triple X / R'Michelle
• MT Costello / Michael Costello