CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Show at the Chateau Marmont

It was a beautiful fall day in the courtyard of the Chateau Marmont (if your idea of fall is 72 degrees and sunny) and Angelenos were out in force to support the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists at their show at the iconic hotel, the last step along the road towards the final in New York City next month.

Designers including the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte mingled with the likes of Minnie Mortimer, Alexandra Von Furstenberg, and Kendall Conrad.

“This is so exciting, I love it and I love that it’s in L.A.,” said former finalist Jennifer Meyer who was wearing one of her own gold circle bezel necklaces with a Jason Wu tea dress and a clutch by current finalist Brett Heyman of Edie Parker. True Detective actress Michelle Monaghan meanwhile had paired a bracelet by former finalist and Venice resident Irene Neuwirth with her Suno dress and Anndra Neen clutch.

CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg opened the event with a touching tribute to the designer Oscar de la Renta, who had passed away the night before. “He was an incredible friend,” she said. “He was a great American designer with Latin roots and European training.” Vogue’s Fashion News Director Mark Holgate also congratulated Grey Ant codesigner Natalie Levy on the birth of her baby just two weeks prior to the show. “Our first Fashion Fund baby,” he quipped. Sporting a black body-con dress and a punky new haircut, Amber Valletta was a last-minute arrival, and took a front row seat alongside judge Jenna Lyons.

Each designer sent out five looks before taking their final bows for the crowd of well-wishers. Cohost Reese Witherspoon, who wore a de la Renta floral dress for the occasion, said, “This is a beautiful event and it’s wonderful to be in the garden watching these artists support each other,” before turning to catch up with her new neighbor, eco-blogger Shiva Rose. “I love seeing designers that I’ve been wearing for several years being recognized,” said Rose. “They really deserve it.