Fashion Angel Awards Set to Hit the Runway October 13 at Downtown LA Fashion Week

The pilot program sponsored by the Department of Culture and Arts for the City of LA to support emerging talent in the fashion industry introduced its first winners, Phong Hong, Fernanda Carneiro and design team Jaquetta O'Dell and Leslie Henry at a press conference attended by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa earlier this week.

"Los Angeles will launch an exciting showcase of fashion and creativity that will bring buyers and style mavens from all over the world during LA fashion week," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "Our City is no longer just the fashion capital of the West Coast; LA is one of the major fashion capitals of the world."

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges including designers Randolph Duke, Nony Tochterman of Petro Zilla, Nick Verreos, Project Runway Season 3 winner Jeffrey Sebelia, Louis Verdad and contestant Vanessa Gonzalez, of Launch My Line on BRAVO.

An homage to designer Valentino will close the event with a vintage runway show on October 15. The star studded event will honor actress Maria Bello and open with a performance by singer Matt Goss. A portion of ticket sales benefits MOCA.