Long considered the godfather of LA's fashion community, Richard Tyler's sensual eveningwear is recognized internationally as the red carpet uniform and single-handedly benchmarks design prowess on the West Coast.

At Thursday's runway show, a ravenous media pit gobbled up front row celebrity fodder like Rita Wilson, Sheryl Crow, E!'s Giuliana with date Jerry O'Connell, and stylists Philip Block and Adrianne Phillips

Opening with Tyler, a collection of men's and women's luxurious separates with youthful styling, the designer's expert tailoring shone thru with bibfront cargo pants, dressmaker ribbon details and diaphanous handkerchief hems. Richard Tyler Couture delivered featherweight suiting and dresses, showcasing a masterful control of silk organza and gorgeous beaded edges - precisely the couture touches that his loyal customers expect.  Exquisite, fragile gowns followed in a kicked up palette of sultry sherbets, quite literally the stuff of runway legend.  A parade of Rossetti-inspired goddesses introduced the bridal collection to an audience perhaps too start-struck to notice matching tassel zipper pulls or nude gauze linings that gave each gown its seamless shape.

The grand finale  - a bridal couple in classic tuxedo and white organza maternity gown - effortlessly cemented his Hollywood legacy and created a true LA moment.

LA Fashion October 2003