Ed Fuentes

Li Cari designer Jazmin Whitley pauses on the red carpet before presenting her Spring '09 collection.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Friday night's fashion show at the Barker Block saw the debut of Li Cari designer Jazmin Whitley's Spring '09 collection. Marked by the 50's glamour that's shaped her previous collections, Whitley's current designs include the similar bold details that give the feel of yesteryear with a new twist. Quarter-length dresses, mixed with bright neon skirt ensembles, lime greens, and high waisted pant and skirt all accented the collection which had a mix of hip throwback appeal, with a more contemporary boldness is color.

A passionate young designer, Whitley came onto the fashion scene two years ago. This year MTV (with the help of iCandy TV) has been chronicling her made-for-reality life through its fashion series "Catwalk", which was filming during the event.

Some of the celebrity guests included glamazon mystery author Tara Moss and "Friday Night Lights" star Aimee Teegarden. Giving the colorful collection an expressionistic backdrop were the paintings of Artist David Matlzman.

"I just wanted it to seem like it would if you were laying out on a yatch," Whitley said after the show. "One of my big inspirations is old Hollywood glamour." Her collection reached back to the nautical themes with bold gold buttons on the fronts of some pieces. The flowing, layered look of her more contemporary-styled dresses popped with the colors seen more often in urbanwear brands. Polka dots even made an appearance, as did high waisted skirt and pant ensembles, and some elegant swimwear.

Barker Block, the Arts District condo project fashioned from the former Barker Bros. furniture buildings, has served as host for a number of arts events. The development hosted screenings and parties for the Downtown Film Festival this summer, and in a few weeks will be home to Arte Calidad's Festival de la Gente.