Eric Richardson [Flickr]

At the Australian Fashion Showcase, opening night of the Summer '09 Los Angeles Fashion Market.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — It was designs from down under on display Friday night, as the Australian Fashion Showcase opened January Market Week at the California Market Center. The Australian Trade Commission sponsored the feature, hoping to expose its brands to the California market.

Fashion District BID Executive Director Kent Smith sees that as a good sign for Los Angeles' fashion market. "[The Trade Council] recognizes that if their home-grown designers are going to be a success, they need to show in L.A.," he said on Friday.

The offerings varied from sunglasses to formal wear. Some of the brands had an existing U.S. presence, but others were just looking to branch out from their home soil.

Participating in the Australian contingent were contemporary apparel brand Talulah, Wish, Metalicus, ae'lkemi, Be Seduced, Katherine and Think Design, accessories lines Urban Originals and worn gundidj, swimwear company kooey, sunglasses brand Quay Eyeware, Opal jewelry maker Melissa Berta, formal wear designer Dana Mathers, and kidswear companies Cackleberry and Miatom.