Eric Richardson [Flickr]

Clothing by Black Collection is worn during Friday's Fall 2010 First.LA, a runway presentation produced by Directives West.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — It's not quite summer yet, but in the showrooms of the Fashion District sights are already set on Fall. Buyers are in town for the Fall Fashion Market, looking to place orders now for what will be on the racks in upcoming months.

According to retail consulting firm Directives West, fall for the women's contemporary market is going to be about knits, military influences, and lacy details.

On Friday evening the firm staged First.LA, a runway presentation in the penthouse of the Cooper Design Space that highlighted those trends using designers whose fashions are available in the showrooms of the Cooper, the California Market Center and other buildings nearby.

Retailers need to know what's exciting fashion, but yet real and sellable. The fall season delivers, says Janine Blain, the company's Vice President. "I have not been so excited about a season or felt so much energy in a year and a half," she adds.

The looks that the models wore down the runway on Friday illustrated the seasonal messages the company handed out to buyers. Sweaters were in, with oversized knit textures and Native American and Peruvian influences. Military notes could be found in navy blue or olive, with structured jackets paired against more delicate tops and skinny jeans. Lingerie details could be found in short cocktail dresses, while leggings continued their run in style.

While retailers have struggled through the economic recession, Blain's clients tell her that they are feeling better. "It's slow," she notes. "We shouldn't be celebrating in the streets yet, but it is a comeback."