

These Are The Leading LA Streetwear Brands Taking Over The Fashion Capital
One of the few fashion capitals in the world, Los Angeles has created a streetwear culture unlike any other. Behind the city's laid-back temperament is a scene that is often overlooked and underrated. As each destination has its trademark look, LA is buzzing with creative minds continuing to contribute to its legacy of style and design. Living in this coastal city for nine years, I've discovered it's the acceptance of individual style that leads one to discover their most authentic self.
Using clothing as a form of self-expression, it's inspiring to see designer brands and trends from around LA mixed into an array of daring yet creative looks.
In sunny California, the temperature is always right when it comes to a dope look. Known for comfort and style, the west coast is often portrayed in throwback classics with baggy pants and sneakers or women in cropped tees with spandex. Today, LA-based designers are setting a precedent for their brands while representing the city, continuing to gain recognition around the world. From vintage clothing to futuristic chic, these are the 7 breakthrough designer brands blowing up the streetwear scene online and IRL.
1.TLZ L’femme
You may recognize this high fashion brand as a favorite amongst the biggest celebrities in the world. Known for its sharply feminine sleek looks, TLZ L'femme founder Aazhia is the mastermind behind the futuristic chic designs. With killer looks seen around the net, this is one of LA's most-wanted brands.
2.Studio Patchwerk
LA-based and women-owned, Studio Patchwerk uses alteration as a means of innovation. With enticing designs that include creative lines and cut outs, this brand defines modern chic women's wear. From tailored looks to feminine drapes, everything comes at a price that won't impede on your monthly fashion budget. Items ranging from $50-$128, it's a crime to be this fashion forward with such good prices.
3.Phlemuns
With its unique distinct designs and creative direction, Phlemuns indeed has a cult following of those within the fashion world. Founded by James Flemons, this brand takes a unisex approach when it comes to most styles. Blending comfort and style, this innovative brand is charting its own fashion territory.
4.Local European
Born in Los Angeles, women's wear brand Local European, lives up to its name. Founded by Alexandra Brunch, LE features timeless silhouettes with modern touches. Minimal with a touch of edginess, these styles are designed for women that appreciate prints, patterns, and a bit of color.
5.Millersroom
With a range of modern and throwback styles, Millersroom is LA's go-to shop for delicious secondhand and reimagined vintage. Garments sourced by founder and designer Marquis Miller, every item is a must-have. If living or visiting the LA area, make an appointment to shop this one of a kind experience.
6.Busy Body
Handmade in DTLA, Busy Body was founded by Chandler King, an artist from Baltimore, MD who is currently based in Los Angeles, CA. The brand derived its name from "Busy" to inspire people of all ages to go for what they wanted in this life, and to not be afraid to be themselves. Frequently spotted on fashionistas around the city of LA, Busy Body's trademark designs are as recognizable as they are fly.
7.No Sesso
Where high fashion meets LA streetwear, meet No Sesso. Blessing the city since 2015, this independent design duo has been creating risque yet chic styles from knit tops to slinky dresses, giving us a variety of chic to choose from. With a runway quality, this collection gives both edge and editorial with ease.
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Getty Images
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'Power Book II: Ghost' Star LaToya Tonodeo Talks Breakout Role And Shooting Her Shot At 50 Cent For An Audition
Actress LaToya Tonodeo demonstrated the power of speaking up as she recently recalled how she secured her breakout role in Starz's Power Book II: Ghost.
The hit show, a spinoff of the original series Power, follows the journey of college student Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.) as he tries to escape his father's tainted image while running a drug operation.
In Power Book II: Ghost, Tonodeo portrays the role of Diana Tejada, the daughter of former kingpin Lorenzo Tejada and Monet Tejada, played by Mary J. Blige.
The series debuted in 2020 and became an instant hit as viewers were glued to the screen weekly due to its captivating storylines. Power Book II: Ghost is currently in its third season and has been renewed for a fourth.
Although Tonodeo has been a part of the entertainment industry for over a decade by appearing in various television shows and films, the 26-year-old's star shined a lot brighter after landing a role in Power Book II: Ghost.
In an IG Live with xoNecole, Tonodeo opened up about how her dream opportunity came to fruition and the rumor that she boldly asked Power's executive producer, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, to participate in one of his projects.
LaToya On Previously Working With 50 Cent
In last month's discussion, Tonodeo revealed that before landing Power Book II: Ghost, she was already working alongside Jackson for his Sony/Crackle series The Oath.
In the show, the actress played the character Tara Byrd. Tonodeo shared that as the red carpet premiere for the first season of The Oath occurred in 2018, she missed her opportunity to connect with Jackson because she was working on another project. But as fate would have it, The Oath was renewed for a second season.
In 2019, as Tonodeo reprised her role in the show and attended the red carpet premiere for the second season, she briefly chatted with Jackson, who at the time acquired the rights to the BMF story.
"Well, what's crazy [is] I was already on a 50 Cent show. So at that premiere, it's called The Oath. It was the season two premiere of The Oath on Sony/ Crackle, and he was there," she said. "Season one, there was a premiere, and 50 Cent attended. I wasn't there because I was doing The Fosters, and I'm like, 'man.' When I got to go to the season two premiere, I saw him, and it was around the time when he got the rights for the BMF story."
The Bold Move That Helped 'Powerbook' Star LaToya Tonodeo Land the Role
LaToya On Asking 50 Cent To Audition For a Role And Landing 'Power Book II: Ghost'
Tonodeo explained that during her conversation with Jackson, she congratulated the mogul on obtaining the rights to the BMF story and expressed her interest in wanting to be a part of the project.
Tonodeo added that although she is unclear if Jackson remembered their encounter or "if it meant anything," when a Power Book II: Ghost role came along, she auditioned and landed the job.
"I was like, 'Oh my God, like I want to be a part of it.' But I don't know why I did it. I just walked over there, and I was like, 'Hey, congratulations on getting the rights. I would love to audition.' I don't know why I did that. I don't even know if it meant anything or if he remembers or not. I do know that I did my thing in the audition, so yeah, we are here now," she stated.
Either way, with that story, Tonodeo has displayed the perfect example of "closed mouths don't get fed."
Power Book II: Ghost is now streaming on Starz.
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Feature image by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for STARZ