L.A. Fashion Week

Lauren Conrad

was among the emerging designers who made their fashion industry debuts during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles. "We just wanted a polished forties look, which was difficult to achieve considering the air blowing machine broke!" Conrad said of the obstacles that got in the way of her vision for the show. "But the models were all beautiful and I think that the line has evolved along with me and my experiences."

-With reporting by Elizabeth Jenkins and Angela Salazar

While Lauren Conrad stayed behind the scenes to coordinate her fashion Fall 2008 show at Smashbox Studios, friends and fellow reality TV stars Whitney Port, Audrina Patridge, Lauren “Lo” Bosworth and Brody Jenner cheered her on from their front row perches. The show started almost 45 minutes late, but when it finally got underway audience members cheered for the very wearable looks-including tiered jersey dresses and one shoulder tops-that Conrad presented.

Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden joined new squeeze Paris Hilton-and Paris' parents, Kathy and Rick-to take in the presentation of Nicky Hilton's fall collection for fashion line Nicholai. Still, the supervision didn't stop Paris and Benji from engaging in a little pre-show PDA.

Nicky Hilton

took a breather backstage before sending the models out onto the catwalk at the Nicholai show, held at Smashbox Studios. The fall collection from the budding designer's high-end line included equestrian inspired ensembles, sleek trench coats and latex leggings.

Angie Harmon

and Rosario Dawson were among the famous fashion fans who turned up for designer Erin Fetherston's fashion week kick off party at Hollywood's latest hot spot, Villa.

Erika Christensen

showed off her front row ensemble before taking her seat to watch the catwalking at L.A.-based designer Whitley Kros' show, held at Smashbox Studios.

Also at Erin Fetherston's fete was celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, who scouts the catwalks from New York to Paris for clients like Jennifer Garner and Cameron Diaz.

Also spotted around Culver City's Smashbox Studios to check out the fall collections on display at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week were actresses Juliette Lewis, Cameron Richardson and Bijou Phillips.

No strangers to the inner workings of fashion shows, The Hills stars Whitney Port and Lauren Conrad awaited further instructions as they helped prepare for the Orthodox Fall 2008 show at Smashbox Studios. Conrad will get her first taste of what it's like to be a featured designer when she presents her own collection at the tents later this week.

Environmentally-friendly actress Amy Smart was among the guests who checked out the designs at the Green Initiative humanitarian fashion show. The all eco-fashion presentation featured six designers-Lady Muse, Vintage China, Rene Geneva Design, M The Movement, Lilikoi and Andira-who think green."I wear as much organic cotton, bamboo and any material that's also sustainable for the planet," said Smart. "This dress I'm wearing is from Protect the Element and it's bamboo! It’s so soft."