Fifteen years ago Mike Amiri set up his first studio in Downtown LA. Here, he carved his eponymous brand’s identity, surrounded by the artistic community of the area. This season the designer pays homage to DTLA via a collection via a time-travel joyride through the area’s past and present, plugging into its creative verve.

Presented via a cinematic short film shot on the 4th Street Bridge and iconic blocks of Downtown LA, models walk intuitive paths before gradually forming group formations. Inspired by free-form jazz, this choreography symbolises the way artists and dreamers move to an area with their own vision before a community organically rises, totally in sync.

In flared pants, slim bodies and defined outwear, a new silhouette was drawn – representing that shift from the tapered 70s to angular new wave sensibilities. Brushed mohair cardigans and louche tailoring spoke of art school kids skipping class, while opulent fabrics were translated to the everyday; traditional bouclé fabrics appeared cut in contemporary shapes to represent the art world’s changing of the guard. Imagery of DTLA’s neon-lit backstreets and underground bars became hand-painted motifs as Swarovski crystal detailing and sequin embroidery reminded us of the joy of dressing up.

An after-hours allure surged throughout as Mike Amiri paid tribute to the Downtown streets where he cut his teeth, and its beat that continues to reverberate through his output.