A model walks the runway during the Kevan Hall spring 2008 fashion show. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matt Sayles

CULVER CITY, Calif. — Old Hollywood glamour shined throughout Kevan Hall’s spring collection, with gowns fit for modern-day versions of Garbo, Dietrich, Crawford and Bacall.

Hall opened Mercedes-Benz Los Angeles Fashion Week on Sunday showcasing the kinds of exquisitely tailored and crafted dresses that make him a red-carpet favourite with the women of Hollywood. Front-row admirers at the show included Rachel Griffiths, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and Dana Delany.

Influenced by Gilbert Adrian - whose designs in the ’30s and ’40s elevated the style wattage of icons Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford - Hall’s line looked to classic retro shapes and materials such as taffeta and chiffon in stark black and white or sultry blue and pink.

Among the best looks were a backless yellow chiffon floral printed gown nipped in at the waist and accented by a floating train, plus a delicate silk chiffon dress in aquamarine with jewels gathered at the neckline. Several gowns drew cheers and claps from the crowd, including one made distinct by elegant waist-to-floor pleats and an ombre style, fading from white to baby blue.

Models sporting swept-back hair in loose chignons wore slanted berets, and thick black belts created feminine silhouettes reminiscent of the working gals on AMC’s ’60s-set TV show “Mad Men.” A strapless dress in plum overlaid with black lace had a gorgeous fitted bodice, with a skirt plumped up by tulle.

Hall wasn’t shy with colour, from tropical hues in line with trends this season to sleek navy and black. He also showcased complex beadwork. A strapless silver lame gown glittered with tiny mirrors embedded in the top.

Last season, Hall pulled out of Fashion Week last minute, which he said was due to concentrating on licensing projects and his new atelier.

Lucky for Los Angeles, Hall came back with a show worthy of his muses: Hollywood’s leading ladies, and the town itself.