May 20, 2013

Runway Recap: Black V 2012

Showcasing eight local designers, the Black V fashion show took place over the weekend. Originally produced to bring the San Francisco fashion community together, this year’s event saw a great mix of who’s who in the local blogger, photographer and editors’ circles. Each year, Black V features apparel that’s edgy and designed to accentuate fashion’s dark side. This year’s show was no exception. A fashionably late start added to the pre-show buzz and excitement in the audience. Read on for our highlights from the runway:

http://www.astonishworld.com/2012/black-v-fashion-show-acta-non-verba/

A slow playing violinist introduced Acta Non Verba's collection. Inspired by "New World royalty," models paraded down the runway in dark lace and bold colors.

http://www.astonishworld.com/2012/black-v-fashion-show-acta-non-verba/

Hector Manuel, the designer behind Acta Non Verba, mixes a classic silhouette with youthful materials.

http://www.danielsudar.com/

A strong, tailored look from Daniel Sudar. The designer debuted his new line of sterling silver jewelry using bare-chested male models, a highlight for those in the front row.

http://www.cariborja.com/Home.html

Cari Borja showed a romantic line of evening dresses inspired by Francis Ford Coppola's movie Dracula. Borja's dresses stood out for their beautiful shapes and movement on the runway.

http://www.cariborja.com/Home.html

A feminine Cari Borja overcoat displays Victorian edge using a mix of satin and silk.

http://www.facebook.com/kateknuvelderbrand

Accessory designer Kate Knuvelder crafted bold looks with her handmade chain, leather and beaded headpieces and neckwear.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/GB-Shrive-Designs/135663344359

The London club scene spurred GB Shrive's collection "London Calling." Shrive used dramatically detailed leather to create a feminine shape.

http://www.facebook.com/kenchensf

This fluid piece by recent Academy of Art grad Ken Chen floated beautifully on the runway.

http://www.zoehong.com/

Fusing constructed leather and free-form tulle, Zoe Hong formed this darkly sensual look.

http://www.zoehong.com/

Zoe Hong produced one of the more sexually-charged collections of the evening, thanks to leather, corsetry and S&M touches like the neck collar above.

http://www.facebook.com/kateknuvelderbrand

A favorite look of the evening: Kate Knuvelder's imaginative chain mesh butterfly accessory.

Photography by Jennymay Villarete for SF Indie Fashion

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Runway Recap: SF State Runway 2012 Defined Fashion Show

Amid flashing cameras and an overall impressive production, San Francisco State University senior design students recently showcased final collections during a spring fashion show called Defined. Held in the SF Design Center in early May, the show drew friends, family and press to view the 22 collections shown. Read on to find out which designers stood out and who won The Designer’s Choice Awards for 2012:

Careful construction and great execution shows in Monavie Tutop's voluminous dress.

Bold prints and excellent styling from designer Pearl Regalado

Associate Professor and Student Mentor Connie Ulasewicz helps Fashion Network Association President Stephanie Starr present scholarship awards to senior design students.

The show commenced with a welcome by SFSU’s Fashion Network Association. Previous organizers bestowed their blessings and new organizers welcomed the show’s guest collaborator, Goodwill Industries. Noting the popularity of thrift store finds, some students upcycled designs from Goodwill donations and used donated accessories with their creations.

In general, students stayed up-to-date with current trends and used natural elements found in nature (water, minerals, flora, fauna, etc.) to inspire their final looks. Designers Sultana Lodin and  Monavie Tutop stood out by choosing textures and prints based on travel experiences and their urban environment.

While many eye-catching garments went down the runway, only two student designers took home Choice awards. Regan Heath’s “Twig” collection was awarded “Most Marketable,” while design duo Angela Wolverton and Jonathan Cheung of Love Force won “Most Unique.”

Menswear was prevalent throughout the show, but Regan Heath's male model made her garments stand out.

Show-stopping children walking in Regan Heath's romantic "Twig" collection.

Brilliant on stage, this flowing ombre fabric added to the feeling and energy of designer Monavie Tutop's African-inspired dress.

Designer Angela Woverton (one half of Love Force) salutes the audience, furthering the Love Force inspiration that "The end may be near, but the garment cycle lives on."

Model exudes attitude & energy in one of Love Force's military-inspired looks. Seventy percent of their collection was sourced from Goodwill donations.

Designer Alexandra Ogburm used a variety of fabrics to create a very wearable and colorful collection that relied on a modern use of traditional prints.

Designer Rebecca Cahua presented a nostalgic line of ready-to-wear dresses.

Whimsical and created to emulate the movement of a butterfly, this dress by designer Sultana Lodin was one of the standout garments on the runway.

Nature as a theme was clear in this creative display of crafted skirts, dresses and outerwear from designer Dormisha Ellison.

Photography by Jenny Villarete

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Sebastian Signs Fragrances Arrive at Ver Unica

It’s going to make scents to head to Hayes Valley vintage destination Ver Unica later this week, thanks to a weekend party for the shop’s new fragrance source, L.A.-based perfume line Sebastian Signs.

The vintage boutique is hosting an event on May 12 that will feature Sebastian Signs alongside jewelry by Metal Smith. All are invited to smell and enjoy scents bycreator Sherri Sebastian, who will be on hand to meet and greet customers and talk about her unique use of ingredients.

Originally trained as a chemist, Sebastian boasts a degree in food science and sources her own oils from organic farmers. No. 17 and No. 35 will be carried along with Sherri’s popular goat milk soaps.

You can read up on Sebastian Signs non-chemical philosophy here. You’ll find event details on the SF Indie Fashion Calendar.

Photography courtesy of Ver Unica Vintage

7 Sweet & Local Etsy Mother’s Day Finds

It’s always tough to find something for the World’s Greatest Mother, but you can do it. We suggest something thoughtful, perhaps useful, but most importantly, aesthetically pleasing. We found seven sweet Mother’s Day gifts made by locals in our recent etsy adventures:

Some etsy sellers may even be willing to allow local pick-up, so you can still grab a unique gift in time for Sunday. Just message the seller and ask before you buy.

1. Parisian Macaron Variety Gift Set, $20

http://www.etsy.com/listing/98848729/15-pc-parisian-macaron-variety-giftset?ref=v1_other_1

Show your undying love with a 15-piece set of assorted macarons. Each comes with five flavors and is completely gluten-free. You’ll have Mom eating out of the palm of your hand.

2. Teal Maiden Succulent Hanging Terrarium , $34.99

http://www.etsy.com/listing/96380396/teal-maiden-succulent-hanging-terrarium

There are fruit fads (acai, pomegranate…), but these days it’s the succulent terrarium leading the way in trendy house decor. This low maintenance and personalized orb will withstand any not-so-green thumbs it may come into contact with it: it only needs attention every week or so.

3. Antique Jewelry Stand, $95.50

Store jewelry or serve tiny treats in a charming way. This stand is handmade usingnew and antique dishes. Adding to the versatility, the top knob is magnetic and can be removed to slip rings on for easy storage.

4. Hand Crafted Rubber Heart Stamp , $9.95

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69713022/handcrafted-rubber-stamp-heart-great-for?ref=v1_other_1

Give mom a personalized love note or cards with this rubber stamp set or gift her the stamp. She’ll have a new outlet to share her love for you after your next uh-oh incident.

5. Sunset Moth Framed Insect Art, $38

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61302444/madagascan-sunset-real-moth-framed?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_locationQuery=san+francisco&ga_page=7&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery

Maybe you’ve given Mom the same three things over the past 10 years. Mix it up this time around with a framed butterfly display made by a profesh entomologist (serious bug experts).

6. Aqua Mint, Vintage Inspired Earrings, $18.50

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58864795/aqua-mint-sand-earrings-bridesmaid?ref=sr_gallery_38&ga_locationQuery=san+francisco&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery

Maybe the best way to your mother’s heart is through jewelry? Try a pair of vintage-inspired earrings with Amazonite stones hung below antique floral and stem filigrees.

7. Personalized Hand Stamped Tokens, $42

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60712659/personalized-jewelry-hand-stamped?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_locationQuery=san+francisco&ga_page=8&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_view_type=gallery

Sure, new moms these days are quick to buy necklaces personalized with the names of their kids. Treat your mom to the trend and remind her that she’s got a permanent fan club by gifting her with a hand-stamped sterling tag necklace. You can dress it up by switching out the chain.

Whatever you choose, we hope this gift guide helps you find the perfect something for that awesome mom of yours.

Photos courtesy of Etsy.com

News Recap: McQueen’s Sarah Burton & Milliner Philip Treacy Visit AAU

http://www.academyart.edu/

Academy's Fashion Director Simon Ungless (left) moderates a discussion with McQueen's Sarah Burton and Academy President Elisa Stephens (right).

Last week, the Academy of Art University welcomed two exciting guests of honor to its annual fashion show and surrounding events: Alexander McQueen Creative Director Sarah Burton and Milliner Philip Treacy.

Heads of the Academy led a symposium on Wednesday for students that featured the two fashion all-stars discussing the late Alexander McQueen, Isabella Blow and the future of fashion.

Philip Treacy has designed hats for, well, essentially everyone. The list includes Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Chanel haute couture collections, to name a few. And then there’s his work for Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex & the City and, of course, the “fascinator” that Princess Beatrice wore to the Royal Wedding.

“I find inspiration most in pop culture, newspapers and magazines. It’s fine if you want to look back and research, but I look most at what is happening around me…Fashion is movement,” Treacy told students.

Sarah Burton, who stepped in to takeover Alexander McQueen’s position after his death in 2010, was a highly-anticipated speaker at the Academy. She did not disappoint.

“Encouragement is important for young people…You may not be creating things that everyone likes, but the important thing is to inspire people to dress,” she told the audience.

http://www.academyart.edu/

Elisa Stephens (left) and Executive Directer of Fashion Glady Perint Palmer tell Milliner Philip Treacy, "It's difficult to kiss someone while wearing your hat."

Photography by Sara Iravani

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