May 19, 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

More San Francisco fashion shows

Runway Recap: Black V 2011

A crowd and runway decked in dramatically dark apparel made for an evening of edgy, mysterious fashion at the recent Black V fashion show. A fundraiser for the City College Fashion Department, the annual event produced by Owen Buenaventura and Del Geronimo took over Madrone Studios this year to feature apparel by designers Jay Nicolas Sario, Dahae Kim, GB Shrive, LHC Couture, Menk, Ken Chen SF, Phuong My and Cari Borja and accessories by Kaatje Design, Guzel Design and Eugene Huang.

Below, a few looks from party-goers and the runway.

Runway:

V-neck dress by Jay Nicolas Sario

Sheer black gown by Jay Nicolas Sario

A sleek one-shoulder mini dressby LHC Couture

Slit-skirt gown by LHC Couture

Vest and skirt by LHC Couture

Gown by Cari Borja

Gown by Cari Borja

Menswear by Menk

From the Homme collection by Dahae Kim

Dress by Phuong My

Dresses by Phuong My range from sculptural to party-ready
Models donning masks in keeping with the evening’s masquerade theme

Photography by Christophe Tomatis