May 22, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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: 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

More San Francisco fashion shows

Runway Recap: Bossini Fashion Show

http://www.bossiniusa.com/

Front row before the show.

http://www.bossiniusa.com/

Guests donned colorful, inventive dresses for the Bossini Fashion show.

http://www.bossiniusa.com/

A guest gets snapped wearing a one-of-a-kind Mugler design.

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Guests enjoyed champagne and light bites while a live band kicked off the festivities.

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A model poses at the end of the runway while the cameras look on.

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iPhones may have been the evening's most popular accessory, especially among those in the front row.

Silicon Valley store Bossini of Santa Clara‘s sold-out fashion show at San Francisco’s Regency Center drew over 400 Bay Area fashion fans, designers, bloggers, industry players and a slew of photographers out to view  apparel by Versace, Mugler and others to raise funds for Breast Cancer Action.

“We are showing some never-before-seen pieces from Lady Gaga favorite, Mugler, and Versace, their past year’s 2012 collections. People have flown in from all over the U.S. and even London to see this show,” explained event producer and Melange Production CEO Nick Navarro, as he escorted groups of Versace-clad women to their seats.

From the beginning the event, which counted Versace and Mugler executives among its guests, Bossini teamed up with  t.used Versace, Mugler, Zanella, Gimo’s, TORRAS and Eton raise money for and celebrate the launch of their new collections of luxury womenswear.

Models walked the runway, first in casual daytime looks. Evening apparel followed. Among the evening’s most successful looks were print dresses from the Versace Spring/Summer 2012 Collection. After the show, DJ River kept the party going until late into the night, as lingerers enjoyed bites of desserts and mingled with photographers snapping shots of fashionable attendees.

Below, more pics from the runway:

Versace Collection SS 2012

Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Versace Collection SS2012

Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Versace Collection Spring/Summer 2012

Mugler

Mugler Womenswear

Photography by Briana Tovey (images 1-6) & Wayne Serrano (remaining images)