May 25, 2012

Runway Recap: California College of the Arts Spring Fashion Show

The California College of the Arts Spring Fashion Show sent a diverse grouping of apparel by its student talents down the runway on a mid-May Friday evening. Each year, the show stands out for presenting fashion that showcases students’ arts-minded, creative approaches to traditional structure, materials and styling. This year was no exception. Read on to see what went down the runway.

You’ll find one piece from each presenting designer shown below. For a full look at the collections, check out our jam-packed CCA Spring 2012 Facebook Album.

Annie McCourt

Ashley Eva Brock

Brooke M. Wright

Chelsea Hughs

Rachel Gant's "Run Free" ensemble for the Fashioning Functional Gear Class

Gabrielle Stiles

Jackilyn Hsin Roberts

James Zormeir

Jean Saung

Lauren Biggs

Lauren Levin

Rashad Omar Brown

Steve Soundara

Vishaka Sachi Henrietta

More San Francisco fashion shows

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

SF Fashion Events: SF Made Week, Fashion-Tech events, Black V + More

A diverse mix of stylish local events awaits San Francisco this week. Kicking off Monday, SF Made Week 2012 means a chance to celebrate and explore all things made in San Francisco with factory tours, Wednesday night’s Ramp It Up fundraiser and discounts at local stores, among other happenings. Fashion-meets-tech fans will find worthy diversions in Tuesday’s Ahead of the Fashion startup pitch night and fashion show and Thursday’s Style Analytics event from SF Fashion + Tech. Come the weekend, the California College of the Arts Annual Fashion Show and the Black V fashion show offer reasons to run toward the runway.

And of course, as you know, it doesn’t stop there. We’re adding new fashion happenings all the time. Find details on these and other upcoming San Francisco fashion events waiting on the SF Indie Fashion Calendar.

More San Francisco fashion

Runway Recap: Discarded to Divine 2012

Each year, Discarded to Divine brings upcycled fashion to the runway for a good cause that draws legions of loyal fans, who come to bid on apparel, accessories and items for the home made from cast-off textiles in support of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco. See what went down the runway – and what item scored the highest bid – below:

Designer Olga Shor (right) with her runway design “Waterloo”

African Monkey Knit Dress by Academy of Art University student YoYo Huang

Designer Monavie Tutop (right) of San Francisco State University with her design “Golden Times”

The highest bid for the night at $1600 went to this Karen Caldwell coat and dress.

Former co-chair Lisa Salamone shops for silent auction items in the Home Décor section.

Designer Lorilee Lucas (right) with her runway design “Navigating the Social Circus” at the Kravet VIP Reception

co-chair Bette McKenzie and former co-chair Lisa Salamone

Honoree Christine Suppes with runway designers in Kravat VIP reception; from l to r, Pamela Wilkinson, Christine Suppes, Lorilee Lucas and Tina Maier.

SF Fashion Events: 3 Fashion Shows, Urban Air Market + More

If you like a session beside the runway, this week’s for you. The only problem: a trio of worthy shows on the same night. We’ll let you decide how to fill up your dance card. Will it be the invite-only Academy of Art Fashion Show (there’s a public repeat on Sunday, though minus the presence of special guest such as Alexander McQueen’s Sara Burton), Runway 2012: Defined featuring San Francisco State University graduating designers’ collections or Bianca Starr’s Spring Forward Fashion Show with apparel from Wonderland, Sui Generis, Density Dept and Top Shelf? While you’re figuring that one out, look ahead to the weekend, when you’ll have the chance to engage in more independent fashion adventures during the return of Artwear at the de Young and Urban Air Market.

We’re adding new fashion happenings all the time. Find details on these and other upcoming San Francisco fashion events waiting on the SF Indie Fashion Calendar.

More San Francisco fashion