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Fabulous fashion forum

2013-03-09T03:46:56Z

Sacramento Fashion Week came and went much too quickly. The week dedicated to Sacramento fashion was not all glamor and included several workshops.

As part of the week long schedule there was the return of a panel discussion when Sacramento State University hosted the 2013 Sacramento Fashion Week (SACFW) Fashion Forum. In collaboration with Sacramento Fashion Association (SFA) the forum was held at Sac State's University Union on Monday, Feb. 25.

The moderator for the SACFW event was Tracy Saville, CEO & Publisher of Possibility Media Group.

The open panel discussion included various industry professionals and was open to the public.

Former International Academy of Design and Technology instructor Ester Amato was the first panel member introduced. Amato recently began teaching at Sac State. She began by describing her fashion background saying, “I just started here at Sac State, teaching, I've actually been in the industry for 30 years in every area of fashion designing. I've traveled all over the world in the name of fashion and had my own company for several years.”

Amato is proud of having had several of her students become involved in SACFW. “Several of the designers are students that I taught,” said Amato. She also takes pride in mentoring several of them and said, “ I'm actually going to be like a mother out there excited to see them go down the runway knowing that I had them when they started out so it's going to be amazing.”

Joining Amato was Uduak Oduok, Founder & Editor in Chief of Ladybrille Magazine and Attorney & Partner at Ebitu Law Group. Oduok welcomed the audience and during her introduction said, “I have been practicing for the past 12 years I look forward to sharing some insight and hopefully you'll walk away empowered and hopefully some of you might think about being fashion lawyers.”

With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and entertainment industry, Oduok brought a wealth of legal knowledge to the forum. Oduok has spoken at previous Sacramento Fashion Week workshops about contract, business, licensing, copyright and trademark law as it applies to business, modeling and everyday law.

Naima Mora, winner of America's Next Top Model (Cycle 4), also joined the forum panel. Mora competed with regional models Noelle Staggers (Reno, NV) and Lluviana "Lluvy" Gomez-Gibbs (Modesto, CA) in America's Next Top Model. Staggers and Gomez-Gibbs have modeled for local designers at Couture Press fashion shows in Sacramento.

Mora continued to model after the 2005 competition and has been involved in music and recently authored her first book “Model Behavior”.

Mora summarized her background saying, “I've been involved in the fashion industry over the last 6-7 years since winning America's Top Model. I'm the singer of my rock band, I sing and play guitar and I just published a book actually with Tracy (Saville) called Model Behavior. So I guess my favorite part about Sacramento Fashion Week is just being able to partake in supporting all the emerging talent that comes out of lesser known fashion cities.“

Mora let the audience know that she's from Detroit and said other smaller cities like Sacramento have a lot of unhidden talent. In describing local designer talent Mora said, “I'm seeing things I haven't seen before because the designers are like untouched, you know, they're not living in these huge fashion cities that are recycling ideas that you see over and over again.”

Returning as a panelist was Gerry Simpson, Model Coach/Visual Artist & Photographer for GOS” Art.

Simpson told the forum audience how he became involved in fashion. “I got into fashion when I was nine years old. I have a twin brother and my mother hired us out to model so I got my first job as a model. My twin became a mechanic and I kept on modeling,” said Simpson.

Simpson continued, “I took to modeling and my modeling got me into fashion design and making clothing. I won a trip to California 29 years ago. I was supposed to be here a week and I've been here 29 years. I've been in visual merchandising, stylist for Nordstrom. I'm currently a self-taught photographer and artist 13 years.

The talented artist will also be exhibiting a fine art and photo exhibit during this month's Second Saturday. An opening reception is scheduled on Mar. 9 from noon to 5 pm. The exhibit is being held at the Brickhouse Art Gallery located at 2837 36th Street, off of Broadway.

Amy Wister was also part of the panel. Wister told the audience, “I'm probably an anomaly in the panel here. I do not have a traditional fashion background. My background is in IT so I got here through a very interesting journey I'm the founder and CEO of a company named The Stylist Online. We have a proprietary system that teaches women a lot about their body types and really how to embrace their individual figure.”

The Stylist Online has many helpful suggestions for everyone on their website and as Wister put it, “We work with everyday people on an everyday basis.”

Wister also told the audience that the forum and other SACFW workshops would pay dividends for the students and commended them for being at the event.

Amber Collins, a former model, was the sixth and final panelist. The model talent agent began by telling the audience something about her Sacramento based company Cast Images Talent Agency and what they do.

Collins described her fashion background as a model working in the larger fashion trend setting cities such as Paris, Milan and other places. Her 20 year career as a model and casting agent has brought her to work with clients such as Calvin Klein, Trussardi, Abercrombie, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Kohl's Macy's, Nordstrom and many others.

Collins also said a few words about SACFW saying, “Everyone working in Sac Fashion Week is absolutely doing it for passion.” Collins continued, “Every year it gets better and better. There are so many things that are getting better but there's still not a lot of infrastructure in our city, so everybody who's working on this does it because they are very passionate. They're passionate about fashion, they're passionate about their community, they're passionate about working so that we all get together and together we raise this city and the things that are going on in it and that really moves me. I love seeing everyone working on this event and doing it as a volunteer. They do it just for the love of fashion and there is so much comradery as well so I think that's my biggest pleasure.”

Such passionate and positive words continued through the forum as the panel discussed their work and gave supportive advise.

Other interesting topics included the impact of social media. The panel offered suggestions on what to focus on such as quality not quantity, not overexposing personal information and being on point not just posting noise. Personal branding was another topic discussed as well as addressing opinionated social media exchanges.

After the forum ended a mixer hosted by the Sac State Student Fashion Association was held across the hall from the panel room. Students, guests and panel members chatted about the event and SACFW.

SFA together with SACFW did a great job in hosting the Fashion Forum which gave valuable information to students and guests interested in the fashion industry.

SFA model casting

2013-03-04T22:31:12Z

Sacramento State's Student Fashion Association (SFA) recently held model castings for their April 12 fashion show. The castings took place on Feb. 22-23 at Sac State's University Union.

Over 80 models attended the casting and two judging panels evaluated them. Each model performed a short catwalk and posed for the judges. During Friday's casting three judges made notes for designers to review at a later date to help them select models for their showcase.

Serving as a judge was Simone Vianna, fashion editor, wardrobe consultant and she also serves as a talent coordinator for Sacramento Fashion Week. Alongside Vianna was Mary Kawano owner of Krazy Mary's Boutique and Sugar Shack Boutique. Jennifer Siopongco, fashion blogger and past SFA President served as the final judge for the first casting.

SFA Model Casting Director, Elysa Quintella, worked with judges and models to keep things going smoothly.

SFA board members guided cast members as they filled paperwork for the event. Measurements, head and body shots were also taken by SFA members and volunteers.

SFA's new board members were assisted by past members who continue to be involved.

SFA membership is open to students and its members are involved in producing and promoting a fashion show each semester. Student designers' creativity is showcased at these shows.

Casting models included many students and was also open to non-students. Male and female models regardless of size and height were invited to participate.

Networking opportunities with industry professionals are a great benefit for SFA members. At each of their fashion shows the community at large is given the opportunity to work with Sac State students and participate as sponsors and guests. Collaboration between fashion industry professionals continues to grow.

Nikko Panganiban, SFA President, talked a little about his role at the casting. Panganiban indicated the castings and show that follows are exciting. When asked what year of study he was in the Sac State senior smiled and said that he should have already graduated. As with many students searching for a career path he's switched emphasis until recently saying, “I finally found what I really have a passion for so it took me a while to find out what I wanted to do.”

Panganiban's attitude and personality are a great asset to SFA and his response to describing the most exciting and worst thing about being SFA President supported that assumption. Panganiban noted that he couldn't think of anything bad and said the most exciting thing was, “Seeing all the new members and seeing all the fresh faces and how enthusiastic people are about it. That's been the most exciting thing.”

SFA continues to allow students, with a passion for fashion, the opportunity to become involved in community and educational events. Membership to the club is open to all Sac State students regardless of major and allows them opportunities to network with industry professionals.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Sacramento Fashion Week Press Party

2012-01-23T00:19:17Z

Mayahuel Tequila Museo hosted an elegant evening of fashion on Thursday night. Designers scheduled to participate in the Designer Showcase were on hand to celebrate a Sacramento Fashion Week Press Party.

This year’s Sacramento Fashion Week will take place the week of February 21. Several events are planned for the event including two Designer Showcases with the final show on February 25.

Several Sacramento Fashion Week staff members were on hand to meet and greet guests at the event. Producer and Executive Director, Duane Ram, introduced the event and other staff members. Creative Director, Will Rodriguez, also said a few words to start the sixth year of production for Sacramento Fashion Week.

Designers arrived at Mayahuel and mingled with guests. Models arrived later aboard a stretch limo and posed for photos in front of the Tequila Museo before making a grand entrance.

There are 13 designers scheduled for this year’s runway fashion show. Two nights have been set aside to showcase their creativity in fashion and share their designs with the ever growing Sacramento fashion scene.

The International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) will host a training workshop at their campus during the second day of Sacramento Fashion Week. The workshop, Model Boot Camp, will be open to the public and will be helpful for aspiring models.

Sacramento State Student Fashion Association (SFA) will host a Fashion Forum on February 23. The forum will be held at the Hinde Auditorium at Sacramento State University. This event will feature industry professionals who will bring their perspective and knowledge in their profession. Different career fields within the fashion industry will be shared with students and others in attendance.

Representatives from Make-A-Wish Foundation of Sacramento and Northeastern California were also on hand. Make-A-Wish will be the beneficiary organization of Sacramento Fashion Week for the second straight year.

Guests were offered delicious appetizers from Mayahuel’s kitchen and a multi media presentation played in the background creating a lively atmosphere.

I was able to talk to two of the designers and their models to ask them about the upcoming fashion show. The designers I spoke to, Julian Gutierrez and Vasily Vein will be featured in the Designer Showcase on February 25.

Julian Gutierrez is originally from Sacramento but now lives in San Francisco attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM).

The Sacramento Press: How did you hear about Sacramento Fashion Week?

Julian Gutierrez: Well I’ve been an intern for Caren Templet for about two years. Sacramento is a tight niche community and word gets around. I did a collection in high school that was well received. I just started college at FIDM this year and this will be my third quarter so I’m really excited that I can participate in this show.

SP: Do you know any of the other designers here from FIDM?

JG: Actually many designers are close and they know and help each other and we’re all trying to help Sacramento perhaps become the fashion capital of California.

SP: When will your fashion line be showcased?

JG: I will be showcasing on Saturday night.

SP: Do you have family in Sacramento?

JG: Yeah my family is here. I have some family in Texas but my immediate family is in Sacramento, I grew up here.

SP: What advice, if you had any, would you give someone who may be trying to get into design?

JG: You need to take every opportunity that’s offered no matter how small. Try to find someone in the industry and network with them and really show your interest and your enthusiasm. Tell them you really want to be where they’re at in the industry. That’s what I did at Templet and I went beyond things I would ever be able to learn in school. As I’m getting older I’m starting to see things that are happening to me that I never thought would happen. I’m very impatient so I thought that this would never happen but it does. I know people that have motivation and really want to do something but at this point they don’t have the skills and are impatient like I was. I would give them advice to follow anything in their life they really want and dedicate themselves to it and follow through to really achieve what they want.

SP: How old where you when you realized you wanted to be a designer?

JG: Maybe when I was in junior high when I was about 13. When I moved to my apartment my mom gave me this mural where I did a fashion sketch when I was about four and I had no idea that I even did it. I used to go in front of the TV and pause it and draw whatever interested me. So in my mind I’ve been designing forever. I find fashion to be beautiful and necessary in my life.

SP: How would you describe your style?

JG: At this point in my life I just really want to make things that are simple, silhouette and basic and that are comfortable but have beautiful detail. I’m inspired by Alexander McQueen and Chanel and the beauty of it is that their clothing is so simple and silhouette and so form fitting in the right places and yet not being vulgar. I find it a lot sexier when a girl or anybody is actually covered up kind of modest and has the sense of formability but still not letting anybody take advantage. I really want to make clothes for people who want change and are always trying to change their life for the better.

Model Danielle Birum wore a Julian Gutierrez design and I asked her a couple of questions to get a model’s perspective on the event and to find out a little more about her.

SP: How long have you been a model?

Danielle Birum: I’ve been a model for a total of five years now in the Sacramento area.

SP: How did you become involved with Sacramento Fashion Week?

DB: I emailed my friend Maria when I heard about Sacramento Fashion Week and asked if I could be in it and at the last minute I was able to get in. I had done a show with Maria before.

SP: Have you done any other runway shows before?

DB: Nothing really big.

SP: Are you from the Sacramento area?

DB: Yes, I’m from Sacramento and right now I go to American River College. I’m transferring in the fall and I will be going to Monterrey Bay to study Marine Biology.

SP: Do you think you’ll also continue to pursue a modeling career?

DB: It just depends, I really would love to have a career in modeling but school comes first. I should mention that Julian’s fabric choices are amazing they feel awesome they’re amazing and gorgeous.

SP: Who is your favorite model?

DB: I like Heidi Klum and Marisa Miller.

A designer who was part of the last Designing Dreams fashion show Vasily Vein was also present and I was able to ask him and his model some questions. We spoke through a Russian interpreter in order to make sure we understood each other.

SP: I notice you do most of your work in San Francisco but how did you become involved with Sacramento Fashion Week?

Vasily Vein: I love their organization system and the Sacramento Fashion Week team. I had a part in the Designing Dreams fashion show last year and I think they’re one of the best fashion teams in the area.

SP: How long have you been a designer?

VV: All my life, since I was 12 years old.

SP: What or who inspired you to get into fashion?

VV: I’ve always wanted to be involved in fashion. As I thought about what career I wanted to pursue I realized that I wanted to be involved in fashion. Fashion has always been my passion.

SP: I read somewhere that you designed for several Russian rock stars can you tell me who?

VV: I was involved in designing outfits for Russian entertainers. I was a designer for Russian pop and rock stars. I worked with Russian singer Linda for about 10 years. Linda is very famous in Russia and Greece.

SP: When did you come to America and why?

VV: I came to the U.S. three years ago. I like risk and love to experiment and America offered a great challenge.

SP: Have you been to Sacramento before for any shows?

VV: I was in Designing Dreams in August of last year.

SP: Do you have any parting words for Sacramentans coming to the show?

VV: Please come and see my designs. I will try to have a fun presentation for the public.

SP: How would you describe your style?

VV: I try to make beautiful outfits and try to make them for everyone. My creations are not just for the runway but are also made for casual and formal wear.

Maria Kondrakhanova wore a gorgeous red dress designed by Vein. Their interpreter indicated that Kondrakhanova is a top model in Russia and hailed from the Russian city of Nizhniy Novgorod.

SP: How long have you been modeling?

Maria Kondrakhanova: I’ve been a model since I was 16 years old. I’ve been a model in Russia but not in U.S.

SP: What inspired you to become a model?
MK: I love beautiful things, outfits, people and other things and fashion makes me like it’s a dream. I enjoy showcasing beautiful designs.

SP: When did you come to America?

MK: I came to America three years ago for the first time

SP: Who is your favorite model and designer?

MK: I love the beautiful designs of Vasily. My favorite model is Natalia Vodianova because we’re both from the same hometown.

The evening provided a great setting for fashion designers, models, advertising and modeling agencies, photographers, make up artists, hair stylists, media and other fashion industry people to enjoy the beginning of this year’s fashion extravaganza. Tickets for Sacramento Fashion Week are now on sale and this year they’re expecting to sell out.

Sacramento State Student Fashion Association runway show benefits Autism Center for Excellence

2011-11-24T07:43:36Z

The Midnight Masquerade Charity Fashion Show flaunted a cornucopia of fashion designs and styles – from pop art-inspired dresses to “Star Wars” costumes – by Sacramento State students Tuesday at the Sacramento State University Union Ballroom.

More than 200 people attended the two-hour charity event, which helped raised funds for the Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State or A.C.E., a program by United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento that provides socialization training programs for children ages 8-12 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

SFA donated part of the proceeds from the event in the amount of $300 to UCP.

To welcome guests, while keeping with the midnight masquerade theme, the Student Fashion Association (SFA) members donned black clothing, and some of them wore Mardi Gras-style masks. At the ticket booth, attendees bought the Mardi Gras-style masks for $5 and had the opportunity to get their pictures taken at a designated photo booth.

"It's more or less a chance for other people in the club to get to have more fun with it," SFA member Lacey Taylor, a 22-year-old apparel and design marketing student, said about the theme of the fashion show and how everyone got to dress up and show their creative side.

Hosted by Miss Asia America Sacramento Princess Emily Tang, the club holds a charity fashion show each semester, with a new theme each time. This is the first time club members have collaborated with Miss Asia America Sacramento, a pageant that offers scholarships to women ages 16-26, said Tang, 21.

"A.C.E. is on campus, and we wanted to keep it within our community," said SFA President Cassandra Coleman, 23, an apparel and marketing design student. Coleman added that she really liked the nonprofit organization, because her sister has Asperger’s Syndrome, a similar version of autism, and can relate to the need for such program.

Made up mostly of Sacramento State students, the designers featured on the show included: co-designers Lacey Taylor and Samantha Rachele Hansen, Julia Moua, Irma Tchamourian-Zamora, Nikki Khotpanya, Joycelynn Brown and Tamika Bellamy.

For Khotpanya, 21, much of her inspiration came from Laotian culture and architecture, from the soft lines of the monk's attire to the hard lines of the temples, she said.

"The fabric is hard, but it's not chiffon; it's like a hard kind of fabric, but then it drapes easily around the body," Khotpanya said of the taffeta fabric that she used for designs.

The stylists featured at the event were Anakarina Pimentel, Elisabeth Poulos, Adrienne Deloatch, Gina Sanchez, Fiona Lau, and Jennifer Siopongco.

"A designer takes time and design the actual clothing and the stylist they put together the outfit that fits the model and the over all line,” Fiona Lau, 22, apparel design and marketing student said.

Federico Beauty Institute, a cosmetology school, provided hair and make-up for all the models. Some of the model’s make-up were done by the designers and stylists.

Bellamy, 22, SFA vice president, said her line was inspired by pop art.

"I decided to use bright colors coming from pop art pictures, and then I combined it with a little off-white," she said, adding that the five outfits were introduced at the runway.

Sanchez, 19, a stylist for the show, said the event gave her the freedom to put her own twist to Legacy Boutique's apparel, one of three Midtown businesses along with Heart Clothing Boutique and Denim Spot that were featured at the show.

"We have boutiques from Midtown who sponsor us, and we get clothes from them and outfit models," she said.

"We just feel that their styles mix with what we want to showcase this semester," SFA Public Relations Officer Jennifer Siopongco said.

Audio slideshow by John G. Hernandez