Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "janelle cardenas"

Sacramento Fashion Week: The runway as it happened

2013-03-01T18:33:51Z

If you missed Sacramento Fashion Week 2013, fear not. The Sacramento Press was on hand for Friday's Spring/Summer and Saturday's Fall/Winter Showcases, live blogging all of the action.

Friday night’s Spring/Summer Showcase highlighted some of the hottest trends in fashion, from the edgy separates of KingsTribe, to Maisha Baharait’s bold prints and the sultry sheer textiles of Nelli Rosh.

Here’s what some of Friday night's designers had to say about their collections:

“Some of the biggest trends are very form fitting and flattering to the curves and shapes of a woman’s body, which is something that I play off of in my personal style,” said San Francisco designer Rebecca Cahua. “I love crop tops, which are really hot right now, as well as big chunky wedges.”

“The UK flag is everywhere,” said Parris Harris, creative director for Britboy Fashions. “And we can’t seem to get enough of neon, or military print.

Jason Powers of The Rampant Cooperative was inspired by the contrast of tribalism and Mother Nature cast against stark city scapes.

“I like using what we are calling ‘material blocking’,” Powers said, “and using denim and leather, or very classing mens suiting and leather to create shapes and lines into a piece. My line is really a peek into the future of classic looks.”

Joanna Durkee looked to a different set of contrasting relationships for this season’s rendition of her line, Niv Elliot.

“My collection started with a study on bodies and how they age...Each item in my collection reflects either strength or fragility, and sometimes a balance between the two. I’ve been very purposeful in my use of colors and materials to reflect a ‘strong vs. fragile’ approach."

“I’m always inspired by the lifestyles of both the city and the open country,” said Samuel Parkinson of KingsTribe. “The colors and shades I chose are natural with splatters of color...I want the audience to question my intentions of using traditional silhouettes with nontraditional materials...I researched the traditional to make sure I could go against it.”

What was trending for spring and summer on Friday? Lots of white as well as mint and peach or nude for spring/summer, separates, bold graphics and florals, peek-a-boo cutouts and of course, sheer is just hot right now.

Live coverage of March 1st Spring/Summer Showcase:

Saturday night's Fall/Winter Showcase did not disappoint. There were beautiful gowns from LOVE by Janelle Cardenas, Nolan Kouri and Vasily Vein. There was also quite a bit for the boys in terms of menswear. Of note were Dottie Charles' comfortable yet chic urban streetwear and R. Douglas' impeccably tailored suits modeled by local businessmen.

The evening was rife with historical throwbacks complemented by modern twists, as well as a touch of tailoring and feminine silhouettes. We spoke with some of the designers about their collections prior to Saturday's show.

Yennie Zhou, the first of eight designers to send a collection down the catwalk on Saturday, has a background in architecture and gets her inspiration from, “nature, art, architecture and life itself.”

9-1-1 dispatcher turned designer Karisa Gold enjoyed her debut at this year’s SACFW.

“For this collection,” said Gold, “you can expect to see ultra feminine silhouettes, a tight color palette of rich hues, opulent embellishments, and romantic textiles...I always like to create a fusion of sophistication and sensuality in my designs...I like to say that I mix the class of Audrey with the sass of Marilyn.”

Tawnya Jackson’s line, Dottie Charles Co., is a tribute to her grandmother Dottie Beverly and her father Charles Jackson.

“What inspired my collection this year was the pop culture of various decades. I hope to provide the feel of the 1930s and 40s but still stick to the style of Dottie Charles, which is urban chic...I like the luxury look with brocades, beautiful beaded work on dresses.”

Like Jackson, Hawaiian-born and Sacramento-raised Janelle Cardenas also looked to historical references for her collection, LOVE.

“The collection I’ll be showcasing is my interpretation of Studio 54 with a modern edge,” Cardenas sad. “My explanation of LOVE is that it can be smooth at times, yet has its hills and valleys...I have always been a fan of contrast...I love the mix of soft with an edge.”

Northern California designer R. Douglas designs clothing based on the individual wearing it. (Editor's Note: R. Douglas will showed a spring/summer collection on March 2, as opposed to fall/winter. He was the only designer to do so.)

“As a custom clothier, I differ from ready-to-wear designer,” said Douglas, “and offer unique styling and designs for each of my clients...Oftentimes they permit me to include subtle styling details and color accents to bring a bit of fun to the mix. This Saturday’s runway show will feature local celebrities and successful businessmen in the greater Sacramento area. Real people, wearing appropriate clothing for their lifestyle...My clients bring the most inspiration.”

Michael Kouri is the Sacramentan designer behind Nolan Kouri, and he too looked to the past for inspiration this year.

“What inspired me for this collection was old Hollywood glamour and in particular, Veronica Lake,” he said. “I used a lot of 1940s silhouettes with a little modern update such as silver metal zippers and silver hardware and buckles.”

Bygone eras also sparked creativity for Russian designer Vasily Vein.

“I was inspired by European Renaissance Art in my newest collection,” said Vein. “When I use the word fashion trend, it means something very specific to me...It comes down to a level of respect for design and the actual art of creating beautiful clothes. There’s not one mode that’s better than the other. It all comes down to personal preference.”

With so many iconic periods being touched upon, the Fall/Winter Showcase had a little bit for everyone. Creative Director WIll Rodriguez closed the week-long event by telling the crowd, "We want to change Sacramento. Why not bring a new fashion hub here?"

Why not, indeed. Bring on the next year of Sacramento's fashion scene.

Live coverage of March 2nd Fall/Winter Showcase:

Sacramento Fashion Week introduces designer lineup

2013-02-06T18:59:04Z

Sacramento Fashion Week (SACFW) celebrating its 7th year anniversary this year, unveiled the selection of designers for this year's event.

The designer lineup introduced at a press party featured a piece from each designer. The event took place at The Find located at 817 16th Street on Jan. 31.

Sacramento Fashion Week takes place this year from Feb. 24 – Mar. 2.

The Spring/Summer Designer Showcase presents six designers and two featured student designers. Monica Buo, Rebecca Cahua, Britboy Fashions, Maisha Bahati, Jason Powers, Niv Elliot, Samuel Parkinson and Nelli Rosh are the designers featured on Friday, Mar. 1.

The Fall/Winter Designer Showcase features Yennie Zhou, Karisa Gold, Tawnya Jackson, Felix Rodionov, Ryan Douglas, Janelle Cardenas, Michael Kouri and Vasily Vein on Saturday, Mar. 2

Most of the designers will be showing for the first time while a few return from previous years. A Boutique Show and Shop will also be featured on Thursday, Feb. 28.

This year is the first time a boutique runway will be featured. Participating boutiques includes Trumpette, Violet Muse, Felicia Strati, Made To Fit Couture, Article Consignment and Aquamarine Jewelers.

The three runway showcases will take place at the Elks Tower Ballroom.

Beautiful outfits from each of the designers were exhibited at the press party event. Other community representatives from the fashion and other industries joined the gathering to view the magnificent designs.

This year SACFW has chosen the Junior League of Sacramento as the beneficiary for the 2013 event.

Karri Grant made a few announcements and covered some of the events planned during Sacramento Fashion Week.

A representative from the California Film Foundation spoke about the Fashion on Film project that will feature short films with fashion as its focus. The films will be presented on Feb. 27 at the Fusion International Arts Center.

Aimee Gillum, President of Junior League of Sacramento, said a few words about their participation in SACFW. Gillum expressed her gratitude saying, “On behalf of our organization we are very excited about this relationship and being Sacramento Fashion Week's beneficiary. Our two organizations are very similar. We're both volunteer based and our mission for both is to develop our members and train them. So for the league side, we're an all women organization and we are a volunteer and training organization developing the potential of women to become civic and community minded women who go out and make an impact in our community.”

Designers on hand, in dramatic and elegant fashion, walked in and showcased one of their designs worn by their selected models.

Showcasing an outfit from their line the designers stayed to pose for photos and talk to those in attendance.

I took a few minutes to talk to one of the designers showcasing at SACFW for the first time. Jason Powers who founded and designs apparel for The Rampant Fashion Cooperative shared his experience as a designer and being a part of this year's SACFW.

“I started Rampant three years ago in October 2009” said Powers. When asked if he studied fashion in school Powers indicated that he actually had a degree in business.

Powers spoke about how he started in fashion and said, “It all started because both my mom and my grandma both knit. So I've been playing around with texture, pattern and color since I was little so that's how this whole thing started.” He continued, “Oh my gosh, they had me doing things since I was 6 or 7 years old.”

Powers is a Montana native and indicated he moved about 12 years ago. I asked how many designs he was showing and when. Powers responded saying, “I have 10 designs for Sac Fashion Week. I will be showing on March 1.

When asked how he found out about SACFW Powers responded, “I had been in contact with Sacramento Fashion Week since last year. I chose not to participate in last year's event. I wasn't ready so I held everything back and got creative and got into this year's event ready to go.”

My final question for Powers was to ask him what was the hardest and easiest part of the application process to be in this year's SACFW. Powers did not hesitate and stated, “Waiting! The hardest thing was waiting. I feel like I waited forever I kept waiting for my phone to ring. The easiest part though I think was the submission process. It was super easy it was very detailed so once you have your design set, things go really easy. The hardest part was the waiting.”

Powers ended by saying, “I'm looking forward to doing Sac Fashion Week and perhaps do L.A. Fashion Week at the end of the month. It's all very exciting.” Powers' family is still in Montana but indicated his mom would be coming to see his showing.

Modeling a Yennie Zhou white design model Heather Dominguez-Cuevas also talked to me about the event. I asked Dominguez-Cuevas if she walked the runway for SACFW last year. “Yes I did, this will be my third time. This year I'm walking for Yennie Zhou and Maisha Bahati. I will be here Friday and Saturday night.”

When asked about her experience with SACFW Dominguez-Cuevas answered, “I've met a lot of really good friends. More than anything I've had a really good time meeting people and it's helped me network outside of Sac Fashion Week so it's been a really great network experience for me.”

Regarding schooling and what she wanted to study the model said, “I just left ARC and I'm looking for somewhere to transfer. I'm still trying to figure what I want to concentrate on and right now it looks like education.”

It was fascinating listening to Dominguez-Cuevas answer when and why she got into modeling, “I used to get picked on because of my height when I was in high school all the time. I was really awkward and tall. I was always the tallest kid in my class. One day a girl that I was friends with she said 'you know you should really just model' and I decided to do it and it's worked out really well for me.”

Regarding advice for a young model starting out in the business she said, “If you want to do it you really have to want it. You have to fight for it. Network but be smart. The most important thing is to be smart and do your research. That's more important than anything other than being tall. Being tall really helps.”

When asked what Dominguez-Cuevas was most looking forward to, the confident model enthusiastically said, “I'm looking forward to walking for Yennie because Yennie is the best designer in the world! Also the opportunity for networking!”

The final touches in preparation for Sacramento Fashion Week continues in the coming weeks. Designers will work up until the last minute to bring their designs to life. SACFW staff will also be working to present a series of scheduled events during Sacramento Fashion Week.

Tickets for the major showcases are now on sale. Log on to the Sacramento Fashion Week for information on the events planned.

Last year's event sold out and the same is expected to happen this year. Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

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.

Second Saturday Pop Up Boutique

2012-05-17T01:55:38Z

A Pop Up Boutique drew several hundred visitors to their event during May’s Second Saturday. Luxe Hair Lounge + Day Spa gathered several designers to a showcase celebration at its Midtown location.

POP Boutique celebrated a grand opening for Sacramento’s first Pop Up Boutique. Invited designers included Tiana Vega Collection, Love by Janelle Cardenas, Samuel Parkinson, Nelli Rosh, Maisha Bahati and Haute Baubles.

Musical guests drew many passer-bys to the event with live DJ music by Soul Puncherz. Once visitors were drawn in by the music they stayed to enjoy the designs of local talent.

Luxe Salon & Spa also offered complementary consultations and provided delicious refreshments. The area around the solon was full of visitors and designers were on hand to answer questions about their particular fashion lines.

At a point during the event I sat down with designer Nelli Rosh to ask her about the event and her collection.

Tell me a little about yourself.

Originally I’m from the Ukraine. I’ve been in America for six years and I opened my brand of clothing four years ago. My collection is an evening dress style. My line is more European in style as well. Tiana Vega invited me to tonight’s event.

Will you be in this year’s Designing Dreams?

I would like to be but I don’t know yet.

Have you created any new designs lately?

I do have a new collection and it will also be evening dress style with several beautiful gowns

How would you describe your designs here tonight?

I have dresses from two earlier collections from 2010 and 2011. Tonight I have 10 dresses and four suits.

After the short interview Rosh showed me her evening’s collection.

Another designer at the event was Janelle Cardenas whose designs can be seen at various events in Sacramento. Her Love by Janelle Cardenas collection continues to expand and her designs can be seen at her new website.

I conducted a short interview to ask Cardenas about her fashion line and the Pop Up event.

What have you been up to?

Well I just finished Sacramento Fashion Week in February. Since then I’ve been focusing on my clients, doing custom pieces and now I’ve actually started to design for fall, I’ve started some sketches. They should be released sometime around August.

Are you still finishing up your studies?

I just graduated two weeks ago and received a B.A. in Fashion Design and Merchandising from IADT.

Are you planning to stay in the area now that you’ve graduated?

I think so. I have a family here and that’s important to me.

How many kids do you have?

I have an 11 year old boy and I have a little girl that will be arriving in early October.

Congratulations! Do you have any shows coming up?

I have a show coming up with Juniper James. They’re doing a show in June to raise money for local foster care here in Sacramento.

Will you be involved with Designing Dreams this year?

I’m hoping so but I don’t know if they’ve decided on the designers yet.

I also sat with Tiana Vega and her partner Dave Icarangal to talk about the evening’s event and things they may have in the near future.

What brought you guys together for tonight’s event?

Vega: The whole idea of doing the Pop Up Shop was Mila (Anatlychuk) and Tennison’s (Long) idea. They wanted to basically bring the solon and local designers together. I thought that was very generous of them to open up their space because a lot of us designers don’t have a place to sell clothes unless it’s already in a boutique. So it was a really cool idea of theirs to do the Pop Up show for one night only.

Icarangal: Hopefully the idea will also keep the designers who are showcasing right now to have their collections in the store for the next several weeks until the next Second Saturday event where we’ll rotate to new designers to showcase their clothing.

Do you think you’ll have a common webpage for something like this?

Icarangal: That’s a really good idea. I think for now we’re kind of testing the waters to see where this is going to go. It was awesome for the first trial. We had a lot of people come through; they’re still coming through so we're happy about that.

Are you planning on doing Designing Dreams this year?

Vega: We’re still trying to raise the money so we’re doing the sponsorships first. We have to make sure we can do the sponsorships and then as far as I can tell I think we’re going to do it for sure I prefer to keep it as an annual show.

How many outfits did you put together for tonight’s special collection?

Vega: The collections I brought for tonight are from my past collections and I ended up bringing 21 or 22 pieces.

Who is your model?

Vega: Our model is Julia Maryanov.

How did you guys get together?

Vega: We met so long ago. Julia has been working and modeling for us and she also networks for us. We’ve been working with her for almost three years.

Are you in school?

Maryanov: Yes I am. This is my last year at Sac State studying Finance, International Business. When Tiana goes international that’s where I come in.

Vega: She’ll no longer model she’ll be doing all the CEO work.

Do you have anything else in the works you’d like to share?

Icarangal: We’re doing an event with Shriners. We were hired by Shriners to do a fashion show for them. It’s going to be on June 9. It’s basically a prelude to the Concours d’Elegance.

The fashion show will have Tiana’s designs next to the cars that will be on exhibit so that’s going to be pretty cool. This part of the event will be held in front of the Shriners Hospital.

The Pop Up Boutique event was very popular and the collaborated effort by everyone involved was well coordinated. Although Mila Anatiychuk and Tennison Long did not want to take the spotlight they must be commended for doing great job putting the event together. They did a great job using the space available to bring creative talent to the first Pop Up Boutique.

The Pop Up Boutique shows promise and it’s a unique way of bringing jewelry and fashion designers to one spot and also serves as a way to promote local talent. Live music also worked wonderfully in unison with the event.

Sacramento Fashion Week

2012-02-21T06:28:25Z

The sixth annual Sacramento Fashion Week begins Tuesday night at Mix Downtown, featuring 15 regionally and internationally recognized fashion designers. It is produced by Magnum Opus Enterprises.

Dolene Simmalavong, designer and founder of DOLZENROK, will show on Saturday night.

“Although it is quite difficult to juggle the process of creating a full line, launching and creating websites, attending promotional events and photo shoots while preparing for a baby simultaneously, it is definitely possible,” she said. “I am eight months (pregnant) and couldn't be more ready to showcase for Sac Fashion Week!”

After the launch party at MIX Downtown, free workshops will expose the public to the runway experience leading up to two sold out showcases at the Elks Lodge Ballroom on Friday and Saturday night.

This year some of Northern California’s most cutting-edge fashion designers will show off their latest collections. Janelle Cardenas, who showed at last year's event, talked about the direction of this season.

“This year, I believe, a lot of my inspiration came from both my mother as well as the ’60s era — again women icons like Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick,” she said. “My 2012 spring/summer collection, I believe, embodies the ’60s mod era with a modern twist and my personal style.”

The Sacramento Fashion Week also gives local models a way to gain valuable runway experience.

Controversy surrounds Maria Luna, the first undocumented model to walk the Sacramento runway. In December 2011, she was interviewed on National Public Radio about immigration reform and the Dream Act.

Modeling, for Luna is another chance to voice her views to a wider audience.

“At first, it was kind of a joke for me,” she said. “Then I thought, why not let it be an opportunity to inspire not just dreamers, but also women and even American citizens that they are capable of doing so much and that they are blessed to even have a head start to be born here.”

Luna will wear Gina Kim’s collection, Foreign Made, on Friday and Julian Gutierrez on Saturday.

Though the showcases are sold out, attend the Launch Party Tuesday night or any of the free workshops on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Disclosure: Promotional images graciously provided by Tim at Engle Photography.

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.

Fresh, fashion-forward designs at the Finale Designer Showcase

2011-02-28T06:09:34Z

Chic and stylish locals gathered for Sacramento Fashion Week’s Finale Designer Showcase at the Elks Tower Ballroom Saturday night.

The showcase, hosted by KCRA reporter Kristin Marshall, started at 8 p.m., featuring work from established designers. The fashion show ended at 10 p.m.

The Elks Tower Ballroom turned into a high-profile fashion event, with screens set up in front of black curtains, visually useful for the audience to admire a designer’s work. Many photographers snapped pictures of the models strutting down the brightly lit runway.

A.M.P.E.D. Entertainment group kicked off the show with lyrical ballet and energetic hip-hop dance performances.

The audience of around 250 people included supporters of the designers and models and locals interested in fashion and couture. Spectators cheered and applauded their favorite designers and kept high energy throughout the show.

The collections ranged from nautical chic to dramatic and sexy. Glamorous models donned bright sequins, sheer fabrics and deep hues.

Edlynn Cardenas heard about the fashion show from her cousin Janelle Cardenas, one of the finale designers.

“It’s different for Sacramento, which is great,” she said. “The venue is awesome. The designs are great. Overall, the production is great.”

Janelle Cardenas’ line, LOVE by Janelle Cardenas, featured bright blue and creamy white fabrics with a touch of nautical inspiration. The collection also included lots of short dresses, skirts and floral patterns.

Ceazer Cabreros, a fashion design student at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, paired Adele’s new hit song “Rolling in the Deep” with his collection. Cabreros constructed beautifully moving garments made of rich tones and pastel colors.

Designer Eshonna Trice had brilliant short dresses and full-length gowns, with shades of blue, emerald and purple.

Students Ruchi Shah and Helen Nguyen from American River College noted the garment fitting on Melissa Kay’s collection.

“The clothes fit on the model well,” Shah said.

“The last one had the fitting down,” Nguyen said.

Rachel and Lindsay Smith’s Linzel Couture collection had a variety of pieces with colorful fabrics and layered dresses. The details were beautiful and unique.

Tiana Vega, a Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising alumni, had a strong construction of garments while combining different fabric types.

Designer Nelly Salogub used darker tones and furs in her collection and included several men’s designs.

The Finale Designer Showcase debuted local fashion designers and brought exposure for their collections. Sacramento Fashion Week events are bringing glitz and glamour to the community, stylishly.