Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "runway"

Drop A House Fashion Show March 13, 2010

2010-03-15T10:16:55Z

Influenced by legendary fashion houses, Drop a House introduced some up and coming talent to Sacramento’s runway Saturday night. Drop a House presented designers: Benzo Couture, Richard Hallmarq, the Vittore Brothers, and Lauren Oto. Bobby Trendy, who is best known as the late Anna Nicole Smith’s stylist, will be making a special appearance and showcasing his new line.

There was two shows as there were so many people who wanted to come to see these fantastic designers show their latest works there was not enough room in the Guild Theatre in Oak Park to allow it to all be done in one show. Each show was about 35 minutes long and had some known fashion celebrities involved. The MC of the evening was Perry Ullmann from "Make Me A Supermodel", and Ambreal Williams from America's Next Top Model walked in the show.

Richard Hallmarq not only being one of the designers he was one of the people who wanted to put a show like this together so he got some of his fellow local designers together and ended up having a real intimate show with not a bad seat in the house.

Sheraton Grand NYE fashion show

2010-01-02T08:11:52Z

On Thursday, as part of the Sheraton Grand's New Year's Eve bash, six local designers showed off their clothing lines to start off the evening.

There were three rooms playing music all night. One played mashups of Bollywood and Indian music. The other two rooms played top 40, hip hop, house and dance music.

1,500 tickets were presold for the event, but there seemed to be a lack of security for the number of people who showed up.

Below is a photo essay of the runway that night.

See the story titled "A glimpse at NYE inside the Sheraton Grand" for the rest of the photos.

Jay Canter Photography

Upset at Capital Fashion Awards

2009-10-06T20:29:32Z

Leigh Grogan, a writer for the Sacramento Bee, is reporting that, "The first Capital Fashion Awards show Friday night at the Park Ultra Lounge in Sacramento gave local designers and hairstylists something to shoot for - a spot in next year's event." Yet interestingly enough, many of this years nominees are vowing to never return.

Voting procedures for the event are still unclear. One nominee for Best Fashion Photographer was confided in by two sources that the link on the online voting ballot that was supposed to go to his website and online portfolio actually went to a Bible study website. Exactly who was given the opportunity to vote is also unclear.

Richard Hallmarq (creator/planner of Capital Fashion Awards), coincidentally won in the "Best Designer" category, even though a close friend of his and fellow designer has accurately tweeted "DESIGNER OFTHE YEAR DIDNT EVEN HAVE 1 FASHION SHOW THIS YEAR!!" In fact, Hallmarq's "collection" at the awards show only boasted 4 original outfits. In addition to this, Hallmarq was the only designer given a full runthrough of his show with his models before the Capital Fashion Awards began.

The models that walked for all the designers were from Sacramento agency Cast Images, including four of the nominees in the Model of the Year category. These nominees were aware of each others' nominations, but were surprised to learn the night of the event that other models not living in the Sacramento area had been nominated as well. One model was heard as saying after a non-local was announced as the winner, "ummm, so why are we here?" These models were uncompensated for the night's event.

Local models also anticipated with excitement the chance to meet America's Next Top Model and Make Me a Supermodel winners Naima Mora, CariDee English, and Jonathan Waud. English was quoted in a Sacramento Bee article before the event as saying, "I'm looking forward to meeting the models in Sacramento to encourage them." Yet these reality TV winners were kept separate until the start of the event, and chatter confirms that "Make Me a Supermodel" winner Jonathan Waud was the only celebrity of the evening friendly enough to chatter with local participants backstage.

All in all, while the event clearly brought an evening of fun for the audience, those in the local fashion scene who participated in the show were left feeling schemed.

Whether Leigh Grogan (who has had a friendship with Hallmarq for years) or any other local newsource will pick up this underlying story is yet to be seen, but undoubtedly it will affect the show's future prospects for finding local talent in the fashion industry.

Sacramento's Fashionable History

2009-08-03T19:47:07Z

Fashion Shows have been evolving in Sacramento for quite some time now. Fashion designers have been creating their pieces of art in Sacramento for a reason, and models seem to have a desire and reason for "starting out" in Sacramento. Who, what, when, where and why did this ultimate need of fashion in Sacramento start? I decided to do some research to see where it all started.

One of the first fashion shows was created in a parking garage off of 28th and S Streets by fashion designers Olivia Coelho, owner of Bows & Arrows Boutique, and Amy Hemmenes, designer of Naicfur, in 2003. Noelle Tavares, fashion show creator and fashion designer, established Faedrah Clothing Company in 2004. Nicole Kniss, designer of Van Der Neer, first started doing fashion shows in 2004 as well. Magnum Opus Fashion Week started in 2006 and has been doing fashion shows every year. Sacramento Fashion Week officially started under Magnum Opus in 2008. Recently, Tavares presented "I Hella Love Fashion: Volume 1" and Michael Hargis, event coordinator and co-owner of VHCLE Magazine presented "Launch: A Design and Music Festival." Sacramento really does have something under its belt when it comes to fashion.

Models definitely had something to say about modeling in Sacramento. Jasmine Suzette, who recently modeled for Royal Highness in I Hella Love Fashion, said she believes that Sacramento is just a rest stop for her. She originally came out to Sacramento for school, but her friend encouraged her to model. Suzette eventually wants to move out to L.A. to further her modeling career.

Jasmine Suzette walks the runway at I Hella Love Fashion: Volume 1

Duane Mykha Ram, event coordinator of Sacramento Fashion Week and Manager of Model Casting, moved to Sacramento for a full-time job opportunity. He then got into Magnum Opus as a model and has been organizing and walking the runway in fashion shows since 2006.

"Modeling in Sacramento is a good start for learning, experience and training," Ram said.

Juliette Ciccarelle, who recently modeled in her second fashion show at Launch, has found modeling in Sacramento beneficial to her career. "I think it's great because you don't have to compete with a lot of people," Ciccarelle said.

Juliette Ciccarelle poses while getting her hair and make up done for LAUNCH's Fashion Show

From the various models I interviewed, I gathered that models seem to think of Sacramento as a "rest stop" for furthering their careers. It's a good place to start modeling as a hobby, but might not be profitable in getting paid as a full-time model unless you work with agents. Since most models do it for fun, not many of them get paid to walk in the local runway shows.

Fashion designers seem to have started out in Sacramento to feel out the industry and to establish their own designs in their hometown. Tavares didn't start sewing until she was 21 and went to Sacramento City College for a semester. Her instructors were impressed with her skills, so she decided to start Faedrah, following her instincts in fashion design.

"My first fashion show was at Infusion Cafe in 2004, and I've been creating fashion shows ever since," Tavares said. "Especially after creating I Hella Love Fashion Volume 1, my whole fashion show aspect has been growing. I'm actually planning Volume 2 right now, and it's in the works of being in November."

Noelle Tavares with her models wearing her most recent designs

Amy Pine, who was a vendor at Launch recently, said that she lived in Sacramento and wanted to start her designs here. She said she thinks that Sacramento is progressively taking small steps to becoming its own fashion industry. Pine said she believes that fashion shows are a great way of getting people out there, especially in Sacramento.

Amy Pine, vending at LAUNCH

Nina Brown, who is originally from Montreal, is a designer of Brown Skin Designs. She moved to Sacramento in February, and said she wasn't worried at all about being a fashion designer in Sacramento. She likes the urban twist and the smalltown fashion that the city presents.

Nicole Kniss, designer of Van Der Neer, who was one of the headliners at Launch, decided to do fashion in Sacramento because of the crowd. With her start in 2004, she has seen fashion shows progress since then and has said that designers are skyrocketing through these shows.

Being the first designer to start a fashion show in Sacramento, Amy Hemmenes originally did it as a practical joke. She didn't think it was going to get serious, but once it did, she became part of the history of fashion in Sacramento.

Hemmenes and her fellow fashion designer friends are proud of themselves, but also laugh at it now. Fashion designers seem to all have an explanation of how and why they started out in Sacramento, and these fashion shows are just one of the main fundamental strengths as to why they are typically doing so well out here.

Michael Hargis was the one to come up with the idea of creating Launch. He wanted to present all the fashions that VHCLE Magazine wrote about during a live event. Reject, Van Der Neer, Velvet Leaf and Altered Betty's were all presented at Launch's fashion show.

Jen Wade, fashion editor of VHCLE Magazine, modeling for Velvet Leaf at LAUNCH

Launch is just one of the recent fashion shows that have been building up a big history for Sacramento. Coming up next is a free event called A Free Creative & Collaborative Open Air Fashion Show. It will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 8, at 2419 J St. (Outside, in front of French Cuff Consignment.) So, keep your eye out for fashion shows like these that help Sacramento build a great reputation for fashion.

For the most part, the students, stylists and boutique owners have the same anecdotes as the models. They want to start out here but eventually branch out. Having these talented individuals start in Sacramento not only helps the student's fashion experience as a whole, but also our city.

Keturah Stone, originally from the Bay Area, moved to Sacramento for school. One might think that someone who was close to San Francisco would want to stay there and start, but she admits that there are some hidden gems in Sacramento.

Stone moved out here to attend Sacramento State University as a family and consumer science major, which happens to be one of the only bachelor's degrees you can get that's related to fashion at Sacramento State. She said she believes that the style between the Bay Area and Sacramento is typically different, but it's evolved a lot more here in Sacramento.

Michelle Singleton, a student at Sacramento City College who is currently studying fashion, said she feels that Sacramento isn't a huge city, but its fashion can become better, and that it has a lot of potential.

"I feel that the motivation and persistence is what gets me starting in Sacramento," Singleton said. The crowd, the big group of fashion designers, and the fashion shows that keep happening are what keep her going. She eventually wants to transfer to San Francisco State to get her bachelor's degree in apparel design and merchandising.

Michelle Singleton with friends at LAUNCH

Cuffs Boutique Store Manager Mel Elagon, stated that a lot has changed in terms of getting involved in fashion in Sacramento.

"I believe that fashion shows bring things that aren't as available in a mall or online," Elagon said. She went on to say that fashion shows are a way to show people that what they can't find in a mall can be found in Sacramento and they need not travel to big cities such as Los Angeles or San Francisco. Elagon thinks that fashion is more of a research and success project here in Sacramento, and she encourages others to start here because it's worthwhile.

After research and interviews with designers, models and students, I've found that Sacramento is a great place to start your fashion career. The history of fashion in Sacramento is slowly growing, and fashion-related events such as fashion shows are happening almost every weekend. Maybe one day Sacramento will have its own Union Square or Rodeo Drive equivalent.

All photos photographed by Fino Balanza.

Magnum Opus Enterprises Presents Victor Louis' Collection at Sacramento Fashion Week 2009

2009-08-03T07:08:01Z

Sacramento, CA - August 3, 2009 - Magnum Opus Enterprises, the producers of Sacramento Fashion Week, will open the show with the latest Victor Louis Couture collection on September 17th 2009.

The main collection “Amour de la Robe”, which translates into “Love of the Dress”, is a 1930s Paris inspired collection by Victor Louis. “I’ve never been to Paris,” says Louis. “So I wanted to create the beauty of the land in my designs and bring Paris to Sacramento for one magical evening.”

Louis has been inspired by design since early childhood and hopes to make women feel beautiful through his designs. His latest collection features feminine, sexy, and chic couture.

Sacramento Fashion Week extends opportunities to local fashion designers and also brings high fashion exposure to the northern California region. This year’s Sacramento Fashion Week runs from September 17th to September 19th. DAY ONE on Thursday September 17th will be held at the Elks Tower Ballroom on 11th and J Street in Sacramento. The doors open at 6 p.m. Show time is from 7-10 p.m.

Eight design students from the International Academy of Design and Technology will open the show with their mini collections. The guest designers are Brittanie Calilan, Elisa Lipnick, Kevin Roux, Melissa Kay, TLa Graves, Jaclyen Chideme, Monica Sanchez, and Veronica Salazar. The event also features music & dance entertainment by Athena Mackis and special performances by Opera singers Hilary Richardson and Suzzette Ledger.

DAY ONE will benefit a local charity for homeless children. For more information on the week’s events and to purchase specially priced multi day passes please visit the Sacramento Fashion Week website.

FOR ADVERTISING & PARTICIPATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Magnum Opus Enterprises
100 Enterprise Court
Galt, CA 95632
PH: 206.337.4224
E-mail: info@sacramentofashionweek.com
Website: www.sacramentofashionweek.com

Hair Wars @ The Park Ultra Lounge

2009-07-30T04:03:09Z

A dozen salons will compete in a six-week hair adventure which commences this Thursday and runs weekly through Sept. 3. Sactown Magazine and 100.5 The Zone present "Hair Wars: 2009," at The Park Ultra Lounge at 15th and L Streets. Each week, one of Sacramento's top salons will be competing on the runway.

During last year's "Hair Wars: 2008," salon Rowena and Takashi reigned as champions. They will have an appearance during this year's Hair Wars on August 27.

On July 30, the opening night, there will be a special appearance by Salon 701 with exclusive product gifts provided by PHYTO. Salon 701 will be competing with Taki Salon on the runway.

The party will start at 9 p.m. with a runway featuring the two salons of that week at 10 p.m. The salons will be able to show their own hairstyles modeled down the runway.

The top salons of Sacramento that will be featured this year include: Allure, Bia Salon, The California Academy, Canvas Salon, Deeda Salon, Hoss Lee Academy, Joseph Anthony, Luxe Salon & Spa, Magic Salon, Paul Mitchell Academy, Taki Salon, Willo Salon & Spa.

Here are the line-ups for each Thursday:

July 30: Taki Salon and Salon 701

August 6: Allure and Canvas Salon

August 13: Hoss Lee Academy and Luxe Salon & Spa

August 20: Willo Salon & Spa and The California Academy

August 27: Deeda Salon and Magic Salon

September 3: Joseph Anthony Salon & Spa and Bia Salon

The Park Ultra Lounge is located at 1116 15th Street. Hair Wars is a 21 and over event. For more information please visit the following sites: twitter.com/theparksac, myspace.com/theparkultralounge, and theparkdowntown.com

The Park Ultra Lounge's Designer Fashion Series heats up summer in style

2009-05-02T00:23:43Z

The Park Ultra Lounge is kicking off summer in high style. This year's "Designer Fashion Series" began on April 16 and will continue every Thursday night until June 11. Every week, local designers, boutiques, and salons will take the stage in a parade of couture, great hair and makeup and sass.

Held on The Park's outdoor patio area and makeshift runway area, the first three weeks of the Series have had a great turnout with barely any breathing room surrounding the runway as the models strutted their stuff.

Now in its third year, the past two years—when it was previously called "Spring Fashion Series"—have been directed mainly toward local boutiques before the addition of designers this year.

The series opened its first week with Royal Highness Havoc boutique and Taki Salon on the runway, and Kaskade in the DJ booth. The second week of the Series played host to Sacramento's Artifacts boutique.

Last night, designer Monte Cristo showed off his designs to club-goers. While rain cut the event shorter than normal, Cristo received a standing ovation and his extravagant dresses were well-received by the audience.

In her first big undertaking since graduating with a Public Relations degree from Sac State in December, Erin Cook has almost single-handedly organized the eight-week event under the management of Brian Bassett, the Park's Head of Marketing and Promotions.

"It's been really fun for me and I've had a blast doing it," said Cook.

While last night's star, Cristo, isn't yet a household name, he is definitely no stranger to the fashion scene. Cristo was in last year's local fashion event "Couturians: An Evening of Illustrious Fashion," along with several other local designers scheduled for the Series.

Cristo also appeared in a 2007 episode of MTV's "Sweet 16," when the birthday girl hired him to coordinate a fashion show for her party. He was a participant in 2005's Sacramento Fashion Week and is a member of Sacramento Apparel Coalition (SAC), who organized the event. SAC is a group of local designers who have come together to help make Sacramento a fashion hub and has involvement from several other designers featured in the "Fashion Series." To add to Cristo's fashion resume, he has also been the Visual Manager for Guess Inc. Retail for over eight years.

Mercedes Ben also took the stage and is the designer for Benzo Couture. Ben is perhaps best known for her bright and eye-catching designs from her "Socialite Collection," which have been carried in local boutiques such as Krazy Mary's and Sugar Shack.

Other seasoned designers from around town like Richard Hallmarq, who conceived the idea of SAC and has made appearances in San Francisco's Fashion Week, as well as Dee Aguilar will be showing off their collections and newest designs throughout the next two months.

While most of the designers will be showcasing their spring and summer collections, they have been given permission to go in any direction they wish. Sacramento salons such as Strands and Luxe will be showing off the most up-to-date hair and makeup styles and some of the designers have recruited their assistance to makeup the faces and style the hair of their models.

Cook said of the Fashion Series, it’s a "really good opportunity [for participants] and I think it's neat that local salons and businesses have decided to support local designers.”

After the Fashion Series commences, Cook will begin working on the Park's annual "Hair Wars" salon competition, which will commence June 25 and continue through late summer.

The remaining shows for the Designer Fashion Series are scheduled as follows:

May 7: Benzo Couture by Mercedes Ben/Luxe Salon and Spa
May 14: Shauna Miller Design
May 21: Serendipity Boutique/Honey Salon
May 28: Dee Aguilar/Suede Salon/Richard Hallmarq/Strands Salon/Guest DJ Knuckles
June 4: Agape, Jeremiah Hill
June 11: Lauren Oto, Paul Mitchell Academy, Lilu Styles by Liliya Nixon

Cover charge for The Park is $15 per show. The Park Ultra Lounge is located at 1116 15th Street on the corner of 15th and L Streets.

More information about upcoming events can be found at The Park's website at theparkdowntown.com.

Photos by Anthony Bento