FNOSF Recap Part One: Fashion Racked

NY Fashion Week has come to an end and has been an exciting opportunity to celebrate world-wide. Last week Thursday, I celebrated Fashions Night Out in style as a co-host of SFFAMA'S Fashion Racked party at 5 Claude Lane. I met some new designers and witnessed some of the best fashion on the west coast. Or should I just say, an entourage of well tailored male models made an unforgettable entrance with designer Daniel Sudar. Whoa is me...and I thought girls had all of the fun!

The crowd was not the typical Bay Area fashion crowd. Although I saw many familiar faces like the ever gorgeous Mira Torres-Montalvo of The Beauty Bohemian and Michael Lesniak of Omgiluv.it, this crowd was different. They were focused, well dressed and offered great conversation instead of the usual check me out chat. We discussed trends, inspiration, upbringings and more and I had the opportunity to interview many of the designers at the trunk show. I even purchased an adorable vintage piece from Shunxii while enjoying a taste of tequila ice-cream. Yum!

Valerie Ogoke and Jasmine Stanley

Co-host Laurie J. Wright, Gina Garcia and Jennifer Spence

The Fashion Tour
My first stop was WorkPlayDate with designer Angela Agabao. Although her line, which launched in November 2010, is rather new she is not new to design. After receiving her first set of tools in high school, she began designing after watching her Grandmothers master the art for most of her young life. They still bring inspiration to her designs today as she continues her career in runway, music videos and personal styling.

Next stop, Shunxxi where vintages pieces are collected from various resources including when she takes on the challenge of cleaning out her client's closets! She describes her collection as "Eco-friendly and fun at the same time". I'd say! A history lesson too.

I continued on around the room learning more about the different designers and their beginnings. The fine craftsmanship of Kenohen caught my eye from across the room.
As I neared the perfectly cropped jacket, I was approached by friend and Designer, Dahae Kim, who was managing both collections for the evening. Kim, a Korean designer who studied at the Academy of Art graduating in 2009, has been designing her Homme menswear line for only one year but has been in the industry for almost seven. She recently presented her line at SF Fashion Week Avante Garde. Homme has dark A symmetrical lines and pattens pulling inspiration from dark nightmares and militarization.

Photo on right by Del Geronimo Homme by Dahae Kim

White Petals designer, Danielle Gardner creates all but a shoe; which in fact, may be her next feat. Hand made in San Francisco, she makes custom couture, hand made accessories, ready-to-wear, and clutches. Her materials are sourced locally and from around the world. Crafting since she was five and sewing at eight, she decided to pursue what came naturally and began her journey. Gardner studied under master tailors in Hong Kong, Singapore and Paris before launching her own line, White Petals, three years ago.

As I mingled throughout the room, I realized that SF fashion is really beginning to get the recognition that it deserves. With the Academy of Art being the only design school in the U.S. invited year after year to participate at NY Fashion Week, we must be producing something extraordinary. Last Thursday, it was apparent that the community is beginning to realize the power behind these incredible designers and supporting their art. There was a whole new sense of pride in the room and I felt lucky to be a part of it all. More to come... Happy Fashion Friday!

Cyn