Sacramento is paving the way for all areas of artistic development. Sac Fashion Week definitely continued the expansion of artistic representation, adding a sleek twist to everyday looks and teasing what to see for the upcoming spring/summer season.

Set in the Downtown Commons Plaza, the 12th annual Sac Fashion Week was the result of a 48-hour transformation, which prior to the event was the Macy’s Plaza undergoing continuous renovation. The industrialized, converted icy white space matched the chilling air outside, seeping in through the black curtains serving as entrance. Blue lights reflected down onto the white seats surrounding the runway, as if from a magical presence above.

Working with local higher education institutions to develop talent, Sac Fashion Week is an event that allows local aspiring designers to gain real-world experience as part of a large-scale fashion event. With proceeds of this year’s fashion show going to 3Strands, a global foundation that combats against human trafficking, the work of models, photographers and hair and makeup teams created defining pieces for the designer and their personal artistic movement.

With a mix of varying structures, copious amounts of accessories and attitude reflective of Sacramento’s community and culture, these 10 pieces illustrated the beauty and niche of Sac Fashion Week’s spring/summer collection.

1. This first fit was by Thimoleon Rodriguez, who stated that his inspiration for his collection was New York. In turn, this specific piece was a nod toward the sights and sounds of New York. A deep-V neckline complements the chic, gold metallic romper with subtle animal prints on the leg and collar of the outfit. It’s shaggy but profound. The model’s dreaded hair in a high ponytail with darkened pink eyelids played on the dark and grungy aspects of the Big Apple. There’s something to be said about the juxtaposition between a more bohemian hairstyle paired with a loose-fitting, yet daring romper. This piece was seen within the first couple minutes of the show, and for good reason.

2. Rodriguez also paired frilly pieces and pops of numerous colors in his collection, which were recognized in this next piece. Rodriguez used the same metallic patterning, as well as a deepened neckline from the previous outfit to create a menswear look on top of a nude tulle skirt. Having a nude undertone with sheer fabric perfectly accentuates the varying sequined patches, with a sheer black belt to cinch the waist. As menswear has taken off in the world of fashion, seeing something rather bold and eccentric on top of an otherwise feminine frame serves as testament to Rodriguez’s unique sense of fashion.

3. In Angela De Forsage’s collection, this female designer was inspired by various cultures. De Forsage focused on easy-to-wear pieces, large head and hand pieces, wigs and bright colors. This specific piece was a nod at cultural and geographical landscapes; the styling of the dress complemented the model’s body in picturesque quality. The flow of colors down her frame accentuated the meticulous detailing on the dress.

4. There’s something both striking and theatrical about the use of symmetry in fashion. Hagen Valencia achieved that with his collection by way of his choice of models: twins. Valencia plays on varying textures and prints, and then layered them to create shapes and silhouettes that mirror one another as a whole, but differ in design within his look. Inside paneling teases a pop of color, while the rest of both of these outfits were subtly, monotonously chaotic. While Valencia’s use of monochromatic colors lies in the background of his designs, the use of checkered print mixed with a sleek 1920s inspired hairstyle complements Valencia’s design concept, one after another.

5. Janelle Cardenas showed off a mini-version of her collection—a kid’s line! In this look, Cardenas combined a warm, earthy, ‘60s-style, Twiggy-inspired Go Go dress with a black frill neckline, knee-high socks and funky fur-covered sneakers to create a style that any age could rock! Cardenas seemed to focus on this with all her children’s looks; they were age-appropriate, but also functional for varying personalities and styles. The colors within this look allowed the model’s olive skin tone to pop, and the choice of a feminine bow settled in her hair (as in all of Cardenas’ looks) added a touch of youthfulness to an edgy twist on a retro, fashion-forward look.

6. Zenzele Nuru truly hit the mark on a different concept. Nuru’s choice of knit textiles in varying concepts was stunning and uncommon. Nuru’s line was seen in the spring/summer Fashion Show on Friday, Feb. 24, using a mix of dynamic colors and utilizing creative ways to deliver what is crochet knit. This piece was stunning on the white runway, as well as on the model. The purple tones really defined the raw texture of Nuru’s designs, resulting in an extremely unique way to mold diligent creativity into an everyday piece. The wide-necked design on the clavicle sold the piece as an outstanding way to wear something traditionally seen as a hobby. The touch of buttons, the glitter within the crochet pattern and a bronze choker stand out against the textures covering the model’s body.

7. The ‘20s flapper influence, yes! Nuru also paired feather with her knit pieces. As seen in this look, the masquerade-enhanced black dress worked perfectly with the ambiance of the show. The sheer top enhanced the daring concept of her textile—nothing appeared lined. The dramatic wig creates a composed, yet mysterious overall look to this piece. The feathering on the bottom of the dress matches the fun swing to the model’s wig. A small black arm band and dark lips gave ravishing playfulness to this concept.

8. The continual creative concepts Nuru came up with were pleasantly overwhelming. In this look, Nuru added a three-dimensional piece as headwear to her line. The abstract shape shielding her model’s face added dimension to her collection’s textures. Nuru used a bushel of cool colors to frame the arm, adjacent to a rope belt she placed around the model’s waist. The feminine and mysterious quality of these three details were striking on the runway, while the muted color-scheme portrayed animalistic portrait views.

9. Hannah Be, the final designer of Sac Fashion Week, incorporated multiple eras into her collection. This outfit pulled distinguishable 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s looks into one piece that was truly remarkable, but also similar to what we’re seeing in stores around the country. Greyish blue disk earrings complemented the enormous ‘70s mod sunglasses, which were further accentuated by the model’s short pixie cut (love!). The additional mix of ‘80s moto jacket, mustard-yellow socks and a herringbone handkerchief top and skirt gave a tremendous nod to many notable looks from the past 30 years.

10. The flat top. Yes, the flat top. Be styled another boisterous piece, pairing ‘70s plaid detailing with ‘90s, well, everything else. The vibrancy and tones of Be’s green tight-fitting top paired with a brash and wonderfully gaudy choker set the mood for her entire collection. The use of high-waisted yellow shorts resembles an outfit you’d find Will Smith wearing on set in 1995. Be’s use of gender-neutral pieces made for an array of outfits and vibes that are seen in popular trends of today. Be paired obnoxiously chunky spiked heels on top of socks that read so well and so fierce to the crowd. Lastly, there’s a slight tribal motif added to this kick-ass outfit. An enlarged septum piercing and a bronzed, rectangular, elephant-embellished neck piece drew added attention (if possible) to this look. Be kicked it up a notch, closing out the spring/summer portion of Sac Fashion Week.

The multitude of differing looks among designers is what made Sac Fashion Week different, but expressive to the state of a progressive city and its ever-growing art scene. Sac Fashion Week aimed for rich, detailed collections. While nostalgic and futuristic in its influences, the seven designers and their works in the spring/summer showcase did not fall short.

Sac Fashion Week is evidence of Sacramento’s growth. We’re all here for it.

**This piece first appeared in print on pages 14 – 15 of issue #261 (March 12 – 26, 2018)**

Sacramento Fashion Week’s designer showcase hints at the season to come

The catwalk at the Elks Tower Ballroom had been dominated by the sexy, the doll-like and the glamorous up to this point.

Now the energy in the room had taken an unexpected turn, when, one after the other, a sequence of models took to the stage, each wearing a different shade of the same sleeveless, A-line dress with the same unblinking, empty stare. The clicking of camera shutters and flashes doubled in speed. Mysterious classical music guided the models in their solemn walk down the runway, each one wearing a maroon, sky blue, tangerine orange or pink dress with flats. Atop their stiff shoulders rested oversized wire or wooden cages confining their arms and necks. Some of the cages were crafted from Jenga-like wooden blocks, while others were wire-wrapped, strung with bits of moss or glass baubles.

This was local designer Amanda Chan’s line, ZuBauen, closing the first night of Sacramento Fashion Week’s designer showcase. Sacramento designers brought color and flair to the showcase at the ballroom Friday night; however, no designer statement had been more artistically profound than Chan’s.

For about two hours, models strode on the runway beneath high ceilings and chandeliers, flanked by rows of chairs on either side, not an empty seat in sight. To the left, booths filled with VIP guests hung overhead.

In addition to Chan, the evening featured designs by Caren Templet, Dee Aguilar, Michael Lopez, Gina Kim, Janelle Cardenas, Nelli Rosh, Casey Sue and Jocelynn Brown.

If the designer showcase was a realistic projection of what is in store for women’s fashion this spring and summer, then expect a lot of trousers, high-waist pants, short dresses and skirts, drape-y tops and tailored blouses and jackets.

Take Lopez’s line, for instance. In a light, dreamy presentation, his models appeared doll-like and delicate, in soft colors and feminine cuts. They donned high-waist trousers and silky skirts, with collared-tops, floral prints and lace-up, heeled boots.

Brown’s pieces reminded that spring is upon us, drawing from a pastel palette of colors. Her designs were sweet and lighthearted, incorporating blouses, shorts and knee-length dresses. One model appeared in a baby blue top tucked into high-waist yellow shorts, another appeared in a sea green blouse with high-waist baby blue trousers, and yet another appeared in a lavender cap-sleeve blouse with a knee-length skirt.

A remixed version of Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” and Amy Winehouse’s “Love Is a Losing Game” appropriately accompanied Cardenas’ models along the runway. The looks were palpably ‘60s-inspired, as the models brandished huge beehives atop their heads, matched with heavy eyeliner, red, patterned prints and above-the-knee sleeveless dresses.

Kim’s designs were subtler. Her models sported big, crimped hair with mostly gray and relaxed yet elegant pieces. Several outfits were matched with clutches and handbags. Gray shorts, trousers and miniskirts were paired either with an off-the-shoulder sweater, a tunic or an asymmetrical tee.

Sue’s line mixed funky and casual pieces, muted tees and tank tops paired with short floral skirts and makeup that popped. Models entered the stage to the beat of Métisse’s “Boom Boom Bâ” wearing combinations like an above-the-knee skirt matched with a purple tank and turquoise lipstick; an orange, gray and white dress with gray lipstick; or a short, a black vest over a tee-dress with turquoise lipstick.

Brighter and more colorful was Aguilar’s skin-baring line, complemented with a flurry of electro music. Models approached the crowd in a flashy fusion of sherbet colors: an orange top matched with bright purple harem pants, a dress with yellows, blacks and pink, a blue flutter sleeve dress with an orange necklace. The cuts were sexy–open-backs and cut-out shoulders, thigh-high dresses, and strap-y or strapless tops.

Rosh’s clothing brought a comparable level of va va voom to the runway, balanced with sexy elegance. The first of the models emerged in a white, loose-sleeved blouse and ink-black, floor length skirt, while another model wore a brown, elbow-length blouse combined with a pink, loose, asymmetrical skirt. Other models traipsed onto the runway in tube or ruffled mini-dresses, completed with elbow-length, satin gloves or blazers. The final ensemble took the cake: a floor-length bright red sparkly dress. Jessica from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? immediately came to mind.

Templet’s theme, White on Ice, was characterized both by elegance and sophistication. One by one her models appeared on the stage, their looks tailored and classic, in blouses, trousers and cap-sleeved jackets. Adding touches of glamour, the looks were accessorized with blue turbans, chunky crystal necklaces and royal blue, peep-toe heels.

Templet herself had played a large role in orchestrating Fashion Week. It had been no easy task, she reminded the crowd just before the showcase. The chaotic nature of organizing this kind of event is an indication of the goal at hand, she explained to the audience. The aim of the showcase, and of Fashion Week, is to elevate Sacramento to its rightful capitol status, she said, and make sure that New York happens here.

Considering New York fashion involves substantial edge, this vision may be in the distant future. Most attendees of the showcase played it safe in attire choices themselves. The women showed up in solid-colored dresses, chunky platform heels, colorful blazers, and sequin tops and skirts abundant. The ratio of women to men in attendance at the showcase was about three to one, an eclectic mixture of middle-aged and younger guests in the crowd. The men in attendance, particularly the photographers, appeared dapper, but also played it safe, clad in bow ties, white suit jackets, and dress shirts with vests.

There was the occasional spotting of bold fashion statements–teased hair, a crystal-embellished black fedora, a colorful Betsey Johnson necklace with a protruding plastic bird on it, or trendier pieces–i.e. black floppy hats and high-waist skirts.

But for Sacramento, this is perhaps as New York as it gets.

Tiana Vega proves giving never goes out of style

Since its opening in February 1921, a wealth of artists has performed within the grandiose bowels of Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium, including the Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Duran Duran and Melissa Etheridge. It was the auditorium’s grandeur and antiquity that convinced the semi-local women’s clothing designer Tiana Vega that the annual Designing Dreams fashion show should also take place there.

“For some reason, walking in there feels like you’re walking into New York,” Vega told Submerge over the phone from her hometown in Jackson, Calif. “I’ve never been to New York, but that’s what it would look like if you were walking into an old, established building in New York.”

Not to mention that last year’s premiere event was the first fashion show at the auditorium since the showcase of Coco Chanel’s collection in the ‘50s, according to Vega.

This marks the second year of Designing Dreams, an event dreamt up collaboratively by Vega and Jennifer Richards, CEO of the Sweet Dreams Foundation. The show will feature the work of 11 designers from both Sacramento and San Francisco, including Vega’s, complete with 120 models walking the 90-foot runway.

Beyond a fashion show, Designing Dreams is a charity event. The proceeds from the evening will go toward one of the foundation’s bedroom-designing projects. The foundation’s mission is to design “dream” bedrooms for children who suffer from life-threatening diseases in order to aid their healing processes. Thirteen-year-old Cassidy, a Folsom resident who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in January last year, will be granted her dream bedroom using this year’s proceeds.

Last year the event raised enough money to successfully create a dream bedroom for 8-year-old Aimee, who suffers from severe sensitivity to ultra-violet radiation. The project’s goal was to essentially bring the outdoors to her playroom.

In the past Vega has been hesitant to organize fashion shows, especially because so many designers hold them regularly here in Sacramento. Building awareness for a line is understandable, she said, but in Los Angeles designers are focused more on selling their clothing in boutiques.

“So that’s why when I decided to do Designing Dreams I wanted to make sure it was a first-class event and have the buyers there and basically do it right,” Vega said.

This includes making sure the event gains widespread attention.

“You spend a lot of money and a lot of time doing all these outfits, and what’s the point of doing them if you’re not getting the right people to look at your stuff?” Vega said.

Still, she has participated in many events, and her work has been showcased the past two years in Sacramento’s Fashion Week. But Vega makes it a point to participate in charity events, like the Giveback Gala Fashion Show she was a part of this past April.

“I’d rather do shows where basically I’m all for the cause,” Vega said.

While in pursuit of a charity to collaborate with for a trunk show several years ago, Vega discovered Richards at one of the Sweet Dreams events and felt an immediate connection to her cause.

“Working with someone who loves absolutely what they’re doing and every minute of it and not making any money off of it, that’s very inspiring,” Vega said.

The two young designers decided to collaborate and quickly realized that their vision was bigger than a trunk show, so they decided to put on a fashion show instead.

As Vega sees it, she and Richards share a passion for designing the dreams of others, one through fashion and the other through interior design; hence the name Designing Dreams.

Vega’s own fascination with design began at an early age, starting with her childhood days tinkering with dolls and sewing their clothes. Her intrigue with fashion grew throughout her days at Argonaut High School in Jackson, peaking when she was a sophomore interning at a law firm.

“I was finding myself sketching more than anything and having more fun dressing up to go to work than actually being there and taking care of the stuff I had to do,” Vega said.

After high school she relocated to Los Angeles to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where she learned draping techniques, how to make patterns and how to sew.

Shortly before graduating with her degree in fashion design in 2008 she met Dave Icarangal, who would eventually become the cofounder of her contemporary clothing design venture. The two reconnected when she moved back to Northern California.

For the past two years she has been living back home in Jackson, selling her custom pieces online. However, the designer plans to return to Los Angeles in the near future, where she anticipates a better market to sell her collections.

Though she expresses admiration for the extravagant, over-the-top creations of designers Betsey Johnson and Monique Lhuillier, Vega does not look to others for inspiration. Rather, her inspiration stems from timeless, elegant looks of eras long past, especially those of the ‘30s and ‘40s.

“Honestly, I try to break out of my shell and do something crazy, like Lady Gaga-ish, but I can’t do it,” Vega said. “I always end up going back to something classic and tailored.”

Vega’s work is feminine and chic, intricate collections that usually take the artist two to three months to produce. Her fall/winter 2012 collection, the Margaret Mary collection she fashioned in remembrance of her grandmother, includes fitted, tight-fitting dresses with flattering necklines, or boxy cropped jackets consisting primarily of solid colors. Her collections have included bridal pieces, formal gowns and custom wear.

“I’m old school, so I always go back, like ‘30s, ‘40s, I love those looks,” Vega said. “It’s so sophisticated and sexy and I love it.”

A scene in a video for which she was a stylist inspired the 2012 spring/summer collection that will be featured in this year’s show. The scene was of a croquet match, so the clothing has a sort of Hamptons feel with a preppy vibe, she said.

Designing Dreams will feature six other Sacramento designers, including Maisha Bahati, Janelle Cardenas and Samuel Parkinson, in addition to returning designers Melissa Kay, Yennie Zhou and Nelli Rosh. Four San Francisco designers will also feature their work: pair Aya Yoruha and Diane O, Shirali Singh, Vasily Vein and Violetta Vieux.

The collections featured will cross a spectrum of looks for both men and women, ranging from ‘50s-inspired, classic pieces by Cardenas, to the surprising and chic looks of Aya Yoruha, Vega said.
Even over the phone, the designer’s excitement was apparent.

“We have a great lineup,” Vega said. “I am so excited, I am trying to slow down.”

And, as if the show of massive proportions wasn’t enough, organizers have confirmed that the runway show will open and close with performances by the Sacramento Opera. A grand night for a great cause.