Last Thursday I picked up my fabulous friend Frances, put on my party dress and headed downtown to Fluxx (San Diego’s newest hot spot) to check out the latest installment of Project ETHOS. Project ETHOS produces red carpet events that involve fashion, music and art. We arrived to find a line of beautiful fashionistas walking the red carpet. The red carpet? Lil’ ol’ me from Albuquerque in my midnight black Steve Madden pumps and my official Press Pass posing in front of a pack of flash-happy photogs! It was going to be an interesting night. Inside, Fluxx was reminiscent of a Vegas nightclub complete with leather clad waitresses, plush VIP seating and over-priced drinks. After finding out that the seating on the floor was for buyers only, we mingled for a bit and checked out the art work which included pieces from Ashley Keene, Matt Harward, Natalia Robertland, Dick Nenambridem and Monica Rose, all while listening to the DJ stylings of Robb Rockwell and Ayeena. Almost three and a half hours later the Fashion Show began. The designers previewing their Spring 2011 collections included Art Meets Fashion designers Gordana Gehlhausen of GOGA by Gordana and Jesus and Antonio Estrada  of Haus of Estrada. They were joined by Molli B. Bikinis, Michael Manguino, Creative Fashionista, Cardi-Wrap by Kymaro, and Blonde Peacock. The show was a blast, music pumped through our veins as models strutted their stuff down the runway. My favorite was a plaid strapless dress with a cupcake sized layer of tulle floating out of the bottom like icing. I also resolved to hijack most of the comfy earthy slip dresses that Blonde Peacock displayed. By the end of the night my feet were killing me, I guess you really DO have to suffer for fashion. My brain was awash with colors and textures and shoes with thick fabric straps. I was dreading the next day when I would have to return to my world of jeans, t-shirts and oh so fashionable green Chuck Taylors. In the end, it was a wonderful evening and a lovely sneak peek of what Spring has to offer. – Louisa Garcia, AMF Documenter Coordinator

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Hi all! We are the new blog editors for the Art Meets Fashion Blog. We’re here to challenge, inspire, and create conversation. We’ll be keeping you updated on the happenings of the teams as well as local Fashion and Art events. Consider the above quote our personal message to all the AMF Team members. We want you all to continue to challenge yourself with this project, to work towards your goals by trying innovative, fresh, and imaginative ideas, even if it scares you.

For those of you who I haven’t had the pleasure to meet, my name is Louisa Garcia and I am the Documenter Coordinator for the AMF Project. I am here to talk about Art and Fashion and most importantly to talk about YOU! Together with Erinn Ryan, THREAD Show Exhibitor Relations Manager and fashion blogger for SDindieFashion.com, we will be posting updates including thought provoking questions that will get the creative juices flowing! So, like the quote from the fabulous Mrs. Roosevelt (a favorite fashion icon of mine – the woman knew how to wear a hat) jump on in and do something new and exciting!  If you feel like, share your experiences right here on the AMF blog. Erinn and I look forward to working with you and sharing this amazing journey!  Good luck!

Although the themes are not due until September 15th, we already have a few teams that have decided on a theme and even started their own blogs! Evolution, Arts Collide, N-Gom , AMF: Crossroads and FACE (Fashion Art Confluence Expression.)

The exhibition will feature the results not only of the collaboration of the artist and fashion designer, but also the documentation of the process by talented videographers, writers and photographers. An exciting component of the team is the educator who will be asked to create lesson plans for their classrooms and general publication. Priority will be given to teachers who work with at risk teens. Our goal is to include teens within the teams when supervision by teachers can be provided.

NTC=Naval Training Center, Libery Station, D=Downtown SD, N=North Park

SDVAN and FOCUS have embarked on a project to enliven the SD art scene by cross pollinating the fashion and art worlds. By putting together teams consisting of an artist, a fashion designer, a teacher and a documenter, we hope to encourage products with immense creative energy. The teams will collaborate and mentor each other to gain new skills. Events featuring the Art Meets Fashion theme will include:

• VIP fashion show on Thursday, April 28 at the San Diego International Airport
• Series of independent exhibitions for each of the teams at 2-3 hubs including the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station
• One group show, which will present highlights of each team at the San Diego International Airport from April – Sept 2011. ( Terminal 2, baggage claim)
• Lesson plans created by the teachers involved in the project will be posted and results featured in a special exhibition.
• Art Meets Fashion – The Fringe Events
• Art Meets Fashion online competition featured on Zhibit.org

• VIP fashion show on Thursday, April 28 at the San Diego International Airport
• Series of independent exhibitions for each of the teams at 2-3 hubs including the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station
• One group show, which will present highlights of each team, at the San Diego International Airport from April – Sept 2011.
• Lesson plans created by the teachers involved in the project will be posted and results featured in a special exhibition.
• Art Meets Fashion Fringe events
• Art Meets Fashion online competition featured on Zhibit.org

WATCH VIDEO FROM THE 4/22 LAUNCH MEETING

VIDEO I – from Art Meets Fashion Launch Meeting

VIDEO II – from Art Meets Fashion Launch Meeting

VIDEO III – Lesson Plan Outline and Q & A – from Art Meets Fashion Launch Meeting