Scooping for fashion and art treasures in the San Diego area before relocating to one of the finest US cities, I bumped into a gallery located in La Jolla and met Alexander Salazer. Since then I have been reading all his newsletters and glanced at everyone of his facebook posts. Alexander Salazar, with 14 years experience as an art dealer, has built private and corporate collections worldwide.  He opened his own fine art gallery, Alexander Salazer Fine Art, last year. His recent birthday celebration at the downtown W Hotel made it loud and clear, he is San Diego’s art darling.
The rooftop at San Diego’s W hotel is an easy to relate location for a special birthday celebration.  This gathering of fashion designers, with brands Medavog Couture and Maceoo, and art dealer Alexander Salazar could be called “fashion meets art” as the celebration was billed the White Party. “White is Pure but one spill of red wine can make your outfit into a Jackson Pollock!” said the art dealer about the theme choice. As Alex believes fashion is a form of art, there is no question on why he opts to have a good time with a fashion show. Francisco Medavog complements by adding, “World of Medavog is a work of art, yes, all my designs are considered by many as art in fashion form”.  The designer of  Medavog Couture and the brothers of Maceoo brand took the lead for the afternoon’s entertainment alongside music by the Sundrop Electric.
Designer Francisco Medavog directed, with the help of Nista Fasin, a runway show featuring 13 pieces from his “White and Metal Couture collection”. This mostly resort summer collection paired with avant-garde jewelry pieces by Anjela Piccard was textbook perfect as usual, emphasizing  Francesco’s visible knowledge of sewing and construction. Models were marching under the spell of a remake of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean that harmonically filled the event’s white minimalistic ambience.
The two brothers behind the Maceoo men’s collection were promoting the brand’s new shirt collection. Their 20 looks embodied a balance between simplicity and sophistication. As Mehdi, one of the brothers  said, “In a way, fashion is also an art. It inspires a lifestyle. And it’s also a way to show people who we are or who we want to be.” Maceoo’s shirts certainly did give more self confidence to the wearer. The added mix of French songs and electro music also created a casual chic, dynamic image, all with a French touch that the brand symbolizes.

This certainly wasn’t Alex’s  first playful encounter with fashion. He was involved in the “Reflection & Flow” exhibition, part of a collaborative art project between fine artists and fashion designers under the Art Meets Fashion organization, held at his gallery earlier this year. Alexander Salazar plans to represent Medavog Couture in his Artist in Residence Program.
Looks from the Medavog Couture and Maceoo paraded at the W Hotel White Party fashion show are available for sale.   Contact Francisco at medavog@gmail.com/858-625-1749 or Mehdi at m@maceoo.com.

About the author: Linda Drabova, a native of Slovakia, is a successful fashion stylist who specializes in editorial styling. Linda is a regular contributer to Inspire Magazine with her Fashion Soda spread which documents fashion trends and advice.

Daydreaming about a sailing adventure in paradise while reading From Boys 2 Men, about a journey around the word, I started thinking on ways to cheer or summer up my wardrobe for this upcoming season. Well ahoy, the answer is of course stripes!  Not only are they native to California but the spring fashion shows seemed to adorn a stripy nautical trend in many different variations. I especially enjoyed Prada’s yellow-black striped hat and Jill Sander’s blue and white vertical patterned summer dress.  There was also the clown-like styling of striped pieces at the Junya Watanabe runway show along with the anticipated / typical commando of striped body suits of Sonia Rykiel’s collection.

Influenced by these and many other savvy leaders setting the stripe mode, I pursued a fashion investigation at San Diego’s Fashion Valley for more monetarily accessible equivalents. With a luck of the draw, I didn’t have to search long. Brands like Lacoste, J.Crew, H&M, Anthropology and Guess all offer an abundant selection of sailor like items.  I encourage you to follow the nautical look first popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s. Just remember to “stripe it right”, meaning do not over do it. One piece at a time is enough to take this retro chic look the right way.

About the author: Linda Drabova, a native of Slovakia, is a successful fashion stylist who specializes in editorial styling. Linda is a regular contributer to Inspire Magazine with her Fashion Soda spread which documents fashion trends and advice.

What began as a way for Jason Peskin to help out a friend and emerging designer has since ignited into a multi-city fashion, art and music production transforming our culture one show at time. This wildfire is called Project Ethos. After having had the chance to attend this awesome event both last year and this, I had to know more about the passion behind this project. After chatting with founder and CEO, Jason Peskin and Public Relations Coordinator, Brianne Bear I discovered the true heart and soul behind Project Ethos.

When asked to name the most inspiring people, Jason spoke of Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey and Walt Disney.

“Steve is a maniac about innovation and has been turning technology into art since the beginning. Oprah has gone beyond the stereotypical crap on reality tv and changed it for the better. And Walt Disney, well we all know what he did and he changed the world.”

With that said: in just a few short years, it seems Project Ethos is well on its way to building its very own Apple, Oprah Channel and Disney-like empire. Project Ethos is not just a show, but rather a movement pushing the limits and boundaries of how our generation is experiencing what’s new in fashion, art and music. With its first show in Los Angeles featured only 6 designers, 6 musicians and 3 artists, Peskin knew it was something different when over 750 people showed up.

Los Angeles native Jason Peskin, whose home life and childhood were led by a creative mom and dad duo, his father being a musician and mother a photographer, insists that being surrounded by creativity encouraged his own.

It was interesting to find that his life in the biz began in the music industry, working his way up as an intern at a Los Angeles record label. After exclusive conversations with new talent, building and branding musician reputations and securing a contract with Rolling Stone at just 24, Peskin was cruising in the music fast lane. When he joined forces with a gal who was a clothing designer and met some of her artistic friends, Peskin saw an opportunity to meld the music and independent fashion world; Project Ethos was born.  From its early stages as an LA showcase appearing just twice a year, to today’s eight-cities-and-counting rotation, the deep passion behind this project is more than clear.

In the past few years, Project Ethos has created a buzz and is looking at being even bigger and better in 2011. Public Relations Director, Brianne Bear is sure that this tour will be the best one yet.  Going on her fourth year with Project Ethos, this PR power girl snagged her job by proving she had what it took as an intern in 2007.

“What we are doing is genuine and that makes us different. That is what I love about my job…I never thought my internship would lead to my career, but I’m glad it did. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

A typical work day? Bear insists that there is no typical day working for Project Ethos. By supporting and working for a united cause, helping local designers emerge, connecting musicians to fans, and artists to creative-minds, you’ll find Bear event planning, meeting artists and musicians, interviewing new talent and managing the Project Ethos internship program.

So watch out Scottsdale, Chicago and Las Vegas—Project Ethos is coming your way. Going to be in LA this weekend? Check out Project Ethos in their hometown this Saturday March 12^th in conjunction with LA Fashion Week @ the Avalon. For more information on tickets and show details, click here

About the author: Bailey Mobley is a social media consultant and public relations enthusiast living in La Jolla. She is currently a guest blogger for SDIndieFashion.com and writes a fashion and food blog of her own called PopRocks&Peacoats

Haute couture dresses are remarkable clothing art forms.  Haute couture fashion shows are akin to a thrilling Oscar winning film. But what about haute couture fitting rooms, the place where it all starts and ends.  So how many have been fortunate enough to go to one?  Well I had the luck to visit the heart of creativity in the middle of couture preparation madness a of couple years ago in Paris.   At that time, young haute couture designer Anne Valérie Hash was a guest designer and she welcomed me along with a couple other students to her tiny dream factory.  This “temple” was filled with dyes, fabrics and inspiration boards.

My memory of Pairs was aroused when I heard about Jacqueline Hassink’s photography exhibition. Her work is renowned for her photos of ready to wear and haute couture fitting rooms; a book will soon be released.  Her goal was to investigate the identity of economic power through objects and spaces. And fitting rooms, prêt-a-porter or haute couture are part of it. Her background as a sculptor gave her the advantage of knowing space and using it to portrait images that provoke multiple possible scenarios.  A good case in point is a fitting room completely mirrored and thus challenging an observer to think if it is real or fake.

Jacqueline  also shows that fitting rooms correspond with brand identity. For example, Christian Lacroix’s  room invokes his identity of using opulent red and yellow colors.  It is also no mistake that Giorgio Armani’s room has a more subtle cleaner feel. Her work also draws attention to the differences between the very young and the very established couture designer, as embodied by the rooms of Franck Sorbier and Chanel. Her exhibition will be held in London at NL- The Dutch Cultural Pop-up Space starting with London fashion week‘s opening on Feb 22, 2011. If you are planning to be in London that week, I would seriously check out this art fashion exhibition!

About the author: Linda Drabova, a native of Slovakia, is a successful fashion stylist who specializes in editorial styling. Linda is a regular contributer to Inspire Magazine with her Fashion Soda spread which documents fashion trends and advice.

Celebrities, editors and fashion darlings are not the only ones adoring the best designer clothes. Mannequins, the quiet observers of street life living in store windows, are at the forefront of “what’s going on” as well.  And it’s not just the incredible attire that they adorn, as together with props and visual art direction, their “homes” are reminiscent of wonderlands. High end boutique and department store windows live throughout the year telling fashion stories.  My favorite store windows are from Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Their theatrical spectacle draws much attention.  The store “exhibits” are a must see stroll for many New Yorkers during the holiday season.

When I found out there was a new special book Windows at Bergdorf Goodman, I needed to share this wonderful news. The book chronicles many of the whimsical creations of dream catchers Linda Fargo and David Hoey along with their visual team. Bringing alive fashion fantasies in store windows is certainly a form of entertainment worth looking at.  If you get your hands on this time limited edition of 144 pages with annotations from the likes of Alber Elbaz and Bette Midler, be aware as it retails for $550.  Attracting a consumer with a dreamer’s addiction by way of store windows is a marketing trick that’s hard to resist for many Alice in Wonderland wannabies. Whether you want this book or the fashion pieces from their particular store window, you have to enter the Bergdorf Goodman fantasy land.

Photos by Ricky Zehavi and John Cordes and Courtesy of Assouline

About the author: Linda Drabova, a native of Slovakia, is a successful fashion stylist who specializes in editorial styling. Linda is a regular contributer to Inspire Magazine with her Fashion Soda spread which documents fashion trends and advice.

It is well noticed and approved.  So what are we talking about, well it’s the Turban. This fashionable head wrap has assertively surfaced and is pushing its way to the hearts of mainstream admirers through fashion shows like the always perfect Prada in 2007 and the ever ethnic collections of Jean Paul Gaultier, namely the one in spring 2010.  The Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw character, Kate Moss’ appearance at Metropolitan Museum Ball two years ago and Jennifer Lopez at 2006 MTV Video Music Awards spurred interest in this elite head piece.  And we have certainly seen the turban in numerous fashion editorials now. Sure, while most head wraps are not as provocative as the head pieces Lady Gaga promenades with, many turbans offer that subtle and chic vibe, enough for fashion seekers fond of sophisticated style.  Often made from silk, satin with rich colors and festooned with some bauble, this accessory is best suited for the summer and for that resort like lifestyle. In appropriate fabrics, it can be used in the winter as well. With guidance from magazines and web sites, the art of tying turbans tutorials can help in adding an alluring clothing element to your wardrobe.

About the author: Linda Drabova, a native of Slovakia, is a successful fashion stylist who specializes in editorial styling. Linda is a regular contributer to Inspire Magazine with her Fashion Soda spread which documents fashion trends and advice.

Tagged, an  Art Meets Fashion: Fringe Event, occurred Saturday November 13 from 7 to 10 pm in aid of Jeans4Justice and SDVAN at the  Mosaic Gallery ( 3422 30th Avenue, Northpark SD, 92104). Attendees were able to order a pair of tagged jeans by one of San Diego’s finest artists or bring a pair and have them tagged on the night. Other denim was also available. The artists included Tania Alcala , Shay Davis , Jason Feather, Mark Jesinoski , Monty Montgomery, Greta Proctor,  Ansley Pye, John Thomas, Juli Vee, Ronald Wickersham, Eric Wixon , and Fei Zhou.

SD Visual Arts Network started with an idea to make collaborations with artists and fashion designers and were willing to cross promote any event on this theme. SDVAN tagged Tania Alcala with this idea and she tagged Mark Jesinoski at Mosaic Gallery to host the night’s jazzy opening and exhibition. Together they tagged Jessica Johnson who brought the Jean4Justice charity to the table. Jess has put on a number of events with painted denim. Together they tagged a group of artists who loved the idea of displaying their art and giving the commission on sales of their painting on jeans to J4J. “Tagged” is a term for street art when words are used and some of these jeans did have words, but basically the style on most of the jeans was graffiti-like. A smaller percentage of the sales price of the actual painting on the walls goes to SDVAN to aid them in future programming and to finance art lesson plans for teens at risk. Jaye Brown, from the Art Institute of California, was then tagged to bring a group of merchandising students to set up sales booths on the night. A DJ, the cool vibes of the Mosaic Wine Bar, lovely models and a hip and happy crowd made this the place to be. Now, tagged, you’re it. Go out and buy some art or put on your own AMF Fringe event.

Patricia Frischer, author of “The Artist and the Art of Marketing,” has lectured extensively on marketing for artists. She is a trainer of artists’ agents, art dealers, consultants and collectors. Frischer has taken on the roles of gallerist, curator, writer, teacher, website coordinator and artist. She is a founding member and coordinator of the San Diego Visual Arts Network, ( www.SDVAN.net) which funds the SD Art Prize, directory and events calendar and SmART Collector features.   Her own artwork (www.DrawsCrowd.com ) has been shown internationally.

Photo: Patricia Frischer with Mark Jesinoski and Tania Alcala

Local designer, Michelle Aquino, refuses to accept San Diego as anything less than a city well on its way to becoming prevalent and influential in the fashion world. It’s this same positivity combined with her tremendous talent, that have helped Michelle see great success and provided her with several BIG future opportunities. Let’s just say a certain department store has come-a-knockin. I had the pleasure to meet with Michelle in her East Village work studio, just a couple days after attending her fall/winter fashion show, “The Gatsby Affair”.

Here’s what I learned about Michelle Aquino, owner and designer of M.Dot Design Studio:

First and foremost, how and why did you get into fashion?
I started sewing when I was 8 years old, to help my grandmother with alterations and tailoring for her personal clients. This lead me to wanting to sew my own clothes. When I was in high school I started gaining interest in designing. I would sketch out different looks that I was inspired from books I was reading in my English lit class. I was always interested in European Runway shows, and Vogue China and thought if they could do it I can. That’s when I started sewing my own clothes, and clothes for my four sisters.
Your new line is fantastic! The 20′s elements are seen in every piece of your collection. How were you first inspired by the 20′s and how were you inspired by the 20′s during your design process?
My F/W 2010 Collection, “Gatsby Affair” was inspired by “The Great Gatsby” the late 1920′s and early 30′s book. I read this book in high school and as I was reading it, I could just only imagine what the characters would look like, and how they would style their clothes. In January, when I decided to go with this look, I knew I had to portray lots of lace, pleats, and fur to grasp the 20s look with a little modern twist. For this collection, I would read the book over and over again, and have the movie on replay, trying to sketch and grasp the concept. I wanted to portray romanticism in my collection and I wanted people to see the 20′s styling again, and see it done tastefully without being costume-looking.
What are you doing next? Do you have any themes you wish to explore in your collections that you haven’t yet and hope to some day?
I’ve been working on my spring 2011 collection which will consist of mixed metals and floral prints, my inspiration being dreams meeting Parisian madness. As far as other themes I have plenty, but I like to go with the flow. Every day changes and I like to let my art speak for itself.
Being just a couple hours down the road from the fashion Mecca of Los Angeles, what do you love most about having a fashion line based in our wonderful city of San Diego? Do you believe there are benefits to being an independent fashion designer in San Diego? What advice can you give to aspiring local designers?
I love the opportunity having a fashion line based in San Diego gives me. I would like to show people that San Diego can be just as strong in fashion as LA, SF, and NY. I want to inspire people in San Diego to take the Fashion Industry here to the next level. As Far as advice to other designers, Don’t Follow the Trend, make your own style, as a designer you take the lead and you should inspire others with your collections.

To see more information about M.Dot Design Studio visit MDotDesignStudio.com or email Michelle at mdotdesign@gmail.com to place orders and schedule studio appointments.

Author: Erinn Ryan, founder and contributer at SDindieFashion.com 

Sunday’s in my house are usually spent watching 300lb men wearing tights beat the crap out of one another, so a mid-day trip to the Mingei to check out the Zandra Rhodes exhibit – A Lifelong Love Affair with Textiles was like a trip down the rabbit hole. Rhodes has been creating colorful fabrics and garments since the 1960’s. Nicknamed the Princess of Punk, Rhodes herself looks like a colorful rainbow with cotton candy pink hair. The walls of the Mingei mimicked Rhodes colorful coif, a compliment to the Wonderland colors of her unique fashions and textiles. The collection covers Rhodes work from the 1960’s through the 1980’s. Rhodes work knows no boundaries. From her Punk Wedding Dress, complete with holes and beaded safety pins to her Dinosaur Coat made of natural colored wool felt and button flowers printed on satin, Rhodes work is walking poetry, like a page peppered with adjectives. My favorite dress was in her signature “73/44” style that became famous in 1973. It had a plunging neckline and a yellow chiffon bodice. It was printed in reverse lily with emerald green silk chiffon. It was like looking at a dream. I imagined myself strolling down the red carpet, the flash of the paparazzi illuminating the evening sky. They would ask, “Who are you wearing?” and I would smile and answer, “Why, Zandra Rhodes… of course.”

Author: Louisa Garcia