HELIUM MAGAZINE EXPANDS TO SAN FRANCISCO

Plus, launch event to kick-off Chic Fashion Week on August 1st @ supperclub

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Previously an epicenter of fashion in Silicon Valley, Helium Magazine will expand its borders by opening a new branch in San Francisco this summer. The branch will primarily function as a website (sfHelium.com) in an incubation period under the direction of newly assigned Editor-In-Chief Michele Gates.

The site will go live on August 1st during a fashion show at the supperclub featuring a preview of Bacca da Silva’s fall collection. “Helium Magazine’s ‘Blue’ Launch Event” will also kick-off San Francisco Chic Fashion Week which concludes on August 8th. For more info, visit www.ChicFashionWeekSF.com

Helium Magazine Publisher Matthew Mountford explained, “We made sure that almost every step that we took kept us pointed in the direction of San Francisco, but the opportunity for us to actually expand to the city has come much earlier than I anticipated. The response from the launch of our first full 12”x12” issue at Charity Fashion Show on May 15th was everything that we hoped it would be. Our digital expansion to San Francisco will help us gain momentum for our winter show and issue in Silicon Valley, as well as introduce the Helium brand to a new market.” Mountford founded Helium Magazine as Editor-In-Chief and will now guide both branches as publisher.

Art Director Jack Husting added, “The photo editorials and imagery have been the catalyst for the success of Helium and it’s important that we nail the new style for San Francisco. We’re producing gaudy and hyper-colorful art in Silicon Valley because we are embracing the extremes of diversity while taking the whole valley into the renaissance it never had. San Francisco has been there and done that, so we have to find a way of revolutionizing ‘chic’ by throwing a little conceptual art into the mix.” A photo editorial on Bacca da Silva will also be featured on sfHelium.com and at the “Blue” Launch Event. Visit the Features section of sjHelium.com to view Helium’s original Fashion Features.

“I’m excited that Helium Magazine will be a platform to promote the fashion industry within San Francisco,” said Gates. “There are a lot of misconceptions as to the quality of designers and scope of industry talent that we have here. The editorial content for SF Helium will use informative interviews and strong collaboration to showcase the industry and create a great fashion resource for San francisco.” Gates worked in the fashion textile industry for 12 years before getting into fund raising and marketing for five. Her blog, FashionableFun.com, and contributions to the SF Examiner have made her one of the leading fashion writers in San Francisco.

Helium Magazine is a publishing company and network with a mission of lifting fashion from the shadows of Silicon Valley and San Francisco.

For more information, visit www.sfHelium.com

An Impromptu battle erupted, causing a slew of onlookers to cheer on the dancers.

Style in the Park

Frocks n' Fringe

Nerdy Chic

If you got it, romp it!

Post By Jennifer Elias

Jewelry: A girl’s best friend

If you are like me and shiny things, especially shiny jewelry catch your attention, then the MsBellezza Jewelry Fashion Show was the place to be on Thursday, June 26, 2010. Held at the exclusive Capital Club in downtown San Jose, not only were the guests treated like celebrities, as their photo was taken on the red carpet leading into the show room, but the breathtaking views from the 17^th floor were just as dazzling as the jewelry itself. Guests were also treated to sumptuous hors d’oeuvres as they had an opportunity to peruse the jewelry on display before the show.

Catherine Potgieter, the founder of MsBellezza Jewelry, proudly started the show by professing gratitude to her guests and to those who have supported her and her business throughout the years. The show then promptly began with the models making their way down the runway, as perfect canvases for the glitzy earrings, stunning one-of-a-kind necklaces, glittery bracelets, and sparkling rings they were adorned with.

MsBellezza Jewelry is made using Swarvoski crystals, semiprecious stones, and delicate metal and beadwork.

After the fashion show, guests were invited to stay for a boutique shopping opportunity where they were encouraged to try on the jewelry pieces.

It was fascinating to watch some of the men in the crowd browsing through the collection, trying to decide which jewelry piece to surprise their wife or girlfriend with. The single ladies were just as excited to purchase a fun piece of jewelry for themselves. After all, jewelry is a girl’s best friend.

My two personal favorites were the blue and white rhinestone-studded diamond-shaped necklace, reminiscent of the blue diamond heart-shaped necklace featured in the movie “Titanic,” and the Hollywood-esque rhinestone with gold lining necklace that was more of an art piece than a neck ornament. (below)

Whether you are fond of necklaces, have a ring fetish, match your clothing to your earrings (instead of vice versa), or have a collection of bracelets, you are sure to find a unique, and did I mention shiny, piece of jewelry at MsBellezza Jewelry.

For more information on MsBellezza Jewelry, please visit: http://www.msbellezza.com/index.php/

Photos courtesy of Sophia M. Papadopoulos

The decadent staircase, the ambiance of the princess-esque backdrops, and the enchanting private dressing rooms overlooking Santana Row makes Priscilla of Boston’s castle in the sky the perfect setting and new home for Thread Social’s exclusive party dresses.

The soiree on Thursday celebrated Thread Social and Priscilla of Boston’s launch of a special line of occasion dresses which are being called “a tribute to all things fun and flirty.”  Thread Social’s exclusive for Priscilla of Boston’s 9-piece line pulls off the perfect compliment to Priscilla of Boston’s all-around wedding gowns and social dresses.

7 short styles spearheaded the collection, each diverse in its own way.  Styles ranged from stripes to solids and strapless to the seemingly popular one-shoulder design.  Gold polka dots on a black flutter sleeve dress proved to be the most diverse and were also a favorite for one of the designers, Melissa Akey, and Helium’s Fashion Director, Jennifer Giles.  Bows, ruffles, frayed ends, and tulle material all kept with the designers’ feminine and fashion-forward label, as seen throughout the collection.

Two long dresses also debuted, one made from silk cotton, designed with stripes and a halter décolletage, while the other from two-tone grey chiffon, waisted with a contrasting watermelon ridge-textured ribbon.  The tie-neck with detailed bow made this one my favorite (seen below).

Melissa Akey, one of the owners and designers of Thread Social was wearing her very own short black charmeuse sleeveless top dress with tulle-emphasized skirt.  She is pleased to report that what originally started off as string of bridesmaid dresses has grown into a remarkable extension of party dresses for any occasion.  In this collection, Melissa and her partner Beth Blake kept to their bridal wear roots by using organzas, charmeuses, and chiffons, but also managed to make ‘that perfect party dress’ by incorporating schemes of bows, ruffles and silhouettes.  Melissa emphasized that sexy doesn’t have to be blatantly revealing but a hint of it can go a long way.  Thread Social’s good-taste meets subtle-sexy dresses range from size 2-14 and are accurate to size, according to Melissa.

Every party has a host, and this one was no different, as personal image consultant Shadi Swenson harmonized as “The Hostess with the Mostest.” Bright, welcoming, and an obvious passion for what she does, Shadi refined the night wearing Social Thread’s new watermelon silk side shoulder dress festooned with pipe appliqué details, which she pulled off nicely, don’t you think?

The invitees dressed to the occasion and I could not help but feel exclusive.  Those who have been to Priscilla of Boston know how its breathtaking and pristine atmosphere can make you feel special.  The collaboration between Priscilla of Boston and Thread Social makes it possible so that now you don’t have to be a bride or in a wedding to enjoy a fairy-tale experience.

The special occasion dresses are available now in the Santana Row location of Priscilla of Boston and will extend to other locations in the fall.  Price ranges from $250-$450.

Review by Amanda Holst

Pictures by Renata Gar

Tickets available online until 4 p.m. or with cash at the door.

Radio Station Channel 92.3 hosted the largest crowd in the history of ‘Music in the Park’ as Cold War Kids headlined the night.

The alternative rock band played songs from latest album ‘Behave Yourself’ as well as classic hits like “Hang Me Out to Dry”, giving an energetic performance

spanning the entire show.

Following an erupting slew of chants, the band returned to the stage for an encore performance.

Music in the Park 2010 concert series goes on each thursday evening until August 26.

Style in the Park

]]> http://sjhelium.com/2010/06/05/the-summer-concert-season-kicks-off-with-style/feed/ 0 http://sjhelium.com/2010/06/02/revival-fashion-show-tickets-now-on-sale-2/ http://sjhelium.com/2010/06/02/revival-fashion-show-tickets-now-on-sale-2/#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:48:56 +0000 Helium Magazine http://sjhelium.com/?p=3587 Tickets for the June 11th Revival Fashion Show are now on sale!

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Contact revival@sjHelium.com for more information.

Join the event on Facebook, and follow Helium Magazine’s fan page for updates!

Notable booths that stuck out for me included Beadzilla, Jax Hatz, and Yan’s Embroidery Art.

Beadzilla

Bedzilla owner and designer Laura Thompson isn’t new to the world of beading.  Her ten years experience have substantiated her collection of high-quality, handcrafted jewelry.  Laura describes her social jewelry as fun, easy to wear, and convertible to any outfit.  I found these unique dichroic-glass beads and gemstones to be the most appealing.

Jax Hats

Butterflies and flowers seemed to be the theme for Jacqueline “Jax” Ryan’s hats.  Full of color and artistry, each creation was individual in its own right.  Hats off to Jacqueline for pulling off ingenuity in every one of her pieces.

Yan’s Embroidery Art

The crowd in artist Yan Inlow’s booth was enough to draw me in.  You wouldn’t believe that her art was embroidered by hand until you got a closer look.  Can you believe it takes a whole month to finish just one of these fine designs?

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-                          Local businesses also participated in the bayou fun and my favorite fashion stores were Dutchess Intimates Boutique, Simply Smashing and Urban Girl.  They were all kind enough for me to take some pictures of what they had to offer the huge crowd that weekend.

Dutchess Intimates Boutique

I was impressed at this boutique’s selection and affordable prices.  The store was very classy and carried everyday wear to sexy wear.  The store owner Melanie was knowledgeable about her stuff.  After visiting I can say that I would be willing to cheat on my big-name designer store with Dutchess for my next intimate apparel need.

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-Urban Girl

395 E. Campbell Ave

A perfect location, Urban Girl was right dab in the middle of the festival.  My accessory favorite was this sparkly purple-flower bag.  I knew I had to leave before my obsession with handbags took over.  I did catch a picture of this ripped-effect shirt I thought was interesting on my way out.

Simply Smashing!

It didn’t take me more than two minutes to realize that the shop owner Deb Rohzen knew how to intice her lady customers.  The boutique was filled with sales racks and lots of cute gift items.  I loved this poodle-print upholstered bench.  I was even invited to their upcoming Sex and the City party.  How could you say no to that kind of fun?

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The festival included New Orleans style food and music including New Orleans Blues, Country Cajun, and Zydeco.

It goes to show that you don’t have to travel far to have fun and support local designers and businesses.

Written by Amanda Holst

TOSCA SORAYA

Shai White & Eugenia V Sokolova wearing Tosca Soraya

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Tosca Soraya’s entire Hardscore Debut Collection opened CFS, and her Dutch influence brought over contrast of futuristic fabrics and cutlines.  Croquet embellishments unexpectedly assembled with geometric black-and-white patterns to bring a dramatic, yet passionate appeal.  Bodysuits became the palette for Tosca Soraya’s striking hand-crafted nylon jackets and the collection wasn’t without an explosion of color.

This stand out dress looked stunning as it flowed down the runway.  Dramatic choice of fabric and flattering structure in the top portion truly showed off Tosca’s inspiration.

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Shin Choi

Unoma 'Nomis' Okolo wearing Shin Choi

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Shin Choi’s ready-to-wear line took a refreshing approach down the walkway.  Simple, yet sophisticated jumpsuits and separates made their way, never compromising Shin Choi’s vision of timeless appeal.  Vibrant-colored leotards added just the right touch to compliment the functionality of each piece in her practical collection.

Shai White wearing Magdalena Trever

Magdalena Trevor

Magdalena Trevor’s charismatic two-piece bathing suits caught the eyes and attention of onlookers at CFS.  Most pieces were made out of croquet with the exception of a few, including a black and white sequin suit and a cowboy-inspired bathing suit that was outlined with pearls and leather frill.

Each piece was distinctive, as shades of green, orange, blue, and red paraded down the runway without ever making for a dull moment.

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This romantic forest green bathing suit outlined with frilly lace captured the innocence of Magdalena’s collection.

Detailed croquet sarongs and lacy-detailed wrist gloves completed the look for some styles.

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Swati Couture

Shai White wearing Swati Couture

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Swati Couture’s Indian Fusion was exemplified as each piece that made it down the runway  was more gorgeous than the last.

Pieces included a traditional, yet modern looking peach and teal sari, a green and gold paisley ankle-length dress, and two detailed pewter gowns.

One of the collection’s highlights included this majestic red and gold-embellished gown.

Words cannot describe the exact detail and stunning design that went into each of  Swati’s high fashion pieces.

(Swati Couture’s Goddess Collection is featured in Helium Magazine’s Elemental issue)

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Aksel Paris

Daniel Orth & Taylor Jackson wearing Aksel Paris

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Aksel Paris was definitely the show stopper and onlookers were delighted to see the flirty girl/boy skits that played out at the halfway mark of CFS’ diamond shaped runaway.

Aksel Paris’ ’smart, sexy shirts’ were just that, and the boxers and tights served just as a decoy for the European-tailored shirts that featured designer Yazid Aksas’ signature three-inch collars and statement-making cuffs.

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Kent Denim

Kent Denim showcased their Spring/Summer 2011 line at CFS this year and the theme was ‘bike messengers of the Serengeti,’

Kiyan Williams wearing Kent Denim

according to an earlier Helium Interview with designer Noah Landis.

Urban aesthetics trotting down the runway included slim and relaxed-fit dark blue and black jeans, short sleeved casual button-up shirts, and modern tees and tanks.

These minimally-styled jeans paired with an everyday-looked red-and-blue checkered button-up shirt showed off Kent Denim’s effortless and realistic line.

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Danielle Pettee

DeAnna Francine Maile Basques wearing Danielle Pettee

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Danielle Pettee ended the show with her collection she’s calling ‘the goodwill of fabric.’

Romance walked down the runway as Danielle Pettee’s  floral tulle, leather detailing, and crochet detailing added to her custom-made dresses.

This dress made out of black leather and chiffon showed off the designer’s romantic approach.

Other designers at the show included Civil Society, Clutch Couture, Eva Franco, Future Faces of Fashion, Kitty Andrews, Aiko Designs, Alexandria von Bromssen Design, WDesigns, Karen Lum, Nanette Lepore, & Lenny

By Amanda Holst

All photography courtesy of Jack Husting

Fashion making a splash

Santana Row held its 2^nd annual Summer Fashion Show and Poolside Soiree the weekend of May 1, 2010. The soiree was held at the Santana Row residential loft under the radiant California sun. As guests made their way past the red Ferrari and charcoal Maserati adorning the entry-way to the event, they were welcomed by various vendors who had their posh items on display. Guests were also treated to sumptuous hors d’ oeuvres from Santana Row-based restaurants, Thea and Yankee Pier, and were refreshed by Smart Water, Vitamin Water, and various wines from bay area vintners.

The ambiance was reflective of Beverly Hills living, with palm trees and white draperies swaying in the gentle breeze and the sunshine illuminating the catwalk. The atmosphere was so relaxed that I forgot that I was in the bustle of city life, and instead felt like I was on an exclusive resort on a Hawaiian Island. And with the weather being so warm, having the event poolside was appropriate and quite tempting.

This year’s show featured 20 well-known designers. Some of the bigger names in fashion included the ever-present Anne Fontaine, newcomers to the Row, Franco Uomo, Vera Bradley, Pink Stripes, Priscilla of Boston, and many more.

While making my way to my seat, I could not help but notice how stylish guests of the show were dressed. A few of them could have easily been a part of the fashion show itself.

The show promptly began with Anne Fontaine’s creations, as her signature ruffled white tops and black pencil skirts were modeled down the runway. Modes by Franco Uomo, Anthropologie, and the remaining posh designers followed.

Summer Trends 2010

This summer’s trends include:

• Both long and short floral and multi-patterned summer dresses.
• Silk and satin summer dresses.
• Form-fitting mini and thigh-high dresses.
• Off shoulder one-piece dresses.
• Short shorts.
• Dark and white denim, and white linen capris.

Color:

Popular colors of this season include: the always classy and chic black; black and white combinations; bright colors like orange and yellow; purple; and pastels like baby-pink, baby-blue, and green. Gray, turquoise, royal blue, taupe, wine red, teal, and metallic gold and silver are some of the elite colors that will surely make a bold statement this summer.

Patterns/Designs:

Checker patterns, black and white stripes, floral, and paisley were the designs of choice.

Women’s fashion

Dresses/Skirts:

Classic black pencil skirt; one piece off shoulder mini black dress; silk, cotton, and ruffled-top strap dress; multi-colored and patterned dresses; tie-dyed form-fitting ruffled mini-skirt one piece dress; short and long multi-patterned and floral patterned summer dresses; short and long flowy chiffon dresses; and halter top dresses.

Accessories:

Ruffled handbags; black, oatmeal, and red and white belts; floral print bags; paisley and rhinestone-studded clutches made out of metallic-colored leather; big black cargo style purses; fedora hats; bronze, gold, and silver buckle belts; white tassel leather handbags; red, orange, and brown leather purses; big hair bows; hoop earrings of any size; feather earrings, gold and silver bangle bracelets; charm necklaces; floppy straw summer hats; multi-color silk scarves; and jewel or diamond-studded chokers for a formal look.

Shoes:

Gladiator-style sandals; black, silver, and gold stiletto heels; open-toed leather heels; wedge platforms; flip-flops; both fat and thin ankle-strap heels; and white leather ballerina flats.

Stockings/Shorts/Pants:

Dark denim Capri shorts; multi-color short shorts; white, dark, and gray denim skinny jeans; white stretch cotton skinny jeans; parachute pants; bright-color leggings; and white linen Capris.

Men’s fashion

Although the women’s fashions made a splash among the onlookers, the men’s fashions had a wide variety of looks that would surely catch the eye of the female persuasion. Much of the men’s fashions were also quite similar to the textures, colors, and styles of the women’s fashions. Ladies, if you are looking for a way to make your man shine, the following looks will surely make your man sizzle with sexiness this summer. And guys, if you are still looking for that special someone, these looks will definitely grab the ladies’ attention.

Shorts/Pants:

Relaxed fit faded jeans; dark denim form-fitting jeans; sporty or knee-length trouser shorts; fitted faded jeans; and white cotton sports pants.

Casual/Dress-Shirts/Jackets:

White linen shirt; baby-pink, baby-blue, and purple dress-shirt under an all gray or all black suit; short-sleeve dress-shirt over a casual shirt; white v-neck shirt; black suede jacket over a white dress-shirt; Hawaiian-inspired short sleeve shirt over a casual orange undershirt; and polo shirt.

Shoes:

Flip-flops; pointy-toed black or brown shiny leather shoes; gray or light blue suede or leather oxford shoes.

Accessories:

Shoulder briefcase; dark shades of your choice; fedora hat.

For a more formal look – silk, paisley dress-shirt, black and white striped silk shirt, or dark gray dress-shirt with form fitting dark denim jeans, fedora hat, cool shades, pointy toed black or brown shiny leather shoes, and a contrasting color tie. Or, a gray metallic one-piece suit with striped dress-shirt and shiny black patent leather dress-shoes.

A fashion fairytale ending

The show came to a conclusion with a fairytale-like ending, as Priscilla of Boston made her Santana Row debut. There were many traditional wedding dresses with the classic ruffled bottom, simple lines, and overall elegant presence, but there were a few bold designs that gave the bride the option of being sultry and sexy. The two dresses that stood out the most were the strapless mini-skirt wedding dress with ruffled floral-like accents placed across the chest, and the long strapless diamond-encrusted wedding dress with the diamond-encrusted choker. Both dresses were quite risqué.

This summer will surely be known as the summer of fun, flowy, and sexy.

Photography courtesy of Sophia M. Papadopoulos