Helium Magazine’s Sophia M. Papadopoulos sat down with Erandeny at the rooftop wine terrace Cielo in Hotel Valencia at Santana Row for an interview.

Helium: What does fashion mean to you?

Erandeny Torres Israde: To me fashion is a way of expression. It’s just something that you have inside of you that you can’t keep in. You get ideas and inspiration from different things and it just translates into a garment or a color, a print or a pattern; it’s just in your head bugging you until you actually sketch it and then make it. It’s really nice to see something that just starts from anything, like architecture, and then it becomes something that you can wear.

H: How/where did your interest in fashion arise from?

ETI: I’ve always had an interest in art and color. I’ve been drawing since I was little. My grandmother, she draws and paints and she’s really talented. My mom and my dad like to draw too, so I guess it got passed down from generation to generation. When I was little I remember making clothes for my Barbie dolls made out of play-dough. So I was always creative and would always like to draw. I also do makeup. Since I was little I would like to see the eye-shadow pallets with all the colors; it was something beautiful to me.

H: What materials/fabrics did you use to make your design?

ETI: My dress title is “Compassion in Action” and it’s made of jersey net; it’s a stretchy fabric. I designed it so that the model wearing it could be comfortable because she had to walk in it. And I wanted a 3 dimensional piece, so I made the faces on the dress out of cast bandages; the same thing they (doctors) use when you break your arm. It had to do with the Red Cross; they gave us a theme. So they told us to use the theme from a disaster and told us that we could use materials from the Red Cross. So I used the cast bandages and I made a papier-mâché first, for the faces, and then I put the cast over it and attached it. Now, I had to think of a way that it would work so that it wouldn’t be too heavy, that it would be comfortable, and that it would have the 3D effect that I wanted. So I made the masks separately and painted them with acrylic on the dress and on the 3D part. The bottom part is also made from the plaster, and I used gloves, thicker plastic gloves. I had to fit it to the mold. I had to do the fitting, the adjusting, and shaping of the masks so they wouldn’t look out of place on the body. I attached them by piercing holes around the masks and then hand-sewed them on the model and on the dress. The train has three layers made out of a veil-like material. The whole dress is white, and the acrylic paint and the art on it are different shades of gray.

H: What inspired you to make this design?

ETI: The theme for the wearable art contest was “being prepared for disaster,” so I was looking for inspiration to start my piece on the internet when I came across two pictures that where my inspiration.

The first one was the image of two men helping to carry a woman away from a collapsed building when the earthquake in Haiti had just happened. The debris and dust covering their hair and faces as strangers help each other…to me that represents unity in the midst of chaos and that is represented in the top front portion of my dress.

The second picture was of a rescue worker that days after the quake, when people where starting to lose hope of finding survivors, found a small child and rescued him from a collapsed building. Fatigued from the search but with a big smile on his face, he held this child between his arms and the child became a symbol of hope. This is represented on the front bottom portion of my dress.

The last part of my inspiration was the repeated element of hands in the pictures: hands that helped those in need; hands comforting those in distress; hands rescuing; hands healing hands, that put compassion in action. This is represented on the back bottom part of my piece.

H: How long did it take you to make the dress?

ETI: I’ve been working on the dress between school, work, and taking care of my son. I think it took about 40 hours. Now, the sewing part did not take too long, it was more the masks because it was a whole process in making the papier-mâché and putting the plaster on top and waiting for it to dry; sanding it, preparing it,  painting over it and fitting it to the model – readjusting, all that took longer.

H: What does your piece represent?

ETI: Compassion in action. Again, the inspiration came from those two photographs.

Erandeny accepting her award.

H: What collection pieces are you showing at the West Valley College Revival Fashion Show (WVCRFS)?

ETI: I’m putting out a line, I believe it’s about six dresses. They (dresses) are draped. I didn’t have a theme that I began with for this line. Usually I’ll have a theme-board where I’ll place images or something that inspires me on it, but this time I started out with the fabrics. I like the contrast of a really bright yellow with black, and the texture of the fabric I used was really crisp. I started draping and letting the fabric do what it wanted to do and then I went from there. I was just playing around with the fabrics on the manikin and with the different dress designs. I incorporate a fan-type look, different fans and a different translation of the fan in one specific dress.

H: Who are your favorite designers and why?

ETI: I don’t have any favorites. I like to see what other designers are doing through their creative process and what they have pondering in their minds. They can have something that grabs my attention; it can be something simple or something really complicated, but I don’t have a specific favorite. It may be a certain garment that I like out of their collection, a certain style, or the way they interpret something.

H: How would you describe your fashion style?

The Art to Wear competition of the American Red Cross for their Heroes Celebration.

ETI: It can arise from anything. I could be observing a flower and I start thinking, “how can this be translated into a garment?” or maybe the color, or the texture of it. I remember one time in school we had a project where we were supposed to use a vegetable or a fruit, and we had to interpret it. I chose an avocado. It was challenging, but I sliced it and photographed the different slices, and I came up with a dress where the slices were the bottom of the dress like a mermaid dress. And the texture, I found the perfect fabric and the colors – the rough texture of the outside, it was like a leathery material, and the bottom of the dress was satin and the color green was like that of the inside of the avocado. My designs vary. They would be for people who are not afraid of being different – they can step back from the classic look – they like something that is somewhat artistic and different, and that they would not be afraid to make a statement with it. My designs are for those who are more daring in their fashion tastes.

H: Who do you see wearing your designs and what demographic do you cater to?

ETI: I guess it’s more of an attitude. I can’t put it in an age group – it’s more of a personality. My designs are for people who want to be unique and who are not scared of wearing something different. My designs can come from inspiration from past decades or something futuristic. They are for people who are not afraid of wearing something different and being different.

H: What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of fashion design?

ETI: Just being able to express myself, just letting my imagination go, and have something that’s like a dream and the whole process of seeing it come to something real; something tangible. You start out thinking, “oh, I wonder if I can do this,” and then my mind starts going. It’s something really fun and relaxing at the same time. It’s exciting to see something and then start thinking of a concept – you know it’s possible, from something that’s just a thought and then it becomes something real.

Erandeny with model Alyssa wearing her inspirational design.

H: What is the most difficult aspect of fashion design?

ETI: I enjoy it (fashion design). Everything about it is just fun to me. It’s not difficult for me.

H: What advice would you give students who are aspiring to become fashion designers themselves?

ETI: It’s true that you reap what you sew, so just be yourself and know yourself and know that you don’t have to be whatever people want you to be. Or if they tell you that your designs don’t work, maybe that’s your style and that’s your essence, so just know who you are and know what you like and keep doing what you want to do. And if you work hard and you are persistent, your hard work will pay off. Do what you like and what’s really in your heart without letting yourself get influenced by things that are not really you.

H: What is your ultimate career goal in relation to fashion/fashion design?

ETI: As long as I can keep working on something that I love to do, it can be anything, as long as it has to do with being creative, using creativity, or being in a creative outlet. I would also like to put out a line. I do makeup as well, so it can be anything having to do with using a creative process.

Interview by Sophia M. Papadopoulos

Photos courtesy of Erandeny Torres Israde

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

Helium: Jewelry designing is so far away from geography and library and information science where you hold your degrees, can you tell me how that happened?

Christine Aiko Beck: When I was in grad school I picked up beading again.  I had taken jewelry classes over the years but I became inspired by a beading book that my aunt in Japan gave to me.  It was all in Japanese and I could read only a little of it.  I just started copied the designs in the book and found a new passion for creating.  It became a creative outlet.  The jewelry just kept calling at me and turned into this important part of my life.  I want to be a successful creative entrepreneur.

H:  What is the connection between fashion and jewelry?

CAB: It’s adornment. You can have a piece of jewelry or an accessory really be a statement piece to your outfit.  With my jewelry it’s very subtle and simple and I don’t tend to have a lot of chunky, over-sized pieces.  However my jewelry can also make a statement that you can be wearing a little black dress and that all you want to look at is the earrings that they are wearing.

H: Where do you get your inspiration for your pieces?

CAB: Mostly from the stones themselves I buy.

Some of the jewelry that I make don’t have any stones and have all metal;

My process generally is to go to source my supplies my stones, chains, and what not? It usually has to speak to me and I don’t always don’t know what its going to be when I buy it, but I know I have to have it.  I have a whole bunch of stuff on my worktable and things sort of come together organically.

I am really inspired by the Japanese aesthetic, both the natural organic and the simple and elegant as well.

H: Tell us about your style?

CAB: My style is definitely simple, elegant, subtle, there is organicness to it, without being overly on the organic side.

I also think its sweet without being syrupy sweet.  Something that is clean and simple and pretty.

H: What makes you different from other jewelry designers?

CAB: Sometimes other designers have a harder edge, which I like but not what comes out of me, and sometimes they like more chunky and heavy.  It depends on your style, but I don’t over-design and I pay attention to details.  I put little stones at the end of the chain that you don’t notice immediately but the extra- added thought is like a little secret that I try to incorporate.

H: You were born in England and journeyed to Japan while growing up: How has your multicultural background influenced your designs?

CAB: I think it did so in a lot of ways that I really didn’t discovery until later on.  I think that being mixed race and traveling a lot affected me much later.  My grandparents were traditional mikan farmers (Japanese mandarins) with a Japanese traditional home.  I traveled, ate the different food, and heard the language in Japan.  I also collected wooden kokeshi dolls.  The craftsmanship has struck a chord with me.

H:What was the defining moment where you knew you were going to make it as a designer?

CAB: There came a point where I knew I couldn’t dabble in part time work.  Working at a job and trying to make a business couldn’t coincide. I was pulled too many ways and my heart was in jewelry. There is something amazing about creating something and getting paid for it.  It’s definitely a labor of love.

H: What are you showing at Charity Fashion Show this weekend?

CAB: Pieces of pyrite; it’s what most people know as fool’s gold.  It’s this stone that has a crystallized formation that comes out looking like gold.

I am also showing lightly oxidized sterling silver, which I am being drawn to lately and a nice long gold necklace with a piece of labradorite.

H: What is in the future for Aiko Designs?

CAB: I’ve been doing a few tradeshows and I am planning to do some more.  I’m trying to get into the bridal market because I think my jewelry would go really well for the nontraditional bride.  I am also thinking about creating

another line of jewelry to develop in the summer and introduce in the fall.

H: You mix a lot of metals, for example rose gold plated chains with sterling silver, are you a believer in contrast?

CAB: I love the contrast. I’m running across a lot of people who are just silver or just gold and I am trying to get them used to the fact that it’s okay to wear both.  I personally mix black, copper, gold, and silver pieces.  I say why not?

H: What are your favorite pieces of jewelry outside your collection?

CAB: When I go to tradeshows I am trading with other designers or buying outright.  I have been wearing a pair earrings nonstop and a copper powder-coated ring from Cynthia Jones Jewelry from Santa Fe.  Other designers here in San Francisco that I admire are Joy O Designs and Kate Ellen Metalsmithing & Design.

H: Any advice to our readers about turning something they love into a business?

CAB: You have to be committed and you have to love what you are doing; in order to get through some of the struggles you are definitely going to come across. If you have the desire to make it you will.  I always wanted to be an artist and I couldn’t draw or paint and veered in another direction.  Then I found a creative outlet through jewelry.  If I didn’t love it I wouldn’t still be doing it.

Interview by Amanda Holst

All photos courtesy of Aiko Designs

Aiko Designs will also be at the Designer Clothing Sale @ Stanford on May 16, from noon to 4 pm

Helium: What are you working on for this year’s show?

Danielle Pettee: Metallic dye, leather, lots of leather, detailing knit, crochet.

I call it “The good will of fabric.”

All of my collection is being specifically made for the Charity Fashion Show this year. I’m very excited. There’s lot of bright colors. It’s my best collection yet.

H: Where do you get your inspiration to create your unique designs?

DP: My different mood swings. I’m like a chameleon; I change to my surroundings. It’s different all the time. My outfit is complimentary to the mood I’m having.

H: How did you get your start?

DP: I quit my job and took my last paycheck to old vintage shops and bought old prom dresses. I then sold them on a rack on the streets. I put a sign up that read, “Revamp, the outdoor boutique.” I then started to make my own stuff and make dresses for clients now. That was nine months ago.

H: Who are your favorite designers?

DP: It’s not the designer that inspire me so much as the different seasons; that’s my true inspiration.

H: Can you tell me about the fabrics & materials you use for your designs?

DP: Whatever I find. I believe in reusing fabric, so I buy all my own fabrics from scraps which I call the goodwill of crafts.

H: If you could design a dress for yourself what would it look like?

DP: I wear everything I make. I wouldn’t sell anything I wouldn’t wear.

H: What is your message you are trying to get in your theme of clothes?

DP: I want more romance and color for woman.

Black bores me.

Black is so boring women need to bring more color in their life.

H: What are you showing at Charity Fashion Show this year?

DP: Metallic fabric, dyes, and bright colors.

H: What advice would you give to someone starting in the fashion industry?

DP: To stay true to their aesthetic and never half-ass anything.

H: You’ve moved a lot. How do you think this influenced your design?

DP: Not much. I’m into traveling just for the fun of it. Most of my inspiration came from San Francisco. I am most inspired by the color in San Francisco.

H: What is the most difficult thing about your job?

DP: Pleasing the client 100% and making sure I give them every detail they want.

Photos Courtesy of Danielle Pettee

Interview by Amanda Holst

Landis envisions CFS as a proving grounds for his latest line, taking a bold approach to the audience experience. Appearing at the Stanford show is the Spring/Summer 2011 line. Expect to see a fresh take on the bike messenger and tribal aesthetics: the urban man escaping daily routine in favor of pastoral origins.

Kent Denim uses its roots in denim as its foundation on which all other pieces are built and has developed a clothing line that passes all the audience-centric, fashion show test drives and receives Landis’ stamp of approval for style and quality.

Q/A

Helium: Just to get warmed up, how did you get involved with the CharityFashion Show?

Noah Landis: Charity Fashion Show saw my collection at the Helium show. After which I was invited to participate in the Charity event.

H: What should we be keeping our eyes peeled for at the show i.e. new pieces or accessories, buttonups, jackets from the kent collection?
NL: You can expect a really great put together collection.  I am showing spring summer 2011 and the theme is bike messengers of the Serengeti.  Every show I do i build on the collection and the runway experience as well.  Its going to be  really fun to watch, very dramatic in the way the pieces are presented on the runway. It tells a story of the modern man freeing himself from the abyss of social order and going against the grain towards tribal roots of the cyclist spirit of being free.

H: Your main focus is on denim, will you be showing any of the dead-stock denim at CFS? What cuts are available?

NL: I am glad you asked that.  The dead stock collection itself is a very niche product, and its offered only at select retailers, in San Francisco… Free Gold Watch is the only store that sells this. Blues Jean Bar carries the more mainstream readily available denim, still amazing jeans.  Kent denim comes in sim leg and relaxed fits all available at the Blue Jean Bars location in San Francisco and San Jose.  Be sure to look at the yoke details, though— there are some surprises to be seen.

H: How did you choose the pieces showing at CFS, is there a theme involved?

NL: The fashion story for this collection is called bike messengers of the Serengeti. I touched on the theme earlier. What was a lot of fun was doing a collection with such juxtaposition.  I still have my great shirtings and clean denim, but I was able to really flip it around and some really fun funky patterns and cuts along with some accessory designs as well.

H: There is definitely a maturation going from the ss’09 line to the  fw’10 line. You know, tanks vs. buttonups, that sort of thing. Talk about the inspiration for the two different lines as well as the direction you are currently taking Kent Denim.

NL: Starting out I had the basic jean, and of course it progressed, i added my bold graphic tanks and T’s you mentioned.  I add pieces when they make sense, and the line has a very natural progression.  Its all about testing the water and putting together an entire package, and what compliments the jeans.  It also represents the progression of the brand, as you mentioned the maturity of the brand.  I add pieces when I am able to find the right material. Quality is very important and
I have to make sure what I use is what my consumer wants to have and
to make sure they get a garment they are going to have for a long time.
Kent is more than just great jeans but great menswear pieces, and will offer
men effortless style.

Interview by Jerome Ilagan

A Sweet Charity

Making my way up to the Mountain Winery through the lush green hills of Saratoga, it was evident that Silicon Valley is not only rich in natural beauty, but many of the residents who live here are as well. However, while passing the mini-mansions tucked away in their fairytale-like landscapes, I couldn’t help but think about the irony as I made no ordinary drive through the redwood tree-lined road up the mountain. My final destination was the 14^th annual Rivers of Chocolate festival benefiting EHC LifeBuilders, a charity that helps the homeless of Silicon Valley.

EHC LifeBuilders is a non-profit organization that was established in 1980. Their goal, through their popular charity event and live auction,  is to raise money so that the organization can provide shelter, housing opportunities, and support services to homeless families and individuals living in Silicon Valley.

In its 14^th year run, the Rivers of Chocolate festival put on by EHC LifeBuilders and hosted at the majestic Mountain Winery in Saratoga, has not only been a great opportunity for bay area residents to experience some of the greater things in life, i.e. chocolaty confections, generous food delicacies, and a plethora of fine wines, but it is also a cause that is run, and attended by people with very big hearts and compassion for their fellow man, woman, and child. This year’s tasty event was held on April 25, 2010.

As guests arrived, they were greeted by both the breathtaking views of  the valley below and by the events’ volunteers. Each guest was given a special wine glass engraved with the EHC logo, for their use on their journey through the assortment of various wine tastings on display. As a bonus, their wine glass doubled as a souvenir as a remembrance of this wonderful event.

With wine glass in hand, guests then prepared themselves to go on a food Odyssey as they made their way through all the kiosks, while vendors offered a multitude of irresistible chocolates, pastries, hors d’oeuvres, and gelato, along with sophisticated wine selections and refreshing beer and spirits.

In addition to all the tasty treats, guests were also treated to live music and plenty of California sun.

As a self-proclaimed chocolate lover myself, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of chocolate exhibits at every turn. Although I could not taste every alluring chocolate that I encountered, the ones I did taste proved the event’s slogan: a true fantasy for your palate.

The vendors that take part in this charity event are also an important key to its success. Not only do they have the opportunity to showcase their culinary talents, but they do so by preparing and donating their special food and drink items to the guests of the event on behalf of the worthy cause.

Equally as important were the sponsors and businesses that offered their financial support and items for the live auction. Some of this year’s big auction items included a Smart car; a five day/four night stay at a luxury cabin in Tahoe City; two scooters and an electric mountain bike from Scooterland US; and a vacation house rental on the island of Kauai for 6 days and 7 nights.

With all the wonderful food and auction items on display, it was easy for guests to get lost in the plenitude of the luxuries at hand. But they were quickly reminded of the purpose for the event when a family that received help from the organization was invited to share their story. A mother of two boys explained how she and her family went from almost being homeless to currently owning their own home, thanks to the help of EHC LifeBuilders. The reality is is that many people are usually hesitant to donate to charities because they do not know if the money they give is received by the right persons, but meeting the people who benefit from this event and hearing their real-life experiences, was a great way for the benefactors to see firsthand the charity’s success in action.

I personally believe that no human being should ever experience homelessness, and EHC LifeBuilders are helping build the lives of people who are, or are on the brink of being just that; homeless.

If you ever wanted to get involved with a charity or volunteer your services, EHC LifeBuilders is a great one to consider. And, if you never attended the Rivers of Chocolate festival, this is one charitable event that cannot be missed. Not only will you be helping an honorable cause, you will also experience all the delicious foods, desserts, and wines that bay area vendors have to offer. A true win, win situation for all.

For more information about EHC LifeBuilders,

or the Rivers of Chocolate festival, please visit:

http://www.ehclifebuilders.org/

http://www.ehclifebuilders.org/roc/index.php

Photography courtesy of Sophia M. Papadopoulos

Believe it or not, many of Helium’s shoots are shot in front of  a white background (at Studio 2147X) and completed in post-editing. This behind the scenes video by Brian Agee shows how photographer and Helium’s Art Director Jack Husting teamed up with Wayne Hwang and some Charity Fashion Show models to produce Helium’s Fashion Feature on WDesigns.

Check out the rest of WDesigns’ new line and more from Charity Fashion Show at their May 15th event (the largest fashion show on the West Coast) plus the debut of Helium’s Elemental Fashion Show Issue.

The debate was over Fashion Entrepreneur Swati Kapoor who’s artistic direction and management of SWATI Couture funnels custom made high-couture dresses into the closets of our elite community. We made the decision that it was time for the mass media to give culture-rich fashion it’s rightful place in the public’s eye, and in Helium’s first issue is going to do just that.

On March 12th, Helium Magazine’s Elemental Fashion Show Issue will debut featuring the Goddess Series by Art Director Jack Husting. Embodying the spirit of vibrant colors and intricate detail in Indian fashion, the Goddess Series will use our 12″x12″ magazine to take you on a journey to a world of fantasy where women’s inner-goddess has the power to manipulate the elements of our world.

The Fire Goddess (above), featuring Stanford Charity Fashion Show model Unoma Okolo, is wearing a fire dress designed by Reza Shariffi for SWATI Couture.

The Elemental Fashion Show Issue will be found exclusively at Stanford’s Charity Fashion Show on May 15th.

It was already sold out, but a few emails and a flash of the “Editor-In-Chief” card later, and we found ourselves standing at the feet of a wickedly large white tent on the Roble Field at Stanford University. A true castle of fashion; it housed a 75-foot runway, over a thousand guests from across the Bay Area, and clothes from 37 designers.

Surprisingly, the center of all this madness wasn’t the big labels — Oscar de la Renta, Betsey Johnson, Andrew Christian — but an up and coming designer. A man who found his footing modeling in New York for DKNY. A man who, as the Executive Director, used brass and brains to turn Stanford’s Charity Fashion Show into the Largest Fashion Show on the West Coast.

Now a graduate, the kingpin of fashion is going rogue and taking his national following with him.

Wayne Hwang is his name, and WDesigns is his game.

PHOTO SERIES: Object In Motion

Helium Magazine: What does fashion mean to you?

Wayne Hwang: Fashion is more than clothing. Fashion is about me as a person, and society as an experience–as art. Having worked in the fashion industry, I think that is my most immediate answer: it is an industry. Deep down though, it is far more than an industry: it is the furthest reaching form of art, and a genuine replication of an attitude. Your style is who you are. WDesigns is how I see the world.

HM: How did WDesigns get started? How long has WDesigns been established?

WH: WDesigns started as a hobby years ago; initially focused on jewelry, then on costume design, at one point even swimwear—WDesigns has really been through the ringer. These days, my line focuses more on ready-to-wear with a couture bend. I used to just call everything I did WDesigns, so in that form it has been around for 5 or 6 years, but in its current form it has only been around 2 or 3. It only recently started getting big though; following Charity Fashion Show 2009 and San Francisco Fashion Awards I have started really focusing on the line.

HM: Who do you imagine wearing WDesigns?

WH: WDesigns is about rediscovering beauty. Discovering WDesigns is discovering elegance and femininity, while also experimenting with edginess and intrigue. The wearer isn’t categorical, she is herself. WDesigns allows her to be herself. Whatever the age, whatever the race, whatever the location—WDesigns isn’t just me, its whoever is in clothes.

HM: How does WDesigns represent the Bay Area?

WH: WDesigns got its first real start in the Bay. Focusing on Charity Fashion Show, and eventually San Francisco Fashion Awards, our most dedicated clientele lie in the area. WDesigns is a representation of the world around it, so it certainly is a representation of the Bay. The underground arts scene is reflected in this new collection more than ever, and as I familiarize myself with the scene even more that connection can only grow.

HM: What is your new line called, how does it differ from your previous lines, and what was your inspiration?

WH: The new line is called Venus. It is drastically different, and a huge departure from my previous looks. Don’t get me wrong—the line still has semblances in places of my previous collections (Water, Fantasy, and SwimHood). I haven’t abandoned the gown-based collection, but Venus certainly has more than just that. Venus was about expanding my horizons, and expanding WDesigns. The collection is meant to combine love and technology; this synergy is done by contrasting silver colors with reds and blues, and by combining flow with structure. The result is something new, and something I am really proud to showcase.

HM: Where can people purchase your clothing?

WH: Clothing can be purchased online at wdesignsfashion.com. This new collection will be available shortly after the premiere for special order. Hopefully the collection will be carried at boutiques around the Bay following the show as well. This is my first real collection that has a ready-to-wear component, so I hope to have it more readily available for purchase.

HM: What is your ultimate goal for WDesigns?

WH: WDesigns has huge potential for growth. I would love to extend beyond the Bay, and really succeed as a designer. Right now, I want to continue production of this line, and see where it takes me. Venus is something new, and I don’t want to set goals quite yet. Right now my focus is this show, and some shoots that I have on the schedule. After the Venus Premiere my goals my change, but lets get to Friday first.

Wayne’s line officially launches on Friday, January 22st at a private fashion show in San Francisco.

STAFF
Jack Husting | Photographer
Brittany Villarreal | Makeup
Wayne Hwang | Hair Styling
Matthew Mountford | Shoot Manager
Jennifer Giles | Fashion Director
Brian Agee | Videographer

MODELS
Ariana Afshar
Rachel Nydam
Taryn Peacock
Raquel Goya
Julia Wycliff
Renata Gar
Emily Lohnberg

Clothing Line: Kent Denim
Designer: Noah Landis
Site: KentDenim.com

Kent Denim: More Than a Name Brand

Noah Landis broke away from the corporate pack of mainstream clothing brand to pursue his own designs. After working for Gap Inc., he steered toward a new direction of his own; urban-cool-clothing. Inspired by the streets of San Francisco, Kent Denim delivers personalized and organic menswear. Tailored fits make for unique and effortless fashion for everyday-wear. Noah Landis’ collection not only embodies the lifestyle of casual urban fashion, but proves that quality clothing lies beyond the big name brands.

Helium Magazine: What does Fashion mean to you?

Noah Landis: Fashion means using quality design and materials; using unique materials. Personalizing style on a subtle scale.

HM: How did Kent Denim get started?  How long has Kent Denim been establish?

NL: I have been trained in patterns and tailoring so after a while, I started making jeans for friends. Then, I realized this is something I wanted to do and create my own designs. And now it has been about a year since it has been established.

HM: Who do you imagine wearing Kent Denim?

NL: Any guy who enjoys quality. Someone who doesn’t want to hid behind a name brand, and enjoys quality clothing.

HM: How does Kent Denim represent San Jose and the Bay Area?

NL: Historically, this is where denim was born; in San Francisco! It shows the absolutely unique style of the people here in the Bay Area.

HM: What was your inspiration for this line?

NL: In addition to the streets of San Francisco, I was inspired by nautical characteristics. I used over-dyed and oceanic colors like light blues. Bold graphics also inspired this line.

HM: What led to the name Kent Denim?

NL: I attended Kent County Music Festival. It was all about Indie-rock and it was such a fun and stylish scene. So, when I think of “Kent” I think of a really cool, authentic guy.

HM: Where can people purchase your clothing?

NL: You can check the website kentdenim.com to find out which retailers carry the line

HM: What is your ultimate goal for Kent Denim?

NL: The ultimate goal is to keep my designs authentic and to inspire other designers to keep designing if it is something they want to do.

It’s not often that you find unique, quality menswear, let alone denim. Lover of the city, Landis is in touch with his surroundings and reveals geometric graphics and unique denim within feasible grasp. Kent Denim proves that personal style is not just what you wear, but who you are.

STAFF