The SFBA Fashion Network was founded by Joseph Domingo in 2010 and kicked-off at a modest fashion show at Pigment Cosmetics (SNOW 1). The event was more of a social gathering than a display of new style for the city, but SNOW’s invitation-only gathering of the Bay Area’s fashion elite conquered a formidable challenge yet to be accomplished by any event producer: uniting the industry.

Event producers Acacia Switchblade O'Boyle, Janice Bailon, and Owen Buenaventura (stylist). Photo by Ed Jay.

“I can’t hate him!” said fashion show choreographer Charleston Pierce after SNOW 2,  anxiously awaiting the network’s full potential while recognizing the growth. SNOW 2 moved to a bigger venue (the Atrium of One Market St.), bigger production, more guests (600) and a larger more cohesive display of fashion styled by Owen Buenaventura.

Kelly Tanimura and Aubrey Rinehart wearing Acta Non Verba by Hector Manuel. Photos by Ed Jay

Helium couldn’t have been prouder to see new looks for Silicon Valley designer Hector Manuel of Acta Non Verba opening the show. Hector was featured in Helium’s Atomic Fashion Show and “Jamie Bond” photo editorial in 2009 and in the Revival Fashion Show campaign in 2010. Continuing to be inspired by women and their strength, Manuel uses unique metallic fabrics to pay tribute to the female form.

Dcepcion. Photo by Ed Jay.

Worn here by a new face with a swagger that really stirred the crowd, designers Daniel and David Conception founded the fashion line Dcepcion in 2007. Offering handmade, edgy, modern yet wearable pieces for both men and women, their work has been featured in publications such as Women’s Wear Daily, California Apparel News, SF Chronicle Style and 7×7 Magazine.

Cari Borja. Photo by Ed Jay.

Hitting the fashion scene in 2001 after earning her Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, Cari Borja fashions has been showcased in numerous prominent events including the Gen Art’s 2004 Fresh Faces in Fashion and 2006 San Francisco Fashion Week. All made in her Berkeley production studio, Borja’s unique off the rack looks cater to academics and intellectuals, musicians, visionaries and writers.

Dahae Kim; photo by Ed Jay.

Originally from South Korea, Dahae Kim specializes in conceptual menswear design. Her style focuses on ethos; dark, asymmetrical, conceptual, complex, and structural.

gr.dano Photo by Ed Jay.

Jill Giordano and Brian Scheyer are the design duo behind women’s San Francisco’s ready-to-wear label gr.dano. Incorporating structure as a signature design trait, the designers take it one step futher with a standout collection of dresses and separates resembling modern chic. Actively supporting Bay Area design talent, Jill is both a graduate of the Academy of Art University SF and currently an instructor in their Fashion Department teaching Master’s studies in pattern making.

Chris Stephens wearing Daniel Sudar. Photo by Ed Jay.

In Helium’s coverage of the 2010 San Francisco Chic Fashion Week (Elemental E-DITION, page 30), we admired the premier of Daniel Sudar’s menswear collection for its edgy sophistication calling it “potently viable.” We meant we could tell it was really going somewhere. But at SNOW 2, Daniel Sudar did nothing short of arrive and conquer. Showcasing silk suits, jackets and vests, Sudar’s mastery of the male form even went as far as pulling off the men’s capri — an emerging style we have had little hope for.

Verrieres & Sako. Photo by Ed Jay.

The Verrieres & Sako collection epitomizes a day-to-evening wardrobe filled with techniques, detailing and silhouettes translated into effortless, wearable collections. Every look is sophisticated and modern combining femme fatales and silver screen glamour with a modern sensibility. The line has been featured in Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion, InStyle!, Vogue Japan, Life, WWD, Apparel News, Z!NK, San Francisco Chronicle and on E!

Joseph Domingo. Photographs by Ed Jay.

The audience went wild when Joseph Domingo’s first look came down the runway. But it wasn’t because they all had been invited by him. It wasn’t because he was the host for the night and the founder of the SFBA Fashion Network. It wasn’t because he was the finale. It wasn’t even because model Linda Steadman, wearing Domingo’s first look (left), has a walk so fierce she leaves the granite floor charred below her feat. No; it was the unmistakable gasp of perfection, machismo, curves, and tenured sophistication that defines Joseph Domingo’s couture.

But who is Joseph Domingo? And how has the SFBA Fashion Network managed to evoke such promise in a community even Mr. Pierce describes as “vicious?”

Only The Collection will tell.

Written by Matthew Mountford
Photography curtesy of Ed Jay

Special thanks to SWATI Couture for dressing me for the event! www.swati.us

SuLo by Sultana Lodin, Fremont

Su-lo by Sultana Lodin is a variety of printed tees that incorporate a rustic look. The female shirts were accessorized with large necklaces and metal bangles. All of SuLo’s designs are inspired by Sultana’s Afghan heritage, which creates a unique spin on casual wear. SuLo was the first designer to be featured by Helium Magazine and we look forward to closely working with her in our upcoming shows.

Breezy Excursion by Ryan Mante and Christian Lilleland, San Jose

For Breezy Excursion, a more urban spin on printed tee shirts and sweatshirts, focused on dark fall colors for the runway. Breezy excursion also debuted their women’s line, and was a great new edition to their already diverse collection. It was a very different Breezy Excursion that inspired Helium’s “painting with light” concept when we featured them back in August.

Never Gets Old by Amy Romaine, San Jose

Never Gets Old by Amy Romaine was a favorite of many of the audience members because of its wearable and vintage inspired style. Amy’s line was full of knits and warm colors; the outfits were well accented with knee-high socks and boots. Helium featured Never Gets Old at San Jose Skate in early September.

Yuppie Joints: FREE STYLE!

Barbarella Beauty Boutique, Willow Glen

Barbarella Beauty Boutique incorporated several unique looks that were ready to wear, and very classy. There were a variety of looks from simple daytime jeans and sweaters to silk patterned short dresses with embellishments. Barbarella Boutique really does offer something for everyone.

Kent Denim by Noah Landis, San Francisco

Kent Denim by Noah Landis had a captivating new spin on menswear. The plaid shirts scarves and jackets made his looks ready for fall. The dark denim pulled together his ensemble with a sleek polished appeal. Helium’s feature on Kent Denim will be posted later this month.

Yanssan by Christina Robinson, San Ramon

Yanssan by Christina Robinson is an elegant collection of gorgeous gowns. The dresses were each unique with bright colors and bold prints. The gowns were stunning and gave a different perspective to a typical evening gown.

Acta Non Verba by Hector Manuel, San Jose

Acta Non Verba by Hector Manuel was a great line to conclude the show. With dark colors and sheer fabric Acta Non Verba is feminine and sexy and edgy. The tight long dresses, mini dresses and corsets truly accentuate women’s curves, creating a gorgeous silhouette. Helium’s provocative double-feature on Acta-Non-Verba continues to be our most viewed profile.

Video of the Atomic Fashion Show and full galleries will be uploaded to the Atomic Fashion Show Page soon!  We’ll see you in March at the Elemental Fashion Show when Helium debuts its first full issue!