Fashionese may be a hard language to speak but once you get the lingo down it can be an cinch.  Here are some terms to beef up your fashion vocabulary:

Couture- this a common term, one that is thrown out loosely to mean something elaborate and fancy.  This is way more expensive than the designer stuff, and includes haute couture and ready-to-wear.

Covert-couture: Something that costs a lot of money but doesn’t look expensive; only the person wearing it and a true fashionite can tell the difference and worth.

Fierce: Like this word needs an introduction; use it to mean that fashion is cutting-edge and fashion-forward; use it too much and you just come off as annoying.

Kitsch- this is fashion’s expiration date; something that used to be in but is no longer considered fashionable.  For example, wearing “1930’s Trousseau” fashion, although being the height of fashion at the time, would be considered kitsch now.

(Note: An intentional use of kitsch is called camp.  If you intentionally dress up like a celebrity to be ironic, then you are being campy.  Sometimes exaggerated fashion is not intentional, resulting in campy personas; a good example is Lady Gaga.)

One-off-  If you are lucky and know the designer really well then you probably can get a one-off made for you.  A one-off is a one-of a-kind fashion; only one exists.

Pickle-stabbers- Not the utensils you use for eating your snacks at a photo-shoot with, but the extremely high and pointy heels that you wear instead.  So pointy, you could probably stab a pickle with them, hence the name pickle-stabbers.

Trashic- Tragic and trashy; something this bad can only make a fashion statement.

Trickle-Up Trend- This is when fashion from unexpected places catches on and hits the runway.  This trend is usually based on styles from the streets.

Trunk-Shows- Heard a lot around and after fashion shows.  Trunk shows are held to showcase a designer’s latest collection and can be a great opportunity to get a good deal too.

Vanity sizing – The anomaly that happens in the dressing room when you try on your size and it’s too big.  (Obviously a marketing ploy to make you think that you are smaller than you actually are)

Perspective by Amanda Holst

Fashion 101

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

You may pass by it, never once noticing on your way to Flames; or it’s become such a habit that you don’t think twice about it on your morning stop for a fresh muffin and hot chocolate.  Maybe you only stop in on student night for a quick game of 9-ball and a round of beers.

These venues, while part of our everyday routines, might not be getting the recognition they deserve.   They’re the downtown shops and galleries that display our local artists’ work and they’re the sponsors of this Friday’s South First Art Walk.

Kaleid, Caffé Triste and S. First Billiards, among others, will all be representing for San Jose’s monthly event during Helium Magazine’s Art Couture Week.

Come join this diverse group of artists, art lovers and creators this Friday 8PM till late on First St. starting on San Carlos and working its way south.  The Helium Radar blog will be there snapping pictures of Silicon Valley’s fashion-forward so stop by, say “hi” and get ready for your close-up.

And don’t forget to visit Helium’s Art Couture Exhibit.

Photo: http://www.southfirstfridays.com/

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Please read our “OPEN SHARING POLICY.”

Fashion Entrepreneur: Swati Kapoor
Line: Bollywood Inspired Couture
Reza Shariffi for SWATI Couture
Site: www.swati.us

Shoot Location: Studio 2147X

Finding the Limelight

People come to America from all parts of the world in the hopes of finding the “American Dream.” To many, that might be freedom, prosperity or happiness. But to some, it means stepping into the powerful beam of America’s limelight.

Bringing Bollywood and Hollywood to the Silicon Valley, fashion entrepreneur Swati Kapoor has synergized the best in both worlds by intertwining the captivating aspects of Indian fashion into Western wardrobe. Her line, SWATI Couture, first broke onto the fashion scene six years ago. However, few would guess that this goddess-inspired designer is a product of the dot-com bust.

Helium Magazine: What does fashion mean to you?

Swati Kapoor: Fashion means a woman adoring her inner goddess and inner beauty.

HM: How and when did SWATI Couture get started?

SK: Six years ago after the dot-com bust I decided to change gears from my graphic design career and turn into a fashion entrepreneur. It started purely from my love for this form of art in India. I wanted to make a difference and make a line of clothing stemming from this form of art.

HM: Who do you imagine wearing SWATI Couture?

SK: The elite fashion conscious. Women who want to look unique and who really enjoy sparkle, color and dressing up.

HM: How does SWATI Couture represent San Jose and the Bay Area?

SK: The people living here are the inspiration for the styles. People here need multiple uses from a garment. Women need looks that they can wear to the office and in the evening.

HM: What was your inspiration for this line?

SK: This line is called “Bollywood Inspired Couture” designed by Reza Shariffi for SWATI Couture. It is inspired by Bollywood, with a high fashion/glamour feel too.

HM: Where can people purchase your clothing?

SK: From my studio, located at 2321 Farmcrest Street in Milpitas.

HM: What is your ultimate goal for SWATI Couture?

SK: To be a brand that is history in the making; an amazing place for Indian fashion in the Western wardrobe.

Silicon Valley may seem like a far cry from our glamorous neighbor to the south, but this new formula for success just might change that. With aspirations to launch a goddess-themed fashion line in 2010, Swati Kapoor is on the fast track to the Red Carpet. Although, she might have it embroidered with gold silk before she gets there.

Interview by Jasmine Duarte

STAFF

Sebastian Vido – Photographer
Jack Husting – Retouching & Photographer
Samiha Mujeeb – Model
Esther Au – Makeup & Hair Styling
Jennifer Giles – Fashion Aide
Jennifer Elias – Fashion Aide
Brian Agee – Photography Assistant

DOWNLOAD all images.
Please read our Open Sharing Policy.

Line: Haute Couture
Designer: Shekhar Rahate (Sheh-car Rah-hat)
Site: shekharrahate.com

Shoot Location: The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art

State of the Art

Exotic fabric, intricate detail, ornate colors: these are the elements of a haute couture gown, and designer Shekhar Rahate’s collection of high-class evening dresses more than encompass the beauty and elegance of a high-fashion frock creation. Applying more than 14 years of experience in the fashion industry, Shekhar has created a haute couture line that is both culturally inspired and inspiring. While browsing through his collection of posh evening gowns, it is evident that each dress is a mode masterpiece all its own. And with the variety in styles and fabrics – from form fitting, glistening satin evening gowns that accentuate a woman’s silhouette to flowy multi-pattern fabrics that allow a woman to move with comfort and grace – Shekhar’s gowns not only epitomize couture perfection but are worthy of red carpet attention.

Helium Magazine: What does fashion mean to you?

Shekhar Rahate: Fashion means passion to me.

HM: How did your Haute Couture line get started?

SR: I was working as a stylist, director, and choreographer for many well-known haute couture designers; I was helping them prepare for their fashion show and other fashion-related projects in Dubai. I liked their work a lot, more than any other clothing industry. Haute couture means a one-of-a-kind dress, for only one client, and that means that you really have to think about what you are going to design and you only work on one girl, one woman at a time.

HM: How long has your Haute Couture line been established?

SR: Seven years.

HM: Who do you imagine wearing your line of Haute Couture?

SR: I just like to transform a person, her personality and her beauty in my gowns. I have been working very hard to understand exactly what my client wants and I always deliver more than what she is expecting. Many of my clients are amazed by what I have created for them.

HM: How does your line of Haute Couture represent San Jose and the Bay Area?

SR: San Jose and the bay area have women with a very settled personality; they don’t like too much revealing, glamorous designs; they like simple and elegant creations and I like to make those kinds of dresses.

HM: What was your inspiration for this line?

SR: My inspiration always comes from the fabrics; I have used some exotic prints and colors this time. I like to keep changing the look of my line every season, and my clients like it and accept it.

HM: Where can people purchase your clothing?

SR: Franco Uomo in San Jose; Grand Trunk in Fremont; and Monique Boutique in San Francisco.

HM: What is your ultimate goal for your line of Haute Couture?

SR: I like to work hard to make my customers happy; I like to go with the flow. I would like to see my gowns on the red carpet one day in the future.

Whether you are looking for an elegant gown to wear to the symphony, or for that perfect dress to wear for a night of dancing at a chic salsa club, Shekhar’s Haute Couture collection offers a gown for any occasion. Just make sure you can pronounce Rahate’s name, because many people will be asking.

Interview by Sophia Papadopoulos

STAFF

Jack Husting – Photographer
Jocelyn Gomez – Makeup & Hair Styling
Lindsay Gardener – Model
Marissa Alava – Model
Tim Walker – Lighting Assistant
Jennifer Giles – Modeling Director
Jennifer Elias – Fashion Aide
Cherelle Cruz – Fashion  Aide
Mercedes Cruz – Fashion Aide