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

The girls are back

After two years and dozens of Cosmos later, the wait is finally over as the fab-four (Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda) are back in the highly anticipating sequel of “Sex in the City 2.” You die-hard “Sex in the City” fans once again have an excuse to wear your favorite pair of stilettos to the movies, but make sure they are Manolos; Carrie wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you are like me and were left with your mouth open upon watching the first “Sex in the City” movie, you are not alone. All the women in the theater gasped when Mr. Big left Carrie at the altar. And after all the emotional games he put her through over the years due to his fear of commitment, I’m almost certain that they wanted to rip his head off at that moment. However, like almost all movies with a romantic plot, there was a happy ending, as Carrie and Mr. Big FINALLY tied the knot.

Now the girls are back, and the sequel is sure to stir up more drama, love, desire, and of course, fashion, as they make their way from one cosmopolitan metropolis to another, Abu Dhabi, on a trip of a lifetime. But, as the tantalizing previews suggest with the “Sex in the City” soundtrack playing in the background, even in the far away desserts of the Arab Emirates, Carrie finds herself in a love-tryst with an ex-lover. So what will this illicit rendezvous mean for Carrie and Mr. Big? I guess you have to go watch the movie to find out.

So grab your stilettos, shake up your Cosmos, and invite your favorite gal-pals for a night of fun, fashion, and of course the fab-four. New York sky-scrapers the limit, so get ready to let loose and have some fun!

“Sex in the City 2″ in theaters May 27, 2010

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Unpretentious Type

You definitely don’t care about what others think about you and you don’t take yourself too seriously when it comes to fashion.  As if you didn’t have an impossible boss to please and moral standards to uphold, deciding to play the part is what has you in shambles here.  Do the clothes make the person or does the person make the clothes?  This is for you to decide.

The character that best describes you is Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada.

The Dramatic Type

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Just as ostentatious as the title of this type suggests are you about being admired for the time you’ve invested on your fashion execution.  Good taste can be awarded by designer logos and your self-esteem can easily be boosted by visiting any designer store that you deem worthy.

The character that best describes you is Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic.

The Mood Type

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

If you are going to make it as a New York socialite in the 60’s you know that Givenchy’s version of  the Little Black Dress will get you there.  You know that every occasion demands its own outfit and above all you know and understand your body type, which serves as your main template.

The character that best describes you is Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The Timeless Romantic Type

Days of Summer (2009)

Dainty and feminine are the two words that best describe your fashion style.  Adorned by floral prints and open to experimenting with ruffles and anything vintage, you certainly establish yourself as the epitome of nostalgia.

The character that best describes you is Summer Finn in Days of Summer.

The Trendsetter

Annie Hall (1977)

You know that adopting risky and fearless behavior in fashion is what separates the leaders from the followers.  In order to remain fashion-forward you are always at the top of your game by constantly changing and experimenting with your look.

The character that best describes you is Annie Hall in Annie Hall.

Perspective by Amanda Holst

The beauty of “Ugly Betty”

For all you fellow “Ugly Betty” fans out there, I’m sure you were glued in front of your TV set, as I was, to get your final dose of Betty before she went off the air for good on April 14, 2010. After four seasons, the show’s executive producer, Silvio Horta, was ready to have Betty leave Mode magazine and the airwaves on a high note.

For those of us dedicated to the show from the very beginning, we have been with Betty (America Ferrera) on her tumultuous journey up the not-so-easy fashion magazine ladder as she made her way out of Queens and the comforts of home and into the high-life of Manhattan-living and the fast-paced world of fashion. But even though Betty did not fit in with the fashionistas at Mode, her determination and never-die attitude helped her rise in the ranks; going from Daniel Meade’s (Eric Mabius) assistant to being offered an editor’s position in London; a true “dreams can come true” story.

However, “Ugly Betty” was not just a show about the underdog making  it in the big city and breaking into the cut-throat fashion magazine industry; every episode had a moral. Although Betty, with her shiny braces, frizzy hair, and signature red-rimmed glasses stood-out like a jagged multi-colored rock (with her mismatched outfits) among the dazzling plethora of beautifully polished diamonds that were the models and fashion-conscious employees of Mode, her winning spirit, go-get-them attitude, and overall bubbly personality eventually won the hearts of those who at first despised her and her lack of style. At the same time, Betty also proved that despite all appearances, authenticity, being true to oneself, and hard work is the key to success and prosperity in the end.

For most “Ugly Betty” fans, we were not ready to have the show come to an end, but at least the show’s producers had everything fall into place, as all the characters got what they wanted: Wilhelmina (Vanessa Williams) became editor-in-chief of Mode, Hilda (Ana Ortiz) married Bobby (Adam Rodriguez) her high school crush, Justin (Mark Indelicato) finally came-out of the closet, Mark (Michael Urie) got his promotion as creative director, Amanda (Becki Newton) found her long-lost father, and of course Betty (American Ferrera), as mentioned above, was offered a great position as editor at a magazine in London. The only disappointment was that Daniel (Eric Mabius) and Betty (America Ferrera) did not officially end up together in the end, even though the previous episode alluded to that fact. However, the fact that Daniel passed the title of editor-in-chief to Wilhelmina and followed Betty to London indicates that they just might end up together after all; at least that’s the ending in my final cut.

I know you Betty fans were sad to see “Ugly Betty” make its last curtain-call, but at least you can take this moral of the story with you: dare to be different, be yourself, and never give up on your dreams.

Adios Betty, we’ll miss you.

Fashion Art Music Exhibition, F.A.M.E. brought a dynamic collaboration of live music, artists, and models to the Women’s Club in downtown San Jose last weekend.

The venue was filled with local venders and boutiques showing unique products and creations. From bow ties and cupcakes, the Women’s Club contained wall-to-wall street-inspired designs.

Live music included master mixes and beats from performers DJ ThuyVu,
DJ Quantum,
DJ Snare, and
TradeMark Krew.

Treatbot, a karaoke ice cream truck, made an appearance outside of the building, where gourmet ice cream was served to those who wanted a sweet break.

Outside of the building, sunshine and summer-like weather greeted painters and onlookers viewing the artist’s developing creations. Alongside the artists was another deejay playing as people of all ages went freestyle and break dancing.

Umbrella Salon was the official hair salon of the night, creating looks for the runway models and prize packages.

As the night neared the end, everyone’s attention veered to the F.A.M.E. finale as models walked the runway in new and recycled clothing by retailer Crossroads Trading Company from Blossom Hill.

Several beautiful models sported spring’s biggest trends of floral prints, stripes, cropped tops, overalls, oversized sun hats, and bright makeup.

F.A.M.E. S/S ‘10 not only shares this unique experience with the general public but also the opportunity to take home a piece of it.

DATE
Saturday, March 20, 2010

TIME
6:00PM to 10:00PM

LOCATION
San Jose Woman’s Club
75 South 11th Street
San Jose, CA 95112

ADMISSION
Tickets can be purchased at the door at the day of the show
General // $10
Pre-Sale // {Please sign-up for the mailing list}

$1 from each ticket sale will benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.

Check Bobbivie.com for updates and the list of OVER 40 ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS that will be exhibiting at the event!

Make sure you get their early. The Facebook Event already has a huge attending list.

Heart Health

On Saturday February 27, 2010, participating Santana Row restaurants and shops will be hosting exclusive in-store events offering complimentary food and wine parings, along with special discounts for those who participate in the event. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the American Heart Association. Tickets cost $30 and include access to all in-store events. Patrons will also receive a Heart card shopping pass, a signature Santana Row wine glass, and a wine bottle tote bag.

To buy tickets visit:

http://www.santanarow.com/events/item/wine_dine_around_benefiting_american_heart_association/

Wine is not only good for the heart it is also good for the soul. CHEERS!

Dance like a pro on the Row

If you are like me and never miss one episode of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, then get ready to put on your dancing shoes. This Saturday February 13, 2010, from 3:00 pm to 5 pm, you can receive a complimentary dance lesson from professional Ballroom instructors from Cheryl Burke Dance, in Park Valencia.  Not only will you learn a few new dance moves, you will also be entered to win a Romance package that includes dinner for two at Santana Row, a free one night stay at Hotel Valencia, and complimentary dance classes at Cheryl Burke Dance.

So grab your dancing partner and head on over to the Row this Saturday for a fun afternoon of Ballroom dance lessons; who knows, you may just get three 10’s your first time.

Not so sunny

Known as “Sunny California,” we bay area natives are lucky to live in a state where the climate has been compared to that of the Mediterranean; with our warm, dry summers and overall sunny and temperate climate. However, when the rain arrives, most of us like to stay in-doors if possible and snuggle up by the fireplace with a nice cup of hot coco. But a rainy day does not mean that you have to stay in-doors. Silicon Valley’s fashion Mecca, known as Santana Row, offers a rainy day discount for shoppers who are not only looking for a good deal, but who are also not afraid to go out in the rain.

Santana Row rainy day discount

Beginning February 1, 2010 – March 31, 2010, any shoppers who visit Santana Row between 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on a rainy day, have the benefit of receiving a rainy day discount of 10% off products and/or food items at participating shops and restaurants on the Row. And, if you happen to forget your umbrella at home, don’t fret; just take a quick detour to the concierge where they offer the use of a complimentary umbrella during the duration of you shopping endeavor.

Rainy day?

If you are not sure whether or not it is a “Santana Row Rainy Day,” you can visit the santanarow.com homepage and click on the weather icon to find out.

For a full list of participating stores and restaurants, you can download this PDF

Or, for more information you can call the Concierge at: 408-551-4611

With the Santana Row Rainy Day Discount you will surely make a splash.

Art: In the eye of the beholder

Beauty has been said to be in the eye of the beholder, and the same can be said about art. To one person, splatters of multiple colors on a canvas may be considered art, yet to another, that same painting can be just that; splatters of colors on a canvas. What it comes down to is a matter of preference and taste, and since art like beauty is subjective, each person has the freedom to enjoy any form of art that comes his or her way.

Ancient routine

One form of art that has been popular amongst women in particular is nail art. Many women have adopted the routine of getting their nails done as part of a bi-monthly or monthly grooming ritual. On any day, nail salons can be found filled with women taking a break from their everyday hectic schedules, and enjoying a luxury that spans back to 3000 BC.

Royal vanity – from Japan to Egypt

Although the definite origins of nail art is not factually known, it has been reported that the practice of nail decorating began with the Japanese and the Italians who were the first to begin adding color to their nails around 3000 BC. The Chinese would also color their nails by adding a type of lacquer made out of beeswax, gelatin, and a variety of flower petals. For the Chinese, however, nail staining was also a ritual that signified royal status. Chinese nobility would either paint their nails silver, gold, and in later centuries black, as these colors symbolized their imperial rank.

The Egyptians were also known to paint their nails, but their color of choice was a reddish brown. Similar to the Chinese, the Egyptians also used nail color as a means to signify social order. Egyptian Queens would use various shades of reds at the tip of their nails, while women of lower rank would only be allowed to use pale hues. Egyptian kings were also known to have painted nails.

Nail color, social status

In ancient times, the condition and color of a person’s nails was also an indicator of his or her social status. For laborers, their hands were their tools, so their nails were not manicured. And since they only received minimal pay for their work, the laborers would spend the money they earned on basic necessities rather than luxuries. Only the wealthy upper-class was able to afford and have manicured, primed and decorated nails.

21st century portable art

Although nail art in the 21^st century has remained a symbol of status to some degree, our bare nails also offer a canvas that can be used to create some intricate and amazing works of personal portable art. And with a variety of nail art, spanning from freehand nail art, airbrushed, color blends, fancy French, seasonal, and 3D, there are endless possibilities when it comes to this form of nail art.

3D nail art

3D nail art, in particular, is a form of nail art that brings the typical flat-based colors and designs produced on the nails to life; a technique where art meets fashion and vice versa. These elaborate designed “nail chips” as they are called, can be custom-made to fit any clients’ request, preference, and can also be made to correspond with any special occasion.

3D nail art also has no boundaries, and like jewelry and other fashion accessories, nail chips can range from delicate and sophisticated in nature to overly ornate and over-the-top. And for those who enjoy being extraordinary and want to make a bigger fashion statement, they can request to have jewels or charms attached to their already extravagant 3D nails.

3D nail art – how it’s made

Stereoscopic (3D) nail art is made by the nail artist first applying a paint-like material or mixture over the nails and then sculpting any shape or design the client wants before it dries. If the 3D nail shape or design in simple, then the nail artist can sculpt it immediately on each nail. However, if a client wants more intricate designs such as flowers, each nail chip is made in advance and then assembled and glued on each nail.

The process of making the 3D nail art can span from three to four minutes for simple designs, to twenty minutes for more intricate pieces. If a client wants a full 10-piece set of nail chips accompanied by complex decorations, rhinestones and details, this set of nails can take two to four hours to make.

Artistic technique for the ages

For those of you who would like to become a walking canvas of artistic inspiration and make a fashion statement through artistic expression, nail art may just be the thing for you. All you will need is a little time, clean nails, and a whole lot of imagination. And no matter what your artistic taste may be, the art of nail painting and sculpting is an ancient technique that will continue to flourish and gain popularity amongst both novices and connoisseurs of art alike.