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2nd Annual “Gorgeous with Curves” Fashion Show

amandaholst — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:08:31 +0000

Trudys Brides is hosting their 2nd Annual “Gorgeous with Curves” Fashion Show and Intimate Bridal Showcase featuring Real Brides with Real Curves on Sunday March 6th. The FREE event will be from 1PM-3PM at The Pruneyard Plaza Hotel.

Top designers include Mori Lee Julietta, Maggie Sottero, & Alfred Angelo

RSVP to the event: TRUDYSEVENTS@gmail.com

Contact: 408-377-1987 x 29

Fashion Show location: Pruneyard Plaza Hotel, Campbell 1995 S. Bascom Ave; Campbell, CA 95008

FEATURE: Tammy Tran’s campaign for Miss California 2011

Helium Magazine — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:53:13 +0000

For nearly two year’s, San Jose Model Tammy Tran has been Helium Magazine’s original balloon girl. Floating at the top of this website and all of our marketing material, her glistening stare of hope has been seen by hundreds of thousands of fashionistas throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. But destined to prove that there’s more confidence behind those eyes, Tran ran for the Miss California USA 2011 contest last year in hopes of expanding her iconic image and influence on her community.

Helium Magazine: What inspired you to run for Miss California USA, and how did being Helium Magazine’s balloon girl influence your campaign?

Tammy Tran: I was driven to enter the pageant with a strong desire to make a difference and a major statement. Many people would look at me and not once would I ever be assumed to be a potential representative of California. I wanted to prove not only to myself but to those in doubt that everyone has the ability to make their mark in the world. Having such an amazing background and large image to support me, I felt more confident than ever that I could be an icon for not only my local community but to the greater society. It is such an honor to hold such an image as the Helium Balloon Girl. I was constantly recognized as a central image to a magazine and it only further encouraged me to reach above and beyond that.

HM: What were some of the toughest things you encountered in your campaign?

TT: As much as I believed in myself, the most difficult task was to convince others to believe in me too. I was competing against approximately 200 other beautiful young women and the support of the community was crucial to our campaign. Putting together fundraisers and asking for sponsors was a challenge task that put through sleepless nights and constant planning.

HM: Let’s be real here girl; how many cat fights were there?

TT: No cat fights… The atmosphere was surprisingly very genuinely sweet and welcoming. I had a wonderful time making friends and receiving tips from my roommates without a problem. The most beautiful moment I recall was when an evening gown was misplaced through the hotel staff and could not be located for the preliminaries. The distressed contestant cried for hours as the entire floor tried to locate the dress and when we had no such luck, another contestant received word of the unfortunate situation and lent her the back up dress she had brought with her. Luck was on her side and it fit her perfectly! What should have been a competition was very much about cooperation and to see a stranger help another with such kindness made me stop and re evaluate the world of pageantry.

HM: How do you think the pageant helps local communities?
TT: I truly believe that the pageant is beneficial to the community because service to the community could not be emphasized more strongly. While I was attempting to raise funds to compete, I also donated 60% of my total profits to multiple non profit organizations. It teaches young women to be active members of the society, therefore benefiting hundreds of local communities by inspiring each individual.

HM: Are you going to be next year’s winner?

TT: I would honestly consider running again once I feel more prepared. I learned so much about dedication and developed an amazing sense of responsibility. Becoming an active member of the society has become something I have dedicated myself to and its been such an amazing journey to do service for the community. There are true values that lie beneath the glamour of pageantry and it is certainly up to the individual to hold into that. Though I was not a winner, I walked away with much more than a crown.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography by Matthew Mountford
Interview by Tyler Do
Styling by Renata Gar
Hair Styling by Nathan and Jade from Umbrella Salon
Makeup by Marina Petrenko
Shoot Direction by Khiem Hoang

A Secret hiding in downtown Willow Glen

amandaholst — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:01:37 +0000

Hidden in downtown San Jose amidst the heart of downtown Willow Glen lays a dream come true for those with a luxurious taste and a limited budget. Our Secret Consignment store, offers high-end clothes, handbags and shoes, gently worn, with brand names such as Gucci, Armani, and St. John. An outside ’secret’ garden offers a subtle break from inside shopping and a chance to gaze at wrought iron findings for sale.

All photos courtesy of: Our Secret designer label consignment

Location

Our Secret 1115 Minnesota Ave. San Jose

Phone 408-289-9290

Email: rrsecret@comcast.net

Posting by: Amanda Holst

The Usuals: SJ Boutique supports local artists and makers

amandaholst — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:11:03 +0000

A small boutique next to HP Pavilion, The Usuals urban wear brings a lot of local style for everyday wear.

Items include shirts, jackets, accessories, flannels and production tees…look for the ‘I heart SJ’ shirts.

The Usuals Boutique host a party every month and have homegrown events where they bring in local clothing and jewelry makers. They also display the work of local artists.

Location:

1020 The Alameda San Jose, Ca 95126

Upcoming Event: The Usuals is hosting the release of Cutso and Mamabear’s first collaborative release, Getting To Know You: Volume One at Jonny V’s on Friday, 31 E. Santa Clara St. 10:00-2:00

by Amanda Holst

Your February Fashion Horoscope

amandaholst — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:47:46 +0000

(photo courtesy of featurepics.com)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AQUARIUS & PISCES

Aquarius (January 21-February 19)

Experimenting this month will be of great value for you Aquarius. It can allow you to focus on your style but more importantly, weed out the fashions that aren’t working. If you are sick of keeping up with the latest trends, try reinventing a favorite outfit from the past.

Pisces (February 20- March 20)

Weekend wear will be your main focus for the month. Pisces gals, stock up on leggings that make you smile. Pisces guys, start the year off with a new pair of shades. You work hard all week- so now it’s time to relax and get comfortable.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

So you’ve reinvented yourself- Great! Now’s the time to flaunt the new you. Carry your confidence in something that feels amazing and load up on the bling. For Aries guys, try a carbide link bracelet.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

Professionalism takes a front seat to relax-wear this month Taurus, so don’t get too comfy just yet. Mix-matching outfits will save you both money and boredom, so know the rules. Each garment you have should match at least two others in your closet. Also, don’t shy away from scarves, ties, and jewelery- they can add fun to any outfit.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You may start to feel a little stagnant with your wardrobe, so maybe it’s time to venture out for different pieces. Instead of hitting the department stores, hit your salon first. A new haircut or hairdo may be the new perspective you are looking for.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Body issues are only in your head this month. This low self-esteem will need a boost if you plan on making it in fashion this month. Send a message by wearing your favorite outfits. Who cares if people take notice of your repeating trend. The best thing you can do is pad your confidence.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Going back and forth on styles and trends this month will completely drain you. Keep it simple by wearing clothes that fit and feel comfortable. If you are in the mood for something more daring, try infusing some color.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Last month’s spending spree has gotten you to re-evaluate the items in your closet. Don’t be afraid to merge the new pieces with the old ones-its time to start building a relationship.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Buying on a budget is never easy but quality still should be maintained in selecting your pieces. Make sure that the fabrics you buy aren’t falling apart at the seams and they can be worn with some of your lower-quality pieces.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Flaunt it if you’ve got it this month, you definitely have the confidence to back it up. Doubts in fashion can be replaced with colors that match your skin tone and accentuate your sex appeal.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Don’t reserve your fashion this month. Instead take risks that will pay off for your personality. If you are itching to try a new trend, go for it.

Capricorn (December 22-January 20)

Sophisticate your fashion this month with dark colors, classic styles, and statement boots. The sophisticated Capricorn will look anything but sloppy.

Perspective by: Amanda Holst

2010 Elemental E-DITION now online!

Helium Magazine — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:00:47 +0000

Helium Magazine has released the extended online edition of the Elemental Fashion Show Issue. Expanding on the 12″ x 12″ printed issue (launched at Charity Fashion Show, the largest fashion show on the West Coast: May 15th), The 2010 Elemental E-DITION features 40+ pages of new content including coverage of last year’s biggest fashion shows events and trends, a never before seen installation to SWATI Couture’s Goddess Series, and a stunning photo essay on leading San Francisco designer Bacca da Silva.

View online on the the Elemental Issue page: www.sjhelium.com/elemental

Crazy Styling at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin

amandaholst — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:36:21 +0000

(Photo Credit: electronicbeats.net)

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion week welcomed the Autumn/Winter 2011 collections last week in Berlin.

Crazy styling owned the runway and brought with it new twists in hair and daring risks in makeup.

Designers A.F. Vandevorst, & Patrick Mohr spearheaded the craze and took some interesting approaches.

Not a single face was shown in A.F.Vandevorst’s collection, as the models strutted their stuff using only their footing for guidance.

A.F. VANDEVORST

Patrick Mohr took a silent approach with his models: Matrix-glued-shut mouths seemed to be par for the collection, which gave off a unisex feel- unpretentious, but still stylish. Colors were typical for the season, lots of blacks and greys, but then some olive green.

PATRICK MOHR

Aristocrats: Urban Boutique

amandaholst — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:04:04 +0000

If anything describes Aristocrats, unique Japanese concept would be it. Aristocrats, located downtown in Japantown offers clothes and accessories to fit the urban street wear style.

This store offers unique styles of shoes, caps, jackets, watches, sunglasses and graphic tees. Underground brands include C & C, Breezy Excursion, Dimepiece, G Shocks, & Mishka.

Local graphic artists’ work can be seen at this store’s location and they carry all the flyers to all the local shows, if you’re interested in knowing where the hottest shows are.

Best for the customer ages 18-25.

Upcoming Event: January 21, 2011- Yellow is the new Black: exhibit by street artist Girafa

Store Location: 161 Jackson Street, San Jose

Contact Info: 408-885-0727

Review by Amanda Holst

Interview with CFS Designer Karen Lum

amandaholst — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:22:30 +0000

It wasn’t that long ago Karen Lum, Stanford student graced CFS stage us with her ready-to-wear, unique fabrics and painted fashion. She talks with Helium on what CFS meant to her, what’s she doing nowadays and a sneak peak at what’s in store for this upcoming show.

Helium Magazine: How long have you been designing? How did you get started?

Karen Lum: My mom had a sewing machine. She taught me how to mend my own clothes. When I got to middle school I realized I wanted to do different things and so I took some classes and make two pieces from scratch. In high school I started to experiment on my own and I even made my prom dress. In college I found out about Charity Show and starting to do this seriously and I do it because I enjoy it. now I realize that it is something that I really enjoy. I do it more for fun, not professionally.

HM: And you’re going to school?

KL: Yes, my major us Science & Technology with a concentration in Product Design.

HM: Any plans when you get out?

KL: I’m interested in product design or working for a company. I would love to travel. Sometimes I think I want to move somewhere like Hong Kong and see what happens in fashion. I don’t see myself working in the fashion industry, but I really love it a lot. It’s all up in the clouds and is a mystery- who knows where I will be.

HM:How long have you done Charity Fashion Show?

KL: Three years, this will be my last, so four total.

HM: What was the best part of doing the show?

KL: The clothes inspire me; CFS gives me a platform for my collection. I like to just watch it ‘all go by’. The shelves and the mannequin comes to life with my collection.

HM: Remind our readers what your collection at last year’s Charity Fashion Show was like

KL: I lived in India for six months and worked for a non-profit that was developing a low-cost incubator using a pouch-contained material. The collection was inspired by architecture, nature, festivals, religion and colors. I brought my sewing machine to India and I worked on four dresses. My goal this year is to do four more, a smaller collection than usual. Basically, I utilized textiles from India and converted them in ways that express what I saw in India. They were inspired by banana leaves I saw in festivals and worn for decoration as applications. I used Kelly green color and rigid stripes. I made a dress based out of Indian textile, color and banana leaves. I also bought a lot of saries and converted them to dresses. Another dress was inspired by the Indian flag – saffron ,white and green. The colors represent peace and hard word.

HM: Compared to CFS last year, how do you explain your style today? Has it changed much?

KL: I make all these clothes for myself. I make what I am feeling at the moment. There are two ways I work. I either end up buying fabric that catch’s my eye with no plan in mind, then I create something later OR I find material and I have no idea what to do with it then later I find something to do with it—this is the best form of method.

HM: Can you give us an example?

KL: For example 2 years ago at CFS I was given puffy sleeves by another designer that were cut off a dress. I ended up making a trench coat jacket and this military inspired dress out of them. It makes it more creative when I buy with restriction and then make use with what I have.

HM: Do you have a specific style?

KL: I make what I am interested in wearing at the moment. I make things that I am interested in owning myself. I trying really hard to make clothes that no one else has, just like every fashion designer does, right? I like making dresses, going-out outfits, and good quality cocktail dresses. If I can’t afford it, I make copy of the original.

HM: Have you considered fashion as a business?

KL: Since I have no formal training, I can’t sell my fashions professionally. I could contract my services for construction or have some one to help me replica of the original but I have an attachment to the things I make; so I would feel that I am giving away. You can’t put a price on the conceptualization you are giving away.I have no desire to sell for money, I do it for fun.I make clothes that I want to have and keep.

HM: What are some of your favorite pieces?

KL: This dress I made last year for my 21st birthday dinner last year. It was a black dress- bunch of black stretch twill – short shift-dress with pocket, buttons and Indian hand bead work.

HM: What would you tell someone looking to get into designing? Are there any special skills that you need?

KL: Always try to do something new. The thing with fashion is that it is driven by consumer trends, whatever the style is now will sell. There are so many ways you can go with fashion. I make it [my style] anyway. I go for the accomplishment it brings and the truly original piece that comes out of it. Try something new and be true to yourself.

HM: What’s in the near future for Karen Lum? Are you working on anything now?

Besides working on CFS, I am working on an artwork exhibit for the art fair on campus. I want to blog more about my traveling. What is my dream job? I enjoy travel and then make clothes or art out f that experience.What if my job was to travel the world and make clothes inspired by art– that would be the coolest job ever! To travel to south Korea, Vietnam, France who knows? India was a very valuable experience in the way that I was able to translate what I saw– that is what I really love an am passionate about. I am in the process of trying to find a way to raise funds to go to Italy after graduation.

Karen Lum can be reached at: karen.lum.26@gmail.com

Interview by Amanda Holst

Photography by Ralph Nguyen

Photos used with permission by Karen Lum

William-Rhast Now at Target

amandaholst — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 14:20:35 +0000

Justin Timberlake fans can now grab a piece of ‘Mr. Smooth’s” style. Timberlake’s label, William Rast joins together with designer Trace Ayala to bring you the newest guest compilation at Target. Country meet biker, this collection brings pieces that focus on the American spirit. Lots of denim, posh jackets, silky tees and faux leather are sure to entice both sexes. (Isaac Mizrahi, Rodarte and Zac Posen- eat your hearts out!). The prices range from $19.99- $199.99. You must hurry, the limited collection will leave Target store racks January 22. All photos courtesy of www.fahionista.com.