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

1. Aiko Designs
2. Aksel Paris
3. AVB by von Bromssen
4. Betsey Johnson
5. Civil Society
6. Clutch Couture
7. Danielle Pettee
8. Eva Franco
9. Isharya
10. Karen Lum
11. Kent Denim
12. Kittinhawk
13. Kitty Andrews
14. Lenny
15. Magdalena Trevor
16. Mary Lucas (Future Faces of Fashion)
17. Mary Meyer
18. Maryam Garba
19. Momo
20. Miss Morgan
21. Nanette Lepore
22. Nicole Pansoy
23. Paul’s Hatworks
24. Pink Studio Footwear
25. Priestess NYC
26. Shin Choi
27. Swati Couture
28. Tabbisocks
29. Taylor Tompane (FFF)
30. Tosca Soraya
31. Waddie Crazyhorse
32. WDesigns
33. Ylizaveta Shmaltko

Returning designers are in bold.

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

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!