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CFS: An Epic Event for an Amazing Cause

amandaholst — Tue, 18 May 2010 21:35:23 +0000

The “Largest Fashion Show on the West Coast” delivered a stellar performance over the weekend as designers and devoted students joined together under one tent for a night of charity which benefited Bay Area’s micro-finance non-profit Kiva. The 140,000 square foot tent in Stanford was the platform for over twenty-five designers to flaunt new pieces. Fans of Jimmy Century opened the show, rocking an energetic mini-concert, and set the mood on fire for the rest of the evening. Here are just a few of the astonishing highlights that were captured at this year’s Charity Fashion Show.

TOSCA SORAYA

Shai White & Eugenia V Sokolova wearing Tosca Soraya

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.

Shin Choi

Unoma 'Nomis' Okolo wearing Shin Choi

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.

Swati Couture

Shai White wearing Swati Couture

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)

Aksel Paris

Daniel Orth & Taylor Jackson wearing Aksel Paris

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.

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.

Danielle Pettee

DeAnna Francine Maile Basques wearing Danielle Pettee

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

CFS: 2010 Designer List Announced

Helium Magazine — Sun, 02 May 2010 02:37:06 +0000

With Just two weeks until the largest fashion show on the West Coast, CFS has released the final designer list for the 2010 event. Click on a name to go to the site, or check back to sjHelium.com between May 10th and May 15th for Charity Fashion Show Week featuring interviews and profiles with CFS designers.

Returning designers are in bold.

Goddess Series: Coming to Helium Magazine

Helium Magazine — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:00:51 +0000

Last August, Helium’s fashion department found itself in a debate over a question that has become a major guideline to our publication: Does Bollywood fashion have a place in Silicon Valley?

The debate was over Fashion Entrepreneur Swati Kapoor who’s artistic direction and management of SWATI Couture funnels custom made high-couture dresses into the closets of our elite community. We made the decision that it was time for the mass media to give culture-rich fashion it’s rightful place in the public’s eye, and in Helium’s first issue is going to do just that.

On March 12th, Helium Magazine’s Elemental Fashion Show Issue will debut featuring the Goddess Series by Art Director Jack Husting. Embodying the spirit of vibrant colors and intricate detail in Indian fashion, the Goddess Series will use our 12″x12″ magazine to take you on a journey to a world of fantasy where women’s inner-goddess has the power to manipulate the elements of our world.

The Fire Goddess (above), featuring Stanford Charity Fashion Show model Unoma Okolo, is wearing a fire dress designed by Reza Shariffi for SWATI Couture.

The Elemental Fashion Show Issue will be found exclusively at Stanford’s Charity Fashion Show on May 15th.

Atomic Fashion Show Recap: Part 1

Helium Magazine — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:10:27 +0000

Big thanks to everyone who turned up for the Atomic Fashion Show! The event was a huge success. The VIP section sold out the day before the show and the event hit full capacity with nearly 150 people being turned away at the door. So much for being fashionably late!

The Helium Zine was also well received; featuring a page on every designer in the show and a Helium Original photograph.

Helium had a red carpet set up for the VIP entrance where fashion designers, press, and Silicon Valley fashion industry experts arrived.

The Charity Fashion Show crew from Stanford; Taylor Jackson (FCubed Fashion Blog Editor-in-Chief), Lee Axelrod, Megan Anctil, Thom Scher (Executive Director), and Stephanie Werner.

"Stuff by Kate" designer, Kate Seavey

"Never Gets Old" designer, Amy Romaine

Helium Magazine’s Fashion Broadcaster, Camielle Rose-Rivera, interviewed all of the designers on the red carpet. The videos will be uploaded shortly to sjHelium.com’s new Video Portal.

Opening Scene: Yuppie Joints

The show started with a an explosion and black out of the entire ballroom. Four-foot He2 logos descended from the rafters in the darkness until the music began and the stage flooded with blue lights. Then, out came Yuppie Joints for a killer dance performance!

SWATI Couture from Swati Kapoor, Milpitas

When Helium first saw SWATI’s Fire Dress, we new it was the perfect outfit to kick off the Atomic Fashion Show! Check out Helium Magazine Fashion Feature on SWATI from early September. Just two days after the show, Helium did another photo shoot with SWATI for a photo essay in Helium’s first full issue coming out in December at the Elemental Fashion Show.

Stuff by Kate from Kate Seavey, San Jose

When Helium first worked with Kate Seavey, we thought Stuff by Kate was all about her one of a kind hoodies-with-flair. Enter neon tights and high heals, and a whole new beast is born. Helium’s full Fashion Feature on Stuff by Kate will be posted later this month.