Portfolio (Pitch) Night 10.08.11 Video Recap

  • Portfolio/Pitch Night is a platform created for the creative industry professionals. It is a networking event where attendees present their product pitches  and/or share their portfolio with others in a show-and-tell format. Each presenter is given about 10 minutes to present their pitch or portfolio. When presenting a portfolio, constructive criticism is given by the audience. It is a workshop environment where attendees are encouraged to brainstorm and share new ideas including career advises. Learn on a grassroots level and connect with guests who have the same goals and passion about their work in the arts and fashion industry. Brought to you by: San Francisco Fashion And Merchants Alliance, Inc @http://sffamainc.org/ & Fashion+Tech SF @ http://fashionandtech.net/

  • Join our next PITCH NIGHT on 11/10/11
  • Find out what are people saying about our workshops HERE .

Simply Impressed by ShoeDazzle’s STEADY Boot by Mira Torres

Not gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical withShoeDazzle. After all, though shoes are fun and I buy them often, anything that is remotely like an automatic payment is quite scary and not very smart for someone with a horrible shopping addiction like myself. Plus, a million questions ran through my head.  What if the shoes are crappy? What if I hate the selection? What if I can’t get my money back? What if I forget? And more importantly, will it be worth my hard earned $39.95? So, when I was given the opportunity to test out a pair of ShoeDazzle shoes, I hopped on it like a typical shoe-obsessed fashion fiend. Within the week, the shoes were at my door. Perfectly packaged in the cutest hot pink box adorned with the company label. The size 9 fit to a tee – absolutely true to size. And by golly were they comfy. I opted for the STEADY boho-chic boot in Maroon at first (Yah, was trying something different and should have known I’m a creature of habit) but opted to exchange it for a pair in black. Which was a breeze by the way! The sticker is already packaged, you can hand it to your UPS guy when he hits your neighborhood, and if there are any complications just give them a quick call and they are more than happy to fix the problem.

Though the process of purchasing and exchanging the shoes was a breeze, I was most concerned on whether the affordable price was going to give me the most bang for my buck. So, I wore those suckers out and about like there was no tomorrow for the rest of the week. I have to say, with the STEADY, the quality and comfort can be compared to a Seychelles… And for less than more than half the price, it could definitely give the boutique brand a run for it’s money.

So, it was a happy ending. ShoeDazzle’s STEADY boot has instantly become my walking shoe, perfect for this typical San Francisco late Summer/Fall transition. I could literally walk in them all day… and I have! Plus, the silhouette, style, and suede really gives off a luxurious look for way less. My favorite way to wear it is with a beige cape I bought for a steal at H&M and my favorite stretchy pair of J Brand Black Jean Leggings. Add on some accessories and I am glossy mag ready! Plus, when an Indian summer hits, I can pull off the cape and rock the staple black tank top I have cleverly worn underneath. Needless to say, I’ve signed up for the monthly ShoeDazzle club and eagerly anticipate the monthly showroom sent my way. Their selection of products -everything from bags, to accessories,to pajamas! – is amazing and if you don’t want or can’t find anything to buy for that month just skip it. Simple as that. The beginning quiz is fun to take, too. I’ve probably done it like 5 times just for kicks. Haha!

You and a friend can try ShoeDazzle for free with the StyleSays + ShoeDazzle giveaway going on right now. Just head to the StyeSays giveaway page here: http://on.fb.me/pKsRWh

P.S. It all started with Kim Kardashian and now Perez Hilton is the latest ShoeDazzle stylist. What do you think about that? I’m not really sure what kind of credibility Perez has style-wise but…I guess we’ll see.

MIRA TORRES is a freelance writer whose links and articles have been featured in various online outlets including San Francisco’s 7×7, theFind, Blackbook, and Sashay magazine. You can also find her syndicated work on Myshape, Green Box Top, and the eco-fashion website Green By Design. She writes her own popular Beauty and Accessories column on nationwide news resourceExaminer.com. Mira studied Fashion Merchandising at the Academy of Art University and earned a degree in Psychology at Ashford University. 

Mira Torres is the ‘Style’ and ‘Beauty’ contributing writer forSFFAMA. She is an active SFFAMA member and host of The Beauty Expo and Fashion Racked, as well as, a panel speaker atFashion Bloggers Connect.

 

THANK YOU #FashionTechSF 10.20.11 Panel Speakers

FASHIONTECH SF Speakers 08.20.11

[ L-R: Mike Borozdin @ DocuTech, Dalia Vaisate @ Friendly-Fashion, Peter Imai @ Kim Brushes, Jess Lam @ Style Says, @ Lindsey Sullivan @ Set Boutique & Brad Carrick (Moderator) @ Solz Shoes . Photo By: Shaun Tiangsing ]

FASHIONTECH SF Speakers 08.20.11

[ L-R: Mike Borozdin @ DocuTech, Dalia Vaisate @ Friendly-Fashion, Peter Imai @ Kim Brushes, Jess Lam @ Style Says, @ Lindsey Sullivan @ Set Boutique & Brad Carrick (Moderator) @ Solz Shoes . Photo By: Shaun Tiangsing ]

FASHION + TECH SF (formerly known as Fashion Mash-Up) is San Francisco’s longest running workshop combining ‘business of fashion’ and ‘fashion and technology’ formats. From it’s inception in February 2010, Fashion+Tech SF’s mission has been to provide an open dialogue that serves as a forum on how to develop innovative solutions to become better business entrepreneurs.

This workshop was developed as a platform to discuss the business of fashion and arts through the utilization of current business models and technologies. As a thriving epicenter of independent talents, ‘FASHION+TECH SF” features local entrepreneurs, fashion designers, bloggers, retailers, startups & techies in an effort to brainstorm and share new business solutions to create an exchange network amongst peers in San Francisco’s fashion and creative community. Presented By: San Francisco Fashion And Merchants Alliance, Inc.

Exclusive: Malin Namita Couture, Launch Party (Video Recap)

Malin Namita Couture Launch Party from SFFAMA on Vimeo.

[ Above photos by: Doug Birnbaum ]

Malin Namita Couture imbues style incorporating the royal Indian lifestyle and Lucknaowi Chikan concepts reminiscent of the Maharaja era. The collection provides a glimpse of the luxurious past that identifies to the monarch during this time of ultimate expression of artistry and magnificence.

The inspiration reminiscent of the royal monarchy’s sense of style of sophistication and grace. The inspiration stemmed from depicting a royal family and their cultural identity. Malin Namita’s vision eminates from the colorful past of India’s monarchy, from the British influence to the runways of Europe modern couture skyline. By inter-mingling inspirations between East and West, this stylish collection is of dedicated passion.

AOF Symposium 2011 @ SFAI

AOF Symposium 2011 @ SFAI | Oct 29-30 | 10AM-10PM | Exhibitions | Lectures | Fashion.edu-Series | Tandem-Series | CineToile-Series | Fashion Competition & Awards Ceremony.
With the participation of Mr. Steven Kolb - CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America 

The Arts of Fashion Foundation will celebrate its 10th anniversary of supporting emerging designers with the Annual Arts of Fashion Symposium and Premier International Fashion Design Student Competition held from October 29 through October 30, 2011 from 10AM-10PM at the San Francisco Art Institute (800 Chestnut Street).

The combined event will feature fashion exhibitions from the 2011 Paris summer Masterclass, educational conferences, and a unique runway installation that will showcase the work of 66 students who have been selected as part of The Premier International Design Student Competition for this year’s theme, TENSION. 

During the runway installation of the International Design Student Competition, there will be a space dedicated to the creation of a live visual extension of students’ designs through different artistic mediums, like photography and video. The visual works produced from these photographers and videographers will come together at the culmination of the Arts of Fashion Symposium Awards Ceremony on Sunday afternoon awarding students who display tremendous potential as emerging designers.

Guest designers, industry professionals, fellow students, friends, family and the public will also have the chance to see the selected initial sketches from these students, along with their final garments. This new format will give more visibility to the work of the students and their portfolios creating a full fashion experience for visitors.

For attendees, it will be an additional opportunity to network with industry professionals coming for the conferences. This year, The Foundation is fortunate enough to be hosting Mr. Steven Kolb, the CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, who will participate in the Symposium and in a lecture during the Symposium’s Tandem-Series.

All exhibitions and lectures (Fashion.edu, CineToile-Series, and Tandem-Series) are free and open to the general public. However, lecture seating is very limited, so the Foundation highly recommends that those who plan to attend reserve seats in advance for $20. The Awards Ceremony, Awards Cocktail Reception and Farewell Party require a ticket for admittance.

Tickets and schedule for the event are available by visiting the Arts of Fashion.

Malin Namita Couture Showcases New Apparel, Accessory, Jewelry and Home Collection

[ Photos by Del Geronimo. Model: David ]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco, CA (10/01/2011) Malin Namita Couture - After successfully showcasing their first men’s and women’s collection during SFFAMA’s Pret-A-Porter SF a year ago, Malin Namita Couture is proud to announce a trunk show and launch of their new collection.

This ‘Trunk Sale’ will take place in one of San Francisco’s prime real estate highrises, The Infinity Towers, in San Francisco on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the Club Lounge at 333 Main St. Level 3, SF, CA 94105. The trunk sale will begin at 11am and ends at 4pm. Refreshments and appetizers will be available for customers.

The presentation will showcase the new collection of Malin Namita Couture’s men’s and women’s apparel line with accessory/jewelry and home collections for purchase.  The collection comprises intricately with Lucknowi Chikan inspired embroideries and uniquely designed products including Indian inspired jewelry and home collection of heritage concepts. 

Malin Namita Couture imbues style incorporating the royal Indian lifestyle and Lucknaowi Chikan concepts reminiscent of the Maharaja era. The collection provides a glimpse of the luxurious life of the monarch during this time of ultimate expression of artistry and magnificence. The inspiration reminiscent of the royal monarchy’s sense of style, of sophistication and grace. The inspiration stemmed from depicting a royal family and their cultural identity. Malin Namita’s vision eminates from the colorful past of India’s monarchy, from the British influence to the runways of Europe’s modern couture skyline. By inter-mingling inspirations between East and West, this stylish collection is of dedicated passion.

Also exhibiting is contemporary artist Kay Kang. This exhibition demonstrates Kang’s Buncheong works’ appeal and relevance to 21st century artists and viewers.

To RSVP, please visit Eventbrite to print your entrance ticket or for more information please contact Malin Namita at malinnamitacouture@yahoo.com. For media relations please contact Owen Geronimo at contact@sffamainc.org

[ Watch Malin Namita’s Collection during Pret-A-Porter SF 2010. Featured Designers: Anya Tatarenko, Magdalena Trever, Malin Namita Couture, Mikelsen, Rock Chiq, Tosca Soraya, Vayaro, West Coast Leather, Work Clothes. Produced By: SFFAMA Inc., Creative Director: Owen Geronimo. Pret-A-Porter SF 2010, was nominated for Best Fashion Event, Best Creative Director at San Francisco Fashion Awards 2010 ]



#FASHIONTECHSF 10.20.11 Recap, Part 1

[ Above Photos by: DEL GERONIMO. © SFFAMA INC. 2011. All Rights Reserved. No images located within this site may be reproduced or transmitted without permission of the copyright owner.  ]

  • About FASHION+TECH SF: Our mission is to provide an open forum on how to develop innovative solutions to become better business entrepreneurs. This workshop was developed as a platform to discuss the business of fashion and arts through the utilization of current business models and technologies. As a thriving epicenter of independent talents, “FASHION+TECH SF” features local entrepreneurs, fashion designers, bloggers, retailers and techies in an effort to brainstorm and share new business solutions and to create an exchange network amongst peers in San Francisco’s fashion and art community. Presented By: San Francisco Fashion And Merchants Alliance.


SFFAMA Online Buzz #FASHIONTECHSF

About FASHION+TECH SF: Our mission is to provide an open forum on how to develop innovative solutions to become better business entrepreneurs. This workshop was developed as a platform to discuss the business of fashion and arts through the utilization of current business models and technologies. As a thriving epicenter of independent talents, “FASHION+TECH SF” features local entrepreneurs, fashion designers, bloggers, retailers and techies in an effort to brainstorm and share new business solutions and to create an exchange network amongst peers in San Francisco’s fashion and art community. Presented By: San Francisco Fashion And Merchants Alliance.

 

FASHION+TECH Tomorrow @ Pigment Cosmetics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 SAN FRANCISCO FASHION AND MERCHANTS ALLIANCE, INC. PRESENTS “FASHION+TECH” ON OCTOBER 20, 2011

BUSINESS OF FASHION, EDUCATION, WORKSHOP, TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

(October 01, 2011 - SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA)  Third Thursdays resume at Pigment Cosmetics after a two month hiatus following San Francisco Fashion Week 2011. San Francisco Fashion Merchants Alliance, Inc. is hosting “FASHION+TECH” previously called ‘Fashion Mash-Up’. Featuring PRODUCT PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION PANEL, “FASHION+TECH” will take place on October 20, 2011 at Pigment Cosmetics located at One Market Street, Suite 140 in San Francisco. Door opens at 5:30PM. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite . FASHION+TECH provides an open forum on how to develop innovative solutions to become better business entrepreneurs. This workshop was developed as a platform to discuss the business of fashion and arts through the utilization of current business models and technologies.

The panel will discuss the fundamentals of maintaining an online boutique. They will share their expertise in their specific fields of ecommerce, customer relations, social media and online marketing. Brad Carrick of Solz Shoes will be the moderator and will also introduce SFFAMA’s project partnership with Indie Gogo utilizing crowd source funding.  Mike Borozdin of Docusign, Lindsey Sullivan of Set Boutique, Peter Imai of Kim Brushes and Jess Lam of Style Says round out the panel. Swagg Gift will host a demonstration table. Roldan+Fields and Fashion-Friendly will present their respective products and services. 

Presented by San Francisco Fashion Merchants Alliance, Inc. San Francisco Fashion and Merchants Alliance, a California non-profit corporation, is the leading institution in the San Francisco Bay Area’s fashion industry. Over 1,700 members on Facebook, 105 events. Winner of Best Fashion Event Producer of the Year and Best Marketing at San Francisco Fashion Awards 2011. Producer of San Francisco Fashion Week ™. SFFAMA provides business and technology education for fashion entrepreneurs and serves as a business and social development network for the thriving local fashion industry. For more information about FASHION+TECH, contact Owen Geronimo, SFFAMA Founder and Creative Director, at contact@sffamainc.org.

# # #

 

State of Style Interview with Facehunter's Yvan Rodic

  •  State of Style is SFFAMA’s newest content partner. State of Style is an independent production company based in Stockholm, Sweden. In the past 15 years they have produced hundreds of high quality TV programs mainly within the fields of fashion, music, and culture. Visit: State of Style @ Facebook.

 

Three Ways to Wear Thigh High Socks by Mira Torres

Knee high socks are a new fall trend that is about to go full throttle in the fashion fiend world. In an array of colors, textures, and cloths, the knee high sock will be the newfound accessory that will be keeping us warm while keeping us stylish. Wearing them can be quite intimidating, especially if there’s no guidance to ensure that you’re wearing them to attract only your best parts. Here are three fun and simple ways to wear thigh high socks so that you look like a trendsetting fashion do and not a trend trampling fashion don’t.

With a pleated skirt:  Make sure it hits right above the knee, so that you show just a little bit of skin. The parallel pleats will elongate your legs and draw attention to only your most important curves instead of clumps. Perfect for work! Try Anne Klein’s Over The Knee Thigh High Stocking.

With platforms: The new socks and open-toe trend isn’t for everyone, but for those of us that want to give something new a try, a pair of open toes and knee highs put together, are a fun and quirky way to switch up any outfit. Try Sock It to Me Thigh High Tights.

With denim shorts: Transition those denim short into cooler weather by pairing it with a fun, neutral pair of knee high socks in black for dark brown.  Rolling them just below your thighs will give a playful hint of sensuality without having to bare it all. Try Grey Sweater Thigh High Socks.

Read more of my The Find Blog articles by clicking here.

MIRA TORRES is a freelance writer whose links and articles have been featured in various online outlets including San Francisco’s 7×7, theFind, Blackbook, and Sashay magazine. You can also find her syndicated work on Myshape, Green Box Top, and the eco-fashion website Green By Design. She writes her own popular Beauty and Accessories column on nationwide news resource Examiner.com. Mira studied Fashion Merchandising at the Academy of Art University and earned a degree in Psychology at Ashford University. 

Mira Torres is the ‘Style’ and 'Beauty’ contributing writer for SFFAMA. She is an active SFFAMA member and host of The Beauty Expo and Fashion Racked, as well as, a panel speaker at Fashion Bloggers Connect.


Exclusive: BODITECTURE Opening & Design Critique (Recap, Part 1)

  • Wen Guo was trained as an architect from Asia and the US. She has come a long way since, her first time cutting a fabric to the runway. She was born and raised in China and majored in Architecture at University of Hong Kong, then, graduated from UC Berkeley. After obtaining her license, she worked for Skidmore Owings and Merrill LLP. After leaving the firm in July 2011, she launched BODITECTURE. The collection has already drawn a handful of media attentions in the west coast and attracted a group of customers.

Person with Style, People We Love: Jennine Jacob @ The Coveted

[ Above photos by Nando Alvarez and The Coveted ]

  • This Week’s Person with Style, People We Love: Jennine Jacob @ The Coveted. Check out other PWS/PWL: Song of Style, Atlantic-Pacific
  • Jennine Jacob got her first job — as a strawberry picker — just to buy clothes. She started her own fashion blog, The Coveted, in 2007. A few months later, she launched Independent Fashion Bloggers, a community where bloggers can share their questions, concerns and tips for successful blogging. She most recently launched eat, sleep, denim, a personal style blog devoted entirely to denim and sponsored by online retailer Shopbop.

[ Jennine Jacob with Laura Ellner @ On The Racks and Erin Hagstrom @ Cali Vintage at Fashion Tweet-Up, Photo by Del Geronimo ] …We are fortunate to work with Ms. Jacob, who last graced our stage as a panel speaker during Fashion Tweet-Up. THANK YOU, JENNINE!!!

Trend Guide AW 11 Menswear/ Womenswear

  • H&M Trend Guide Autumn WInter 2011. Menswear Fashion. Interviews with Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of design H&M Gianluca Cantaro, editor L'UOMO VOGUE

  • H&M Trend Guide Autumn WInter 2011. Women Fashion. Interviews with Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of design H&M Natalie Hartley, editor INSTYLE MAGAZINE
  •  State of Style is SFFAMA’s newest content partner. State of Style is an independent production company based in Stockholm, Sweden. In the past 15 years they have produced hundreds of high quality TV programs mainly within the fields of fashion, music, and culture. Visit: State of Style @ Facebook.

H&M Styling Session with Geri Hirsch by State of Style

  • H&M Styling Session with Geri Hirsch of Because I’m Addicted, and Monica Rose, celebrity stylist. Autumn Winter 2011. Women collection.
  • State of Style is SFFAMA’s newest content partner. State of Style is an independent production company based in Stockholm, Sweden. In the past 15 years they have produced hundreds of high quality TV programs mainly within the fields of fashion, music, and culture. Visit: State of Style @ Facebook.

 

Exclusive: h.NAOTO Fashion Exhibit @ New People, (Recap, Part 2)


  • h.NAOTO Fashion Exhibit & Grand Opening @ New People, 10.10.2011 (Recap, Part 2)
  • Naoto Hirooka, better known as H. Naoto (born 1977) is a Japanese avant-garde fashion designer. H. Naoto’s style of clothing and accessories could be classified under Japanese punk and gothic lolita, and he has been called the “most visible and successful of the labels fixated on that style.”He graduated from Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, joined S-inc. in 1999, and launched his own brand, h.NAOTO in the Spring/Summer of 2000. H. Naoto created a dress worn by Amy Lee of Evanescence at the 2004 Grammy Awards. He has also designed costumes for the bands Ayabie,Psycho le Cému (for the Prism PV), Gackt, S.K.I.N., and Hangry & Angry. (Source: Wikipedia)

 

SWAGG to Demo @ Fashion+Tech 10/20/11

  • SWAGG sponsored the House of SWAGG gifting boutique during Sundance 2011 which featured several brands, but with a new twist - SWAGG provided a cash donation to Stand Up To Cancer for a portion of the gift values offered to VIP guests.
  • Gift and rewards cards management. Import plastic gift and rewards cards from over 500 merchants. SWAGG tracks your balances and organizes your cards with ease on your phone. SWAGG gifts lets you buy, send and swap digital gift cards from a growing list of participating merchants. SWAGG has partnered with thousands of merchants to help you get the most from your shopping experience. And we’re always getting more brands on board. With SWAGG, you’ll be up to date with hundreds of offers that you can use along with your SWAGG GIFT and rewards cards. In no time, your savings will be growing just as fast as our list of partners.

  • About FASHION+TECH: Our mission is to provide an open forum on how to develop innovative solutions to become better business entrepreneurs. This workshop was developed as a platform to discuss the business of fashion and arts through the utilization of current business models and technologies. As a thriving epicenter of independent talents, “FASHION+TECH” features local entrepreneurs, fashion designers, bloggers, retailers and techies in an effort to brainstorm and share new business solutions and to create an exchange network amongst peers in San Francisco’s fashion and art community. Presented By: San Francisco Fashion And Merchants Alliance. RSVP/ PURCHASE TICKETS.

Styling Session AW11 Menswear with Warren Alfie Baker by State of Style

  • H&M Styling session AW11 with Warren Alfie Baker, stylist, and Ramon Christian, dancer. Autumn Winter 2011. Menswear Collection.
  • State of Style is an independent production company based in Stockholm, Sweden. In the past 15 years they have produced hundreds of high quality TV programs mainly within the fields of fashion, music, and culture. Visit: State of Style @ Facebook.