Academy of Art 2010 Graduation Fashion Show in San Francisco with Suzy Menkes

Photography by Drew Altizer

A fantastic fashion show was presented by a fabulous group of graduating students from the school of fashion at the Academy of Art University San Francisco on May 6, 2010. I have to admit that the show was better than NY...It was the vision, and aesthetics of sixteen new talented designers who officially debuted in the fascinating, yet hard, world of fashion.

The opening fashion show was guided by Dr. Elisa Stephens, President of the University , who presented an Honorary Doctorate to Suzy Menkes, OBE (the most excellent Order of the British Empire), Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, and Fashion Editor of International Herald Tribune. I had the pleasure and honor to chat and exchange comments on the fashion show with Suzy....my HUGE moment!!

Fashion Editor of International Herald Tribune

Suzy Menkes

Front Row (left) Walter Van Beirendonck, Keanan Duffy

Ian Hannula and Joe Haller

Elisa palomino VP of Design at Diane von Furstenberg

Suzy Menkes

What was exquisite and different about the fashion show was to see the different perspective and vision of so many young designers. Each collection was unique and different from the other. Yuzuan Cheng was born in China and came to the US ten years ago. Cheng presented a collection with textile design collaboration by Delphina Rodriguez that was pure detail work. It was not feminine, but rather a tailored men's look. "I want to bring the men's tailoring into women" she said. The structure and construction of each piece was inspired by David Bowie, poker and men's wear.

Collection by Yuzuan Cheng and

Delphina Rodriguez

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Stephanie Hoffman took center stage with her knitwear design that was inspired by Surrealism and haute Couture of the 1930s and 1940's. The feminine look inspired by the women of 1920s and 1930s was designed by Amelia Statler who used different shades beige in antique lace. Ghazaleh Khalifeh brought the sexy Indian inspired look back to the catwalk . She used embellishments on deep shades of red and gold.

Collection by Amelia Statler

Collection by Ghazaleh khalileh

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And, my favorite collection was by Rinat Brodach. She brought the femme look to the Academy of Art fashion show with her vision of fall's defined big shoulder, structured jackets in a beautiful shade of military dark green, a reminiscent of designers like Zac Posen and Balmain.

Collection by Rinat Brodach

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And, of course, the show was wrapped up by a men's leather collection designed by Ashon Sylvester...absolutely out of control!! It was inspired by futuristic Native American Warrior on another planet with a a twist much needed on the catwalk. Ashon was able to capture the audience attention, without any hesitation.

Collection by Ashon Sylvester

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And much deserved, Rinat and Ashon were awarded by Suzy Menkes with a sister City Scholarship Exchange in Paris, Rinal at L'Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and Ashon at Studio Bercot.

Congratulations to the 2010 Class Academy of Art new designers!....The fashion show was impeccable and with a much needed twist of different alternative and vision of many creative minds from the structured and detailed oriented men's look, the femininity of European designs to the captivating haute couture of the men's futuristic design.

Peru Moda 2010

Peru Moda, the largest fashion event in Peru and considered among the most important in Latin America opened their doors to welcome more than 7,000 visitors from around the world on April 28, 2010 at The Real Felipe Fortress in Callao, Peru. Visitors were dazzled by the creations of more than 35o exhibitors who showcased alternatives to the fashion world highlighting a unique and compelling product that has become the signature of Peru, Alpaca, a wool derived from the llama relative of the same name. Alpaca, its derivatives, and the world famous Pima cotton, offers garment manufacturers around the world creative options to deliver fashion and glam.

The inaugural ceremony was officially opened by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism Martin Perez, Vogue Editor LatAm Eva Hughes, Regional President of Callao, Victor Albrecht, Peruvian dignitaries and fashion influencers: Miss Peru 1987 Jessica Newton and Miss Peru 2001 Marina Mora.

Victor Albrecht, Martin Perez

Eva Hughes

It is amazing to see how Peru's influence is growing internationally with the influence of the international press and visitors from over the world. This year the exhibit has earned millions in sales in a three days event that gathered international buyers like Cost Plus World Market, ABC Carpet&Home, San Diego Zoo, Phillips Collections, Ten Thousand Villages, among others.

During my two day visit, I attended the Vogue Pasarela (fashion Show) and the Dinners Club. At the Vogue catwalk, the list of Peruvian designers included: Sumy Kujon, Roger Loayza, Sergio Privat, Rosario de Armendaras, Claudia Bertolero, Ana Maria Guiulfo and Sergio Davila. All the designers presented a vision of beautiful designs that added chicness and glamour to the luxurious quality of Peruvian alpaca. The Dinners Club Fashion show showcased the collection of Fatima Arrieta, Claudia Jimenez and Meche Correa.

Vogue Editor LatAm Eva Hughes

Ministry of Foreign Trade and Turism Martin Perez

Fashion Editors Front Row: Vogue Fashion Show

Collection By Rosario De Armendaras

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Designer Rosario De Armendaras

I was blown away by some of the collections presented by young talented Peruvian designers like Elmer Castro. Absolutely fascinated. And I am a really tough critic when it comes to fashion. But Elmer definitely captured my attention. His designs were fashionable, glamorous and over the top, just the way catwalks should be. When I saw the collection of alpaca and vivid color many designers came to mind Galliano, Gaultier and not necessarily because of the similarity, but because of the approach and uniqueness of the collection with a funky twist that only a similarly creative mind would be able to visualize.....Bravo Elmer Castro!!

Photo by Julio Torres

Collection By Elmer Castro

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Photo by Julio Torres

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Elmer Castro

Another designer that caught my attention was Gerardo Privat, This young Peruvian talent is a reminiscent of Elie Saab in his designs and the sobriety of the personal looks of Tom Ford, my idol. He presented his new comercial line Marquis by Gerardo Privat. This line incorporated looks that were fun, young, yet up to date: big shoulder, chain and micro mini dresses, following the trend of the big catwalks in Europe in a more affordable way. Gerardo created this line exclusively for Ripley, one of the biggest department store in Peru. The same concept has been seen in the USA like: Jimmy Choo meets H&M or Zac Posen meets Target.

Designer Gerardo Privat

Of course, I must mention the first row VIP list: Renee Meyer, Dora Raffo, Gerardo Padilla, Marina Mora, Jessica Newton, Juan Carlos Matthews, Peru's Director of Export and Promotion among others. It was a real pleasure to attend the Peruvian Fashion Show at Peru Moda 2010 .

Photo by Julio Torres

Eva Hughes With Vogue Models

Jessica Newton, Martin Perez and Eva Hughes

Gerardo Padilla, Dora Rafo and Renee Meyer

Constanza Munizaga and L Rodrigo

G2T1: Give Two Take One Shop Event to Benefit St. vincentPaul Society of San Francisco

What:
Give Two Take One
Shop. Swap. Donate.
To benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco

When:
Saturday, April 17th from 11:00AM - 4:00PM

Where:
Academy of Art University 79 Gallery, 79 New Montgomery Street between Mission and Jessie Streets, San Francisco

Beyond the Front Row, the Academy of Art University’s student fashion club, has partnered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco for the first annual Give Two, Take One (G2T1) clothing swap and clothing drive on Saturday, April 17th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the 79 Gallery, the university’s gallery at 79 New Montgomery Street (between Mission and Jessie Streets) in San Francisco.

Open to the public.
Entrance is free for those with “swap tickets” or clothing to donate. Otherwise there is a $2.00 (two dollars) cash entrance fee. This is a swap and cash only event.

For every two (2) items of clothing and/or accessories donated, donors will receive one (1) “swap” ticket to exchange for one (1) item of their choice at the G2T1 event on Saturday, April 17th. Acceptable donations include clothing, jewelry, shoes and other accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves, belt, and handbags. Please make sure all items are clean and in excellent condition. Undergarments, children’s clothing, or any items with signs of damage and stains cannot be accepted.

In addition to the swap, all clothing and accessories already donated are priced to sell. This is a cash only event. All remaining clothing and accessories will go to the St. Vincent de Paul Society for their various community programs that help to feed, clothe, and shelter more than 75,000 individuals per year. Receipts for tax-deductible donations are available at the G2T1 event as well as the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

G2T1 Event Extras:
- Enter the free raffle to win a VIP ticket to Discarded to Divine fundraising auction ($150.00 value)
- Purchase Discarded to Divine tickets, starting at $75, for the gala event on Thursday, April 29th
- Meet SF make-up artist, Chris Scott, at G2T1’s Beauty Bar and discover his top picks for spring/summer cosmetics
- Refresh your wardrobe and your style with advice from G2T1’s Style Lab team
- Live jazz music by The Sebastian Parker Trio

Peruvian Fashion Photographer Mario Testino Unveiled "PORTRAITS" At The Grand Re-Opening of Museo de Arte En Lima "MALI"

Mario Testino "Portraits" Exhibit At Museo De Arte En Lima

April 8 to May 23, 2010

Kate Moss "Portraits"

Peruvian Photographer Mario Testino arrived in Lima for the grand re-opening of Museo de Arte en Lima "MALI"

On April 8, 2010, accompanied by his favorite muse, supermodel and friend, Kate Moss, Testino attended the museum to unveil his acclaimed collection "Portraits", an exhibition of selected images. At the official Grand Opening, President Alan Garcia attended in conjunction with top Peruvian dignitaries.

"Portraits" features the cream of the crop in our celebrity-obsessed age: Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Salma Hayek, Madonna, Angelina Jolie and others whose names have become the hallmark of the fashion world and brands unto themselves.

Mario Testino

Super Model Kate Moss and Mario Testino

The world-renowned fashion photographer moved to London in 1976 and started selling photo portfolios to aspiring models for 25 UK pounds, including hair and makeup, to come up with some cash.

His sense of fashion has made him the most sought-after contemporary photographer and has transformed many of his portraits into icons. Testino is perhaps best known for photographing late Diana, Princes of Wales, for her famous Vanity Fair cover in 1997. His repertoire includes top names from the world of fashion, cinema, royalty and music. Testino continues to work Princes William and Harry. He has created advertising campaigns for high profile brands such as Gucci, Versace, Calvin Klein and Burberry

As a Peruvian, I feel extremely proud of our rich culture and ancient heritage and even prouder of the success of Peruvians abroad like Mario Testino....How difficult it must be not to be Peruvian, goes Testino's famous quote. "Que dificil debe ser no ser Peruano" was the slogan embedded in white t-shirts worn by the catering crew and models at the Grand Re-opening reception.

A Phrase by Testino:

Que Dificil Debe Ser No Ser Peruano!!

(How difficult it must be not to be Peruvian)