Mission Arts
Gallery
744 Alabama Street @ 19th/20th
Past Shows
Threads Fashion Show
August 2004
The first annual fashion show at the Mission Arts Gallery
brought together 6 fashion designers, 2 jewelry makers, 1 handbag maker, 3
photographers, 7 models, 3 makeup artists and 1 hat maker to put on a fashion
show that wowed and blinged the gallery goers. “Threads” was a trip down a new
catwalk for the gallery and I think they liked it.
The night started off with a normal gallery wall
presentation of photographs, art, fashion shoots and clothes that could be
called wearable art. Outlandish dresses of amazing fabrics were spread out on
the walls like works of art. Racks of designer clothes were placed around the
gallery for people to look through. Some of the more extravagant dresses were
put on manikins to give them the 3D presentation they deserved. The jewelers,
Abbey Barclay, K. Maley and Jersey McDermott (who featured her very cool
molecule-inspired rings and necklaces
"Caffeine, Dopamine, Seratonin etc…" displayed their designs
in cases and for people to try on. Gladys Magana had colorful handbags made out
of plush materials. The gallery presentation would have been enough, but we all
knew there was a fashion show in the works and waited patiently for the
designers and models to get ready.
The first designer to show was Allan Herrera known
for his elegant classic style. The first model out whore a sheer red silk evening
dress that set the perfect tone for the evening. His other designs lived up to
his reputation for elegance with one dress a little more on the wild side
showing he has imagination and daring.
The next designer was Elizabeth Cline with a decidedly 60’s
chic approach. Colorful blouses with tailored paints were mixed with fabulous
hats by Santa Barrios. A stand out deign of hers is the sweater with no torso.
It’s like your only wearing sleeves and get to show off the rest of your outfit
while keeping warm. This could be a hit with San Francisco’s weather issues.
The next designer was Lara Grant with her X-tra
Crunchy line. A fun collection of designs with an innocent apocalyptic flavor
to them. White dresses with tee shit tops followed by white dress splashed with
red, then something more elegant, yet fun. Overall a very eclectic city mix.
The fourth designer was Tenley Wallace who wowed us
with her earthy oriental fusion of designs. Striking patterns, scarves and
Olympic caliber fan work mesmerized the crowd as she modeled one of her own
creations. Fairly complicated designs with fringe and lace showed an eye for
detail.
The fifth designer was Katrina with couture evening
fashions. Smart dress and stylish evening gowns. I liked her black velvet
blouse with the open neck.
The last designer of the evening was Felicia
Gonzalez with her active urban eveningwear. Beautiful designs with bright
colors and shear fabrics complimented the urban feel of the line.
A compliment goes out to Rikena and the other fine
make up and hair artists who worked for hours before and during the show. Their
skill shined in the catwalk lights.
After
the fashion part of the show, the models mingled with the crowd and people had
a chance to met the designers. A place was set up to try on clothes and
jewelry. I would say that “Threads” was a successful first attempt by the
Mission Arts Gallery at a fashion show and I can’t wait till the next one!
Some pictures from the show
