Monday, March 23, 2009

April 15th Networking Event with Student Designer Tera Bacon

FGI Seattle will be showcasing a new, local student designer at our next Networking Night on April 15, 2009 at 24 Seven Talent in Seattle. We caught up with Tera Bacon to get the scoop on who she is, what she designs, and who she designs for. Read the details below:

FGI Seattle: When did you realize you wanted to be a fashion designer?

Tera: An interest in Fashion design came at a very early age for me. When I was little I would steal white cotton shop rags from my parent’s painting company and hand sew outfits for my friends and myself in my back yard play fort. I would make mini skirts, tube tops and even accessories. I made full length gloves by tracing my hand and lower arm. I even ripped down my white lace curtains in my fort to use as veils. This was all done for the iconic 1980’s Madonna look.

FGI Seattle: Who inspires you? What designers do you look up to and why?

Tera: I’m mostly inspired by high fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano for Christian Dior, and Valentino. I look to John Galliano couture when I have a designer’s block. It usually doesn’t take me long to get inspired and pumped up to sketch out some ideas. The classic beauty of these designers’ ready to wear collections have trends that I like to emulate when designing women’s career wear. I love the classic look of a tailored jacket over a simple two piece look.

FGI Seattle: What is your design aesthetic?

Tera: I would say my design aesthetic is mostly commercial. I want to create looks that real women would wear and feel comfortable and confident in from day to day. My looks are usually fitted so using plush fabrics like silk and stretch cottons are a must. I would like to say my looks are sexy not because of skin exposure but because of figure flattering shapes.

FGI Seattle: What garment are you most proud of and why?

Tera: I am most proud of my red dress that I made for Fashion Group International’s Project Red Dress. We were given a budget of $200 from Pacific Fabrics and 16 hours to complete, from scratch, our design. Being one of 10 student designers picked from local fashion schools was an honor in itself. My red dress was the first gown that I had ever sketched let alone made, so I faced many challenges in this competition. This project not only challenged my sewing skills but my ability to cope with extreme pressure. The payoff was well worth it; the event was so beautiful. My model Beth Knierim looked amazing with her entire look put together with the help from Gene Juarez.

FGI Seattle: In three words how would you describe yourself as a designer?

Tera: Ready to wear

FGI Seattle: What music do you listen to to help motivate you when working?

Tera: Music is the least tasteful thing about me. I mostly listen to Rap and Hard Rock; anything to get me amped throughout my day.

FGI Seattle: What celebrity would you like to design for? Why? And, what would the garment look like?

Tera: Well, since I am a huge Battlestar Galactica fan I would love to dress any of the female cast members for the red carpet. I would love to see the statuesque Six, Tricia Helfer, in my red dress at an event.

FGI Seattle: Thanks Tera! We are looking forward to seeing some of your gowns up close and personal at the 4.15.09 FGI Seattle Networking Night!

Tera: Thanks! I’m excited!

Event Details: On April 15 at 24/7 (1525 4th Avenue, Suite #200) we will be having an FGI networking event and student designer showcase from 6:30 to 8pm, with the student showcase at 7pm. The student designer being featured is Tera Bacon. This will be a great opportunity to network and check out some new designs!

Cost: $10 for members and $ 15 for none members

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

FGI Members Manicure Party - March 26th

FGI would like to pamper it's members with a complimentary manicure while networking with fellow members.

Limited space available for manicures so please RSVP! We ask that you specify if you would like a manicure or if you will just be there to network.

Location:
Julep Nail Parlor
1427 5th Ave (at Pike)
Seattle, WA 98101
(The event will be at the Downtown Seattle Parlor, NOT the UW Parlor)

When: Thursday, March 26, 5:30PM
Phone: 206.985.008

Get Organized, Get Styled: How to Re-energize Your Home and Your Wardrobe for Spring - March 14th

Uncertain times call for creative solutions in self-improvement. That is why several people are participating in a ‘do-it-yourself’ Get Organized, Get Styled! workshop at Uppercase Books and Collectibles in Snohomish on March 14 , 2009. For a fraction of the cost of hiring a personal stylist or personal organizer, the workshop offers an affordable alternative to get advice from the two experts and takeaway tips on everything from dressing for success to organizing paperwork. The workshop will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the bookstore, located at 611 Second Street in Snohomish, WA. Participants will learn everything from nine strategies for organizing just about everything to how to shop smart with a small budget so you can do more with less.

The cost for the workshop is $25.00, valued at over $300.00 worth of consulting from these two experts. Included as part of the workshop are helpful handouts, lists of resources, and an opportunity to have specific questions answered. The first 10 people to pre-register get a special treat from Buchanan Chocolates. To register or for more information, call Mayna at 425-922-0876 or pre-register online at www.uppercasebooksandcollectables/calendar.

Title: Get Organized, Get Styled: How to Re-energize Your Home and Your Wardrobe for Spring

Presenters:
Stacey Anderson, Professional Organizer with Organized Innovations, LLC (425-785-5239)

Mayna Sgaramella, Wardrobe Consultant with Closet Fly (425-922-0876) www.closetfly.com

Cost: $25/person pre-register

When:
Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 11:00am – 1:30pm

Where:
Uppercase Books and Collectibles 611 2nd Street Snohomish, WA 98290

Topics:
Organizing
- 9 Strategies for organizing just about everything
- Paper management (tools, techniques and products that will help you stop piling)
- Questions to ask that will help you decide: keep or toss Wardrobe
- How to recognize a good fit (tips on knowing your body type, what to toss, what to keep, and what to buy)
- How to shop smart with a list and a budget so you can do more with less
- Coordinating tips so you’ll always look put together, no matter your lifestyle

The first 10 people to pre-register get a special treat from Buchanan Chocolates!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Peace, Love & Fashion - March 12

Once again the Fashion Design students at the Art Institute of Seattle are hard at work sketching and sewing one of a kind fashion originals for The Art Institute of Seattle's annual student showcase, this year entitled; “Peace, Love & Fashion”.

You are invited to join us at “Peace, Love & Fashion"at 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at the Showbox SODO (1700 1st Avenue Seattle, WA 98134)

Complimentary VIP admittance and reserved employer seating for our runway show (a $30.00 ticket savings) is available by returning an email RSVP of all the names of those who will be attending back to jabramski@aii.edu. Space is limited and on a first come, first serve basis.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT http://www.artinstitutes.edu/seattle/news.asp?newsid=5586

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, to RSVP, or to add on any additional guests to your RSVP. This year’s show will be an exciting event that you will not want to miss! Parking in the area is limited so you may want to arrive early.

Celebrating Seattle In Style - March 28

Come to Ascada Bistro for a night of Fun, Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment all for a cause! Featuring the latest fashion trends for Spring 2009. Our event will take place on the 28th of March 2009 at Ascada Bistro sponsored by D List magazine and LBD Events and Productions. The event will include freelance makeup artists from the lines Laura Mercier, Dior, Smashbox, and Yves Saint Laurent. We are looking forward to a fabulous and fashionable event also featuring the clothing line Vantha Ry.

The event will be produced by Little Black Dress Events and Productions benefiting Y.E.S! Young Executives for Success which provides its members with volunteer, fundraising and networking opportunities to champion the mission of Dress for Success, a not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women. Tickets include entertainment, and one complimentary raffle ticket.

When: Saturday March 28, 2009 at 8pm to 11pm
VIP Ticket Holder Reception 8pm to 9pm ~ Fashion Show begins at 9pm

Where: Ascada Bistro 621 1/2 Queen Anne Ave N Seattle, WA 98109 ~ 206.282-1018

Blush Trend and Beauty Event
Blush Trend and Beauty Event brings the Seattle community together for the most exciting night of fashion in the Northwest.

Fashion retailers, designers, stylists, students, and members of the media attend to view designer Vantha Ry and specialty Beauty trends for Spring 2009 from freelance make-up artists representing Laura Mercier, Dior, Smashbox, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Bring your friends, get a makeover, enjoy the fashion and entertainment – a great night out!

Little Black Dress Events and Productions will roll out the red carpet for over 200+guests in order to raise money for this year’s beneficiary, Y.E.S! Young Executives for Success.

“To promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”

Event Overview

Blush is all about celebrating the Seattle style, showcasing fabulous merchandise from upcoming designer Vantha Ry and unites the fashion community while raising support for charitable causes.

Fashion is everywhere and our mission is to remind everyone from all walks of life that their vision of beauty is a work of art through vendors, fashion, entertainment, trends, and a cause.

Our goal is to generate excitement for the Seattle Fashion scene and help support local businesses while throwing a fantastic party in the spirit of giving back.

Blush Mission Statement

Inspiration:

Vantha will be graduating from the Seattle Art Institute in Spring 2009. Throughout her education at AIS she has become well respected and loved by her peers and professors. Her love for fashion is seen day to day in the classic and stylish way she dresses. Vantha wants to bring her talents to the forefront of the Seattle fashion and believes petite women have a face in the world of high style.

This specific collection is inspired by the constant season changes of the Northwest. One day she wants to feel cool and fresh, another day she wants to feel hot and sexy. She is not afraid to stand out because she is confident with herself. This collection is full of cozy fabrics, earthy tones, and fun prints. This is the collection for the woman who blends in, yet stands out.

What is Vantha?
Vantha is a clothing line for the petite woman. It’s a clothing line designed for women who stand 5’4” or under—where overwhelming large prints, extremely long hemlines, and unflattering styles don’t exist - Vantha Ry is a clothing line for the woman who wants to make a large impression in the world.

Freelance Makeup Artists
Emily Ball with Yves Saint Laurent, Ashley Smith with Laura Mercier, Joy Shack with Dior, and Kate Anderson with Smashbox .


Contact Information:

Carli Smith
Executive Producer
LBD Events and Productions
carli6421@hotmail.com or littleblackdresseventsllc@gmail.com
425.890.2236

Audrey Clark
Executive Producer
LBD Events and Productions
audreym_clark@yahoo.com or littleblackdresseventsllc@gmail.com
206.261.1391

Vantha Ry
Designer Vantha Ry Designs
vanthary@hotmail.com
206.802.4106

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Simon Doonan at Barney's

Tonight was a fantastic event at Barney's NY in downtown Seattle. Go check out my blog on how it went... 1 word: Fantastic!

Thanks to FGI member Anne Smith for the invite!!