Sunday, March 28, 2010

FGI Event: Twice Blushed Trunk Show

A Special Presentation Sponsored by Fashion Group International

Seattle's Fashion Group International is "Going Green" this month with a special Twice Blushed Trunk Show featuring wedding gowns and eco-conscious jewelry designers.

Twice Blushed turns once-loved bridal gowns into unique, one-of-a-kind art that represents an environmentally conscious approach to the traditional wedding gown. An essential component of a “green wedding”, Twice Blushed gowns are handmade right here in Seattle. Come meet the designer, see the beautiful showcase of gowns and learn more about the unique process that goes into reconstructing each gown into a signature piece.

Light refreshments including Champagne and Cupcake Royale Cupcakes will be served as guests network with FGI members, fashion industry professionals, and students studying for a career in a fashion-related field.

What: FGI Twice Blushed Trunk Show
When: April 28, 2010
Time: 6:30pm-8pm
Where: Vernell Studios. 5228 20th Ave. NW. Seattle, WA 98107
Tickets: $10 for FGI Members, $15 for non-members, $5 for students with valid ID

Please RSVP!

Luly Yang 2010 Tea Show Preview

Seattle’s premiere fashion designer will present her new collection of Day, Cocktail, Bridal and Cashmere dresses on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in The Georgian in Seattle’s beautiful Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Washington State’s only AAA Five-Diamond Hotel.

Luly Yang’s inspiration was influenced by Parisian women who are known for being feminine, chic, worldly and sexy; women who take the time to savor life’s many flavors and adventures. Miss Yang’s silhouettes are shapely and feminine, with form fitting knee length dresses and skirts. Her suitings will be accompanied with timeless cashmere separates along with her signature bridal gowns. Luly’s color palette includes French Vanilla with cream, ivory and white; Mocha with deep browns and taupe; Strawberry Cream with hues of pink and blush; along with Carmel and Lavender Glace’. Luly hand selected her fabrics from Europe, Asia and New York. Fabrications include Silk Chiffon, Charmeuse, stretch Crepe Blends, and lightweight Silk Cashmere that will be the perfect new wardrobe addition for a woman’s wardrobe with our mild climate. Accents to complete Luly’s looks include Chantilly and Venetian Lace; light gathers and subtle ruching; ribbon appliqué; leather piping; and faceted glass beading.

Afternoon tea in The Georgian is a truly a memorable experience. With an array of delicate tea sandwiches and petit sweet delights all served tiered-style, accompanied with Fairmont teas ranging from Japan Sencha, Kyoto Rose, Empress Blend 1908, and more. Under the lead of Executive Chef Gavin Stephenson, The Georgian recently earned its 21st consecutive AAA Four -Diamond Award, celebrating decades of unrivaled culinary excellence.

Since opening her first boutique in downtown Seattle in 2000, Luly Yang is celebrated for her elegant and timeless designs for both women and men. She has been editorially featured in a variety of fashion and bridal magazines nationally, including Seattle and Beijing. Luly opened her second boutique at The Fairmount Hotel in Beijing, China in November 2008. Luly Yang has earned and received many awards, including the prestigious Nellie Cashman Award in 2007 for Women Business Owners; and in 2008 the International Academy of Design and Technology IADT Lifetime Achievement Award.

To purchase tickets for the 12:00 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. Tea Show, please contact Bojana Marusic at 206.287.4049 or bojana.marusic@fairmount.com. Tickets are $75.00 per person, and $35.00 for children 12 and under.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Pour l' Amour

Need your fashion show fix? The runaway fashion show, entitled Pour l' Amour, is on Saturday, April 10th at 7:00 P.M., & 9:00 P.M. at New York Fashion Academy 5201 Ballard Ave NW. Seattle, WA 98107

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Giuseppe: Dishing with Kathy Casey

FGI member, Giuseppe Grazioli, spent some time with local foodie, Kathy Casey! Here is the adventure straight from her:

Seattle Dances! It was fun ... and I did not fall on my freaking a!%
I want to personally thank everyone for all their support and votes! I trained hard and danced my heart out Charleston-ing on stage. YES – it was stressful! But I’m happy to say I now know how to do something other than disco down, thanks to my dancing instructor Josh Welter!

It all came together this past Sat., Mar. 13th. The event started at 5:30 pm but I was up and getting ready at 11:00 am! I can’t say that I was that nervous … okay, who am I kidding? I was absolutely jittery and panicky! I’d rather shake up a cocktail or cook up a storm in front of thousands than do the Charleston in front of the judges. Sheesh!

The night started off with a signature cocktail called the Lizzie Highfly that my gang shook up in honor of a great 1929 Charleston dancer. It’s fresh raspberries, Pearl Vodka and fresh lemon juice, topped with a lush raspberry foam made with Monin Raspberry Syrup and a sprinkle of edible gold flakes!

hen there was a silent auction and then a live auction during dinner—I wasn’t really sure what went on during this time because I was in the green room getting ready!

The dancers took the stage at around 8:45 and we gave it our all! All the dance sets were incredible. You can watch the event on the Seattle Dances! website.

Because of your help, the other dancers and myself, as well as Plymouth Housing Group raised over $400,000! That’s just truly amazing! None of us could have done it without your amazing inspiration, great encouragement, and wonderful resolve to support the Plymouth Housing Group.

Picture: Steven Goldfarb, me, Giuseppe Grazioli (our fabulous costume designer), and Cathi Hatch minutes before our big performances!

So congrats to all the winners—which in my book we all were! Even though Seattle Dances! is over now, I still want to keep on dancing! West Coast swing dancing anyone?

Razor Clam Lovers Unite!
It’s almost here! Sat., Mar. 27th in Ocean Shores, Washington. I will be hosting the 4th Annual Razor Clam Festival from 10:00 – 6:00 pm at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. It’ll be a clam-tastic event filled with lots of great activities: a clam dance, a clam chowder cook-off, and of course, razor clam digging!

A Firefighters' All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast will precede clam fest activities from 7:00–9:45 am. Tickets are $5 at the door. (The breakfast is ok but the firemen who serve it are HOT… and that just makes it better!)
Events will include live music all day long, an Artisans' Marketplace featuring NW artists, contests for the best–decorated clam shovel & clam gun (CRAFTERS take note!!) and a Kids Zone with visits from the Ocean Shores Pirates. And of course there’s lots of clam chowder, great Bloody Mary’s and plenty of good eats!
Come join me for fun clam festivities! Admission is $2 for adults, and children under 12 are free! A great deal for a weekend trip to enjoy some good salt air and get your fill of clams!

The Buzz is on …
…and the bees will be a lot closer than you think! The Ballard Dish D’Lish and Ballard Bee Honey have plans in the works to install hives in our back garden area. Beekeeper and honey man extraordinaire, Corky Luster, reassures us (and I’m not the biggest fan of bee stings!) that the bees are docile and super–passive. I know because all last summer his bees were zooming around our back garden—especially near our fennel—and didn’t mind me getting in their way at all.

Have you tried Ballard Bee Honey yet? If not, stop in Dish D’Lish and grab a bottle for yourself. It’s mighty delicious! And there is also a Bee Happy for Summer event in the works … stay tuned on Twitter!

Great Reads …
Spring means time to get outside, sit and soak up some rays and read a good book. Or cook from it, shake from it or just get inspired! Here are new books by my favorite friends and authors:
The Modern Mixologist by Tony Abou-Ganim – a must-have for the cocktail enthusiast.
Gourmet Game Night by Cynthia Nims – if you like playing games, eating and sipping then this is the book for you. Hey! I even got to be a taste tester when she was writing this book. I give it a full D’Lish recommendation!
Discover Cooking with Lavender by Kathy Gehrt – now you’ll know what to do with this beautiful flower—from appetizers to drinks.

Egypt – Yes, I am jealous I didn’t go!
But, hey, I’ve been to Miami for the Cheers Beverage conference … Vegas for the Night Club and Bar Show … BUT Keith Waldbauer, my Sr. Mixologist Associate, did get to go to Egypt, where he opened the new Fairmont Nile City’s bars and trained all the bar staff. Keith had an amazing trip. As you can see, he did squeeze in a little time for an adventure to the Giza Plateau … Keith how did you reach the top of that pyramid?!

That’s it for now. Wishing you a happy spring. Don’t forget to check out my blog for the most up-to-date recipes and foodie and cocktail news, or follow my adventures on Twitter. - Kathy

Check out Kathy Casey's Blog!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

AIS Portfolio Review- March 25th



The Art Institute of Seattle is hosting it's it's Graduate Portfolio review on Thursday, March 25th from 10:00am-2:00pm at Benaroya Hall. Come see talented grads from a variety of majors including Fashion Design & Fashion Merchandising. 

For more information contact:
Darcie Thompson at darthompson@aii.edu

Thursday, March 11, 2010

"Technical Sourcebook for Designers” Book Launch Party


To remain in-sync with current trends in apparel manufacturing practices, design students need to understand principles of technical design, such as how construction influences design, how to conduct a fit session, and how to write concise instructions for prototypes and revisions. Technical Designer's Sourcebook will provide students with essential techniques, principles, and terminology related to current apparel production technology and manufacturing practices. Through practical exercises and the authors own industry experience, the book will integrate the fundamental knowledge that students have gained in their design courses with the technical design skills they ll need to demonstrate in an apparel manufacturing firm. FGI is proud to present a book launch party for the authors of the "Technical Sourcebook for Designers" written by local fashion industry insiders Jaeil Lee and Camille Steen. 

What:Technical Sourcebook for Designers” Book Launch Party 

When: Thursday, March 18th @ 7pm

Where: Patricia Nugent Design and Textiles Studio. 2158 8th Ave. W. Saettle, WA 98119

Cost: FGI Members- Free/ Non-Members $10

RSVP: seattlefgi@gmail.com


About the Authors

Jaeil Lee, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Director of Fashion Program at Seattle Pacific University. Her experience includes technical design position at one of the top retailers in the nation. Her research focuses on apparel product development, creative teaching and curriculum development, and cross-cultural study of fashion consumerism. She has presented her research in the United States and abroad. She has published in Journal of Fashion Information and Technology, International Journal of Costume and Culture, and Korean Clothing and Textiles Research Journal. She maintains her active membership with The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), International Textiles Apparel Association (ITAA), and Fashion Group International (FGI). She currently serves on the chair of Curriculum Development Committee for ITAA.

Camille Steen is Senior Technical Designer at Ex Officio LLC, a leading maker of travel apparel. She has had twenty-five years of experience in the apparel design and technical design fields.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

victora bjorklund photography

Exhibition March 3rd - April 2nd
Victora Bjorklund Photography Artist Reception, Friday March 12th 7-9pm

Phinney Center Gallery
6532 Phinney Ave North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 782-2244
Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm & Sat 9am-2pm