Project Ethos offers glamorous and green designs in a club atmosphere

Project Ethos took place August 11, 2011 from 9pm to 2am at Supperclub in San Francisco and it was a fusion between art, fashion and a musical club atmosphere. The cozy venue provided a club atmosphere which kept the vibe energetic while guests mingled and enjoyed music and artwork.

At 11:15pm the Project Ethos runway began and showed off Frederick’s of Hollywood’s latest swimwear line followed by Cardiwrap by Kymaro’s innovative wrap in red; worn seven different ways. After the runway show, The Flavor Fashionista Challenge began and showcased four amazing gowns by local designers. The gowns were created from recycled materials with a theme based on a Vitamin Water flavor. The four designs stole the show as the crowd cheered and applauded each dress as it took the runway.

The Flavor Fashionista Challenge began with a one-shouldered dress by Larissa which combined draped fabrics and mixed autumn hues. The second gown to grace the runway was by Lauren Crafford-LHC Couture. The baby pink gown was short and sparkling with a dramatic sheer, floor-length skirt that received “ooh’s and aah’s” from the crowd. The third gown on the runway was designed by Verrieres & Sako. The intricate gown was done in various shades of pink and plum. The final gown, made by Wen Guo- Boditecture, was a convertible design that began as a short party dress, then converted into a gala gown and then converted again into a beach party ensemble. The dresses benefitted charity and a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales were donated to NEST which is a non-profit dedicated to helping women move from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Artists featured during the event included Kelly Clancy, Lawrence Yang, Tony Papesh and Boris Janovic. Guests were treated throughout the evening with an eclectic DJ performance by AMP Live.

For more information about Project Ethos, please visit projectethos.com 

Python controversy: banned in California

Python is one of the most favored exotic skins used by designers around the world for luxury goods such as handbags, shoes, belts and garment embellishments. While python is a mainstay in the fashion world, the fabrication is wildly popular for fall 2011 and gracing store shelves everywhere except the sunny state of California. What is it about Python that Fashionistas should be concerned about and need to know? Here goes:

First off, California has the right to ban Python in the state. The ban does not conflict with federal law. This means the state of California has the right to regulate Python within state lines. According to California law, Python products may not be sold or shipped to the state and they may not be manufactured in the Golden State either. According to findlaw.com, Python has been banned in the state of California since 1971. The penalties can cost more than a highly coveted designer handbag, with fines ranging from $1000 to $5000 and up to six months in jail. That is a high price to pay for fashion!

Python is controversial and therefore banned in California because Indian Python is on the endangered species list. While other forms of python are not considered endangered, the state decided to protect all forms of python in order to protect them from becoming endangered as well.

Python is the common name for “Pythonidae” which is a family of non-venomous snakes. Pythons can mainly be found in parts of Africa, Asia and down under in Australia. There are eight genera and twenty-six species of Pythons which are currently recognized by humans. The Indian Python became endangered due the aggressive hunting of the species which took place in the mid and early 1900’s. In present day there are more Pythons owned as pets than can be found in the wild.

python

Python shoes and handbag. Photo: Getty Images

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Return of Ladylike Fashion and Leg Coverings

When Louis Vuitton created a Depression-era train station vibe for their fall 2011 runway show, onlookers were instantly taken back to a time of glamour, gloves and satchels. Although Marc Jacobs left legs bare on the runway, a strange trend has started to creep back onto the legs of women everywhere; the dreaded leg covering.

Ladylike fashion is currently dominating store shelves as we speak. While shoppers seek out delicate suiting, satchels and such; nylons and tights are starting to appear as a trend for fall. Gasp!

Ten years ago nylons and tights finally saw the end of their life. As corporate casual took over in the height of the dot-boom, women celebrated and flaunted bare legs as much as possible. Now, as a more formal way of dressing returns to runways and store shelves, the pendulum is swinging back to covered up legs.

While nylons and tights make for a finished look, they are incredibly annoying to wear! Let’s face it, when you rub up against a table, or lean on a chair, a snag can appear and ruin the whole thing. To make matters worse, we have to carry a back up pair, or two, just in case the afore mentioned event actually occurs! In addition to accidental snags during the day, nails are getting longer this fall which means putting on nylons in the morning can be a dangerous activity.

It should be interesting to see if leg coverings return to the fashionable legs of women everywhere, or if they remain on store shelves, unpurchased, as a continued stand against covered up legs. What is your take on leg coverings? Is this a trend you might follow or will you continue to “just say no” to leg coverings and bare those fabulous legs? Feel free to leave a comment below or weigh in on our Facebook page.

 

leg coverings by bayareafashionista featuring distressed picture frames