"The Collection" Runway Round-Up - Joseph Domingo's Show Shined Like My New Pair Of Shoes

"The Collection" fashion show was  great. I really wish that I could have posted this a day after but alas I have prior engagement and this post had to wait. I think it was always interesting to see photos of me during a show, for some reason I always look so intense, I dont know why. I suppose that's why most people wear sunglasses on the front row. I would like to thank the designers and the PR people for extending the invite and providing great accommodations. I was very humbled. I really wished that all my pictures came out alright (From where I was sitting on front row and to the spot where I was pointing my camera, I didn't realize that the spotlight would have a drastic effect on the image) alas, it didn't so I have to borrow profesional photographers' pictures for this post. Thanks to Ron Fulcher and Warren DiFranco.

Daniel Sudar

Great suits, I personally love the first suit that came out with the calf length pants. The printed/textured suits were a bit reminiscent of Marlon Gobel to me but All the pieces were interesting. The women's pieces were structured but sexy as well. I don't really think I can pull off the last piece which was showing a bit of skin and held by tiny ropes. Reminds of me of a Minstrel at a Ren. fair but other than that, I loved the Revolver collection. The double lapel suit? LOVE!

Acta Non Verba

I love the provocative-ness of the collection. The striped, mini-dress was a bit risque because of the hiking up of the bottom half but my favorite looks were the one that featured the basket weave detail. This was my "bonus" show I was originally invited to Daniel and Joseph's show only, so honestly, I didn't  really know what to expect.

Joseph Domingo

Saved the best for last. To the bloggers, like myself, and other individuals who have been lucky enough to get invited to a high-fashion, top calibre show (i.e. NYFW, Milan or Paris) you would know what I'm talking about. The exhilaration of witnessing something great. That's what I felt when I saw this show, the "rush" of witnessing a great fashion show. Everything came together, music, model que and of course the collection. I love, LOVE the collection. From the swimwear to the casual wear and to the chic formal wear. I love the ease of how the gowns flowed, it didn't seemed forced. The design and the fabric spoke for themselves. The menswear did not take a back seat either, which what happens to a dual collection. I loved every piece from the simple, chic to more flamboyant pieces. The suits paired with great leather sandals was on trend and the sequined piece with the bermudas? LOVE! Bravo, Joseph Domningo! Bravo, indeed.

Now As I have said ever since Saturday, I CAN NOT WAIT FOR NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!!!

A cute pic of the three designers
(L -R):Joseph Domingo, Hector Manuel (Acta Non Verba) & Daniel Sudar 

Incognito - Celement Chabernaud, Paul Boche, Lenz von Johnston, Jacob Coupe, Harry Goodwins, & Salieu Jalloh by Josh Olins

Oh what a trying Monday, but I shall spare you the details of yesterday. The featured editorial today, entitled The Undercover appears on VMAN's Archetype issue #23. I love it, because as anyone at my work would attest I'm always in "armor" when I get to work in the mornings. It consist of a hat, sunglasses, a jacket and a big scarf, at times. I don't say hi sometimes till I remove my "armor" and put my bag and my stuff aside to start my work day. It is not exactly being snobby, it's just the way it is. Incognito.

I always have a strong affinity to dramatic collars and voluminous coats. But living in San Francisco with all its' fog, it is still dicey to wear one because by mid-day the fog would have receded and you look like an idiot wearing a big coat  in a warm day and THEN you have to lug that coat around, no bueno at all.

Lensed by Josh Olins and features top models, Paul Boche, Lenz von Johnston, Jacob Coupe, Harry Goodwins, and Salieu Jalloh. Styled by the always fabulous, Claire Richardson with pieces from the collections of Yves Saint Laurent, Z Zegna, Dior Homme, the undeniably red Burberry Prorsum coat and of course, the thing that I want right now, the bunny hat by Tisci for Givenchy.

On a last note, congratulations to all the winners at the San Francisco Fashion Awards 2011.

Weekend Partings - 'The Collection' Fashion Show & My Weekend

What a weekend! The Collection was amazing. The runway round up report will be posted tomorrow or the day after, so stay tuned!

I was a little bummed out that my kaftan shirt/simple black blazer look didn't work at all, due to weird fitting of the kaftan shirt. So I went to plan B, dapper as it goes; Thom Browne bowtie, Comme des Garcons shirt, my Burberry Prorsum shoes and my drop crotch  chambray pants. I can never go wrong with that look. I guess edgy wasn't in my cards that day.

Saturday was a weird day, due to the fact that I was running around like a madman till the last second, trying to put on an outfit. Well I guess, it didn't help much that I was out pretty late the night before. So after purchasing most of the pieces for my "Plan B" look. I went to have brunch with a friend of mine at a new-ish restaurant in the Mission called Grub, known for their Mac and Cheese bar. The mac and cheese was alright but I'm not gonna say it was the best. So after brunch, I went to change and drove off to the event held at the British Motor Car showroom on Van ness.

Of course, I ended up parking at one of those over-priced parking garage which totally made me think that I should have called for a town car. I paid as much already anyway. I also found out, upon checking in that I was upgraded to see not two but all of the shows which was a nice surprise.

The Venue: right before the Daniel Sudar's show

The venue was well picked for the collection. The place was amazing from the exposed wood, the marble pillars to the grand chandeliers. The VIP room mimics the lobby for NYFW at Lincoln Center with plenty of wine, cheese and other hors d'oeuvres.

The show production, especially Joseph Domingo's, rivaled that of top names showing at New York. He did say that he would change my mind on how I look at show productions in SF fashion when we sat next to each other during SFFW. I was floored. The lighting was great, the soundtrack was on cue and I thought the live band for Daniel Sudar's show was a nice touch.

The collections themselves were none short of amazing. There was a difference on sophistication and trained eye to compare pieces from a new designer, learning the ropes, from the masters.

I just thought that the event wasn't publicized to its full potential, especially the fact that the shows were for  a good cause.

After the event, I ended up joining a friend for some well-made cocktails at Jaspers and Owl Tree in downtown.

Eventhough I cancelled on some people so I can attend The Collection,  I was glad that I went and stayed because I did enjoy myself and met some new people in the business, not to mention saw one of the better shows I've attended so far this year.

Well, another Monday is upon us, try not to let it get to you, my fashionistos and fashionistas.

Drizzl'n - Valter Torsleff by Junji Hata

Last night, I met with my group of friends, after spending a sunny day in the peninsula only to come back to a very foggy, drizzly San Francisco. Unfortunately, I didn't have my trusty hoody in the trunk of my car so on the way there, I bought one! It was a good quick shop sweater and I thought when I went to the store I just needed a sweater but I actually found a sweater that I can seamlessly incorporate with the rest of my wardrobe. Yay, me!

I did not love the weather last night, even with my cable knit sweater I was freezing! Then again I was wearing some tissue thin top. But regardless, I don't think I'm quite ready to let go of summer. I heard that it would be a great weekend weather. I hope so, I didn't plan to wear my outfit tonight for "The Collection" fashion show with the thought of drizzle and heavy fog. So I'm crossing my fingers.

In this editorial that appeared on the September issue of Popeye, Valter Torsleff was photographed by Junji Hata and styled by Tomoki Sukezane with pieces from Burberry Prorsum's Fall line. Simplicity as its best. Valter reminds me of Andrej Pejic, very androgynous model.  Great pieces which the editorial was ironically titled, "Raindrops Keep Fallin'" Well, Happy Saturday Everybody, enjoy your weekend, and oh yeah to all my eastcoasters fashionistos and fashionistas, Be careful!

Promotion Commotion - Zara Man Lookbook for August

I don't know who wouldn't want advancement on the field of work they're at. As a professional this is what you aspire to; move up the ladder. But what does come with such promotions. Sacrifices and lifestyle changes tops the list. Are you willing to give up some of the said liberties for more buck and more control? As they say, "when your personal life goes up in smoke it's time for a promotion."

Zara's August lookbook looks mighty fine featuring Matt Loewen. Not to mention premiering my new look: crisp, clean, simple black blazer with the white kaftan shirt.

I love, love the looks. Enjoy. Happy Friday! My fashionistos and fashionistas!

Things That I Want . . . Part 8: I'm furry (No, not that kind!)

Okay If I could, I'll probably buy everything in the fall collection of Givenchy. I just adore every piece in it. Sure most of the pieces were incorporated with fur but I just love how it was high fashion street wear. I mean if you want to be noticed sometimes subtlety doesn't work for everybody. From the bold prints to chunky details. You wont go wrong.

The bad thing about getting geared up for fall is that San Francisco is entering its real summer. That means warm weather and wearing fur is a big no no. It's quite annoying really. Speaking of fur, On a recent fashion show, a woman wore her umm fur piece and it looked a little disheveled which the designer sitting next to me playfully commented, "what's that? A rat?" Which was sorta questionable yes. So take care of your fur and just because it was cheap consider everything. Is it really worth the savings? You don't want to be an honorable mention on the fashion faux pas list. Especially, wearing it at a fashion event, nonetheless.

One of the things that completes my everyday look is headgear. Which brings me to the thing that I want right now. The Givenchy black rabbit and felt rottweiler cap. I love it. Sure I'm a little squeamish that it is made of rabbit, well rabbit ears actually. I did have a rabbit as a pet for years, named Sebastian and I loved him dearly. Le sigh. But I do love this hat. It's only $3,038, very affordable (right?). I know its as much as a semester at a state college or a month's rent in NYC but all I can think about is how it would feel great on my head.

Like Seriously! - Chinos For Everyone! Besides The Tiny Earthquake Last Night!!!

On the wake of the Virginia earthquake, I think Californians are extra sensitive with earthquakes. I personally didn't feel the 3.something earthquake last night. Maybe because I was too busy HAVING A LIFE to feel it.  But really though, I've been living in the bayarea for more than a decade now and little earthquakes are not something new to facebook/ tweet upon with urgency, really.

But oh well, my facebook and tweet page was flooded with it. So, I guess I was the minority of it all. Its like tweeting how foggy it is around june/july in San Francisco.

In this editorial that appeared on Men's Week, Caleb Halstead and Lasse Hansen was photographed by Jakob Axelman and styled by Alex Badia and teaches its readers how to dress up your chinos this summer.

Heartwarming

I think it's always great when a random person stops you on your daily life to commend you on something so trivial like blogging about men's fashion. You really made my day! Thank you!

Daniel Sudar and Joseph Domingo's show is this Saturday. I still have no idea what to wear. I'm pretty sure I can find something in my closet. I'm so busy I don't even have time to think about it.  Le sigh. I guess I have the inspiration, I just don't know wether to use it or wait till NYFW. We shall see, we shall see, indeed.



Picture Credit: Manuel Traxler/ Wienermodels appearing on Fete a la Vangardist ediotrial for Vangardist's 11th issue. Photographed by Julia Spicker and styled by Mirza Sprecakovic.

Tough - Aaron Chinn, Alex Ciappara, Erc Ramos, Rafael Valentino, & Ruis Dael Cintron by Greg Vaughan

Another editorial with a high fashion urban feel. This time with Aaron Chinn, Alex Ciappara, Erc Ramos, Rafael Valentino and Ruis Dael Cintron modeling looks from Jil Sander, Comme des Garcons, D&G, and Dsquared2 to name a few for Attitude magazine's July issue. Photographed by Greg Vaughan and styled by Elauan Lee. When I came across  this editorial I just felt like I need to post this after Saturday's editorial post. love the pieces I also think that the tear drops are hilarious! I'm thinking they're fake.

I know It's another Monday. Not a big fan. I have an early day today but It's okay. I had a surprisingly very good weekend. Mom's Birthday went well, she loved my gift for her. Wine and hors d'oeuvres at Heart, a wine bar in the mission and topping it off with a margarita at Latin-American Club in the same neighborhood on Saturday night. Sunday began with a late lunch and drinks with the bestie at B3 last night. Hopefully everybody had a great weekend as well.