Fashion Week SD Recap

Fashion inspiration, art and design

by Melinda Solares

Posted Monday, October 8, 2012, 03:17PM

Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) returned for its fifth year to celebrate the entreprenuerial spirit of San Diego fashion.

Designs by Stacie May

The Art & Beauty Behind Fashion was one of the first kickoff events, held at W Hotel. Ten artists from RAW created pieces inspired by San Diego fashion. It gave hair and make-up artists an opportunity to explore and present their profession as art. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising hosted the next two nights in which industry professionals discussed local retailing, manufacturing, and trend spotting in San Diego. Designers also had a chance to showcase their favorite piece from their collections as a sneak peak for those attending the big fashion show. Finally, on Saturday, October 6^th, the twelve up-and-coming designers’ inspiration transformed into emerging apparel and make-up design trends at the Hard Rock Hotel FWSD fashion show.

After 2,000 fashion industry insiders found their spots around the runway, the show began with MC Kristen Mosteller introducing the twelve designers including: nOia Collection, Creative Fashionista, Dos Caras Swimwear, Jessica Faulkner, Erin Fader Jewelry Design, Love is a Devil, A’doreus, Stacie May, Paul Rico, Kenneth Barlis, SYC Collection, and Andre Soriano. In addition to the designers, a highlight of the show was the intermission performance by the DJ Violinist, Spags. This girl flipped and mixed contemporary and classic music to create unique rhythms that set the vibrant tone of the evening.

Kenneth Barlis, winner of FWSD

Fashion Week San Diego winner Kenneth Barlis Attendees had the opportunity to vote for the winning designer using the FWSD smart phone app. The winner, Kenneth Barlis, won a $200 bond from Wells Fargo Bank, a logo design provided by Phoebe Street Creative, a dedicated press release provided by Olive PR, and more. The first runner up was Jessica Faulkner and the second, Dos Caras Swimwear.

Barlis is known for his high-fashion evening gowns and attention to detail. The Kenneth Barlis brand philosophy is "simply creating the one of a kind garment with the exquisite attention of elegance and luxury.” Barlis says, “My dream for my career is to make it to the international market. I want my brand to have followers from all over the world and will become an inspiration for the new talents.”

Behind the scenes Kelby Adam Fashion Week San Diego

After the show, I spoke with San Diego’s own Kelby Adam, fashion stylist and make-up design extraordinaire who was behind the scenes at the fashion show. As a first timer at FWSD, Adam was “surprised and pleased with the outcome.” He felt the designers had a common theme of classic Hollywood glamour, but not without some risk and edge.

As for emerging trends in design, Adam suggests, “There's something sexy about being covered while still showing a little skin.” He referenced the plunges and tasteful sexiness seen in many of the lines.

Words of Kelby Adam for San Diegans to dress by – “Just because we live in San Diego doesn't mean we have to wear endless beach looks, some diva has found it's way into SD!”