San Francisco Design Week is  June 11-15, with a runway show on 6/16/12.

During San Francisco Design Week there will be several presentations at the Apple Store. To find out more information on these presentations,  please check out http://applestoresanfranciscoevents.tumblr.com/

Last Wednesday Night I attended the RDI, Retail Design Institute, Networking Event.  RDI was founded in 1961 and is an international non-profit professional development organization. The organization is located in the Bay Area and their membership consists of architects, graphic designers, lighting designers, interior designers, store planners, visual merchandisers, retail executives, brand strategists, educators, trade partners, digital artists, product designers, construction managers and students. If you are interested in learning more about this professional development membership,  please check out RDI at retaildesigninstitute.org.

Last night I met up with Charleston Pierce and a few of his models.  Charleston threw a going away party for Jody Miller, as she is moving to LA. It was great to re-connect with familiar faces and chat about upcoming events in fashion industry. Jody, we wish you the best of luck! You will be missed.

PLANNING FOR 2ND ANNUAL "GO" FASHION SHOW

This past week I went to the first viewing of a potential venue for the 2nd Annual Fashion Show for GO, Groundwork Opportunities. This year we are hoping to double the size of the show and  proceeds. We (owner of GO, Bartlomiej Skorupa, Heather Grabowski and I) looked at the new Metreon location called "City View". It is a fabulous location with amazing views, but it might be a bit out of our budget. Currently, we are working on writing proposals for companies to be sponsors.  We are hoping to get a few people/companies to sponsor the event. Here are some facts/reviews about GO, Groundwork Opportunities and last years fashion event. 

• The San Francisco–based nonprofit Groundwork Opportunities will be donating all proceeds from this event to fund a clean water well for 2,500 people in Moshi, Tanzania.

• About Groundwork Opportunities

  • The Review
  • Backstory
  You may know Ubuntu as a Michelin-rated restaurant in Napa. It is also a South African saying that conveys human relations and the value of compassion. In the spirit of Ubuntu, Groundwork Opportunities is inviting Gilt City members to “Define: Beauty,” a fashion show for a cause at the sleek, ultra-modern Madrone Studios. Gilt City members will receive VIP tickets and preferential seating at this premier fashion show, which will feature the newest collections from revered San Francisco designers such as Kajan Padraig, Cari Borja and MENK. Each guest will also take home a San Francisco–centric goodie bag containing Alter Eco Chocolates, Yes To products and Benefit cosmetics, among other fabulous takeaways. About the 501c3 charity: it sponsors innovative, grassroots development projects in impoverished nations. Projects include providing clean water to rural areas of Cambodia, educating locals on sustainable farming techniques in Uganda and building schools to provide basic education in Tanzania. If only all fashion shows could be this rewarding.

  — Erica Henderson, Gilt City Editor

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Joyce Hu the creative director for www.wildlifeworks.com and  www.thebrookr.com.  Please see details about both companies below.

1. Wildlife Works is looking for fashion interns. See attached. 

2. thebookr is always a. looking for models b. any fashion designers who want to shoot their clothing, please tell them about thebookr for models. c. please spread the word to your designer / ad agency clients - anyone looking to book talent directly 

This past month has been amazing. I have met so many new people in the industry and I have enjoyed getting to know all of them. I thought I would give a shout out to all of my new friends. Thanks for connecting and I look forward to working with you.
Charleston Pierce; http://www.charlestonpierce.com/ ,
Gus Harput; http://www.harputsown.com/,
Sam Watson- Model-http://www.modelmayhem.com/1547978,
Mike Borozdin-Model-http://www.modelmayhem.com/751537,
Vishal Kalia; www.raf9.com
Gwendolyn Wright; www.thewrightconsultants.com

Today I met Gwendolyn Wright, Business Consultant,  for coffee.  We had a nice conversation about the fashion industry and how designers can build their business. We spoke about how a designer can market themselves and how an individual should have a business plan on how they are going to become successful in the industry. Gwendolyn Wright, is a consultant who specializes in helping small businesses fund money. Please check out her website at www.thewrightconsultants.com.  We also chatted about the importance of technology and how the Bay Area is know for the technology industry.  We discussed the importance of emerging designers, technology and business plans. An interesting point that I took away from our conversation, is email should only be used to converse and to not market one's product, idea or business. In today's world we are overwhelmed with emails and are moving into the world of Apps. Most of us receive so many emails, we end up not opening the majority of them.  If you are looking to market product, please make sure you have a user friendly website and are looking into building an app for your company/product and searching other options to market your product. The best way to market your product is to NETWORK and meet new people. You never know who you might meet.

Currently, I am working with an online media specialist, who is building an app for designers. Last week I met him for coffee to give him feedback on the app. It was interesting to see how technology will be shaping designers ability to market themselves and promote their brands. If you are a designer and would like to be a part of the app's trial period, please contact me.  The app should launch this coming fall, during San Francisco Fashion Week.

Last week I went to the de Young Museum to see the Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit. It was absolutely fantastic. If you haven't seen it, you must go check it out.

Clift Hotel Spring Fashion Show 5/3/12

Last night after OHMH a few friends and I went over to the Clift Hotel for the Spring Fashion Show. Bianca Starr presented, a night of fashion and music. The following boutiques, Wonderland SF * Density Dept * Sui Generis  and * Top Shelf Mobile Boutique, were featured on the runway.  Djs J Boogie * Ry Toast performed and their was a special performanceby B. Bravo and the Starship Connection. Overall, it was a fabulous evening. 

Last night I attended One Home Many Hopes Fund-Raising Event. It was a special evening and 100 % of the proceeds went to funding education for girls in Mudzini Kwetu. Anthony Mulungo and Thomas Keown, Co-founders of OHMH, spoke about how we can help raise money and awareness for girls in Kenya. If you would like more information about OHMH, please visit their website at  http://www.onehomemanyhopes.org/.






Please purchase tickets in advance at:

http://thebeat.eventbrite.com/



$25 before April 12th

$30 Advanced Purchase

$40 at the Gallery



To learn more about OHMH, please visit our website: www.onehomemanyhopes.org



Kindly Sponsored by Lifestyle + Charity.



* A special thank you to our partner One World for helping organize this event. *



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SFFAMA Workshop 5/2/2012

Last night I was a guest speaker at  the SFFAMA Workshop.  There was a small group of us and we discussed portfolios and reviewed future opportunities in the industry.  I spoke about how to make your portfolio look professional and how to be successful in the industry.  The number one thing a designer needs is the passion for the industry.  If you have the passion and the dedication, you will be successful in the industry.

A highlight of last night was that I met Gwendolyn Wright. Gwendolyn, is a business consultant that helps people learn how to build their business. It was crazy because we both were guest speakers and we both have the same last name.  Maybe somehow we are related? I wonder.  Regardless, I loved networking and meeting new people. It was exciting to share some thoughts with young new designers and models.  If you would like to know more about the evening, please see below.

PORTFOLIO NIGHT & OPEN CASTING

Portfolio Night is a platform created for fashion and art industry professionals including: models, photographers, stylists, fashion designers, bloggers, media professionals and graphic artists. It is a networking event where attendees share their portfolio with others ina show-and-tell format.

It is a networking environment where attendees are encouraged to brainstorm and share new ideas including career advises. Learn on a grassroots level and connect with guests who have the same goals and passion about their work in the arts and fashion industry.

WHAT: Portfolio Night & Open Casting
WHERE: FIDMSF, 55 Stockton, Conference Room, SF
RSVP: $10 General Admission Door or Online, FREE to all current students with ID (All Schools)

+ CASTING CALLs for the following projects:

1) Models for Pigment Cosmetics & Blush School of Makeup
2) Models for SF Design Week 2012, Runway Show
3) Retailers & Contestants (Hairstylists & Makeup Artists) for The Beauty Expo
4) Fashion Bloggers/Models for The Beauty Expo
5) Fashion App Developers for Startup Demo
6) Interns & Volunteers for SFFAMA events

To find more about PORTFOLIO NIGHT, please our Facebook Page here:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Portfolio-Night/432168530133058
-or visit here: http://projectsanfrancisco.us/

Good-bye EMAIL, Hello APP World

This afternoon I had the opportunity to meet with a friend of mine, Vishal Kalia. Vishal and I met for coffee to discuss his company  raf9.  Eventually raf9 will be launching an app that will help designers promote their products. Vishal and I discussed the different ways designers could market their product through this app. Designers could also connect themselves to other designers and other local businesses.  Eventually designers would be able to promote their product by giving back to the community. I personally look forward to seeing this app launch and working with Vishal.
  

Amazing...
PRADA SPRING/SUMMER

PRADA SPRING/SUMMER 2012 WOMEN'S ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgaGXv1XnrA&feature=share

SFFAMA WORKSHOP @ FIDM

On Wednesday Night I will be attending Portfolio Night at FIDM. Please see below for more information about the event. I am excited to meet new designers, models and network with other fashion industry professionals.

Portfolio Night is a platform created for fashion and art industry professionals including: models, photographers, stylists, fashion designers, bloggers, media professionals and graphic artists. It is a networking event where attendees share their portfolio with others in a show-and-tell format. It is a networking environment where attendees are encouraged to brainstorm and share new ideas including career advises. Learn on a grassroots level and connect with guests who have the same goals and passion about their work in the arts and fashion industry. WHAT: Portfolio Night & Open Casting WHERE: FIDMSF, 55 Stockton, Conference Room, SF RSVP: $10 General Admission Door or Online @ http://www.sanfranciscofashionindustry.org/events/61777182/ - FREE to all current students with ID (All Schools) + CASTING CALLs for the following projects: 1) Models for Pigment Cosmetics & Blush School of Makeup 2) Models for SF Design Week 2012, Runway Show 3) Retailers & Contestants (Hairstylists & Makeup Artists) for The Beauty Expo 4) Fashion Bloggers/Models for The Beauty Expo 5) Fashion App Developers for Startup Demo 6) Speakers for Apple Workshops for SF Design Week 2012 7) Interns & Volunteers for SFFAMA events To find more about PORTFOLIO NIGHT, please our Facebook Page here:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Portfolio-Night/432168530133058 -or visit here: http://projectsanfrancisco.us/

Here is the photo of the day from One Hope Many Hopes. Please come to the event this Thursday and help this young lady get an education. http://thebeat.eventbrite.com/

CO-HOSTING EVENT FOR OHMH

This coming Thursday, May 3rd, 2012,  I will be co-hosting a fund-raising event for One Hope Many Hopes. The event is called "Get on the BEAT": An Evening Benefit at Meridian Gallery!  Currently there is still time to buy your tickets. Please make sure to go to http://thebeat.eventbrite.com and purchase tickets in advance. This will be a special evening of art, wine, food and music. 

All proceeds will go to rescuing, housing and educating the girls at Mudzini Kwetu in Kenya. Advance purchase tickets are $30; tickets at the door are $40. 

To meet the girls you'll help and see Mudzini Kwetu, check out this 3 minute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWEjiddrgfA

Many thanks for your support of One Home Many Hopes. We'll see you May 3rd!www.onehomemanyhopes.org

Here is some information about me.... 

I work in the Fashion Industry.   Currently, I am a recruiter/advisor who helps people in the design industry.  For the past 5 years I have worked at FIDM, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.  Prior to working at FIDM I was an Elementary School Teacher. I taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade in the private, public and charter school systems.  I loved my job as a teacher, but I always felt like I loved the relationships I built more than teaching. Growing up I always loved to be creative and loved to do projects. I also loved to shop. I seriously got a “high” off of shopping.  I always loved fashion, but growing up in Minnesota “Fashion” was not an industry for a career.  When I was a teacher I worked at Banana Republic, Gap Inc. and realized how much I loved to style outfits and help people find clothes to fit them.  After moving to San Francisco, I soon realized I could work in the fashion industry. At that point in my life I decided to change careers and try something new.

Entering the world of the fashion industry, has been absolutely amazing!  I have loved every minute of it and I am constantly thinking and brainstorming new creative ideas. Two years ago, I realized I wanted to become more involved in the fashion industry.  A good friend of mine, Bart Skorupa, was going to produce his first fashion show for his non-profit GO, Groundwork Opportunities. He contacted me because he knew I worked in the fashion industry and knew I had some connections to the industry.  Him, I and a few others started attending fashion shows here in the city.  I soon realized I knew a ton of people in the industry and loved networking and meeting new people. It wasn’t long after, I realized I wanted to find a way to connect talent to talent. I knew designers, models and producers, but I wasn't sure how I could connect all of them.  Randomly one night I woke up at 4 AM and said hey why not start a Facebook Page. It could be a page where I list events and connect people to other people in the industry. At that moment, I started a Facebook Page and called it, Lj Productions.  For the past year I have used the page to connect talent to talent and to talk about current events happening in the industry. Please free to “like” my Facebook Page Lj Productions. Two years ago, I started a blog called Lj's Fashion Styling and for some reason this past year my Facebook page has taken over me writing on my blog. I'm now in the position, where I am realizing I can use my blog to share what I am doing in the industry. Please continue to follow me on my blog and see what I am doing in the industry.

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