Be merry this holiday season and join SJ FAM and Satori Tea Company for a delightful afternoon filled with fashion, art, music, charity and culture. Relax over a cup of tea and live music or peruse through a mini Moroccan bazaar where guests may participate in henna tattoo art, A Beauty Bar and some shopping!

This event will benefit CAREER CLOSET, an organization dedicated to empowering women to re-enter the… workplace equipped with everything they need to make a great first impression, land the job they want, and improve their lives. We encourage guests to dig into their closets and donate any unused work clothing, which can be used for another woman’s brighter future. Women’s professional clothing that is new or nearly new, clean, and on hangers, gently worn shoes and handbags are acceptable. Receive an additional raffle ticket for every garment you bring in!

So put on your Sunday’s best ensemble and join us for a lovely afternoon of good friends, good tea and a good cause!

$20 admission includes tea tasting, tea bites, henna art, beauty bar and live music by DJ Cutso.

Satori Tea Company
37 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110
*Complimentary parking available in San Pedro garage until 6pm.*

Reservations required. Please call (408) 493-0554 or email rsvp@sjfam.com

Visit our Merry Moroccan Holiday Facebook event page here
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Vendors:
A Beauty Bar
Ayoma LifeSpa
Henna World
Ruthie Gems

There were a few stops to peruse through before entering the main ballroom. Donated wine, jewelry, makeup and even my favorite water, Smart Water, were present to show you their new products or to give you a make over (thank you Christal Clear Cosmetics!). Why not right, you’re at a fashion show?!

On to the highlight of the night, the fashion show. I must say, this particular part of the evening, was beautifully crafted. There were four segments featured: Elegance of Yesteryear (Roaring 20’s, elegant 40’s and 50’s), the Little Black Dress, Eco Street Wear and Eco Evening Wear. The clothes featured were made from recycled garments transformed into ready to wear glamour. I was amazingly pleased by the “couture-like” feel that each piece brought down the runway. Museum quality fashions were borrowed from Goodwill’s collection that included elegant lace skirts and tops, custom fit shawls and hats by Melissa Bolin of Kitty Andres Millinery.  I was intoxicated by the intricate details these “yesteryear” pieces exuded, the silhouettes and feminine details that brought out the best of a woman’s features. Think of all the detailed garments from the Victorian and 1920’s flapper era, the custom made jackets and long skirts, the soft pink hues and silks, chiffon and organza, yes ladies, it was beautiful. I can tell from the looks of other women around me, these fashion pieces which were no longer used and donated to GoodWill, all looked like treasure in our eyes.

Now you’re probably wondering, how is this type of fashion green? Not only were pieces from the show made from recycled garments, it also featured pieces made from fashion designers who are green. My new favorite eco chic company, Amour Vert adorned us with beautiful ready to wear dresses that made you want to buy right then there, well for me at least. Not only does this company design beautiful garments, they thoroughly examine the process of natural and organic fabrics to keep chemicals off of your skin and out of the soil. By manufacturing entirely in the USA, Amour Vert strengthens and supports local communities, and at the same time lowers the carbon footprint of their products.

The night ended with three trophies given to local designers for Best Little Black Dress, Best Eco-Street Design and Best Eco-Evening wear.  Proceeds from the event will help Goodwill of Silicon Valley to retrain and repurpose people with barriers to employment for a sustainable workforce in our community. Leaving the event, I was thankful to attend, and most importantly, thankful for organizations like these for putting on events to bring people together for the sake of good will.

Enjoy the fashion pics!

San Jose Fashion, Art, and Music (SJ FAM) will be hosting the second annual Art & Sole, a charity shoe auction and concert. Art & Sole will take place at the Courtyard, located at the beautiful Hotel Valencia on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 from 6-8pm.

The premise is to showcase the talent and creativity of local artists using shoes as their canvas. SJ FAM inspires to create two visions from Art & Sole; to establish a network of fundraising events for charities, and to bring awareness to local artists. The affluent young and hip audience SJ FAM hopes to attract will also realize, through Art & Sole, that the city renowned for being the capital of Silicon Valley is also a growing haven for art and culture.

Art & Sole has selected San Jose Downtown Association’s (SJDA) Downtown Doors as this year’s beneficiary. Downtown Doors is a youth art competition and exhibit that brings together talented high school artists and property owners, resulting in public art displays that enhance downtown San Jose’s urban landscape. Art & Sole will also broker direct donations to SJDA’s Downtown Doors for those individuals that cannot make the event. Admission to Art & Sole grants access to an array of entertainment, including a silent shoe auction, live art by featured local artists, live performance by local singer Amy Serrata, music by DJ Sig-O, and give a-ways. In addition, raffle tickets will be given to each person that makes a donation. Proceeds for charity will come from the silent auction, donations, and the $10 admission charge.

Featured artists for this year’s Art & Sole are:

Orly Locquiao

Colin Baker

Erikka Hugger

Mike Aveno

Jorynn Villar

We invite all to join us on this special night of art and music. This is a great way to support your local artists and enjoy a beautiful evening, while giving back to a worthwhile cause. To learn more about Art & Sole or for media and sponsorship opportunities contact SJ FAM at (408) 493-0554 or info@sjfam.com.

RSVP here on Art & Sole’s Facebook Event Page.

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About San Jose Downtown Association’s Downtown Doors

Downtown Doors is a youth art competition and exhibit that brings together talented high school artists and property owners, resulting in public art displays that enhance downtown San Jose’s urban landscape. There are 37 doors that display students’ artwork. Each year funding for more and more high school art programs diminish leaving a crucial gap in student education. Supplemental programs, such as Downtown Doors, assist art teachers in narrowing this gap and help encourage youth to get involved in art programs, which in turn provides youth with a constructive, positive outlet and improves self-esteem. Downtown Doors, helps students improve their budding artistic skills while positively impacting and enhancing the aesthetics of downtown San Jose.

About San Jose Fashion, Art, and Music

San Jose Fashion, Art, and Music (SJ FAM) is an upcoming organization embracing the growing fashion, music, and art community in the city renowned for being the capital of Silicon Valley.

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Thank you to all our amazing sponsors!

At least that’s what Jae Locquiao says. He’s been taking care of the blogs, the updates and distribution and acting as the business and operations manager for the line during its relatively short existence. Launched in November 2008, Cukui Clothing combines street ware with tattoo art, Polynesian and Chicano cultures and all things San Jose.

Literally speaking, Cukui in Hawaiian means “candlenut,” and the tree from which it grows. The candlenut is a symbol of enlightenment, protection and peace.

In Spanish, it depicts a boogieman of sorts within Mexican-American lore.

“Everything that’s around us inspires us,” Jae says.

The company is made up of three guys, giants really, within the local scene—Orly Locquiao of Humble Beginnings Tattoos, Sam Rodriguez of Shorty Fatz and Jae Locquiao.

Jae is Orly’s younger brother. He went to Independence High School and moved on to Devry to go into Computer Science, but his love of shoes and T-shirts never died down. “I loved to collect Jordans and you had to have a matching shirt to go with it,” he says. At one point, he admits to having a closet full of the coveted sneakers. And he’s not alone.

The popularity of the brand brings Cukui into its fourth season of clothing, after a strong start three seasons ago using photos that Orly had taken and hand-drawing over them. The guys get their inspirations from their travels, from their family and friends but Jae says that their home plays an equally important role.

“A lot of the inspiration behind the thought process is from here,” Jae says. “With fashion, you could think of SF, LA … but San Jose is also a melting pot of lifestyles. We could leave for growth but want to make our own identity. We want to make a name for San Jose.”

Images of black and white photography of moody profile shots, intricate tattoo scripts and throwback-inspired advertising all are small parts of a whole lot of T-shirt design. This is what the company primarily sells as well as hats, but Cukui is also branching out to outer ware, sweaters and women’s clothing, possibly even accessories.

“The possibilities are endless,” Jae says. “We want the brand to grow into itself but T-shirts will always be our staple.”

The clothing company’s products are sold in 10 shops within the United States as well as in Japan and now in the UK. And the trio are well on their way to putting San Jose on the fashion map, ramping things up with the success of the line and now opening up their first location in San Jose in August, in historic Japantown no less.

“Orly has a huge following as well as Sam.” Jae says. “Between them, it builds this whole brand.”

For more information, visit www.cukui.com.

–By m. p. flores

On Saturday, July 17, 2010, Munio-Ink, San Jose Fashion Art Music (SJ FAM), and Kaleid Gallery present SeaSkin. Featured artist, Sandy Munio-Sanjurjo will showcase unique, contemporary artwork inspired by the beauty of the Sea. From mixed media pieces to portraits of body painted subjects, Sandy expresses her oceanic passion with a sexy new twist.

Sandy has chosen Oceana as the beneficiary of this exciting art showcase. Oceana’s vision “seeks to make our oceans as rich, healthy and abundant as they once were.” Proceeds for the charity will come from the auction, donations, and the $10 admission fee.

We invite all to join us on this special night of art and music. This is a great way to support local artists and enjoy a beautiful evening, while giving back to a worthwhile cause.

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About Oceana:
Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. With offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe, Oceana builds strategic and directed campaigns that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. They believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions. Their scientists work closely with their teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans.

About Sandy:
“I’m not a “tree-hugger”. I’m not a radical environmentalist. I’m just a person who paints. My art is inspired by a world that is desperately in need of our guardianship. I am compelled, I am determined and I am inspired.”

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To donate securely online, please visit:

http://sites.google.com/site/munioinkseaskin/home

May 01, 2010

On Saturday May 1^st at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Santana Row’s most popular summer event, A Poolside Soiree, returns to showcase the coolest looks for a hot summer in the most summer-y of spots—poolside at Santana Heights, Santana Row’s resort-style residential complex.

Two runway fashion shows will feature the newest styles from Santana Row retailers including legendary bridal retailer Priscilla of Boston.

Tickets are $40 and include poolside

For more information, please visit: www.santanarow.com/events/

The Usuals’ Marie and Mike Millares are all about combining fashion and comfort, basics and versatility. The new men and women’s clothing and accessories boutique opening its doors April 16 off of the Alameda.

Most of the pieces found here are made of cotton and easy, breathable fabrics that could be worn year round and work with many body-types. The already popular Infinite scarves are Marie’s creations, each handmade with various ways to wear. And although the clothing lines come from various locations including Seattle, Wash., Los Angeles and Australia, the accessories are where the sibling-duo are going a bit more local.

The current line of jewelry includes a series of woodblock cocktail rings that host found items such as cameos and porcelain images, all made by a local jewelry designer off the Alameda

Along with the various layering pieces, the two will also be carrying various T-shirts designed by Mike. Since he was 11, T-shirt design was something Mike loved to do. “My friends and I would make T-shirt designs off of CorelDraw and clip art and that’s what kind of started it for me.” That and growing up, the two took many a road trip. They collected T-shirts from all over the country and even some from various trips up to Canada. “We just always wanted something we could wear, like a hat or shirt, instead of something like a mug that would just sit on a shelf,” Marie says. “Mike is definitely a T-shirt collector.”

Recently back in San Jose after living in various cities throughout California, the two came to a conclusion after surveying their closets. “We’re collectors of clothes,” Marie says. That and they had missed their hometown. There’s something intangible that keeps them coming back and realizing a growing love for their city was part of what led the two to create the store.

Marie even launched her online blog on Facebook, ‘I heart SJ’ to reconnect with her hometown and all those that live and love it. The response was overwhelming and now, with more than 3,700 fans Marie wanted a forum to bring those that loved San Jose as much as she does together.

The store proved the perfect vehicle. Local designers, artists and musicians will all be part of the atmosphere at the Usuals. For Mike, this realization of his love for his city culminated when his son noticed the iconic Milton Glaser ‘I Heart New York’ shirt he was wearing and asked what it meant. Mike tried to explain to his son and then asked him what it was that he liked. “I love giraffes and sharks!” he told him. Mike had his next idea—the shark bite ‘I heart SJ’ shirt. “I wanted something that showed my pride in this city,” he says. Many designs were hammered out but nothing took. The shark bites he was using in the heart portion just didn’t look right. “My background is ideas and hers is graphic design,” he says. Marie then came up with a design that added momentum to Mike’s T-shirt business. “It just took off after that,” Mike says.

As for the men’s clothes at the boutique, Mike has simple standards. “I want all my clothes to match. I want them all to work with each other,” he says. There are a lot of neutrals in this collection, making it easy to mix and match and wear all year round. But Mike points out that simple doesn’t translate into boring. He loves the details. From pockets for your iphone to military –styled buckles over a traditional polo to the buttons used, they are all important. His sister agrees. “Details are important,” Marie says. “They’re what make clothing fun and playful.”

The Usuals grand opening is today, April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1020 The Alameda and will feature art by local photographer Lost San Jose and local artist dna as well as music by The Bangerz. Tasty treats by Treatbot and Dipped in Chocolate.

Visit www.shoptheususals.com, www.lostsanjose.com, www.illuskrateblogspot.com, www.thebangerz.com, www.treatbot.com, www.dippedinchoc4you.com.

–By M. P. Flores

San Jose native, Aileen Quiambao is an up and coming Bay Area based designer.  Inspired by her surroundings, nature, and the growth of her daughter, Aijhanaya Irie; Quiambao’s designs capture the resiliency of innocence, the beauty of growth and the encounters in everyday life.  Taking such elements and incorporating them into women’s wear and accessories creates a distinct style that embodies the delicacy and strengths of femininity and inner-city flavor.

With the debut of her latest collection: “Urban Contemporary Headwear“, Quiambao weaves together the realness and rawness of urban flair with the purity and elegance into each design.  By taking major hoods around the United States such as Greenwich in NYC, West Hollywood in LA, the Fillmore in SF, Las Vegas, etc., Quiambao creates a classic, yet fresh wear to keep you covered year around.

Check out this runway showcase featuring Quiambao’s Spring 2009 collection that took place at the annual Charity Fashion Show located at Stanford University:

Join Aileen and Reignforest Collective this Friday, Feb. 19th at the Listening Lounge for her official launch party.

For more information, please visit www.aileenquiambao.com.

ARTISTS
AG Originals
ARMOgedon 2057
Carly Ivan Garcia
Nick Giannini
Same10
WaDl

STORES
Azuki Boutique
Medium Rare/Oh Dang! Magazine

EXHIBITORS
Adapt
Buddha Apparel
Casanova Fresh
Clout
Cukui
Drastik Tactiks
Fully Laced
Goodjoe
Halloway
IMPRM
Jordan Louie
RADisRAD
Shalom CPP
Shorty Fatz
Sick Star Clothing
Suhreal
The Imaginary Zebra
Unbound Vision

ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Quantum
DJ Traps

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
The Bangerz

RUNWAY
presented by John Agcaoili {DSOTM}

HAIR
Umbrella Salon

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jordan Louie

FOOD & BEVERAGES
Hannah {Mini red velvet cupcakes}
Treatbot {Premium ice cream truck}

GIVEAWAYS
Ironlak

For more information, please visit www.bobbivie.com

Immediately following the 11:45 a.m. Luncheon and the Fashion Show, guests will be able to snag these eco-chic fashions at The Shopping Event, which takes place between 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. All sales benefits Goodwill’s mission to help those in need through vocational, educational and occupational services and programs.

“This event is a tremendous opportunity for talented designers to showcase their creativity and to literally show Silicon Valley shoppers that used and repurposed clothing is interesting, stylish, fashionable, and most importantly, sustainable,” said Mike Fox, Jr., Goodwill of Silicon Valley CEO.

For this event, Goodwill has partnered with globally recognized fashion designer, Monique Zhang, who will be directing and choreographing the fashion show. Based in San Francisco, Monique is also incorporating her vision to re-purpose donations to make eco-chic outfits.

She is joined by five other fashion designers who have also re-purposed donations. Virtually all involved have donated their time/services to Goodwill in the planning and execution of the show, everyone from the students at the Art Institute of California’s Fashion Show Production class, to the professional runway models themselves.

The 2009 Eco-Chic Fall Fashion Show will be broadcast live at www.goodwillsv.org. These eco-chic pieces will be auctioned off on Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s eBay store.

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ABOUT GOODWILL OF SILICON VALLEY
Since 1926, Goodwill of Silicon Valley has been helping those in need, employing the unemployed, repurposing donated materials and renewing lives through its diverse range of vocational, educational, and occupational services and programs.

For more information please visit: www.goodwillsv.org/ecochic.html