SJ FAM is looking for 5 of San Jose’s top artists to participate in our 2nd Annual Art & Sole.

Requirements:

• Each artist will be asked to design 2 shoes: 1 male and 1 female shoe to auction off at the 2nd Annual Art & Sole.
• Artist will be given 2 weeks to design 2 pairs of shoes, finished products must be returned to SJ FAM by Friday, August 27. Shoes will be provided by event sponsors.
• Since bidders have an option of purchasing shoes as is or having a replica made in their own size, artist may need to create a 2nd pair of each shoe to tailor the shoe size of the bidder.

Benefits:

• Selected artist will receive 50% of the total bids placed on each of his or her shoe. Bids will starts at $50 per shoe.
• Artist will be promoted on www.sjfam.com

If you are interested in being an artist for Art & Sole please send an e-mail of interest to submissions@sjfam.com

Please include:

• Contact information
• A brief description of your interest
• Link to portfolio

Deadline for submissions: August 7, 2010

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 July, 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

Fashion shows take place in Santana Row Park, in front of Left Bank Brasserie.

Fashionistas, mark your calendars for the South Bay’s most anticipated style event of the year-Santana Row’s 5th annual Fall Fashion in the Park, two days of runway shows, exclusive parties and special shopping events featuring the must-haves of the season for both men and women from H&M, Donald Pliner, BCBG Max Azria and more.

Tickets for each show are $40 and include a runway fashion show, pre-show wine & hors d’oeuvre reception, a private shopping boutique and a post-show soiree. VIP tickets, which also include reserved front row seating, complimentary valet parking and champagne served to you right at your seat, are $60 per show.

A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will benefit four South Bay non-profit organizations: Breathe California, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, Junior League of San Jose and San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The schedule of receptions/shows is as follows:
Friday, September 11
12 p.m. / show at 1 p.m. San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce (SOLD OUT)
6 p.m. / show at 7 p.m. Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley

Saturday, September 13
2 p.m. / show at 3 p.m. Breathe California
6 p.m. / show at 7 p.m. Junior League of San Jose

$40 general admission / $60 VIP seating

Tickets are on sale now at Santanarow.com or at the Santana Row Concierge Center. Seating is limited. Models provided by Halvorson Model Management (www.HMMODELS.com)

Source: www.santanarow.com