Fashion Week Sacramento made a triumphant return this year, marking its comeback and rebranding as Fashion in the City. This whole new envision is a stand-alone production solely produced by Duane Ram. “I’m bringing the production back to the original concept that started the event in the first place. Giving local designers and artists a place to showcase their art and skill, and celebrating the community's creativity, innovation, and spirit. The excitement kicked off early January with the Model Bootcamp held at the Chalet Event Center, where aspiring models gathered to hone their skills and prepare for the highly anticipated model casting. Attendees got expect guidance that included the producer himself Duane Ram, known for his extensive experience in curating unforgettable fashion events. He also started as a model at the age of 2 as the face of Glaxo a baby formular brand. Though at times he comes across very humble and quite he’s experience is very extensive and covers film and tv as well. As for fashion, he has been in multiple fashion shows himself in his teenage years which included shows for Nordstrom, Macys, Seventeen Magazine and both San Francisco and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks. Joining Duane at the bootcamp were models, Nikisha Mitran and Tamica Atterberry. Nikisha’s experience on the runway and Infront of the lens brough a unique perspective to the boot camp. Tamica brought her passion for fashion and her wealth of knowledge to guide aspiring models. These Fashion Week Brand Ambassadors hand selected by Duane to coach the models on walk and share insights, tips, and tricks to help them shine on the runway. Both Nikisha and Tamica come with different levels of experience, Tamica being the most experienced of the two with a killer walk that every model aspires to attend. “Models need to be able to relate to the coaches. They need to be able to see themselves doing it.” Duane explained. “It’s not just about copying the walk it’s about finding your style and making it your own.” Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, over 100 models turned up for the casting, signaling a strong resurgence of interest and enthusiasm in the local fashion industry. This turnout was particularly significant, as it marked the first casting held by Fashion Week Sacramento since the onset of the pandemic. With the model bootcamp and casting complete designers were busy putting the finishing tweaks and adjustments to the garments on their selected models which continued up on till the day of which was a full month after the model casting. Fashion Week in Sacramento happens in February, usually around the second or third week. This year it started on Wednesday with the Fashion Forum which took center stage at Sacramento State University, featuring insightful discussions on Ai and the it’s influence in the Fashion industry. Esteemed guest speakers which included Esther (Professor at Sacramento State University), Will Rodriguez (Board Vice President at Capitol Creative Alliance), Tim Engle (Fashion & Commercial Photographer) and Christina Gunn (Brandmetta) who also served as the host and narrator. However, the highlight of Fashion Week Sacramento was undoubtedly the Designer Showcases held at the historic California State Railroad Museum. The sold-out showcases captivated audiences with a dazzling display of creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship. Set against the backdrop of the museum's historic exhibits, the runway came alive with a dazzling array of designs from emerging and established fashion designers alike. Jen Mills opened the show with a jewelry collection, "Entwined Mind Designs," bringing a touch of elegance and sophistication to the runway with their exquisite designs. Tuxedo Den followed, bringing a touch of class with their brand new custom styling for tuxedos, suits, and formal wear, aptly named "Bespoke." One of the standout moments of the showcases was the presentation by SalvagedRow, featuring the emerging designers Hyori Lee, Kayley Kirkaldie, Oscar Perez, and Rachel Zacapa. Their collection of upcycled looks, which included a model in a wheelchair, showcased not only their talent but also their commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Tyniece Hall returned to showcase her brand, "Swagger House of Art & Fashion," blending urban high fashion with chic sophistication. Tyniece first showcased as an Emerging Next designer in 2015 and has since gone to open a popup store in Arden Mall making this this year her third time showcasing her a new collection. Samantha Wall unveiled her brand, "Unlimited Fashions," embodying style, sophistication, and excellence making this year her second showcase on the Fashion Week runway while Lucinda Melissa marks her first presenting her all-black DSV Swimwear collection, showcasing impeccable craftsmanship. Another first-time designer showcasing was Georgina Scott who showcased her original and exquisite designs, including a custom red wedding dress, demonstrating her talent for creating pieces for everyday people. Closing the night was veteran designer James Head, whose avant-garde creations pushed the boundaries of comfortable fashion, offering a glimpse into the future of couture. The event was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the vibrant spirit of Sacramento's fashion scene. We must give a big round of applause to the hair and makeup crew for a job well-done. The meticulous work of the hair and makeup team, led by Missy O'Daneil and Melissa Rodriguez, with support from Paul Mitchell Academy Sacramento as well as Allure Salon and Spa, Paisley Salon, Maribou Salon, and The Colour Chemistry, deserves recognition. Their tireless efforts ensured that each model looked flawless as they graced the runway, adding an extra layer of sophistication and allure to the overall presentation. Their expertise and creativity were instrumental in complementing the designers' visions, contributing to the overall success of the event. The success of Fashion Week Sacramento's return is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Sacramento's fashion community. As the city continues to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic world, events like Fashion Week serve as a reminder of the power of fashion to inspire, unite, and uplift. With the unwavering support of the community, Fashion Week Sacramento is poised to continue its legacy of celebrating local talent and pushing the boundaries of fashion innovation.
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August 2024
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