Fashion Unleashed: Barkfast At Tiffany’s

On Sunday March 19th, Fashion Business Inc in partnership with Fashion For Profit will hold its first ever dog fashion show benefiting the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation – an organization focused solely on rescuing abused and neglected animals. Dubbed Barkfast at Tiffany’s the event will feature a silent auction, vegan/vegetarian brunch, a runway show featuring up-and-coming brands, and a special doggie fashion presentation showcasing original designs by the students of the Art Institute of California. Click here to purchase tickets. - NIN

Art Institute SS2013 Student Presentation

Art Institute of California-Hollywood hosted its annual fashion show on Saturday October 13^th. The theme for the evening was The Body Politic in which 9 student designers chose various political themes ranging from national, global, or historic, as inspiration for their collections. The event was open he public with proceeds benefitting The Miguel Rocha Jr. Scholarship Fund, which was set up in honor of a former A.I. student who was the casualty of a drunk hit-and-run incident in 2008.

Artist Institute Designer Profile - Okezikam Nzube Ebigbo

Nigerian native, Okezikam Nzube Ebigbo (aka Okee) is in the process of launching his clothing company, Meaben, Inc. A firm believer that “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” Okee’s avant-garde approach to design breathes new life into fashion. 

Where can people purchase your designs?

My clothing company called Meaben, Inc. is in working progress and will soon be in stores with an urban active wear/kawaii casual style. Both lines will have prints on hoodies and prints on T-shirts. These are big markets in America.

How did you get started as a designer?

I began designing when I was young and stopped after the death of my older brother at the age of 17. I tried other careers and ended up back in fashion. This made me realize that designing is a blessed gift from Jehovah. Fashion design is my calling. It is my way of expressing life, my desire, and my all in all.

Art Institute Designer Feature - April Davidson

A Louisiana native, April has called many places home. However, her dream of becoming a fashion designer led her to Los Angeles. April’s life experiences are reflected in the deconstructed nature of her designs. Her collections incorporate original screen-prints and a signature hand stitching technique that adds a textured appearance to her leather corsets.

How did you get started as a designer?

I’m currently a student at The Art Institute of California- Hollywood. I will be graduating this Dec 17, 2010 with a BA in Fashion Design. I’ve always been into fashion ever since I was young. My mother taught me how to use a sewing machine and to make clothes at a very young age. Since then I have grown and learned more about designing and constructing garments. I’m always looking for a challenge in my next design and to push myself further than I have before and grow as an artist.

Art Institute Designer Feature - Roman & Ramirez

Jose Ramirez and Kenneth Roman bonded over their love for fashion and have been inseparable ever since. Citing Lady Gaga as their muse, the duo structured, geometric pieces (sold under the Roman & Ramirez moniker) are designed for those who are not afraid to experiment with their looks.

How did you get started as a designer?

Jose: I'm in fashion for the purpose of art. I love finding new ways to recreate a shape or form on the body. I have so many artistic visions in my head, and I feel clothing is the best way to express them. I see the human body as a canvas and clothing as paint.

Kenneth: I’m in fashion because I think I’m good at it. Designing is so much fun, but intimidating at the same time. Of course, there are certain aspects of design that I don’t enjoy but, overall, I wouldn’t change my career choice for anything else.

Art Institute Designer Feature - Masai Payan

Hailing from El Paso, Texas Masai Payan takes a unique approach with his designs. His fascination with anime and architecture has resulted in a design theory based on the notion that identity is not fixed but composed of many layers.

How did you get started as a designer?

The love began in high school when I became involved in costume design - everything made sense and soon after the passion began for fashion design. I’ve never looked back since.

Art Institute Designer Feature - Falavia Otis

Falavia’s love of fashion began at an early age. The young designer doesn’t like to limit herself to a specific style or decade. The main focus of Falavia's design process is spent towards enhancing her customer’s specific personality without sacrificing comfort. The end result is body conscious clothing that flatters all figures.

How did you get started as a designer?

Three and a half years ago I started on this intriguing journey to create garments that compliment a woman’s body as well as her individual personality. I was infatuated with clothes at a young age because I was plus size and most of the cute stylish clothes were not made in my size.