Eclectic mix of fashion events kicks off tonight

Model Selin wears a one of a kind hat from Kitty Andrews Millinery/Image courtesy of Capture SF

For those who seem to  think the San Francisco Bay Area is a fashion dead zone,  the plethora of events around the bay this weekend are bound to change minds and redefine San Francisco from a sloppy-hippe village  to high style hot zone.  

This change is a welcome one for the legions of hard working designers, artists, and promoters who have struggled with the area's image for years.  Here at SW, we are thrilled to see the calendar filling up with fashion events and encourage all San Francisco Bay Area residents to get out there and support the growing local industry which will be showcasing it's strong suits at a wide mix of events including:

Thursday:  

 Rachel Znerold's Sun, Rays and Waves Fashion Show  brings the spirit of the beach to Loft 1513 in Noe Valley.  This Gidget goes glam event features music, live poetry, cocktails and sun dresses galore. Organizers recommend taking the J,  to Church and 27th to avoid serious parking hassles.  Admission is free, event starts at 7pm.

Capture, the once a month fashion party produced by promoters Desired Temptations and fashion photography house Sapient Studios is on at Roe. Get a sneak peak behind the scenes of a live editorial fashion shoot while sipping cocktails and mingling with San Francisco's style makers. Event run 9pm-2am no cover with RSVP to www.capturesf.org.

Eel and Ermine, the local label that knocked our socks off at The Violet Hour Fashion Show earlier this week, will celebrate the grand opening of their Laurel Heights Boutique. Stop by the shop from 7-10pm to toast the collection.  514 Presidio Ave. 

For those flush enough to afford the $75 a head ticket price, Discarded to Divine unveils the recycled creations from local designers Christopher Collins, Colleen Quen, and Jay Nicolas Sario (Project Runway's controversial 4th place finalist). 

Fashion Lovers Make-Up Closing Party at The Candy Store Collective. Thursday night is your last chance to mingle with artist Kime Buzzelli while shopping the store for her one of a kind, hand painted pieces.  

SF Made and local web based design house Cordarounds, are combining forces with Fashion Meets Technology , for the group's second event STARTING YOUR OWN BRAND. Don't miss this chance to mingle with Cordarounds founder (and guy who turned the nap around) Chris Lindland and discuss finding a global audience for your brand online.  7-9 PM no cover, 3435 Cesar Chavez #224. Visit the official event page for more details.

Saturday:

Celebrate local style promoters, Chillin' Productions 12th anniversary with a blow out party featuring the Secessions Art and Design traveling boutique.  The boutique which will showcase in-house designers Colleen Mauer Designs, New Skool, Twelve Designs, and other local emerging labels, will be one aspect of the evening which features live art installations, music and cocktails. $10 at the door 8pm-2am at Mezzaine.

The Walking Exhibition, a charity fashion show benefiting YouLiveAndYouLearn.org an organization aims to help aspiring  fashion designers through programs for High School and College students interested in design takes the stage at  Solarium in San Francisco. Ticket prices for this black-tie optional event range from $40 ( early bird  silver patron price good through Friday) to $115 (Platinum patron at the door) . For more information visit the official event website .

Looking ahead to next week: 

May 5: California College of the Arts hosts, Graduate Program in Design thesis Reception: Tomorrow's most talented designers, and artists celebrate completion of the graduate program. College of the Arts for more info.

Saturday May 8: Academy of Art Spring Fashion Show and Open House. Get to the Academy of Art before noon on Saturday May 8 to score the best seats for the annual fashion show, and get an insider preview of the future of local fashion. Academy of Art for more info.