Alice in Wonderland Time of Year Sept 2009

Going into fall I challenge you to turn your world upside down. Bring a sense of bold fantasy into your life with the colors of fall fashion. Bring your world alive with color in every detail of your wardrobe. Pack your whites away as summer slips into slumber and unveil your adventurous color palette. Look inside for inspiration and look outside for clues from nature. Be the explorer of your own fashion statements. As an archeologist dusts away the crumbled rock from their buried treasure. Excavate your your soul and find your true colors and wear them!

Alice and Wonderland is the eternal child spirit alive in all of us. Let this dormant season allow the deeper sides of the self to creep through. Find yourself on the other side of the rabbit hole. You just might find joy in what character you really are and not the mask you put on everyday.

Un-touched photos by LA,SF, NYC photographer!

It was my pleasure to work with Fernando Cepeda on this cold rainy day shoot. We are on location at Antlre Studios, thank you Hannah! These shots are courtesy of Fernando and they have not been post produced.....which I personally love! Here you can see my hair and wardrobe in action. Sell baby sell...... It was a great day and a fabulous shoot. Judith is our lovely model who can also be seen acting around town.

Her length gives a great silhouette for any garment. Thank you to the crew Monique, Fernando, Hannah, Judith and myself! Lovely work......keep it up.........

To schedule a shoot or get price quotes please email me thanks see you behind the lenses.

Swedish Fashion....................

My styling featured in Swedish Journal :) They understand me in Sweden. What can I say my great granny was born there! Notice the relaxed sneaker pimp style of a locker room. More on the world, fashion and politics later............

Art and design in the time of a NEW WORLD ORDER

What a great success this week has been for America! Everyone was holding their breathe as they watched the projected image from CNN on NOV 4 2008. A day I will never forget as long as I live. To be a part of history is an amazing feeling. I can't even imagine what is going through Barack Obama's mind! To be inside his head for just one day:) I am so proud of America and how far we have come over these last 40 years. It make my heart fill with joy to know that history books will tell Barack's unique story. The story of the true American dream. This blog will take a political twist as this time is about change. As fashion, design, trends change so do politics. Some would argue that as politics change so does fashion. Hence the constant revolution of camo clothing and retro army gear. Mao hats, hammer and sickle images, even the propaganda style posters of Shepard Fairey have made politics young and hip.

I over heard a man speaking about "Why is Michelle Obama wearing red?" I believe we will see a lot of red, black and high contrast modern colors to follow this year. As we take a more socialist style government also a focus on American design. A resurgence in authentic American craft style will be seeing a renaissance.


Another great example of how style permeates every boundary. How America is innovative and has yet to have it's greatest days. How reinvention is always at the heart of invention. How no one is immune to fashion. Not even Barack or Michelle as they boast being so down to earth.

I leave this post with more to come on local news, style and politics............ No on 8 the new civil rights movement with pictures to follow. Join the cause and be apart of history again. Check back soon for photos from the march to reverse the prop 8 vote!

All images on this site photographed by Velvet Valentine unless otherwise stated

Just a note to anyone wondering where all these images come from? Styling and photos designed by yours truly! Velvet Valentine for all your style needs:) All images copyright under California law. No authorization for use is given unless by mutual contract. Thanks for your OBEY of the law.

Feel free to contact me for use of any images or style services I may provide for your big ideas! My style marketing skills can be used for small business brand packages, websites, cards, signs, advertising, web video, CD packages, literature, book covers, TV, movies, events, and any style needs!

For inquires please email velvetvalentine@gmail.com

Nov 1 Strawberries and & Bacon Festival

I will be hosting the First Fashion Booth in SF! There will be costumes for you and your friends to try on and get posy. On site consultation for make up and fun image ideas. Theatrical fantastic photo fun for one and all. Come and get your fashion on.

Art Direction for Rykarda Parasol and Xavier Gomez

www.rykardaparasol.com
www.xaviergomez.com
Producer Beth
Talent DJ Miz Margo (Burlesque) & Mario Muse (Find him at DNA for fashion fun)

Shot on location at the Hive. Art Direction Velvet Valentine
(I love fish:)I searched high and low for special fish and foods. The table cloth is hand dyed to match the color scheme.

Inspired by Flemish paintings of food...... The lighting is the same effect as in the cult classic "The Cook the Thief His Wife & Her Lover (1989)."

Thumbs up for the cast, crew, and production. Can't wait to see the video.

Latest Project Rykarda Parasol Video

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Please Visit Backspace!!! New Fall Items In:))

New Velvet Valentine items available at Backspace
++++++++351 Divisadero St, San Francisco - (415) 355-1051++++++++++++++++

Backspace is a great local treasure located in the fun shopping area. Stop by for local treasures I dare you to find anywhere else!

Currently I have a line of accessories on sale in time for the holidays.

Events Fall 2008 Support Local Arts!

There are lots of fun events coming up this fall that I would like to recommend! First off please stop by the Mark Sanchez Gallery space where you may stop by and view local art! Included in the exhibition is my molecular sculptor made of 100% recycled quality clothe. Stop by and connect with people and art! Or visit.... on going until
Nov get out and vote!
Details:
www.marksanchez.org
988 Valencia Street @ 21st

Also check out the auction! Collect Local ART! Sat, Sep 27, 7:00pm – 9:30pm

DescriptionOver 50 artists have banded together to auction off their beautiful and provocative pieces - come purchase pieces to help support Mark Sanchez!! I will auction of fine pieces from my personal collection! Rare opportunity get out and support!
**************************************************************************************

Next on the list of fun SF events!
Decompression!

Sunday October 12, 2008 from 12:00pm - 11:59pm
Indiana Street, between Mariposa and 21st.

San Francisco, California
On Indiana Street between Mariposa and 22nd, SF
$10 donation in Black Rock Couture/Costume; $20 in streetwear
All ages outdoors; kids under 12 absolutely free!
Outdoor sound ends at Mariposa Stage at 11pm; 10pm other outside areas
Age 21+ inside Cocomo (club closes 1:30am)


Fashion Show! Look for the Fashion Stage I will be rocking my Fall items as well as some fun spring heat! It will be a performance to remember......promise!

Stay Tuned for the next event recommendations! see you soon! check back soon for more details and fun photos. Keep on creating:)

NEW WEBSITE COMING THIS FALL 2008!!!

Carlos Díaz de León Zuloaga and I have been busy redesigning the new look for the www.velvetvalentine.com home of style! The new site will feature my latest photo shoots and creative clothing creations. But as far as how this website advances, "It's all just dressing up and playing!" With one click you will see Rock Looks, New Orleans Style, Modernism, and My Fantasy Life!

I will not longer offer ready to wear looks everything is custom made to order. There will be options to rent items for your own wearing pleasure. Dress up for a fraction of owning original art. I am available for style and creative consultations. Feel free to email me with all your questions.

In the meantime while I work out the last minute touches this is a sneak peak.....

Street Art NYC Summer 2008 continued

The real gallery is on the street!

Street Art NYC Summer 2008

Some inspiration from the streets of Manhattan...... Chuck's always classic!

http://fashioni.st/2008_06_01_archive.html

Please check out fashioni.st

http://fashioni.st/2008_06_01_archive.html cut n paste and scroll down to see me at the Maker Faire June 2008

This is a great site with lots of examples of hip people walking around in their daily duds. I have always been a big fan of people watching. At fashioni you can scroll through street inspiration. Enjoy your scroll.

The above photo is from my new molecule project. In the workshop fashion intern Amaka Ofoegbu and I are working away on molecular inspired tactile pieces. These pieces are part of a larger project I am proposing to the De Young Museum, Discovery Museum, SF MOMA, Academy of Science and other local art institutions. Also proposing it to Yerba Buena Center for the arts! The molecular pieces have evolved from single shapes to wear into three dimensional objects to sit inside. I will be documenting this progress.

VELVET VALENTINE ON THE RUNWAY AT www.eternalspringproductions.com

Resurrection Line Debut at Maker Faire 2008 by Velvet Valentine

I would like to send special thanks to all the models! Plus the dedicated volunteers helping to create these fabulous looks!
Amaka and Evie! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making these visions a reality. Also thank you to Adam and Kolia for the much needed assistance in getting to the event! I owe you all big time!!!

Featured below Jiana and Jean Pilas model hot Resurrected creations fresh out of the creative studio.
Jiana: is wearing an Arabic Rice Dress, Blossom Hat (collaboration with Evelyne Aikman, Soft Sculptor Necklace in Black.

Jean:(jeanpilas.com) is wearing All Beautiful Things Jacket inspired by Mongolian Style, Soft Sculptor Crown as a head band, & Lou Reed/Skull arm warmers. WoW

Velvet Valentine Fashions strut the runway! Maker Faire 2008 over 80,000 people attend on performance day!

Dresses seen at Maker Faire 2008 San Mateo Fair Grounds

Model #1 is wearing: Roses Wild Dress, Ivory Fan Neck Piece, Burgundy Sweaterette, Soft Sculptor Crown (check website for availability)
model: www.evelyneaikman.com

Model #2 is wearing: 1940's halter dress with sculpted hat (available by special order)
Model: Elizabeth Parker

ttp://makerfaire.com/ May 3rd Fashion Show for Velvet Valentine!

Come see new Fall 2008 fashions by Velvet Valentine. Rocking the runway at the Maker Faire! A show not to miss!


Saturday May 3rd 5pm show time!!! Where San Mateo Fair Grounds you can take Cal Train or drive. For directions visit website below.

Look for the Swap O Rama tent and they will know where the fashion show is!!!! Get there early and have some fun. The fair stays open till Midnight Saturday night!
To learn more visit their website www.makerfaire.com

What is it???? (Quote)
(Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It’s for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things.)
Maker Faire was created to go with their magazine.

**(quoted text)
The first magazine devoted entirely to DIY technology projects, MAKE Magazine unites, inspires and informs a growing community of resourceful people who undertake amazing projects in their backyards, basements, and garages.

See you there!

Go Munic! Fighting for her right to model. GO GIRL. If you are interested in modeling for Velvet Valentine Designs please send your photo and all stats. All shots if not listed shot by Me:)

New Stores in SF sell Velvet Valentine items!

Queen of the Meadow
351 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 355-1051

Brown Bear (Art & Fashion)
289 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 626-5779

Features items vintage redesigned ties, scarves, earrings, and more! More stores to come in March 2008! I am hard at work in the studio putting together the photo shoots, and making new items.

Winter is almost over and I say good bye to the great event in Cole Valley! A quick review of the event. Over 100 patrons came by to view works by up and coming designer and artists. It was a neighborhood gathering of great people, fashion, art, and food! I am looking forward to putting another neighborhood event together in spring. If you are located in SF please sign up on my mailing list to I can send you a link to future shows! Thanks to all the great people who put in their custom orders!

The spring line will introduce new ways to recycle in fashion! From gadget covers, accessories, and much more.

I just finished working on a commercial for Avenue A Razor Fish in the role of lead wardrobe. The client was Pulte Homes and Microsoft. It was a three day shoot in the 30 degree storm that hit Sacramento. Nice crew of people and good casting. I put the commercial looks of the talent together head to toe. Nice work and fun too. Photos posted soon.