On April 14th, Los Angeles based Project Ethos launched its first endeavor into the San Francisco community: a party at Ruby Skye featuring live music, art installations and a runway show.
While the packed house mingled, drank and danced, the hair and makeup teams worked frantically from an off-site room at the Marriott Hotel to finish preparations for over 50 models. As one of the eight makeup artists said while working, “the designers wanted really crazy and challenging things, but it all looks so cool.” From “glamour goth” for Kristina Michelle to “avant garde… with extra hair and styrofoam balls” for Danielle Pettee of Danielle The Dressmaker, the range in styling accomplished by Carlton Salon added to the show’s quality and overall strength by matching hair and makeup to individual designer styles.
Backstage at Ruby Skye indie rock trio Geographer was packing up as the area quickly filled with models, designers, and stylists. Local favorite Danielle Pettee exclaimed that her new collection “was enlightening" as she found the last of her models amidst the packed hallways. She meant it literally. Her bright and flirtatious party dresses featured interwoven electrical lighting perfect for a girl looking to make a very visual statement.
Among the winding backstage staircases was Oakland-based designer Zoe Hong putting finishing touches on an intricate and classy F/W 2011 collection. Designer Mansha Khitani, the woman behind menswear line Menk, was backstage with her male models who were wearing impeccably tailored shirts, jackets, and suits from a composite of her last few collections. Other designers and labels showing included Fredericks of Hollywood Swimwear, Lucy Bea Swimwear, Kristina Michelle and Cardiwrap by Kymaro. With a diverse group of designers on the lineup, Project Ethos made a statement that major fashion can still be local.
Conceptually, Project Ethos succeeds at being a unique avenue for artists by bringing together different forms of “millennial generation creativity” for one night of red carpet celebration. Project Ethos shows take place monthly in different cities across the country. For more information visit www.projectethos.com.
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