Diana Cavagnaro
Blank Slate Creative Studio
The Blank Slate Creative Studio held their grand opening on March 30. The 900-square-foot room located at 2110 Hancock Street at the foot of Mission Hills is attracting local artists, such as hair stylists, make-up artists, photographers, and designers.
This creative business rents the studio along with the opportunity to rent hair & makeup stations and chairs, and is the brainchild of Gwendolyn Sneed who has 18 years of hairstyling experience.
Clients start out with a “blank slate” and everything is movable in the building. It’s is a great place to have a fashion shoot, an art show, hold a class, or launch a new line of clothing or jewelry.
Currently the studio has two pop-up boutiques currently on display: limited edition cut & sew from Michelle Aquino’s M. Dot Design Studios, and This1Bag, which provides fair trade bags from Cambodia and then donates to charities. Blank Slate also offers make-up classes by Marisol and provides marketing services, graphic design and PR services.
Blank Slate was all “abuzz” at the grand opening as everyone intermingled and talked about all the possibilities for this unique space.
The crowd was also having fun with a Shutter Booth that was on hand for everyone’s pleasure. For more information about this innovative space visit: blankslatesd.com.
Lord Wallington
Lord Wallington is a custom bow tie and necktie business created by Immanuel & Anda Ontiveros. March 30 was the launch party for this colorful business at the Vocabulary Boutique, located on Cedar Street Downtown.
These colorful bow ties are the perfect addition to a stylish outfit. A unique feature of these bow ties is that they come in panels, which allow them to be interchangeable.
Two different fabrics or designs can be connected at the back of the neck and then tied together, offering a very different bowtie.
Another option is that customers can have their initials embroidered on the bowties and this is very popular for weddings. Clients can also send their preferred fabric to them for a custom-made bow tie or necktie.
One of their customers is The Hawk at UFC in Las Vegas. They designed a bow tie for him to represent his character with feathers.
The Ontiveros’ rescued a dog they named Wally and then named their business Lord Wallington after him. Proceeds from the evening went to The Ark Animal Rescue.
To see these fabulous bow ties, stop by Vocabulary at 414 W. Cedar St. or visit lordwallington.com
Fashion Redux!
The San Diego History Center presented the final party for Fashion Redux! 2013 in Balboa Park on April 13. The theme for this second annual soiree was the ‘Roaring 20s’ and the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory performed the music. Executive Director Charlotte Cagan was on hand to welcome the guests, as winners were announced for the design contest.
The process began with the registrar, Tammie Bennett, pulling four 1920’s garments from their collection. Students from San Diego Mesa College Fashion Program had twelve weeks to create a garment inspired by one of these incredible designs from the 1920s. These garments were judged by professionals in the fashion industry in addition to several members of the staff at Mesa College and the History Center.
The first place winner was Sarah Davidson; second place, Arturo Ramirez; and third place, Gustavo Villalobos. This year a “People’s Choice” award was given to Evangelina Cadena. Davidson was awarded a dress form, a $75 gift certificate at JoAnn Fabrics, and a year family membership at the History Center.
Complimenting the evening, Mesa College professor Susan Lazear gave a lecture on the history of the 1920s. This was a period of a great economic boom and the flapper fashions reflected this prosperity with a tubular silhouette, a drop waist, Perma Wave Hairstyles, and cloche hats. This period added many embellishments to women’s clothing, such as intricate beading and delicate fringe.
The sponsors of this event were Nordstrom, the Costume Council at the San Diego History Center, San Diego Mesa College, The FGI of San Diego, and Bad Madge. If you missed this event, Davidson’s award-winning garment along with the 1920s inspirational garment, will be on display for the entire month of December this year.
Upcoming Events
May 2 – Leap into Fashion: Two fashion shows by Fashion Forward and Boutique Shopping. 7 – 10 p.m. The W Hotel, Downtown San Diego. For more info or tickets: leapintofashionsd.org.
May 4 – Derby Party at the Barley Mash: Prizes for best outfit & best hat. $35 tickets include Chef Kevin’s bluegrass brunch & mint julep with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For info: sdderbyparty.com.
May 6 – Introducing Nico Doniele: Fashion, occasion and beauty capelli: a day of hands-on styling and make-up with lunch included. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. RSVP by May 3. Blank Slate 2110 Hancock St., Suite 201. For information email [email protected].
May 10 – Golden Scissors Fashion Show: Reception & silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m., Fashion show & awards at 7:30 p.m. Sheraton Hotel & Marina. For information call: 619-388-2205.
May 16 – Hats Off to San Diego – Light Up the World Through Giving A luncheon, hat fashion show & awards program. 10:30 a.m. at the Del Mar Country Club. For information call Leslie Carter at 858-750-2104.
May 21 – Neiman Marcus/Globe Guilders Celebrating Couture Fashion Show: A luncheon and fashion show featuring designer Naeem Khan. Proceeds benefit The Old Globe Theatre. Hilton San Diego Bayfront. For tickets: globeguilders.ejoinme.org/?tabid=438790.
May 24 – Lizz Russell Cocktails & Couture Collection with special guest models. A portion of the proceeds will benefit GBS/CIDP International Foundation. 6:30-8 p.m. The Versailles Ballroom, Westgate Hotel, Downtown. For reservations: westgatehotel.tix.com.
May 30– San Diego’s Fifth Annual “IT” Fashion Show featuring fashion designs from students at The Art Institute of California-San Diego on the USS Midway Museum from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Tickets available: theitfashionshow.com.
Diana Cavagnaro is a nationally recognized hat designer and milliner, and has been in the fashion business for 30 years. The last 20 of those years she’s operated her business from Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, while moonlighting in the Fashion department at San Diego Mesa College. She can be reached at [email protected].
