<![CDATA[Roxanne Rodriguez Portfolio - Blog]]>Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:28:04 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Fashion Week Sacramento 2025- “Opening Night”]]>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/fashion-week-sacramento-2025-opening-night
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Fashion Week Sacramento 2025- "Opening Night". Photos: Roxanne R. Rangel.

Friday, February 28th, 2025-

     It was a beautiful day in Sacramento, California. The weather forecast predicted sunny skies and a temperature of 72 degrees. Spring vibes were in the air as models, hair and make-up artists, designers, photographers, technicians, caterers, and event coordinators began to arrive at the legendary Crocker Art Museum, located at 216 O Street. 
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Fashion Week Sacramento 2025 Event Program
    This year, Fashion Week Sacramento celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a two-day fashion-filled event, hosted by DMR Productions, featuring a runway fashion show Friday night and Saturday night. Each night different fashion designers from Sacramento, and near-by areas, showcase their most recent designs. 
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The Crocker Art Museum. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
     I adore the location chosen for this event, the Crocker Art Museum. Years ago, I spent many rainy afternoons passing away long gaps of time between classes at fashion design school that I attended in Sacramento. I also had a unique opportunity to write an article in 2023 covering the Alexander McQueen Fashion Exhibit that traveled through Sacramento at that time. The Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Crocker was unforgettable, as I was certain Fashion Week Sacramento would also be. 
      I was graciously accepted to receive a back-stage access wristband after applying for one a few months ago. Now, here I am: entering Fashion Week Sacramento’s Friday night’s runway event through the backdoor dock entrance…
     Stay with me a little longer, as I describe my unique experience of the evening…
     I arrived and checked in through the back-dock entrance where I was given my wristband. Everyone who greeted me was extremely friendly and helpful, including the caterers who were arriving at the same time that I was. I was shown to the main lobby of the Crocker Art Museum, where the Fashion Show Runway and audience seating was already set up. Technicians were fine-tuning lights and lighting positions, while a group of photographers gathered together at the end of the runway finding the perfect position for their desired upcoming shots. Fashion show models, walking for Designer Zadecah Emporium, practiced their walk and poses down the runway, as the bartenders and event staff continued their final set-ups. 
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Fashion Week Sacramento 2025 Opening Night Set-Up. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
     The Crocker Art Museum is comprised of two separate buildings with the Main Courtyard in between and connected by a long corridor. Fashion Week Sacramento's runway event is in the Friedman Court of the Main Building. 
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Crocker Art Museum First Floor Interior Map
     Models, designers, make-up artist, and hair-stylist were gathered together in the "Historical First Floor" Studio Rooms. I love Historical Architecture, and the mysteries that old-timey buildings like the Historical Crocker Building behold, so I gleefully explored everywhere not prohibited. 
     As I wondered around the building's rooms dedicated to the fashion show, I spoke briefly with models walking the runway for Miss. Velvet Cream. One model glowed with infectious excitement, as the other models practiced their runway walk with fierce gazes down the "Historical First Floor" Hallway. Another group of models lounged patiently in the shade covered chairs, sipping Hydration Station Water, in the Kendell Davis Courtyard. 
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View from the Main Courtyard facing the Historical side. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
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Prior to the Fashion Show... Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
     Water dispensers and cups sat upon tables throughout the backstage and front-house areas of the event. I noticed a group of beautiful women in elegant gowns standing near a table with a sign that read, "Hydration Station". I asked one of the ladies if she was a runway model for the event tonight. She laughed and explained that no, she was Shaline Jane, the owner of Hydration Station! Shaline began to explain to me the unique Japanese water filtration system that makes Hydration Station's water superior to other filtered waters. I eagerly poured myself a cup after her insistence that I try some. It really was the most delicious water! Hydration Station provided the water for Fashion Week Sacramento, and it was so wonderful to have such luxurious water available as part of the event! You can learn more about Hydration Station by checking out their Instagram Page, @hydrationlove.
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Hydration Station. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
     It is now 6PM, when the Crocker officially opens its doors for the VIP Reception!
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VIP Champagne Flutes. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
     As the clock struck 6pm, catered dishes filled with noodles and seafood are brought out from behind the backstage curtain to the VIP Reception area. At exactly 6:02PM, the first VIP Guest arrived, accepting her glass of champagne upon entry. VIP Guests also received a gift bag including a printed program, bottled water from Hydration Station, and beauty product samples. 
     Before long, many more guests began to arrive. Since I myself had entered tonight's venue from the back-door hours previously, I now made my way to the reception area of the fashion show, and entered using the pathway of the Front-door Entry Guests. 
     I took this opportunity to speak with two fashionably dressed young ladies holding cocktails near-by. They expressed excitement for seeing the local fashion designer's collections being presented tonight. These ladies were not here to see a specific designer, but had heard of the event recently, and love fashion! This is their first year attending Fashion Week Sacramento. 
A few more behind the scenes photos: 
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View from Backstage. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
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Models pose for photographers in the Main Courtyard prior to walking the runway. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
     I am now at the front reception area of the fashion show. I was instantly struck by the fascinating artistic vision of Staging Artist, Yennie Zhou! Zhou created the front entry art installation piece consisting of two live models wearing all red with floral heads and hands. The models intertwined themselves, moving slowly, for artistic photos and posed on the Red Carpet with fashion show guests. I really loved this feature! Check out my photo with these lovely models! 
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Staging Artist, Yennie Zhou, created the visual art installations for Fashion Week Sacramento 2025. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, wearing Roxanne Rodriguez Golden Poppy Day Dress, Fashion Week Sacramento, 2025 "Opening Night".
8pm: The Fashion Show Begins
     Here are some of the photos I took of the designer collections on the runway from audience seating. Many of the designers featured tonight are sustainable fiber/textile artists up-cycling fashion using repurposed clothing. 
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Opening Models lead out Fashion Week Sacramento's host. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
Miss. Velvet Cream
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Designs by Miss. Velvet Cream. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
Salvaged Row
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Designs by Salvaged Row. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
F By A Unique Bridal 
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Designs by F By A Unique Bridal. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
Shop Doll Face 
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Designs by Shop Doll Face. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
Deforsage
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Designs by Deforsage. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
Unlimited Fashions 
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Designs by Unlimited Fashions. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
Zadecah Emporium 
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Designs by Zadecah Emporium. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
     After the runway fashion show commenced, guests were invited to continue the night at The Mix Downtown Fashion Week Sacramento After Party, for free entry and five dollar champagne. 
     As I shared salutations with the other event photographers, and with the guests I had met throughout the night, I was fortunate to run into Noelle Blanco, an event coordinator and Media Relations Specialist with DMR Productions, the team who planned and executed this years Fashion Week Sacramento. Blanco was very friendly and inviting, expressing her passion for fashion events and model training in Sacramento.
     Next I saw Ashlee Roberts, bridal fashion designer for F by A Unique Bridal. I asked Roberts if she could share with me the inspiration for her latest bridal collection. Roberts told me that each dress that she presented tonight was inspired by a specific woman of history, beginning with Eve. Another dress was inspired by Marie Curie. I found that inspiration fascinating! 
     Fashion Week Sacramento 2025 continues Saturday, March 1st at the Crocker Art Museum with fashion collections presented by Jen Mills, Tuxedo Den, Tracey Benedict, Margaret Evette, Tamika Huff, and Tyniece Jones. 
     I hope you enjoyed reading my experience attending Fashion Week Sacramento 2025 "Opening Night"! 
     Be sure to follow Fashion Week Sacramento on social media, so you wont miss exclusive ticket options, like the VIP Reception next year! 
     I have made a goal of presenting a new fashion collection myself next year at Fashion Week Sacramento 2026. I hope to see you there! 
Until Next Time, Crocker! 
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The Crocker Art Museum, 2025. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.
Related Links: 
Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen and Ann Ray- The Crocker Art Museum- Sacramento, California
Oakland Fashion Week 2018: Day Four, Ready-To-Wear
Oakland Fashion Week 2017: Day Two, "Sol Afrik: Ready-To-Wear"
Oakland Fashion Week 2016: Day Three, "Sol Afrik" 
A Photo Journey... My College Career as a Fashion Design Student
]]><![CDATA[Presenting Two Dresses at Valley Art Association's 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show]]>Sat, 01 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/presenting-two-dresses-at-valley-art-associations-2024-oakdale-spring-art-show
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Designer Roxanne R. Rangel, wearing an outfit from her 2018 collection, and posing with her two new dresses. 2024.
On March 9th & 10th, 2024, Valley Art Association hosted their annual Spring Art Show and Silent Auction at the Gene Bianchi Community Center in Oakdale, California. This event is a great opportunity for local artist to showcase their recent art projects, and for Oakdale residents, as well as travelers passing through, to experience our artistic culture. 

In 2023, I participated in the Oakdale Spring Art Show for the first time, presenting two dresses I created, as well as a series of Fashion Shoe Illustrations I had drawn in Ink. It was a great experience participating, and I knew I would be participating again in the upcoming years. I love representing Fashion at these artistic events, and I hope my work is inspiring to others, as other's artwork is inspiring to me. For the 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show, I created a Doily Dress and Cape Ensemble, and I presented my Golden Poppy Day Dress that I created in 2023. 
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Art Show Signage. 2024
My family and I had a lovely time attending the Art Show Reception and gazing intently at all of the amazing artworks on display. 
Here are some of my favorite photos from the 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show and Reception: 
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Doily Dress Ensemble, 2024.
Artist James Tracey took home many First Prize Ribbons, and you can see why! Tracey, happily shows me some of his artistic techniques when creating these fabulous artworks. 
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Artist James Tracey. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show.
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Artist James Tracey. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show.
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Artist James Tracey. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show.
Artist, Shari Borba was awarded First Place in the Digital Art Category with her Enchanted Cottage Scullery. You can follow Shari on Instagram @shariborba_designs, or visit her website, ShariBorba.com to view her latest work. 
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Artist Shari Borba. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show.
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Artist Shari Borba. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show.
One of the highlights of the event for me, was seeing my former High School Art Teacher, Mr. Crimmel, at the Art Show Reception! Mr. Crimmel won first place in the Ceramics category! You can follow Mr. Crimmel on his Insatram page, @randycrimmel_ceramics.​
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Mr. Randy Crimmel. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show.
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Mr. Randy Crimmel and Roxanne R. Rangel. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show.
Here are the winners of Fiber Arts and Mixed Media Art: 
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2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show
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2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show
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2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show
A few more photos: 
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Art Gallery Set-Up. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show.
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My Husband, Javier Rangel, next to his pastel portrait of his work friend. 2024.
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My youngest daughter, Minnie, draws sketches of her favorite art pieces.
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Minnie draws a leopard!
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"Pretty Summer" by Judy Miller
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"Lady with Bunny" by Gloria
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Tasty treats at the Oakdale Spring Art Show Reception. 2024.
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The youngest Rangel Sisters are so inspired they are sketching new masterpieces!
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Roxanne R. Rangel Golden Poppy Day Dress. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show: Fiber Arts.
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Roxanne R. Rangel Doily Dress and Cape Ensemble. 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show: Fiber Arts.
And the winners are...
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2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show Winners, listed by Art Work Title.
In the Fashion Design Workroom: The Making of a Doily Dress
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The textile I created using Vintage Doilies and a Vintage Tablecloth. 2024
Last year I purchased an old trunk filled with vintage doilies, linens, and tablecloths. For this art show project, I wanted to create a unique new textile using doilies and a vintage tablecloth from the fabric I acquired in the old trunk. I had the idea to create a new dress with the fabric. 

​I cut the vintage fabric into rectangles, backed each rectangle with muslin, then sewed all the rectangle pieces together to create a new textile that was truly unique. I really enjoyed the process of this old fabric transforming into a new dress and cape! I hope that you enjoy my latest fashion creation! It was a lot of work! 
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Fabric Before
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Fabric After
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Roxanne R. Rangel Doily Dress and Cape Ensemble, 2024.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience creating a new dress out of doilies and my participating in the 2024 Oakdale Spring Art Show! 
Related Links: 
Representing Fashion Design as Art at the Valley Art Association's 2023 Art Scholarship Fund Exhibition
2023 Stanislaus County Fair: Participating in The Textile Arts & Literary Arts- Contests and Exhibits
My Sewing Journal: Creating a Minoan Inspired Hand- Painted Skirt
]]><![CDATA[2023 Stanislaus County Fair: Participating in The Textile Arts & Literary Arts- Contest and Exhibits]]>Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/2023-stanislaus-county-fair-participating-in-the-textile-arts-literary-arts-contest-and-exhibits
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2023 Stanislaus County Fair; Textile Arts Exhibit. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
Summer, Central Valley California

Beautiful fields of fruit trees, towering stalks of corn, and twisting trunks of grapevines spread far out into the horizon. On the country roads and back highways, large trucks drive off the farmlands carrying loaded trailers overflowing with ripe tomatoes and ripe pumpkins. These trucks, filled with the fruits of California’s Agricultural Industry, are headed to nearby canneries ready to be steamed and canned, then shipped to grocery stores all over the world. It’s truly a sight to enjoy, one I admire each and every year. 

On this particular highway, trucks pull a different load. Disassembled carnival rides and attractions are folded up like mechanical origami, traveling to its next destination: The Midway of the county fair! 
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Stanislaus County Fair Gate. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, 2023
Each summer, Californian counties host an annual fair. The fair is a place where the local community can gather together to enjoy food, entertainment, agriculture, technology, share knowledge and expertise, as well as showcase local farmers, bakers, and artisans. Local businesses can set up vender booths promoting or selling their products and services, while the carnival lights up the night sky. The sounds of thrill induced shrieks fill the air as fair-goers are twirled and tossed about on their favorite rides. 
At the Stanislaus County Fair, held each year at the Turlock Fairgrounds, buildings showcase the Contests and Exhibits. As we make our way through the crowded walkways to these buildings, let me share with you the inspiration for my California Day Dress… 
Creating a California Day Dress: Poppy Inspired
“No poet has yet sung the full beauty of our poppy. No painter has successfully portrayed the satiny sheen of its lustrous petals. In its abundance, this colorful plant should not be slighted: cherish it and be ever thankful that so rare a flower is common.” -John Thomas Howell, Marin Flora 

​I adore California Golden Poppies. Simple, delicate petals folding around each other in the prettiest shades of orange. Here, in my home-state of California, the springtime view of the hillsides are filled with hues of lush green, sprinkled with vibrant golden poppies growing through the fertile soil, standing confidently in the shining rays of sun. This scene was the inspiration for my day dress! 
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"Backyard Poppy". Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, 2012
As I held the 2023 Stanislaus County Fair Contest and Exhibit Handbook, gazing at the numerous sewing and textile categories, I knew I wanted to create a day dress that reflected the very land it was made on for my exhibit entry. I chose the magnificent poppy, with a contrasting grassy green, as my subject, and began to conceptualize vintage dress silhouettes for this design. 
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Behind the Scenes: Creating a Hand-Painted Textile. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
When making artsy dresses, I love using a simple muslin fabric as the base. For this dress, I envisioned hand-painted techniques, as well as fabric appliqué and beadwork. 
I wanted the green paint to drip UP the dress, creating the illusion of wild poppy stems! I began to prepare my painted muslin fabric. 
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Behind the Scenes: Fashion Sketch and Fabric Preparations. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
I painted my drippy paint design using diluted green fabric paint, then satin-stitched orange fabric shaped petals. I hand-stitched beads in both the poppies as pollen detail, as well as on the green dripped paint, like beads of morning dew… 
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Behind the Scenes: Fabric Preparations: Applique. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
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Behind the Scenes: Fabric Preparations: Applique and Other Details... Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
The result was exactly as I envisioned! Once the fabric had been prepared, I began cutting out and sewing together my Vintage Inspired Day Dress.
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Behind the Scenes: Dress Construction Begins! Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
The Finished Dress! 
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel California Day Dress, 2023. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel California Day Dress, 2023. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel California Day Dress, 2023. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
At last, my dress is completed! 
Back At The Fair: Contest and Exhibits: 
Let’s walk together into the second to last exhibit hall. This hall is filled to the brim with art, baked goods, preserves, and fresh produce that has been entered into various categories of contests by local residents. 

I’m immediately surprised by the numerous rows of high quality photography entered into the photography categories showcased. Rows upon rows of photos are displayed. These photos capture much of the natural beauty of California: wild flowers, animals, and local landscapes are popular subjects this year. I realized then how many people have access to such high quality cameras these days, compared to years past: Very cool! 

We make our way to the textile and sewing exhibits. I was shocked to see a Blue Ribbon on my dress! This dress was entered into the category: Professional Clothing & Textile Contest. 
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel California Day Dress, 2023. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
In addition to my dress, I also entered my Blog Article, Rendez-Vous:  Lee Alexander McQueen and Ann Ray -The Crocker Art Museum- Sacramento, California, into the Best Blog Contest… I was amazed: Another Blue Ribbon! ​
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Best Blog Contest, 2023. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
Participating in the 2023 Stanislaus Fair was a great experience! I hope I was able to inspire fellow artisans with both of my exhibit entries! 

If you would like to see my California Day Dress in person, I will be showcasing this specific dress, alongside my newest dress creation, at the 2024 Valley Art Association’s Spring Art Show in Oakdale, California this March! Here are the details: 

Valley Art Association Art Show 
Oakdale, California 

Free Public Exhibit: 
Saturday, March 9th, 10am-7pm
Sunday, March 10th 10am-5pm
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Thank you for reading my Blog!

 I hope to see YOU at the next Stanislaus County Fair, this upcoming July!
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Dress Maker, Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel with Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel California Day Dress. 2023 Stanislaus County Fair- Professional Clothing and Textile Contest.
Related Links: 
Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen and Ann Ray- The Crocker Art Museum-Sacramento, California
A Look Back: Fall 2018
Representing Fashion Design as Art at The Valley Art Associations' 2023 Art Scholarship Fund Exhibition
]]><![CDATA[The Deconstruction and Reconstruction of a Costume: Creating a Dress Replica for Minnie Mouse]]>Thu, 13 Apr 2023 22:34:54 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/the-deconstruction-and-reconstruction-of-a-costume-creating-a-dress-replica-for-minnie-mouse
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Minnie Mouse Dress Replica by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, 2023.
Today I would love to share with you a recent project that I completed for a very special client… the fashionably famous, Mrs. Minnie Mouse! 
The Old Dress
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Minnie Mouse Dress- Original Costume, Princess Party People
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Minnie Mouse Dress- Original Costume, Princess Party People
The Minnie Mouse character at Princess Party People, had a lovely pink polka dot dress that had become too dingy and worn out for her to make appearances in. The dress was perfect in size and in color, but the fabric needed retiring.

I was hired by the Princess Party People team to make a dress replica. The original dress was dropped off by their staff, and I then recreated a new dress, mimicking the old dress as precisely as possible! 

Here is a behind the scenes look at the process:
Deconstruction
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Deconstruction of a Costume: Pieces of the Old Minnie Mouse Dress
To recreate a new dress using an existing dress as a template, I first deconstruct the old dress seam by seam. As I remove each portion, I make written notes and technical sketches in my workbook. These notes will be very helpful to me when I reconstruct the new dress! 
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My Sewing Projects Planner is a great notebook to compile all of my notes and technical sketches.
Pattern Drafting 
After the old dress is deconstructed, I trace the old fabric pieces onto paper for the pattern rough draft. I use rulers and measurements to create straight lines, crisp edges, and symmetry. Once the paper patterns are drafted, I can cut out the new material. 
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Drafted Patterns are the final outcome of tracing the old dress fabric onto paper. I then use rulers to straighten lines and curves, as well as to verify symmetry.
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The new fabric is cut using the newly drafted paper pattern.
Reconstruction
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The new fabric: cut and prepped. Ready for assembly!
Here are a few photos of the old dress pieces next to the new pieces as I begin the reconstruction portion of this project: 
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A sleeve of odd proportions!
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Polka Dots and Satin Stitching!
The New Dress 
Like a puzzle nearing completion, the new Minnie Mouse dress begins to take shape. 
Before long, an old, tired dress is replaced by a new ready-to-mingle version! 
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The NEW Minnie Mouse Dress!
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The Old Minnie Mouse Dress (pictured left) and The New Minnie Mouse Dress (pictured right).
These types of projects are very fun for me, as I love using a variety of my skills when I am working! 
If you have any older clothes or costumes you would like to have reconstructed, send me a message with your ideas! 

You can read more about past costume projects of mine by clicking any of the article links below! 

Thank you for reading! Have a great day! 
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Contact Princess Party People to book your favorite character at your next event!
Related Links: 
Creating Youth Costumes for the P.R.O.U.D. Modesto Girl's Dance Group 
Re-Creating a 1920's Look... with Make-Up!
Parrot Couture
An Interview with my First Sewing Student! 
]]><![CDATA[Rendez-Vous:  Lee Alexander McQueen and Ann Ray -The Crocker Art Museum- Sacramento, California]]>Mon, 03 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/rendez-vous-lee-alexander-mcqueen-and-ann-ray-the-crocker-art-museum-sacramento-california
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Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
"Brilliant, dynamic, and provocative, the British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen founded his eponymous label in 1993 and also led design at Givenchy between 1996 and 2001. Soon after he joined Givenchy, he met French photographer Ann Ray, whose stunning photographs recorded and inspired McQueen’s work behind the scenes and in runway shows for the next thirteen years. Combining Ray's intimate portraits and backstage images, along with key garments from McQueen’s most celebrated fashion collections and design drawings, this exhibition provides a unique insight into the creative process of this influential and complex figure. Rendez-Vous is organized and produced by Barrett Barrera Projects."
-From The Crocker Art Museum's Website
Fashion Design and Photography,
​The Artistic Connection of McQueen & Ray
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Alexander McQueen, "Plato's Atlantis" Spring/Summer 2010 Collection. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
From December 17th, 2022 through April 2nd, 2023, The Crocker Art Museum, located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento, California, showcased the exhibit, "Rendez-vous", a duet of artistic works by British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen, and French photographer Ann Ray. 

Lee Alexander McQueen was a well known fashion designer of modern times, with his brand Alexander McQueen still in existence today, despite his passing away in death in 2010.
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Photograph of McQueen by Ann Ray, "Make Me Beautiful/Home" 2000. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
McQueen is known as "one of the twentieth century's most visionary designers" with his highly artistic fashion designs appealing to, and studied by, many people. 
While arriving at the exhibit, a story began to unfold of the professional friendship and artistic connection of both McQueen and Ray. McQueen, the talented fashion designer, and the equally talented photographer, Ray, who had an eye for the photographic beauty in McQueen's works as her own subjects. From the first room of the exhibit, and throughout, both of McQueen and Ray's works are prominently displayed. 
The opening signage explains that McQueen was a "troubled artist" who kept a tight-knit group of collaborators, one such person being Ray. The partnership between the two began in 1997, lasting 13 years, and 43 photographic collections, with Ray documenting McQueen's work and creative process with her photographic works. Several times throughout each of the 13 years the two collaborated, McQueen and Ray would have a "Randez-vous- a weird, unexpected, warm, essential meeting."

Ray had exclusive access to McQueen during this collaboration period, and thus, the fruits of this exhibit were created... 
The Exhibit
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Designs by Alexander McQueen, 1998-2003. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
Enter with me into the second room of the exhibit, where a line-up of six exquisitely tailored coats and a dress are displayed, created by McQueen throughout the years 1998-2003.

It is evident when studying the details and fit of these fashion designs that McQueen has a tailoring background. McQueen's designs are dramatic and striking. I love the flow of the exhibit as I began to enter into a labyrinth of rooms, that take the museum patron from one faze of McQueen's career seamlessly into the next. The garments were displayed in such a way, that  the details and craftsmanship of each article of clothing were highlighted and showcased. The rooms are dark, but the garments and photographs are lit by a spotlight further adding to the dramatic effect of these artistic creations. 

Here are a few closer photos of this second display: 
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Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 1999. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 1998. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2003. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2000. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2002. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
The following area of the exhibit introduces more of Ray's work and describes how McQueen was impressed with Ray's photographs. However, back in 1997, as McQueen was just starting out in his career as a fashion designer, he was unable to afford Ray's photographs. "The two established a barter system", where McQueen would exchange custom clothing created by him for Ray's photographic services.

​Here are four fashion ensembles that McQueen created for Ann Ray, as well as photographs taken of McQueen and his models by Ray. 
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"Gifted Garments" Clothing created for Ann Ray by Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Photograph by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Photographs by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
You can see here that Ray's photographs are not typical of Fashion Photography, but are more editorial, and artistic. This photographic approach really pairs well with McQueen's fashion design aesthetic. McQueen's clothing is artistic and dramatic, which I felt was really highlighted by Ray's stunning black and white photos. 

Now, let's reflectively stroll through the rest of the exhibit rooms...
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Photograph by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
The dress pictured here, front and center, is called Eshu from McQueens Autumn/Winter 2000 Collection. This dress has been a favorite design of mine ever since I learned of Alexander McQueen back in fashion design school. I recall the first time I saw a photo of this moss covered dress, in a book, while studying fashion, and how impressed I was with the look. However, nothing could prepare me for how exquisite this dress was in real life! The moss-like effect is achieved by glass beadwork! The skirt is made with real horsehair! It is absolutely gorgeous in person. 

The plaque on the display said this about Eshu: 

"Eshu A/W 2000
Glass Bead and Horsehair Midi Dress

For his A/W 2000 Collection, McQueen explored the ideas of primitivism and tribalism in fashion. The collection was rich with references to traditional African dress, such as Ndebele neck rings and Samburu beadwork, and drew its title from Yoruba deity Eshu, the personification of mischief. This dress is a case study in couture dressmaking techniques as well as a collision between Western dress aesthetics and non-Western craft traditions. Although it was not uncommon for designers to derive inspiration from other cultures in the late 1990's, present conversations surrounding the ethics of such cross-cultural borrowings forces a reassessment of this collection. Specifically, one needs to consider the extent to which it blurs the boundaries between respectful appreciation and cultural appropriations." 

Fascinating! 
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Photographs by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Photograph by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
I found the story behind the following Embroidered Evening Coat by Alexander McQueen, extremely interesting. This coat features a "Bespoke Textile" created as a tribute to McQueen's friend Annabelle. The textile features embroidered words of Edgar Allen Poe's poem "Annabelle Lee" in gold thread!
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Photograph by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
The fashion designs by McQueen were not only a marvel to gaze upon, but were highly inspirational to me. I love how McQueen played with the shape of silhouettes, added artistic elements, and incorporated many intricate details in his designs. I loved how the fabrics McQueen selected for his collections were luxurious, with his designs often incorporating a mix of texture and color. I also greatly enjoyed the photographs by Ann Ray, who I had not been familiar with previously to this exhibit. Her work was equally inspirational to me. The photographs truly captured a moment in time of fashion history...
A Tailoring Background...
One of the final sections of the exhibit showcased McQueen's tailoring background and expertise, as well as patterns he had drafted, and mock-ups he had created of coats. It might be a surprise to many without sewing knowledge, to see how these fashions are created and constructed! The back wall of this room featured behind the scenes photos of McQueen's fashion shows, while a video played showing footage of McQueen's life.

​I found this exhibit to offer such a complete picture of not only McQueen's works, but also of his creative process. 
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Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
"The Dressing Room" An Interactive Gallery
While concluding the tour of the McQueen/Ray Exhibit, the last room to explore is The Dressing Room, an interactive gallery filled with fashion themed activities for all ages! 

I was particularly impressed with this area, since my visit to The Crocker was accompanied by my husband and our two youngest children. Our young girls were delighted by the hands-on activities, including the first one we came upon, a magnetic doll dressing board, where you can create a fashion look for Alexander McQueen himself! 

Additional activities included a doll clothing design station, learning basic embroidery stitches, identifying fabrics, matching fabrics, as well as dressing up in real designer fashions, and hitting the runway! 
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
Here are a few photos of my husband and I enjoying the interactive activities with the little ones, it was really fun! 
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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"The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
The Crocker: Then and Now
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"Residence of Mrs. E.B. Crocker" Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1875. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. 2023. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
Although the "Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray" Exhibit was temporary, The Crocker Art Museum is a fascinating place, all on its own. The museum is comprised of three buildings joined together, including two 1800's Victorian mansions, once owned by the wealthy Judge Crocker, and a modern 2010 building connected to the back. The Victorian mansions had been used as a residence to the Crocker Family, and an art gallery back in the late 1800's, and then gifted to the City of Sacramento in 1885. The museum is considered the oldest in California, and is now full of amazing collections of fine art, pottery, porcelain, and more. 
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
Check out these lovely photos of The Crocker Art Museum grounds and interior. If you are  fascinated by architecture and interior design of the past, as I am, you will see that this museum is a historical dream! 
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
I greatly enjoy any chance I get to visit The Crocker Art Museum, in Sacramento, California, and find it equally enjoyable that this time I was able to take you with me on this blog-tour of The Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, which was absolutely fantastic!

I always enjoy seeing designer fashions in a museum, and I am always on the lookout for these types of exhibits! If you enjoyed this article, check out related articles that I have written in the "Related Links" section below.

​Let me know, what was your favorite McQueen design, or Ray photograph from this exhibit, in the comments below! 
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
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The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
 See you at the next fashion museum exhibit! ​
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel at The Crocker Art Museum. Sacramento, California.
Related Links:
High Style at the Legion of Honor 
A Trip to Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles -Berkeley, California
Roaming Through a Mannequin Graveyard... With a Camera
Four Floors of Fabulous Britex Fabrics!
]]><![CDATA[Representing Fashion Design as Art at the Valley Art Association’s 2023 Art Scholarship Fund Exhibition]]>Fri, 03 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/representing-fashion-design-as-art-at-the-valley-art-associations-2023-art-scholarship-fund-exhibition
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Valley Art Association 2023 Art Scholarship Fund Exhibition. This year's exhibition was held at the Gene Bianchi Community Center located on 2nd Avenue in Oakdale, California. February 23rd-26th
This past weekend Valley Art Association, an organization promoting art since 1972, held their annual Art Scholarship Exhibition at the Bianchi Community Center in Oakdale, California. 

Leading up to this event, local artist in the region were invited to participate in the art exhibition by submitting their artworks and entry fees prior to the showing. Valley Art Association uses this annual event to raise funds for their scholarship program that is awarded to students studying art within the community. 

After contacting Valley Art Association directly, I was happily informed that my fashion designs, as well as fashion illustrations, would be warmly welcomed! 
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Valley Art Association's Call to Artist Flyer distributed locally and online.
I quickly gathered up my favorite recent artworks, along with my artsy husband, Javier Rangel, and we began to prepare the work we wanted to showcase for our submission...
When thinking about my past art projects, I wanted to showcase my personal favorites. For this exhibition, I chose a series of Ink Illustrations that I created, as well as two outfits that I designed, constructed, and hand embellished.
The Art Exhibit Begins! 
On Thursday, February 23rd, Javi and I, along with all of the other participating artists, dropped off our artworks at the Bianchi Community Center in Downtown Oakdale. The representatives from VAA (Valley Art Association) were so welcoming and friendly! They expressed such enthusiasm for my fashion design work, and were genuinely pleased to be showcasing fashion art here! 

The following evening, Friday, February 24th, from 5pm to 7pm, the Opening Night of the exhibit, with 101 pieces of artwork displayed for public viewing began. That same evening, The City of Oakdale hosted a 3rd Street Grand Opening Celebration to commence the completion of Downtown Oakdale's 3rd Street Renovation Project. 
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The City Of Oakdale’s 3rd Street Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. February 24th, 2023. Photo: Courtesy of Kayleigh Gilbert.
Rain poured steadily from the cloudy skies, as the local townsfolk of Oakdale gathered together for the 3rd Street Grand Opening, with Mayor Cherilyn Bairos "Cutting the Ribbon" marking the symbolic opening of the new beautifully cobbled stoned road.

​The Bianchi Community Center is just a block away from 3rd Street, making this event a perfect evening for shopping and dining, followed by a rainy-evening stroll to The Valley Art Association's Art Scholarship Fund Exhibition! Which is exactly what myself and my family did! 
It was quite fun seeing my work, and my husbands, displayed amongst such talented local artists at the art show! 

Fashion Illustration: Shoes!

One of the artworks I presented during this exhibit is a framed series of ink illustrations, the subject of my drawings... Fashion Shoes! 
I created these drawings by looking at advertisements in past issues of Vogue Magazine. I really enjoyed the challenge of capturing the intricate design details of these shoes, by using  fashion illustration and technical flat illustration techniques! All of these drawings were hand-drafted in pencil and then inked with a Copic Multi-Liner Ink Set. 

Here I am with my framed Fashion Shoe Illustrations at the Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Exhibition on the opening night of the exhibit: 
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Fashion Shoe Illustrations (Ink Drawings) with artist, Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Exhibition Fund 2023.
Check out these non-reflective, scanned, close up images of my illustrations:
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Fashion Shoe Illustrations (Ink Drawings) by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Exhibition Fund 2023.

Representing Fashion Design in Fiber Arts

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Fashion Designer, Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel with her original fashion designs: a Hand-Painted Floral Day Dress, a Hand-Beaded Parthenon High-Waisted Skirt and a Satin Crepe Drop Sleeve Blouse. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.
In addition to my illustrations, I selected two of my favorite fashion designs to showcase: my Hand-Painted Floral Day Dress and my hand-beaded Parthenon High-Waisted Skirt paired with my Satin Crepe Drop Sleeve Blouse. Both of these designs were first showcased on the runway at Oakland Fashion Week, located in Oakland, California. 
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Roxanne Rodriguez Fashion Design, Oakland Fashion Week.
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Roxanne Rodriguez Fashion Design, Oakland Fashion Week.
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Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.
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My two youngest daughters pose with "The Dresses Mommy Made!" Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.
If you would like to read more about these specific fashion designs, check out my Blog Article, "A Look Back: Fall 2018", where I discuss in more detail my inspiration and design process for creating my Hand Painted Floral Day Dress.

​In my Blog Article, "Oakland Fashion Week 2016: Day Three 'Sol Afrik'"., you will find one of several articles covering Oakland Fashion Week and my experience presenting my fashion collection there! 
So Much Talent!
Here are a few more photos of artworks from the exhibit: 
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Minnie Rangel poses next to her Viewers Choice Vote: A Lovely Cat Painting. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.
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"On The Hunt" Ink and Pencil by James Tracey. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.
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Oil Painting. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.
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Tenzing Rangel views the artwork at the exhibit. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.
And The Winners Are...
The three day art exhibit came to an end on Sunday, February 26th with an Artist Reception and Award Ceremony. The Rangel Family was in attendance, along with many other local artist and their associates. Delicious snacks, fresh coffee, and lemonade was served as we enjoyed a Silent Auction, followed by the Mayor's Choice Award. 

The City of Oakdale's Mayor Cherilyn Bairos presented artist, Steven Jamie Powers with the Mayor's Choice Award, for his painting of Gilbert's Feed. Oakdale is a city with a rich history in agriculture, and it was very interesting to hear Mayor Bairos heartwarming memory of her family's local history, when her great grandfather was a customer of  Gilbert's Feed. A story "near and dear" to the Mayor's heart!
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Mayor's Choice Award. Artist Steven Jamie Powers with Mayor Cherilyn Bairos. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023. Photo: Courtesy of Mayor Cherilyn Bairos.
In addition to the Mayor's Choice Award, Valley Art Association presented the Viewer's Choice Award, an award given to the artist with the most votes from those who attended the exhibit. And The Artist Choice Award, where participating artist voted for their favorite artist in the exhibit. 
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Artist Javier Rangel, with his pencil drawing of Robyn Williams. Valley Art Association Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition, 2023.
Surprisingly, for the first time in history, there was a 6-way tie for first place in The Artist Choice Category! Out of the six artworks that were most voted for, one name was selected at random to be crowned Artist Choice. This recipient of the selection was artist Steven Jamie Powers and his painting of San Francisco. My husband, artist Javier Rangel, and his pencil drawing of actor Robyn Williams, was one of the six artist in The Artist Choice Award tie! 
Artist Bradley Pultz and his painting of a underwater scene won The Viewers Choice Award. 
Congratulations to all of the amazing artist who were recognized for their outstanding artwork at the reception!   

I hope that you enjoyed my experience participating in the Valley Art Association's Annual Scholarship Fund Exhibition 2023 in Oakdale, California!

​My husband, Javi and I are now members of the Valley Art Association! As members, we look forward to being a part of the local artist community, learning from the many talented individuals in this group, and participating in more artistic events in the near future! 

If you were able to attend the art exhibit, did you enjoy seeing fashion presented? Which were your favorite artworks? I would love to hear your feedback and experience! Leave me a comment below! 
Thank you for reading my blog,
​I hope you have an Artistically Inspired Day! 
Related Links:
My Sewing Journal: Creating a Minoan Inspired Hand-Painted Skirt
A Photo Journey... My College Career as a Fashion Design Student
Parrot Couture
#Inktober 2019
#Inktober 2017
A Look Back: Fall 2018
]]><![CDATA[Summer 2022 Style Guide: Every Day Bold Color, and Feminine Silhouettes]]>Mon, 06 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/summer-2022-style-guide-every-day-bold-color-and-feminine-silhouettes
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, wearing bold color, as often as possible!
Years ago, I came across a quote from the famous (or infamous), fashion icon, Wallis Simpson, who once said, "I am not a beautiful woman. I'm nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than everyone else."

Although Simpson was a very wealthy woman, who had access to high-end fashion (she was the wife of the United Kingdom's Prince Edward), this quote always stuck with me. Every woman has their own insecurities regarding their individual appearance, some of our features may be out of our control, but we all can control what we wear on a daily basis! I have found that just wearing skirts, and dresses, incorporating bold color, and feminine silhouettes with my outfits, has gained the attention of many fellow women, who often say to me how much they love my outfit, and wish they could "pull off'' more skirts and dresses for everyday wear. I honestly believe that any lady, with any figure, and with any budget, can pull off wearing bold color and feminine silhouettes! 
For those ladies that might need a little inspiration, I have put together this brief article highlighting some of my favorite easy to wear daily outfits, that I wore over the past month.

​The key to my fashion success is the development of my own personal style. For my personal style, I enjoy vintage silhouettes that incorporate fashion elements from a wide range of decades, including modern clothing.  I have found that collecting classic pieces, such a wide variety of skirts, graphic tees, dresses, blouses, sweaters, and accessories, has allowed me to mix and match my clothing collection for a unique "Vintage Inspired" daily look. Mixing bright bold colors, or combining patterns in unusual ways can make any wardrobe feel fashion forward and interesting year after year! ​
Bold Color
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This is me, wearing an ankle length skirt and a vintage blouse. The bright color combination of this look is a real head turner!
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My daughter, SkyLynne, loves fashion too!
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Accessories can quickly add stylish dimension to your outfit! Keep a well stocked jewelry box with all of your favorite styles and metal tones!
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Just chillin'.
I have never been shy of color, and you shouldn't either! Bold colors often work well with a wide variety of skin tones, and hair colors. Experiment with color combinations that appeal to you. For a bold look, mix and match complementary colors. 

​For this look I have paired an ankle length skirt with a bright vintage blouse. I really loved the color combination of this outfit! The bright blue of this skirt is always a source of a compliment! 
Skirts are a game changer when it comes to creating a truly feminine look! The great thing about skirts is they can be paired with different tops for endless combinations! One constant source of my daily outfits is my combination of  graphic tee-shirts and skirts...
​Graphic Tees and Skirts: Endless Combinations!
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Pop Culture Screen Tees, such as this 1990's Dr. Dre T-Shirt, pair great with vintage inspired skirts, for a fun, fresh look!
I love Graphic Tee-Shirts and how well they represent pop culture, which I equally love! Graphic T-Shirts can often add an element of humor to an outfit, which is fun! I have been enjoying wearing novelty tee-shirts since my baggy clothed, tomboy days in the 1990's. Since then I have a huge bin in my closet over-filled with folded graphic tees! 

I have found that tucking my shirts into my skirts creates a more flattering waistline for my body type, as well as a more complete "Vintage Inspired" day look. I love the appearance of high waisted skirts, which would be lost on a blouse or t-shirt left untucked. Here are a few combinations of this style that I wore this past month:
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Graphic Tees and Skirts: endless combinations!
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My Grease Tee-Shirt Paired perfectly with a Full Circle Skirt. The perfect outfit to wear to a local Grease Play!
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Mixing Eras! In this photo I experimented with a new hairstyle, vintage braided bangs, with a vintage hat! I paired a 1980's style Captain EO Tee-Shirt with a high waisted skirt and wing tip heels to create a 1980's meets 1940's look, in the year 2022!
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My mustard Floral Cat Graphic Tee, with an Olive Green faux suede skirt, left me feeling earthy that day!
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Here I am wearing my blue skirt again, this time paired with an old Santa Cruz Beach Tee-Shirt for a casual look.
Blouses and Dresses for an Elevated Every Day-Wear
When I want to elevate my day-wear look, I grab a blouse instead of a Tee-Shirt. Using the same concept for a flattering, put-together look, as I consider when I wear a graphic tee, I always tuck in my blouse, and accessorize! I realized when compiling my photos for this blog, that I did not wear many dresses during the past month. So I have featured only one photo here. This charming bright lime green dress, paired great with turquoise accessories! 
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Skirts and dresses of various lengths are my favorite fashion items! I have curated an amazing skirt collection over the years, including this lovely multi-colored vintage skirt, far right.
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I like to pair skirts with flats or heels depending on the work I am doing that day. Skirts can be paired with a wide variety of tops, and the tops can be paired with a variety of skirts, creating new looks everyday! Featured here are typical outfits I would wear to work as an Alteration Specialist, or an afternoon at the park with my kids.
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Crop Tops over 40?! Why not! This look can be classy and age-appropriate in my opinion!
It is no secret that this past month I slid into a new decade, and entered, fashionably, into my 40's! Recently, I have been enjoying a body confidence that I didn't always have in past decades. The increase in my body confidence isn't solely based on my age. A huge factor comes from the results of an entire year of focusing on my fitness. I have slimed down and toned up since having my babies, and I am really excited about that. I have always loved the vintage crop-top look (featured in my own past fashion collections), as well as the 1990's crop-top look represented by some of my favorite 90's fashion icons: Aaliyah, Gwen Stephani, and Selena! But can women in their 40's still pull-off crop-tops?
​Heck yes we can! 

A great way to increase confidence, and feel great about pushing your own boundaries regarding fashion, is to exercise regularly. I am a firm believer that all woman's bodies are different, but we can all maximize our bodies potential by eating healthy and incorporating some form of daily exercise! 
Braided Up-Dos and Accessories! 
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Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
I am not the most skilled woman when it comes to hair styling and Make-Up Artistry, but I brush and style my hair daily, even if it is just a braid. For an easy, fashionable up-do, I have found twisting a braid into a bun, and fixing it to the head with hair pins is easy and nice looking. Pining the braid over the head also creates a pleasing style. Hair Pins are everything. 

In addition to a simple hair style, I love to accessorize with necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Hats and stylized sunglasses are also fantastic for summer! 
Many of the clothing and accessories that I own, have been purchased second hand, over the course of over 20 years! I am always adding, taking away, and refining my collection. If you are new to wearing these types of garments, don't be overwhelmed! You really only need a few well fitting skirts and blouses to get started! Your Creativity is your fashion asset! 

Regardless of your own personal style, second hand purchases are a great way to add quality and fashionable clothing to your wardrobe without spending a fortune! 
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Accessorize!
I hope the styling of my recent outfits gives you inspiration to add more Bold Color and Feminine Silhouettes to your daily outfits!
Let me know what outfits inspired you, by commenting below! 
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I hope you have the most Fashionable Summer! 
Related Links: 
A Photo Journey... My College Career as a Fashion Design Student
My Whirlwind Wedding Engagement: From The Cliff House to Las Vegas, in 4 Months and 3 Dresses! 
A Fashionable Pregnancy: My Maternity Style- Part I
A Fashionable Pregnancy: My Maternity Style- Part 2
A Fashionable Motherhood: Part 1- My Breastfeeding Friendly Wardrobe, with Ease, and In Style
]]><![CDATA[A Look Back: Fall 2018]]>Mon, 05 Jul 2021 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/a-look-back-fall-2018
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Models, Marisa Johnson, and Priya Gupta, wearing Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018, backstage at Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
Today I am day dreaming of Fashion Shows, both those in the past and those in the future! 

I love Fashion Shows, and I love having the unique opportunity to participate in them!

Since the Covid Pandemic hit us all last year, any of the fashion shows that were scheduled during 2020-2021, here in Northern California,  were abruptly put on hold, and then cancelled, with no re-scheduling dates in sight. I personally halted all original design concepts. I  began using my sewing skills for mask making, and I continued working on other paying sewing gigs through recent days. 

Just a month or so ago, Oakland Fashion Week 2022 ​has been announced to commence in May 2022! As a participating fashion designer, I will be creating a Women's 2022 Fashion Collection to debut at this upcoming fashion runway event! 
While preparing for my newest designs, I began to reflect on my last runway collection, my Fall 2018 Collection, titled, Midnight Muse. I would love to share with you my designs from this collection: from the uncut fabric, to the final runway looks! 
Hand Crafted Details
When I begin to create original designs for a fashion collection, I start my design process with trend forecasting research, then I narrow down my silhouettes, color story, and design details.  For my 2018 Midnight Muse Collection, I chose a color pallet of greens, blues, and a contrasting pop of red. The fabrics I selected included a mix of hues and textures, as well as a floral printed knit. 

I love to add artistic, hand-embellished design details to my creations to make them truly unique. For this collection, I hand-stitched embroidery, and beadwork, used a hand-crafted pleating technique, and I hand-painted a floral motif!
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A stack of uncut fabric! This is the fabric I selected for my 2018 Collection, Midnight Muse.
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Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018 Collection photographed on the rolling rack, back stage of Oakland Fashion Week 2018.
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Close Up Photo of a Hand- Embroidered and Hand-Beaded Rose Design, featured on the Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018 Caplet.
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Close Up Photo of the Hand-Crafted Pleating featured on the Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018 Pencil Skirt.
The Final Collection
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Oakland Fashion Week Runway Models, backstage at Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 4.
After many long hours of creating and sewing, my Midnight Muse Collection was complete, and Runway Ready! This collection made it’s public debut at Oakland Fashion Week 2018’s Day Four, Ready-To-Wear Runway Event! 
Here are the final looks of my collection modeled by the lovely Oakland Fashion Week 2018 Runway Models, and photographed by Marco Acevedo Garcia.
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Roxanne Rodriguez 2018 Midnight Muse Collection
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Roxanne Rodriguez 2018 Midnight Muse Collection
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Roxanne Rodriguez 2018 Midnight Muse Collection
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Roxanne Rodriguez 2018 Midnight Muse Collection
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Roxanne Rodriguez 2018 Midnight Muse Collection
​The Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018, Midnight Muse Collection, is by far my favorite that I’ve designed and constructed thus far! I am really looking forward to pushing my design creativity even further with my upcoming 2022 collection!
Join me, and many other amazing fashion designers from the Bay Area, at Oakland Fashion Week 2022, on May 15th-May 22nd, 2022!
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Thank you for viewing my work! Have a great day, my friends! 
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Designer Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel with Runway Model, Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day One, Opening Night.
Related Links: 
Oakland Fashion Week 2018: Day Four, Ready-To-Wear
A Look Back: Summer 2015
A  Photo Journey... My College Career as a Fashion Design Student 
Parrot Couture
]]><![CDATA[My Vintage Sewing Pattern Collection: Authentic 1940's]]>Wed, 16 Jun 2021 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/my-vintage-sewing-pattern-collection-authentic-1940sWelcome back!

Today I would love to take you on a Fashion Illustration Appreciation Journey to the 1940’s!
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​In this article we will be taking a close-up look at my personal "Home-Sewing" pattern collection, specifically the fashion illustrations found on the front of my Vintage Sewing Pattern envelopes! The patterns I have selected to share with you today are straight from the 1940’s!
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A 1940's Silhouette Timeline- 1940-1949

​Whenever I pull out these gems, I am in awe! The condition of these paper patterns alone amazes me! And then... the illustrations! 

Just studying the lovely fashion illustrations that grace the covers of these vintage pattern envelopes are sure to inspire! Hence, my desire to scan, and archive these treasures to share with those that may not have access to such historical fashion illustrations! ​
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25 Vintage Sewing Patterns from the 1940's. These patterns are part of my personal pattern collection. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
As of yet, I have not used these patterns for sewing, merely for fashion inspiration. However, I do plan on creating a few blouses using my vintage sewing pattern, Simplicity Pattern 4864 soon! I will keep you, Dear Reader, updated on that endeavor! 
Following are the 25 Vintage Sewing Patterns printed in the 1940's, that I hired my two teenagers to scan for me! 

​Enjoy!
Advance Pattern
​Printed in 1940-1949: Pattern Numbers 2348-5370
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Advance Pattern Co., Tailored Shirtwaist Dress, # 2320 (1939) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Advance Pattern Co. #3202 (1943) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Advance Pattern Co. #4679 (1947) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Advance Pattern Co. #4743 (1947) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
Hollywood Pattern
Printed in 1940: Pattern Numbers 1929-1998
1941-1949: Pattern Numbers 559-2170
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The Hollywood Pattern Company, One-Piece Dress, No. 1153 (1943) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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The Hollywood Pattern Company, Two-Piece Suit and Dickey, No. 1314 (1944) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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The Hollywood Pattern Company, Two-Piece Suit, No. 1332 (1944) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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The Hollywood Pattern Company, Baret and Bag, No. 1480 (1944) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Hollywood Pattern Service, Coat and Leggings, #1704 (1945) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
Junior Vogue Pattern 
Printed in 1940-1949: Pattern Numbers 3002-3324
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Vogue Pattern Service, One-Piece Dress "Easy-To-Make", No. 3203 (1948) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
McCall Printed Pattern
Printed in 1940-1949: Pattern Numbers 3505-7867
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McCall Printed Pattern, Misses' Two-Piece Sports Ensemble (Waist, Shorts and Skirt), No. 5597 (1944) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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McCall Printed Pattern, Ladies' & Misses' Dress, No. 7579 (1949) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
Simplicity Printed Pattern 
Printed in 1940-1944: Pattern Numbers 3264-4999
1944-1949: Pattern Numbers 1000-2715
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' and Women's Blouse, #4864 (1943) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Junior Misses' and Misses' Dress, #1166 (1944) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' and Women's One-Piece Dress, #1676 (1946) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' and Women's One-Piece Dress, #1568 (1946) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' and Women's One-Piece Dress, #1663 (1946) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses and Women's Two-Piece Pajama, #1999 (1947) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' and Women's Slip, #2220 (1947) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' Two-Piece Coat, #2182 (1947) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' and Women's Dress or Housecoat in Three Lengths, #2832 (1949) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' Dress and Apron, #3055 (1950) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' Dress or Housecoat, #3125 (1950) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
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*Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' Blouse and Overblouse, #1090 (1954) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel) *Correction: This pattern was originally listed as 1944 in my collection, but that was a mistake. This pattern is the 1954 version of Simplicity #1090. This image caption has been corrected but left in this article.)
Anne Adams Pattern 
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Anne Adams Pattern #4195 (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)

I hope that you have enjoyed viewing this photo collection of my Vintage Sewing Patterns from the 1940's! 1940's Fashion has always been an inspiration to me, and after studying these illustrations it is no wonder that 1940's Fashion has continued to inspire so many, for decades there after!

​If seeing these lovely vintage fashion illustrations, from the 1940's,  are intriguing to you, I have a few more fashion illustration resources to recommend:

From my fashion and sewing library, I have the lovely book of sewing pattern illustrations: Blueprints of Fashion, Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940's, by Wade Laboissonniere. This book is laid out in a similar fashion as this blog article, it features scanned archived photos of the original sewing pattern envelopes from the 1940's, with a large collection of over 550 images! I also have the 1950's Volume of Blueprints of Fashion, which is just as amazing.
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A book from my fashion and sewing library: Blueprints of Fashion, Home Sewing Patters of the 1940's, by Wade Laboissonnier (2009).
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A book from my fashion and sewing library: Dress Design: Draping and Flat Pattern Making, By Hillhouse and Mansfield (1948).
The book, Dress Design: Draping and Flat Pattern Making by Hillhouse and Mansfield is a pattern drafting book from 1948! That is a book I could do a whole article on alone! If that is something you would like to see more of, let me know! I am privileged to have several vintage design books within my library!  
Another fantastic fashion resource regarding 1940's Fashion is this video by Vogue, narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker:
Lastly, I'd love to share with you a fun 1940's relic within my Sewing Workroom: this lovely 1944 Singer, with the owner's manual and desk! I hope to fully restore, or at least clean her up, one day! 
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My 1944 Singer!
Thank you again for reading my blog! I hope 1940's Fashion has inspired you as much as it has me! 

​I have plans to continue this Blog Series with a photo collection of more of my vintage sewing patterns from other decades, as well as fashion illustrations from patterns that are vintage reproductions! Leave me a comment below on your thoughts, what you like or do not like about 1940's fashion, or what decade inspires you?

​Now, I'm off to start sewing! 
Have an Inspired Day! 
Related Links: 
Organizations Tips for Commercial Sewing Patterns 
High Style at the Legion of Honor 
Re-Creating a 1920's Look... with Make-Up! 
My Sewing Journal: A Vintage Inspired E.T. Skirt!
]]><![CDATA[Spring 2021 Update!]]>Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.roxannerodriguezportfolio.com/blog/spring-2021-updateHello my dearest darlings!
​I hope Springtime 2021 is finding you well!

My Blog has been on my mind for sometime, as has about 20 personal sewing projects, that I have yet to even start. So, today, I thought I’d start somewhere, and get you an update on some recent happenings, and workroom photos of completed, and not-so-completed, projects!

This is me, Roxanne, enjoying the fresh blooms of Spring, one of my favorite times of the year! ​
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I recently found this lovely dress at The Salvation Army: It’s Vintage, a Perfect Fit, and... has Pockets!
Since I Left You Last...
I have been buzzing around like a pollinating bumble bee, juggling several side-hustles around my most important job: that of a Homemaker, Wife, and Mother. That may sound a bit old fashioned, but it is totally true, leaving me creatively drained with little energy for fashion design projects and sewing on most days!

Although this past year has been spent mostly homebound for myself and children, we were able to safely travel to the Las Vegas/Henderson area of Nevada in January 2021, and we had a lovely time visiting our family there! 

Summer activities are already filling our schedule, including a camping trip this July! 
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The Rangel Family- Las Vegas, January 2021
Work!
I am still working Saturday’s as an Alterations Specialist with the clothier, The Buckle, and am currently creating a Blog Article all about Jeans, which I surprisingly found quite fascinating! I can't wait to share that soon! I am still busting out Alteration Services from my sewing room at home. 

My Dad’s Boat Upholstery Project was delayed due to fabric sourcing, but new fabric has arrived!
Check out this photo of the old upholstery fabric, next to the new upholstery fabric, for one of my Dad’s boat chairs! I will be sure to continue to keep you updated on this project, in future Blog Posts, as I expect this project's completion to go fast at this point!
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Adventures in Upholstery Project: side by side comparison of old and new fabric.
Now, let’s get to even more SEWING!
Toddler Sewing Time
My two youngest daughters are no longer babies, and are now on their way to becoming capable young children. My second to youngest daughter, SkyLynne, is expressing interest in learning to sew!

Since SkyLynne is almost 4 years old, I’m starting her with hand-sewing lessons. So far, I’ve been teaching SkyLynne to use a large embroidery needle and yarn to get used to hand-stitching. I draw dots on the fabric as a guide for her needle, and she is doing great! We also started another Sewing Project together...
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Toddler hands intent on mastering Hand-Stitching.
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Toddler hands intent on mastering Hand-Stitching.
A Moon to Cuddle
My two young daughters love the Moon (who doesn’t!). My youngest daughter, Minnie, is particularly obsessed, so when SkyLynne asked for “a Moon to Cuddle”, I decided to make a stuffed moon for each of them!
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Toddler-Helping-Sewing-Project: A Stuffed Moon with a Cap and Star!
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Bedtime Happiness!
I have not made very many stuffed animals during my design/seamstress career, so these guys are definitely not perfect! Together, SkyLynne and I drafted a simple crescent moon pattern, with a night cap and star, as well as machine stitched face details! Although they could be better, I learned stuffed- toy-making tips & tricks for next time, and my girls now each have a cuddly moon to sooth them through the night! Priceless!
Work in Progress...
I love to visit thrift shops as often as I can. While shopping, I not only keep my eyes peeled for Vintage Clothing and Vintage Kitchen Wares, but also for... fabric!

These recent acquisitions left me feeling inspired!
Check out this yellow and green fitted sheet set, and lace curtains I bought for mere dollars!
I will be creating something fantastic soon with these lovelies! Blog Post coming soon!
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Vintage Bed Sheet Set (Left), and Lace Curtain (Right), that I will be using to create new dresses!
2021 Goals
This past year went by a-little too fast! So with that in mind, I am going to challenge myself, for the remainder of the year, starting TODAY, to Sew Each and Every Day!

I figure, if I work on sewing a personal project for even just an hour a day, I’ll have several new completed garments... eventually! This may also be a fun idea for a new Blog Series!

I also have been inspired to take photos of my Vintage Commercial Patterns as a Blog Series highlighting the lovely Fashion Illustrations on the pattern envelopes! I hope this will also inspire my readers for design ideas, who may not have access to these beauties! 

I would love to hear your thoughts!
What have you been up to this year? Do you Sew daily? What projects are you working on? Do you Sew with your children? What are your Creative Goals for the remaining 2021? Are there any Fashion or Sewing related topics that you would like me to write a Blog Article about? 

Leave me your comments below!
​I appreciate you!
Have a fantastically fashionable day!
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My beloved Grandma Minnie, San Francisco, California, April 2009
In Loving Memory of
Mrs. Herminia “Minnie” Rodriguez​
11/02/1941- 06/28/2020
Related Links:
An Interview with My First Sewing Student!
My Sewing Journal: Custom Children's Projects- Volume 1
Adventures in Upholstery! Part 1: Out with the Old 
Alteration Services, Re-Design, and Clothing Repair
Memoirs of FaceMask Making- Week One 
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