 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2017! This past May, the Bay Area Community was in for a real fashion treat, as the 3rd Annual Oakland Fashion Week kicked off a full week of runway events, starting with The Opening Night, "Industry Threads!" at Agave Uptown, located at 2135 Franklin Street, in Downtown Oakland. Happily, I attended all four nights, and was privileged to showcase my own new original designs during the "Sol Afrik: Ready-To-Wear" night of this amazing event! Oakland Fashion Week is the only Fashion Week focused on showcasing East Bay Talent. Up and coming designers, established designers, stylists, Make Up Artists, models, photographers, and event coordinators all came together to present an exciting fashion experience, covering a wide range of fashion designs and styles!  Agave Uptown is located at 2135 Franklin Street, in Oakland, California. For reservations or information, call (510) 288-3668, or visit www.agaveuptown.com On Wednesday, May 10th, 2017, I entered Agave Uptown for the first time. It is a sophisticated restaurant and bar serving appetizers, salads, tacos, mole, burritos, and artistically plated desserts. Agave Uptown specializes in serving a long list of Tequilas and Mezcal, featuring over 65 different varieties! The full bar also serves specialty cocktails, beer by the bottle or on draft, and Sonoma County Wines. I would loved to have tried one of the specialty alcoholic beverages, but due to being pregnant at the time of the event, I ordered a delicious chicken salad, and gourmet Flan! It was quite enjoyable indulging in caramel drizzled, berry garnished Flan as the fashion show comenced!  This is me, Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel (6 Months Pregnant), at OFW Day 1! Photo by Felipe Reyes.  Flan, a delicious dessert, from Agave Uptown. The building was full of patrons of fashion when I arrived! Everyone was mingling, enjoying cocktails and food, while awaiting the fashion show to begin. It was very nice to see so many of the men and women who participated in Oakland Fashion Week 2016. As I said my "Hellos", I made my way towards the back of the restaurant to find a seat with a view of the runway isle!  Myself with Oakland Fashion Designer, James Head on OFW 2017 Opening Night. Soon, the host of the night, Elise "Hollywood" Evans, began to introduce the designers who would be featured during the evenings runway lineup. I was very excited to see that Elise was the host! I had met Elise last year during the filming of pilot episode for a local fashion television show, and she is absolutely fantastic! Elise's dynamic energy, and humor were sure to get the party going!  Elise "Hollywood" Evans, the host of OFW 2017's "Opening Night: Industry Threads" Photo: Eric Murphy. Combs Designs Combs Designs was first to present their collection, which offered a wide array of tees, crop tops, skirts, and dresses. These looks offered a flattering, fashion forward look with ease and comfort. Take a look at a few pieces from their collection:  Marie Combs, designer and owner of Combs Designs. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.
Check out the Combs Designs website at www.combsdesigns.com, or contact them directly at combsdesignsforyou@gmail.com. Meileena Bautista Lovely floral printed skirts graced the runway as Meileena Bautista Designs presented their collection. Here are a few looks:  Designs by Meileena Bautista, OFW 2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.
Valerie Cotton The next collection , by Valarie Cotton of Adorna Couture, was fantastically bright and majestic. Asian and Samurai inspired silhouettes were the theme for her collection. Upon viewing these stunning pieces, the audience was left feeling as if they had entered a luxuriant dream land!  Designs by Valerie Cotton, OFW 2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.
 Designs by Valerie Cotton, OFW 2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.  Designs by Valerie Cotton, OFW 2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia. Anthelma Arellanes I adore and cherish embroidery immensely, so you can imagine my excitement when seeing the exquisite embroidered floral motifs upon Anthelma Arallanes' designs! Lovely dresses, gowns, and blouses graced the runway as her collection was presented:  Designer, Anthelma Arallanes. OFW 2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.
You can visit Anthelma Arellanes' web-site at www.anthelmasgaleria.com. When the runway event ended, many of those in attendance stayed for photos and socialization. The models came out, still dressed in many of the marvelous designs we had all just seen on the runway! I left feeling very energized and excited for the following days to come, as this was a great start to the fashion filled week! If you were in attendance you most likely felt the same! I hope that you enjoyed taking the time to read my re-cap of Oakland Fashion Week 2017's Day One! Stay tuned for the rest of my articles in this series, which will cover designs featured in OFW 2017's Day Two, "Sol Afrik: Ready-To-Wear", OFW 2017's Day Three, "Splash: Resort and Swimwear", and OFW 2017's Final Night, "Exclusively Yours"! Also, check out this wonderful video, made by Elise "Hollywood" Evans, showing highlights and interviews from all four days of Oakland Fashion Week 2017! Thank you again for reading! Related Links:
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 A map of Oakland, California illustrating historical points of interest.
Hello Friends! Thank you for reading my blog series covering Oakland Fashion Week 2016! I was so fortunate to not only attend all five days, but to also showcase my current collection on the Day 3 Event. During each day I was privileged to meet many amazing people. I am sad that OFW is over, it was such a wonderful week, and quite honestly I could get used to going out to a fashion show every single night! What a dreamy job that would be! Right about now, the professional photographers who worked during all of the fashion filled days, are editing their vast collection of photos, and are beginning to release some truly amazing shots. On the final night of OFW, my family came along with me to view the final presentation of collections. My husband, Javier Rangel, has helped me tremendously with photography and providing me with a Cannon camera to take some behind the scenes shots of the final night. Take a look at some of my favorite behind the scenes photos we were able to capture:
On the final night of Oakland Fashion Week, six designers and boutiques presented captivating ensembles! The first to present an alluring array of formal gowns was boutique owner Rosa Bliss with Bliss Boutique and Bridal. Bliss Boutique and Bridal is located at 881 South 1st Street in San Jose, California. Here are a few pictures of my favorite looks:
Second on the runway, was Oxford Way Tailoring, which is located at 6038 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing the Men’s Wear garments presented in this collection, particularly because I know the owner of this tailor shop personally. Mr. Randy Rowden is the owner and tailor of Oxford Way, which he runs with his family. Interestingly, his daughter, Tiendres Rowden and I attended college together at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Sacramento. Although Tiendres was in the graduating class prior to mine, we had several classes together, and the two of us became friends! It was such a pleasure seeing Tiendres and her father, Randy, at Oakland Fashion Week! The Men’s Wear pieces they presented were just my style! As you most likely know, I love mixing textiles and prints! So when I saw the amazing combinations of shirts, sportcoats, ties, bow ties, and suits, I , along with all in the audience, were overcome with joy!
When speaking with Mr. Rowden after the event, he mentioned to me that he was very pleased of the positive feedback he received from young men regarding the looks he presented. He told me that for a while, in the 1990’s, during the “Hip Hop Era”, as he put it, people in general began to dress more casual. Now he is seeing young people interested in dressing up again, and his business is growing more and more each day. Check out a few of my favorite looks from Oxford Way:
The next designer to present was Martha Carretero. Mrs. Carretero's designs were undeniably beautiful and graceful! What most impressed me about her designs was that each formal gown and cocktail dress had an amazingly intricate hand-painted floral motif strategically placed on each garment. Each model walking down the runway held a flower that was identical to the floral design hand-painted on the dress! This styling was cleverly impactful! Take a look at some of my favorite designs:
 Designs by Martha Carretero. Photos by Jav.Ran Photography. Fourth up on the runway was Raul Rosales from Sacramento. I had worked with Raul at a previous runway show, the 1st Annual Soul Incredible Unity Fashion Festive last August in Sacramento. I was very impressed with the designs that he presented last year, and was very much looking forward to seeing his new collection! Mr. Rosales is known for creating voluminous ball gowns fit for a princess! He also uses an interesting assortment of luxurious textile combinations. This collection was no exception! I immediately noticed that in some of his designs, he used a plastic textile! The plastic textile, along with the other fabrics used created a look that was not only artful but futuristic! Check out a few of my favorite pieces from his collection:
After Raul Rosales, the next designer to present was James Thomas Head. I met Mr. Head at the pre-fashion week events that were held prior to OFW, such as model casting calls, and a designer mixer. Mr. Head was very friendly, outgoing, and welcoming. We became friends instantly! As I got to know Mr. Head, and the experience he has as a designer for many years, I was very much impressed! Interestingly, Mr. Head has been designing for over 20 years! He is best known for creating the iconic pants that the musician MC Hammer wore in the 1990’s! Mr. Head’s designs for MC Hammer have appeared on numerous magazines including the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.
Mr. Head also created a successful clothing brand in the 1990’s called Sag Wear. He described to me the process he went through with Sag Wear, creating his extremely unique denim wear in a factory in Texas, and then selling them in retail stores, across the US! Mr. Head is always thinking of, and then creating, very innovative, ingenious designs!  Myself with Mr. James Thomas Head. Photo by Jav.Ran Photography. Check out some of my favorite pieces that Mr. James Thomas Head presented during OFW 2016:
 Designs by James Thomas Head. Photos taken on my IPhone. Closing the runway show was designer Marise Oliviera, from Brazil! Her designs were feminine and stunning! I have yet to visit Brazil, but I imagine the jaw-dropping Brazilian Women would all look like this! Check out a few of my favorite looks:
 Designs by Marise Oliveira. Photo taken with my IPhone. That concludes my journey through each day of Oakland Fashion Week 2016! Thank you again for taking the time to read my blog post series covering the entire week! If you missed one of my articles, click the tab on the right hand side of your screen to access my blog archives. Also, be sure to Subscribe to my blog! As I am sure you have gleaned from my experience, it was a wonderful week, featuring many talented designers, as well as wonderful boutiques! I am thankful to be a part of such an event, and look forward to next years OFW! For information regarding next year’s OFW, visit www.oaklandfashionweek.com! I look forward to seeing you at the next runway show!  Related Links:
The pieces were really colorful, and many were extremely unique! The crowd was fascinated by the array of men’s and women’s swim attire that glided across the runway! Before I recap the five featured collections, let’s take a look at the evolution of swim wear that has transformed in style dramatically over the course of the last two hundred years.  http://www.fashionlady.in/the-history-of-womens-swim-suits/29637 A few years back I was reading the book, Hiroshima, by John Hersey. It is a somber tale detailing the events and after effects of the atomic bombing that occurred in Hiroshima, Japan on August 6th 1945. While I was reading the startling facts about atomic bomb testing that occurred during that era, I learned that the US set off many test bombs along the coast in the Pacific Ocean, including near several small islands and atolls (an atoll is a reef, or chain of islands formed of coral). One such atoll, the Bikini Atoll, was devastated by the effects of these bomb tests, resulting in the native habitats being forced to move from the area. According to recent news sites, the Marshall Islands, which is where the Bikini Atoll is located, is still brimming with nuclear contamination to this very day. During the 1940’s and 1950’s people were fascinated by the new development of atomic power. It was little understood, and highly romanticized. Louis Reard, who was a French designer of the 1940’s created a courageous two-piece swimsuit, which he called the “Bikini”, indicating that the impact of this new fashion would be explosive! European women wearing the new fashion were called “bombshells”, because of the devastating effect they had on their male companions. Although the idea of a two-piece swimsuit was not new, European women in the 1930’s were pairing halter tops with shorts; this new style, created by Reard, was crafted using minimal fabric, mimicking a bra and panties. In addition to Louis Reard, Jacques Heim also created a similar design, around that time, and called his two-piece suit “atome”. I find these facts very interesting, especially since the word Bikini is commonly used to describe a two-piece swimsuit today! We even call the sexy ladies who wear them “bombshells”! Let's take a look at the modern "Bombshells" of Oakland Fashion Week!  Swimsuit designs by Layla. Photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel The first collection featured at this years OFW swimwear event, Designs by Layla, was radiant! I loved all three looks, particularly the fringe detail on the second swimsuit presented. The models were so stunningly beautiful. I wish I could look as good in a Bikini as they do, but thankfully some alternatives were presented in the next collection that may be more suitable for body conscience types like myself! The next designs were created by Ujena Swimwear. Ujena Swimwear showcased a large collection of 13 exquisite pieces! I loved the mixture of two-piece swimsuits, one-piece suits, and cover ups. They were all so pretty! Don't you agree?
One of the best parts about attending all of the Oakland Fashion Week events, is having the opportunity to network with models, hair and make-up artists, photographers, event coordinators as well as fellow designers. One designer who I had the privilege of meeting during the first model casting for OFW, was Masthan Fanaka. Mr. Fanaka and I talked at length during an event mixer that we both attended a few weeks ago, and he told me about his career path, and what led him to design. Mr. Fanaka started his career in fashion as a photographer, but then became inspired to create his own swimwear line. He said at first he felt his peers did not take him seriously as a designer, but as his skill and ideas increased he began to develop a reputation for creating amazing intricate swimwear that was fashion forward, bold, and energetic. Yesterday evening, Mr. Fanaka presented both a men's swimwear line and a women's swimwear line. The pieces in his women's collection were truly special! I loved how each garment included an element of surprise. Check out some of my favorites:
Following Mr. Fanaka presentation, were garments from Jr. Esmeralda Boutique. During this event, Jr. Esmeralda Boutique showcased a wide variety of shorts and tops in a multitude of color combinations. Everyone enjoyed these looks, as I surely did!
While studying fashion, I learned clothing construction techniques, as well as needlework techniques such as knitting and crocheting. Because of my knowledge of these crafts, I appreciated the next collection presented by Very Conceited. Each swimsuit was made out of exquisite knitted textiles. I absolutely adored every piece in this collection!
 Designs by Very Conceited. Photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Thank you for taking the time to read my blog article about Oakland Fashion Week: Day Four "Splash: Swim & Resort"! I know all who have helped make this event a possibility are overflowing with excitement as OFW main event, the final runway show, "VIP Exclusively Yours" will commence on Saturday May 14th 2016! I look forward to seeing you there!  From Left to Right: Model Fan-Pei Koung, guest of OFW, Designer Mastahn Fanaka, and Designer Roxanne Rodriguez Related Links:
 Behind the Scenes: The beautiful model, Charis Hill, along with the lovely hairstylist Esmeralda. Photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Today I am going to give you a unique look into Oakland Fashion Week’s third day event, “Sol Afrik”, with exclusive behind the scene footage! I am so fortunate and thankful for the opportunity to have presented my Spring/Summer 2016 Collection, “Flamingos at the Parthenon” last night on the runway! The energy and comradery behind the stage was unbelievable!
For most of the evening, I was helping prepare my models for the runway show, as they spent hours getting their hair and makeup styled. My amazing husband, Javier Rangel, was out taking some truly fantastic photographs of the other designer’s presentations, and he captured some pretty unique shots, that I am pleased to share with you today! If you have been following this blog series of mine detailing the daily events of OFW, you will know that there are only two days left of this phenomenal annual event! Tonight, join us at Studio Fab, 2525 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, at 7pm for the “Splash: Swim & Resort” Collections, and then again tomorrow night at 150 Hegenberger Road, Oakland, at 7pm for “VIP: Exclusively Yours”! I have met many of the designers presenting at these upcoming events, and let me tell you, you do not want to miss the viewing of these collections! I cannot wait to see designer, Mastahn Fanaka’s swimwear collection tonight! From what I have seen of his previous work, his designs are Hot! Hot! Hot!
As the designers, models, hair and make-up team, photographers, and event coordinators were working hard to get every detail just right, the crowd began to pour in from Telegraph Avenue, and fill the seats along the runway! As a clothing designer, it is thrilling to see the audience swarm in with excitement. I love seeing the models come in bare faced, all with such exquisite beauty even in their natural state, and then transform into a work of human art! Everyone back stage was upbeat and positive, which always creates a fantastic show!
Project Royal was first to present their collection on the runway! The clothing collection was a mixture of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and shorts, all adorned with their graphically bold logo! Hip, cool, and fresh, this street wear is a must have! Click this link for a video interview with the designer of Project Royal: https://www.facebook.com/OFW-Art-Style-Magazine-615336158617013/videos The next designer collection was presented by Invisible Hero Clothing. The styles were all so unique and interesting! I really loved the fact that the designer of Invisible Hero Clothing, Charlie, described her garments as one of a kind pieces that are made from recycled clothing! Charlie's brand uses fully sustainable techniques. Those of you who know me personally know that the environment and all of its creatures are important to me, so when I see designers like Charlie, who are making a difference in the fashion industry to reduce waste, it makes me so happy! Click this link for a video interview with Charlie, the designer of Invisible Hero Clothing: https://www.facebook.com/OFW-Art-Style-Magazine-615336158617013/videos
Along with my husband, my two children attended last night's event. I always enjoy taking them to the runway shows I am a part of, because they see first hand at home the design process of creating these garments, and then the final product of the garments I create on the runway! I believe that artistic events such as this, are a great influencer on young ones. Both of my children are excelling in creativity, and I am sure that Oakland Fashion Week will inspire them further. Iyska, my eight year old daughter, loved the energy of OFW Host, Sara Anders. She told me after the show that it was really neat seeing a host with so much energy and enthusiasm! Sara really got the party going! My son, Tenzing, said that he appreciated the Hair and Make Up team being introduced, and telling the audience about their experience and what it takes to provide their services for a runway show. If you have young ones, consider bringing them out to the next event! You never know what may get their minds going! I am grateful for the support of my career from my family. Even my dad and his girlfriend came out to the show!
Flamingos at the Parthenon!  Roxanne Rodriguez Spring/Summer 2016 Collection, "Flamingos at the Parthenon". Oakland Fashion Week 2016. Photo by: Marco Acevedo Garcia. Fourth on the line-up, was my collection: Roxanne Rodriguez's Spring/Summer 2016 Collection, "Flamingos at the Parthenon"! When I created this collection, I wanted to use elegant textiles, such as crepe satin, as well as hand beading and applique techniques. I love creating fashion, and I also love pushing my own comfort zone and creating garments that are rich in unique details. I am an old fashioned gal at heart, and I draw inspiration for my silhouettes from those of the 1940's and 1950's. However, my looks are not intended to be completely vintage inspired. I am designing for the woman of the future, and in my opinion, the future is right now! I use bright, bold textile combinations, with funky artistic details that make my customer stand out in the crowd. She is fashionable, and classy. She is modern and fresh.  Back Stage, my models, Sara Anders, and I get ready to step out on the runway!  Designer Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, and SS2016 Collection. Oakland Fashion Week 2016. Photo by: Marco Acevedo Garcia. Lastly, Bobo Kwame, a local fashion designer, presented his "Legend Collection". I really enjoyed the variety of textiles that were used in his designs. Bobo Kwame had a wide range of Sportcoats created in beautiful textiles. He also presented women's dresses that were both flowy and light, perfect for summertime! Check out this link to see a video of the designer of Bobo Kwame: https://www.facebook.com/OFW-Art-Style-Magazine-615336158617013/videos
I hope that you enjoyed my Behind the Scenes coverage of Day Three of Oakland Fashion Week 2016! All of Roxanne Rodriguez SS2016 Collection will be available for order on May 20th 2016! Be sure to follow me on social media under Roxanne Rodriguez Fashion Design, and bookmark this web-site under your "Favorites'! Click Order Now at the top of your screen to purchase the look I wore last night in your size today! I look forward to seeing you at tonight's event!  Roxanne Rodriguez wearing Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2015 Purple Eyelet Pencil Dress! Available for order now! Check out this video footage of OFW Day 3, featuring Roxanne Rodriguez Spring/Summer Collection, and Bobo Kwame's Legend Collection: Related Links:
 Oakland Fashion Week Host, Sara Anders, and Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, Oakland Fashion Week Day Two "Fashion Boulevard" Hello fellow fashion lovers! I hope you were able to make it out to Oakland Fashion Week’s Day Two, “Fashion Boulevard” last night! If you have not been able to view the wonderful runway shows hosted thus far, you can still catch many more amazing designers tonight, Friday night, as well as on Saturday night! Each remaining night will showcase a wide range of many designers that you absolutely will not want to miss!  Yesterday evening at Studio Fab, located at 2525 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland Fashion Week held its second day event, “Fashion Boulevard”. This runway show featured exquisite jewelry designs by Engracia Jewelry, as well as beautiful garments from MeMe & Robin Boutique, JR. Esmeralda Fashions, Rainbow Store, and Virgin Only Boutique. First on the runway was mesmerizing jewelry designs by Engracia Jewelry. The company slogan, "Simply Elegant, Simply You" seems like an understatement! The intricate, bold, beaded designs made by Maria Rodriguez were both unique and radiating with beauty! These jewelry pieces are truly statement items that would look lovely paired with a wide variety of garments to create a one of a kind look. You can check out more designs by Engracia Jewelry by visiting their web-site at www.EngraciaJewelry.org. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the evening:
MeMe & Robin Boutique were up next to strut their garments down the runway, and wow, were the pieces they presented smoking hot! I particularly loved the fact that MeMe & Robin set up a Pop Up Boutique at the runway viewing, giving patrons of the fashion show a unique opportunity to purchase the items they were seeing right then and there! Check out more of their items at http://www.memerobinboutique.com. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:  MeMe & Robin Boutique, Photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Next up, Jr. Esmeralda Fashion! Fun textiles, skin tight dresses, and flowy jumpsuits were all presented in the next collection! Sara Anders, host of OFW summed it up nicely when she said, "Jr. Esmeralda offers something for everyone! Something for your sister, your auntie, your daughter, and you! Something for everyone!" Here are two of my favorite looks from Jr. Esmeralda (left photo) along with boutique owner Sonia Campos (center). And some of my favorites from Rainbow Boutique (right photo), who was next on the line up showcasing their stylish merchandise!
Lastly, Virgin Only Boutique presented several beautiful garments. I particularly enjoyed the many lace dresses and jumpsuits, as well as the solid and multi color jumpsuits and dresses! These pieces are sizzling for summertime!
I hope you enjoyed my re-cap of Day Two of Oakland Fashion Week, "Fashion Boulevard"! Oakland Fashion Week is truly off to a great start, with three more nights of fashion filled fun ahead! I myself am heading out to Studio Fab right now, to get my models prepared for tonight's event, where I will be showcasing my current designs! I look forward to seeing you this evening, at Oakland Fashion Week Day Three "Sol Afrik: Ready to Wear"! 7pm, 2525 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland! See you tonight!  I love Oakland Fashion Week! Related Links:
Last night at Chalaca Annexo, located near Jack London Square, and Downtown Oakland, at 428 3rd Street, was the first event of several this week, for the 2nd Annual Oakland Fashion Week 2016. I am very grateful to be a part of this event, which is truly history in the making. If you are able, come out and support the hard work of many individuals, particularly the founder of OFW Christal Carthon and Co-Producer, Wayne Clarke. Without the dedication and vision of these two outstanding leaders, we may not have this event that is bringing so many fashion lovers and dreamers together!  Oakland Fashion Week Group Photo, by Marco Garcia This year I will be presenting my Spring/Summer 2016 Collection, “Flamingos at the Parthenon” at the Thursday night “Sol Afrik: Ready to Wear” event. In addition, I will be attending all event days, and providing you with an exclusive coverage of each night, and the amazing designs that grace the runway!  Last night was a real treat! First… the location! Chalaca Annexo is a beautiful night club decorated in dark red hues, vintage framed posters, and elegant décor. I had the privilege of meeting the owner of Chalaca Annexo, Carlos Anton. Carlos is a friendly, outgoing man, who is extremely hospitable, and welcomed me like family. He showed me around the beautiful venue, and then, to my surprise, took me down a corridor, that entered the restaurant next door, La Furia Chalaca. Carlos owns both locations, and runs it with his family. He started out as a restaurant owner, and then expanded his business by adding the night club next door. He explained that his love of New Orleans, Jazz, and Interior Design, led to his creation of the ambiance in both locations. La Furia Chalaca offers authentic Peruvian Cuisine, and all of the dishes looked amazing! Unfortunately, I was not able to try the tasty dishes, but I am making plans for a date night with my husband as soon as possible!  Myself at Oakland Fashion Week's Opening Day! "Industry Threads". Photo by Everette Bass Photography As the program began, Mr. Wayne Clarke introduced the night and thanked all for coming out to support local fashion. Although Oakland Fashion Week is still in its infancy, we truly have a first class team of co-ordinations, photographers, hair and make-up artists, designers, and models! Mr. Clarke told me after the event, that he is really seeing a momentum going this year, that is opening up more possibilities for this event in the future. That’s great to hear! As I first-hand have been able to take part in many of the pre-events of OFW, I myself have made many friendships with fellow designers, models, and so many others who are taking part in this event. I too can feel the bonds of the Oakland Fashion Community growing stronger!  Wayne Clarke and James Head introduce the first day of Oakland Fashion Week! Photos by: Felipe Reyes Photography Next up to speak was the iconic local designer, Mr. James Head. Mr. Head is a very talented designer, who has a long history of experience and accomplishments. Mr. Head is the creator and designer of MC Hammer’s iconic outfits! His designs have been featured on many magazines, and music videos! He was even the founder of a popular denim company in the 1990’s called SagWear. He is truly a designer before his time! Be sure to check out his designs on the runway this Saturday! Mr. Head told of times when he and fellow designer Mastahn Fanaka (Check out Mr. Fanaka’s Swimwear Collection at the Friday event!), were just beginning 30 years ago, as fashion innovators in the Oakland Community. Truly it is remarkable to see these men helping to grow the future generations of Oakland Fashion! They are both such an inspiration! And now the Featured Fashions! First up on the runway was a presentation by Audrey B. Boutique. Audrey B. Boutique is located at 332 19th Street in Oakland, and is open Tuesday thru Saturday (T-F 11 am-6pm, Sat. 12pm-6pm). Ladies be warned: these garments were so beautiful you may have to spend your entire pay check at this boutique, I know for a fact that I will! Here's one of my favorite looks!
Next on the runway was Designer Mario B. Mario told me before the show that he is a professional stylist and this is his first collection as a designer. I must say, you would never know that this was his first showcase, because the designs were polished, and beautiful. Mario B. had both a men’s wear line, as well as a women’s line, which is quite ambitious and impressive. The menswear offered looks constructed in lightweight fabrics, bright bold colors, paired with whimsical scarves, rolled up pants, and fedora hats. The men looked fashion-forward and bold. I could imagine these fellas walking casually down the streets of Havana!  Designs by Mario B, Photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Mario B. had several stunning women’s dresses that flowed endlessly around the beautiful female models. All I can say is…WOW! I even overheard a few in the audience exclaiming with excitement that his looks could be used as bridal wear. Indeed!  Designs by Mario B, Photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Here is a schedule of the remaining OFW Events:  As you can see, each day is packed with amazing presentations of a wide range of fashion styles and designs. I can tell you with certainty, you don’t want to miss any of these events! Thank you for taking the time to read my coverage of Oakland Fashion Week: Day One! Be sure to check out my next blog article tomorrow: “Oakland Fashion Week 2016: Day Two “Fashion Boulevard”! Related Links:
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AuthorHello Readers! Welcome to my Blog! I am Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, a Fashion Designer from Northern California. I love all things Fashion, particularly historical fashion! Join me, as I take you around Northern California, covering fashion events and related topics! 
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