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!
 Close Up Photo of a Hand- Embroidered and Hand-Beaded Rose Design, featured on the Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018 Caplet.  Close Up Photo of the Hand-Crafted Pleating featured on the Roxanne Rodriguez Fall 2018 Pencil Skirt. The Final Collection  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.
 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!  Thank you for viewing my work! Have a great day, my friends!  Designer Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel with Runway Model, Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day One, Opening Night. Related Links:
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 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 6! Red Carpet Runway Show! Saturday, May 19th, 2018- Full Out Studio- Oakland, California The Final Night of Oakland Fashion Week is always an exciting runway show. Each year of OFW, the Final Night has been reserved for Couture Designs, that showcase high fashion collections from local designers. It was particularly enjoyable to see many of the designers return from last year to showcase their newest collections again this year. Sara Anders, host of OFW2018's Day One, Opening Night, entertained the runway show's packed venue again during OFW2018's Final Night. Sara Anders has such positive energy, and is a natural show-woman. Along with fresh beats playing from DJ Chillz, Sara charmed, engaged, and delighted the fashion-loving audience.  Host of OFW2018's Final Night, Sara Anders. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia "Fashion takes you to a different place. Fashion makes you feel good!" -Sara Anders, OFW2018 I particularly appreciated Sara Ander's quote above. Sara emphasized that despite whatever political conflicts, or negativity that takes place in the world around us, Fashion can be an escape from the harsh realities of life by transporting us to "a different place". Fashion can unite us, Fashion can make us feel our best, Fashion makes us feel good! As you will see from the photos of the designer collections below, those gathering at Full Out Studio to view these pieces truly were transported to "a different place". Some of these collections brought us to exotic lands, while other collections brought us to a fantasy future. With my All Access Pass in hand, I was able to go Backstage, and visit with the designers and models prior to the show. Included in this blog post are some exclusive backstage photos that I took, as well as professional photos taken by Marco Acevedo Garcia! Enjoy!  Oakland Fashion Week's Top Models, backstage prior to the Runway Show! OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  It is a packed event at Full Out Studio in Oakland! OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Marise Oliveira From the alluring country of Brazil, Designer Marise Oliveira's collection featured many designs that are feminine, and graceful. Marise Oliveira uses floral prints, as well as lace detail in many of her pieces, reflecting the exotic culture of Brazil. This year, Marise Oliveira featured a male look, worn by male model, Terry Hawthorne, as well as a full figured size dress. All of her looks were stunningly beautiful!  Backstage: Designer Marise Oliveira ties a head wrap on a model. OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
 Marise Oliveira. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Armando Cruz Armando Cruz amazed me last year with his exquisite ball gowns, and dresses. I was looking forward to the viewing of Armando Cruz's latest collection! As expected, Armando Cruz delivered lovely gowns with sweeping hem lines. The fabrics were luxurious and regal. Check out a few of my favorite pieces from his collection:
 Armando Cruz. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Oxford Way Randy Rowden, is the owner and Master Tailor of The Oxford Way. The Oxford Way store-front location can be visited at 6219 Shattuck Avenue in Oakland, and specializes in high-end Men's Fashion and Apparel. The Oxford Way also offers Alteration and Tailoring Services. Randy Rowden has a mission to bring back style, and class to men's wear, bringing back "The Gentleman" way of dress. I absolutely love all of the suits he presented in his collection. The Oxford Way showed that they offer a suit for every man, for every occasion. Here I am, backstage, with Randy Rowden, and his assistant, the lovely Ingrid!  Backstage: Ingrid Pinkett and Randy Rowden of Oxford Way, with myself! OFW2018. Check out these Oxford Way dapper runway looks:
 Oxford Way. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Valerie Cotton- Adorna Couture Valerie Cotton, Designer for the clothing brand Adorna Couture, has created a sublime woman's collection that features many one-of-a-kind looks. I admire Valerie Cotton's creativity with her use of fabrics, and silhouettes. Check out a few of my favorite looks:  Backstage: Models dressed in Adorna Couture are runway ready! OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
James Head A master showman, James Head did not simply present a runway collection. Ending the night, James Head's "Elegant Invasion" Collection brought out not only innovative designs, but the unexpected in runway show theatrics. Prior to the first look walking the stage, Sara Anders, our fashion show host, brought out strobing LED Lights with James Head's business card attached. These hand-held lights were passed out to members of the audience. The venue lights were dimmed, and fog began to billow out of the runway stage. Epic music fit for space travel, began to play as model after model walked the runway wearing dresses, pants, shorts, skirts, and blouses, created with unconventional materials. Male models wore futuristic looks, and moved down the runway with robotic rigidity. Some of the pieces in this collection featured plastic embellishments, tubing, straps, and helmets!  James Head. OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia
 Designer, James Head poses with his models after the fashion show. OFW2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Here are a few more pictures taken after the runway show, and in the VIP Lounge! Limited VIP tickets were sold for the Final Night of Oakland Fashion Week, which included access to the VIP Lounge Cocktail Hour prior to the Runway Show.  Myself with former NFL Pittsburgh Steelers player, and Fashion Model, Terry Hawthorne! OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia
 Co-Creator of OFW, Wayne Clark, and myself! OFW2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia I had a fantastic week attending all of the Oakland Fashion Week 2018's events! If you have had a chance to read all of the articles in this blog series, you have seen for yourself what an exciting week of fashion activity it was for all those involved in the making, and for those in attendance. You can read all of my past OFW Blog Posts, by clicking the desired links listed below. Thank you for reading my blog! I look forward to seeing you at Oakland Fashion Week 2019! Related Links:
 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 5! Resort Swimwear! Friday, May 18th, 2018- Oakland, California Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 5, featured the freshest designs in Resort and Swimwear Fashions, and was hosted by the beautiful fashion model, Gabrielle Jermaine. It was another exciting evening in Oakland, especially since those in attendance were looking forward to seeing, not only the amazing designs, but the models as well! Tonight, we were in for a real treat, as the male fashion model, and former NFL Pittsburg Steelers player, Terry Hawthorne, would be striding down the runway! There was a slight change to the original advertised line-up, but the designs on display did not disappoint! Keep reading to see for yourself!  Host of OFW 2018, Day 5, Gabrielle Jermaine. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Queens of Africa Queens of Africa is a Tanzanian accessories brand, that specializes in Handbags, and summer footwear. The clutches shown on the runway were beautifully woven in a wide range of colors and textiles, and many featured beaded designs. The footwear also displayed artful beadwork. Check out a few of my favorite pieces:
 Queens of Africa. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia  Queens of Africa. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Jr. Esmeralda Fashion Jr. Esmeralda Fashion featured lovely clothes on OFW2018's Emerging Designer night, and was back again during the Swimwear Runway Event to display alluring two piece swimsuits! Jr. Esmeralda Fashion offers a large assortment of swimwear designs and fabric choices, perfect for any body type! You can purchase your Jr. Esmeralda at their storefront clothing store, located at 2201 MacDonald Avenue in Richmond, California.
James Head James Head is an innovative designer with decades of experience, his collections have never failed to amaze me with his cutting edge design aesthetic. You can view James Head's newest collection, called "Elegant Invasion" during Oakland Fashion Week 2018's Final Night. I was pleasantly surprised that he also presented during OFW2018's Resort Swimwear Event, where he showed his Black Panther/Wakanda inspired collection, that he had created a few months ago. James Head won a Gold Award for this Afro-centric collection at the San Francisco Comicon this summer, and was also featured during Sacramento Fashion Week's Fashion on Film Event. Check it out:
 James Head. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Layla Craine- A Colored Me Layla Craine, designer for A Colored Me, is also another Oakland Fashion Week veteran, yet is still in her early 20's. Although young, don't let Layla Craine's age fool you! Layla has delivered fresh, breathtaking designs, consistently each year, unlike anything seen in the retail market for swimwear today. I loved her use of fur, African inspired textiles, and metallic textiles! A Colored Me offers swimwear for both men and women. Her models were sizzling HOT!
 A Colored Me. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia In the photo above, celebrity model, Terry Hawthorn, former NFL Pittsburg Steelers player, is pictured second to left! The lovely Designer Layla Craine, is pictured center front. Here is another great photo of Layla Craine and her stunning models!  A Colored Me. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Thank you for reading my fourth article (of five) in my blog article series covering Oakland Fashion Week 2018! If you were not able to attend the weekday evening events I hope that these articles have inspired you to save the date for next years! As you have seen, each night features an amazing group of talented designers, and their magnificent fashions! Be sure to read the next article in this series: Oakland Fashion Week 2018: Day 6, Final Night: "Red Carpet Runway Show"! Have a Stylin' Day!  Creator of Oakland Fashion Week, Christal Carthon, and Myself, after the Runway Show! Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Related Links:
 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day Four! Ready-to-Wear! Thursday, May 17th, 2018- Oakland, California Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 4's Runway Event featured Ready-to-Wear Designer Collections! Ready-to-Wear garments are made to standard sizes, with the intent to sell to the general market such as in a retail store or in a boutique. However, many of the designers featured this evening can also make custom clothing, made-to-order, for individual clients. See an outfit you love? Contact the designer! They would love to sell you the fabulous creations they have made! Sergio Yomar- The Shades Company Sergio Yomar, designer for The Shades Company, was first to present his latest collection on the runway! Called "The Elegant Warrior" this collection featured feminine dresses, as well as pant and blouse options in similar fabrics. His looks were fun, and sophisticated. A must have for every woman! Check out a few of my favorite looks:
 The Shades Company. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia  Sergio Yomar, designer for The Shades Company, with his lovely model. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Carlo Vonteago This year was the first time I had the pleasure of viewing a collection by Carlo Vonteago. I loved his use of branding in his accessories and screen printing. Carlo Vonteago's looks were polished, and unexpected. A wide range of garments were featured. The looks were styled with unique accessories such as: glasses, gloves, hats, and jewelry. The collection featured complete looks for both men and women.
Roxanne Rodriguez OFW2018 marked the third year of my participation on the runway as a designer. I have been designing Ready-to-Wear Collections for the past three years, since my graduation from Fashion Design College, in 2015. My "Midnight Muse" Collection, is my fourth collection, and features my specialty: women's dresses, blouses, and skirts. I also created a lovely little capelet which is featured in two different fabrics. I love using bold color combinations, with vintage silhouettes, to create a classic, yet modern look. I also enjoy hand crafted embellishments and design details. The pleats in the Moss Green Pencil Skirt were hand-crafted. The Moss Green Caplet features a Hand-Embroidered and Hand-Beaded floral design detail, and my Midnight Muse Day Dress, features Hand-Painted Copper Flowers, with beads, making these garments truly special, and one of a kind. All looks are available (Made-to-Order), and custom fitted for each client. Check out a few backstage photos of my lovely models, as we prepare for the runway!
 Models backstage in Roxanne Rodriguez. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel And now, my models on the Runway!  Roxanne Rodriguez 2018 Collection, "Midnight Muse". Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Audrey B Audrey B. is a designer and boutique owner. You can visit her charming boutique, and purchase any of the featured designs, and so much more, at her store front location, located at 1415 Webster Street in Oakland. I love so many of the looks featured in her runway viewing. The pearl detail on many of the garments were graceful, and glamorous. Check out a few of the runway looks:
 Audrey B. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia  Audrey B Collection. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel That concludes my summary of Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 4! I truly appreciate all of you who have taken the time to read this blog article, as well as all my previous blog articles! Thank you for sharing my links! I had such a fantastic time at OFW, and know you did too! If you were not able to attend, I hope that this article gave you a brief look at the hard-work of all those involved to make such a runway week possible! The designs were fabulous, the models gorgeous, and the staff behind the scenes were so skilled at their tasks! A special thanks to photographer, Marco Acevedo Garcia, for granting me permission to use his photos of OFW for this blog! He is so talented with a camera! Stay tuned for my next Blog Post in this series, where I bring to you "Oakland Fashion Week 2018: Day 5, Resort Swimwear". See you then!  Stylist Pharoah Brand, and Myself, after the fashion show. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Related Links:
 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day 3! Emerging Designer! Wednesday, May 16th 2018- Oakland, Ca Oakland Fashion Week 2018's third day took place at the West Oakland Youth Center, located on Market Street in Oakland, California. Although my own designer collection was to be featured during the fourth day of OFW, I was excited to come out on this particular evening to view the collections of the Emerging Designers that would be showcased. I had met many of the designers during the dress rehearsals held in the months leading up to Oakland Fashion Week, and was able to speak to some of the designers in depth about their inspiration and point of view as a fashion brand or designer. When I arrived at the fashion show, Hair and Make-Up was well underway backstage, and many models were already wearing designer clothing. I was able to get a few candid shots of the backstage action! Take a look:
 Backstage. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel The host of Oakland Fashion Week's Day Three was the lovely model, Gabrielle Jermaine, who is "The Face of Oakland Fashion Week"!  Gabrielle Jermaine, the Host of Oakland Fashion Week, Day Three. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Jr. Esmeralda Fashion Jr. Esmeralda Fashion is a women's clothing store, located at 2201 MacDonald Ave in Richmond, California. Jr. Esmeralda Fashion offers it all, including dresses, pants, skirts, blouses, jackets, and bathing suits! Check out a few of my favorite runway looks:
 Jr. Esmeralda. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Myra Leana "Behind every dress is a story." Myra Leana is a woman's clothing brand that consists of a four woman design team, with headquarters located in Santa Rosa, California. During our fashion show dress rehearsal, I had the pleasure of meeting Christina Fullmer, who is one of the talented women working in the Myra Leana team. Interestingly, Myra Leana is not only a clothing brand, but a production company as well. Their brand not only creates figure flattering dresses in classic silhouettes, but also creates videos of women who have overcome specific challenges and obstacles in their lives. One such woman is the beautiful model, Chelsea Werner. Chelsea Werner was born with Down-Syndrome, is a Special Olympics Gymnastic Champion, and a fashion model. Due to being born with Down-Syndrome, Chelsea faces limitations in what she is able to do naturally, but that hasn't stopped her from achieving what some have said would be impossible! It was truly an inspiration to see Chelsea Werner, who is also a petite model, walk the runway during Oakland Fashion Week. I absolutely loved that Myra Leana featured a diverse spectrum of models, including models of various shapes, sizes, and skin tones. Their runway looks were styled with jewelry created by Treska Jewelry. You can view their web-site by clicking here. Check out some of my favorite looks:
 Myra Leana Collection. Christina Fullmer pictured center. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia
Hella Woke Gang (Wokie)  The Hella Woke Gang (Wokie) Designer Collective, with Ace Johnson. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Ace Johnson is an East Bay Production Consultant who participated immensely in the production of Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Ace Johnson also networked with four East Bay emerging designers, to create a fashion design collective. The four designers came together to create a cohesive collection featuring crochet pieces, and "hyphy" inspired streetwear. I loved the color combinations of the looks, the amazing crochet accessories, such as the unforgettable crochet hoop earrings, and the screen-printing embellishments! Check out a few of my favorite runway looks created by the design collective, Hella Woke Gang (Wokie):
 Promotional stickers from The Hella Woke Gang (Wokie). Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Oluwabukola Aminashaun Oluwabukola Aminashaun is a first generation Nigerian American, who is both a stylist, and an emerging fashion designer. Oluwabukola's collection, which she has called "Reign", brings together Nigerian fabrics, Nigerian Head Wraps, and American Style. Oluwabukola explained that wearing a head wrap completes a fashion look in Nigerian culture. The use of the intricate head wraps, paired with the vibrant colors of the fabrics truly created a stunning runway presentation. Check it out:
 Oluwabukola Aminashaun. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia
As you can see, Oakland Fashion Week 2018's Day Three, was an amazing showcase of a diverse group of emerging designers! One of my favorite aspects of Oakland Fashion Week is viewing the very much different fashion design aesthetics of each designer brand. Which was your favorite collection? Leave me a comment below!  Fashion Designers, James Head, and Roxanne Rodriguez. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Related Links:
 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2018, Day One! Opening Ceremony! Monday, May 14th, 2018-Oakland, Ca
Oakland Fashion Week 2018's Opening Ceremony began with a gathering at Agave Uptown, a fantastic restaurant on the corner of Franklin and Broadway in Oakland. Enjoying cocktails and eating delicious Oaxacan Mexican cuisine is always a great way to start off any week, and this occasion was no different, as the people happily packed in to socialize and enjoy the fashion week program! Local celebrity, and stylist, Sara Anders was our host for the evening, creating a truly exciting atmosphere for those in attendance. I love Sara's vibrant personality, and energy. I know that any event will be fantastic if Sara is there!  Oakland Fashion Week Photographer, Everett Bass, and Host of OFW, Sara Anders. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia In a banquet room behind the bar, OFW set up a private backstage area, where designers could organize their designs, where models were getting ready with the hair and Make-Up Artist, and where stylist, and event coordinators were finalizing their tasks. Backstage is often a busy, chaotic place for those participating in the fashion show, but it is an experience we all greatly enjoy, as we come together, making visions reality! This is the lovely, and talented Jacquelyn Vassar (Beauty by Vassar), who worked each night during Oakland Fashion Week as one of the many Make-Up Artists!
Battle of the Stylist! One of the main features of Oakland Fashion Week 2018's Opening Night, was a styling competition where two local stylist presented three complete looks styled accordingly to a theme of their choice. Stylists arrange accessories, and pair them with specific garments to create a stylish and attractive look. They work closely with designers, as well as Hair and Make-Up Artists to prepare models for runway events, photoshoots, or films. The competing stylist this evening were Oluwabukola Animashaun, and Pharoah Brand. Oluwabukola Animashaun is not only a stylist, but a designer as well. You can see her designer collection during OFW2018's Day Three event showcasing collections from Emerging Designers. On the evening of Opening Night, Oluwabukola presented a mini-collection inspired by the recent Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) Exhibit, "Heavenly Bodies", which opened with the famous MET Gala, in which celebrities attended wearing designs and costumes to reflect the exhibit's theme. Check out the "Heavenly" looks Oluwabukola was inspired to create:
 Battle of the Stylist: Styled by Oluwabukola Animashaun (pictured center). Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Pharoah Brand has had many positions in the fashion industry besides that of a stylist, including creative director for photoshoots and magazines, as well as a runway trainer. Pharoah worked each day during OFW2018 back stage coordinating runway looks with designers. His inspiration for the styling competition was "Millennial Fashion". I loved how he put together looks that were classy, and elegant, with an element of futuristic. Check out his "Millennial" looks:
 Behind the Scenes, Battle of the Stylist: Styled by Pharoah Brand. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  Battle of the Stylist: Styled by Pharoah Brand (pictured second to the left). Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia After the stylist runway presentation, all those in attendance voted by cheer and applause for their favorite stylist! The winner... Oluwabukola Animashaun! Who was your favorite stylist? Runway Preview! Another feature of OFW2018's Opening Ceremony that was unique to this year, was a preview presentation of designs that would be shown on different days during the upcoming week! Several designers were invited to bring a garment from their current collection to showcase as a Runway Preview! Check out the beautiful designs by OFW's featured designers:
Here are a few more event photos of designers and their models:  Ace Johnson, and Minnie (Wokie) with their model. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia
 Local Celebrity, Elise "Hollywood" Evans, wearing Audrey B. Boutique with custom embellishments. Oakland Fashion Week 2018. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia Thank you for taking the time to read my first article of five in my Blog Series covering each night of Oakland Fashion Week 2018! To catch up on my OFW2017, and OFW2016 Blog Series, click the here for the Blog Category Oakland Fashion Week. Special thanks to photographer Marco Acevedo Garcia, for granting me permission to use his lovely photos for this article! I would love to hear your comments about my blog, or Oakland Fashion Week, in the section below! I sincerely hope that you have a Fantastic Day! Related Links:
 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2017, Day 4: The Final Night!
 Hair by Gloria Susunaga, Back Stage, Oakland Fashion Week 2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia. Marise Olivera From Brazil, Marise Olivera was the first designer to present her collection on Oakland Fashion Week 2017's Final Night. Marise Olivera's designs are colorful, exotic, lacy, and alluringly bold. When viewing her delightful collection, I felt a real sense of her Brazilian roots and aesthetic.
Luis Mazariegos The next collection on the runway, were designs by Luis Mazariegos. Sensual and seductive was the theme of this collection! Here are just a few of my favorite gowns by designer, Luis Mazariegos. I loved the unique combination of textiles, such as the Lace dress paired with sleeves made out of feathers. These designs were both striking and dramatic!
James Head
 Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.
 Designer James Head, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia. Armando Cruz One of my favorite collections of the night were the voluminous gowns, and evening wear presented by Armando Cruz! I love the refined elegance of a full floral skirt, and I am head-over-heels for the first look showcased in his collection! I am certain that you will agree, the dresses by Armando Cruz are sensational!  Designs by Armando Cruz, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.
 Designs by Armando Cruz, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia. Oxford Way Now, let us take a quick break from Women's Wear, and bring out the Men! Randy Rowden, is the owner of Oxford Way Tailoring and Men's Wear, located at 6219 Shattuck Avenue, in Oakland, near Berkeley. Randy Rowden is a pillar in the Oakland Community. He and his family owned and operated shop, host The Annual Gentlemen's Brunch, which is a community outreach event that brings professional men, and young men together to encourage each other to success. But that is not all that they do! Oxford Way participates in many youth programs, and events, as well as offering Tailoring and Alteration Services, and a wide variety of fashionable Men's Suits and Apparel for purchase. The Oxford Way is known as a one-stop-shop for Gentlemen Fashion! Here are a few pictures of Randy, his assistant Ingrid, and I, at the fashion show!
Now check out the sophisticated and stylish Men's Wear that you can buy at Oxford Way!
Ella Bing After viewing dapper suits, lets check out one of the most unique accessories that can be used to style them! Wooden Bow Ties, by Ella Bing! Ella Bing hand-crafts extraordinary one-of-a-kind Wooden Bow Ties, Cloth Bow Ties, Wooden Tie Clips, and Wooden Sunglasses. Check out the looks below, as well as their website: www.ellabing.com
Raul Rosales Raul Rosales is a Sacramento Fashion Designer, who's graceful gowns were next to walk the runway. Raul Rosales creates whimsical dresses with unique silhouettes. Check out a few of his newest designs:
Henry Delton Williams
"Renowned Fashion Designer and Fashion Icon, Henry Delton Williams first started designing clothes 30 years ago, his designs are influenced by jazz and African culture. Henry Delton Williams has created fashions for some of Motown's biggest stars: Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye, Sherrie Payne of the Supremes, her sister, Freda Payne, Actor Fred Williamson, Kanoe Bradford, and Lenny Williams of Oakland's Tower of Power." -Oakland Fashion Week Bio
I hope that you found Oakland Fashion Week 2017's Final Night as compelling as I have! Thank you for joining me, through my event highlights! Special thanks to photographer, Marco Acevedo Garcia, for allowing me access to his beautiful photos! To read the previous articles in this series, just click the following links: OFW2017 Day 1: "Opening Night: Industry Threads" OFW2017 Day 2: "Sol Afrik: Ready-to-Wear" OFW2017 Day 3: "Splash: Resort-Swimwear" OFW2016 Day 1: "Opening Night: Industry Threads" OFW2016 Day 2 "Fashion Boulevard" OFW2016 Day 3: "Sol Afrik: Ready-to-Wear" OFW2016 Day 4: "Splash: Resort-Swimwear" OFW2016 Day 5: "VIP Exclusively Yours" Mark your calendar now for Oakland Fashion Week 2018, which will take place the week of May 14th, 2018- May 19th, 2018! I look forward to seeing you there!  The Singer and DJ wave Goodnight! OFW2017. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.  Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week, Day 3!  Javier Rangel, and Host of OFW 2017, Day 3, Elise "Hollywood" Evans. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel. Hello Readers! Welcome to my event highlights of Oakland Fashion Week 2017's Day 3: Splash- Resort Swimwear! On the Friday Evening of May 12th, 2017, patrons of fashion gathered together at Studio Fab, in Oakland, California, for a wonderful presentation of Designer Swimwear, created by Bay Area Fashion Designers! Myself, and my dear Husband, Javier Rangel, attended this fantastic event together, and were able to visit with the fabulous designers, models, event coordinators, photographers, and guests! This article, in my OFW2017 series, features event photos, including the entire Swimwear Collections presented! If you were not able to attend this event in person, you are truly in for an eye-candy treat! If you were one of the hundreds of attendees at the runway show, first, I thank you for supporting Bay Area Fashion events, such as Oakland Fashion Week! As a fellow designer, I know first hand of all the hard work that goes in to creating Fashion Collections, and Runway Shows! We appreciate Lovers of Fashion like yourself, for making events like this, not only possible, but better with each passing year! Here are a few pre-show photos:
Now, check out the amazing swimsuits and beachwear presented by this years runway line-up: A Colored Me First to present their 2017 Swimwear Collection, was Layla C, Designer for A Colored Me. Layla made her runway debut last year, during OFW2016, with a beautiful swimwear collection, and this year was no different! Click here to view OFW2016's "Splash- Resort Swimwear". Now, check out the exquisite textiles and colors in this years sizzling collection!  Designer, Layla C. with OFW 2017 Host, Elise "Hollywood" Evans. Photo by Marco Acevedo Garcia.
Valerie Cotton Second to walk the runway, were swimwear designs by Valerie Cotton! I was particularly excited about viewing this collection, because I had a taste of Valerie Cotton's designs on OFW2017 Opening Night, where she presented a dazzling and luxurious collection. I loved the one-piece suits featured in Valerie Cotton's Swimwear Line, they were scorching HOT!
 Swimwear Designs by Valerie Cotton, OFW2017. Photo by Javier Rangel.  Swimwear Designs by Valerie Cotton, OFW2017. Photo by Marco Acevedo Garcia. Mastahn Fanaka Mr. Mastahn Fanaka is not new to the swimwear game, he is a master! Designing swimwear for years, Mastahn pulled out all the intricate design details for this show! Here is a few pictures of myself, and Javier, with Mastahn Fanaka. He not only is an extremely talented designer, but he is also a very kind and friendly man!
Check out these stunners he created:  Swimwear Designs by Mastahn Fanaka, OFW2017. Photo by Marco Acevedo Garcia.
James Head James Head, a Fashion Icon in our East Bay Fashion Designer Community, is known for creating high -end, unique clothing, designed with an avant garde flair. During this evenings runway event, I saw for the first time his Resort/Swimwear Collection. Styled with headdresses, beach balls, hats, and Hawaiian Leis, this collection told a story of pure seashore fantasy!  Swimwear Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo by Marco Acevedo Garcia.
 Swimwear Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo by Marco Acevedo Garcia.
 Swimwear Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo by Javier Rangel.
 Swimwear Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo by Marco Acevedo Garcia.  Swimwear Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo by Marco Acevedo Garcia. I hope that you enjoyed viewing the Resort/Swimwear Collections presented at Day 3 of Oakland Fashion Week 2017! If you missed my event highlights of OFW2017 Day 1, or OFW2017 Day 2, just click on the event day to read my article! The next, concluding article in this series, will cover the Oakland Fashion Week 2017 Final Night! Thank you for reading, and leave me a comment below, about your favorite runway looks! Have a Fashionable Day!  The front row! OFW2017. Photo by Marco Acevedo Garcia. Related Links:
 Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2017, Day 2! Hello Readers! Welcome to my Oakland Fashion Week 2017, Day Two: "Sol Afrik: Ready-To-Wear" event highlights! Day Two, hosted by International Model, Fan-Pei Koung, was held at Studio Fab, formerly located at 2525 Telegraph Ave, in Oakland! (Studio Fab is now located at 120 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, in Oakland). I had the pleasure of meeting Fan-Pei for the first time, last year, during Oakland Fashion Week 2016, and have been following her modeling career ever since! Check out Fan-Pei's fantastic portfolio by visiting her web-site: www.modeltechie.com, or her Instagram at: www.instagram.com/modeltechie. I was very happy to see Fan-Pei again at this year's event!
 Myself (center) with models, Alexandra John, and Fan-Pei Koung, at Oakland Fashion Week 2016. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia. During Oakland Fashion Week's Day Two, I had the privilege of presenting my newest Women's Spring/Summer Collection, "Botanical Serpent", and arrived early to prepare my models for the runway! I, along with all the designers featured, had already pre-selected chosen models during the Model Casting Call/Auditions that had been held in various locations during the previous months. I was excited to work with new models, as well as models I have worked with previously. As I arrived, everyone working behind the scenes were completing tasks in preparation for the runway show soon to begin! Models were having their hair styled, and their make-up applied by professional artisans. Assistants were steaming designer clothing. Designers were organizing their models and the line-up order, while models were changing into the designer looks that they had been assigned. It is all very exciting, and fast paced, back stage before the show!  Elise "Hollywood" Evans, and myself! Roxanne Rodriguez First up on the runway was my 2017 Spring/Summer "Botanical Serpent" Collection! This collection was inspired by the mysterious serpent, as well as floral motifs, geometric prints and the colors found within these textiles. I created a hand-painted serpent canvas textile, that I used to create skirts, crop-tops, and dresses. Paired with geometric or floral prints and colors, this collection was whimsical and charming, yet vibrant, and bold! Take a look at the runway photos!
 Model: Ashley Jones, Designer: Roxanne Rodriguez, Photo: Marco A. Garcia. OFW 2017.
Here are photos of myself (6 months pregnant), along with my beautiful models!
 Designer Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel (center), with runway models at OFW 2017, backstage. I hope that you enjoyed viewing my collection! If you haven't already, be sure to follow my work on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/roxannerodriguezfashiondesign, or check out, and "Like" my Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/roxannerodriguez.fashiondesign. Sergio Yomar  Designer Sergio Yomar, Photo: Everette Bass Photography. OFW 2017. Prior to the start of the runway show, I met fellow designer, Sergio Yomar, and what a pleasant young man he is! Sergio, was not only friendly and joyful, but is a very talented, self-taught designer. Sergio's designs were beautiful, unique, and flattering! I absolutely loved the stunning pant jumpsuits he created and presented! Here are just a few of my favorite looks:
 Designer: Sergio Yomar, Photo: Everette Bass Photography. OFW 2017. You can find more of Sergio Yomar's work on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/shades_company, or on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/shadescompanyfashion. Holihound Holihound, is a fashion brand created by Designer, Beer Siripaweennakorn, who is originally from Thailand, but now resides in San Francisco. Holihound's monochromatic designs, are "easy to wear", modern, and hip! Check them out:  Designer: Holihound, Photo: Marco A. Garcia. OFW 2017.
7omboy Clothing Lastly, 7omboy Clothing, presented a fantastic assortment of beautiful designs. I loved the colorful textiles, and mix of silhouettes! Check out a few of my favorite looks from their collection:
 Designer: 7omboy Clothing, Photo: Marco A. Garcia. OFW 2017. I had such a fantastic time not only attending Oakland Fashion Week's Day Two, but also participating in it! I am always so impressed by the craftsmanship of all the designs created by the featured local designers! A special "Thank You" to the creator of Oakland Fashion Week, Christal Carthon, and her assistant Taylor Morgan, as well as all of the amazing Hair, Make-Up Artists, Models, and photographers for making Oakland Fashion Week possible! If you've enjoyed reading this second article in my OFW 2017 Highlights Blog Series, you surely will not want to miss the next article, covering designs, and event highlights from Oakland Fashion Week, Day 3, "Splash: Resort Swimwear"! In the meantime, have a fashionably fantastic evening!  Models of Oakland Fashion Week 2017, dressed in designs by Roxanne Rodriguez and designs by Holihound. OFW2017. Related Links:
 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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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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