Oakland Fashion Week 2017: Day Four, "Exclusively Yours"

Welcome to Oakland Fashion Week 2017, Day 4:
​The Final Night! 

At 7pm, on Saturday Night, May 13th, 2017, at the Red Lion Hotel in Oakland, the rows are completely filled with guests, eager to view the current fashion lines of local Bay Area Fashion Designers. Tonight is  the Final Night of four Runway Events that concludes the Third Annual Oakland Fashion Week. The Final Night features High End Couture and Red Carpet Collections, from a variety of designers with distinct points of view and style. 

The support  of Oakland Fashion Week from the community is amazing. Each year there have been more models, designers, and guests, making this week in particular, a truly special fashion triumph. 

​Christal Carthon is the creator and organizer of Oakland Fashion Week. Without her vision, hard-work, and determination, this event would not exist. Christal is an amazing woman, who is a pioneer, creating this marvelous platform for East Bay Fashion. 

Models prepare to line up for the Runway backstage at Oakland Fashion Week 2017's Final Night. Photo: Roxanne R. Rangel.

Creator of Oakland Fashion Week, Christal Carthon, and myself, OFW2017. Photo: Javier Rangel.

Oakland Fashion Week 2017, is the second time that I have participated in this momentous event. I first heard of OFW in late 2015 after I graduated from Fashion Design college in Sacramento. I lived in Hayward at the time, and reached out to Christal Carthon for designer participation information for OFW2016. I was delighted to have been accepted as a OFW2016 Designer, and was more than enthusiastic to participate in OFW2017. During my experience working with this event, I have met so many amazingly talented contributors. 

​On the eve of Oakland Fashion Week 2017's Final Night, my family and I, joined the masses, to view these captivating collections.
Following are the designers who participated, and some of my favorite looks. Enjoy! 

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. 

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Fashion Designer, Marise Olivera, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

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! 

Designs by Luis Mazariegos, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Luis Mazariegos, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Luis Mazariegos, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Luis Mazariegos, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

James Head 

James Head, is not only one of my favorite Bay Area Fashion Designers, but he has also become a good friend of mine within our East Bay Fashion Community. James Head has been designing for decades. He is well known for presenting innovative designs in theatrical runway shows. 

​James Head's Collection presented during Oakland Fashion Week 2017's Final Night, was truly a fascinating exhibition of fashion and theatrics, leaving the crowd gasping as each design to hit the runway was more intriguing then the previous! 

Designer, James Head, and myself, OFW2017. Photo: Javier Rangel.

Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by James Head, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

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.

Designs by Armando Cruz, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Armando Cruz, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

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! 

Roxanne R. Rangel with Randy Rowden, owner of Oxford Way Tailoring and Menswear. OFW2017. Photo: Javier Rangel.

Roxanne R. Rangel, Randy Rowden, and Ingrid Pinkett. OFW2017. Photo: Javier Rangel.

Now check out the sophisticated and stylish Men's Wear that you can buy at Oxford Way! 

Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Randy Rowden (Center), Oxford Way, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Myself, with Tiendres Rowden, OFW2017. Photo: Javier Rangel.

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

Ella Bing, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Ella Bing, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Ella Bing, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

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: 

Designs by Raul Rosales, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Raul Rosales, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Raul Rosales, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Henry Delton Williams 

Designs by Henry Delton Williams, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Henry Delton Williams, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Henry Delton Williams, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

"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

Designs by Henry Delton Williams, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

Designs by Henry Delton Williams, OFW2017. Photo: Marco Acevedo Garcia.

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.