RAW Artists 2011 Fashion Winners Fred Segal Trunk Show

A few weeks ago, I decided to attend the RAWards 2011 Fasion and Accessories Winners Trunkshow and Reception - wherein the fashion winners from the 2011 season at RAWartists.org would be allowed to place their items for retail in the Fred Segal Santa Monica Store. If you've ever been to Fred Segal Santa Monica- you are familiar with the maze of boutique rooms offering different unique pieces. Huge and colorful, its truly a wearable dream. 

Just a compilation of some of the great racks at Fred Segal Santa Monica.

In the last year, I've been lurking the pages of RAWarists.org - a web portal offering exposure to talented independent artists, in disciplines of art, fashion, music, film, hair, makeup, photography, performaning arts, and more. RAW has gone viral throughout the US with showcases now in Australia, and coming soon, China and Europe! From the RAW website: "Our mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity."

I like to think of RAWartists.org as the apropos window to the independant artistic genius of our time. And they orginated in, guess where, Southern California.

I wore a shear bow tie blouse from Burlingtin Coat Factory, Leopard Skinny Jeans from Target, and teal Suede Ankle Strap Platforms from UrbanOG.com (Similar, here.)

 Upon arrival, I was greeted by music from DJ Frankenstein, adorable treats by Animated Cupcakes (both are RAW artists), and the most inventive thing I've seen in a long time - Stacked Wines. Before I could even get to the designers, I was intrigued by these little single serving wine cups with their peel-away foil lids. They come in "stacks" (heh) of four, and the rep. told us they were just beginning to supply to local liquor stores (They're from New Port CA), so look out for that!

Stacked Wines - come in adorable, travel-able packs of four!

On to the fashion frenzy!

My first chat was with Mariel Rojo and her winning line. I got to see bold structured fashion-forward yet very wearable pieces, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! We got to talk for a while about her line; she is super sweet, with an intoxatingly wonderful accent, and completely down to earth!

Left, Mariel shows us one of her beautiful summer dresses, anyone could wear this! Right: Mariel is wearing her own designed open-back top, standing underneath it on the rack!

Visit her website or her Raw Profile
http://www.rawartists.org/marielrojo
http://www.marielrojo.com/home.html


Next up were sisters Melanie and Meghan Mina From SO CAL's own San Diego, and their jewelery line called Ardent Reverie. Adorable statement jewelery - which reminds me so much of the carefree happy lifestyle of San Diego. They also sell their items on Etsy!

Adore the Ardent Reverie's mirror statement necklace on display. And that's them on the right!

http://ardentreverie.com/
http://www.rawartists.org/ardentreverie


My last encounter was with Indra Lowenstein of The Indra Millinary. (Millinary is the art of hatmaking!) If the mad-hatter had a strickingly beautiful mrs. - Indra would be her! She is a delight to speak to, and from California's own San Francisco. Her designs include top hats, bowlers, head pieces - very unique and hand made by Indra herself, using the finest of materials - which is obvious when you see her pieces.

Left: one of Indra's gorgeous headpieces on show. Right: Indra and I talking millinery art, and her donning one of her very own pieces.

Visit her websites:
http://www.theindramillinery.com/theindramillinery/The_Indra%21.html
http://www.rawartists.org/theindra


I love when designers wear their own creations, and each of them did just that. We at GGM would like to extend our most excided congratulations to these ladies, you are a true reflection of our community's ability to acheive glitz and glam, and make it through the mayhem.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a trunk show, GO! It's one of the great things about living in Southern California. You can find some of the fore mentioned artist's finest work at Fred Segal Santa Monica. Also, you can visit any of RAWartist.org's monthly showcases in your area, just visit their website for location and date.