Featured AZ Artists 11.11.11

We're only a few days away from the finale show of 2011. We have a great group of artists that will be showcasing their work at this event. Don't miss out!

Pre-sale tickets available here: http://www.wantickets.com/events/ShowEvent.aspx?eventId=95053

AZ Charity Partner: MADD

Project Ethos shows their support for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) by bringing awareness to their cause during our event at The Mint. In honor of their 5th anniversary of Campaigning to Eliminate Drunk Driving, MADD has signed on to recognize that there are ways to celebrate and be safe while working in conjunction with DD24/7, a company that provides reliable on-site, on-call driver services, to get you and your car home safely. 

MADD has evolved into one of the most widely supported and well-liked non-profit organizations in America. "The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.” To this day, MADD’s work has saved nearly 300,000 lives and counting. MADD also supports drunk driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every 10 minutes at 1-877-MADD-HELP. Project Ethos and MADD welcome your support to help us create a safer future by encouraging individuals to take responsibility of their actions when consuming alcohol.

Arizona Artist Spotlight

The Mint Restaurant and Ultra Lounge will be exhibiting a contemporary art gallery all evening utilizing half indoor half outdoor space to create a unique touch to the artistic forum. Here a variety of mediums are sure to please the visual palettes of an enthusiastic audience. Artwork by local artists Dave Carender, Josh Flood, Kevin Barbro, and Melo Dominguez will be producing pieces that embody creativity, imagination, and emotion.

Their art consists of watercolors, ink, acrylic, stencils, plaster, clothing and photography. Each artist is influenced by diverse factors that have impacted their lives through social or cultural experiences. Dave Carender is an artist, writer, action movie enthusiast, comic book nerd, and video game aficionado that portrays his interest by creating cartoon-like figures with a twist.

While Josh Flood wants to show how pop art should have more to do with what's going on in the world today and how that world relates to our everyday lives. Flood is part of a group of local artists working to connect young people to art through events, projects and volunteering.

Kevin Barbro specializes in drawing, painting, and graphic design. His work highlights images and ideas of vultures and other figures with shadow work through light and dark contrast. The paintings are filled with mystery and hidden emotion with every stroke.

Another artist who has captured the hearts of many through her artwork is Melo Dominguez. It is said that her main focus is to find the spirit and soul within her art. We definitely see the layers that make up her art as she highlights social and political themes and street culture.

Project Ethos Music Spotlight: Anjulie

The multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and self proclaimed "popaholic" Anjulie will be taking over the stage in Arizona for Ethos’ final production of the year! Her performance will keep the party going with hits like Don't Call Me Baby, Boom, and Brand New Bitch.

The Toronto native has said to have been influenced by an array of music that ultimately gave birth to a sensational sophisticated blend of pop, hip-hop edginess, and cultural spice. Sultry vocal styling is what really sets Anjulie’s records off and allows her to unleash a sense of euphoria while performing. So don’t be surprised when you hear blends of Afro-Caribbean calypso, reggae, and Latin vibes emanating from Anjulie’s pop electric voice. Be ready for a hot performance that will have you dancing the night away.

Project Ethos Intern Experience

If you are looking for an internship that is exciting, challenging, and improves your communication skills, Project Ethos is the place to be! I am a Communication major with an emphasis on Advertising and found myself learning about all sorts of integrated marketing. I have been in charge of contracting sponsors for the VIP bags. While it may seem that getting free stuff is easy, it’s not in this economy. Yet after rigorous training and mock calls I found companies that were more than willing to donate. If I may say so myself it was a great feeling to know that all my hard work paid off and was able to see it all come together during the LA Fashion Week kick off. I was able to share the Ethos vision to other companies and implement marketing strategies that would benefit both parties. Yes I was able to receive 500 pieces of FREE merchandise from companies throughout the country and highlight significant products. This involved researching companies, researching their merchandise and analyzing how they could benefit our VIP attendees. After it was all said and done I was truly proud of myself and excited to showcase such fabulous products.

During the actual show, I was considered a runner. Literally it meant I was running across the whole venue at all times in five inch heels, another task I believed to be impossible. Yet lo and behold it was very possible and great exercise for my calves! I was in charge of escorting VIPs to their designated areas, which meant networking. I met everyone from radio representatives to the Princess of Denmark to Miss Regional California and enjoyed every second of it. Overall it was amazing to see the whole Ethos community come together and create such an unforgettable event.

-Vanessa Vega


One major part of this public relations internship is learning! If you are willing to learn, Project Ethos will truly teach you diverse techniques that apply to several areas of the work field.  As a public relations intern on the media team, I was in charge of  creating and sending out pitch letters to different media outlets, placing phone calls, and drafting up fact sheets for some of the participants during LA Fashion Week. The most exciting part of my internship is being an active part of the clients' PR efforts. Here at Project Ethos you really get to be hands on with various aspects of the event. On the day of the event you can expect to be doing a little bit of everything from setting up chairs to preparing VIP bags. Overall, you will get to see the venue come to life from scratch.  The night of the event I checked in press and talent; one of the cool things with that is being able to see the media you contacted attend the show. Seeing all your efforts come together the night of the event is so rewarding.  To sum it up it is an incredible experience. I would recommend an internship like this to everyone!

-Yodiet Habteab

The anticipation for the extravagant LA Fashion Week kick off at the House of Blues on Sunset was underway and everyone was putting the final touches for the unforgettable night. When we arrived to the venue everyone was excited to see Pete Wentz’s band the Black Cards perform, Will. I. Am’s clothing line preview and the live art show. Yet before all of our hard work paid off and we could claim success, we had to wait for our assigned task to assure a smooth show. I was part of the curator team and VIP seating overflow on the day of the show which involved me making sure that the seating arrangement was settled. Little did I know that I would also be involved in multiple tasks, like setting up the VIP chairs according to seating arrangements and organizing the VIP bags. One might consider seating arrangements an easy task yet overflowing crowds that turn restless became a constant struggle.

Now, before the show I was in charge of contacting art galleries to search for emerging artists and also invited art galleries to our show. As a Business major that minored in Marketing Promotion and International Business, I was excited to see the success of all of our marketing and promotions strategies on the night of the show. Another cool factor was researching various companies before contacting them and learning how to communicate/network with clients even when they were out of state. What’s so great about contacting sponsors or talking to companies about our show is that we get to practice and improve our business communication skills and eloquence. Overall I felt beyond satisfied to work on this show because I learned how to throw an amazing event through hands on experience, not a manual.

-Sergio Sanchez



I started interning with Project Ethos about a month before one of their biggest events, LA Fashion Week 2011. With so little time to go, there was still so much to do in preparation for the show. Being a part of the media and promotion team, I was working with Public Relations to spread the word about our event. While Project Ethos has only been around since 2005, they have already gained a certain reputation for showcasing some of the hottest emerging talent in fashion, music, and art. I contacted multiple media outlets, pitched our show and invited them to experience Ethos as a VIP guest. I was also assigned to create fact sheets for some of the participants in the show. It was great insight to see how different artists are inspired by various elements.

The day of the show came, and I was very excited to see what went on behind the scenes with production. I saw artists set up their galleries, designers sewing last minute garments, and the models rehearsing up and down the runway. Each intern had a specific assignment for the night and I was assigned to check in VIP guests on the runway. When the doors opened, it was a little nerve racking dealing with all the people. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, minor chaos, and I was ready to soak it in. Once everyone on my list was checked in, I was able to go inside and help out with productions behind the scenes which allowed me to enjoy the show from a whole new perspective.

-Andrea Mendez

LAFW Music Spotlight: Black Cards

by Megan Scott and Vanessa Vega

Ethos is back in LA everyone, and Black Cards, featuring Fall Out Boy’s former bassist/front man Pete Wentz, will be making their Los Angeles debut during LA FASHION WEEK!!! That's right, we’ve booked the electric sensation to play a live concert at the House of Blues on October 14th.

The Black Cards have toured overseas and performed three shows out on the east coast, but this will be their first performance in Cali and we are ecstatic to have them join us for LA Fashion Week. If you haven’t heard the Black Cards, they’re a mixture of dance/ska/reggae and rock/pop with a new sound referred to as “electropop”.

Grammy nominated, multi-platinum selling bassist, and lyricist, Pete Wentz is ready to tear up the stage with his new band Black Cards. Wentz was part of Fall Out Boy from 2002-2009 and when he took a break from music to focus on his new family, he found himself inspired by a new sound, and eager to share it with his fans.

The Black Cards emerged as a result of Pete's enlightening Jamaican vacation where he was inspired by Jamaican root reggae bands. He then enlisted pop vocalist, Bebe Rexha and Spencer Peterson on drums to create a new reggae infused, 80’s British rock sound. This band definitely knows how to get a crowd going and on their feet! So wear some comfortable shoes when you come to see them at ETHOS LA FASHION WEEK.

Black Cards music can be found at http://www.blackcardsmusic.com/. The band’s EP has not yet been released.

Project Ethos Stands Up To Cancer

by Vanessa Vega

We all know Project Ethos stands up for fashion, music, art, and now, to cancer! That’s right, Ethos is partnering up with the groundbreaking cancer dream team, Stand Up To Cancer. Ethos will be donating one dollar of every ticket sold from our Los Angeles Fashion Week show to SU2C. 

Why is Ethos partnering up with SU2C?  We are committed to creating awareness and building broad public support in order to prevent cancer.  “Cancer takes one person every minute. One life in a moment. They are our brothers, our sisters, our fathers and mothers, our husbands and wives, our best friends, our children, ourselves. Every day in America 1,500 people die, and yet, the means to save them are literally within our reach. To wait any longer for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is unforgivable.”-SU2C

Stand Up To Cancer is a new initiative created to accelerate cancer research so we can start saving lives. SU2C's goal is to unite the best and the brightest in the cancer community and encourages collaboration instead of competition. By using the entertainment industry as a forum to advocate for scientific breakthroughs in the prevention, detection, treatment and even reversal of cancer, SU2C has created a sense of hope for all. Ethos and SU2C are determined to unlock the answers that will finally conquer cancer.  Are you?

 

LAFW Model Casting 09.24.11

This Saturday @ Project Ethos HQ...Spread the word!

The Magic Marketplace

Written By Jacqueline Aro, Marra Manansala, Ashley Rivas, and Sergio Sanchez

MAGIC, or The Magic Marketplace, is a bi-annual trade show that showcases men's and women’s apparel, accessories and footwear. It has become the largest apparel and accessory trade event in the U.S. The tradeshow previews trends and apparel to hundreds of thousands of people whom attend from all over the world. Each February and August the largest and most influential network of buyers, brands, and media unite for this event and provide an inside perspective on the trends that will influence consumers today.  Fashion is ever changing, and new trends and merchandise are always in demand.

MAGIC, short for Men’s Apparel Guild in California, started as an association of Los Angeles men’s wear manufacturers in 1933. Around that time, the association went by Men’s Wear Manufacturers of Los Angeles. In 1942, their first show, the Roundup, took place in Palm Springs. Six years later, the association officially became the Men’s Apparel Guild in California.

Unlike today, MAGIC had two locations for its biannual shows, with the first covering the spring and summer markets in Palm Springs, while the Fall and Winter market shows took place in San Diego. Both shows found their home in the Los Angeles Convention Center in 1979 and, through its growth, opened its doors for retailers worldwide to participate. A widespread interest initiated MAGIC’s reputation as the largest, most anticipated fashion trade show in the world. Since 1989, MAGIC has settled down permanently in Las Vegas. The city is the most convenient host to the event since nearby hotels are able to accommodate the hundreds of thousands buyers and participants.

However, MAGIC has had its share of downfalls. Attendance is often unpredictable, but that goes for any trade show. Despite this uncertainty, attendance steadily increases with every event; MAGIC seems to surpass the economic roadblocks.  The environment is busy and full of competition, which often makes it difficult for businesses to keep buyers interested at their booths. Business owners have to work up some magic of their own to stand out amongst the thousands of booths.

Though the show is made for the buyer, seminars, better known as Sourcing, at MAGIC are offered to participating business owners to motivate and inspire success. These educational seminars are lead by the industry’s most influential leaders.

In addition, participants are able to set up appointments with buyers through an invaluable database of contact information. You know what they say: It’s networking, networking, networking! MAGIC allows participants to strategically place their booths in specific areas to target buyers. Emerging labels get the chance of a lifetime to showcase their merchandise amongst the big dogs, including Steve Madden, Marc Jacobs, and DKNY. As we all know, opportunities for lines to get carried in stores don’t show up at doorsteps every day. MAGIC seems to be that chance to create business partnerships and exposure to help advance businesses of all sizes. Prices to participate in the trade show can run a little steep, but in the world of fashion, you can’t afford to be left in the dark. Attendees should devise some kind of game plan as to what they want to see due to the size of this iconic trade show.

San Diego Model Casting 08.27.11

All Good Things Must Come to an End

When I first began this internship I was so excited. However I figured that, like most things, the sparkle and excitement would fade once I started working more. Quite the opposite. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the longer I worked the more fun I had. I got to know the girls in the office more and I got to know all the other interns more. I found myself looking forward to what crazy conversations would take place that day (like actually meeting people who had never seen The Sandlot) and the two hour long debates on where we should go for lunch. 

Amongst all the talk of ice cream cookie sandwiches and deep fried anything, though, I found my fellow interns and I actually learning. We learned how to overcome the fear of calling buyers and curators, how to let the rude comments and hang ups from buyers and curators roll off our backs, and how to work together to contribute something significant to all of our shows. I must say I am so grateful to have been able to have this experience and to work with such talented people. It turned out to be more than I ever thought it could be.

Thanks Project Ethos for an amazing summer!

Christi

I still remember the e-mail my instructor sent to our class about an internship for Project Ethos, a fashion, music and art company. I sent my resume in and was excited to hear from Brianne, the PR Director, shortly after. It was already time for our orientation meeting, where we would meet Jason, the owner, Brianne, as well as the other interns. We were lucky to end up with such a great crowd. Now it is hard to believe that this is my last day at the office here in LA already. Over the past months we got some insight of the business behind the events Project Ethos puts on. There is a lot of work in all different areas that needs to be taken care of and it was interesting to learn step by step how we could help out and do research to find all the information that was needed. However, it is time for me to say bye and thank you to Project Ethos for the great opportunity.

-Susanne Truthmann

Project Ethos Music Spotlight: Friendly Fires

by Margarita Castellanos

There’s nothing better than a refreshing sound that intoxicates you and slips you into an electric trance of lush shoegaze melodies. England natives, Friendly Fires brings an aurora of sound to your ears. With their latest LP, Pala, the trio brings the nightlife of the tropics to you with the smooth mesmerizing vocals of lead singer Ed Macfarlane, hypnotic synth chords and intricate drum beats. The entire album is a collision of 80s euphoria and tropic sensation. Every track is pure sugarcane ear candy.

Miami Swim Week 2011

by Vanessa Vega & Danielle Harmon


Nothing rounds up models quicker than warm weather, sandy beaches, the boardwalk, and Miami Swim Fashion Week. From Miami, LA, and Australia to Brazil, Miami Swim Week 2011 was full of international inspiration and overwhelming success. Imagine a week full of slick sexy metallic, high-tech fabrics resistant to salt and chlorine-fade, stripes of every kind, bright pastels, neon prints, and silhouettes that transform swim suits into art. The diversity throughout Miami Swim was inevitable and inspired by everything from travel, to ecological responsibility, and even alcohol like SKYY Vodka. Here is a break down of Miami Swim Fashion Week and some insight from a previous Ethos participant that was also recently part of the electrifying Salon Allure in Miami.


Mercedes Benz Swim Week, which took place at the Raleigh Hotel, is the relaxed, laid-back summer version of NY Fashion Week. With the events starting later in the day, everyone participating and attending are able to enjoy their time and soak up the Miami sun. Designers from all over the world came out to present their new, barely there swimwear lines, including, White Sands Australia, Poko Pano, Beach Bunny Swimwear, Crystal Jin, L*Space by Monica Wise, Wildfox Swimwear, Caffé Swimwear, Mara Hoffman Swim, Aqua Di Lara, A.Ché, Red Carter, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Lisa Blue, Nicolita and True Religion. But the designer that took the crown for best designer had to be Diesel. Diesel was not only the kick off show with Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szhor as the guest DJ, but they also had Laguna Beach and The Hills star, Kristin Cavallari, walking the runway in the world’s first glass bikini inspired by their sponsor SKYY Vodka.

Salon Allure returned this year at the W Hotel and Residences, as the first and only exclusively luxury swim, fiber, and resort tradeshow. The designers collections were presented differently than the average show at Swim Week. They were showcased in ocean front studios and suites. Salon Allure allowed a limited amount of people to attend and the intimate environment lead to the show's success. Because of the limited space most attendees were buyers, which gave the buyers and designers more time to network. Designer Red Carter said, “We spent more time with representatives that aligned with our business goals. We were able to be more strategic, which lead to more business”. The participating designers included: Red Carter, Diesel, Tori Praver, Mara Hoffman, Jessica Simpson, Nycked, Lisa Curran, 6 Shore Road, Martha Rey, and previous Project Ethos participant, biKa by AmbiKa Sanjana.

Mogul Events and ecosystM created the first annual Haute Natured sustainable swimwear show at The Setai Hotel. Although Haute Natured was a sideshow of Mercedes Benz Swim Week, it still brought a lot of attention. The designers, including Eco Swim, Linda Loudermilk, Meadow, and MAE Couture, took designing a bikini to the next level. The designers used recycled bottles, upcycled fabrics and repurposed military parachutes to create the eco-friendly designs. Linda Loudermilk received a lot of attention by creating the world’s first fully compostable bathing suit. Loudermilk said “the suit won’t dissolve on a woman’s body, but bury it under dirt, like in a land fill, and it would break down within 180 days”. Haute Natured also kept the green theme going with celebrity green-carpet arrivals and electric sports car displays by Tesla.

Swim Week’s charitable side, Style Saves, is a non-profit that raises money to buy school clothing for foster children and underprivileged youth. They celebrated their one year anniversary at the Soho Beach House with an event that included three runway shows and much more. The participants for the event included Trina Turk, B. Rawlings, Papi, and Neiman Marcus. Models walked the runway as DJ’s Ess and Emm provided the musical entertainment, and the show ended with an after-party sponsored by Moët & Chandon Imperial Ice. Luxury goods and services were silently auctioned off and all proceeds from the event went to benefit Style Saves’ students.

Previous Project Ethos Participant, Ambika shares her insight about Swim Week:


Project Ethos: What sets Salon Allure apart from other trade shows?
   
Ambika: Salon Allure was definitely different than other trade shows I have been to in a few ways. The setting: The show was at the beautiful W hotel on South Beach. One entire floor was booked and dedicated to swimwear designers, each room serving as our "booth". The view was the stunning ocean and beach which seemed the appropriate setting for a swimwear trade show. The intimacy: The setting provided an intimacy that was refreshing. Instead of the traditional gigantic convention center, with buyers huddling down isles, this set up allowed for a more personal interaction. The set up: There was a kick-off fashion show on the opening night showcasing all the participating designers. Each evening there was a "media lounge" for a couple of hours...where all the designers, buyers and media networked over cocktails sponsored by Grey Goose. We made some amazing contacts here in this informal setting.

PE: Would you participate in it next year?

A: I would absolutely participate in this show next year. I feel like it was a great show and we had an amazing experience.

PE: Did you receive any orders or did you feel the show was just a preview of upcoming swimwear?

A:  We did receive orders at this show, as well as tons of contacts, media and press coverage.

Project Ethos: What did you enjoy the most about the show?

A:   I loved meeting and interacting with all the other talented designers. I met some amazing people and really loved the venue.

PE: Would you change anything about the show or do you have suggestions on how to improve it for next year?

A:   All around it was pretty amazing, however if there was one suggestion I could offer it would be...better lighting and sound at the fashion show. The lighting was not ideal for photographers, media and photo journalists. I would have set up the ramp different.

PE: Final comments?

A:   Miami Swim Week is a must experience for all swimwear designers. Being in the city filled with every hot swimwear company out there, models, celebs, hot pool parties and the rising temperatures - priceless.

Project Ethos Music Spotlight: The Cab

By Thelma Annan

In need of an authentic, fresh sound in your iPod? Look no further than Las Vegas originators, The Cab. A city known for its bright lights and even brighter talent, this alternative band offers catchy lyrics and sounds. For fans of Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco, The Cab emerged onto the scene with their single, “I’ll Run” off their debut album Whisper Wars.

This band has gone through their share of ups and downs, concerning former band mates and parting ways with their label ‘Fueled by Ramen.’ But just like any survivor, this band continued on, dedicated to their music, but most admirably to their fans.

Currently on summer tour with band, All Time Low, be on the lookout for their upcoming album ‘SymphonySoldiers.’ It’s been a long time coming, but from the sounds of it, it definitely will not disappoint!

You can check out their website for the latest news: http://www.thecabrock.com/
Or follow them on Twitter: @TheCab

Check out their latest single, "Bad," from their sophomore album Symphony Soldiers, which will be released August 23rd:

Music

Last Shift at Project Ethos

by Madyson Scully

Crazy as it seems, it is my final shift as an intern here at Project Ethos! Being my first internship, I definitely gained valuable knowledge about the business world in general, as well as the fashion, music, and art industry. I learned firsthand how to be a successful salesperson, as well as effectively researching and storing important information for upcoming shows. Project Ethos was the perfect place for me to start as I enter further into my education and working career. There was a casual, positive feel in the office; music was always playing, and we, food-obsessed interns, always had our 2 o’clock lunch break, after drooling over every online menu.

Not only did I gain personal experience and education about business, I learned the importance of teamwork and cooperation within an entire company. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, extra knowledge about one place, artist or genre of music, and when all shared and collaborated, it makes things go smoothly and time effectively. Whether I was calling and inviting VIP curators or researching new venues, or even writing blogs, these past few months working at Project Ethos have taught me important lessons for the years to come. I have gained confidence in my abilities as an employee and as a knowledgeable salesperson for the company.

I look forward to continuing my studies at USC, even as I change my mind on my career choice probably every week. I hold strong interests in law, business, psychology, and even French, but I know that no matter where I end up, I will look back on this internship with great merit and appreciation.

Project Ethos Music Spotlight: Amp Live

by Jacqueline Aro

Project Ethos will be in San Francisco on August 11th to showcase up and coming talented artist in fashion, music, and art. One of the artists from the music category is Amp Live a local Bay Area music producer/DJ and a former group member of Zion 1. His unique beats fall into the Electroacoustic, Ghettotech, and Hip Hop genres. His latest album "Murder at the Discotech" was launched on June 15th of 2010 and is available in stores now.

Amp Live has produced for many artists such as Akon, Linkin Park, MGMT, Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls, Goapele, and Flipsyde. He has also produced music for TV shows and movies such as "So You Think You Can Dance", "Americas Next Top Model", "Friday Night Lights", and "Big Fat Liar" just to name a few.

Amp Live has also worked in the the video game industry; his production was one of the major features for the Sony Traxxpad. For more information on Amp Live check out these sites:

http://amplivesworld.com/
http://www.myspace.com/amplive
http://twitter.com/#!/AMPLIVE
http://www.theuntz.com/AmpLive 
http://www.facebook.com/amplive

Project Ethos Spotlight: San Francisco Artists

by Sarah Clifford

In just a few short days, Project Ethos will be heading up to San Francisco and we couldn’t be more psyched about the artists who will showing their work at the show.  Locals Kelly Clancy, Lawrence Yang, Tony Papesh, and Boris Jovanovic all bring something new and exciting to the table, making for an unforgettable art show on August 11.

Kelly Clancy

Kelly Clancy

Kelly Clancy

Kelly Clancy, originally from Philadelphia, clearly has a passion for art, but also is currently studying neuroscience at UC Berkeley.  Her dream-scape imagery in comic style balances a fine line between

Clancy is clearly changing comic style, challenging people to view her commentary as a unique take on social and political times.  She finds inspiration in her dreams and from the impossible task of applying rationale to the irrational.  Clancy herself says her pieces range in topics, from “alienation to love; from decay to globalism; from faith to the nameless fears that pervade our psyches.” 

Clancy’s illustration series, ‘Kids with Guns’ shows an amazing attention to detail with colors draw the viewer’s eye to different emphases in each piece.  This same attention to detail carries over to other aspects of her work, including paintings and design.

To check out Clancy’s inspired works, head to her website.

Lawrence Yang

Lawrence Yang

Next up we have the amazing Lawrence Yang, an artist with graffiti art and traditional Chinese painting influences.  With that kind of combination, you know you’re in for some astounding one-of-a-kind art, and that’s exactly what you get.

Yang works with ink, marker, and watercolor, using color in dramatic ways.  His bright and colorful images bring surreal characters and settings to life – making you think he’s crawled into your head and painting one of your most vivid dreams. 

He’s been drawing since he was a kid, and we’re sure his talent will continue to grow and develop.  Yang is currently living in SF with his (I already love him) “imaginary pets, Cholo and Binky.”

Check out his profession website here or his personal blog with updates on currently projects here.

Tony Papesh

Tony Papesh

Tony Papesh

Tony Papesh is the next SF artist you can expect to see at supperclub.  This guy is an all around artist, working in the fields of digital, sketch and paintings.  Here’s  another artist who really knows how to utilize color. 

Still within the supernatural, whimsical realm, Papesh’s images and sketches are consuming.  The simplicity and attention to detail usually has me staring at his work for much longer than I’ve realized.  His work has a way of drawing you in and will either make you laugh, or think really hard.  To see what I mean, you can see his work on his website.

Boris Jovanovic

Boris Jovanovic

Boris Jovanovic

And last, my certainly not least, is the talented Boris Jovanovic.  When I first saw his work, all I could think was, “I need that.”  Jovanovic was born in Yugoslavia and used sketching as an escape when he was younger.  Now based in San Francisco, his art has a dark beauty, often with hints of tension.

Amazing use of color seems to be a theme with our SF artists, something that is oh so refreshing.  Jovanovic uses splashes of color in his pieces, but they never overpower the art.  Instead, his subtle use and pops of color are meant to represent glimmers of hope.

His art usually has many layers, each bringing something new to the piece.  To see some of his stuff and learn more about Boris Jovanovic, check out: 
http://bespokegrafiks.com/illustration.html 
http://www.behance.net/borisj74

SF Designers in Action!

It's a race against the clock! Only two more weeks until these designers showcase their one-of-a-kind garments on the Ethos runway!

Stephanie Verrieres and Kimie Sako of Verrieres & Sako

Wen Guo of Boditecture

Lauren Crafford of LHC Couture

Project Ethos Fashion: San Francisco Designer Spotlight

In just a couple of weeks, Project Ethos will be taking over the great town of San Francisco to spread the word and mission of blossoming talent in the realms of fashion, music, and art.   On August 11th, four breakout designers will be stepping up to represent Northern California in the exciting and ever changing world of fashion.  These emerging designers will showcase an original vitaminwater zero flavor inspired garment on the runway to be voted on live, via audience text-to-vote.  The winner of this Flavor Fashionista Challenge will receive up $3,000 in prizes.

Lauren Crafford of LHC Couture --

Inspired by the effortless class and beauty of her great grandmother, Lauren Hyde Crafford (hence the LHC) has been designed clothing with a mission: make women feel beautiful.  With this message strong in mind, Crafford has produced two collections that play with pastels, shapes, and fabric drapery.  Crafford's newest take on the female form will be seen first in August with Project Ethos.  Lauren will be presenting a garment inspired by the vitaminwater zero flavor "Glow."  http://www.lhccouture.com/

Wen Guo of Boditecture --

Pushing the boundaries of fashion, form, and function with her architecture inspired collections, Wen Guo knows the meaning of versatility.  Using zippers, buttons, and string as more than just accents, Guo flawlessly creates day and night duo looks within one stylish garment.  With each collection produced by Boditecture, Guo showcases a new vision more complex than the last.  Wen will be showcasing a garment inspired by the vitaminwater zero flavor "Rhythm."  http://www.boditecture.com/index.html



Stephanie Verrieres & Kimie Sako of Verrieres & Sako --

From their first collection in 2006 to dressing a major guest at Barack Obama's 2008 Presidential Inauguration, design partners Stephanie Verrieres and Kimie Sako have been gaining nationwide recognition for their classic chic gowns and separates.  Known best for their high waisted skirts and intricate fabric manipulation, Verrieres & Sako will bring the high glam drama to the Ethos Runway.  Their Flavor Fashionista garment will be inspired by the flavor "Go-Go."  http://www.verrieres-sako.com/vs 

Bloomfest LA

Looking for something to do this Saturday? Head to the Downtown Arts District for a FREE event! Yes free! Support Project Ethos alums Voxhaul Broadcast and Love Grenades at Bloomfest LA featuring other music performances, street art, and food. Visit

http://www.bloomfestla.com/ for more event info. Enjoy!