Our Blog is Moving

ProjectEthos.TV will be the new home of Voice of Project Ethos starting today. We will leave the one on Blogger up for anyone that wants to look back on the three years of blogging on here. The new destination will feature blogs from 2012 and on. See you on ProjectEthos.TV where we will be stoking the fire.

LA Fashion Week at Downtown LA Art Walk

Fashion. Music. Artwalk.

Project Ethos and Downtown LA Artwalk will come together on Thursday October 11th to produce their first ever LA Fashion Week showcase combining the power of fashion, music and artwalk at the premier special event venue in Los Angeles - Exchange LA. The night will feature Project Ethos’ signature runway showcase by emerging designers, a live concert from “the next best thing” in music, multiple DJs, and a sprawling art experience in the downstairs gallery at Exchange LA. 

More details, TBA. For any and all inquiries please email Info@ProjectEthos.com.

The Carlton Hair Experience

Last year Project Ethos and Carlton Hair teamed up to provide four lucky winners a complete styling session at a salon with VIP experience at Project Ethos. It was a great time, and we captured it all on film.

2011 was a preview at a look behind the scenes of something cool we did with Carlton Hair. This month, we will be taking it to another level by pulling back the curtains on an entire Project Ethos event. Tune in to ProjectEthos.TV on Monday August 27th for our premier!

Check us out on Pinterest!

We are on Pinterest. And we are excited about it.

Follow us: http://pinterest.com/projectethos/

Check back for daily updates!

Featured Fridays: Caroline D'Amore

Photo by Raphael Maglonzo / Runway Icon

That's a DJ?!

Model/Actress Caroline D'Amore ROCKED the June 19th 2012 Project Ethos after party hosted by JIN&Quinn, turning Avalon into Las Vegas during her quick but memorable set. The second fashion show ended, and D'Amore hit the stage with infectious energy - something that we like to call "magic". 

The crowd was immediately fist pumping to choice dance tracks and following the eye catching DJ's every move. People even ran up to the stage to snap pictures. This is tough to achieve as an emerging DJ and we give all respect due to something like that. We will definitely try to bring her back, so stay tuned.

Trending Thursdays: Buzzing

Fashion

Want to shop online, but still get the benefit of your local retail store? As in having it the same day? eBay is beta testing "eBay Now" allowing a test market of San Francisco consumers to receive a package hours after they order it. This online retail thing is getting serious.

Music

We looked at Neon Hitch at least a half a dozen times for Project Ethos. Just never worked out. Her brand new single "Gold" features Tyga and is co-written by Bruno Mars. Trippy because Tyga graced our red carpet many times, and Bruno graced our music stage. Small world! What do you think of her new single?

Art

We see Pinterest as an "Art" subject because it allows a person who doesn't really regard themselves as an artist have some serious creative expression. Using google images and some personal inspiration, some of our friends have really shined. They also sort of became junkies in the process. Now Pinterest made it easier to get hooked unvealing brand new long awaited Android and iPad apps. Happy pinning!

Are you an Emerging Designer?

We are currently adding designer collections for LA Fashion Week - email info@projectethos.com to receive more information. This year's October event will be sure to turn heads.

Calling All Artists

We are now accepting submissions from Artists for our LA Fashion Week event in October. Looking to add participants in all areas of art: oil, acrylic, photography, mixed media, live art and more. Please submit your name, email, phone number and 5-7 photos of your work to info@projectethos.com. 

Web Series Set To Air

The moment is finally here. We have been talking about it all year long. After shooting our March LA Fashion Week event, and later the June Summer event, we have been working with our production team to bring the Project Ethos Web Series to life. 

Like a series within a series, much drama has played out through this process. It has been many years in the making and we wanted it done right. We are proud to say we have an air date - on Monday, August 27th, we will air our first four webisodes on ProjectEthos.TV. From there we will be posting a webisode every other week!

A breakdown of what is to come on the 27th:

Webisode 1: Project Ethos: Fashion. Music. Art.

Summary: Founder & CEO Jason Peskin and his team explain the meaning of Project Ethos, the company history, and what is to come in the near future.

Webisode 2: Model Call

Summary: Event Director Jennifer Backoff exposes the process of casting models for an upcoming March 13th, 2012 LA Fashion Week showcase.

Webisode 3: Danielle Pettee part 1

Summary: Jason and the team prepare for the show while fashion designer Danielle Pettee and models practice off site.

Webisode 4: Danielle Pettee part 2

Summary: Fashion designer Danielle Pettee overcomes obstacles and shines at the March 13th, 2012 LA Fashion Week showcase.

Visit ProjectEthos.TV on Monday, August 27th to check it out!

Featured Fridays: Pop Universe

While we work on our upcoming LA Fashion Week event this coming October, we are taking a look back at our "Pop Universe" event at Avalon, October 2008.  A special night for us, it was the first time we revealed a white runway, clean stage design that focused on the participants, and a brand spanking new Bardot. Oh yeah, and LMFAO before they were signed with Interscope and flipping Madonna into the air at the Super Bowl.

Eva Devore

Thomas Hannsz

Models backstage in "Jerry Lewis" room

10 Min til' doors

Jody has some fun backstage with LMFAO

LMFAO rocks Project Ethos

Jen Garcia

Gallery inside Bardot

Photos by Jody Domingue

Trending Thursdays: What's On Deck?

Fashion

Designers are playing with ruffles for the Fall. One we like:

Stella McCartney

Light blue tailored cotton shirtdress with a curved pique front panel. Stand up collar leads into a pearlescent button down front. Long sleeves with single button cuffs. Defined seams. Lightly flounced skirt. Unlined. 

Music

One word. Humananimal. 

Fire In The Hamptons blazes onto the LA Music Scene at House of Blues and other landmark venues across town even getting a spin on KCRW. Watch out for these guys.

Art

Downtown Art Walk is tonight, and we are excited. Past Project Ethos participant and Lab Art favorite Phil Lumbang will showcase his "Awesome Academy" as it takes a look into the "yearbook" of his universe of bear personalities at the Art Walk Lounge.

LA Fashion Week Internships

Its about that time again... LA Fashion Week will be here before we know it. And as usual, we are providing internships that include college credit and a life changing experience. Apply with your resume in the body of your email to jobs@projectethos.com.

Click image to enlarge

Featured Fridays: Michael Costello

Project Ethos is proud and excited to be able to call Project Runway contestant Michael Costello one of our recent participants. He debuted on Project Runway's season 8 and finished 4th in the competition. He was later featured in Project Runway's All-Star Show in it's first season. Costello opened his first boutique in Palm Springs when he was only 15 years old, taught himself everything and studied Fashion at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Later on, he went to intern for Fashion Designer, Bob Mackie. 

Michael Costello featured designs from his 2012 collection at Project Ethos on June 19 at the Avalon. Blowing the crowd away with gold bling, white, and nude gowns. After appearing in Project Ethos and Project Runway Costello has been working on his brand and continuing to thrive. He recently opened a showroom in Downtown Los Angeles and is working on his new collection.

You can see Michael Costello at Phoenix Fashion Week, in Pheonix, Arizona on October 5, 2012.

Trending Thursdays: Vintage Everywhere

“Vintage” has long been a theme obsessed over by the fashion world, but recently has made a huge re-emergence in other areas such as music, television, photography and marketing campaigns.

Popularized songstresses’ like Lana del Rey, Adele and the late Amy Winehouse all had multiple chart toppers utilizing their style of breathy, antiqued sound. In television, shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire have inspired specialty lines in stores like Banana Republic, red-lipped make-up for Estee Lauder and dolls for Barbie. The younger generation has even shown their interest by wearing the thick-rimmed glasses known as “Horn Rim” glasses as seen on many of these shows. They have been popularized so much that “Hipsters” all over have made it their trademark. The popular app, Instagram has made it a hit to over expose your photos and add vinegette touches to give the shot a dated and classic look. Even liquor companies have jumped on the bandwagon of the “blast from the past.” Bacardi recently took a photo shoot celebrating their 150 years and turned it into a commercial, where cocktail waitresses and partygoers alike are dressed in ‘50s glam. 

It’s impossible to deny that this trend is here to stay for a while. Therefore, we suggest hitting up your local thrift store or your parents closet to dig out some of the classics.

State of Online Retail

According to Google, online sales currently represent 9% of all retail sales, and are expected to represent 11% of all retail sales in the US by 2014. Sales are up from 8% in 2009 and predicted to grow even larger in the upcoming holiday season.  

“The role of the internet will continue to grow for consumers and retailers, as consumers continue to understand the value of finding information about their purchases online,” says Google retail.

The internet success of the likes of net-a-porter, mywardrobe and notonthehighstreet suggests that even areas of the retail industry – notably high fashion – that were hitherto seen as less vulnerable to the internet revolution, are attracting increasingly significant numbers of buyers who have access to a computer but perhaps lack the time to tramp the streets in search of the perfect outfit. Consumers make purchase decisions based on brands and experiences. For consumers, a website is the portal to the brand. How (device) and where (location) the brand is accessed is a matter of specific need for information at a unique stage in the purchase cycle. The challenge for all retailers is that expectations for a seamless transition throughout the funnel are high and rising. Persistence of experience delights the customer. 

What Are They Saying?

Check out some coverage on our June event:

California Apparel News

La Splash 

Agenda Magazine

Hipsterwave.com

Going Global

Project Ethos turns seven on August 27th. 

We are very proud to say that seven years ago, we launched our fashion/music/art vision at the El Rey in Los Angeles. 

In 2005, we were the only company to feature three unique showcases under one roof and allow consumers to join in on the fun. A marriage of creative mediums, buyers, media, and everyday attendees was established on that beautiful Summer evening. In 2012, we remain at the forefront of innovative event showcases with our thought out, quality gatherings.

This years anniversary will be celebrated by releasing our first set of webisodes from the March 2012 fashion week event. We have been working very hard capturing the process on film, and can finally share it with the world.

On August 27th, 2012 Project Ethos goes global.

Featured Fridays: Tyrone Wells

Tyrone Wells performed live at the February 29, 2008 Project Ethos in Los Angeles filling the Avalon's Main Theatre space with his signature soulful and melodic sound. Wells flawlessly balances acoustic susceptibility and pop rock irresistibility that has won him his loyal fan base starting from his early independent days.

He has two lauded major label releases under his belt—Hold On [2006] and Remain [2009]—along with film and TV placements including American Idol, One Tree Hill, Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, My Sister’s Keeper, Something Borrowed and more. Wells latest album Beautiful World is set to release on July 31, 2012.  Check him out HERE

Trending Thursdays: Miami Swim Week

Red Carter

This past week Mercedes-Benz showcased their 2013 Fashion Swim Week. Held at The Raleigh in Miami Beach, Florida; MBFW showcased the best pool-ready fashion, with designer brands such as Mara Hoffman, Gottex and 32 other designers showing their collections alongside the newest Mercedes-Benz convertibles including the all-new 2013 SL63 AMG. Designers sent models down the runway in vibrant, retro-inspired swimwear. Hot trends included high-waisted bottoms, metallic colors, shoulder-accented tops, geometric and floral prints. 

Bika

Project Ethos Alum AmbiKa Sanjana (Bika) was all over Miami Swim Week with her sexy line of swimwear featuring unique embellishments including tassels and just the right amount of bling along with her signature peacock feather design. From participating in Fashion's Fight Against Parkinsons at the Dream South Beach Hotel to showing her designs at the Miami Convention Center and her exclusive showcase at STK, Ambika made a splash at Mercedes Benz Swim Week. Her designs can be seen on celebs such as Maria Menonous, Kristin Bauer and many more.

PR Evolved

After six years of providing PR and Marketing services for designers, musicians and artists, Project Ethos is excited about the extension of these skills and knowhow to longterm clients. Working with our first PR exclusive brands has been a lot of fun and we are happy to take more.

Project Ethos Public Relations strives to give their clients everything needed to succeed and turn more profits. With specialties ranging from press kit creation to marketing campaigns and beyond, Project Ethos PR is sure to find and execute the best strategies for your brand. Unique ideas that fit the current terrain of a saturated media landscape is a major focus. "Rising above the clutter" is a mantra and executing public relations campaigns by evolving is a must. 

For more information on packages and services, email brianne@projectethos.com.

Project Ethos On The Web

Coming soon.

Project Ethos events have been successful at opening up opportunities for emerging designers, musicians and artists, by allowing participants to showcase in a groundbreaking new way with consumers, buyers, media and press combined in one place. Taking the next steps, Project Ethos will soon allow a worldwide audience to stay updated on the past, present and future through YouTube and ProjectEthos.TV.

YouTube will showcase interviews, fashion shows, concerts and other exclusive content for a look at what happened during the event's live moments. Check out our progress of updating it HERE.

ProjectEthos.TV will feature a web series based on the behind the scenes action before, during and after a show. The ups and downs, processes and overall progression of an event from concept to manifestation will be seen for the first time. We will be announcing the dates of our first webisodes any day now so stay tuned.

Dont forget to check out Project Ethos on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook to stay updated on upcoming events and opportunities. 

June Event Recap

Project Ethos on the Cover of CA Apparel News

June 19th 2012, the Avalon in Hollywood was the chosen destination for fashion enthusiasts, music lovers and art connoisseurs. With stars of Shahs of Sunset and Golden Brooks from the CW’s Girlfriends settled in the front row; along with reps from Tom Ford, the Dolan Group, Art Pic LA and a number of celebrity stylists.

Emerging designers Lauren Stucky (Lauren Stucky), Camiille Liim (Camille Liim), Noah Landis (Kent Denim), Candice Wu (Candice Wu Couture), Nausheen Gilkar (Sheen), Brenna Hoffman (XYST) and Michail Sykianakis (Mihail Kian) started the show. Impressing the crowd with fresh perspectives for style this year.

During the break Virtual Boy, an electronic band, performed while live art from Lab Art. Meex One, Felix, Septerhed and Philip Lumbang exposed event goers to their creative methods behind their work. The second show began and the crowd was thrilled to see some of their favorite characters of the Bravo show, Project Runway, live on stage premiering new lines. The show was filled with gowns and glamour from Alumni Bert Keeter, Gordana Gehlhausen and Michael Costello. At 10pm the after party hosted by Jin&Quinn started with a bang as DJ Caroline D’Amore got the crowd re-energized.

Upcoming events:

LA Fashion Week (October, TBA)

June 19th Event Press Release

Project Ethos Back for Summer Event

Emerging Talent, Project Runway Alumni, Lab Art and Jin&Quinn come together at the Avalon

Los Angeles, CA- As part of its quarterly schedule for 2012, Project Ethos will kick off the summer with a line-up featuring the best of Project Runway Alumni alongside emerging fashion, music and art talent. Hosted on Tuesday, June 19th, 2012 at the Avalon Hollywood (1735 Vine St. Los Angeles, CA 90028), with Jin&Quinn, Armand de Brignac and TNT Agency who will provide its stunning hair and make-up styling for the models.

The first runway show at 8:30pm will consist of emerging designers Michail Sykianakis (Mihail Kian), Brenna Hoffman (XYST), Lauren Stucky (Lauren Stucky), Camiille Liim (Camille Liim), Noah Landis (Kent Denim), Nausheen Gilkar (Sheen) and Candice Wu (Candice Wu Couture).

With acts such as LMFAO, Colbie Caillat, and Bruno Mars featured in past events, Project Ethos will showcase its next music pick -- Los Angeles based Virtual Boy, at 9pm. Live painting from Lab Art’s Meex One, Felix, Septerhed and Philip Lumbang will be set bordering the main room with installations in the lobby and Honey from Flewnt and from Salazar Contemporary Art, Spenser Little.

The second runway show at 9:30pm will be composed of Project Runway alumni Gordana Gehlhausen, Michael Costello, and Bert Keeter.

At 10pm, Jin&Quinn will host the official after party featuring live painting on stage by FLEWNT, dance performance by LA Doll House, fashion show by 10 Corso Colombo with guest model Allison Melnick, and DJ sets from Taryn Manning and Caroline D’Amore.

Project Ethos showcases emerging fashion, music and art to buyers, media and consumers through live events and the world wide web.

Jin&Quinn create celebrity driven Branded Lifestyle Events in LA. Current clients include: The Sayers Club, Mondrian Hotel, The Andaz Hotel, The W Hollywood, Chinese Laundry, Ducati, Fred Segal, Chinese Laundry, THQ and Squaresoft and many more. Recent Guests include: Adrian Grenier, Andrea Lowell, Apl de Ap from the Black Eyed Peas, Bai Ling, Caroline D'Amore, Dev Patel, Ed Westwick, Emmanuelle Chriquiri, Florence and The Machine, Gene Simmons and Family, Jesse Metcalfe, Joanna Krupa, Joe Jonas, Josh Henderson, Jared LetoKevin Connelly, Kim Kardashian, Laura Shields, Macy Gray, Mark Zuckerberg, Mark Salling, Melanie Brown, Melody Thornton, Rex Lee, Robert Kardashian, Sam Worthington, Shia Labouf, Shannon Elizabeth, Shar Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Lautner, Tara Reid, Taye Diggs, Vanessa Williams, Vida Guerra, Will.I.Am, Wilmer Valderamma, and many more.

The general public may purchase tickets HERE

Summer Event Model Call

June 19th Event Details

June 19th Designer Preview

Emerging Designers and Project Runway Talents Collide

Emerging Designers:

Michail Sykianakis – Michail Sykianakis – Miachail is a womenswear fashion designer, with an exquisite skill in draping and producing designs directly on the body. His designs have been featured in Vogue, Urban, In-Style and a number of other publications. Michail is now concentrating on the launch of his own designer line, "Mihail Kian."

Kent Denim - Designer Noah Landis launched Kent Denim, a label that offers modern tailored profiles with a fashion forward aesthetic. Kent Denim’s design philosophy pivots on “a man’s wardrobe is more than just about clothes, but great garments to experience life in.”

Brenna Hoffman - Brenna is an organic fashion designer, merging the people with the earth. Launching her line XYST in 2009 with the goal of reminding people that we exist with nature. Brenna won 3rd place in the Cirque De La Mode Fashion Circus Show, in April 2012.

Lauren Stucky – For Lauren, cultivated freedom was quested to engineer her Spring 2011 Women’s collection. Lauren has been featured in The Icon Concierge, DLIST, H&M, Bunker Hill along with a multitude of other publications. With a refined edge of sexy, casual dressing that can easily mesomorph into nighttime glam.

Camiille Liim -  Camille Liim has produced costume designs for films such as Jewtopia, and Long Time Gone. She has worked with Chanel Cruise collection, Armani Prive, Brighton Accessories, Teen Vogue and 20^th Century Fox. Camille aspires to be prosperous in the fashion and entertainment industry.

Candice Wu Couture is founded by Boston based fashion designer Candice Wu. Although she is fairly new to the fashion business, having only been in the business since about a year ago, Several fashion events have featured Candice’s work including Boston Fashion Week, StyleWeek Providence, Rhode Island, Miss Mongolia USA in Chicago IL, Project Beethoven at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Ovations for the Cure fashion charity event, and the Catwalk for a Cure breast cancer charity event. In addition, her work has graced the pages of Upscale Living magazine and other publications. She is also the winner of the Boston Fashion Award 2012.

Project Runway participants:

Gordana Gehlhausen – Gordana opened her first GOGA boutique in Charleston, South Carolina, and recently opened two new boutiques in downtown San Diego and Santa Monica. Gordana has been featured in Entertainment, FINE, and Marie Claire along with many other publications.

  

Michael Costello –At the age of 15 Michael opened his first boutique in Palm Springs. Being self taught he was told he was over qualified for FIDM. Michael created 31 ravishing designs, which where featured in Palm Springs Life Magazine. Recently, Michael has been designing for some of today’s hottest celebrities. His portfolio includes designs for: Toni Braxton, Paulina Rubio, Paris Hilton, Mary J. Bilge, Nicole Richie, Lindsey Lohan, Celine Dion, among others.

Bert Keeter – Bert comes from California, and first realized his potential in high school. He has created with Holly Harp, Bill Blass, Arnold Scaasi and Halston. Bert found himself auditioning for Project Runway and became a contestant in season 9 as one of 20 designers hoping to make it big in the industry.

Purchase tickets to Project Ethos’ upcoming event June 19th HERE. 

June 19th Art Preview

Flewnt Sevens Leaves A DNA Sample Through Art

Venice-based artist Flewnt believes “ART outlives its creator and functions like a DNA sample which identifies the artist and expresses his message.”

Inspired by this outlook, Flewnt has created a collection of more than a thousand pieces that brings graffiti-style artwork to a smaller portable canvas. Made with recycled wood and materials, and incorporating multiple layers of colors and different dimensions, each raw piece is one-of-a-kind.

With his depth and style in each piece, Flewnt is giving the world a reflection of himself to enjoy for all time.

Usually found selling his pieces beachside, we are excited that Flewnt will be making a rare appearance to spread his message at our show in June.

Featured LAB ARTists

We are thrilled to be showcasing live artists from LAB ART again this show.

Felix

Raised around art and captivated with graffiti at a young age, Felix’s inspiration comes from the feelings he has towards a certain subject, or, most of the time, the way things beautifully look.

“I do art to heal myself and to give the public something nice to look at on their way to work or wherever they may be headed. But in a way, its just a funny experiment to see how the people react to foreign designs in their public space, or should I say OUR space,” – said the artist whose work can be seen on his website http://www.felixstreetart.com/.

Meex One

Creating art for “THE LOVE ALONE,” Meex One uses his background as a graffiti artist and graphic designer to reach beyond the realm of the traditional to those who appreciate graffiti and the language of graphics.

Suspend Magazine went to his studio garage to go behind-the-scenes and get an exclusive interview with the artist: http://www.suspendmag.com/2011/11/feat-meex-one-spray-paint-evolution/. 

June 19th Live Music Preview

Virtual Boy Converging Sounds Live June 19th

When two young musicians meet and collaborate at Chapman University’s Conservatory of Music, the finished product is usually classical. In Virtual Boy’s founders Henry Allen and Preston Walker’s case, the norm was redefined and a signature sound was created. Who would’ve thought that the duo’s Music Technology class compositions would eventually lead them to releasing their first full-length record?

During their freshman year, the classical guitarist from Albuquerque, New Mexico (Henry) and the Southern California native singer (Preston) bonded over their shared passions for dusty vintage synthesizers, new electronic-music genres, classic formalwear and girls that look like they could star in a ‘60s Godard movie. With that eclectic mix of interests, it’s no surprise that their musical influences range from Bach and Mozart to Ratatat and Air to Nosaj Thing and The Glitch Mob.

After their live debut at Low End Theory in Los Angeles, they were approached by Daddy Kev of Alpha Pup Records. Through Alpha Pup, Virtual Boy released Symphony No. None in February of 2011 and most-recently, their first full-length record, available for purchase on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/virtual-boy/id497093989.

The Los Angeles Times Music Blog writer Randall Roberts defines their music as a “convergence of analog and digital” and wrote, “they funnel acoustic sounds ranging from strummed guitar to Vocoder-transformed voice to make digital songs that sound thoroughly modern while suggesting the futuristic vibe of 1970s synthesizer music.

Link to The L.A. Times Music Blog - http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/01/video-premiere-virtual-boys-let-go-alpha-pup.html

Check out some of their videos on their site http://wearevirtualboy.com/videos.html and don’t forget to purchase your tickets so you can watch them live at our show on June 19^th.