Fashion Group International and the San Diego Focus group has made it possible to expose new and aspiring fashion designers to take part in their San Diego fashion week this year. This was a great opportunity for me (Brooke), so I participated and was so glad that I did. Our first step was to complete a mood board of our inspiration for the designs, sketch our ideas, and draw our flat illustrations to show the details of the peices. We were to create 2-3 peices, with one look. Immediately, my head was flooded with ideas. Since I am always inspired by color, I chose to go with the ideas of color I had in my head. I've liked the way that ivory and navy go together, so these were the colors I chose. From there I started to think about the things that I knew were that color. I immediately though of china. Yes, china, as in plates and bowls. My aunt collects china, which may be where I got the idea. Then, I started picturing highly fashionable women in the 30's and 40's. Soon, I started looking for pictures and ideas and came up with my design. I sent in my mood board, sketches, and flats to the board of judges and was passed on to the second level.
The second level was to actually create the peices and bring them to a panel of three judges, where we would get 5 minutes to present our boards and our peices. I anxiously got ready, put my designs on a dress form and soon it was my turn to explain what the judges had in front of them. I was so excited about my presentation that, miraculously, it went smoothly and the judges seemed to like what they saw. Now I will await the official email to see if I make it the final round, which put my designs on display during SD Fashion week.
Below is a picture of Judy Thacker and I putting my designs on the dress form before I presented to the judges.
On June 15, Bcat Threads had a booth at the San Diego County Fair, thanks to Karl Jaedtke from the Pacific Beach Town Council. Brooke Catherine and Jennafer Grace represented the team and showed San Diegans a taste of what our on-line boutique had to offer women and girls alike. It was a great success and an exciting day all around. James Norton, a San Diego photographer, also joined in the festivities with a team of people, to have a photo shoot with models ( Kat Dente and Jessica Dungans) wearing the Brooke Catherine line of clothes. I've seen the results and the pictures are going to be amazing. We haven't gotten them from the photographer yet, but the pictures will be posted soon.
We also had models helping with promoting the booth as they walked around the fair wearing our designs. Jennifer Sandrock and her roommate, Lubi, walked around handing out flyers and asking people if they were interested in signing up for our newsletter. To our suprise and not much later after they started, the Fair security put a stop to it. Apparently we were suppose to go through the fair marketing team. After trying to kick the girls out, I had to persuade the security that we really didn't know the steps that were suppose to be taken and promised that they would no longer promote our booth.
While Dana Nevins, my fiance and helper for the booth, manned the tables, Jennafer and I had a little photo shoot of our own. We used beach cruisers from Hot Rod Surf Shop, located in PB, as props for our pics. What you can't see by looking at the picture is that this beach cruiser had a purple velvet covered banana seat. Do you remember banana seats? They were popular when I was a child and now someone has brought them back and they look great.
We have a student afrom Fashion Careers College, who is in fashion design, interning with us. She started yesterday and was of tremendous help. She has the ambition and drive to make it in the fashion world. Although, most students are eager to get their hands wet, and should be. It is great to share such an exciting interest with someone. And, I really like the idea of, you help me, and I will help you. That really is the key to making it in the world. Well, maybe not always, but it is helping me. This stage of Bcat Threads is so exciting for me. I love getting involved and it makes me so happy that this student wants to ride along with me.
We just made the switch last night. You can now order anything on BcatThreads.com with a credit card or with Paypal. In the past, we only allowed Paypal, but found that some people don't already have accounts and didn't want to sign up. This will make things easier for everyone to shop. And, our blogging system has changed, too. You can now leave comments or questions for all to see and for us to answer for you. Happy Shopping!
The video from our launch party last March is finally here. I am so excited. We haven't posted it yet because we need to make a few minor changes. I can't wait to share it with all of you!
We will be in the Infield Pavilion on June 15 with a Bcat Threads booth. Here, we will have models showing off some of our designs and be selling our clothing at a fraction of what they retail at. There will be wine tasting close by, along with Hollistic Healing, Palm Reading, and fun, fun, fun! Come by and say hi. If you mention that you've seen this article, we will give you an additional 10% off of your purchases on that day!
We have just added new accessories for your summer wardrobe. We have bright vibrant colors and new trends to get you ready for the sun and fun. We have handbags perfect for the beach, a day shopping, or out at night. There is something for everyone at a great price.
We have added more new designers to our site. Chocolate Cherries is apparel for the fun and flirty. Wearing any of these designs makes you feel like a kid again. Comfortable and cute, how can you go wrong? Gem Designs are absolute must-have handbags. They are unique, durable, and practical for every day use. Check them out!
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