The Summer Issue 2015 (#11)

FASHION XCHANGE
ALL FASHON. ALL BUSINESS. NO GOSSIP.
SUMMER 2015 · NO 11
THE
SUMMER
ISSUE
TUAN TRAN
FASHION REDEFINED
SKINTONE CLOTHING
FOR THE SKIN YOU’RE IN
COURTNEY ALLEGRA
A CALI DREAM
NIGEL BARKER
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE
CAMERA, IT’S ABOUT
THE EYE
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue
SARAH LANGROCK
EXPOSES FASHION
ON THE HAIGHT

Letter
From The
Editor
Editor In Chief
Robert Silver
Managing Editor /
Creative Director
Ivanna Woods
Fashion Editor
V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Director of Promotions
Allanah Garcia
Director of Photography (LA)
Derrick Rodgers
Photography
Michael Moore
Engel Ching
Lance Miller
Graphic Design
Robert Silver
Office
Hayward, CA
Phone 510-904-7899
For Questions or
Advertising
E-mail
info@fashionxchangemag.com
Web
www.fashionxchangemag.com
Cover Photo:
Sarah Langrock,
top & jewelry
from H&M
This year more than any other,
the emergence of fashion-tech
startups are discovering harmony
between the two multi-billion
dollar industries. As the marriage
between fashion & tech become
more undeniable, I’ve been
contemplating on the future of
fashion in regards to the relationship
between the producers and
the consumers. What new ways
that will enhance the shopping
experience? What news fabrics will
be produced? How much better
will we be able to understand
what stimulates our shoppers
buying habits? Or does tech just
get in the way of the experience of
self expression?
Immediate evidence of the influence
of tech in fashion can be seen
in the growing power of social media.
The power structure has shifted
from editors & fashion photographers
to the consumer choosing
what’s hot, what’s not & who’s the
new fashion face. To strengthen
our position to deliver informative
industry trends begins with our
Fall Issue. We’ll be expanding our
content to include “Fashion-Tech”
(studying how fashion meets tech)
& “Retail” (the latest buying habits
of consumers).
Fashion Xchange Magazine is a fashion industry trade magazine. As a resource for
emerging & established professionals we advocate the brands, events & professionals
that embodies the success of the fashion industry. Beyond mere product placement, with
a goal of delivering informative content, we’re focused on giving in-depth reporting &
analysis of the ever changing fashion industry trends. We enlighten our readers with the
necessary tips & advice on how to create and maintain a sustainable career in the industry.
Whether you’re a model, fashion designer, photographer, student or a fan of fashion, Fashion
Xchange Magazine allows our readers to gain knowledge often only revealed behind
closed doors. “All Fashion. All Business. No Gossip.”
​
[2]
Every facet of the fashion industry
is taking close note of what the
future of fashion-tech holds as
huge corporations such as Apple
(iWatch) & Google (Google Glass)
invest big money into the field.
In today’s ever changing environment,
it’s important to not only anticipate
and notice radical changes
but to adapt quickly. Many times
it’s not the one with the deep
pockets that survive these types of
changes, but the brand / company
that is able to adopt the changes
and own it.
One thing that can’t be denied
is that today’s consumers have
more choices more than ever. Their
attention spans are shorter than
ever as options to purchase goods
in new ways increase. With that
said, it’s up to you as brand (model,
designer, fashion-tech startup)
to realize this inherent fact. If you
haven’t already done so, your competitors
have.
Innovation is risky but often times
cut deeper than playing it safe.
Remember to remain innovate
means to never be afraid to fail.
--
Robert Silver
Editor In Chief

cont–
ent
SUMMER
FLING
FASHION
6
5
2
intro
Letter From The Editor
THE VERNAL
VARIABLES
Summer Trends
You Need To
Know
8
Summer
SANDsation
Whitney Conner
wearing the
latest swim
wear by Michael
Kors & Versa
Swimwear.
14
12
26
beauty
Top Coats & Details
beauty
Summer Lip Sensation
profile
Couture Bridal House by
Cindy Q
38
profile
Makeup Maven
46
style
Men’s Appetite For A
Statement
FASHION ON
THE HAIGHT
Amazing finds
inside the
boutiques of
San Francisco’s
most historic
neighbordhood.
22
HILLTOP
BRILLIANCE
with ISSARA
Designs.
Photographed
by Robert
Silver
30
NIGEL
BARKER
It’s Not About
the Camera, It’s
About the Eye
62
58
64
66
profile
SkinTone Clothing: For
The Skin You’re In
photography
Passion & War: Results from
a photography workshop
events
Academy of Art 2015
Graduation Show
67
events
UC Berkeley FAST ‘X”
Fashion Show
Marks The Spot
40
A CALI DREAM
Courtney Allegra, a talented 18-yearold
fashion designer from Southern
California, decided early on that fashion is
her life and made the dream come true.
TUAN TRAN
Fashion redefined.
Photographed by
Micahel Moore 48
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

THE CHOICE OF WORKING PROFESSIONALS
CARRYING SOLUTIONS FOR CAMERA GEAR
www.thinktankphoto.com
engage with nature
www.mindshiftgear.com
4
ADOW_AND_LIGHT_MAG_ADVERT_091714.indd 1
9/17/14 12:34 PM

eauty
Top Coat
Details
&Summer is a time for the
astounding beauty of Earth
to reveal itself each year. And
as this season blossoms into
Summer, trends celebrate
the elegance of simplicity
through neutral tones, matte
finishes, and monochrome
textures. The right nail color
can add the perfect finishing
touch to your look, and
breathe new life into your
wardrobe. Here are a few fun
ways to get your jazz hands
goin’ this season!
TAUPE:
Nothing gets
you back to the
basics like good ol’
fashioned taupe.
Whether you wear
the shade as is, or
top it off with a
matte finish, taupe
is the ultimate
chameleon of
manicures.
by Rachel Riot and
Tessa Spangler
MIDNIGHT BLUE:
There’s no shame in
flaunting a dark color
palette! The elegance
of this deep midnight
blue will turn up
the intensity of your
look, and gracefully
transition from your
morning routine to a
night out on the town.
LAVENDER:
Pastels tend to be
harsh and difficult to
pair with other colors,
but the gray hues in
this lavender transform
the shade into a
sophisticated neutral
that’s easy to wear.
MAUVE:
No matter the season
or occasion, jewel
tones will never fail
you. Even the slight
tint of burgundy in
this mauve will add a
vibrant pop of color
to your look without
clashing with other
colors in your wardrobe.

style
Have you ever
thought about
doing it? You know
you want to. Go
ahead! Just dive
in and do it! Play
with your looks!
Cheat on your style,
for summer that
is! Having a fling
with fashion is all
about fancy free
fun, being bold
and taking risks. If
you’re not shy and
open to change,
take a moment to
read these tips on
how to start an
affair with fashion!
SUMMER FLING
Fashion Affair
By Hannah “Hannah Be” Meshesha
Wardrobe Retrospect-Vintage Fashion Photography Steve Vuoso
Fashion stylist Hannah Be Model Brett Barletta Mua Janet Cake
[6]

TAKE A CHANCE
The spice of life is all about taking
chances! Embark on a journey
in fashion and try something
different! Have you been inspired
by a standout style on the street,
considered trying it but didn’t? Don't
think twice, go for it! Through trying
a wide variety of colors, styles and
thinking out of the box, you may just
find the new love of your fashion life!
JUST DO IT!
You’re standing in your closet,
dreaming up your next outfit. You like
patterns and bold prints, but never
thought about actually wearing them
out. JUST DO IT! Try incorporating a
variety of patterns and textures into
your swimwear for starters, from
sarongs to kaftans.
THE BIGGER THE BETTER
This season, make sure to incorporate
bold statement pieces to offset any
fun and flirty style you go for. When
choosing your accessories, go with
the old saying “the bigger the better”
to stand out in style.
SWAP
Swap closets with a friend for the
weekend. By doing this, you’ll have
an entirely new treasure trove of
never worn (on you) goodies! Her
fabulous dress you’ve been eyeing,
those striking earrings, and killer
shoes! It can be all yours, for the
weekend only!
CHEAT
Tired of the same old wardrobe and
ready for a revamp? Cheat on your
overworn wardrobe by adding a
few new versatile pieces! Mix up
your new additions with the old to
breathe new life into your closet!
GO NUDE
Going nude is sure to be all the rave
all summer long! Weather it’s the
color of your shoes, handbag, or your
skin peeking through a sassy seethrough
dress. You simply can’t go
wrong going nude!
THE OLDER THE BERRY
By trying a piece that’s a little more
mature for your age is a great way
to add some sass to your life. Try
incorporating several ‘new’ vintage
items into your closet to create a few
unexpected looks.
THE CUT OFF
Like any other relationship, you
need to know when to move on.
The relationship you once had with
your favorite pair of jeans has ended
and there’s only one thing to do! Cut
them off! Cut those tired old jeans
into cute shorts for a fresh summer
start.

The Vernal
Variables
Summer Trends You Need To Know
Creative Director Stylist V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Photos by Michael Edwards
FLORAL
Spring is in full bloom with these
on-trend, bold florals.
Kate Spade Cedar Street
Rose Maise Satchel, $167
Kate Spade 'Delphinium'
Scarf, $128
Jeffrey Campbell 'Cilla-Rose'
Platform Sandal, $214.95
All products available at
Nordstrom’s | www.nordstrom.com
[8]

Kate Spade Beach
House Bouquet
Necklace, $148
Steve Madden 'Vincible' pump in
Floral Multi, (orig. $99.95)
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

IRIDESCENT
Posh prismatic stones
add a dazzling, glam
touch.
Dune London ‘Harla’ Sandal in Blush, $124.95
Seychelles ‘Aries’ Thong Sandal, $74.95
Kendra Scott ‘Owen’ Stone Ring, $65
Kendra Scott ‘Elton Via Maya’ Station Cuff, $55
Kendra Scott ‘Havana’ Long Frontal Necklace, $250
All available at Nordstrom Stores
www.nordstrom.com
[10]

Topshop ‘Fern, Quarter
Strap Sandal , $65
Strap Watch, 30mm, $125
Elizabeth and James ‘Cynnie’ Palm
Tree Print Sling Backpack, $595
BLACK AND WHITE PRINTS
The classic colors get
modern in edgy pairings and
striking patterns.
Charles David
‘Pact’ Pump,
$98.95
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue
All products available at
Nordstrom Stores | www.nordstrom.com

Summer Lip
Sensation
by Nicolette Lafranchi
Lipstick, lipgloss, lip-stain, lip
crayon, lip liner… the list goes
on. Do you feel lost in the lip
world? If so, let me help direct
you towards this season’s’ top
finds…
The top-rated lip products according to
celebrity makeup artists, reviews and
bloggers at The Makeup Show in Los
Angeles, an event for the show- stoppers
and who’s who of the makeup industry.
Nars brought their new lipstick collection,
Audacious which comes in forty shades
of highly-pigmented satin smooth singlestroke
lipstick luxury. What stood out
was the Shocking Pink color, Michiyo, a
vibrant color with full coverage and a
long-lasting creamy finish. Not to mention
the magnetic closure which is an amazing
feature to ensure your cap doesn’t
disappear.
CoverGirl Colorlicious
Lipstick in Garnet Flame

Peach Poppy
Maybelline New York
The new Spring collection is a great find for a great price. They have a bouquet of lip
colors that are “super-saturated pigments that take fresh picked pastels to a new bright!”
Peach Poppy, has honey nectar which adds the perfect peachy color and leaves your lips
feeling refreshed.
(As pictured on lower opposite page,
you can find Peach Poppy at any drugstore, only $8.49)
GARNETT FLAME
MAC Lustre Lipstick in Catty
($16, maccosmetics.com)
Next we found CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick in Garnet Flame. This rich red is infused
with Shea butter that is long lasting and moisturizing. For those nights out on the town
or a date night, make sure to bring Garnet Flame along with you. You’ll thank me later.
Now, no one likes a catty girl, but MAC made a lipstick called Catty and she is pretty in
pink. If you’re looking for a good everyday lipstick that you can wear to work and maybe
an event after, Catty by MAC is your choice. It is a light creamy pink and is semi-opaque
in coverage.
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

Summer
SAND
Sation
Photography by Robert Silver
Creative Director Ivanna Woods
14

Model: Whitney Conner
Styled by Ivanna Woods & V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Hair/Makeup: Nicolette Lafranchi
MK Logo Banded Cover Up ($40)
MK Logo Print Hand wave Bikini Top ($62)
MK Logo Print Bikini Bottom ($40)
MK Giovanna Platform Wedge Sandals ($150)
MK Gold Tone Open Cuff Bracelet ($185)
MK Gold Tone Maritime Station Necklace ($195)
Available at Macy’s www.macys.com
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

Model: Whitney Conner
Styled by Ivanna Woods & V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Hair/Makeup: Nicolette Lafranchi
Michael Kors Surplice-Neck Logo
One-Piece Swimsuit ($98)
Michael Kors Ava Gold Sandals ($165)
MK Necklace ($97.50)
All available at Macy’s | www.macys.com
[16]

sun
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue
Model: Whitney Conner
Styled by Ivanna Woods & V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Hair/Makeup: Nicolette Lafranchi
MK Logo Print Hand wave Bikini Top ($62)
MK Logo Print Bikini Bottom ($40)
MK Giovanna Platform Wedge Sandals ($150)
MK Gold Tone Open Cuff Bracelet ($185)
MK Gold Tone Maritime Station Necklace ($195)
Available at Macy’s | www.macys.com

Model: Whitney Conner
Styled by Ivanna Woods & V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Hair/Makeup: Nicolette Lafranchi
Lauren Ralph Lauren Double Tie Bikini Halter Top ($78)
Bottom $39
Ivanka Trump Palla Jeweled Thong Sandals ($125)
All available at Macy’s | www.macys.com
[18]

Model: Whitney Conner
Styled by Ivanna Woods & V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Hair/Makeup: Nicolette Lafranchi
Nine West Hat ($20)
Michael Kors black one piece
with gold buttons ($165)
Troy Camuto Troy Caged Sandals $139
MK Gold Tone Open Cuff Bracelet ($185)
All available at Macy’s | www.macys.com
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

Bikini Aqua (Magic bikini)
change Colors is $125
by Versa Swimwear
Available at
www.versaswimwear.com
Make Up by Naudja Azure for
Naomi Azure Project
20

One piece coral (Magic Swimsuit
change colors) $250.
by Versa Swimwear
Available at
www.versaswimwear.com
Make Up by Naudja Azure for
Naomi Azure Project
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

Fashion
On The Haight
Written by V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Photographed by
Michael Moore &
Robert Silver
Styled by Alexandra
Szoenyi & Ivanna Woods
Makeup by
Dominique Latigue,
Nicolette Lafranchi;
Hair by Temina White
& Nicolette Lafranchi
During 1967’s “Summer of Love,” thousands of people arrived in San
Francisco in search of peace, love and happiness. The epicenter of
this hippie movement was The Haight district. Artists, free thinkers,
musicians, writers and other bohemians grew their hair out, wore
flowy garments full of prints, listened to psychedelic music, opened
their minds, and wore flowers in their hair. The fashion from this era
has lived on, worn by hippies for decades since, and has experienced
a strong re-emergence on the Spring 2015 runways. In homage to
Haight-Ashbury and its iconic fashion, we have decided to style model
Sarah Langrock in garments from some of Haight Street’s top stores.
[22]

OPPOSITE PAGE:
Polyester floral blouse, $8.99
Cotton tank top, $4.99
Suede culottes, $21.99
Leather belt, $5
Sunglasses, $12
Leather Mary Jane shoes, $9.99
Available at Haight Ashbury
Vintage store
CURRENT PAGE:
Leather vest, $54
Denim and leather hat and shorts
(part of a three-piece set with
matching vest), $145
Bakelite bangles, $28 each
Vintage sunglasses, stylist’s own
Leather handbag, $45
Mongolian lamb boots, $225
Available at Love Street Vintage
Store
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

Velvet jacket, $18.99
Velvet embroidered bustier, $8.99
Velvet maxi skirt, $15.99
All available at Haight Ashbury Vintage
Store
Ivory and copper dress,
$68
Copper bracelet, $42
Copper earrings, $18
Bakelite bangles, $28
All available at Love
Street Vintage Store
Polyester dress, $17.99
All available at Haight
Ashbury Vintage
24
Dress, $78
Goldtone necklace with
white stone, $48
Turquoise two-stone ring,
$75
Copper coral ring, $98
Leather turquoise and coral
bracelet, $65
All available at Love Street
Vintage

Liquid Blue Grateful Dead
t-shirt, $25
Sunglasses, $18
Cut n Paste Leather Grace
fringe bag, $79.95
Available at Body Of The
Sheep
Spacecraft knit hat, $22
Gumball Poodle Haight
Ashbury socks, $12
Available at Sockshop on
Haight Street
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

profile
COUTURE
BRIDAL
HOUSE
CINDY Q
SPRING/SUMMER ‘15 BRIDAL COLLECTION
Photos by Zachariah Epperson
Makeup and Hair Artist
Nattinan “Tonie” Pateepsut
Stylist Heidi Danielle Schwarz
26

Couture Bridal House represents world class luxury of
Couture Bridal Dresses. We are committed to creating
clothing that satisfies our desire for high-end fashion
while staying true to our ethical values. Vehemently
against the exploitation of animals and humans alike,
all of our clothes are vegan and made locally. We
aspire to change the fashion industry and hope that
ultimately, we can impact the world in a positive way.
Between a craftsman’s exceptional technique, a
designer’s vision and inventiveness, Couture Bridal
House offers the expertise to bring elegance and
distinctiveness to the brand’s creations: Couture Bridal
Dresses.
exquisite
Elegant
Enchanting

[28]
Available at www.couturebridalhouse.com

Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

hilltop
Brilliance
with ISSARA Designs
PHOTOGRAPHER ROBERT SILVER
PHOTO ASST SOLOMON RIVERS
STYLIST IVANNA WOODS
HAIR TIMBERLY GWAN KERBY
MAKEUP BONICE HALVERSON
30

Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue
Handbag by Dasein
Available at fashlets.com

Opposite & Current Page:
Amanda Alicia (model)
Handbags by Dasein
Available at fashlets.com
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

Handbags by Dasein
Available at fashlets.com
Michelle Grey (model)
34

Angelique Broussard (model)
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

profile
MAKE-UP
MAVEN
by Caitlin McCulloch
There’s no question that our society
has created, and is currently
experiencing, a social media boom. In
a time when we are often bombarded
with information, it’s nice to know
that knowledge of anything we’d like is also at
our fingertips—and YouTube makeup tutorials
are topping the popularity charts. With just shy
of 80,000 subscribers, over 6 million views, and
a gig filming with bareMinerals in San Francisco,
27-year-old Walnut Creek resident Ariel
Taranto’s channel ArielHopeMakeup is traveling
at lightning speed. I chatted with her to find out
about her journey to virtual makeup stardom,
as well as some tips and tricks for creating your
own summertime looks.
Caitlin McCulloch: When did you know you
wanted to be involved in the makeup industry?
Ariel Taranto: I started off a total tomboy if you
can believe it. In middle school I started buying
Allure Magazine. I saw all the different makeup
looks, so I just started trying to do makeup that
way. I taught myself through pictures by just
trying to recreate what I saw.
CM: Tell me about the start of your YouTube
channel.
AT: I was (and still am) definitely a computer
nerd. An ad popped up for YouTube; I guess I
must have clicked it, and I discovered the world
of makeup videos. Watching them became my
routine every night before I’d go to bed. I would
watch tons of tutorials. Then I secretly started
doing it myself. In the beginning I didn’t even
want to tell my friends or parents. I think I did
ask for a camera for Christmas, but I’d steal the
family tripod and film when no one was home.
CM: At 16,000 followers, your Instagram account
is pretty large as well!
AT: YouTube has for sure helped me with
Instagram. To be honest, at first I didn’t really
understand Instagram. It was going to be for
my personal pictures only—but then I ended
up just doing tons of makeup selfies. I guess it
turned into a mixture of personal and YouTube
usage. It’s free advertising, you know. It’s the
easiest way to get followers, and I get more
attention from companies on there as opposed
to on YouTube.
CM: What’s one super successful venture to
come from your YouTube career?
AT: I saw that bareMinerals had started posting
videos on YouTube, so I tried to get the word
out there that I was interested in working with
them on video projects. The company ended up
finding me on YouTube, and they asked if they
could do a phone or video interview. They didn’t
even know at the time that I was local. Now I
am doing videos for them twice a month; I film
every other Thursday in San Francisco!
CM: What advice would you give to somebody
starting his or her own YouTube channel?
AT: Don’t try to be like someone else, always
[38]

think outside the box, be consistent, keep your audience
engaged, and invest in good equipment. I wish I had
used better equipment from the very beginning, and
I’m still improving on that. Overall, keep it new, exciting,
and different.
CM: You definitely appreciate makeup, but is there a
trend that peeves you?
AT: When people wear eye shadow that matches
their outfit exactly. There’s a way to do it; but if you’re
wearing a lime green shirt, don’t apply a whole eye of
lime green; a pink-and-blue shirt does not need to be
complimented with both pink and Mimi-from-Drew
Carey-blue eye shadow.
CM: Is there a super hot trend right now that you’re
loving?
AT: I’m into dewy skin; fresh-faced; the no makeup,
makeup look; the beachy glow. You get the picture. It’s
all about the bronzers and highlighters for skin, a glossy
lip, and no eyeliner—just tons of lashes.
CM: What face products could you recommend for this
look?
AT: My favorite bronzer would probably be MAC
Mineralized Skin Finish in Give Me Sun. As far as
highlighters go, MUFE Pro Sculpting Duo will work for
all skin tones; use Number 1 for fair skin tones, 2 for
the deeper skin tones. A good rule of thumb is if you’re
fair, go for a highlighter with pink undertones; if you’re
darker, go for warm gold tones.
CM: What about products for the lips and eyes?
AT: I’m pretty light with my lips; try a glossy nude or
slightly peachy hue. I like Colour Pop Cosmetics Lippie
Stix in BFF. For a stronger nude lip look, pair it with MAC
Stript Down lip pencil and Buxom lip-gloss in Bellini.
My favorite mascara is Bare Minerals Flawless Definition
Mascara. And I’ll never leave the house without fake
lashes on top.
CM: I know that you are really big into nail polish. What
are some of your favorites for spring and summer?
AT: I’ll switch it up between nudes, neons, and pastels.
I don’t do the dark color over the summer months. I’m
also kind of over the metallic, shimmery trend.
CM: Lastly: What are your goals for the future?
AT: I’d like to get 100,000 subscribers by the end of the
year. I want to do YouTube full-time—that’s really my
main goal. I enjoy interacting and sharing what I do with
people out there who are either just learning makeup or
getting out of their comfort zones. I like teaching.
To keep up with Ariel, check her out on youtube.com
(arielhopemakeup) and instagram.com at ariel_hope.
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

profile
40

Courtney
Allegr a
a cali dream
by Marissa Isales and V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi
Many young girls play dress up
with their dolls, altering outfits and
pretending to be couturiers. Some
grow up and make it their career.
Courtney Allegra, a talented
18-year-old fashion designer from
Southern California, decided early
on that fashion is her life and made
the dream come true.
Photographed by Derrick Rodgers
Hair & Make Up by Krystal Reneé
Jewelry by Carol Lynn Sweets

She began by entering her designs in a
local fashion show; from there Allegra
had the courage to start her own
clothing line in 2012. “I created my
business when I was 15, and designed
when I was little,” she states. The
determined designer has worked her
way up the fashion industry ladder by
showcasing designs at charity fashion
shows such as the the AIDS Healthcare
Foundation Charity Fashion Show, The
Cancer Survivor’s Fashion Show and
the Never Leave One Behind Charity
Event. Her biggest splash into the
industry was presenting her Spring/
Summer collection at LA Fashion Week
in 2014, as the youngest designer ever
to do so at 16. “It’s really cool, I didn’t
really plan it out, it kind of happened.
I ended up inspiring kids my age, and
inspired them to not let their age hold
them back,” she reveals. Allegra was
also featured in Arts Hearts LA Fashion
Week for Spring/Summer 2015, on
NBC’s “Today Show,” and found fans in
rapper Eve and actress Janel Parrish.
Courtney Allegra’s stylish collections
include CA11Exit, streetwear line
for men and women, featuring tops,
bottoms, and a good amount of
leather, and CA11, a newer swimwear
line, including bikini tops, bottoms,
Monokinis and cover ups. Allegra was
inspired to design bathing suits after
her collaboration with the under-18
42

USA surfing champion Nikki Viesins, also
knowing that leather, used constantly in
her streetwear collection, would not be
wearable during the summer. Inspiration
proves to be everywhere for the designer.
“When I travel, I like to get my inspirations
from Paris and London. These are mostly
shown in my streetwear designs,” she shares.
Fashion designers Rachel Roy, Jeremy Scott,
and Coco Chanel serve as role models for
the young artist.
What Allegra aims to accomplish with
her designs, is “to achieve sexy silhouettes
and dramatic shapes.” She’s currently
working with various nude tones and
water-pigmented shades, but reveals that in
2016, she will be focusing more on tropical
prints and watercolors for Mercedes-Benz
Fashion Week Swim in Miami. Her bathing
suit designs include galaxy colors such as
metallics, foil-colored fabrics and an overall
starry-night feel. Where Allegra truly shines,
however, is in her ability to mix different
textures in monochromatic looks.
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

It seems that similar to these starry fabrics, the sky’s the limit for Courtney
Allegra. After achieving so much at such a young age, what’s next? “My future
goals are to just expand and become a household name, and be in Fashion
Week all over the world in swimwear and also contemporary,” she says. We look
forward to seeing you continue making that dream a reality.
For all the latest information on Courtney Allegra, visit www.courtneyallegra.
com. You can shop for her glamorous collections at Allure Swimwear in
Honolulu; La Tres, Kami Shade, and ROUND 2 LA boutiques in Los Angeles, and
on Storenvy.
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

style
MEN’S APPETITE
Writer & Photos Robert Silver Creative Director/Stylist Lucas Alexio
VIBRANTLY HUED SOCKS - THE STYLE
CONSCIOUS MAN’S STATEMENT PIECE
Long gone are the days where the basic white athletic sock should be any man’s go-to from his top drawer.
When I worked in men’s retail, virtually men of all ages, especially the thirty-five and younger crowd spent
considerable time deciding on what pattern / color sock they purchased. The solid color was no longer what they
grabbed first.
The more zany the pattern and vibrant the color choice, the more attractive. Without a doubt, wanting the socks
to match the pants was an important factor, but even that rule of thumb gets thrown out the window on occasion.
Individuality has become the leading, and most persuasive consideration.
[46]

FOR A STATEMENT
From skull & cross bones, to polka dots, stripes, Marvel characters to funky patterns, nothing is out
the question. As neckties worn at the office is still debated, most men have no problem exercising their
personality and the casual workplace continues to be a trending influence. Most men’s pants have a
slimmer cut, are shorter at the ankle, which leaves room to showcase eye catching colors at the ankle.
The best thing about eccentric socks is that you can pull them out for any occasion and slightly make a
statement. There’s no longer an excuse good enough or occasion not appropriate enough for you to slip on
a pair of stand out socks and let the world know the kind of person you are.
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

interview
Tuan Tran
FASHION REDEFINED
Interview with Ivanna Woods
Photography by Michael Moore
“The Blue”
by Tuan Tran- $1,500
Model, Deanna Gutierrez
48

Tell us at Fashion Xchange Magazine
a little about yourself. Where
are you from? Is your educational
background in fashion or are you
self-taught?
I came to America from Vietnam
in 1975. I have never received
formal training in fashion. At
that time, I had been creating art
– wire sculptures, mixed media
pieces, and so forth and a friend
challenged me to make a dress
out of telephone wire. It was a
technical and artistic challenge,
but I completed a dress. Fascinated,
I then created a number
of dresses, each different (colors,
structure) and I named this line
“WireWear”. I then moved on to
woven dresses – OriWear, and
other techniques and materials
such as painting designs on
dresses, dress made from handmade
fabric from the Hmong
tribes in Vietnam.
When did you realize you wanted
to become a fashion designer and
how long have you worked as a
designer?
I realized I wanted to be a designer
when I designed and made my
first dress. It became an obsession.
It’s been over 4 years now.
“The Blue Phoenix”
by Tuan Tran -
$1,500
Model, Katy So
How would you define the style
your line exemplifies? What category
does Tuan Tran’s design style fall
under, if it does at all? Is it couture
or is it art?
I am an artist who added fashion
to what I create. Some have
called my work “Wearable Art”.
Each garment is unique and special.
When making a dress for a
woman, I try to capture elements
of her personality to reflect in the
design and the materials I select.

How do you continue to be inspired?
Natural beauty is all around us
and is a continuous supply of
inspiration to me.
I appreciate the simple and
complex beauty of nature, and
try to reflect the forms and colors
into my work. Nature is a primary
inspiration to me. The great fashion
designers also give the world
beautiful garments and they are
also a design inspiration as well
as an economic inspiration.
What are some goals you have for
the future?
My goal is to embrace what is
presented to me. To build on
what I have achieved. To feed my
creative hunger by creating great
garments of beauty.
What designs / collections are you
working on currently?
I am exploring how to integrate
the varying design and construction
techniques I use, that’s all I
can say.
What’s your advice for emerging
designers today?
Don’t copy. Design something
that makes you happy. Seek
and consider the impressions,
thoughts and feed-back of
people seeing your work. This is
the way to make sure that your
approach and design is resonating
with people.
“Falling Leaves”
by Tuan Tran- $1,200
Model, Janice Shiao
Where can our readers find out
more about you and your work on
social networking sites and purchase
your collection?
Friend me on FaceBook: tuantsf
or tuantsf@yahoo.com, my website
is www.zhibit.org/tuantran.
50

“The Royal Gown” by
Tuan Tran - $2,500
Model, Ruthie Aideyan
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

“Mustard Flower” by
Tuan Tran- $1,200
Model, Deanna
Gutierrez
Blouse and split
skirt by Tuan Tran-
$1,200
Model, Janice Shiao
52

Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue
“The Royal”
$2,500 (each)
Models Jason
Davis & Karina
LaMar

54
On Jason:
“The Signature”
- $1,200 On
Deanna: “Selfie
Dress” - $1,200

Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue
“Ballerina” dress
by Tuan Tran -
$2,500 Model
Janice Shiao

[56]
“Ragtime” - $3,500
Model, Karina La Mar

Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue
“Purple Plum”
$1,500
Model, Katy So

SKINTONE
for the skin you’re in
WRITTEN BY CAITY SHREVE
Photos: Derrick Rodgers
Do you know
where your
clothes were
made?
This is an important question, and
one that is increasingly on people’s
lips in a time when all the information
you could want is a few mouse clicks
away. There’s a dichotomy in modern
society’s approach to sartorial
pursuits – the desire for instant
gratification versus a compassionate,
educated outlook.
On one hand, as consumers, we’ve
become increasingly lazy over the
years. Between companies offering
exciting new gimmicks that catch
the eye – Same day delivery! Drones
delivering to your front door! New
merchandise weekly! – Online
shopping offering everything that
we could ever want within arm’s
reach, and apps making shopping so
effortless that you don’t think twice
before clicking ‘buy’.
On the other hand, over the past few
years, our economy has struggled
through post-recession recovery
and I’ve witnessed an exciting new
approach to fashion and shopping
[58]
emerge. There’s a dedicated group
of consumers that want to shop
local. That want to support their
city’s designers, companies, and
brands. That want to know where
their clothing and accessories are
being designed, produced, and
manufactured.
It is this second, committed group
of consumers that’s given rise to a
truly wonderful movement in the
fashion industry – A movement
that has helped to launch countless
businesses focusing on “small batch”
collections and lines that are locally,
ethically, or environmentally sourced.

Enter SkinTone Clothing – The beachy
aesthetic of this eco-friendly Southern
California based company is making
waves in a market that’s starved for
something with value and meaning.
The one-of-a-kind, handcrafted,
pieces made from raw, natural cotton
created by SkinTone spans across
womenswear, menswear, accessories
and all have an easy wearability that
begs to be worn.
After meeting designer Luis Medina,
the founders brought him into the
SkinTone family as a third partner
and manufacturer. In addition to
contributing his creative influence, he
introduced them to a unique, Ancient
Peruvian process of croquet that
produces exceptionally high quality
fabric for their designs.
The company is justifiably proud of
their exclusive production process
and of the environmentally and
allergy-friendly pieces that it results
in for their clients. “There are no
pesticides used to damage the
cotton in its purest state. Because it’s
natural, it’s hypoallergenic for those
individuals that may suffer from a
skin disorder. It feels amazing on your
skin and once you’ve experienced
Skintone Clothing, you’ll want to
experience it again.”
After SkinTone’s inception in the
casual, always-beach-ready hamlets
of Southern California, the company
has worked on expanding their reach
from their flagship store in California
to being featured in boutiques across
Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida.
Similarly, their offerings will
be growing as they enter into
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

elationships with new designers
who share their goals and ambitions
to create naturally sourced, unique
pieces that help transform your
closet. “We have already secured a few
partnerships with other designers of
purses, shoes, and other accessories
to create that special place where
every time you visit, you leave with a
fun, happy, musical experience that
you’ll share with your friends and
family.”
As I’ve gotten to know this company
one of the things I’ve found especially
fascinating is the importance that
they place on the correlation between
music and fashion. We may be at
the center of festival fashion here
in California, but those styles and
events seem more geared towards
being seen than about the music
itself. SkinTone is based on music, and
movement, and truth. They create
with the desire to clothe you while
you dance to the beat of your own
drum.
“We love music because it’s universal.
It breaks down barriers between
people. We truly believe everybody
moves through life musically. As you
walk, play, make a presentation, it’s
done by your individual movement.
No one moves the same through the
day, through life. We want Skintone
Clothing to enhance that song your
body creates as you go through life.”
Luckily for us, companies like
SkinTone are starting to get the
recognition that they deserve and
being brought to the forefront of
fashion communities around the
country. Not only were they a finalist
at the 2014 Southern California
Appeal Awards, but earlier this
year they were a sponsor at the V8
Productions Celebrity Model Search,
which was a wonderful opportunity
to expand their business and creative
reach.
60

What does 2015 hold for SkinTone? After the FashionLink IV
Fashion Show in the Virgin Islands to showcase the beauty of
fuller figures, they’ll be heading to the up-and-coming New
Orleans Fashion Week as a presenter, as well as a number of
inspirational jazz festivals, runway events, and trunk shows.
Stay up to date on their sartorial adventures on their website
- www.skintone-clothing.com – Or follow them on Instagram,
Facebook, and Twitter at the handle @skintoneclothing.
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

photography
“It’s Not About
the Camera,
It’s About the
Eye”
- an interview
with Nigel
Barker
WRITTEN BY IVANNA WOODS
PHOTOS BY ROBERT SILVER
Fashion Xchange Magazine was
invited by Macy’s Union Square San
Francisco for a meet and greet plus
an interview with noted fashion
photographer Nigel Barker. Over
the past few years, Macy’s has
made great efforts to hold events
that focus on diversity throughout
the year. This May, Macy’s honored
Asian Pacific American Month with
an event hosted by Mr. Barker, who
is of Sri Lankan descent.
Largely known as the handsome
and charismatic judge for 17
seasons on Tyra Banks’ hit show
America’s Next Top Model, Barker’s
career spans across work as a
filmmaker, tv personality and author
of New York Times best-selling book
“Models of Influence”. English born
Nigel Barker’s insight into the world
of fashion is so widely respected
because of his illustrious career,
thus the collaboration with Macy’s
to discuss his favorite subjects in
the world, fashion, photography
and Sri Lanka.
Editor-In-Chief of Fashion Xchange
Magazine Robert Silver sat down
with Barker to talk diversity in the
fashion industry to the influence of
social media to the importance of
creative confidence.“The world over,
if you look at the past 75 to 80 years,

ever since the second World War and models became models
gracing covers of magazines, there’s been a struggle to be
seen - to have different types of people seen, to have ethnicities
seen, different shapes and sizes seen, Even models from South
America twenty to twenty-five years ago were not present in
fashion really. There have been a lot of changes in the face of
fashion globally, and with all things. We’re at a very interesting
time,” Barker shares.
Not only are we a evolutionary time where all things are rapidly
changing, but more specifically those that have decided what’s
worthy of being in our favorite fashion mags and beauty
campaigns have changed as well. Social media and the Internet
has become an inspiration for fashion powerhouses everywhere
to help determine who’s most influential in order to reach a
broad, diverse audience.
Nigel showing
the crowd how
to take the
perfect selfie
Models Of Influence book signing
“In many ways, I feel the fashion industry is a mirror of society
with social media being the biggest influencer. When it comes
to the people deciding what they want to see and who they
like, who they want to follow and that’s changed the paradigm
completely. For the first time it isn’t editors, photographers and
designers deciding on the new face of who they want to see -
but rather it’s who’s widely being followed by social media and
the decision is being made for us,” Barker explains.
Barker also took a moment to provide some keen advice for
emerging photographers and encouragement on having
confidence in their creativity is a world full of camera phones and
selfies. “My advice is to not give up - don’t loose spirit. Everyone
has a cameraphone, people are taking selfies and having fun
with it. That adds to the competition and gives them an interest
in an artform which is wonderfully nice to share with people
and it increases the appreciation for it. But just like every child
that has a pencil doesn’t make them an author, or give a kid a
paintbrush doesn’t make them an artist. Get an Instagram, get
out there, get a following and have little exhibitions with your
work everyday,” he encourages.
On the topic of what sets true artists apart from novices, Barker
illustrates that “the big turning point from an amateur to an
artist is really the ability to edit yourself and know when you’re
done. The hard thing for most people is to look at their work and
say, ‘Yes! I’ve got it!’ regardless of anyone’s opinion. The change
happens when you decide to be professional and you no longer
seek someone else’s council - nor the clients’ either”, Barker
divulges.
With the world diversifying in all ways, social media strongly
influencing the fashion world, and the selfie generation more
prevalent than ever, we learn from Barker the importance of
remaining on the pulse of what’s happening in our rapidly
changing world and staying true to your passion. And as Barker
keenly put it, “it’s not about the camera, it’s about the eye,”
Robert Silver, Nigel Barker, Ivanna Woods (L-R)
“MODELS OF INFLUENCE” BY NIGEL BARKER
AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM

PASSION
&WAR
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROBERT SILVER
HAIR & MAKE UP BY NICOLETTE LAFRANCHI
MODELS: TIFFANY MARIE HILL & SAKSHAM GHAI
64

events
2015
Academy of Art
Graduation
Fashion Show
On Thursday, May 14, 2015, 39 student designers
presented their final collections at the annual Academy
of Art University Graduation Fashion
Show in San Francisco.
In addition to showcasing student work to this
year’s honored guests, The Council of Fashion
Designers of America (The CFDA) and School of
Fashion alumna and 2014 CFDA/Vogue
Fashion Fund runner up Ryan Roche, the fashion
show introduced the collections of the B.F.A.
and M.F.A. students to some of the most influential
members of the fashion world.
“We see our role in these designers’ education as
going beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Elisa
Stephens, President of Academy of Art University.
“We are committed to help launch our
students’ careers and have their collections seen by
as many industry professionals as
possible.
The fashion show consisted of 21 collaborative
menswear and womenswear collections
created by students who studied Fashion Design,
Knitwear Design, Menswear Design,
Technical Design, Textile Design and Jewelry/Metal
Arts. Of the 21 collections presented, six
were collaborations between Fashion Design, Knitwear
Design, Textile Design, and
Jewelry/Metal Arts students. Twelve Fashion Design
and Textile Design students collaborated
on a 15-look capsule collection to celebrate the
30th anniversary of BCBG Max Azria sister
brand Hervé Léger. M.F.A. Fashion Designer Nina
Hui was selected by BCBG to participate in
an internship with Hervé Léger.
From left: CFDA Executive Director Lisa Smilor, CFDA
Award winner Anh Phuong Thy Do, President Elisa
Stephens, CFDA Award Winner
Pitzy Villagomez Ortega, and Executive Director
Simon Ungless. Photo by Getty Images.
Prior to the fashion show on Thursday, May 14,
Academy of Art University hosted the
President’s Award Ceremony and Reception at the
School of Fashion. During the ceremony
Dr. Stephens presented The CFDA with the award
for Outstanding Contribution to the
Fashion Industry and Fashion Education. The CFDA
Executive Director Lisa Smilor and Senior
Manager of Professional Development Sara Kozlowski
accepted the award on behalf of The
CFDA for the organization’s leadership in and outstanding
contribution to the growth of the
American fashion industry. Dr. Stephens also presented
The CFDA with a Certificate of Honor
from The City and County of San Francisco. In addition,
School of Fashion alumna and
honored guest Ryan Roche was recognized for her
eponymous line’s success with the
Academy of Art University Distinguished Alumni
Award.
Student awards were also announced at the reception.
Lisa Smilor presented B.F.A. Fashion
Design students Pitzy Villagomez Ortega and Anh
Phuong Thy Do with CFDA Scholarship
Awards for $10,000 and $5,000, respectively, and
Ryan Roche announced that she had
selected Gisel Ko, B.F.A. Knitwear Design, for an
internship. School of Fashion Executive
Director Simon Ungless announced winners of the
YMA-Fashion Scholarship Fund and the
Paris Sister City Scholarship Exchange with Studio
Berçot and L’Ecole de la Chambre
Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris, France.
66

UC Berkeley’s FAST ‘X’
Fashion Show
Written by V. Alexandra de F. Szoenyi | Photos by Robert Silver
When the lights went down in the Clark Kerr Krutch Theatre
at UC Berkeley, all eyes moved to the makeshift runway. There
we witnessed the work of student designers, who toiled for an
entire semester to produce a collection centered around the
theme “X.” The Roman numeral for 10, ‘X’ was an homage to the
FAST (Fashion & Student Trends) 10-year anniversary, and held
a variety of different meanings for each designer. “For me the
idea of ‘X’ represents its metalinguistic usage, to stand in for an
unknown value; it is a symbol of sitting within a crossroads of
sorts,” stated FAST President Cory Mohn. Based on the artistry
exhibited that evening, ‘X’ definitely marked the sartorial spot.
reminiscent of the late designer’s
work, yet still looked fresh and
modern.
Soazig Kaam was the revelation of
the evening. Closing the show, her
flawlessly-made, vibrant garments,
Twenty four designers participated in the show: Megan Riggio
& Nazo Demirdjian, Orange Ma, Annie Yuan, Shalina Patel,
Elizabeth Rupp, Alice Liu, Vivian Chuang, Tina Xu, Shahir
Shukor, Suyang Lu, Audrey Chou, Meghan Martin, Wesley Yu,
Xiaojia Song, Farida Radwan, Yang Qu, Joanna Guo, Grace
Kim, Jacklin Ha, Mariko Stenstedt, Michelle Chen, Mengqi
Zhou, Zachary Harris and Soazig Kaam. While all designers had
fashionable and well-thought-out pieces, there were some that
truly stood out, with their level of
skill and design.
Tina Xu’s collection, Opium,
incorporated bold doses of black,
red and gold in dramatic cuts to
create stunning gowns and dresses.
The result was an elegant Carolina
Herrera/Oscar de la Renta/Valentino
vibe.
Wesley Yu’s collection for Wesley
Yu Couture appeared to be inspired
by the vintage Versace pieces
he collects. Sexy little draped
dresses and metallic touches were
jolted the audience. Kaam’s combined use
of tribal African prints and bold colors, in
modern and dramatic cuts, was exquisite and a
breath of fresh fashion air.
The FAST ‘X’ show was a celebration, of a
decade of design at UC Berkeley, of artistic
expression, and of fashion. “Our sole intent has
always been to create,” said FAST President,
Nataly Flores, and create they did.
Fashion Xchange Magazine | The Summer Issue

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