Threads for Hope 2011

Last night was the Threads for Hope 2011 Fashion Show. Threads for Hope is a charity fashion show that IADT students participate in to raise money for the San Antonio Aids Foundations. All outfits are for sale, for information regarding the dresses of the evening please contact Ms. Cynthia Chapa at the International Academy of Design and Technology -San Antonio.

My Design:

‎"Candycane" was inspired by the colors of the Christmas season, but created for those who currently live with AIDS and HIV. "Candycane" is the sweet reminder of how anyone, including the ill, can enjoy the season looking glamorous. A great Thank you goes to Britany Parker for Rocking Around the Hotel Contessa Christmas Tree for me. Thanks babe

Overall the show had many designs by students and even Professors of IADT.  All the designs were wonderful and creative. Among the audience was, Bryan Rindfuss and Associate, writer and photographer of SA Current. Please see the SA Current for the designs of the evening.

Always true,
Agatha Marie

Threads for Hope 2011

Now, after completing the Catwalk for Hope 2011, I am participating in another charity fashion show, Threads for Hope.

This will be San Antonio's 3rd Annual Threads for Hope Fashion Show.

The Thread for Hope Fashion show is a runway show, being produced this year by Mr. Josue Pacheco, President of The Stitch Fashion Club. The show will consiste of many local designers showcasing their "red dress" in hopes of raising awareness and funds (to be donated to the San Antonio Aids Foundation) It's an amazing cause for this epidemic issue. HIV & Aids does not just affect the person infected, it affects us all and "we" can all do our small part in supporting this phenomenal event. Cocktail hour is at 6:30p.m and the Runway show will begin at 8:00 pm. Thank You and can't wait to see you all there!

Last year, I co-designed with Steven Kissinger for model Sadie Haas. This year, I enter as a solo Designer. It's fun and nerve wrecking at the same time. I have designed a mermaid dress and will be presenting it on runway. This is my first attempt for a mermaid dress and I am honor that its to provide funding for a cure against a disease that even I have someone fighting against.

Be strong in your fight, your faith, and your love.

Always true,
Agatha Marie

Catwalk for Hope 2011

Just recently I participating in Catwalk For Hope 2011, with Edith Lotti a sister to a Cancer survivor, this past October.

Catwalk for Hope fashion show was put together in an effort to raise awareness to breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.  Organized by instructors Sandy Pastrano and Janie Morales, and student Isabel Lotti of the International Academy of Design and Technology-San Antonio, this show was truly an amazing event!  Models  included survivors of cancer, family members of survivors, and advocates for cancer. They will have the chance to be the stars of the evening! The designers addressed the issues that survivors might face when it comes to fashion.  

 In addition to the fabulous clothing that were presented, Graphic Design students from IADT also showcased their art, which were inspired by cancer awareness.  Guests of Catwalk for Hope had the opportunity to show their generosity by bidding on some of the garments and graphic art through a silent auction.  

 

I was quite honored to participate in this event because my grandmother Mary Jane Nagel was in fact a survivor, who was able to live on without Breast Cancer. She passed away years later for another illness, however we Nagels' have always been fighters and can say she fought against Breast Cancer and won! In honor of her, MaryJane by Agatha Marie was created. Though we are not Asian, MaryJane consists of an Asian inspired pale pink multi-blend bodice with black satin ribbon trimming and a four (4) layer black mesh skirt, including a short black mesh train in back.

In Loving Memory of Mary Jane Nagel

Always true,
Agatha Marie 

Catwalk For Hope

"Catwalk for Hope" fashion and art show, benefiting breast cancer research and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It will take place Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 6:00pm for cocktails and art show, 7:30pm fashion show. There will also be a silent auction of graphic art created by IADT students, as well as some of the garments from the show. Guest speaker is Fox 29 News anchor Karen Martinez. 

For ticket info visit

http://catwalk4hope.eventbrite.com/

Steven Kissinger and I. among several other students and Designer will be participating in this great event. Please come out and support the Cause.  

Kicking and Screaming: Fight for your Dreams

So much to think about...

Since the beginning of my Senior Year 2001-2002 I knew I wanted to be a Designer, with amazing shows. I knew first, I must know how to run a business. So, I majored in Business Management. Then, I figured I better know a thing or two about making clothes and enrolled at International Academy of Design and Technology - San Antonio (IADT). Well, being unemployed and owing the school money has really put me in a bind, but nonetheless I finish in November with my Associates.

Then, it all started! I opened my big mouth! I can do my own show with out IADT contacts or help. I came in with a big bang! Structured! Organized! Detailed! It was all laid out...then there was the funding. It's not easy to say, "Hey, I'm a Student Designer putting on my First Fashion Show. Want to give me money?" My first thought, go to the banks! They donate all the time and I'm a student. Three (Uno, dos, tres) NO's and two no replies. Great! Deadline! "Sorry guys, but the banks said no. Don't worry, I'm still trying." That was in August! Still stuck!

Prideful! I keep trying, sending sponsorship letters to local banks and boutiques. Nothing. But wait...a Marketing Firm from Austin contacts Steven, who brings me along to this meeting. Can it be true? Can this Firm help me? ..."What can I bring to the table?" Really! You wanted to take over MY show!

In a Bind! Contracts and Invoices - Funds = Stress and Frustration. What do I do Lord? What? I started out so good. I did everything I know was right! But NO ONE, NOT ONE person, bank, company, lender wants to help me do this! What do I do? I can get into real trouble for this!

Fashion! Fashion! Fashion! "Fashion is a lifestyle. You live it, you breathe it. Glam" -Christina Aguilera.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Matthew 6:25-34

New International Version (NIV)

Do Not Worry
    ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?   ²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

And now I feel worse. Sunday, my deadline to continue Fashion Revolution or to let it go. Lord, what do I do?

Always true,
Agatha Marie

Fashion Shows

There seems to be a misunderstand about Fashion Shows. Let me explain a thing or two.

Having a Fashion Show is like revealing a LIVE movie. So, if your movie at the Santikos IMAX Palladium  starts at 9 p.m. what time do you arrive to see it? IF your show is the most talked about (Summer's #1 Hit Movie to SEE) would you arrive an hour later? I think not! With that being said, why would you market your show at 9 p.m. if it starts at 10 p.m. and have absolutely no Crowd Pleasers?! There is always a introduction to the show. Always! Even if its a mixer, or vendor introductions, or something, but when guest arrive and there is nothing but models sitting around not looking excited to be doing the show it is not good.

Market your show accordingly. The time is starts is the time it starts, no earlier, no later. Don't forget the Crowd Pleasers!

Always true,
Agatha Marie

NickScene - What's Your Scene?

NickScene - What's Your Scene?

Nick Scene has been kind to me and fellow Designers, Steven Kissinger, and Amanda Marie Couture in assisting us with networking connections that will help us bring Fashion Revolution to life.

If you haven't heard or haven't been to the Fashion Revolution Facebook Page here is an update:

Fashion Revolution has, unfortunately, not yet been funded! Therefore, we decided to postpone the show. However, instead of postponing through December 2011 Nick Scene has kindly offered their hand in networking and marketing to get this show off the ground. As Moulin Rouge says, "the show must go on!"

Now, we are tentatively scheduled for November 12! BUT, the location will change to hold a bigger crowd.

AND a DESIGNER CALL will be held for THREE (3) more Designers.

This is will a GRAND event YOU will NOT WANT TO MISS!

Thanks Nick Scene.

Always True,

Agatha Marie