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Many Escondido artists and stylists take part in Fashion Week San Diego




Sonia Marttine and Kristina-Monique Cortez paint Fashion Week San Diego. Photos by Anne Hall

Sonia Marttine and Kristina-Monique Cortez paint Fashion Week San Diego. Photos by Anne Hall

Fashion Week San Diego has been a nine-year barrier breaker in the fashion world that focuses on emerging artists from around the world as it celebrates beauty in all forms. This year it took place from September 29-October in La Jolla.

Founder and Director of Fashion Week, Allison Andrews, took only what was good from the existing concept of Fashion Week and brought it to San Diego with a whole new perspective that took the experience to a whole new level.

Makeup artists, hair stylists, fashion designers, and models of all shapes and sizes are brought together with a team of amazingly passionate volunteers and workers who share a great passion for why the fashion industry even exists to celebrate beauty, self expression, artistry and skill.

Past years have focused on celebrating life, appreciating bodies as they are and rocking them with passion and verve, support of the world we live in, and protecting and preserving all lives. There is always a nonprofit organization being supported by each Fashion Week San Diego every year. This year’s sponsorship was in support of Rancho Coastal Humane Society, which made way for the themed apparel that rocked the runway Saturday nigh as The Stylish Bisou garments (San Diego designer) adorned small pooches with matching model apparel as their accessories. The whole runway experience was kicked off on Friday night with eight-week puppies looking for homes from Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Guests were offered opportunities to take these little bundles into their

Celebrity pugs brought together to show off the fashions of The Stylish Bisou. Photos by Anne Hall

Celebrity pugs brought together to show off the fashions of The Stylish Bisou. Photos by Anne Hall

homes as new parents or potential fosters as they judged and admired the new lines from 26 emerging designers from around the globe that were gruelingly hand picked by Fashion Week San Diego to grace this highly respected event.

Allison Andrews is regularly resourced from groups and individuals within the industry across the country for the successes and methods she has implemented to make Fashion Week San Diego what it is today. Rather than being a celebration of fashion that lasts but one week, it is truly a year long celebration that exists with monthly events throughout San Diego County that allows for opportunities in education as well as entrepreneurship.

“Fashion Week San Diego is focusing on not only the clothing but also the artistry behind a look,” said Mrs. Andrews. “So this year we’ve started the whole event at Shane Bowden Art Gallery in La Jolla, where, among all of his amazing work, it will focus on the art that frames the look that carries the designs.” Fashion is not complete without all of its parts. That’s why makeup, hair styling, underwear and accessories were magnified on Thursday nights opening event.

How does this array of nights filled with glitter and glitz affect Escondido? Apparently many makeup artists and stylists have come from Escondido who are working as part of the specially selected talent that help to complete the looks found at Fashion Week. Among these talented individuals are Sonia Marttine and Kristina-Monique Cortez (both makeup artists).

These

Post runway highlights of designs from B. JASH. I Couture. Photos by Anne Hall

Post runway highlights of designs from B. JASH. I Couture. Photos by Anne Hall

ladies have worked together on many occasions throughout the years. They have taught makeup artistry and participated in many fashion shows and editorial shoots across the country adding color to faces of all dimensions.

“I love art, fashion, and of course makeup!” said Sonia Marttine, a self-taught artist who worked to better educate herself within the field and now continues to share her knowledge and experience by educating others. “I find it amazing what we can do to a body/ face with just the touch of a brush. It’s really cool to see the attitude of my clients and models change as they get more confidence with just a little makeup.”

Marttine added, “Also, I like to collaborate with hair and wardrobe when it comes to fashion- so that we can complete a look. I love print work/ editorial and it is definitely a way for me to express myself creatively as well. I am the lead makeup artistry educator at the Bellus Academies.”

Kristina-Monique is a mentor, educator and artist. She began her career with the desire to make people feel good as she painted their faces and worked to recreate looks. She credits her success to the many years of networking and surrounding herself with positive people who had similar visions in her beginnings and through her present.

“I work with a team, which is Make- Up State of Mind, where Sonia and I are the owners,” shared Cortez. “I have worked in film, television, print, makeup

Celebrating art as beauty and Fashion Week San Diego 2016.

Celebrating art as beauty and Fashion Week San Diego 2016.

artistry education (bi-coastal), different forms of art, but I definitely love working fashion shows. It’s very exciting. My perspective is that you definitely have to surround yourself with education and motivation. Being inspired is one of the most important factors in our industry and is crucial at times. I do enjoy teaching others and have had almost 1,000 students.”

Sonia Marttine added, “We are definitely part of a team of artists- which I consider more of a community. Makeup State of Mind is all about building and supporting like-minded individuals who are pros at their craft and have a passion for make up as we do. Kristina- Monique and I enjoy working with each other, bouncing ideas off each other, and also giving back to those who are starting their careers. Fashion Week San Diego makes me feel like a part of a community of likeminded individuals who are helping grow and promote our amazing talent in San Diego. This year was a blast. Its fun, creative, fast paced, high energy, and I love that I get to work with other amazing artists.”

For a list of the amazing designers and unique styles that graced this year’s Fashion Week San Diego visit fashionweeksd.com. Monthly events continue and can be found on the official pages event calendar, much of which is open to the public. The organization is always open to new sponsors and entrepreneurs interested in participating in their events. Simply visit the official website to learn how to get involved.


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