Runway Production
PULSE - Runway 2024
At San Francisco State University, I served as the Runway Executive Director for the student-run fashion show, achieving the first sold-out event in the history of the Apparel Design and Merchandising (ADM) program. This landmark event celebrated the creative achievements of graduating seniors, showcasing their final collections and marking a significant milestone for the department.
In this role, I guided students through the production of a professional runway experience, overseeing all aspects of the event, including concept development, public relations, fundraising, venue design, and event coordination. The show provided an invaluable platform for students to present their innovative designs while demonstrating their ability to execute a large-scale production.
As part of this effort, I taught the Fashion Merchandising and Promotions (ADM 569) course, which equipped students with the knowledge and skills needed to bring classroom concepts to life. The course emphasized teamwork, creativity, and strategic planning, culminating in the historic sold-out runway show.
My leadership in this production reflected my dedication to student success and my passion for fostering opportunities that prepare graduates for careers in the dynamic fashion industry.
Designing A Difference Gala - Manufacture Start-Up
The Designing A Difference Gala was a huge hit & sold out days before the event! We featured a fashion show directed by yours truly and designers included, Rebecca Cahua Swim, Marshawn Lynch's Beastmode, Waikiikii Designs, Prince Singh & Taylor Jay Collection. Our emcee was the fantastic Magician, Smoothini, from America's Got Talent. The objective behind the glamorous event was to raise funds to continue our efforts in employing people with employment barriers by expanding our program and launching our apparel manufacturer in the Spring of 2017.
As Director of the event, I made sure all aspects ran smoothly and held my entire team accountable for a successful show. Event permits, designers, models, press, interns, ticket sales, public relations, video/photography team, sponsors, guest invitations, and donations, all required my attention.
Fashion On The Square + The Arts
The first San Francisco runway show I attended was the 2012 FOTS show. It was at that time I knew I wanted to be involved in the production of these shows. At the 11th annual FOTS + The Arts event, I was responsible for coordinating Rebecca Cahua's SS17 collection of 11 looks that debuted that evening at The InterContinental San Francisco. Each design was fitted & predetermined to each model by their body type. Braided hair, mysterious makeup & shimmering sun-kissed tanning is the look you want to go for this Summer.
Designing A Difference Gala - Nonprofit Launch Party
The Designing A Difference Launch Party was an exclusive evening that catered to various Bay Area celebrities, City officials, business professionals, and athletes. It was an inspiring and entertaining evening filled with a collaboration of five Bay Area fashion designers and a multi-media art auction featuring local artists. The pilot for the Designing A Difference Reality TV Show was filmed all day. It was an honor to have been the Director & Producer of the Fashion Show. The five designers congratulated the direction chosen to showcase their Spring 2016 collections! My contribution to prepping for the event included creating the Press Release and sending invitations to guests and local news. Email marketing was created, sponsor contributions were found including art auction pieces, models, makeup artists, food & beverage providers for the open bar and monetary contributions. All this with the objective of raising funds to start the Designing A Difference Apparel Manufacture Training Center.
Castle Masquerade Ball
The Castle Masquerade Ball was an exclusive fundraising event for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society held by Rumiko McCarthy, 2015's Woman of The Year. Sports & television celebrities, CEOs, doctors, investors and various other significant guests enjoyed the black-tie event filled with masquerade fun, a red carpet entrance, open bar from local wine sponsors, a secret silent art auction, and luxury car show. All this in a fabulous Castle in Woodside California. What an opulent event! I directed the runway, model lineup and styling for the six designers showcased.
Arabian Nights Fashion Show
The Arabian Nights Fashion Show was the most glamorous way possible to celebrate designer Rebecca Cahua's birthday and debut her Summer 2015 swim & resort wear. All proceeds from the event went to #HashtagLunchbagSF. Because this was a charity event we relied on various sponsors. In exchange for their generosity, we promoted the sponsors through social media, press and news. We had various forms of entertainment, a photo booth, bellydancers, a snake whisperer, live music by Kiwi Times and DJ NUT spun his music for the evening. And of course, Rebecca's Spring 2015 debut fashion show! I am very proud to have been co-director with Cecilia Kim to direct such a successful event that was for a great cause.
PROVOKE - Runway 2014
I was elected as the Front of House Director for Runway 2014: PROVOKE. The goal of this event was to promote the creativity and hard work of the Apparel Design & Merchandising students of San Francisco State University. My role as Front of House Director was a rewarding and passionate job. To ensure everything was executed successfully, I delegated various tasks & responsibilities to my team. Weeks before the event, I selected the vendors for our lighting and runway stage that included a pipe & draping backdrop. The press release I composed was sent to many agencies and media outlets throughout the City. Floor plan, ticket sales, show programs, publicity and the visual standard was my responsibility as the Front of House Director. My poster design was voted to be used as the official artwork for all promotional materials.
REVIVE Winter Runway Show
REVIVE was San Francisco State University's Winter 2012 Runway Show. The Fashion Network Association produced the show and I was a team member of the Back of House committee. We organized model fittings & the runway show days in advance. Unlike the Front of House committee that plans the activities leading up to the event, the Back of House committee is crazy during the show! During the event, I supervised backstage and assisted with the model lineup and outfit changes. Featured was SFSU Alumni, Christopher Collins from Project Runway Season 8. Tickets sold out for the marvelous event! I styled the photoshoot for the flyers based on the colors of the season chosen by the Fashion Network Association.
