Out and About on Assignment: Martin Delfino

Geographer Band sets the energetic glam mood requisite of the occasion

I was lucky enough to get an invite to the inaugural launch of Project Ethos in San Francisco by my friend Carmela Pontecioso, a professional make-up artist on her third year volunteering for this red carpet event (first two being in LA). Project ETHOS produces red carpet events showcasing all emerging Millennial Generation forms of creativity in one house, on one night. By merging fashion, music, and art concurrently, Project Ethos brings into existence a unique avenue for artists. The overall goal is to furnish opportunity for featured participants, as well as arrange a truly invigorating experience for an attendee.

Ruby Skye was ornately adorned for this red carpet event complete with a 50 ft white runway and a large projector screen that displayed custom graphics all night long. The second floor showcased the works of local artists, booths from event sponsors Carlton Hair and vitaminwater zero™, along with local members of the industry including buyers from stores such as Cranberry Boutique and Fiat Lux and curators from local Gallery Hijinks and Modern Eden. Absolut Vodka sponsored the VIP and Media VIP where I had the chance meet in person a few industry folks that I’ve known through Facebook and Model Mayhem.

The show opened with Bay Area band Geographer as I jockeyed for a prime spot at the end of the catwalk. With my gear in place and Geographer playing in the background, I took the time to wander around the venue to view a variety of art mediums from up and coming artists. The gallery showcased works from Rachel Stanich, Gabriel Schama, Alek “Liskula” Morawski, Arnold Randall, Karina Sagastegui, Mindo Cikanavicius, Cole Rise, Hugh Leeman and Kristine Baguiao. With the last song announced by Geographer, I headed back down to my spot at the makeshift press pit.

50 foot long white runway and large projector screen displaying custom graphics

The fashion show was scheduled to start at 10pm, but having waited in line for over 45 mins to get in, it was wishful thinking on my part that things would start on time. And sure enough – we waited for half an hour until dancers from the RAE Agency kicked off the show with a sultry dance number.

Featured designers on the runway show were Zoë Hong (ZOË HONG), Danielle Pettee (Danielle the Dress Maker), Mansha Khithani (MENK Clothing) and Ashley Hayes (Lucy Bea Swimwear). Kristina Michelle Gonzales (Kristina Michelle) is the winner of the vitaminwater zero™ scholarship designer and debuted her newest collection at the show. Sponsors and designers Cardiwrap by Kymaro and Frederick’s of Hollywood Swim also participated in the runway show.

Aside from a few miscues from the venue’s staff, I thought that the debut of Project Ethos in San Francisco went well. With this event being the first in San Francisco, it would have been nice if the emcee would have said a brief background about Project Ethos and its mission.

See more photos from the event