Fashion, Say Hello to Art

Exhibit Ambush: The First Multi-Sensory Fashion Show • August 22, 2011 • Horton Plaza, San Diego, Ca

If you die for fashion, the Exhibit Ambush is where you would want to be

buried. With no shortage of statement pieces and drag queens to boot,

Antoinette Ransom outdid herself with this fashion and art showcase that’s been

in the making for the last two years. Hosted by Yara Sofia, from RuPaul’s “Drag

Race”, the fashion show was probably one of the longest I have ever seen. The

show opened with Andre Soriano from Project Runway whose line was inspired

by old Hollywood and glamour. He was a ball of nerves and tears backstage, but

the intentions of his line were fluid, clear, and concise. People expected a show

and his kick-off was explosive, setting the performance meter all the way up to

FABULOUS!

Most designers were not announced but a few fashion lines stood out.

Attention grabbers included: Antoinette Love Ransom’s collection made of recycled fabrics and a portion of her

line reintroduced corduroy in a sexy corporate kind of way. Crivette Clothing was intriguing, well put together, and

stood out during the show, taking us to Japan for a futuristic anime experience. AnnaLynn Luu delivered a healthy

dose of fashion with her avant garde statement pieces: Captivating and impractical yet

somehow functional. Plastic never looked so sexy and ‘being in a bubble’ never seemed so

appealing. Each of the aforementioned lines told an interesting story, showcased pieces

that were unique, fashion-forward, and in some cases, still wearable. They made the show

worthwhile.

The headliner: Haus of Estrada had a strong fashion showcase and closed the

show with a hand-stitched rose petal gown worn by Yara Sofia, herself. From the seven-

inch heels, all the way to the winged out eye make-up and braided faux-hawks, there

couldn’t have been a better way to bookend the Exhibit Ambush Fashion showcase.

Dot Magazine representatives spoke with Haus of Estrada’s make-up team, Glam

Squad City while they enhanced their model’s heights to New York skyscraper

status, in preparation for their moment on the runway.

“This evening’s theme is fierceness,” stated Glam Squad City’s founder and CEO, Chastity

Cordova. “It’s all about being fabulous and I’m really excited to be a part of this event.

My team and I are dedicated to one designer and it hasn’t been stressful. It’s just

about being fabulous,” she concluded. Ms. Cordova’s cohort Jasmin G. glanced up and

added, “Go big or go home! I love to do high fashion that’s bold and colorful.” She

pointed to her model with her chin and dried lashes in one hand while holding a blush

brush in the other, “and I plan to make the world beautiful one smoky eye at a time.”

Between putting the final touches on the rose petal dress or pinning and

tucking the final garments on the models, Dot Magazine reps spoke to the 23-year-old

twins, Jesus and Antonio Estrada backstage. Both seemed to revel in their element

and were ready to rock it out. “The line was inspired by birds,” Antonio gushed and

our previous line was inspired by mermaids.” He bubbled over with excitement for

the show. He was happy to participate in his brother’s company for the last two years as a self taught fashion

designer. “Wait till you hear the music, it’s going to be a party,” he added.

You may remember Jesus Estrada from Project Runway. After his elimination

from the contest, he persevered and continued his pursuits in the fashion world. “With

a show like Project Runway, you take advantage of [it] and all [the] doors that open as

a result. It gave me a lot of confidence in my designing. And it’s just crazy how my

designs come to me. It could be in a dream, from a fight [with my brother], from

everywhere.” The quiet composure exuded by these two brothers as they worked

quickly to put final touches on their line was impressive. “Our designs are for the

woman who can admire talent and afford designs. When you’re unique and different,

it shows in your designs,” he finished off as he completed an ensemble for six-foot

model Traelee C. who only had one week notice but jumped at the chance to walk in

the show.

Sensory overload all in the name of fashion! Gaze

to y our left or gaze to your right and FASHION will be by your side. The event was

well done with only a few minor snags here and there. Some of the art displays

were a little crowded and the DJ did not pull it together at times. Many

attendees agreed the fashion show should have been a little shorter or included

an intermission. But overall the show was a hit. The lines truly exuded the

essence of fashion and the comedic hostess was fantastic and the creator’s

passion and dedication shined throughout. It was impossible to not feel her

excitement when her eyes pridefully glistened above a constant smile that

stretched from ear to ear. Kudos and a hand-clap to Antoinette Ransom, the

long sleepless nights paid off and the event was a success. We look forward

to the next multi-sensory fashion show scheduled for 2013.