The 6th Annual paperfashion show

Two of my team members of Creative CoLab+ and myself had a great pleasure to attend this fabulous annual runway fashion show, as guests of Jennifer Lester and Korisa Geiger of Philosophy Communication.

Philosophy Communication, Denver-based marketing and public relations agency, was selected to run the public relations campaign for the 6th Annual Paper Fashion Show by The Art Director’s Club of Denver.

Philosophy Communications was also the winner of the 2009 Paper Fashion Show, and their design was the Audience Favorite this year with their wonderful “Garden on stilts”!

The Art Directors Club Denver's 6th Annual Paper Fashion Show was an unforgettable evening of designs made entirely of paper!
The fashion show was held at Mile High Station which I found a fantastic venue for this kind of event.
I felt so proud sitting in the audience witnessing all the tremendous talent that reside here in Denver. I can not believe how well though, crafted and executed these wearable work of arts were.

WHAT IS PAPERFASHION SHOW ABOUT?

Designers create fashions from paper donated by selected paper sponsors and the designs will then be showcased on a big runway show, and voted on by a panel of judges based on Originality, Creative Complexity and Overall Presentation.

If you were unable to attend paperfashion show last week, you will be pleased to know that these designs will also be shown to the public during "Create Denver" week in April 2010.

I love when visual gorgeousness’s and good heartedness meet. :-)
Proceeds from the nights ticket sales and silent auctions for the designs seen in the show go to benefit the Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA), a local community organization that provides after-school arts programs for at-risk youth.

All these designs were unbelievable, but the judges & audience were somehow able to find 4 outstanding designs, and here they are:

1st Place – Designed by Museum of Outdoor Arts / Team Members: Lonnie Hanzon & Museum Staff / Supplier: Xpdex & Mohawk / Paper: Via



2nd Place: The CSK Group: Haute Off The Press / Team Members: Karen Hofmeister, Leah VonFange, Jeremy Grant, Abby Polland, Cristina Schuett and 4 other CSK members / Design Name: Joan Of Art / Suppliers: Spicers Paper & Gruppo Cordenons
Paper: Plike


3rd Place .....was a Tie!!
Genfem / Team Members: Saloni Shaw, Adanta Arietta, Amy Neiswander, Janelle Key, Jenna Capobianco, Megan Waldschmid, Jull Schulz, Lauren Atkins, Ian Nordeck Design / Design Name: Frank / Suppliers: Spicers Paper & Gruppo Cordenons / Paper: Pearl

&
Blue Team / Team Members: Kelsey Knapp, Brice Sullivan / Supplier: Xpdex & Wasau / Paper: Royal Fiber & Royal Resource


Audience Favorite....and my personal favorite
Designed by Philosophy / Section 45 /
Team Members: Randall Erkelens, Korisa Geiger, Jennifer Lester, Jennifer Miller, Connie Tran / Supplier: Xpedx & Neenah / Paper: Esse
Design Name: Tribute


.....I gasped as this gravity defying piece of art walked down the runway....on stillts! Definitely the most dramatic and impressive design of the night in my opinion. Besides the design, I was impressed by the model. I know all these "outfits" were no doubt challenging to the models to work in, but this one....boy did she work the runway!...At the end, she even threw away the stilts #3 and #4 and strutted around...danced almost....on 2 stilts.... flirting, winking, waving....wow!

One of the design team members,Jennifer Miller from Philosophy Communication, told on the 9news that the thought process started almost a year ago, right after the 2009 paperfashion show. The team wanted to create something inspiring, unique and over the top, which eventually lead to this idea of a tree. The actual work process started in January, and lasted until only few days before the show.

More Photos

from the backstage.....


...sewing....pruning

.....Final touches on make-up, an essential part of this entirety



...and from the Runway





...this Mary Had a Cutest Little Lamb I've ever seen..





“Colorado’s creative industry relies on a strong culture of innovation and unexpected executions, and the Paper Fashion Show channels this spirit in a friendly contest,” - Jen Lester, co-founder of Philosophy Communication -

..Amen!

Extend your living space to outdoors

I have been so over this winter for weeks, and I'm looking for signs of spring everywhere and anywhere. Although spring might not yet have a firm grip on the nature, I think it is a good time to start planning your yard and garden and I will personally start by revisiting my post from last summer.

I live in Colorado where we have an average of 300 sunny days a year, so deck was one of the first things on my mind after buying our house. And it has truly become a beautiful extension to our home
Whether it’s a porch, patio or a backyard you are decorating, there are so many ways to add special touch to your extended Living area.
A deck that gradually steps down or up creates multiple areas for entertaining. Designate the functions of each level with furniture. On one landing, add a table and chairs for out door dining. On another landing, place chairs and for instance a fire pit to encourage conversation.
You can also separate areas by painting a deck floor or by fencing. Privacy fences also help to keep pets and children in and protect from the wind. Trellis walls keep spaces airy while giving vines and hooks a place to hang out and a visual separation. Adding an awning or other type of roofing like trellis also helps defining areas as well as gives a nice shade on hot summer days. Covered deck provides a cosy setting for casual gathering
Another excellent idea is too add built-in planters to provide a separation between two deck levels or just two seating areas on the same level and they add a nice burst of greenery against the wood deck.

Punch up your home's exterior with colour

Throw Pillows, Custom Artwork, Outdoor Wallpaper and Outdoor Rugs create an immediate impact in any space. Susan Bradley has a gorgeous collection with a range of materials, finishes and colours. Many manufacturers carry weather-resistant materials.

Illuminate your space

During the day you will have all the natural light you need, but to keep the party going after the sun sets you will have to add some light fixtures. For best result add multiple indirect lights such as sconces, candles, lanterns, and landscape lighting. For the safety reasons don’t forget walkways, stairs, and water sources.

Add a Focal Point

To make your outdoor space really special you can add one spectacular focal point
According to architects and designers, that focal point is often one of nature's two most powerful elements: fire and water. And why not include both of these opposite elements.
Outdoor fireplace/ fire pit can extend you outdoor space usage all year round!
And the water feature can be small like a fountain or a little pond, or large, such as swimming pool or hot tub

Below are some sample images of fun outdoor spaces


This is a fun way to add some colour to your outdoor space. I also love the chandelier hanging above the dining table.


another fun way to splash some colour on to the otherwise very natural colour palette.


...and few samples of how to separate various seating areas....




Lighting is important for both safety and atmosphere purposes





don't forget the little fun details....




....or the little people..

Design by KOKO3

Yes, I know, I love to brag about the endless talent pool in my native Finland :-)

KOKO3 is a Helsinki-based design office working locally and globally since 1997.
KOKO3 has worked for various clients, including; Artek, BMG, Finnair, Hasan & Partners and Iittala.
Here are some sample images from KOKO's Portfolio:

(click on the images to enlarge them)

Vintage - What goes around comes around

Basically what we mean when we talk about Vintage furniture, is furniture that is between 30-100 years old. Anything older is considered antique and more recent would simply be "used furniture". Vintage is also a very sustainable way to furnish your home, as you are recycling furniture instead of cutting down trees and utilizing dangerous chemicals to make new furniture. Buying Vintage furniture can also be considered an investment.
To shop for vintage furniture go to garage sales and search online for stores and sources for vintage furniture.

Futuristic

#1 – Wire Cone- chair by Verner Panton
(the original version on the poster, and in the space with the upgraded version for legs created on 1988)

#2 – 3422 X –chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro, 1968

#3 - Pulkka easy chair and the ottoman by ilmari Lappalainen, 1963

#4 – Light fixture by Alvar Aalto

Modern Nordic

#1 – The Chair ( PP 503)by Hans J. Wegner, 1950

Fun detail: This chair was used by Kennedy and Nixon during their TV-debate in 1960

#2 – Status-Chair by Olof Ottelin, 1950

#3 - Lulu-chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1960

Burlesky

#1 – 1920’s French bed

#2 – The bird lamp by Mathieu Challieréres


Photos by Pekka Järveläinen via Glorian Koti Magazine/ Anna Aromaa

Because We Can

This Oakland, California based firm, Because We Can ,creates environments for offices, business, and retail as well as events and even signage & art. Not only do they create environments and furniture that are fun, creative & whimsical but also sustainable and non-toxic.

Here are few images of an interior space created for Three Rings, San Francisco, CA


Screens like this one in the shape of a giant porthole are throughout the office to help separate the space


each occupant to design their own desk. Each one is totally unique,
yet they were all affordable.



not a single detail was overlooked....like the storage for bikes

....or these fluorescent light covers ,clipped in place


This world domination map with fancy frame makes a nice back drop


Here a bookshelf swings aside to reveal a secret room behind
.....wait!?....This firm has a secret room?....and I guess the secret is out now...ooops! ;-D


A view from inside the "not so secret room anymore" ;-). This room is only accessed from behind a bookshelf. How exciting!!


Another Project: Cryptic Studios, Los Gatos, CA



The 'city' walls act as privacy screens, and also give the space a personality


The theme for the cube walls is 'Cities of the Future'. Each area is its own city, and its own color


16 ft conference table with wood and resin inlay


Bar top with decorative milling underside


ornamented shelving


and....


via Because we can