JG in Charity Fashion Show

Over the weekend, Jennafer Grace and Brooke Catherine participated in a book launch/charity gala fashion show in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. The venue was a gorgeous estate sitting on a lovely lake, in an even lovelier mountain community. Melinda Jacobs launched her book, Illusions of Love from which she is donating 50% of the proceeds. The benefiting charities were Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence and Nettie’s House, which have recently lost all of their prior funding.
The event was packed and the crowd seemed pleased! Brooke and I received a lot of attention for our designs, though the other participating designers were incredible!
Our models rocked and we utilized our getting-ready-time to capture some photos of them around the property.  We had an absolutely fabulous time, and I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work. Charity events are always made possible because of extended hearts and time spent by talented, hard working people. Special thanks to Joy Woo for organizing the show, it wouldn't have happened without you!

M Dot & Mahal host Alice in Discoland at Syrah

M Dot Designs and Mahal Style recently hosted a fashion mixer and dance party at Vin de Syrah. Everyone was delighted by the underground wine parlor's gorgeous lounge and decor.

DJs Miss Vinyl and KGR spun classic disco music with the perfect twist, and Mahal Style handed out prints and prizes. Even Syrah's employees seemed unable to stand still while the rest of us boogied down. A handful of my favorite local models, designers, buyers and stylists were there, looking fresh and enjoying the house beverages. Thanks to everyone involved for a night to remember!!!

Spotlight on local breakout band Little Hurricane

It's not often that a person has the opportunity to invite friends to see a genuinely worthwhile local band. Since the blissfully raw sounding Little Hurricane debuted at the Soda Room, they have been gaining a momentous following.

Last week on St. Patrick's Day, Little Hurricane rocked the house at the West Coast Tavern in North Park, which is attached to the historic North Park Theatre and boasts super-old-venue-coolness as well as a great menu and comfortable atmosphere. The mood was festive, the Guiness flowing, and I had to put up a small but worthwhile fight for a front-of-the-crowd-post. It was great to hear person after person shouting around me, "Wow, they're actually great!",  and "Are they selling cds? They sound amazing!"

I love their acoustic section, featuring only a guitar, egg shaker, spoons, tambourine, and CC's signature cowgirl boots stomping rhythm on a wooden board. Little Hurricane also played a one-night-only Irish whiskey song that probably earned the bartenders some extra cash. On top of it all, I'm hooked on the irreplaceable sound created by their 1964 electric keyboard and mic.

Despite incredibly dark lighting, the duo looked hot as ever and impressed the crowd. Everyone I brought or invited has since been bugging me for information about their cd release dates, future shows, etc.
This Wednesday, March 31st, catch Little Hurricane at the Onyx Room on 5th Avenue. It is sure to be a rockin night. Become a fan on facebook to keep up with them.

Rustic Winter Mountain Photo Series

Back in January, Mahal Style, Jennafer Grace, Brooke Catherine, and a collection of talented models and crew headed east to find snow. We shot a 3 day fashion shoot in and around our temporary mountain home in Julian, CA. The shoot was highly successful and good times were shared by all.
We helped shoot some promo pics and video for San Diego rock duo Little Hurricane, and got in touch with nature as much as a few city slickers with lighting equpment could.
More than one eating challenge was held. More than one snowball was thrown, and a singular albeit epic LT Electric Glide was danced. Needless to say it was a memorable time!
Special thanks (in alphabetical order) to Jack Conca, Shannon Duim, Jennifer Kowalow, William Segerstrom, and Kara Willingham for all your hard work!
Mahal Style released a few preview shots for a piece in City Beat Magazine; check them out!
Beginning this week, the rest of the photos from this shoot will be released. If you would like to check them out, become a fan of Mahal Style on facebook, or follow them on flickr.

Spotlight on Local Artist Abdul Rashid

San Diego is full of artistic talent in many mediums, but rarely can an artist master several of them. A dear friend of mine, Abdul Rashid is a pillar of the Little Italy art community

 Abdul was born and raised in the hills of Jamaica and has lived in San Diego for two decades. He also happens to be a recognized designer and leather worker, a metal smith, and boasts an impressive collection of customized tool belts and jewelry. I should probably mention that he also creates (my favorite!) gorgeously flawless amps from vintage mechanical communication parts and disguises working speakers in living room furniture.

Stepping into the mystical world of Abdul, you find only creative and dear personalities from all over the world. The man is a literal magnet for all things interesting, and I'm honored to know him! If you would like to contact Abdul for an absolutely unique custom amp, or a gorgeous metal cuff bracelet, or a super tough customized tool belt (hello sylists and seamstresses!) email an information request to jennafergrace.com

 Photo courtesy of Mitch Bach

Spotlight on San Diego's Talented New Duo

Music is the most important art form known to humanity. In a world of electronically altered voices and keyboard-generated instruments, it is refreshing to hear a clean, and earnest sound.
San Diego's hottest new band, Little Hurricane, is comprised of honest talent. Anthony Catalano plays guitar, keyboard, and vocals while Celeste Spina rocks hard on the drums as well as various other forms of traditional percussion and sings.

 

Photo by Mahal Style

Little Hurricane debuted last week at the Soda Room. The place was packed and the show went great! Little Hurricane's creative set featured antique living room furniture-turned amps, as well as a gorgeous antique keyboard from 1964. No detail was spared, and even CC's drums were classically stylish sparkly blues to match her eyes. Everyone was obviously impressed by their raw sound and could NOT stand still. During a particularly sweet number, the crowd was extremely moved and their were sniffles heard all around.

The acoustic section of their performance, where they created intensely lovable sound using only a guitar, tambourine, egg shaker, and a stomping pair of cowgirl boots on a board.

Little Hurricane's cleverly decorated vintage living room set, complete with the perfect flickering lamp and vintage sound equipment.

 

Photo by Mahal Style

Little Hurricane will be playing a no-cover, no-strings-attached show on St. Patrick's Day at the West Coast Tavern. It should be a great night, and you can count on a fast-forming fan base from here on out!

Jennafer Grace in San Diego Downtown News

Representing the marvelous Mahal Style at the W Hotel shoot featuring M Dot fashion last month, I had the pleasure of not only styling the shoot but also featuring one of Jennafer Grace's own bathing suites. Thanks to everyone for a successful shoot and adorable write up!

 

Join us this Wednesday, March 10th at El Camino in Little Italy for the San Diego Downtown News Release party! 

Runway Show at On Broadway

Last week, Danielle Nastro of The Local Boutique included my designs in a fashion show at On Broadway. This creative mixer and event featured fabulous artists and musicians. Check out some fun shots from the show!

 

  

  

  

Everyone had a blast and enjoyed photo ops with 944, as well as a guitar performance and fabulous vendors. Thanks to Tiffany, Danielle, and all the models for making this a night to remember!!!