In a previous installment of “Redding Fashion Scene: The Designers,” I introduced some of the designers who were involved with the Fashion Show Gala which took place in September. The Gala was part of Redding Fashion Week, which was sponsored by the Redding Fashion Alliance.
The next set of designers have many things in common with the others: a commitment to their vision, their interest in sustainable fashion, and enthusiasm for the Alliance.
Jayne Yu is new to Redding. She moved here to attend the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry three years ago.
“I’ve loved fashion since I was a little girl, Jayne told me. “My parents thought there was no way I would be able to make a living as a fashion designer, so I got my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Fashion design took a back seat.”
Jayne designs one-of-a kind pieces and uses a variety of fabrics, textures, colors, and accessories. She loves to repurpose her old clothing and incorporate them with new material to make a unique piece.
“It was a privilege and honor to debut my first collection at Redding Fashion Week’s Fashion Show,” she says. “I remember fretting about how I would come up with 3-4 full designs in the span of 2 ½ months but in the end, I had 18 designs for the show!”
Jayne is currently working on a website.
Jayne Yu with her men’s line.
While Jayne is new to the fashion scene, Stacey Shawntee Arcangel has been designing her one-of-a-kind jewelry and leather pieces since the 1980’s.
Stacey is self-taught, although she took art classes and fashion design classes in high school and college. She lived in Maui for 24 years before moving back to Redding to be closer to family.
“My mom has always encouraged me to do what I love,” she says.
Inspired by the clothing of ancient times and Amazon warriors, Stacey’s leather work usually includes beadwork and gemstones.
“I do old school style leather work, mostly riveting with a little sewing. I also create the patterns myself,” she told me.
Stacey has designed for rap artists like Nitty Scott and rock singer Stevie Nicks, among others. She had never participated in a fashion show before the RFA show but she is enthusiastic about doing another one because it was so much fun!
You can check out more of Stacey’s products at: www.etsy.com/shop/GoddessesUnlimited
www.etsy.com/shop/DivineApothecaryShop
Leather work and jewelry by Stacey Shawntee Arcangel.
Jan Kearns is a designer as well as one of the founders of the Redding Fashion Alliance. Her company Gold Coast Goods specializes in neckwear and accessories.
Jan learned to sew in junior high school when sewing was a requirement for Home Economics. She sewed mostly as a hobby until 2013 when she and her daughter Sam got together to make ties for Sam’s wedding.
Jan told me “the ties were a hit, a beautiful addition to a beautiful day.” Gold Coast Goods was born, a true collaboration using Jan’s sewing skills along with Sam’s experience as a wardrobe stylist.
The designing and the manufacturing both take place in California, taking inspiration from the surrounding landscape and the state’s heritage.
“I decided to participate in the fashion show because I helped create it as the director. I found the challenge of creating a new collection very rewarding and opened up new possibilities for the brand,” Jan remarked.
Jan Kearns with models at Redding Fashion Alliance.
Like some of the other Redding designers, Abigail Young gets inspiration from costumes. She designs under the name A.J.Young.
“I was taught by a very talented woman who created costumes for plays and museum works,” Abigail shared with me. “I really admire Colleen Atwood, the costume designer for most of Tim Burton’s films.”
Abigail went to art school in Los Angeles but moved to Redding two years ago to be closer to family. She started out designing Victorian dresses, admits she is young and is still trying to find her style. The design process is her favorite part of making a garment.
“Taking a thought, then sketching it, and bringing that piece to life as 3-D wearable art blows my mind,” she says.
Abigail’s family and co-workers encouraged her to apply for the fashion show.
“I’ve never done a fashion show before,” she says. “When I saw my designs on my models and felt the energy from the audience, that was such an overwhelming feeling!”
Sketch by AJ Young.
Finished product by AJ Young.
Katie Noll was this year’s Emerging Designer winner. Born and raised in Redding, Katie learned to sew at Hokema’s and spent much of her high school years watching old movies, sketching, and reading books about fashion icons.
“I first fell in love with fashion because of Audrey Hepburn and learning of her relationship with Herbert de Givenchy. I have also been inspired by Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, and many other couturiers.”
Katie loved sketching the designs but would get frustrated at the lack of resources to execute her vision. She modeled in last year’s fashion gala and was so inspired by the show and by the Redding Fashion Alliance, she knew she had to apply for the Emerging Designer Fund contest. After submitting sketches and being interviewed by Jan Kearns and Robin Fator, she won the $1,000 to make her pieces.
“My collection was inspired by the 1951 Gene Kelly musical ‘An American in Paris’. I call the collection ‘A Parisian in Redding.’”
Design by Katie Noll.
This concludes the Redding Fashion Scene 2019 series. I hope you are inspired to get involved, whether it’s to volunteer your time at the Redding Fashion Alliance workspace or to enter the fashion show yourself. And I hope to see more from these fantastic designers!
This article was edited for clarity and space.
