Mai-Linh Lofgren wears a custom designed dress in plum by Heike Jarick to the Academy Awards this Sunday.  Mai-Linh Lofgren is accompanied by actor Michael Stuhlbarg.  The gown was specially designed for the occasion.

Click here to preview Heike Jarick’s Fall 2010 Collection which will be available through the Altitude Fashion Showroom beginning April 1st.

In the section “Copper in the Arts,” on Copper.org, contributing writer Rebecca Troutman, discusses the allure of John S. Brana’s copper jewelry designs…

“Brana loves to feature nontraditional metals, his most recent collection thrusting copper and aluminum in the spotlight. His designs are flirtatious and intricate, often with elegant geometric textural elements and clean curves. His new line, named after the South of Market district, “SoMa,” is inspired by the curved angles of the architecture and the “opulent gold rush period” of its heyday.

NYFW 2010: Nancy Lichtenstein Talks about Project Runway’s Althea Harper’s Collection - Read the entire story on LA-Story.com

Althea’s collection was sophisticated with a real urban vibe; while it did have knitwear accents, it showed growth since Project Runway and a lot of versatility. You could outfit a whole wardrobe out of this line. Standout looks included:

1)  a grey one-shouldered gown with a fishtail skirt (everyone’s doing one shouldered and fish-tale but in this fabric with this silhouette it looked fresh)

2) a black cocktail dress with sweetheart illusion neckline and cutouts

3)and a black suit with fierce shoulders and a standup collar.

Posted on December 16, 2009 on The Kind Life with Alicia Silverstone.

“I have to mention my new favorite purse.  It’s the all-vegan Picnic bag in Cream by Amber Pollard.

Amber Pollard is a handbag designer, and just made each of her bags available in vegan materials!  It’s made of hemp, and it’s so chic.  I imagine Kate Moss wearing it.

This would make a great, super nice gift either from a very loved one to you….or as  very generous gift from you to a loved one.

You can check out Amber’s great bags HERE.”

In a January 27th article published on pg 15, discussing the 2010 January Los Angeles Fashion Market, Amber Pollard receives mention of her upscale contemporary handbag collection.

Accessories, Leather Take Priority at LA Market

“Launched last August, Amber Pollard offers hobo bags that are priced $300 and higher… including three new expandable bags that add value to consumers with waterproof linings, gold hardware, and zipper lunch pouches.”

Designer Launch Pad Fashion Show

The scene: The turnout was strong for the Designer Launchpad Fashion Show, held on opening day of the Focus apparel and accessories show on the 13th floor of the California Market Center. Guests mingled and reviewed Focus’ collections before and after the show, which featured a mix of California and out-of-state labels, including “Project Runway” finalist Althea Harper. The designer was not in attendance but sent along her collection of color-blocked and printed dresses.

‘Project Runway’ Contestant Brings Line in Focus at Focus

For the upcoming Los Angeles Fashion Market starting Jan. 15, the organizers of the Focus show at the California Market Center are bringing a bit of the “Project Runway” vibe to the event.

The collection by “Project Runway” runner-up Althea Harper will be front and center when Focus opens in the building’s penthouse on Friday. Harper, on the sixth season of the fashion TV show, is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati School of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. She is now represented by the Altitude Showroom in San Francisco.

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John S. Brana’s rings in the Muir Woods collection are successful among those who like to accessorize with effortlessly chic jewelry. Featured in the “Haute Hippie” editorial of InDesign magazine, Brana’s handmade sterling silver and bronze ring with a 21-carat Lepidochrosite Cabochon is concurrent with the gem trend and reminiscent of a woman at ease with her style.

Celine Homer

Amber Pollard’s Trattoria Tote in Black Licorice is a practical and stylish piece for any busy woman. The handbag is made of fine leather goods in the USA, and doubles as a purse and a lunch bag. Featured with a removable insulated zipper pouch and enough room for a drink, the handbag makes life easy. Pollard’s Trattoria design also comes in Chocolate Rum, Cocotini, Blueberry Mojito, and Creme de Menthe for those who need a splash of color to their wardrobe.

Celine Homer

Today’s working woman demands functionality from her wardrobe and she’s not willing to sacrifice style to get. Lucky for her, Los Angeles fashion designer, Amber Pollard got fed up with designer handbags looking the part but falling short when it comes to function and durability. So this Fall, she launched her own line of haute handbags featuring her secret recipe - the stylish and reusable Lunch a la ModeTM zipper lunch pouch included in every bag. This Spring 2010, get ready to pack your lunch in an ultra chic handbag featuring colors that are good enough to eat!
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