Kao Pao Shu Showroom Grand Opening
Emerging brand Kao Pao Shu held their showroom grand opening in Santa Monica. The showroom is housed in a converted 5000 sq. ft. warehouse. It was a bustling evening, filled with shopping the collection, getting your portrait taken by Kao Pao Shu designer Naida’s husband-Marco, watching a live photo shoot with models styled by Studio DNA Salon and stylist- Devon Poer; and enjoying hors ‘d ouvers. I viewed the collection of tops, skirts, dresses and handbags made from the signature ribbons, webbings and fabrics found around the world. I had the delightful opportunity of meeting the brain behind the designs- Naida Begeta, born in Bosnia and graduated from the Sarajevo Academy of Fine Arts with a degree in product design. All her pieces are manufactured here in the US and are a hit in Japan (I can even see hints of Japanese influence in her avant-garde creations). I also watched as the four models got styled in couture make-up by Studio DNA Salon and after getting styled by Devon Poer, were escorted to the makeshift photo studio that was set up in a corner of the warehouse. It was exciting seeing the live photo shoot taking place and the incredible energy from the photographer, models and guests.
Kao Pao Shu showroom is located at: 1906 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica,CA 90404. Ph:(310)453-1919. Hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am-6.30pm or Saturday by appointment.
Special Thanks: J; Francesca Albanese- Marketing Manager at Kao Pao Shu; Naida Begeta; Photographer- Marco Schillaci; the models: Chelsea Freeborn, Diana Butova, Sabrina Setarah, Morgan Blimendane; stylist: Devon Poer; Danny LeClair and the hair/make-up team at Studio DNA Salon; the volunteers and DJ.
Hey Heather! Glad you had a good time. Thanks so much for coming out and supporting!!! Kisses, Devon
Excellent blog heather! such a joy to read 🙂
[…] The installations that night were Katie Kay, Curly-V with Mercura NY sunglasses, Poly Chic and Kao Pao Shu. Curly -V’s installation indeed brought a smile to my face. This was his first collection since working with Jeremy Scott. His designs were bold and unique. My favorite piece-a dress that had yellow hearts with smiley faces on them. “Curly-V is for the dreamers of the world- it represents the beauty of the people and their unrelenting spirit to follow their dreams…” For orders or lookbook inquiries: curly.v.apparel@gmail.com. Curly-V was also helping with the small Mercura NY sunglasses display. Designed by Rachel Cohen-Lunning and Merrilee Lichtenstein Cohen of NY, these haute sunnies can be seen on celebrities and in a lot of editorials. Designer Ela Acosta presented some looks from her “Poly-Chic” (short for Polyurethane-Chic) collection. I loved the futuristic looks (especially the blue draped skirt) and I loved how she was able to play with and manipulate the fabrics and plastic. To learn more about her vision and concept of her “Poly-Chic” collection, check out her site. Kao Pao Shu’s Naida Begeta presented her latest collection: “Draw Yourself Up.” This collection is more ready-to-wear for any occasion. The pieces have screen prints of Naida’s drawings and abstract art concepts. According to the press release: Each exclusive drawing is transferred onto fully constructed pieces of clothing, instead of rolls of fabrics, to be sewed together in a second moment. This allows the eye to receive a different image and impression based on how the piece is worn… I must say, Naida has done it again! She is very talented in that she makes couture-like pieces made of ribbons and seat belts to making these carefully constructed pieces with her own drawings that are screen printed on them, and the image is different every time, depending on how the individual wears it. I would also like to give loads of credit to Naida’s husband and photographer- Marco for the lovely display of the photos he shot of the models at the last KPS event. They were stunning! For more on KPS, check out the site or my other article here. […]