The FAST Blog

Event of the Week: Poor Dog Group at REDCAT

2012-03-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

If you don't know what anything in the post title means, you must educate yourself on the L.A. Underground Art Scene ASAP.

TONIGHT:

POOR DOG GROUP: ARTIST TALK

In the Lounge at REDCAT

Sunday, March 4 /// 7:30 PM /// FREE

631 West 2nd Street, Downtown Los Angeles

Poor Dog Group presents an informal discussion detailing research from their month-long educational residency in Holland, Germany, Poland and France, which included more than four dozen interviews with artists, performing arts presenters, and government employees. Company members Jesse Bonnell, Artistic Director, and Itamar Stern, Director of Development and Programming, traveled to participate in ongoing dialogue to explore forms of autonomy and mobility in performance, driven by an interest in developing crosscultural models of engagement with a new generation of theatre practitioners. Building on an exchange initiated at REDCAT in 2010 with the Dutch collective Wunderbaum, Bonnell and Stern sought to uncover new forms of agency and global citizenship, formed in response to shared economic obstacles that are shaping contemporary theatre practices in both Europe and the U.S.A.

For more info, check out the PoorDogGroup

New Launch: Dior Mag

2012-03-02T01:47:00.000-08:00

February 29, 2012, Dior Launched their new online magazine, Dior Mag. The online publication aims to give readers, followers and Dior fans a premier behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry and the Dior brand through daily trending info and editorials.

Enhance your fashion swag and check out Dior Mag asap....

Ritesh Gupta: Commander of the College Music Scene

2012-02-27T08:00:00.010-08:00

by Anastasia Bogdanova and Jasmine Conrad

Meet Ritesh Gupta: a fourth year Business Economics major, and the man behind CollegeRoots.

CollegeRoots is a project that works to promote artists and create a community of visitors who have a say in who and what are the driving forces in music right now. College students know and love music, but the aggregate market of college performers hasn’t been seriously tackled – until now.

FAST: How did you come up with the idea for CollegeRoots?

Ritesh: It started about a year ago, when I had a blog that featured four genres: electro, mashups, covers and dubstep. It was a really simple Wordpress site, and I would constantly update it with songs I found on Youtube. I had about 50 visits a day, but it was a group of dedicated followers . One day, I was brainstorming with a friend in the dining hall, and became intrigued by the possibility of looking at the music scenes on different campuses and in various regions. Then, during a trip to Georgia, I noticed that my cousin didn’t know many performers on his college campus because he had few opportunities to hear about them. I went through my iTunes and found hundreds of artists that started in college. I realized that a music platform that features this specific type of performers has tremendous potential.

FAST: How did the development process for the site go?

Ritesh: I started developing the site in September and wanted to launch at the end of November at the latest. I found a team of dedicated people that were passionate about the concept and interested in bringing their talents on board. I made many changes to the design on the website, always keeping user convenience in mind. I ended up pushing the date back as I kept reevaluating the design. I’m a visual person, and know what I like when I see it. In the end, the website design I chose was simple and clean, which is different from my eclectic taste in fashion, but consistent with my goal of offering users a convenient browsing experience.

FAST: What kind of artists are featured on your site?

Ritesh: I define college affiliated as current students or alumni. There are many performers who are current students, and there are also so many alumni that are amazing. Many people don’t associate artists like Coldplay with the college scene, but this is where they got their start. On CollegeRoots, we feature such artists to educate, inform and inspire - these people have made it big and received a college education. There is a certain sexiness behind college artists – their ability to balance music, education, and social activities has appeal.

FAST: What is your goal for CollegeRoots?

Ritesh: My goal is to provide a high-quality platform showcasing college artists. Our team personally selects performers to make sure they are up to the standard and add value to the experience of visitors. The “Root” feature allows users to vote for artists and songs they especially like, and the collective opinion is reflected in areas such as “Most Rooted Artists.” I want to make people feel good when they visit the website.

FAST: How would you describe your personal style?

Ritesh: It is constantly evolving and depends on my mood and the situation. Three months ago, I was in suits every day, but now I wear outfits like the one I chose today ( bright plaid shirt, jeans, Vans). I would say that my style has become very eclectic - I wear strange things sometimes that reflect my personality. I have these shorts called “Friday Shorts,” they are my mom’s from the 80’s, and are very fun and unusual. I usually match them with a Hawaiian shirt. I shop at various places – I can splurge on jeans and then find a great item at Buffalo Exchange. When an occasion calls for a certain outfit, I’ll wear what is required, but also put my spin on it.

FAST: What is your opinion on the current relationship between the music and fashion industry?

Ritesh: Fashion is definitely an important element for some of the musicians I work with. Some bands care about their image, but are focused mostly on the music. But there are also other artists that put fashion at same level as music. These artists use style to express their personality. For example, Adam Levine chooses very appealing outfits that are fashionable and modern. Do I think artists care about what they are wearing? Absolutely. Fashion is an internal thing; style, art, music and lifestyle are all interrelated.

FAST: Any final comments on CollegeRoots?

Ritesh: CollegeRoots is people and music – there’s no specific formula, and I don’t have everything figured out. In that sense CollegeRoots is a big hypothesis. Do I think it will work? Yes.

Yes. It will work. And it is working. So go check it out and become one of the cool people to know about it before it blows up and is featured on Hypebeast and Jay-Z’s Twitter:

http://www.collegeroots.com
http://www.facebook.com/CollegeRoots
http://twitter.com/collegeroots

Event of the Week: First Friday at Venice

2012-02-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

First Fridays at Abbot Kinney

Venice Beach

The first friday of every month, some of the best food trucks in Los Angeles line park themselves along Abbot Kinney Blvd and provide the wandering crowd with too many delicious food choices as they pop in and out of the various Art Galleries and local shops that stay open late

img cred

For more info, check out the event website: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/

Artist to Watch: Max Neutra

2012-02-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

by Jasmine Conrad

Last time I was at First Friday at Abbot Kinney, in Venice, I came across the most interestingly wonderful exhibit at the Cave Gallery. The C.A.V.E. Gallery is known for showcasing visual and audio contemporary art that is "fresh and energetic."

And it was here that I came across the solo show titled "Mutations" by Max Neutra.

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The exhibits features "big paintings and big ideas" through the artistic manipulation of rabbits and other creatures in order to, as Max Neutra said, "explore the changes we are all going through."

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Also, don't forget to check out the artist's cite for print orders and general awesomeness HERE.

Happy Valentine's Day, Love FAST

2012-02-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

(img. c r e d)

Have a Fabulous Valentines Day!

Love,

UCLA's FAST

FAST T-Shirt Design Contest!

2012-02-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

Submit your designs to fastatucla@gmail.com by Feb.20.2012

Winner has the pleasure of viewing their designs on hundreds of T-Shirts

+ they get a free one!

Industry Insider

2012-02-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

Words of wisdom from Fashion Designer Yotam Solomon, featuring FAST model Talya Sharps...

Presenting:

S*** Fashion Designers Say

Polka Dot Dreams + Carol Yoo

2012-02-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

Meet the creator of the fabulous blog "Polka Dot Dreams: Illustrations and Photography," Carol Yoo! Yoo is a triple threat: drawing and sketching down her ideas, creating her own clothing, and shooting her own editorials. She first got involved in fashion early on in school when she created her own faux fashion editoril. When she took up creating her own fashion shoots she started desiginer her own clothing itesm as awell; constructing a dress from newspaper pushed her into making more culputral peices.

Her Current muse is Ronney Mara, who recently staed in Girl with the Dragoin Tattoo. Carl loves her "badassery" and her "effortless sophistication," characteristics that the actress poryras in reality. Her fashion inspiration comes form the mod 60's, and when asked about her favorite designer she says, "I like pices form each and every designer. I like the whimsical colors of Kate Spade, the clean lines of Prada, the inteense creativy of McQueen, and the classic Chanel."

At aCalArts he studies Costume and Scenic design, and in the furutre plans to puruse a range of careers from photographin editorials to creating costume designs. She currently charges $25.00 for herad-shots and can be contact through her facebook or via e-mail at carolyoo@alum.calarts.edu.

Check out Carol's blog ad stay tuned for her fashionable updates and photo shoots!
I know all of us here at FAST will!

Check Out Polka Dot Dreams Here!

Event of the Week: Melrose Trading Post

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Melrose Trading Post
This Sunday (and every Sunday!)
9am-5pm
Located in the Parking Lot of Fairfax Highschool, on the corner of Fairfax and Melrose

img. cred

For more info on vendors visit: www.melrosetradingpost.org

Blu Jam Cafe

2012-02-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

by Lillian Pham

Located on Melrose Avenue is one of Los Angeles’s hot spot for breakfast/

brunch, Blu Jam Café which serves breakfast enviable from any kitchen. What

better way to start your day than with a wide variety of delicious breakfast

dishes at Blu Jam. Make sure you arrive early so you can beat the hungry

crowd lining up outside!

The Crunchy French Toast is a special you can only catch on weekends during

breakfast hours. It’s one of the popular dishes Blu Jam serves with its original

take on the classic French Toast dish adding a vanilla yogurt dressing, fresh

fruit, and an extra crunch with a cereal layer.

Another popular dish among Blu Jam’s array of breakfast goodies are their

benedicts. The Norwegian benedict consisted of salmon, English muffin,

sautéed spinach, poached eggs, tomato and dill hollandaise and served with

potatoes.

The detailed exposed brick and cross beams with a window on the ceiling

adds on to the ambience of the quaint café, perfect for breakfast or brunching!

Blu Jam Café also serves dinner. Make sure to check them out and experience

all they have to offer. For more info on menus or specials, go here.

Caio Bella!

2012-01-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

by Talya Sharps

Located on Main Street in the beautiful city of Santa Monica is the Panini Garden! This place is small and cozy and will make you feel like you're right in Rome with its brick walls and dimly lit atmosphere. The menu includes everything from blended drinks, breakfast burritos, fresh green salads, and of course their homemade paninis! I recommend the Number 2, with grilled chicken, pesto and crispy bacon, all between two pieces of fresh grilled bread! YUM!

(img cred)

Panini Garden

2715 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA

310.399.9939

FIRST MEETING OF 2012

2012-01-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

2012-01-21T22:00:00.001-08:00

ILLIE

2012-01-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

(photo cred)

There is a very good chance that you have never heard of these young gents, but it is a group you should know.

On vocals we have Mr. Rickey “Skeme” Palmer and Sir Jeremiah “Laze” Owens, On guitar, Noah Andoh, Ryan Jackson on the bass, Aaron Matthew Johnson on the keys.

This local LA collective brings back an organic rock and hip hop sound to create a raw and moving sounds full of fresh guitar riffs and heavy beats.

Oh, and they are opening for Wu-Tang Clan Jan 18 at the City Grove National...no big deal.

Check out their mixtape: heree

WEDNESDAY NIGHT @ THE SATELLITE

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Free Concert at The Satellite

Wed Jan 18 @ 9PM

The Donnies The Amys

Night Rainbow

White Lights

MORE INFO: http://www.thesatellitela.com/event/89143/

Cha Cha Chicken, Santa Monica

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Cha Cha Chicken

1906 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica, CA

(310)-581-1684

Awesome caribbean food restaurant, located right between Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Literally a block up from the beach, the restaurant has an incredibly enticing island vibe with its colorful outdoor eclectic decor and fantastically authentically prepared food. Best part: the pricing is super student friendly, and the restaurant is BYOB.

Wishing You a Stylish Holiday Season, with Love from LA

2011-12-19T23:37:00.000-08:00

The quarter is over, get out of the library,

put down the books, for a UCLA student I know that sounds scary,

but grab your red lipstick and holiday sweaters,

spreading joy and style is all that matters.

Photographer: Kathleen Schenck

Models (in order of appearance):

Adrian Morris

Leigh Goodrich

Simone DeShields

Kelly Anne Moulds

Produced by: Matt Masterson

Freedom and Fashion 3rd annual Fashion and Trade Show "Rebirth"

2011-12-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

Tickets: http://freedomandfashion2011-eorgf.eventbrite.com/

Fashion Show Promo Video 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZrQKMnlSFM

Fashion Show Promo Video 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3opFk6VhEE8

Facebook Event Link: http://www.facebook.com/events/297333746952029/

Website: www.freedomandfashion.com

Happy Holidays from FAST

2011-12-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

5 Reasons why FAST loves the Holidays:

1. Glamorous and festive greeting cards

2. Couture house approved obnoxious seasonal attire

3. Chanel Sugar Cookies

4. Macy's window displays during the holiday season

5. Massive glowing Christmas trees in the middle of the city

Happy Holidays and have a Fabulous New Year's!

Much Love, from everyone at FAST

See you in January!

Vince Camuto at UCLA

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Vince Camuto at UCLA (at Chi Omega),
Winter 2011

Photos: Michelle Chung and Carly Kawanishi

Restaurant Review: Take Bao

2011-11-19T01:07:00.000-08:00

by Roz Paronyan

I've been eyeing TAKE A BAO, an Asian-fusion eatery, since it opened about a month ago on Ventura blvd. in Studio City. The exterior design sets the restaurant apart from all other ones on the block, so it's effortlessly inviting. My friend and I arrived around 9 pm and it wasn't crowded inside at all, which was a relief since we were famished. I went up to the counter to place my order and the cashier looked like Johnny Depp and James Franco's lovechild. He guided us through the menu until we both made our decisions. We decided to try out a few things. We each ordered a "Fried Chicken & Slaw," boa, which consisted of a crispy chicken breast tucked in a white bun, and coupled with tamarind bbq sauce and asian vegetable slaw. We also ordered a side of "Five-Spice" french fries and "Tofu Popcorn." The cashier gave us a number and we seated ourselves. The food arrived very quickly and looked like a piece of art devised with care and precision. Needless to say, everything tasted as good as it looked. What made the food taste even better was knowing that only the freshest products from local farms were used. There is a location in Westfield Century City, so both city and valley people can get a taste for themselves. Overall, I was very impressed at the food and ambiance achieved at TAKE A BAO. Definitely going back soon...like maybe tomorrow!

UpComing Events:

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Ten Thousand, The Internship, Owl Fly South and Gabriel Wortman @ Lot 1

Saturday, Nov. 19

8PM- 12:30AM

Lot 1 Cafe

1533 Sunset Blvd. 90026

Los Angeles, CA

Well Connected Fashion Festival

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Nov 5th:
Downtown LA hosted the Well Connected Fashion Festival. Featuring lots of local talent in the areas of fashion music, and food truck, the event was a gorgeous success.

Our Blogger and Photographer: Sam Reed

On The Catwalk

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Friday Nov. 4: UCLA Students lined the hallways of Kerchoff, clad in their 5inch heels, tight clothes and superb confidence in preparation for FAST annual Model Auditions.

Models getting a pre-runway pep-talk from our fabulous model director Jason Smith

The Girl in the Jeffrey Campbell Lita Booties

Jefferey Campbell Lita Booties

Congrats to everyone who came to auditions! You all were fantastic. And for those of you who made it to round two, see you all at CALLBACKS.

If you didn't make it to callbacks, please continue to get involved in FAST!

Check out our Exec Board page for other departments that you can participate in.

RESCHEDULING MODEL CALLBACKS

2011-11-10T23:38:00.000-08:00

Due to a large number of scheduling conflicts with FAST Model Callbacks this weekend, we are changing them to:

NOVEMBER 19th, at 5:00PM
ACKERMAN VIEWPOINT CONFERENCE ROOMS (A201 A&B)

Congratulations again! We look forward to seeing all of you next Saturday.

Practice, practice, practice, and have a great holiday weekend!

UpComing Events

2011-11-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

Don't know what to do this three day weekend? Here are some event picks for you to enjoy this weekend from the FAST Blog Staff...

THURSDAY, Nov. 10
Vince Camuto Trunk and Fashion Show
Chi Omega at UCLA
6:00PM

Vince Camuto at UCLA is putting on a fashion show this Thursday, November 10, just in time for the holiday season! They will be showing their holiday 2011 line and as always, will be giving out some AMAZING PROCES. Everyone who attends will get a gift bag and the chance to win a raffle prize.

Check out facebook.com/vincecamutoucla for more details!

THURSDAY Nov. 10
Gabrielle Wortman & The Tempest, The Internship and The Ten Thousand
Voodoo Lounge at the House of Blues
7PM-11:30PM

GO SUPPORT THE UCLA BANDS THAT ARE TAKING OVER LA!

More Info Here

Rockenwagner Bakery, The Market at Santa Monica Place

2011-11-03T10:44:00.001-07:00

by Alice Whitfield

The Market at Santa Monica Place recently opened and I went to the Rockenwagner Bakery this weekend. The Market was inspired by the Ferry Building in San Francisco and is full of lots of specialty food places. I got a chocolate scone and a cookie with raspberry jam and coconut at the bakery. It was so good! I highly recommend this place for breakfast, lunch, or a snack!

Rockenwagner Bakery

12835 Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066

310-577-0747

THIS FRIDAY: MODEL AUDITIONS!

2011-11-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Make sure all of you come our for FAST's model auditions this Friday at 5PM in Kerchoff 131-135!

The auditions are for our annual Spring runway show that features UCLA student designers. The entirely student run production draws crowds from all over LA all in the name of a good and charitable cause of our choosing.

For the Ladies:
- please wear high-heels (preferably nothing under 3inches, and no wedges)
- tight/form fitting clothing
- natural hair/make-up

For the Guys:
- form fitting clothing

And most importantly: confidence!

See you all there!

Any additional questions, check out our event page on Facebook.

A FAST Endeavor: Party Patrol

2011-11-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Looking for something super fabulous and fun to do this weekend? (assuming you are all still alive after Halloween weekend) Here's what your in-the-know FAST members will be up to:

THURSDAY NOV 3
Free Concert Ft. Theophilus London @ The Avalon in Hollywood
Presented by Cheg, College Battle of the Bands, and Live Nation

More Event Info:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=312889355395207&ref=notif&notif_t=event_photo_change

SATURDAY NOV 5
The Well Connected Fashion Festival, Downtown LA

11AM-6PM, Admission is $7, $5 with a donation of canned food
A day of fashion, music and food in the more than fabulous Downtown Los Angeles

More Event Info:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=300145069999524

Style Snaps

2011-10-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

1.) Jenae Kama, Psychology Major

2.) Melina Peterson, Sociology Major

3.) Rachel Wong @ American Vintage in Westwood

4.) Valerie Rose @ American Vintage in Westwood

5.) Wildfox Skeleton Sweater

6.) McQueen scarves

Volcom + FAST

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last year FAST got the opportunity to collaborate with Volcom for their Spring 2011 collection. The photoshoot took place on Main Street Santa Monica and Venice Beach. True to form, it was produced by student photographers, student models, student stylists, and student beauty experts. Volcom was an amazing sponsor, and we can't thank them enough for all of their support!

Fashion Minga

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

LA FASHION WEEK

FAST @ FASHION MINGA

Friday, October 21, 2011

Featured Artist:

Party Rock

Claudette

BiPolar

Monah Li

Sew Grate

OmniPeace

Rachele Royale

Chris Rutledge

and others!

Location:

Boulevard3

6523 W. Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood CA, 90028

Guests must be 21+

photos and coverage: Brigette Bleicher

FAST Model Auditions

2011-10-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

ALSO: Don't forget that designer applications are due the same day, Nov. 4 @2PM at the Bruin Bear

Introducing This Year's Show Theme!

2011-10-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

FASHION PROFILE: FAST Executive Board

2011-10-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

Get to know UCLA's FAST Executive Board and check out their fashion profiles under the "Executive Board" tab!

Sneak Peak

2011-10-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes of the Yotam Solomon Editorial Shoot

Stay Tuned!

Save The Date!

2011-10-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

The New FAST Blog

2011-10-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The FAST Blog!

We decided to change over our blog from Wordpress to Blogger, and couldn't be more excited about it!

This year is going to be better than ever—our first general meeting is coming up, and a fabulous editorial is already in the works. Keep checking back for more updates, interviews, photoshoots, street style, and all things UCLA fashion!