Victor Tung Couture Debuts at Runway Couturier's San Francisco Premiere

 Last night the fashion only production and marketing brand, Runway Couturier, opened the first of its monthly shows to an eclectic crowd eager to see the unique craftsmanship of Victor Tung and support the Harvey Milk Foundation. The audience and stylings were perfectly matched to Counterpulse--the underground, independent theater hosting the inaugural event. Rather than the usual scene attendees, the show attracted a diverse community of tightly knit individuals--new and old, fashion and art fanatics, hipsters, and foreign students committed to supporting the underground scene. 

Besides coming for the one of a kind clothing creations that would better be described as wearable art, the surprisingly strong turnout focused on remembering the work of Harvey Milk and fundraising for The Harvey Milk Foundation. Stella and Dot provided a large statement necklace for a silent auction benefiting the non-profit and an opportunity to shop a small selection of other items on location. Before the show started, Fritz Lambandrake introduced Anne Kronenberg, manager of Milk's historic 1977 San Francisco campaign, who spoke briefly of Milk's legacy and contributions toward social diversity, equality and tolerance. A video short encouraged submissions to the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus' production, "Dear Harvey, We've Got Hope", commemorating the upcoming 35th anniversary of the visionary's assassination and the progress to a world without hate.

Although the venue was dark and too cramped for the sold out show with standing room only, Tung's creations did not disappoint. Known for his hand-painted textiles and fabrics, the two collections also showed off his eye for silhouettes and shapes. His first line had an edgy, more structured black and white motif with painted floral designs, portraits, and scripts. 

After a brief intermission, Tung's second collection was much more playful with bright colors and a more feminine motif. The bouncy dresses and dangerously short hemlines was reminiscent of the Mad Hatter from Alice and Wonderland. And, although very much different from the first collection, it stayed true to Tung's detail and signature hand painted designs and fabrics.

Runway Couturier's first show was a definite success and has established itself amongst a unique, particular audience as a leader in bringing exposure to lesser known designers and emerging artists. During the reception and intermission, everyone was excited to mingle and get to know fellow supporters. Although the venue could use more space, lighting, and basic improvements to compete at the level of higher end shows, it was well-suited for the show's underground appeal. The nervous models that walked too quickly down the runway, the late start time, the ill-planned seating arrangement, and the less than professional registration and holding area were expected markings of a new and developing event. Hopefully, the next event in January will have addressed some of these glitches while maintaining its alternative and independent appeal.

A few of the cool people I met there....