OverDressed for Life

One of my favorite summer events is the American Craft Council Show, which is happening this year on August 3-5 at the Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason in San Francisco. The ACC is a juried show with more than 250 fine artists from around the country gathered to show and sell their wares: one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, gifts, fine art, and home décor.

Over the three days there are also various interesting activities including something called Style Slam. Here’s how it works: four local stylists shop the show and put together two looks, demonstrating how unique handmade pieces can work into any wardrobe.

One of the chosen stylists, Kristen Ikeda-Jones is a fashion designer with 25 years experience in San Francisco and around the Bay Area.

Kristen was nice enough to take a little time with ODFL for a Q&A.

Have you attended an ACC show? What are you expectations? 

This will be my very first ACC show.  I am so excited to be one of the four stylists invited to participate in this awesome event!  I’m looking forward to networking with artisans and designers in such a positive environment that promotes beautifully handcrafted wearable goods.  I can’t wait to meet other creative minds to collaborate with and I am eager to find local designers that I can promote and carry in my studio/salon slated to open next spring/summer in the East Bay.  I await the inspiration that I know will influence my capsule collection coming this Fall ’18.

With your impressive background in design and styling, what will you look for in putting your Style Slams ensembles together?

I plan on utilizing my extensive career in design and styling to help with the fast-paced time restraints we will have when pulling our looks together. I will be searching for top level craftsmanship along with the perfect subtle detail to set a piece apart.  The exact thing that sets ikedajones apart – an interesting hem line, a unique, one of a kind textile or color, a subtle twist where you least expect it ….  I love to find a creative but cohesive mix of masculine and feminine and will strive to showcase my point of view.

I believe that less is more, but that doesn’t mean you won’t make an impression. When I design a collection or style a client I love to mix perfect go-to “staples” with a piece that stands out and makes a statement.  Make people’s heads turn.  The amazing designs created by the artisans at the ACC show are the perfect blend with everyday, wearable pieces because they can elevate and make your look special and unique in a way nothing found in a department store can. One unique piece can transform your everyday skinny jean, for example. You are wearing not only a one-of-a-kind piece, but you are showcasing a work of art that sets you apart from everyone else, who are settling for yoga pants!

I like how you think, Kristen: less is more, detail, make a statement. I’m excited to see your looks at Style Slam.

The American Craft Council Show happens here only once a year. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for the best in all things unique.

Click here for more information about the ACC show.

 Be there or be SQUARE!