By Diana Cavagnaro

A cut above the rest

Season 14 of “Project Runway” began on Aug. 6. One of San Diego’s own — Ashley Nell Tipton — was picked from thousands who competed for this TV show on the Lifetime Channel to be one of 15 contestants.

Tipton is a graduate of Fashion Careers College (FCC) and has an associate of arts degree in fashion design from there. Her collection was shown at the annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards Gala in 2010 and she participated in “The Art of Fashion” at the Timken Museum in 2011 and 2015. After putting her senior collection from FCC on tumblr.com, she was asked to highlight her brand at the 2012 Full Figure Fashion Week in New York. She has chosen to be a “plus size designer” because she felt there was a huge need for more choices and originality. She’s had her own line since 2012.

Guests were invited for the premier showing of “Project Runway”’s Season 14 at Home & Away in Old Town and many of the FCC affiliates were at the premier to show support, including Pat O’Connor, founder of FCC. The crowd came to watch the live show and root Ms. Tipton on. Each episode has a challenge for the designers and this episode was very special because Tipton won the design challenge.

The goal for “Project Runway” contestants is to make it to NYC Fashion Week, where a winner is chosen. Some of the prizes include $100,000 to launch their own business, a 2015 Lexus RC 350, a complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother Sewing and Embroidery and a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine. I just watched episode three which was a team challenge and Tipton was a winner again.

Be sure to tune in to Lifetime on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. and support Tipton. http://bit.ly/1gagEZC

Live a well-garnished life

Above Time premiered their bow tie business on Aug. 15 at Hotel Palomar, Downtown. The evening began with a meet and greet, and Carey A. Reddick ll is the man behind the bowties and was on hand to chat with all the guests. Alexander Salazar brought works from his gallery by artist Lindsey Nobel to adorn the walls of the event. Special guests included Ryan Watkins and Derek Snook who are the brand ambassadors and the face of the company. Jasmine Stiles, a stand-up paddle boarder, is their first sponsorship. Everyone had the opportunity to meet the actor Matthew McKelligon from the award winning show, “EastSiders.”

An award was given to Eden Steele, founder of Interactions for Peace, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to this nonprofit which empowers youth and helps prevent bullying. Jose Yenque, actor and founder of Arts for a Better Tomorrow and Sean Sheppard, founder of Embrace 1 were also in attendance.

This fashion show showcased the Above Time Fall 2015 collection, which was officially launched Aug. 28. The models rocked the runway unveiling the new bowties for both men and women. These accessories are a great way to stand out of the crowd. Reddick also highlighted two dresses on the catwalk.

“Above Time” means “to live in the moment” and by wearing high quality accessories it helps you live a well-garnished life. The Above Time customer wants a way to express their individuality. All the products are made in San Diego from organic cotton, hemp, and leather, and are handmade in small quantities. They will be available only for a limited time.

For more information about Above Time, visit above-time.com 

Upcoming Events

Sept. 13 | “Hollywood in Love” — presented by the Wedding Divas Bridal Show, at the Lafayette Hotel Swim Club & Bungalows, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tickets in advance are $10 and will include a fashion show. For tickets, call 619-764-8212.

Sept. 27|Bridal Bazaar — three fashion shows by Gretchen Productions throughout the day, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., Downtown. Tickets $9 on line, or $12 at the door. Call 760-334-5500.

—Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.