Sonic Runway 2018

A Line Called K Lights Up Sonic Runway in Downtown San Jose

Closes Out in Style featuring the Designs of and Leading Bay Area Designers

Article by Kerry Adams Hapner, San Jose Director of Cultural Affairs and creative economy journalist

A Line Called K and other luminary streetwear and festival fashion design houses lit up Downtown San Jose during the March 9th closing event for Sonic Runway at City Hall, an iconic architectural gem designed by the world renown Richard Meier.  Presented by the San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs, top models walked the runway in summer looks, bringing fashion to the next level.  Led and organized by Bay Area designerAtousa G, the show featured her popular A Line Called K alongside other popular playa designers Domini Anne, Tamo Hulva of Tamo Designs, andScatha G. Allison of Miss Velvet Cream Neocouture. Listed Booking Agency secured the top shelf line up. DJ Nikita created a happy house vibe, kicking off the show with a mix of the classic “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.”  DJ Christopher Charles killed it with a stellar post-show set.

Burners can’t forget the epic Sonic Runway artwork from 2016. Created by artists Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant, Sonic Runway made its way to San Jose as the first installation of Playa to Paseo, a partnership between the San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs and Burning Man Project. When I returned from the 2016 burn, I was inspired to bring playa art, artists, the guiding principles of the event to public life in San Jose.  Burning Man Project Director of Art and Civic Engagement Kim Cook and I, along with our teams, co-created this program. Playa to Paseo is a three-year instigation of art for downtown San Jose - an invitation to play, engage and participate in art-making.

The illuminated Sonic Runway at City Hall has demonstrated the power of art to transform civic spaces. Created by artists Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant, Sonic Runway demonstrates the speed of sound through illuminated light rings. Sonic Runway at City Hall created a backdrop for creative expression, enabling multi-media artists to literally perform the artwork. In just five months it became iconic – visited by thousands who blew the internet up through social media posts. After an extension because of the popular demand, we wanted to close the Sonic Runway in style.

No further did I look to manifest this vision than Atousa G - a brand in and of herself: artist, designer, stylist, creative entrepreneur, and international electronic music maven. Always staying true to her passion for underground culture and electronic music, Atousa has pioneered independent fashion scenes since the 1990s. A Line Called K, is creating an international buzz among hipsters not only in New York, SF, LA and Miami but also in Berlin, Paris, Ibiza and London. Her “kouture” is individually customized for her select musically-driven clients, meeting their specific needs and outfitting them in cutting-edge style.

“I experienced Sonic Runway on playa. It was so dope. I envisioned a fashion show, and making this a reality was literally a dream come true. We brought out the best designers with the hottest looks to San Jose. The crowds went wild” says the contagiously charming Atousa.

And it’s true! The Sonic Runway fashion show was a creative convergence, exemplifying the art of self-expression.  Attended by thousands from across the Bay Area, we celebrated creative urban culture, dancing well into the night.

For more about A Line Called K, visit ALineCalledK.com. To learn more about San Jose’s  Playa to Paseo and what is next, visit sanjoseculture.org.

Photo Credit: Dave Lepori and Lance Miller

 A Line Called K at the Sonic Runway March 2018 in San JoseA Line Called K at the Sonic Runway March 2018 in San JoseA Line Called K at the Sonic Runway March 2018 in San JoseA Line Called K at the Sonic Runway March 2018 in San JoseA Line Called K at the Sonic Runway March 2018 in San JoseA Line Called K at the Sonic Runway March 2018 in San JoseA Line Called K at the Sonic Runway March 2018 in San JoseA Line Called K at the Sonic Runway March 2018 in San Jose

 

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