Photos: Pretense and Briana Rene fashion show / launch party

Laguna had some rocking fashion this week as two newly launched brands got together at Mozambique for a fashion show/launch party.  The brands Pretense and Briana Rene are actually the products of a happy newly weds, Warren and Briana Ellison.  Warren designs the T-shirt brand Pretense while Rene is the designer and artisan of Briana Rene the jewelry line.  After a three-month-long honey moon, the couple came back so inspired, that they both started there own brands.  
Pretense is a contemporary T-Shirt line, for men and women, that has strong Californian roots.  Warren, who was born in South Africa, has worked in the music and fashion industry for twelve years traveling through out the US, Europe and Japan.  With Pretense he's trying to bring together all his experience and expertise to create a line that caters to the Southern Californian lifestyle.  His easy to wear tops take basics to a new level with innovating cuts and soft textures and fabrics.  The graphic work is aggressive in an artistic way and makes a statement with out going overboard.   You'll have to check up on the website to see wear you can get some Pretense gear.  
Although Briana was born in Southern California, the classic style from her Italian roots is evident in her designs.  Briana describes her style as "part bohemian hippie, part old Hollywood glam".   Her necklaces range in design from hand painted Faberge inspired eggs to chains with lockets and keys.  Briana is very conscious about giving back to society, everything is hand made in the USA and a portion of her sales go to charity.  She even offers private jewelry parties on the weekend, where the hostess get's a special deal.  Her youthful jewelry not only has an international aesthetic, but also a great Californian appeal.  Check out her website at www.brianarenedesigns.com  and this video of the show that Greg Clidaris shot! …

Photo's courtesy of Warren and Briana Ellison