Show promotes local emerging designers

COSTA MESA — After a successful run last year, the THREAD Show returns to The Lab on Sunday with unique, locally made apparel and accessories from independent designers.

This will be the show's second consecutive appearance in Costa Mesa. The show was held at the Orange County Fairgrounds in August 2010.

"We have a lot of love and admiration for the Lab and what they promote," said Danielle Gano, THREAD Show partner, of the show's similar emphasis on promoting local designers and businesses. "We felt that they would be the right home for our Orange County show moving forward."

About 70 designers, including several from Costa Mesa and surrounding cities, will be involved in the one-day pop-up shopping event at the so-called "anti-mall." Among them are Kauzbots and Krochet Kids international in Costa Mesa and Lola Paige from Anaheim.

Also with a vendor space is Laguna Beach jewelry designer Briana Ellison of Briana Rene Designs, who is opening her first flagship location in the OC Mart Mix on June 1.

Up until now, Ellison has done trunk shows and other pop-up events that have been "great exposure and networking opportunities," which is just what she hopes the THREAD Show will provide this weekend.

One of the founding goals of the THREAD Show is to help emerging designers such as Ellison break into the already saturated art and apparel industries, said Gano.

"There are some people who really care about shopping local, but we also curate a really cool, fun event around that concept," Gano said. "For some people it's just something to do on a Sunday, and they don't even realize that until they stumble upon these designers and see how shopping from them can help the local economy."

In addition to the designers and artists, the show will also feature vendors that will host events such as a wine tasting, culinary samplings, a live DJ, a lounge with free hair and makeup styling, a manicure bar, free massages and a "man cave" with men's entertainment activities and snacks.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with 11 a.m. to noon reserved for premium ticket holders. Premium tickets cost $25 and provide exclusive access to the event. Standard tickets are $10 at the door and $5 with online RSVP at http://www.threadshow.com.