Making of the Collection Part 1: |
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Dedication
This collection doesn't gain significance for any of our modeling capabilities.
No, what makes us special is some less than lovely news.
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We have lost one of us. Much too soon.
Ryan Curran was a wonderful cousin.
He was just as crazy as the rest of us although he hid it better in his later years. Ryan passed this July from a brain aneurysm. He left us in his sleep.
Nana and Ryan
His passing rocked my family. We lost one of 18. We will never be the same. What to do? We all grieve in different ways. I couldn't attend his funeral because I was in El Salvador.
The beach house we all escaped to the weekend after
I found out.
So! figured, I'll write his name in the sand and dedicate my upcoming Fall Collection to our beautiful memories.
Inspiration
Since camping continues to be my fondest childhood memory. I decided to use that feeling, and bring it to my collection.
Ryan was a huge part of our camping trips. We would play flash light tag, ride on and fight over inflatable water crafts, and circle the campsites on our razor scooters for hours.
The garments must capture pure childhood joy and help the wearer feel youthful, free, and loved.
Ryan was a huge part of our camping trips. We would play flash light tag, ride on and fight over inflatable water crafts, and circle the campsites on our razor scooters for hours.
The garments must capture pure childhood joy and help the wearer feel youthful, free, and loved.
Inspiration comes from my Cousins
The Bustamante side of the family gathered every single summer of our childhoods to all go camping together.
We have a grand collection of adventures. Even the cousins that lived in Wisconsin and Georgia made the journey to California each summer.
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These times were the best! Talent shows, redwoods and ghost towns.
The Making of this Collection
The making of this collection was unique because I felt a strong desire to retrace my roots this Summmer.
I went back to my Papa's childhood hometown,
San Salvador, El Salvador
to see what their world was like
and to finally force myself to intiendo Espanol.
I went back to my Papa's childhood hometown,
San Salvador, El Salvador
to see what their world was like
and to finally force myself to intiendo Espanol.
El Salvador Pride
A beautiful blue haired unicorn greeting a stylish man in purple.
The Salvadoreno Pride parade and festival perfectly landed on the weekend I arrived.
San Francisco's Pride Parade 2018
San Francisco is known for being very proudly gay. One million participants march in June every year.
Oakland Pride  | San Salvador Pride  |
I wanted to make a top completely out of Kush Kush Balls, but they are WILDLY EXPENSIVE!
Almost 7 dollars just for one!!! No, this is not a bundle.
It is seriously $7.00 just for the one kush ball.
So I had more of a necklace of Kush Balls VS an entire bralette/top.
BUT I STILL CAME EQUIPPED!
I brought colorful tassels and rainbow puff balls for my fellow volunteers to wear with me.
I choose not to represent this organization because they wrongfully terminated my boss, but these are my beautiful/genius/activist friends I met through them.
And here are their RAINBOW poof balls!
We hand sewed them to their hats before heading to the parade.
12 Thousand people marched in El Salvador's 2018 Pride Parade. This is their 22nd celebration of Pride
and it is almost San Francisco's 50th.
and it is almost San Francisco's 50th.
The 100 ft flag that lead the parade in San Salvador.
Let's just throw a photo of Thailand in there too.
The moral of the story is PRIDE IS EVERYWHERE.
Back to El Salvador
The street I lived on, Santa Teresa. My host brother, Nicko is going to school to become an Engineer. His father was a lawyer but he died after representing a client who testified against a member of a powerful gang. My host brother lives with his two sisters who both work in English call centers. They all have fabulous english and are what I would consider to be middle class. Tambien de yo, they have parents who own property and are comfortable, but they themselves, don't have a lot of money yet. They live in San Salvador, which is like the Oakland of El Salvador. An expensive place to live with certain districts you do not enter. My host brother showed me a map of the streets I should not to. These areas are controlled by the gangs.
Watch an information rich documentary Vice News produced about the rivalry of the M-13 and The 18th St Gang, or Dieciocho.
The Salvadoreno government has failed to sustain an economy where poor people have a chance to earn a decent, livable wage.
There was a truce reached a few years back, but once the government pulled backing, the truce fell apart.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government is rounding up and sending all the M13 and Dieciocho members that they find, to El Salvador and Nicaragua, even if they didn't originally come from here.
The U.S. president found his way into the conversation.
"President Trump had said Wednesday that “these aren’t people, these are animals” during a White House meeting on immigration. On Thursday, he said the remark was specifically aimed at members of the gang MS-13."CreditCreditDoug Mills/The New York Times
Dehumanizing people has been a war tactic for ages. It won't help us to turn them into these creatures we cannot relate to.
What we need is to boost up El Salvador so nobody is desparate enough to join a gang.
El Salvador's president should work on correcting the disparity of wealth in this small country.
Build up their infrastructure, give them better jobs, offer free college, free english classes and higher pay.
When 1/3 of your country lives below the poverty line, gangs are the reaction, not the root of the problem.
This home is walking distance from where I taught english. I worked at CIS. Center for Intercambio y Solidaridad. I worked there for two weeks in exhange for Clase de Espanol y Clase de Politico. After this company inappropriately fired my boss, a bunch of the teachers and students walked out. I continued teaching classes for free in the local Mister Doughnut.
Beautiful people I met.
Everyone was very impressive, they ranged from:
masters students, psychologists, activists, Spanish learners, Professors de Espanol, mechanics, doctors, translators, managers
and then me,
an English Teacher/Spanish/Political History Student/ designer.
masters students, psychologists, activists, Spanish learners, Professors de Espanol, mechanics, doctors, translators, managers
and then me,
an English Teacher/Spanish/Political History Student/ designer.
We went to a new beach almost every weekend. I was there a full month so got to soak up this beautiful country, learn it's history, sew a bit and swim in these warm waters.
Playa El Tunco
The last beach we visited before I left for Peru.
BUT FIRST!!!
My Sewing/Alteration Apprentice
Kelsey O-Brien!
This is the breath-taking Kelsey Dolores O'brien
She's a Spanish and Psychology major with an emphasis in International Relations at Toledo in OHIO. She has incredible Spanish and for a trade, she helped me understand the language a bit better, and I taught her some simple concepts and ways for her to alter her cherished clothes.
Here we see Kelsey on the industrial machine. She is sewing a pair of shorts into a super cute, jean skirt!
Kelsey has an eve for perfection and went back a few times to be sure that her stitched were straight and effective!
How is all of this possible?
The beautiful Nora, generously offered her home to us for two weeks of sewing. Nora was Dolores' English student a few summers back and I was recommended to meet her well before I met Dolores.
Destiny!
So I worked on my two collections, and Dolores, for the first time, up-cycled her clothes. Nora let us sew on her heavy-duty machines for free and she told us stories and fed us soup.
La increíble Nora!
Poised and posed next to her favorite flower. Not only does Nora sew in her spare time, but she also gardens up a storm!
Nora loves learning English so that she can communicate with people she meets from all over the world. She is inspiring and spends her days listening and translating Martin Luther King speeches. A Fine choice, Nora!
Gracias por todo, Nora!
Sewing days were very splendid at Nora's,
as you can see from my goblin gratitude.
as you can see from my goblin gratitude.
Here I am working on The Resort 19 collection in Ricardo's car. We are off to la playa!!!
So! Now it was time to meet my family in Peru!
I learned the phrase, "Soy una designadora de moda y tango una sessions de fotos a Machu Picchu."
Tune in Next week where I treat you
with tales of
Peru!
How did i finish the Collection?
Did all the cousins back out of modeling due to altitude sickness?
Did everyone fit their clothes?
Do we get past the guards at Machu Picchu?!
Do I ever make it to the rain forest?
Watch here to see what this summer was like in El Salvador!
¡Mira aquí para ver cómo fue este verano en El Salvador!
¡Mira aquí para ver cómo fue este verano en El Salvador!
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Do you believe in fate? Luck? Prophesy?
Well I do, I am an optimist in every sense of the word.
Friend's promoting the event at Oakland Secret.
One Summer Ago:
My Brand, Casually Uncommon Premiered
Our New Music Video
and Showcased
All 5 Years of My Apparel Design
Art Gallery Style
At the time I didn't know it, but my music Video Premiere would launch a domino effect bringing me face to face with the most amazing opportunity of my entire life.
Here I am with one of my dearest friends, Jennifer Laughlin. She directs, styles, models, photographs, animates,
she taught me Adobe Premiere.
Jenny is a treasure.
(Pay no attention to the date, this even was in mid August.)
she taught me Adobe Premiere.
Jenny is a treasure.
(Pay no attention to the date, this even was in mid August.)
My Premiere and Design Showcase at Oakland Secret
Kat Ortega signing her autograph from our Highland Shoot.
The Real
If you are an artist living in Oakland, California..
Chances are you don't have disposable income.
My models are work for free,
my photographers work for free,
my interns,
my videographers,
stylist, the list goes on
all of the musical talent at the premiere relied on donations.
How long can a labor of love sustain itself?
Since I'm an independent,
freelance designer,
I rely on selling garments at festivals,
fairs and pop ups,
the money isn't consistant,
and I refuse to use sweatshops to manufacture,
so my product runs out fast.
It's tough when you're in the
"Gain Exposure" era,
because more likely than not, you are growing your network and portfolio.
It's a fruitful but financially difficult time.
Chances are you don't have disposable income.
My models are work for free,
my photographers work for free,
my interns,
my videographers,
stylist, the list goes on
all of the musical talent at the premiere relied on donations.
How long can a labor of love sustain itself?
Since I'm an independent,
freelance designer,
I rely on selling garments at festivals,
fairs and pop ups,
the money isn't consistant,
and I refuse to use sweatshops to manufacture,
so my product runs out fast.
It's tough when you're in the
"Gain Exposure" era,
because more likely than not, you are growing your network and portfolio.
It's a fruitful but financially difficult time.
My music video premiere, in some form was a failure.
Long story short, it is incredibly hard to find people who are willing to help you for free.
My friends showed up, dressed up, helped out and it was amazing, but I didn't exactly boost my brand with industry people or other designers. My network wasn't widening like I had hoped.
But , this Premeire,
would lead to the next chapter in my tale,
and it's the most exciting chapter yet.
Close friends rocking my designs next to a banner Daniel Belcher live painted at the event.
My Big Break
It would take a few months to me to truly realize the value of being a part of Zack's documentary.
I thought, sure I can represent sustainably minded designers, look beautiful on camera, possibly post the documentary to my social media.
Wow, was I in for a surprise!
I have a lot to say about the fashion industry, Oakland's art scene and the Bay Area's housing crisis.
Artists Helping Artists.
Once you make a connection,
the momentum just keeps going and going.
Once you make a connection,
the momentum just keeps going and going.
Zack directed, and produced this documentary and edited it
with the help of a friend.
Since this wasn't sponsored or produced by a large company,
Zack didn't make money from this film,
and in-fact was able to raise money for some of the victim's families from the Ghost Ship Fire.
Zack in brought more artists who interviewed to speak and perform at his many premiere dates. Each show was incredible.
You could say, this documentary went on tour.
Jenny, Zack and I at the first screening of his documentary,
Underground Under Review.
This screening would chance my career forever.
Tune in next week to find hear how!
Halloween
is the most holy of
ALL
​
American Holidays.
Leeloo and Wednesday in this year's bloody tub
​
​
Inspiration
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​
This year I did beards
​ of
good and evil.
​
Because the force is,
of course,
a constant balance of the two,
and because Jafar is faaaaabulous! ​
This year I did beards
​ of
good and evil.
​
Because the force is,
of course,
a constant balance of the two,
and because Jafar is faaaaabulous! ​
​
Jedi Disney villain
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On to Halloween!
To have one night where everyone is
​SCARY(Twinkly beautiful),
To have one night where everyone is
​SCARY(Twinkly beautiful),
​WILD(Dragging with the finest in VIP),
​&
FREAKY!!!(Killing it effortlessly)
FREAKY!!!(Killing it effortlessly)
Halloween makes my heart sing!
​
​My inner child is very much alive and well.
Halloween has always been my jam.
I love attention,
I loooove candy
and!
I love seeing which types of ghosts
​choose what type of ensembles to parade, or in this case,
​dance around in.
​
My ensembles:
I went as Jafar and Qui-Gon Jinn
I promised my brother that I would visit him in LA
for this year's halloween.
​
I missed his 21st Birthday when I lived in Thailand,
and I have never done my Hallow Thing in Socal, so!
We made a plan.
I would be Star War's Qui-Gon Jinn
And he would be a young Obe Wan.
​
Representing my older Jedi wisdom and much longer hair and beard.
for this year's halloween.
​
I missed his 21st Birthday when I lived in Thailand,
and I have never done my Hallow Thing in Socal, so!
We made a plan.
I would be Star War's Qui-Gon Jinn
And he would be a young Obe Wan.
​
Representing my older Jedi wisdom and much longer hair and beard.
Here is a rendition of what it would look like.
He actually moved back to the Bay Area this summer so didn't join me for the festivities down south
(mainly because he was already set to perform his standup)
​
this Halloweekend.
It was a shame because I also wanted him to be sultan with me.
This is what I had in mind, #turbansOnFleek!
​My brother couldnt couple with me...
​So I brought the NEXT BEST THING!
Sir Frankel.
​​
Here Frankel and I are
​as wee
​
18 year olds
at UC Santa Barbera's infamous Isla Vista
​on Halloween 2009
They were the best of times, they were the derpiest of times.
I finally recovered 5 years of old photos! So Behold!
But that weekend went from struggles... to ART!
My friend who invited us up, didn't bring her charger, so there was no way for us to reach her.
We had to pay for a hotel and pretty much attempt to
party crash
with 100's of thousands of other tourists
who swarm UCSB for their raging halloween.
The international fraternity was the only place that wasn't too disclusive/bro-y
to let us in.
THEN!
My good freshman friend, Greg.
Hooked it up fat with a wonderful crew to party with
and his grandma's
insane beach house
to sleep at.
We literally swam on a private beach that has dolphins frolicking in the distance.
I remember gazing out, hungover as a gargoyle,
​and thinking,
"Life always turns out great"
​
​and thinking,
"Life always turns out great"
​
Speaking of! Who remembers that old gargoyle cartoon?
​
NOW THAT would be an amazing and obscure group costume!
​Get ready to be hit with a mighty dose of nostalgia!!!
Or
feel nothing, if you never watched this show growing up.
Or
feel nothing, if you never watched this show growing up.
​Back to the more recent past!
Where we traveled to...
​
San Bernadini
We gathered with our beloved Burning Man Clan
in San Bernadino of all places,
Frankel and I camped at a horse ranch
where there were literally 20 puppies crawling around along with goats, horses, dogs, cats, kittens...
​
and a crew of chickens that loved to scream all night..
Speaking of,
​
What's Escape Halloween?
​
This amaaaazing
Insomniac Event/haunted carnival/circus/massive rave
was, of course, A DREAM!
Insomniac Event/haunted carnival/circus/massive rave
was, of course, A DREAM!
Their haunted insane asylem had at least 200 insanely done up, diverse and incredibly talented actors.
all at movie quality production value.
When a baby clown crawling on the floor asked "Why are you moving so fast?!" I got flustered, this lead to a wave of fear,
​ and I couldn't find the person who was walking in front of me.
​ and I couldn't find the person who was walking in front of me.
Qui gon jinn bursting through the door!
​Insomniac's Escape "Hanuted House"
easily tops any Disneyland or universal studio ride/walk through.
​
Disney, wishing they were insomniac right now.
We were literally tied up into our own straight jackets,
given Hannibal masks as we passed through every nightmare imaginable.
From a demented clown's insane realities,
to the bathroom floors of Saw,
to a graveyard laden with lost souls,
and witches chanting in the forest.
There was a hedge maze, and a 12 Foot vagina that was quite hilarious to pass through.
​ I'm not ganna lie... I was truly scared for bits of this haunted circus.
We were literally tied up into our own straight jackets,
given Hannibal masks as we passed through every nightmare imaginable.
From a demented clown's insane realities,
to the bathroom floors of Saw,
to a graveyard laden with lost souls,
and witches chanting in the forest.
There was a hedge maze, and a 12 Foot vagina that was quite hilarious to pass through.
​ I'm not ganna lie... I was truly scared for bits of this haunted circus.
I,
now in a pitch dark,
could barely know which was was straight,
as I navigated the twitchily lit hallway
filled with coats,
I pushed through,
practically hugging myself in my own
straight jacket,
for comfort,
until I was reunited with the
stranger/fellow tied up humans
​
in this escape.
​​The music was fantastic as well ^_^
We were escorted by a gaggle of
90's "raver bb" OG's
​
SO we found our way through many a dance floor.
The stages were incredible,
with fabulous lights to behold
and maaaaaassive speakers, my god.
​I wore earplugs by the end of the weekend.
My favorite DJ was
this creature with a cardboard cat head
​
in the Chinese speakeasy. ​
​
The process
​
A hair artist by trade, DJ by passion,
Jennifer Taylor aka DJ Trouble.
Jennifer Taylor aka DJ Trouble.
​Our Fairy Godmother stayed at the Hilton
just down the road
(45 mins walking, which we discovered Friday Night)
San Bernadino doesn't have enough
​Lyft/Uber drivers to accomodate
​80 thousand goblin ravers.
The'll fix this, but anyways!
​
Our Fairy.
We all completed our costumes at her hotel room during the day, sipped on Mucheladas
and watched C Horror films on the telly.
A charmping pregame and a much needed prep time as I had barely finished one of my 2 elaborate and movie-acurate ensembles.
​
We all completed our costumes at her hotel room during the day, sipped on Mucheladas
and watched C Horror films on the telly.
A charmping pregame and a much needed prep time as I had barely finished one of my 2 elaborate and movie-acurate ensembles.
​
​Speaking of!
​
My outfits!
​
​
2017, the Year of Hallow Beards
​
Beard #1
​Qui Gon-Jinn
I don't know how to explain my love and awe of
Star wars
Episode 1,
The film where young Darth Vader
is introduced as a child
and found on a desert planet
in the middle of nowhere.
There's Pod Racing!
Royalty!
Gunguns (Sea monkey Rasta's)!
Glowing purple forcefield and robot battles!
Where young Skywalker(Vader)
flies
as the youngest space pilot in history with
the rebel alliance.
Any of you who have not seen the light,
imagine liam Neison as a Jedi.
Pretty much, there is no white Jedi who is cooler.
​
(Oviously Maice Windu(Samuel L. Jackson)
and Yoda(Green)
are my all time faves
Along with, of course,
the blue skinded,
Aayala Secura)
Who looks like she could be the daughter
of the Diva from 5th Element, a character my burning family wanted me to dress as.
of the Diva from 5th Element, a character my burning family wanted me to dress as.
But Qui-Gon Jinn is the best. He could persuade other Jedis, he was suave, he has gorgeous flowing locks, he was fit, he was gentle to Anakin's mom.
​He fought one of the most beautiful Darths in all Starwars,
It was an amazing duel
and when Qui ultimately died,
​
he still looked majestic as could be!
So I aimed to embody that.
Here I am sewing more layers onto my beard.
​This is the day I first learned the wonders of latex glue. I had tried to use "titty tape" to adhere this
old
piece
of a painted wig
to my face,
and Jennifer said
"just use this"
​
It lasted a long time, but eventually I ripped my dangling beard off, and through it up in the air.
Freedom!
Seriously, those things are itchy and they make drinking
very very difficult.
​This is the day I first learned the wonders of latex glue. I had tried to use "titty tape" to adhere this
old
piece
of a painted wig
to my face,
and Jennifer said
"just use this"
​
It lasted a long time, but eventually I ripped my dangling beard off, and through it up in the air.
Freedom!
Seriously, those things are itchy and they make drinking
very very difficult.
I pulled a bunch on images into my pinterest, got various
tarp/muslin fabrics
from the second hand scrap fabric warehouse.
And made a sultry Qui-Gon tunic.
tarp/muslin fabrics
from the second hand scrap fabric warehouse.
And made a sultry Qui-Gon tunic.
A low V neck,
side boob,
lots of thigh,
a cardboard Darth Maul killing me
and a cardboard lightsaber to swish around,
​
completed this look.
side boob,
lots of thigh,
a cardboard Darth Maul killing me
and a cardboard lightsaber to swish around,
​
completed this look.
A true feat,
especially when we got professional makeup artists
to retouch my beard
​periodically through the night.
Also, there isn't any full length documentation of my Jedi cloak, but its amazing. It's the rough brown fabric from the movie, then the whole back panel is a twinkly fabric,
representing the twinkle of dead Jedi's
​
when they appear as ghoasts.
I pay attention to detail!!!
​
especially when we got professional makeup artists
to retouch my beard
​periodically through the night.
Also, there isn't any full length documentation of my Jedi cloak, but its amazing. It's the rough brown fabric from the movie, then the whole back panel is a twinkly fabric,
representing the twinkle of dead Jedi's
​
when they appear as ghoasts.
I pay attention to detail!!!
​
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I for one, felt very handsome.
​
​
Beard #2
Jafar
​
Annmarie as Jafar in San Francisco on Halloween
Jafar, your typical,
hyper-feminized,
flamingly gay,
Disney Super-Villians.
He is almost the human verson of Scar epitomized.
hyper-feminized,
flamingly gay,
Disney Super-Villians.
He is almost the human verson of Scar epitomized.
And the reason I picked him,
was because of his grandiose ensemble,
his epic snake staff
​and his hilarious twirly beard.
was because of his grandiose ensemble,
his epic snake staff
​and his hilarious twirly beard.
Alas,
I ordered a snake staff on amazon,
but my card info wasn't correct,
so the order self canceled with out me knowing
(I'm a slow email checker)
I could order another one,
but it wasn't going to make it in time.
So we went to the year round halloween store
in San Bernadino.
I bought a broken sythe,
a plastic lizard,
(from the dollar store(I'm not spending costume store prices on a toy)),
cut off its head,
painted it with gold sparkly nail polish,
taped everything together,
​and called it a day.
I ordered a snake staff on amazon,
but my card info wasn't correct,
so the order self canceled with out me knowing
(I'm a slow email checker)
I could order another one,
but it wasn't going to make it in time.
So we went to the year round halloween store
in San Bernadino.
I bought a broken sythe,
a plastic lizard,
(from the dollar store(I'm not spending costume store prices on a toy)),
cut off its head,
painted it with gold sparkly nail polish,
taped everything together,
​and called it a day.
|
|
Jafar and Alladin, making amends in Sunny San Fancisco!
​
​
For the Beard,
I just bought black present ribbon from Target
and latexed it to my chin.
​
The rest of the beard is liquid eyeliner.
I just bought black present ribbon from Target
and latexed it to my chin.
​
The rest of the beard is liquid eyeliner.
I especially love his beard from the scene where he has Jazmine
all chained up
as a sort of trophey/princess slave
(despite him obviously being gay)
He calls her over to make her grovel,
to embarrass the sultan,
and shame everyone.
She uses this moment to distract him from Alladin in the background, gearin and getting ready to save the day.
She seductively spurs, "Jafar, your beard is soo Twisted"
It made me laugh every time.
all chained up
as a sort of trophey/princess slave
(despite him obviously being gay)
He calls her over to make her grovel,
to embarrass the sultan,
and shame everyone.
She uses this moment to distract him from Alladin in the background, gearin and getting ready to save the day.
She seductively spurs, "Jafar, your beard is soo Twisted"
It made me laugh every time.
A few snaps from that night.
​
Jago and I,
​
going dumb.
I didn't take too many full length photos of the event,
but when I wore this ensemble to work on Halloween
(way more school appropriate than my Qui-Gon outfit)
I stole the show.
As a costuming teacher should.
but when I wore this ensemble to work on Halloween
(way more school appropriate than my Qui-Gon outfit)
I stole the show.
As a costuming teacher should.
|
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Next year my theme is Bald!
I'm pretty sure I'll go in drag both nights again,
and Starwars will most likely be the theme
for at least one of the nights,
​but i've already said too much!
I'm pretty sure I'll go in drag both nights again,
and Starwars will most likely be the theme
for at least one of the nights,
​but i've already said too much!
Time flies so fast!
Annmarie soaking in the morning light and marveling at all the freakily dressed wonders around her.
I feel like it was only yesterday I quit the soul- sucking, high end, minimum wage, retail, north beach, sales job...
to seek greater things.
I designed a line of mens suits,
and disembarked
for Burning Man!
 |  |
Here we
have arrived
at ROUND 2!
My second Burn
"Ritual 2017"
(notice Annmarie sleeping on two chairs in the distance because this is the time of day where her tent in engulfed in sun)
Here the fellas gaze upon the heavens on that fateful tutu Tuesday.
This year
1 I didn't have to pay 200 over the ticket price, like last year.
2 I luckily love my job, and they love me enough to let me take a vacation. or in this case:
a one week,
spiritual,
social,
and uplifting recess
1 I didn't have to pay 200 over the ticket price, like last year.
2 I luckily love my job, and they love me enough to let me take a vacation. or in this case:
a one week,
spiritual,
social,
and uplifting recess
in the desert.
Even some of the parents
(I work as an after school sewing/costuming/acting teacher)
were super stoked that I got a chance to go.
They sent me off with well wishes and it was quite swell.
Even some of the parents
(I work as an after school sewing/costuming/acting teacher)
were super stoked that I got a chance to go.
They sent me off with well wishes and it was quite swell.
I got myself one of them low income tickets.
So I paid $207 not $600 like I did in 2016,
last year, I scored my ticket from 1st BM ticket on craigslist. I was really set on going ^_^
Annmarie wears her coveted pink fluffy knit coast and her dress from the 8th grade graduation dance. Still cute. She got it as Ross!
It's amazing that Burning Man helps all walks of life
(not just the richies)
through it's gates,
(not just the richies)
through it's gates,
our government, cities, state, and country need to learn from this
fabulous,
generous
and inclusive
organization.
We need to bring everyone together,
not price them away.
I would not be able to afford burning man if it weren't for
their low income ticket program.
not price them away.
I would not be able to afford burning man if it weren't for
their low income ticket program.
Here we are August 2017!
The gorgeous
Angela Weygandt
wearing Casually Uncommon
From our Fall 2017 "The Headlands" Collection.
She got her hands on this twizzly, turtle necked, sheer number before the photoshoot/music video was even released.
I'm wearing some festival wear similar to those I sold at
How Weird, and Haight Street Faire and Oakland's First Friday this Summer.
The top is sourced from vintage fabric my grandma just had in a box for ages. The skirt is of a uni-size wrap style, with the most regal psychedelic print you ever did see.
I'm wearing my "Yaaar!" pirate Tee on my head soaked to perfection in ice garlic water
(not intentional, the garlic exploded in our cooler).
I pretty much could only survive if I had some sort of soaking wet article of clothing on me.
The gorgeous
Angela Weygandt
wearing Casually Uncommon
From our Fall 2017 "The Headlands" Collection.
She got her hands on this twizzly, turtle necked, sheer number before the photoshoot/music video was even released.
I'm wearing some festival wear similar to those I sold at
How Weird, and Haight Street Faire and Oakland's First Friday this Summer.
The top is sourced from vintage fabric my grandma just had in a box for ages. The skirt is of a uni-size wrap style, with the most regal psychedelic print you ever did see.
I'm wearing my "Yaaar!" pirate Tee on my head soaked to perfection in ice garlic water
(not intentional, the garlic exploded in our cooler).
I pretty much could only survive if I had some sort of soaking wet article of clothing on me.
 |  |
Here we are posing with Frankel, one of my baaaast friends.
The only homie from vallejo who's burning man ready!
The only homie from vallejo who's burning man ready!
 |  |
Angela and I tend to get dressed up from time to time.
Here we are at SF's Bay to Breakers and Oakland's First Friday.
Here we are with the amazing artists Phoebe Sherman! The feminist curator of Girl Gang, this amazing gathering of artist women.
Here we are at SF's Bay to Breakers and Oakland's First Friday.
Here we are with the amazing artists Phoebe Sherman! The feminist curator of Girl Gang, this amazing gathering of artist women.
But let's get back to Burning Man!
So body paint, once again, became my best friend.
I left my breast tape perfectly in a pocket that I didn't check, so I couldn't rep my custom pasties...
But!
I left my breast tape perfectly in a pocket that I didn't check, so I couldn't rep my custom pasties...
But!
I did borrow some sweet shamrock and rainbow star pasties
from our sweet snarkasaur (snarky dinosaur) neighbor.
from our sweet snarkasaur (snarky dinosaur) neighbor.
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Go Pro life.
Coppertone body Rainbow pube life!
This year I opted for the metallic copper body paint
from Kryolan SF.
I hand sewed a rainbow faux fur bikini bottom and pretened the fluff was my pubic hair.
I wore my acid green wig, Nick's glasses and my green
"Robin the Hood" hat.
Angela wore her purple bikini top
and
a fully tasseled black skirt from CrossRoads.
from Kryolan SF.
I hand sewed a rainbow faux fur bikini bottom and pretened the fluff was my pubic hair.
I wore my acid green wig, Nick's glasses and my green
"Robin the Hood" hat.
Angela wore her purple bikini top
and
a fully tasseled black skirt from CrossRoads.
By the way!!!
This is a glimpse of the incredible
SHADE STRUCTURE
our camp mate randomly just designed and built for us!
A protection from sun and dust winds.
Cause Grrrrrrrl, was it DUSTY!
This desert was formed on a prehistoric lake.
The dust is so fine,
imagine walking through flour.
It isn't good for you skin, so if you wear sandals, you MUST vinegar/water scrub your feet twice a day, otherwise your skin is going to dry out to a whole new level of dry death.
Also you must have a face mask and eyewear on you at all times, because the dust
will blow up in storms/cyclone/tornado surprises.
The dust is so fine,
imagine walking through flour.
It isn't good for you skin, so if you wear sandals, you MUST vinegar/water scrub your feet twice a day, otherwise your skin is going to dry out to a whole new level of dry death.
Also you must have a face mask and eyewear on you at all times, because the dust
will blow up in storms/cyclone/tornado surprises.
But sometimes the dust was barely there!
Here we are in front of Angie Chang's beautiful, massive art installation.
'Shortly after the last Burn, this year’s theme, “Radical Ritual,” was announced. Angie knew right away that she wanted to bring a Daruma to the playa for BRC Citizens to interact with, and recruited her friends and fellow Burners'
'Shortly after the last Burn, this year’s theme, “Radical Ritual,” was announced. Angie knew right away that she wanted to bring a Daruma to the playa for BRC Citizens to interact with, and recruited her friends and fellow Burners'
Next we scaled the 100 ft penguin.
Here's a gem from one of our 15 disposable cameras.
We were the last to climb this Flamingo,
because it was our campmate's birthday.
Speaking of!
We camped in the presence of a world famous House DJ!
Jennifer Taylor
The gorgeous, talented, googly eye ball obsessed gem and she DJ-ed in this Giant Igloo.
It's the hardest we danced all week!
Me and Nat getting warmed up before the crowd arrived!
Back to the Penguin!
The view from the mighty penguin.
Look closer, you can see the crew!
Jeremy, Brian, Nick and Andrew in the flesh!!!
The crew below
The crew up top! I didn't take this photo,
the flamingo builder man did.
the flamingo builder man did.
Here we are before the windy/loud/scary/fun dust storm hit.
At Camp UnFuckYourBurn, clearly.
This was a delightful camp with a giant vagina you could push yourself out through, kind of like Jim Carey and the rhino.
They also have Bocci, which I'm secretly really good at.
Flawless execution!
Good form!
This was inside the "uterus" dome.
It symbolized a womb, with comfy cushions and such,
the vagina you can burst out of.
This sperm shaped baby symbolizes a giant fetus.
It symbolized a womb, with comfy cushions and such,
the vagina you can burst out of.
This sperm shaped baby symbolizes a giant fetus.
The best thing about our camp is that Jenn loves googily eyes the proper amount.
Her concoctions!
The yurts that are always watching...
I left the timestamp on because I didn't want to cut off the eye.
Her concoctions!
The yurts that are always watching...
I left the timestamp on because I didn't want to cut off the eye.
 |  |
Now! For!
THE MAN!
BurningHe exploded beautifully in an epic mushroom shape
on Saturday evening.
All the art cars,
and massive cranes
gathered round to watch the man and his massive pagoda
go up in flames.
We walked around the entire circle listening to all the sounds and gazing in awe of all the insane LED displays.
It was lovely.
on Saturday evening.
All the art cars,
and massive cranes
gathered round to watch the man and his massive pagoda
go up in flames.
We walked around the entire circle listening to all the sounds and gazing in awe of all the insane LED displays.
It was lovely.
Unfortunately...
There was a man who dove into the flames this year.
He did not survive.
I'm not going to make him more famous than he already is,
there's footage of his death all over the internet and testimonials from his family if you'd like to search.
Burning Man is a highly spiritual place where reincarnation and different dimension adventuring is a common theme.
It's not surprising that someone would symbolically want to
"be the burning man"
We've got to listen to our friends and pay attention to any signs.
If you, or anyone you know needs help,
there are resources available.
See the Site below.
On a lighter note!
Annmaire wearing her thai head peice that you can't see, a bike light hooked to some elastic as a headlamp, a m&m's tube she got at outsidelands, and her dress from Halloween 2009.
Nick wears his Han solo vest and the totems he made/received on the playa this year.
Nick wears his Han solo vest and the totems he made/received on the playa this year.
Here goes my best bud, Nick Frankel. The Libertarian, gun loving, german shepard puppy daddy, survivalist.
The only one of the Vallejo crew to every step foot at burning man, but
NEXT YEAR THAT CHANGES!!!!
Next year, we MUST get these ones out here!
THAT'S RIGHT ALI, DEVIN, AND MICHAEL!!! ALSO JENNY!
THAT'S RIGHT ALI, DEVIN, AND MICHAEL!!! ALSO JENNY!
Watch the video below to witness the magic that is my favorite art installation this year!
MORE BEAUTIFUL THINGS!
I saw her walking down the playa on Wednesday Morning.
A girl with a microphone headset walks behind her and they amplify her so the puppet has a voice.
She spoke about how interesting this place was and how many friends she's making.
It was surreal.
A girl with a microphone headset walks behind her and they amplify her so the puppet has a voice.
She spoke about how interesting this place was and how many friends she's making.
It was surreal.
One of the hottest places we happened upon was a room where they shot fire down form the ceiling.
My camera couldn't capture the pulsating flame hills,
but!
If you look at the bottom center of this shot, where Frankel's tattoo is, you can see a reflection of the flame fromt he glass of my camera.
PRETTY SWEET!
Also, this was a fine moment for Frankel because he loves and fees a deeply primal connection to fire.
My camera couldn't capture the pulsating flame hills,
but!
If you look at the bottom center of this shot, where Frankel's tattoo is, you can see a reflection of the flame fromt he glass of my camera.
PRETTY SWEET!
Also, this was a fine moment for Frankel because he loves and fees a deeply primal connection to fire.
Burning Man awakes the caveman/survivalist in Nick Frnankel!
Unofficial
"1st Sunrise"
Morning Photoshoot!
JEREMY
BRIAN AND ANDREW
ANNMARIE
FRANKEL
ANDREW, JENN AND FRANKEL
JENN AND ANDREW
<3
<3
<3
<3
<3
<3
And now for the temple!
The most serious and emotional places of Black Rock City..
The most serious and emotional places of Black Rock City..
Here we see Brian is his sarong wrap. Gazing upon everyone's dedications.
 |  |
This beautiful structure gets burned sunday night and is a silent and powerful burn to experience.
#JojojStriker
#JaquarriusHolland
#AlphonzaWatson
#KenneMcFadden
#SAYHERNAME
Learn more about this uplifting movement
The temle this year was beautiful as ever. I didn't put any friends in here this year. Instead a read and connected with numerous tales of loss.
This was my favorite burn of the weekenend. Just sat on the ground in silence as people all around me sobbed at different frequencies.
It was impossible not to cry too!
a cummunal cry is very uniting, let me tell you.
Then people shouted random love or sorrow towards their lost ones.
It was like a massive funeral, but more positive.
This was my favorite burn of the weekenend. Just sat on the ground in silence as people all around me sobbed at different frequencies.
It was impossible not to cry too!
a cummunal cry is very uniting, let me tell you.
Then people shouted random love or sorrow towards their lost ones.
It was like a massive funeral, but more positive.
So that's this years BM Trend Report!
I'm going to compile our documentary style footage into a
"Real Sparkle Ponies of Black Rock City"
Reality Show.
It will air this winter, so stay tuned!
I'll see everyone at Burning Man's Decompression In SF October 14th!
I'll see everyone at Burning Man's Decompression In SF October 14th!
My Latest Swimwear Collection
My cousins and I have been camping every summer since we were babies. There have been countless photo shoots and movies made on these vacations. You could say, we have been prepping for this shoot our whole lives!!!!!
Pinecrest 2008
2008
Tahoe Meadows 2005
Bass Lake 2007
Angie, Arin, Kristin and I have been doing this for a long time.
Here we are at Tahoe the summer of 2010 rockin' the hippest swimsuits of the time.
​(Back when we shopped at Zumies, Pac Sun and Macy's)
​
My dad shot these mock magazine covers
​at my Grandparent's house in Alamo, CA.
This glamorous shot was taken when we were all in High school.
​(Back when we shopped at Zumies, Pac Sun and Macy's)
​
My dad shot these mock magazine covers
​at my Grandparent's house in Alamo, CA.
This glamorous shot was taken when we were all in High school.
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​Now! On to the shoot!
​My friend gave me a pair of her old jeans, the rest is History!
I love 60's swimwear so opted for that old school, bombshell, earthy direction when draping this collection.
My cousin Angie floating right off this dock!
My cousin Kristin, gazing into her prosperous future.
This is the most hilarious but also epic photo of this shoot. My brother's hair is naturally coiled to perfection, he's rocking Ashely Cousin Art's beautiful up-cycled vinyl jewelry,
and he agreed to model Casually Uncommon's denim speedo
WITH NO HESITATION!
A fabulous brother indeed!
Watch his film reel by following the link below!
and he agreed to model Casually Uncommon's denim speedo
WITH NO HESITATION!
A fabulous brother indeed!
Watch his film reel by following the link below!
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The youngest of all of us!
Peter Bustamante is 17.
And he modeled so naturally is was frightening!
Peter Bustamante is 17.
And he modeled so naturally is was frightening!
And the most surprising model of the day.
Our seemingly quiet cousin,
Matt Bustamante unleashed
full force fierceness
upon the entire lake!
Our seemingly quiet cousin,
Matt Bustamante unleashed
full force fierceness
upon the entire lake!
​Butt Cheek Rant
Alright fine! I did photoshop my left butt cheek to be as full as the right one. I spent a total of 8 hours editing the lighting and then touching us all up on photoshop. I corrected the lighting for these on my dad's computer and exported them too small. So, the larger files were lost and I had to go back and edit it all over again. Meanwhile my laptop has decided it won't read files connected from USB anymore. So we had to put all the filed on a DVD so I could edit them at home. This was very tricky lighting to edit, because our camera was on a setting where it would switch between extremely over, and dramatically under exposed every three photos. Quite challenging indeed.
Anyways! My buns tanned nicely this weekend and my brother and I shot this shoot ourselves, and my gorgeous cousins modeled these designs effortlessly. It has been a blessing to have my family so closely connected to the fruition of my dreams. I can't express my gratitude to them enough. Truly beautiful souls.
#NextTime #AndreSnedeker #JacobBustamante #ArinBodden and #TeresaMiddleton please!
​
Without Further Adieu!
​Cahoe 2017!!!
Named because this designs were documented in Cabo and Tahoe this Spring. Two beautiful Vacation Photoshoots!
In the sunny summer of the year 2017,
we rocked this years Haight Street Fair.
we rocked this years Haight Street Fair.
Ill Prepared
Initially I thought the Fair would be at the end of July
I was fully stressed to find it was scheduled
a month earlier than planned!
So I had two weeks off after my after-school job ended.
(summer break!)
before my sewing and acting summer camps start.
I moved into my friend's apartment in Oakland, spruced up some old designs, made a few new ones, organized it all,
and got my errands all ran
(I sent in my Passport Application and signed up to vend at Oakland's First Friday this July)
When I first arrived at the booth space,
Jaimie and I found out that our 10 by 10 space was... tilty.
So our initial "U shape" idea would not work.
Thank goodness the space next to use was never used,
so we sort of expanded our territory.
We should have brought two canopies though,
because poor Ashley was stuck in the sun.
Apart from our space smelling like urine, the wind trying to abduct our canopy and our dear friend, the live painter, couldn't wrangle a ride out here...
Jaimie and I found out that our 10 by 10 space was... tilty.
So our initial "U shape" idea would not work.
Thank goodness the space next to use was never used,
so we sort of expanded our territory.
We should have brought two canopies though,
because poor Ashley was stuck in the sun.
Apart from our space smelling like urine, the wind trying to abduct our canopy and our dear friend, the live painter, couldn't wrangle a ride out here...
Above you'll see stock footage of the Summer of Love SF 1967,
Below you'll see me and Ashley. We met at Mama de Luna Art gallery in Crocket.
I met Jaimie at Raw Artists SF and I bought a birthday clutch she designed/repurposed.
The rest is history!
Below you'll see me and Ashley. We met at Mama de Luna Art gallery in Crocket.
I met Jaimie at Raw Artists SF and I bought a birthday clutch she designed/repurposed.
The rest is history!
This day was amazing.
It is hard to put yourself and your designs out there,
but I left this venue,
driving home with tears of success,
because I connected so well to my customers.
It feels good for people to be as excited about my designs
as I've always been.
Thank you Haight Street,
you glorious OG Hippies and open minded/ kinky souls!
It is hard to put yourself and your designs out there,
but I left this venue,
driving home with tears of success,
because I connected so well to my customers.
It feels good for people to be as excited about my designs
as I've always been.
Thank you Haight Street,
you glorious OG Hippies and open minded/ kinky souls!
I sold my vintage 90's cartoon bedsheet kimono at
How Weird street Fair, in May
This design is simple! So I decided to make 2 more.
I sold the Winnie the Pooh kimono right off my back. A lovely englishman bought it for his sister because her nick-name is "Piglet" and the Spongebob one wasn't sold thus will be worn by my brother at this year's Pride.
How Weird street Fair, in May
This design is simple! So I decided to make 2 more.
I sold the Winnie the Pooh kimono right off my back. A lovely englishman bought it for his sister because her nick-name is "Piglet" and the Spongebob one wasn't sold thus will be worn by my brother at this year's Pride.
I didn't know this man's finger was up, but oh well! we Look great. Please meet Jaimie of Yogini Designs and Ashley of Ashley Cousin Art. A clutch maker and a jewelry designer/painter.
Follow the links below to see their products!
Follow the links below to see their products!
Pasties!
Designer these pasties was a dream! Constructing them was a nightmare. Never use iron on tranfer paper. Just dont! I will be Spoonflowering and producing these pasties to launch at July's First Friday here in Downtown Oakland. All you burning man Beauties Beware! You won't find nips this unique anywhere else!
I even let some friends of mine choose a few images.
I wish I could have had these made for Haight St Fair
but I ran out of time.
DM me for custom orders Pasties start at $7 per pair.
I even let some friends of mine choose a few images.
I wish I could have had these made for Haight St Fair
but I ran out of time.
DM me for custom orders Pasties start at $7 per pair.
Resort 2017: Cahoe
A new collection is underway! Over the past few months I have been putting in work to launch my newest Casually Uncommon collection! I have been wanting to do denim swimwear for a while and finally took the plunge! I started with a pair of used jeans and the rest is history!
My good friend Jenny, the animator/ wine expert/ photographer/ stylist/ model brought the first piece of the collection with her to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico! She modeled it, while her boyfriend Jeff, captured her. The shoot was gorgeous and is a sneak peak of the collection that will released at the end of the month!
My good friend Jenny, the animator/ wine expert/ photographer/ stylist/ model brought the first piece of the collection with her to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico! She modeled it, while her boyfriend Jeff, captured her. The shoot was gorgeous and is a sneak peak of the collection that will released at the end of the month!
Stay tuned!
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I have been fortunate to have an amazing group of friends and family that have helped me bring my vision to life! This weekend, I'm teaming up with my brother and cousins to put together some great footage of my collection, from Lake Tahoe!
I grew up making movies with my cousins on our annual summer camping trips. These were some of my fondest childhood memories. Confidence has never been a problem, with this amazing group. When we are together, we are fierce! I am excited to have them model my latest collection and potentially shoot some quirky commercials for my made-to-order items.
My gorgeous cousin Angela has been an amazing model for me in the past, so im so excited to shoot her again this weekend!
My brother Nicholas, cousin Angela and I at my graduating senior fashion show at San Francisco State University!
Stay posted!
Casually Uncommon hit up the streets of San Francisco for the annual "How Weird Street Faire" this past weekend! It was filled with love, music and amazing local art being sold! A group of friends and I gathered our art and set up shop with our booth of creative art, gorgeous jewelry, funky coasters and of course my unique designs!
It was such a gorgeous day in the city, surrounded by great Artist friends!
Here's me! Casually Uncommon CEO finishing some last minute touches before the event! My designs were a hit! I met some new customers and sold some great pieces!
Meet some of the Artists!
Here's my friend,
Michael Shawn working on some live painting! It was awesome to see him create his amazing designs on the spot!
You can find him on Instagram and follow his talent: @mycoalshon
Michael Shawn working on some live painting! It was awesome to see him create his amazing designs on the spot!
You can find him on Instagram and follow his talent: @mycoalshon
| And here's my talented friend Kat, Kismet Microcosm setting up shop her gorgeous jewelry and funky coasters! Check her out on the Gram as well: @_kismetkat |  |
 | As well as the amazing Artist Emmet, who showcased some rad screen printed t-shirt designs and pins! Check out more: @Inoutlines |
I had such a blast with an amazing group of humans!
(From left; Kat, Me, Hannah, Emmet & Michael!)
How Weird 2017 was a success!
(From left; Kat, Me, Hannah, Emmet & Michael!)
How Weird 2017 was a success!
My newest collection is underway! Over the weekend, my amazing team of models, makeup artist, videographer and photographer partnered up for a costal photoshoot that took place at the gorgeous Marin Headlands, across from the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin, Ca!
Mood Board
My mood board represents a costal, earthy vibe with a neutral and cool color palette. It flows with the whimsical breeze of the San Francisco coast, and the eroded architecture of historical war bunkers.
 |  |
Behind the Scenes
Here is a sneak peak of the photoshoot with my amazing team! The gorgeous sunset and slightly cool breeze made for a perfect location to capture my woodland nymphs in an amazing video shoot!
Stay tuned for the release of the highly anticipated music video-stye launch of Casually Uncommon's latest collection!
We have got some exciting events coming up and we invite you all to join! In true Casually Uncommon fashion, we will be showcasing at some fun, over the top Bay Area festivities!!!
SAVE THE DATE
APRIL 22, 2017
EARTH DAY
~RE Fashion Show~
"A fashion show with renewed purpose"
"A fashion show with renewed purpose"
Our highly anticipated collaboration with the amazingly talented Artist, Daniel Belcher is underway! Come to the RE Fashion Show on Saturday April 22nd to check out our collaborated designs and celebrate Earth Day with some gorgeous renewable fashion!
CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE INFO!
SAVE THE DATE
MAY 7, 2017
~How Weird Street Faire~
If you've never attended San Francisco's annual "How Weird" street faire, you'd better make your way to Downtown SF on Sunday May 7th!
Join us as we gather to celebrate peace, dance in the streets,
be inspired by art, shop exotic stores, make new friends and greet old ones, generate waves of joy, and expand our consciousness.
Casually Uncommon will be vending some of our funky and unique threads at the event, along side other local Bay Area Artists!
Come check out some of my designs, make a purchase, and enjoy the vibes!!!
Join us as we gather to celebrate peace, dance in the streets,
be inspired by art, shop exotic stores, make new friends and greet old ones, generate waves of joy, and expand our consciousness.
Casually Uncommon will be vending some of our funky and unique threads at the event, along side other local Bay Area Artists!
Come check out some of my designs, make a purchase, and enjoy the vibes!!!
CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE INFO!
The Blarg
You've found my blog!
I hope it leaves you informed as well as
entertained /inspired.
I love writing about the
inspiration and progress with my collections,
funky fresh fashion I come across daily, and the epic things that are goin' down in the world of FASHION.
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