Aug 1

Aug 1 Fashion

Hi. I’m Vana Dakessian…

and I am the August Guest Editor for VORTEX.

I love watching vintage films and television and am infatuated by the garments worn by the actors and actresses. I am awed by Grace Kelly's blue chiffon gown in To Catch a Thief and stunned by Audrey Hepburn's iconic black Givenchy dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The dresses are so simple yet so memorable. Each and every costume change is more beautiful and wonderfully detailed than the next.

Though the 1940-60s films and TV shows had exciting vogue, the 90s was also an awe-inspiring period in fashion history, especially in the 1990s sitcom The Nanny. All of Fran Dresher's costumes were designed by the amazing Brenda Cooper. If you watch the show, Cooper clearly wants Fran to be noticed. My biggest goal is to someday be as stylish as Fran Dresher, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn. Their uniqueness has inspired me, along with Ojai's uniqueness. I have noticed the special quality of women's fashion here and hope to do it justice.

AUGUST 8:

Last week, I went to Taft Gardens. There, VORTEX had a photo shoot with photographer Stephanie Helguera and model Kalli O’Connor. As the Creative Director, I had the honor of choosing the outfits Kalli would wear. The garments you see are all borrowed from Ali Golden, a local store in Ojai. Ali’s clothes are what I think of when someone says Ojai. Ali’s outfits are joyful, laid back, and classy, with a cute, special twist. This is the same description I would give Ojai. From various beautiful clothing and with help from Charli from Ali Golden, I chose the three following outfits:

A sheer yellow sundress with a magnificently beaded “shrimp cocktail” headband
A chartreuse green sundress paired with sparkling grape earrings
An amber-yellow sundress topped off with old-fashioned rustic farm boots

SEE SUMMER VIBES

From Oakland to Ojai

Discover how Ventura native Ali Golden made her way from Oakland to Ojai, bringing with her a fresh, modern take on fashion that’s quickly resonating with the community. Her boutique, known for its bold use of color and texture, challenges Ojai’s laid-back reputation by offering clothing that’s anything but predictable. Ali’s designs have swiftly become local favorites, proving that the town’s style is evolving beyond the expected. Learn more about her journey, her love for vibrant textiles, and how she’s redefining what it means to dress in Ojai.

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