Oct. 4--Brenda Holts is quick to raise her pinking shears and admit that the world of fashion design is "very grueling."

But consider this: Holts has raised three children o now ages 32, 28 and 18.

That said, what's so tough about lining a dress seamlessly or adhering to the perfect hem?

For Holts, with a debut show on the line next weekend, it's everything.

Holts, 57, lives in Natomas and has spent the better part of two years putting together a collection of intricate, exquisite apparel she's now ready to parade down a runway.

"For me, it's like coming back to my first love, which is fashion."

Her debut collection is appropriately called Fashion Full Circle. The fashion show, which she is financing herself, can be seen at 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation.

With her dream on the sewing line, Holts isn't holding back. She'll debut about 40 looks for both women and men, including at least two wedding dresses.

There will be something for everyone with a passion for color, fabric and a reverent nod to hand-crafted Afrocentric clothing.

"For me, sewing initially was a way to bring in income for my family," Holts says. "I made dolls and did quilting and alterations.

"This is the first show I'm producing and presenting o all on my own."

Betty Davis, owner of the Culture Collection in Sacramento, is one venue selling tickets for Saturday's shows.

Davis has seen Holts' fashions and carried her doll collection in her store.

Even though this is Holts' first show, Davis says her diligence to design should pay off.

"She's a very talented seamstress and has an eye for incorporating African American fashion into contemporary clothing.

"It's very unique. I hope she goes far. And if she decides to sell her fashions, I would carry her line."

Holts attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles 30 years ago. Then came marriage and a family. But with her kids grown, Holts returned to school, taking several design classes at American River College.

Holts' daughter, Kashani Daniels, is pretty much in charge of Saturday's two-show production. In fact, her mother's clothing label is named after her o Kasha's Creations.

"I'm handling pretty much everything except the sewing," says Daniels, 32.

That includes the models, makeup and music.

"I've seen what she's (Holts) putting in the show, and it's always been about the sewing," Daniels says. "After all, what she makes has been on my back.

"I might be biased, but I've already put in my order for a couple of her pieces."

Of the approximately 40 outfits in the show, several are shown here. And it's easy to spot Holts' love for intricate African fabrics.

"I've worked with everything from mud cloth to silks. I really love color," she says.

Fabric choices abound. She has found pieces wherever her travels take her, from Miami to L.A., even a tiny Pakistani store near her home.

"If I see something interesting, I'll pick it up," she says. "The purple and gold dress (shown left) has a metallic finish to it, but it's actually cotton," Holts says. "I had to be very careful because if you work with it too much the gold will start to rub off."

An up-close look at Holts' designs reveals amazing craftsmanship. Everything is lined and wearable. It's fitted and, most important, finished.

No raw edges.

Design students take note: That's what elevates a garment from the runway to everyday.

"My dream is to put together a fashion project that teaches young girls to sew, work with models, hair and makeup and find career opportunities in this field," she says.

"Just like I have."

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Call The Bee's Leigh Grogan, (916) 321-1129.

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