Alli’s Everlasting Arrangements & Accessories Blogger Contest
A few weeks ago I was approached by a representative of Alli’s Everlasting Arrangements & Accessories asking me to take part in a fun contest to style one of the company’s floral pins in friendly competition with other bloggers. After hearing the story behind the company, I couldn’t say no. Alli’s Everlasting Arrangements & Accessories, is a floral arrangements and accessories line designed by Renee Heyden, in memory of her daughter Allison (Alli) Emilie Heyden, who passed away at the age of 24 last summer. Alli was an up-and-coming fashion designer, had her own clothing line, and won numerous awards. Renee makes everything in the collection from fabrics she found in Alli’s room, and a portion of the proceeds from sales go towards the Alli Heyden Passion for Fashion Scholarship Fund at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), Alli’s alma mater.
I received a pink suede floral pin embellished with sparkling rhinestones. It’s the perfect accessory to that can be used to jazz up any outfit. In the pictures below, you can see just how versatile the pins can be. I used it as a hair accessory, two different ways; attached it to a crystal belt; and, adored a solid shirt with the pin for a pop of color. Which one do you like best? The contest is bein hosted on Alli’s Everlasting’s Facebook Page.
Here is the direct link to vote: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.433878246649964.87455.327042910666832&type=1
Special thanks to Ramola Poonai nd Erin Angarola for thier help with this project. xoxo
William Okpo S/S 2013 Presentation
On September 11th I attended the S/S 2013 Presentation of William Okpo, a women’s wear collection designed by two sisters, Darlene and Lizzy Okpo. The line, named after the sister’s father, takes its inspiration from their parents, Nigerian immigrants, who would often intertwine their culture’s clothing with American styles.
NYC skyscrapers peeked through the glass windows of the The Ailey Studios, as guests marveled at the clothing that seemed to evoke work wear of historic plantation workers mixed with modern-day sophistication. Earthy tones, playful polka dots, color-blocking, and some abstract silhouettes were noticeable trends in the collection.
Click on each photo to enlarge.
Brooklyn Fashion Weekend Spring/Summer 2012 – Part 2
This post is a continuation of Brooklyn Fashion Weekend Spring/Summer 212 – Part I ( October 1st shows).
Das Komitee
German-based designer Nina Athansiou presented the Spring/Summer collection from her fashion label, Das Komitee. Models slowly emerged like porcelain dolls against a soft melody; comparable to the kind of song you hear when you open a music box. Bright colors, short skirts, and free-flowing materials were distinct of the new collection, as well as pattern trimmings.
Ms Chalane
Ms Chalane’s line was introduced to us a plus-sized collection, but her Spring/Summer 2011 collection included pieces for all shapes and sizes. Soft fabrics, vibrant colors, jewel embellishments were major characteristics of this line.
J.Angelique
The J.Angelique Clothing line was the perfect way to end the show. Launched by designer Janelle Forde, the Caribbean -inspired women’s clothing line presented its Spring/Summer 2011, which was full of vibrant, chic and sexy pieces ranging from swimsuits, mini-dresses and jumpsuits. Interesting cuts, lace, and tropical colors filled the room. Models paid homage to the Caribbean by waving various flags from the tropical countries at the conclusion of the show.
Harlem’s Fashion Row 2011 NYFW Presentation
The event's honorees pose with HFR's leaders.
On Friday, September 16th, Harlem Fashion Row (HRF) ended New York Fashion Week by giving four aspiring minority designers the opportunity to present their Spring/Summer 2012 clothing lines at Jazz At Lincoln Center during a presentation amply titled, “Beautifully Out of Place.” The designers were selected during a highly publicized competition, in which the public got to vote for their favorite fashion designers. After thousands of votes, the four finalists selected were Bethune Bros. menswear designer Joseph Bethune; Jakia Handy of Ingram Talley; Onyenauchea Nwabuzor of Ana Kata; and Kellia Rogers of Kebero.
Some of the designers have their samples produced in clothing factories in midtown Manhattan, while others, create their designs in their small apartments. In addition to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their lines during fashion week, the designers will receive mentoring from top professionals in the industry, and have their collections marketed and produced.
Established in 2007 by founder/CEO, Brandice Henderson, the work of HRF is unprecedented, as it gives designers of color the opportunity to be introduced to buyers and editors at the event, offering a platform that was unattainable without the help of the organization.
The organization also works to highlight the success of people of color in the industry, and honored Tyson Beckford, June Ambrose and Donna Williams, all who gave inspiring speeches about their journey during a cocktail reception held before the fashion presentation.
Honoree Tyson Beckford kept his speech short.
Honoree June Ambrose tearfully accepted her award.
Kebero
Bethune Bros.
Ana Kata
Ingram Talley
The 2011 HFR presentation was funded in part by Target. Speciality “Target-Tini” cocktails were provided by Par 7 Premium Vodka.
The Blonds – Spring 2012 Runway Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
On September 14, 2011, designer duo Phillipe and David Blond presented their Spring 2012 collection Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. They are the designers behind some of the most eccentric outfits worn by Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha and Lady Gaga. The collection featured various recreations of the looks of Playboy bunnies and featured wild pops of color, multi-colored shimmering corsets, and furry balls.
What I found interesting is that there are pieces in the collection that I would actually wear and love to own….well, maybe not the metallic Playboy bunny bodysuit. But, for once, Lady Gaga and I have a fashion label we love in common.
Fashion so good you can taste it
I’ve seen some interesting things done in the fashion world, and nothing has intrigued me more than fashion inspired by food.
Joy Campia
Joy Campia is an artist who focuses on particularly crocheted sculpture and wearable art. None of the wearable art she creates is mass-produced, and due to the one-of-a-kind nature of each piece, they are quite pricy. The food dresses (the hamburger dress has sold) are in the $900 range, and smaller pieces are around $180.
Donuts Are A Girl's Best Friend, 2007.
Sundae Dress, January 2005.
Hamburger Dress, August 2005.
SouZouCreations’ Shop
The SouZouCreations’ Shop makes handmade jewelry, cell phone charms, pins, pendants..etc. The word SouZou means “creation through imagination” and this is certainly reflected in all of the company’s artistic designs. There is great attention to detail in each mouthwatering piece, and the prices are relatively cheap.
Hamburger Steak Vegetable Ring, $10.
Kawaii Cute Japanese Ring Pie, $10.
Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts Donuts Earrings, $10.
Fulvio Bonavia
Fulvio Bonavia is a award-winning Italian photographer who started his career as a graphic designer and film-poster illustrator. In his book, A Matter of Taste, published in 2008, he features his fashion creations, which were made from edibles and natural objects.
Salad underwear
Sardine Belt
Broccoli handbag
