The now infamous Kara Janx kimono wrap dress meets Fall 2006 in 100% silk. Yumm. Kara has really made a name for herslelf with a bold, sexy, and incredibly feminine collection. The dress and multi wrap skirts (below) are just a small element of this collection; the entire line is laden with color and texture including silk screened tees, tailored blazers, and adorable wool shorts. Like everyone else though, I'm a sucker for the kimono dress in all the colors which are already backordered for two weeks. Take a look at Fall line here and shop or contact to carry in your store. Enjoy!
I'm lucky to be catching Kara's trunk show later so I'll report tomorrow in full when I get an up close and personal. I couldn't wait to show you this though; the Kara Janx collection from Olympus fashion week. The colors, the mood , the detail is incredible! It's very urban girl plays dress up kind of feel; as if to say I may be hot but I can kick you a**. Enjoy and I'll be back tomorrow with more on the Fall collection. Thanks to Lauren for turning me on to Kara (yes she is from Project Runway).
I was breezing through a tradeshow recently when I saw this collection and it stuck with me a bit; it is a beautiful collection and a tight knit group of very specific styles. I have noticed that there is a new appreciation for crafters today; it seems people are no longer turned off by the fact that a human hand was involved in design. I bring this up because I think this Nica Celly has hit upon a nice compromise between composition and craftsmanship. The styles are totally wearable but they have a extra touch and definitely a human handprint. Oh yeah, and it's for women who eat...food. Check it out here.
Black and gold is one of the world's most classic combinations (unless it gets in the wrong hands...sorry Donatella); so I was excited to find this collection while perusing Shopbop. Rachel Leigh really takes the look and updates it in a most modern way. As I think we've all noticed vintage has been revived in a big way in our wardrobes the last few seasons; whether the higher waist pant of late, the pointy low shoe that won't quit, or the boudoir style jewelry. I love that this collection fuses quality materials (vintage style is best known for good materials) with a refreshed look. Love it all the way...check out the collection here.
This is exactly what I meant when I said designers can take a current item and bring it to another level. If this isn't one of the lovliest takes on a pea coat then I don't know what is! Designers Jill Giordano and Brian Scheyer incorporated their respective fields of fashion and graphic design to create Gr. Dano. The collection is designed for the professional gal who needs a little more ooomph in her suit. Structual details are plentiful but still easily wearable.
It would seem that I have a preference for vintage looks, but I'm noticing most designers are really reaching back into grandma's closet for a little inspiration. The best part is that they are adding a little kick to the collection which is fabulous for bringing the look up to date. I ran into Sofada yesterday while searching for something else entirely and thought I'd share. Based in Portland, designer Alice Dobson keeps her vintage looks a little more on the sweet side.
I know...I know. It's not that you haven't heard of them for goodness sakes, but you must admit their work is lovely. Nike Ingwa and Tina Melero grew up as friends in a small town in Germany and spin cycle years later they are now a design team with quite a following. The duo launched the colection in 2001 and incorporated their mothers handcrafting techniques into feminine silhouettes. What I love in particular is that the collection (especially the dresses) allows a younger customer to incorporate a very sophisticated silhouette into their wardrobes, yet it's still fresh and contemporary. Check them out here or find the looks above at Girlshop.
Bon & Ging is designed by sisters Nanette and Grace Sullano. You can probably guess that one of the sisters has a degree in architecture by the linear details found throughout the collection. The spring collection was inspired by southwestern films and the lansdcape; although I find the muted colors to be a theme through all of their seasons. The dress below is from the Fall 2005 line, but I just loved the long lean look with a hint of peek-a-boo.
The name sounds familiar right? Alexandra Vidal was one of the designers on season two Project Runway (she was the 6th designer cut). I found out she was a part of Gen Art and I must say I loved what I saw. Alexandra's look is very current with vintage influences; in this case I like that it's not just a pin or a trim but the actual fabrication that has a vintage flair. Alexandra's site is not very current, (hopefully that means she's pretty busy) but you can see the growth between the style showcased and her past collections. Maybe Project Runway is really good for allowing designers to expand their style.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kristen Aronsson recently and I really liked her take on design. Kristen believes in using the best materials paired with sculptural details and simple shapes. I love speaking to independent designers because their vision comes from a place entirely outside of the trends and pressures of the "it" world. Inspired by her urban surroundings and her love of space and shape, Kristen creates these sweet bags for the lady who prefers not to be overtaken by her accessories. Not a bad idea at all.
Bad girls get all the best outfits...leather, spikes, whips... you get the idea. Malicious Designs has a unique vision of the naughty girl though; lace, ruffles, dots, and bows...hmmm I like. Designer Sheana Hinsley took a break from life on the road to create MD for the woman who likes a good bar fight. What the heck was she doing on the road exactly? Anyway the collection has a cute retro vibe and personally I think it does a lot more for you after you leave the bar :) Check it out here.
Sorry I'm a little late today I had a morning meeting; today will be a quick post. I love the style of Kareen Smith...my only qualm is that designers need to understand the importance of an online prescence. Unless Google is just useless today, I'm having no luck. You can see her collection here at Unsung Designers or I believe she is still a regular at The Market NYC (a great resource for anyone who wants to be face to face with stores, press, and customers).
I think we've all been waiting for this; sustainable design that is actually well designed. It's a fine line that one, many companies chase the eco friendly concept and the result can be pretty awful. The idea of natural or recycled fibers in design is often paired with a concept that people who appreciate are partial to wearing garlands of flowers in their hair. So, needless to say I was so excited to find Anna Cohen. Faced with this very dilemna Anna launched a collection of "Italian Street Couture" that uses 75% sustainable materials and 25% unsustainable (buttons and very little dye). Take a look here and read about Anna's vision here.
Designer Angi Glenn has a background in film and animation, combine this with her love of 80's pop culture and you've got a store of ideas for jewelry design. Here's an idea of her inspiration: My Little Pony, Pac Man, unicorns, monsters...nostalgic yet? Angi also highlights a sense of humor and social responsibility in her designs such as the "fast food chain", "pill capsule", and grenade necklace. Find Tiny Armour at one of my favorite stores startandinfinitedarkness.
Leave it to men to describe their products as 'an intercourse between industrial materials and intelligent design'. Eh, this time I'll have to agree with them. Designers Ryan and Paul have managed to seamlessly combine lux materials with modern design. Feuled by intimidating moments of holding women's handbags, they put their embarrassment to work researching and developing Tivi. Combining craftsmanship with stainless steel, leather, and wood they have created incredible unique, wearable pieces. Each style allows you to choose the leather and wood for a unique to you look. Sigh, they just might be perfect.
