New brand on the block Madison Marcus is actually super duo Kristina Aquino and Jessica Sturnam. Combining their talent and experience, they've created a tightly woven collection of fabulous pieces. Shapes are reminiscent of the eighties with a dose of femme innocence; super skinny bottoms , floaty tops, and a touch of frill.
I'm glad that there is a new wave of eco friendly designers making fashion forward garments. Who needs to wear crocs and hemp sacks to make a stand. Montreal based Grace & Cello creates their collection using organic materials including cotton, wool and bamboo. The pieces are easy to wear, understandable to a wide audience, and best of all...fashionable. Take a look at the full collection here.
Rena posted on these new pieces in the shop by Buji Bijoux and I had to share. I've always had a penchant for filigree, especially earrings and BB really takes them up another notch. To me filigree is so much about pattern, but using a spiral technique these pieces have a very organic, imperfect feel. See the collection here and purchase from Rare Device.
These adorable handbags are a modern take on a classic pattern. Designed and made in LA, Tucker Paisley bags are washable and come in a wide range of styles. What a great way to add that lady-in-waiting touch of chic to your warbrobe. Take a look at the full collection here.
The LA folks have it right...comfortable clothing, flip flops, and a downright breezy style. Darn them. Although born in Hawaii, Fighting Eel taps into this very aesthetic with their lightweight dresses and tunics that are all about comfort. Check out the collection here, or at Jane's Closet.
Thought I would stop being selfish and put something up for the men. Seattle based Sally Brock creates Fancy Jewels for men and women with her signature anything-but-traditional style. The sytle above is from the "bad songs" collection (anyone else have a bad flashback of their guy doing the robot?). Other styles include bears and anchors, so remember Fancy Jewels for the stylish guy on your list.
Jenni Kayne designs with a particular purpose in mind " ageless collections for women who live in their clothing". Her Fall 2006 collection showcased her theory with luxurious pieces that can easily stand alone; standout details included pleated silk, voluminous coats, and saturated color. View the rest of the collection here.
Carmen Ho has applied her accumulated cultural, art and business experience to create her collection of high end shoes. Hawaiin born and raised in Hong Kong Carmen decided to pair her business skills with her love for art...and shoes. The end result uses traditional Italian techniques to create these to-die-for shoes.
A lot of jewelry posts I know...but adorning oneself in beads and bangles is in I guess....and there are quite a few jewelry designers on the scene. Ah well, I must give credit to the ones who stand out and Anna Beck is definitely to be noticed. LA based Becky Hosmer discovered ancient Balinese techniques through her travels, and applied them to her collection to create contemporary jewelry with an exotic touch. It has definitely made for a great collection of stand-alone pieces, learn more about Anna Beck here and find these pieces here.
Fabulous contemporary design team William Anzevino and Richard Florence applied their artist backgrounds to create A & F. Both were commissioned in 2000 by the Andy Warhol museum to create a line of tee shirts using his image, and the collaboration on a brand started there. The inspiration can only be explained by them alone (you know how artists are :) so check out this great collection right here.
Although seasoned in design experience, Charles Nolan is still fairly new as a name to the market after launching his collection in 2004. I particularly love that his collections seem to cater to a very specific woman; a lot of his pieces are very suit driven but with a modern sophisticated edge. Were I forced to wear anything besides jeans galore everyday, this would be a fabulous option.
More than just a jewelry collection, Thea Grant is a collaboration of sculpture and design between husband and wife team Thea Grant and Nicolas Bazzani. With collections named after beloved Brooklyn areas, each piece takes on a character and style that give it a personality of it's own. Needless to say...no two are alike. Check out the collection here, and learn more about their design philosophy here.
Note: this week is my last at Make it as expert of the month. Thanks to everyone who came by; I'm also offering consulting services to those who want to get started but may not know how...check it out under my profile and email me for more info. Thanks!!
Contemporary knitwear collection Spring & Clifton creates these sweet and sophisticated pieces.
I have to say I was so excited when I opened my email from Kikis for Kukorus. The name starts the curiosity process but the follow through was well worth it. A design collective of three based in New York and Florence; Kikis is a new collection of delicious handbags. I love the fact that the bags have an old world charm to them, a "craft-like" sense, and a hint of couture. Oversized silver buttons (a spot on collaboration with artist Giuliana Michelotti) and a mixture of textures including crochet add to the details. Take a look here...gorgeous website, and find out more about the designers on their blog.
I had the pleasure of seeing these in person a few months ago and I was hooked. Made from Italian calfskin, the simple shapes are supplemented by a signature floral detail on every bag. I fell in love with the clutch as it's made with a city girl in mind; petite, stylish, and can pack more than one key and a credit card. Designer Nicole "Coley" Guttman took her degree in fine arts to a new level with this still young collection. Find it at Bagtrends, or contact Nicole here to carry the collection.
Contemporary designer Corey Lynn Calter does an amazing impression of hippie meets chic with her collections. I love the layering of fabric and her unique prints (complements of her artist husband Glenn Kaino). Take a look at the envy enducing fall collection here.
Ok, today's post is a quickie as I'm swimming in work. Just wanted to share these lovely earrings that I found via Sodafine. These fabulous earring are by duckmilk, they are carved from wood and then hanpainted. I will have to pick Erin's brain about this designer as I can't find a website for them, hopefully I can update you if anyone wants to carry them in store. But buying is easy...right here. P.S. don't miss the sale on Chia Mihara. If anyone is a size 9/10 please get the "faint" or else I might just faint.
It's a blustery day in New York and I'm wearing a pretty medium weight sweater that makes me feel all warm and cozy. Fabric softener commercial aside, I thought it might be fitting to post about sweaters today. Erica Falconeri is the designer behind Ananda, a collection of sweaters for all occasions. The pieces emphasize luxury (cashmere, silk, linen) with really beautiful feminine details and styling. I love when designers hone their talents into specific areas, it makes for well edited collections that are a must see.
photo credit: style.com
Jeanine Payer has taken her love of literature to another art form with her "scripted" pieces. The collection is adorned with quotes that draw both wearer and admirer deeper into the pieces; such tiny little things with lovely meaning. Above says "I swear to you there are divine things more beautiful than words can tell"- Whitman. If nothing else, what a way to cherish your favorite book without the worry of bookworms. Jeanine also makes beautiful baby gifts and keepsakes such as the tao bowl below. Contact her here to carry in store.
Laurice