by trish on September 30, 2009
toad hat
Hand crochet toadstool hat. Fits tons of hair. Lambs wool and acrylic. Machine wash and dryable.
Shop Love Anjia’s full collection here.
About the designer:
Cheers to the fun-loving, show-stopping fabulous dame, who wears what she pleases, whenever, wherever, and with whomever she sees fit. Where wardrobe is one fierce accomplice to her ever changing, sassy sense of style. Something different- sometimes delicate, carefully hand crafted, guaranteed original, and hardly ever bland. Some inspired by time periods, some by textures, some by people. Built from recycled vintage, found fabrics, reworked textiles and some good ‘ol fashion lovin’, of course. Guaranteed fresh from Brooklyn, NY.
See more items from emerging designers featured on Smashing Darling here.
by Mo on September 29, 2009
Early September I found myself stationed on an army base in Keflavik, Iceland for Iceland Fashion Week (IFW). Iceland? …with a few Darlings – why yes! Darlings Kaytee Papusza of Papusza Couture, Karelle Levy and her crew from KRELwear, and 16 other talented designers from all over the world were there. Each designer was invited to take part at the expense of IFW, yet all paid there own way to get themselves and their collection there. We had some time all together, designers and press, to ooh and ahh over the beauty that surrounded us: snapping pictures at the Church of Wishes, gazing out the tour bus window at volcanic rocks creeping with moss (this could make such a dreamy fabric), and wondering…did we really just eat puffin and whale?
Sadly, neither the inspiring landscape nor a magical troll could hide the lack of organization of Iceland Fashion Week as it was revealed in Keflavik Harbor on the final day. We all arrived to a sub-par runway made of pallets of Icelandic Glacial water, many broken and all with plastic wrap hanging off of them. The Walk on Water theme presented to the designers had sounded breathtaking, but this staging was a far cry from meeting the expectations of the designers who were told they would show in an amazing natural habitat. Among other issues, 18 designers were all meant to squeeze into three small tents backstage without hangers, rolling racks, irons or even electricity for that matter. When designers confronted IFW President/event choreographer, Kolla Aðalsteinsdóttir, about their issues she compared the atmosphere to what they would find in Milan and Paris. (!) Then, as if it couldn’t get worse, it began to rain.
I could go on and on about the drama that ensued, and questions of who is to blame, but I would much rather tell you about Iceland Rebel Fashun: I love this part. Take the passion and determination of one independent designer, multiply it by thirteen, and what do you get? Instant community and collaboration at it’s finest. Icelandic designer Arndis Ey of Ey Design realized in the midst of all the chaos exactly where the show could go on later that night. Information quickly exchanged, phone calls made, and suddenly plans were in the works for a Rebel show to go on at a popular Reykjavik nightclub, NASA, later that evening. The revolution was led by the Darling KRELwear team (Karelle Levy, Daria Brit Shapiro, and Jessica Bosch) and the, by this point, ex-Director of IFW Andrew Lockhart; supported by an entire team of both Icelandic models and hair and make up stylists. I watched in amazement as Karelle sorted through a list of Icelandic models, the line up for each designer, and all of the hair and make up specs. The flurry of energy ‘backstage’ really was just delicious, as if there was a low chant in the room: It can be done, it can be done.
I am sorry to say I was not downstairs getting video of the entire production. Instead I was backstage supporting KREL’s fab stylist Jessica Bosch, dressing models for the first time, sliding on gloves, grabbing shoes, and snapping together neon bracelets. This, my Darlings, was the most fun I have had since my non-profit art festival days in Maine.
Photo: www.tomz.se
By no means do I want to diminish the ugliness of what happened to this group of designers in Iceland this year. In the words of Darling PapuszaCouture, who very sadly suffered damage to her collection through this debacle, ‘things aren’t always what they seem.’ How does an emerging designer know who to trust when it comes to showing their designs and getting help with their business? Do research, ask questions….ask LOTS of them. Please share any suggestions you may have and we are happy to compile them.
Quotes from some of the lovely designers I met in Iceland:
It was such a great experience despite all the difficulties and I was really happy to meet lovely people like you! Myrto Stamou
…I am well and full of inspiration after this thing which we all in the end turned into something great. Anja Hynynen
Learn more about all the Rebel Designers: Agape Mdumulla (United Kingdom), Anja Hynynen (Sweden), Anna Unger (Ukraine), Eva Huld Ívarsdóttir (Iceland), EY Design (Iceland), Georgina Vendrell (Spain), Maldoror (Poland), Maleen Dalan (Norway), Myrto Stamou (Greece), Rodel LA (Brasil), s=yz (South Korea), YaeSeung Lee (South Korea), KRELwear (U.S.A)
~ Mo(darling)
by trish on September 28, 2009
“Happy Days” Dress
Happy Days ADJUSTABLE STRETCH HALTER TUNIC/DRESS
This fabulously sexy dress is soft, stretchy, comfortable, flowing, and adjustable. It is constructed with and “Empire” shape elastic waistband that flatters the smallest part of a woman’s waist. The top is a halter shape, that has adjustments on the bust, to allow for a size B-D bust. The skirt is “A-Line” shape, and it is very flowing, and flattering for the female body. You can wear this design as a dress, or a tunic top over your favorite premium denim jeans! The back looks like a T-shape, and has a sexy, and flattering shape for the female figure. Wear this in the Summer… or all throughout the year.
* Each of these dresses are one-of-a-kind, and the pattern of the fabric will slightly vary. I assure you, they will be beautifully constructed.*
Shop the full Nichole Grazioli collection here.
About the designer in hr words:
In an effort to elevate the importance of individuality in our fashion culture, I pursue my passion for design and creation.
“MODERN ART”, exists in many forms. My creations are considered by some, to be “Wearable Art”.
My diverse collection of garments, are hand-crafted from an array of fine retro-vintage and new fabrics. Cashmere, silk, lace, denim, lycra… are infused to create eye catching fashions.
A creation process that bears clothing that is stunning, and functional for the modern day fashion enthusiast.
Every man and woman should be able to look, and especially “FEEL” their best. This is what I
aim to achieve with every design I create. And with every design I create…I
give to you, a piece of me. My heart, my love, my passion… Read More …
See more Chic Boutique items featured by other designers here.
by Mo on September 25, 2009
Just a quick note from Mo(darling)! I love little nights chock full of inspiration like last night. Pamela Castillo, Co-Founder of Market Publique, joined me at the FIT Museum for a conversation and slideshow of the lives and works of Isabel and Ruben Toledo. We may have been a few minutes late….since we bumped into some vintage coats we just HAD to have on the way – oops!
Listening to the Toledo’s in conversation with Valerie Steele, FIT Museum Director, it was just lovely to hear them speak live about their support for each other, the passion for their work, and the beautiful way their artistic and fashionable lives merge. SO inspiring! I’m still playing and learning in video-land, but hopefully I can share some footage with you soon. This weekend is the last weekend of the exhibition, so get yourself there if you can! If you can’t, click here to see it online. Ruben stated my favorite quote from last night: Following trends is like forcing yourself to eat pizza and drink chocolate milk ALL the time...
Pamela and I parted ways afterwards and I headed down to 92YTribeca to catch what was left of The Glambulance with House of Diehl. If you are feeling uninspired about your wardrobe, or that you can’t be stylish enough on your budget…MJ Diehl and Roman Milisic can cure those feelings, and fast. With a little bit of DIY fashion, anything is possible. My two favorite transformations are below.
In literally about 60 seconds they turned a pair of odd, sparkly pants into a funky cropped jacket, and a striped button-down shirt into a sassy little dress. Like the sound of that? The Style Wars tour kicks off again in November in Miami, NYC, Atlanta, LA, and San Francisco. Click here to learn more, or apply to be part of the fun.
by Mo on September 25, 2009
Who: 5 Darling Designers and more!
What: Williamsburg Indie Designer Soiree V2.0
When: Saturday, September 26th, 2009
12 noon to 7PM
Where: The Arsenal
153 Roebling Street
4th Floor, Studio 4B
(between Hope & Metropolitan Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Nearest Subway: Bedford L Train
{Affordable} Handmade clothing, accessories and jewelry by local designers, music throughout the day, yummy 2 for 1 mimosas, and DIY bloody mary & beer specials.
Cost: Free!!
by trish on September 25, 2009
Girl Silhouette Necklace
Sterling silver rope chain and sterling silver charm.
16″ Chain
You can shop Two Sisters full collection here.
About Two Sisters:
Jennifer Michelson and Gina Paluch are twin sisters, originally from Walla Walla, Washington. After discovering that living away from one another was simply no longer an option, Gina made the move from the mild California climate to the searing heat of Phoenix, Arizona so that their families could be together once again.
Jennifer, began hand-making jewelry in her spare time for friends and family as gifts. Requests kept piling in from friends and family to sell her hand made Jewelry. She knew if she pursued this as a business, she couldn’t do it alone, and called upon the expertise of her sister Gina, her business degree background and her natural creativity. The two new mothers decided to allow the rest of the world in on their creative designs, building a web-based business featuring their distinctive semi-precious stone jewelry. Read more…
by trish on September 24, 2009
SmashingDarling4_EW by LadyLUX on Polyvore.com
As Fall draws near, it is time to buckle down and head back into the office or back to school. For our outfit this week, I wanted to select something that is appropriate for the office, but something that can be glammed up with some beautiful accents for after work activities.
The Maddy Blouse from Kate Boggiano was a perfect place to start our office chic outfit. It looks great with just about any pair of pants or jeans, slim or wide, or a pencil skirt for the office. The dramatic ruffle neck and single-button turned-back cuff transform it into an unapologetic showstopper for that special night out. Put a wide colorful belt with it for additional drama, and cars will be stopping in their tracks. Tailored silhouette and slim fit through the hip will surely make any woman feel sexy in any setting.
Because our blouse is the focal item in this set, it needs to be paired with a simple monochromatic bottom. We chose the Crystal Pant by Yana Collection. Made of poly gabardine, this pant is easy to wear and easy to care for. It doesn’t wrinkle, and takes any fashionista from office chic to social butterfly. Flattering for any figure, the pant creates an illusion of an elongated silhouette, ensuring that every woman feels elegant, refined, lean and sexy.
We needed a bag that’s versatile and can be used either at night or during the day, so I chose the Leather Fan Bag by Adolfo Sanchez Boutique. At LadyLUX, we love ‘one of a kind’ pieces, and we were thrilled to find this handbag because of the detail and artistry that goes into making it. “Individual pieces of calf skin are sewed and gathered to look like a fan, then are each hand stitched to the exterior of the handbag,” says the designer.
At LadyLUX, we pay special attention to environmentally and socially sustainable pieces. When we went hunting around for the perfect eco accessory, we just had to add the relaxed glam of the Nuno Felt Periwinkle Scarf from NESchwab. Because there is so much drama around the neckline as it is, we recommend tying the scarf around one of the purse handles for a beautiful style statement. The scarf is a lovely deep periwinkle, accented with deep violet and plum and interwoven with real silk fibers, which makes it perfect for Fall. And best of all, it is handmade and made from organic fibers!
Because our blouse looks best with a wide belt that screams for attention, we chose the Sue Rock Originals Vintage Blue Cinch Belt, a fantastic throwback to that ‘80s style. This is also an accessory you can feel good about wearing, because a portion of every purchase goes to support the lives of domestic violence survivors in transitional housing.
To make the outfit ready for a fabulous night out, we recommend adding some beautiful sparkly jewelry, such as Parisian Earrings from Passementerie. They feature black spinel, cascading tendrils of solid sterling silver, and mystic topaz. Finally, we are rounding out these complex and beautiful earrings with a simple and understated Siren Cuff bracelet from Cynthia Jones.
About LadyLux:
Once upon a time, there was girl named LUX. She believed in humanity, doing good for the sake of good, and all things beautiful in our world. As she grew older and began to take stock of the world around her, her mission in life became clear: be a Change Agent. The tasks associated with being an “Agent” is to use her mind and voice to help fix what is broken in the world and empower the people in it to do the same. Thus was born The Lady LUX Network.
Founder Elizabeth Wahler
At LadyLUX, our motto is “Good for the Sake of Good.” We believe in doing good and being good, while looking good. We believe in fashion, life, love, philanthropy, eco-luxury and laughter. We empower women to follow their passions, live authentically, and to honestly know and love themselves. Choosing health and your best self, being good to others and good to the environment is simply living the LUX life. In each outfit we put together, we always include organic and “green” items that were created with the idea of sustainability.
See last week’s LadyLux Editor’s Picks here.
