by Mo on February 12, 2009
|
What’s Going On
Maybe Fall fashion is hitting NYC this week, but the rest of us are ready to shop for, and welcome, Spring! The hopeful colors of spring are popping up all around Smashing Darling as designers load up their boutiques with new inspiration. Mainstream fashion may be planning for 2010, but around these darling pages you can find one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories hot off the pattern table last week. We think that rocks. We hope you do too. Online or off, we think this Wall Street Journal article states it best:
…The clothes are exclusive, and the designers often offer alterations and special orders — as well as the pleasure of personal interaction with them.
|
Erika Hendrix, check out Spring
|
It Designer Limited Edition
|
What’s New
You heard it first here! First ever crowd-sourced fashion collection to be sold exclusively through Smashing Darling. We have Smashed Up with My It Things, a leading publisher of user-generated fashion content, to bring you the exclusive Pre-Sale of the ‘It Designer’ contest winner Wakana Koike’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection.
Go check it out and be among the first to order these playful, yet sophisticated limited edition pieces for Spring/Summer 09. All fabrics were custom made by the Japanese ink-jet factory, Seiren, and were inspired by themes of ocean and sailing.
|
|
Coming Soon
Coming as soon as, oh -tomorrow!- New York Fashion week craziness! The darlings will be contributing from the outskirts making sure that the indie fashion scene is well, um…seen, and the voice heard. Fashion week now extends well beyond the tents especially for indie/emerging designers, and we will be there blogging, tweeting, and facebooking as much as we possibly can. Stay tuned to the Smashing Blog as well as Inside the Tents.
The Darlings end that run with a little ‘ole birthday, that’s right – ours! In our honor pop open a little pink bubbly, if you like, on the 20th of February when we officially become toddlers – we are TWO!
|
A Lil’ Lolita, by M641
|
Until next time…
cheers ~ the Darlings
by trish on August 22, 2008
I love dressing up and going to meetings in various locations. My favorite look is one that is totally casual and comfortable. I love mixing it up with solid colors and prints. As a rule, I love to keep my clothing basic and to bulk up on the accessories any time I opt to go casual. At heart, I am a T-shirt and yoga pant girl so I was so pleased to find some great pieces that I am definitely going to have to get to start adding to my closet. In addition, I would totally travel in this look as well as you need to be very comfortable when you even think about heading to the airport and waiting for flights that are destined to be delayed!
I love organic cotton and pants that allow you to move. I want something that allows me to hang out around the house while also being available for people to drop by and as I basically live on the beach at this point, we are always running out for a quick errand! This navy pant by Sandmaiden is something that could be an essential and I love that it comes in a number of fabulous colors; moreover, they ensure that there will be plenty of movement. I also love to pair my solids with a graphic and the Anouk Tee looks super comfortable and I love that there is an intricate and yet non distracting logo on the front and between the shoulder blades. I truly believe that people see you coming and going half the time so it’s nice to give them something to look at!
No matter how casual I may be, I always accessorize – this may come from me being a jewelry designer but in addition to wearing my own necklaces, my finger is never without a large cocktail ring. It is important for me to wear natural stones/gems and something that gives my hand a double take. Without a doubt the Merle Zsa Zsa Bling ring is wrapped and a great neutral that gets you noticed. In the realm of accessories I can’t skimp and I love that the Joan Shoulder Bag is perfect to wear when you’re hanging out. I can run out of the house, grab a latte or unexpectedly end up at an outdoor cafe and yet my bag with the rich caramel color still looks amazing with my lounging look. Sometimes the mornings get chilly and we are heading into that season so wearing a super cute hat like the Smurfette by Love, Anjia is the perfect way to stay in season as chilly mornings slowly become the norm. Whether it is the weekend or I have an opportunity to work from home, I feel that are many ways to rock the casual look without looking like you fell out of bed.
Kimmie Smith – Kitten Lounge
by trish on August 13, 2008
Name: Jill Sherman
Occupation: Editor & Creator of TrenddelaCreme.com and Head of Marketing for technology start-up
City/State: San Francisco, California
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Morocco. I hear it’s one of the most culturally rich and ethnically diverse places on earth. Plus, I have a ridiculous obsession with patterns. (I can already see myself getting lost in the mosaic tile fountains. )
What’s your favorite piece of clothing? I’m definitely a shoe girl. Right now I’m loving a pair of patent red leather ballet flats I picked up for less than $20, if you can believe it. Oh, and I have a thing for hats (although I don’t wear them as often as I should.)
What 3 things can’t you live without? Sugar, comedy, and hairy chests (on men, not women.)
Have you taken any interesting road trips? I actually took at week long road trip with my cat several years back. We travelled the California coast line as far north as Big Sur and as far south as San Diego. (I know. Sounds crazy, right? But I was coming out of an awful divorce, so nothing seemed crazy at the time.)
What is your favorite word? Why? Plethora. It just sounds so velvety rolling off the tongue.
Tell us about something you LOVE that you want others to know about? AmysCandyKitchen.com. They have caramel apples so amazing, you might actually consider losing a limb or two to get one.
by trish on May 13, 2008
JenJoy creates all of her fashions from scratch and promises that no two will ever be exactly alike, unless it says LIMITED DESIGNS. She truely loves every aspect of design & sewing. It is what she loves to do! Jen gets true satisfaction making every unique piece. Mixing buttons, pockets & bows for sweet yummy creations! Start expressing your indie style & shop for the original jenjoy designs.
SD: How did you get into fashion?
JJ: I have always LOVED to shop & I could spend all day doing it. Styling & designing is second best! Since it’s not as easy or affordable to do these days having a full time family.
SD: When did you start your own line of clothing?
JJ: After I had my two baby girls, now 4 & 2 yrs old. I wanted something for myself. I have always been an artist. I used to paint allot when i was younger, then started drawing designs on simple paper. It was really easy to do when I am with the girls, then they can be artists at the same time!
I also relate the two…. When designing an original jenjoy, sometimes it’s not the same thing I drew before hand. At times it develops into something totally different =] just like my paintings used too!
SD: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?
JJ: It’s really just out of my own head mostly, but I do however adore the vintage & retro era. Street fashion is always catching my eye too! I am also very inspired by my little girls & the playfulness they bring into my life!
SD: What are the pros and cons of designing from your home?
JJ: Pros -I get to spend time with my family & my girls while they grow up, knowing that I will always there for them. [like right now my oldest has a broken foot from weekend with papa, lol. nooo... she's a dare devil]
Cons -Seems like I’m always working & I never sleep. FACT
SD: Who is your customer?
JJ: The dreamers & pursuers.
SD: How do you market yourself and your label?
JJ: I market myself by doing events & shows… networking through my-space & basic online editorials. Also I love to connect with other artists in the field as well.
SD: How do you see your company in the future?
JJ: I see & wish to be in boutiques all around the world, but @ the same time keeping the personal quality of each item. i don’t want to loose that
SD: What does your average day entail?
JJ: Well like I said I am mommy first. So my days are spent being just that. It’s a lot of cleaning, cleaning & cleaning, lol. I used to be REALLY picky, in fact my husband would call me Mrs. Monk, but over the years with kids I have become a wee bit more relaxed ;] like the saying says… a messy home is a happy home! Sorry hun =]
SD: Describe your personal style?
JJ: My personal style is most the time comfort. I kid you not I am in sweats & Brad’s clothes [husband] Clint & Stacey would die! lol. BUT, when I get to go out & play its a different story! Playful, colorful, unique & of COURSE in some sort of heel! I love shoes >.<
SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
JJ: Raquel Reed is one of my favorite indie models & fashion icons!
Andrea with Kicklet Kreations has the most FABULOUS one of a kind jewelry, she inspires me because she is also a mom & artist, we relate on many levels.
I love watching What Not to Wear with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, they really do know what looks good on your body type!
SD: Do you have any current fashion obsessions?
JJ: Quality & originality… & pockets, bows & buttons >.<! You are sure to find one of those design elements on any of my items! OH! n i am uber excited about my leg warmers
SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
JJ: Do you plan to network with buyers for the designer that dreams big?
COMMENT: I want to say that I am very grateful to have met you late last year & hope to stay in the smashing family =].
She also wanted me to let everyone know about a charity fashion show that she will be showing in.
May 30th 2008
VOP Fashion and Rock Show is a benefit runway show, featuring several bands.
Everyone involved works on a volunteer basis, donating their time and efforts all to charity.
In the past, The VOP Show has donated to the MS Society and St. Judes. This year the show will be partnering with PAWS in Chicago.
Anyone interested in helping this great cause!
Add VOP!
and get the word out =D
by trish on April 3, 2008
Winter can make you feel extinct, but just let out a ROAR and say no!
There are only 48 of this limited edition SMASH UP,
so go get yourself a T-Wreck and Let Your Indie Out!
ROAR into spring in the new April SMASH UP by Dave Maggio, a sophomore at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. That’s him having fun in the images with the T-Wreck gal. Dave is currently studying Art with a concentration in Animation and hopes to eventually end up working in film. Many thanks to Dave and his crew! (Photo credit: Clara Rice and T-wrecks Helen Schroeder, Geoff House, Ryan Flemming)
Dave is originally from a small town on Long Island, NY, and has always been fascinated with animation and the art that goes with it. For as long as he can remember he has been drawing everything and anything that interests him. In his work, Dave aims for a free aesthetic, one that recaptures the spontaneity of his childhood. He likes to have a sense of humor with his designs, and not take himself too seriously.
Dave chose to print the T-Wrecks on this fun, grassy-green Basic Men’s Crew from Alternative Apparel, a best seller! This short sleeve is a relaxed fit crew neck 100% combed ringspun jersey cotton, and as you can see the gals can pull it off too.
SMASH UP XI
T-Wrecks
ON SALE NOW!
We like the way he thinks:
“I feel that as humans, our youngest years are some of our most creative, as we are encouraged to use our imaginations and are free to develop our own unique ideas without the criticisms of the professional world.
I love how the T-Wreck has the thick chain necklace with a bar code AND a bar code tattoo. He looks like he is on the prowl with those old school sunglasses…kind of how the rest of the guys on this page look!
See more SMASH pics from all of our past student designers on our Flickr page.
Go ahead and show us your indie while you are there.
Learn more about SMASH UP here.
Stay smashing and have a great day!
~ the Darling’s
