Daily Dish - designer insider

Dian Malouf - Sample Sale

Dian Malouf Jewelry Sample Sale
Saturday, August 9th 11 am - 5pm

Somewhere in life you did something right, and your T.G.I.F. spirit has led you to styelshaker.com for this special sale invite. Yep, it's a very, very exclusive event. Bring friends, family, neighbors and co-workers... don't miss it! It's tomorrow.

Location: 1505 Rabb Rd., Austin, TX 78704

DIAN'S STORY

When Dian Malouf began looking for a large (really large) sterling silver and gold ring, she never found one, so she designed one for herself.

She wore her first design effort to Europe and was asked in four languages, "Where on earth did you find that beautiful ring?" She came home, and with out any experience or business background, designed more rings. All were quickly sold. That was thousands of designs ago.

Dian's recognizable designs immediately distinguish her in a market crowded with other established jewelry designers. Her bold creations dazzle the confident woman, many of whom are art ball chairs, CEOs, and on the "A List."

Dian, a 4th generation Texan, believes strongly not only in Texas but also the United States. All of her jewelry is made in America, a principle about which she is passionate.

This spirited pioneer has published two books on the most reclusive ranchers in South Texas. Her limited edition of Cattle Kings of Texas was presented in a hand tooled leather saddle bag with a sterling silver belt buckle. The White House recently requested the remaining copies of this limited edition to present as gifts to heads of state. The regular edition quickly sold out. Cattle Kings is scheduled to be reprinted in late 2009.

Dian's second book, Seldom Heard: Ranches, Ranchos, and Rumors of the South Texas Brush Country is still in print and is available at book stores, such as Borders, and through the publisher, Beyond Words Publishing Company: (800) 284-9673.

This year Dian will complete her third book, written on the remaining most remote and dangerous places on the Texas-Mexican border. This third book has taken twelve years of hearing "no" from various ranch owners... a red light challenge to a green light woman.

Dian's jewelry has sold to Oprah, Elton John, Randy Travis, and enough other stars to fill the night sky. But her "Go Girl" ring has been perhaps her most rewarding personal experience. This ring, along with along with a message from Dian, tells women to "hang in there" regardless of circumstances. The "Go Girl" (part of the proceeds of which go to breast cancer research) has become a comfort to many breast cancer survivors and others who have hit a bump or two in the road of life. Dian receives many letters from recipients of the ring... all uplifting and all with sincere inspirational thanks.

Austin Retail Location: Spirit Store, 1900 University Ave 78705
(at the new AT&T conference center and hotel) 512.404.3660

(Dian's Story directly taken from a press release)

designer insider
posted - beth / 1:20 PM / 08.08.08

Special Edition Havaianas at Saks

Saks Fifth Avenue and Havaianas leave a footprint in the Beauty Aisle. "Beauty Splash" June Launch.

Makeup artists Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier & Bobbi Brown design limited edition Havaianas benefiting charity: water.

Saks Fifth Avenue's "Beauty Splash" is the launch of an exclusive Havaianas collection, which will benefit charity: water. In stores for the month of June, a collaboration between Havaianas and the three most celebrated women in beauty - Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, and Trish McEvoy - will be featured. Havaianas has provided them the opportunity to express their inspiration for summer on a whole new surface. Working closely with the Havaianas design team, each woman was invited to translate her artistic sensibility for the season into a pair of the brand's signature must-have sandals.

Special Offer: For the entire month of June, Saks will be offering their customers these special edition Havaianas on saks.com and, from June 8-22, at all store locations. The qualifier will be "Buy a pair of Havaianas for $15 with a purchase of any two (2) beauty items (skincare, color, fragrance)

About Charity: water
Since charity: water was founded and began activity in August 2006, they have funded the construction of more than 250 wells that, when completed, will provide clean drinking water to 150,000 people. Charity: water uses 100 percent of the money it raises to directly fund freshwater well and sanitation projects in some of the poorest communities in Africa, India and Central America.

designer insider
posted - beth / 11:21 AM / 05.05.08

From My Inbox to You

Deborah Main Designs is an Austin-based studio specializing in exquisitely handcrafted one-of-kind pillows. They are proud to be recognized by this leading Boston-based online home design resource. "This isn't the first time we've been honored by HomePortfolio. Our Redbrick Modern pillow, "Red & Green Plaid with Vintage Belt" was featured as Product of the Day on December 16, 2007."

About Deborah Main Designs

Deborah Main Designs specializes in making one-of-a-kind pillows that weave together history, fashion, and art. Our uniquely handcrafted designs strikingly fuse the most luxurious new and vintage materials for a look not found anywhere else.

Artist Deborah Main Latimer draws upon her innate sense of color, texture and composition to design and make each pillow by hand. With a passion to create objects of beauty and a desire to honor her mother's side of the family, Deborah blends old and new, for a look that is totally contemporary.
Deborah Main Designs is represented by Doris Sanders, Ltd. at the Dallas World Market. Her pillows are available online and in select stores in Austin, Plano and Dallas.

designer insider
posted - beth / 6:42 AM / 12.19.07

Dream Come True

Mary Norton is living her dream--literally. Ten years ago, while she slept, the idea of designing handbags came to her. Once awake she was unable to shake the desire and so, with no formal training, she created a few whimsical bags. A friend took the first bags to a local boutique in Charleston, South Carolina under the name Moo Roo, a combination of her two daughters' nicknames. The rest, as they say, is history. With a decade in the accessories business now under her belt, Mary Norton's little business has grown. Backed by The Atelier Fund, this year the company is propelled forward with a name change to Mary Norton and projected sales for the next few years are forecasted at $50 million. Red carpet regulars, her bags have been carried to premiers and award shows by celebrities such as Carrie Underwood, Katherine Heigl and Sharon Stone. Her first collection of shoes hit stores this season and Norton was delighted to be honored this month by Footwear News as 'Launch of the Year.' We caught up with the very down-to-earth Norton at Saks Fifth Avenue recently to discuss business, the brand and her journey.

You're bags are so special. Why should a person consider investing in one of your pieces? I'm trying to design pieces that are ageless, timeless and trend-less--things that you would look at now or ten years from now and still wear. I never follow, know or care what anyone else is doing. I care about something that I would want to wear. Investing in one of my pieces is buying something that will truly last. The quality of the workmanship is extraordinary.


With holiday season underway, can you give us some tips on picking the right accessories for a fancy party?
You can never go wrong with great silver, gold and black. They are always going to look festive and wonderful. I think you can always wear a great classic black dress paired with great, a silver or gold handbag and shoes and you're done. Wearing a mink bag is a great way to take holiday dressing, especially here in the South, and make it feel like winter. I'm a mink girl, even if I can't have the coat, I can always wear a mink bag.

I love the leatherwork you are doing. The Fanny and the Babs handbags are stunning. Tell me about working with these luxury textiles.
I have always had a penchant for these weird things. Ostrich leg leather has always fascinated me, it is so rich looking. I have the luxury of designing small things. You can only use ostrich leg leather in tiny little things. To me, it's such a great alternative to crocodile. It gives you that same luxurious feel without being a whole crocodile or having to pay that price.

Tell me about what it's been like to design a shoe collection.
These two factories we use, who make every luxury shoe brand you can thing of, have really been my teachers. They sat me down and taught me how to do it. I decided to use existing lasts that were tried and true. I knew I didn't want to do the really high heels because I'm a woman. I have to wear them. I've had too many nights of beautiful shoes when I could only last two hours. I wanted something that I can wear and tell my friends that I've worn all day and all night. I fought with the factories in order to get the shoes padded in the insoles with as much padding as I could possibly get. Basically, most shoe designers are men. There are very few women that stick up for themselves and say, "This is what we need to wear." I didn't know what I was doing--thank God--or I probably would have been scared and intimidated. My whole career has been me not knowing what I was doing and just falling into it.

I've read that there may be plans to one day include fragrance and jewelry as part of the Mary Norton brand. Can you tell me anything about that?
Fragrance, jewelry, home décor and all the things that this brand could be are all in the future, the exact timing is the question mark. Right now there is one of me and a very small staff. I've been doing this for ten years...I always have to remember that slow and steady wins the race.

What advice do you have for other beginning designers?
Number one, never think you're crazy, but don't be unrealistic. People often come to me and tell me they have an idea, but they haven't done anything. You have to start somewhere. You have to at least get a prototype out. Then ask the advice of other people, of other retailers. That first shop is where I got my kernels of information to start, and then a few other stores that picked me up. Not everything I did was good. You have to be very open to criticism. You cannot get so attached that it breaks your heart when people or the marketplace tells you it isn't viable--for whatever reason. You have to be flexible with that. Don't give up--that's the one thing--don't give up. If you feel passionate about something the passion and the journey of that passion is more important than the end gain. I don't feel that I'm ever really satisfied or that I see an end. It's the passion of the journey as I go that is the reward. I am not motivated by the money or any end goal; it is the journey of being.

(Editorial by Elaina J. Martin)

designer insider
posted - beth / 9:08 PM / 12.11.07

Designer Insider - Nicole Bridger

From My Inbox To You

Nicole Bridger, ex-intern of Vivienne Westwood and winner of Generation-Next, the best new designer competition of BC Fashion Week. Nicole Bridger's eco-friendly line is touted as 'one to watch.' Her collection plays with shape and detail, each piece balancing offbeat basics with fashion forward flair.

Our pick: NB Altruistic Coat, $413.00 available online at Fashionforwardcanada.com. The Canada site offers clothing, handbags and and jewelry. The long list of emerging eco-friendly designers delivers edgy pieces. Each promises to resonate with the very "in the now" Austin crowd.

designer insider
posted - beth / 10:08 PM / 12.02.07

Jane Doe Opens on West 3rd in L.A.

As a single girl, my theory remains to be "a great party always begins with the right dress". I consider each event to dictate which dress to select and what guy to take.

The latest addition to W 3rd in LA, Jane Doe provides a dress for any girl ready for any occasion or any date.

Designer and Owner Ani Lee opened the new dress boutique filled an incredible list of clothing designers ranging from always spot-on Robert Rodriguez to the baby-doll dresses by Ingwa Melero. Not to mention the incredible Ani Lee designer originals.

The shop also carries anything that goes along with a dress. Choose from the perfect pair of shoes, handbags, jewelry, lingerie, to beauty product, etc.

Jane Doe, 8478 West 3rd. LA, CA 90048 310.666.9595

designer insider
posted - beth / 5:51 PM / 11.29.07

Styleshaker - Stitch Recap

Maybe it's the fact that I spent my college years as a fashion design student or perhaps it's that sense of entrepreneurial zest in the air that makes me love STITCH so much,. Regardless, every year I look forward to finding out what the crafty and stylish new designers have up their sleeves.

At its new home, the Austin Convention Center, over 100 designers showcased top-notch jewelry, clothing, accessories and beauty products during the fifth annual STITCH event. Personal favorites included Rural Rooster Clothing, My Olivette, Round Robin Press and (Victoria Corbett) Victrola Studio.

In addition to the wares displayed by independent businesses, a runway fashion show highlighted the best apparel in the house. My pick of the night went to the New York-based edgy yet wearable Laura Dahl and her Wifebeader line. Interesting seams, gathers and treatments gave even basic black garments sassy attitude. Winner of the $1,000 STITCH grant went to Dallas' The House of Dang with its colorful frocks. Check them out in Austin at La Luz. Local favorite, Chia, happily accepted the prize for runner-up.

(Editorial by Elaina J. Martin)

designer insider
posted - beth / 8:11 PM / 11.12.07

Style Insider - Cathie Hutchins

For Cathie Hutchins, knitting was sort of an accident. When an injury forced her out of competitive cycling, Hutchins decided to learn the craft to keep her mind busy while she healed. With some guidance from the Internet, it wasn't long before she'd picked up the basics. Now, just two short years later, Hutchins is the proud owner of Austin Yarn Company, selling chic hats, hip handbags, adorable baby accessories and cool fashions from her website. Styleshaker sat down with spunky brunette to learn more about AYC and her passion for wool.

You learned to knit to keep yourself busy, when did you realize it could become a business?
Everything that I made, I sold. Before knitting, I was making meditation mazes out of copper. It seems like an odd leap, I know. The first thing I sold was a bucket hat. I wouldn't be finished knitting things and people would be trying to buy them. I think I am not the only one who is nostalgic for felted wool.

This is your second collection. How is this fall's line different from last year's?
This year's line is based more on remnant work. The bags themselves are, in a way, an accident. Last year I had some leftovers yardage from shawls and stuff. I cut them apart and made bags out of them. I realized that I needed to figure out how to line the bags and how to get the shapes to be shapes that speak of my sensibility.

Is everything you make wool?
Most of my stuff is 100% Peruvian wool. The hats are a mohair and wool blend. I like the fluff that mohair adds. We use kid mohair--it is so soft and very luscious. I love the texture of felted wool. Everything I do is felted. It is very nostalgic for me. It is very comforting.

The wool you use is fair trade, why is that important to you?
Our wool is produced fair trade. The people involved--the ranchers, the company that dyes the wool--are paid what they are worth. We all need to earn what we're worth. I would rather pay more for the yarn, because I believe in it. Profit is lovely, but the pleasure of what I am doing is my bottom line. I think it goes back to that idea of a global community. I don't think we can keep it separated.

Tell me about your creative process.
My work is very sculptural. I take sheets of paper and cut them apart. If I like the shape, I build on that. I rough it out on paper, but I find that very seldom do the finished products look like those sketches because when I see it three-dimensionally I realize what is needs or doesn't need. When we start creating the actual piece, we have to knit the yardage and then felt it. Once it's dry we interface it. We steam the felt lining to it and assemble. The longest part of the process is the hand assembly. The market bag, for example, takes five hours to make from start to finish.


Right now you can buy AYC products on your website. www.austinyarncompany.com, any plans to sell in stores?
Our goal this year is to get a full-time product rep. I am in the process of finding that person right now. I'd like AYC to be in upscale boutiques--San Francisco, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, Munich. I can see us being easily successful in those places.

Where are AYC product made?
I have a studio on South Lamar. I'd like to see my studio grow to the level where I can have a dozen or so people who want to knit and a couple people who like to assemble and other people who want to be in charge of felting the wool. I'd like to keep it local.

What next for AYC?
I'm thinking there will be a lot of elimination. I probably won't do Baby AYC next year, or the wraps and capes. The designs for the hats and the bags come about easiest. I think that's sort of the point of all this, that it shouldn't be a struggle. It should be--take your God-given talent and run with it. That's the thing that is so fun about this. Someone asked me the other day, "What is it about fashion that you don't like?" I thought, 'Oh, you've got to be kidding me?' I wake up everyday doing something I love. If I don't like what I'm doing, why would I bother?

What would you tell other people who have the itch to do their own thing?
I would encourage anyone with a spark of creativity who thinks they can start a business, whatever it is, to do it. Sure, it's a crazy idea--run with it. The joy I have every single day...I almost feel guilty about it.

http://www.austinyarncompany.com

(editorial by Eliana Martin)

designer insider
posted - beth / 9:03 PM / 10.02.07

Designer Insider - The Winner is ...

Burda Style's online design/drawing contest selects Austinite Malissa Long.

Malissa Long, one half of the pattern making skills behind Alyson Fox's Spring collection, has been recognized as the winner of an International Fashion Design sketch competition, hosted by www.burdastyle.com.

She, as the winner for design will receive 300 USD. Her design will be produced as free download for all BurdaStyle members.

Her "Sweat Dress" design stood out in all BurdaStyle criteria's that we used to make a fair and sound decision.

Malissa, who tends to feel cold, often found herself wanting warmth, but not at the cost of looking fashionable, and so created a strong concept of a toasty but stylish dress.

Her inspiration is a common sweatshirt, a garment thrown on casually for warmth. She developed it further, making it into a dress that, depending on the choice of fabric, can be worn for a variety of occasions. Just imagine it in a pastel silk jersey, decked with Swarovsky jewels on the neckline, worn for a formal event. Or suppose it's made in a more casual knit, accentuated by a different color choice for the rib on the hem and the turtleneck, rocked with slouchy boots to school or work. The possibilities are endless.

Her concept leads right into the open source idea. The dress, inspired by a casual sweatshirt, is an accomplished design in itself, but still leaves plenty room for pattern and design changes. Some of you may prefer it without the turtleneck, or a ¾ sleeves. And that is what we want to encourage you to do, take a pattern and make it yours!

Even though the Design is very distinct, it is simple and easily constructed keeping all skill levels in mind. Last but not least we loved her free and artistic style of drawing.

(content by Burdastyle 18 Jul 2007 )

designer insider
posted - beth / 9:24 PM / 09.19.07

From My Inbox To You

A Day In the Life

Some would die to go to Fashion Week, others would kill to shop the apparel market and than there's the working girl. The young designer who just loves the buzz (with a dash of drama) -

"Fashion week is going full force here right now. I had dinner last night in the meat packing district at one of mario batali's restaurants. If you come, you will have to try to book it. it's so
fantastic. (del posto) and it was packed with celebrities, models and magazine editors.

I borrowed a sample off my line for the event and spilled some pasta on the front of the dress.

OOPS! Hopefully no one from my office will notice it is missing while it is at the cleaners... Lucky for me i wore a red one."

Follow the clothes - HECK. I say follow a day in the life of the working girl.

* permission to post granted by a fabulous up-n-coming designer

designer insider
posted - beth / 6:32 PM / 09.06.07

^ top

page: 1  2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11