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Daily Dish - designer insider

From my Inbox to you

Designer Emily Shalant returns to Alexia Admor.

Her design influence on the spring 2007 collection promises a new direction for this fifteen year-old line. The veteran designer will add a more sophisticated approach to Alexia Admor's signature style. Firmly founded in the use of laces and novelty fabrics, Ms. Shalant will move the line beyond the predictable.

Girlie yet sophisticated, fun yet practical and perfect for the girl with a daunting social agenda.

You can find the Alexia Admor collection at Darling (NYC), Lounge (NYC), Shopintuition.com (on line), Archetype (Connecticut), Akira (Chicago), Per Me (Louisiana), Cool Jane (Miami), Mark Shale (Texas, Chicago etc), Macys East, Macys Florida, Nurielle (Hollywood CA)

designer insider
posted - beth / 9:57 AM / 03.06.07

Ron King - Bo Salon

Hot New Austin Looks Straight from the Runway.

Austin's Ron King, the owner and head stylist of Bo Salon, shares his experiences taken from New York's Olympus Fashion Week with styleshaker.com. His return promises to bring the latest looks to Austinites faster then ever before.

Enjoy a few tips from one of Austin's top experts:

Why did you go to New York's Olympus Fashion Week? I was invited by Teb Gibson to partake in Fashion Week and a few editorial shoots.

What was the biggest lesson you learned during Fashion Week? You must be willing to work hard, people ARE NORMAL, you need to be aware of weight control and remember to eat, and you must be available.

What are the upcoming hair trends for the Spring? the Bob, the crop top, and frosty brown colors

What are a few of the top makeup trends for the Spring? Natural and blushed lips. Flushed cheeks. Liquid Liner. Violet in eye makeup.

What are New Yorkers wearing? Walking the streets of New York to get from point A to point B, I noticed New yorkers are wearing cuff bracelets (silver), and designer jeans (Diesel especially) and Uggs because its too cold for much else!

What did you learn? I gained more knowledge into the commercial aspect of hair/makeup, and I enjoyed this opportunity to continue my education. The additional awareness and reconfirmation that service is paramount in this industry, and that there are no short hours. You must have a lot of patience.

What else did you do in New York?While in New York, I also worked with Ted Gibson on a few editorial shoots including Glamour, Elle and Lancome.

What is your next in-salon event? The Blowout Bootcamp is the next event. I will instruct and have 3 other assistants on hand. It will be Monday, March 12th at 10am-12pm. Cost = $200. Participants need to bring all products they use on their vanity- brushes, and tools. Also, they should have their hair styled before they come so they can do "before/after" shots.
The workshop be can broken down into five stages:

1- shampoo/conditioner
2-styling tools (gels, mousses, etc)
3- what works and doesn't work for the attendees
4- techniques for proper blowout
5- hands on training

Mr.King has twenty years of experience and extensive training within the Beauty and Hair industry. He specializes in area of the special event up-sweeps and complete makeovers.

Bo Salon, 2004 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704 512.448.0060 Map >

designer insider
posted - beth / 10:15 AM / 03.05.07

Fashion Gives Back Tees by Splendid

Limited Edition T-shirts Designed By Fashion's New Guard For Charity

WHO: Hosts: Cindi Leive, Jenni Kayne, Rachel Roy, Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte, Sari Gueron, Beth Blake & Melissa Akey of Thread Social, and Lisa Mayock & Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava

With A Special DJ Performance by The MisShapes

WHAT: GLAMOUR profiles six young female designers who are changing the face of fashion in the March 2007 Designer issue. In celebration of the issue, Glamour collaborated with these women to design a deluxe Splendid t-shirt that reflects their creativity and inimitable vision. A limited edition run of 1500 shirts (250 per design) have been produced for sale exclusively on Shopbop.com, with 30% of the retail price to benefit the following charities:

* Jenni Kayne for Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center: Coral-colored sketch of a woman in a field of poppies wearing Jenni's Grecian one-shouldered gown.
* Rachel Roy for Children's Hope India: A unique take on Rachel's signature in distressed metallic gold.
* Rodarte for National Multiple Sclerosis Society: A smattering of black & white light bulbs with one illuminated in yellow.
* Sari Gueron for Free Arts NYC: Original watercolor painting of an owl spreading its wing across the front of the shirt.
*Thread Social for Women In Need: Graffiti print inspired by the spring 2007 collection.

designer insider
posted - beth / 1:31 PM / 03.02.07

Alyson Fox - A Lasting Impression

In less then a year of being on her own, Austin's Alyson Fox has made a lasting impression.

Most recently placed within the NY Times Style pages inwhich she shared editorial company with Emilio Pucci. It's obvious this artist, slash photographer, slash clothing designer is a true talent to watch.

Here is what Susan Guerrero of the NY Times had to say -

"A SIMPLE LINE can make me feel so much," said Alyson Fox, a former visual director for Anthropologie in Plano, Tex., who left retail in 2005 to return to her art-school roots. Ms. Fox, 27, quickly became the darling of design blogs for her slightly sinister drawings of faceless people and animals. Her choice of canvases -- often old cloth book covers or clipboards -- seem to aid in calling to mind an adult's fevered dream of a childhood storybook. "I always say they are very familiar but alarming," she said. The art world hasn't been as much alarmed as charmed: this summer she will have a show at the Brooklyn Collective. And speaking of line, Ms. Fox is whipping up a clothing line for 2008. (Drawings run from $150 to $300, book covers start at $175; she will also draw on a favorite volume on commission. Information: alysonfox.com.)

(photo credit - Lars Klove for the New York Times)

designer insider
posted - beth / 11:19 PM / 02.28.07

Sugarluxe - Give me an "S"

As one of Sugarluxe's perkiest cheerleaders, innovative, articulate, creative and inspirational are just a few words to describe illustrator, artist and designer Chandra Michaels. I will let her explain the rest...

"The S for Sugarluxe... is emblematic of the commonalities connecting all my customers. They are undoubtedly women who are Secure and Self-Assured and just as Smart, Strong, and Sexy as they are Supportive and Sweet. The secret is to strike the right balance between these seemingly disparate characteristics."

What is your background?
I'm a UT Graduate and my education is actually in Psychology, with an emphasis on learning and cognition. I've always been fascinated by the factors that influence human performance and motivation. And for me, I'm pretty sure that the motivation behind what I do now with my life really began when I was just seven years old.

That's when I started training as a competitive gymnast. I think the discipline required and the sacrifices made then as a young athlete developed the drive in me that seems to reveal itself in everything I do.
I also think it helped me to uncover my need to create. I had to escape the pressure of such a demanding sport and drawing was (and still is) a good outlet for me.

How did Sugarluxe begin?

The Sugarluxe Brand was designed first and foremost, as a crazy, idealistic mission to minimize this destructive "Mean Girls" mentality so rampant today. But you can't just wish for that kind of sweeping social change, I think if you want something bad enough, you have to be willing to get in and risk everything to make it happen.

Creating artwork and products with which people could personally connect is simply a way I figured out that I might somehow be able to do that.

So, the identity of Sugarluxe was created long before I actually had anything to sell.

Can we see your first illustration?

Oh my gosh - I knew I might be asked this someday...

If you want to see my VERY first drawings, you would have to check with my mom. She is so wonderful for treating everything I ever made like it was a masterpiece. So, I'm certain she has them somewhere.

But this is my first full-on digital illustration. I have never had a computer class or any instruction, whatsoever...so, when I went from sketching on paper to drawing on the computer, it was really awful and awkward. I just didn't know how to make the most of this particular medium. This image took me almost two weeks to complete, now I'm lucky if I have a whole day to create a new illustration. Plus, stylistically, it's totally different from what I wanted to create for Sugarluxe.

Explain your last project?

I just returned from San Francisco. I was asked to paint a Sugarluxe Room for the Hotel Des Arts, which is one of the most talked about boutique hotels in the nation. I had two weeks to complete the entire space and it was definitely a challenge to apply my style of artwork to their highly textured walls. But what an amazing experience!

The hotel features the work of some of the most prominent pop artists alive today. So, it was an incredible honor to get to do this project. John Doffing is this unbelievably cool entrepreneur and curator who coordinated my work with the hotel. He is the founder of START Mobile and the START Soma Gallery. He is a well-respected visionary and regarded as one of the top tastemakers in the world of emerging art. We have collaborated on a couple of other projects and I feel so fortunate to have someone of his caliber believe in me and my work so much.

Here are pictures that document my time painting the Sugarluxe Room . And for those who would like to know how you can book the Sugarluxe Room (504), you can call the Hotel Des Arts or go online.

Shop Sugarluxe located within The Little Pink House at 1117 W. Fifth St. Austin TX 78703 Map >

(photo credit: Dustin Downing)

Continue reading "Sugarluxe - Give me an "S""

designer insider
posted - beth / 2:43 PM / 02.26.07

Linda ASAF

Linda ASAF's dual role in shaping Austin style has her "spinning plates" and loving every minute of it.

After four incredible years, most know Linda as the founder and dress designer for Linda ASAF , but few also know her as the Retail Recruiter for the Austin Downtown Alliance.

This well kept secret ranks her among the most prominent Austin style influencers. I caught up with Linda following a recruitment trip for ADA and asked her a few questions.

What about The Austin Downtown Alliance?

What is your role within the Austin Downtown Alliance?
I'm responsible for attracting quality retailers to Downtown Austin. It's a fun challenge as I have met so many cool, talented retailers from nationals to bohemian locals.

What part does the Austin Downtown Alliance in play Austin's downtown development?
The DAA is a non-profit agency funded by downtown property owners. We are stewards of all things downtown including promoting it as a destination, supporting development projects, lobbying city council, keeping it clean, safe and more. I guess you could say that everything we do is tied to developing downtown Austin and bringing it to its full potential.

How do you find the time to do both the Austin Downtown Alliance and Linda ASAF designs?
It's definitely a challenge but I love both! I'm good at 'spinning plates' which helps a lot and there are many synergies between the two. It forces me to be very efficient with my time. At the end of the day, both are very satisfying for me professionally.

What about The Linda ASAF Collection?

When and why did you start your company and collection?
In 2002, I had been riding the dot.com rollercoaster and decided to stop the insanity, 'face the truth' and follow my passion. Having my own fashion company allows me to leverage my business and design skills at the same time which makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. It's very satisfying.

How many exclusive pieces are one of a kind for limited clientele?
As a rule, I don't make a lot of the same design so my customers don't see themselves 'coming and going' around town. Many pieces are one-of-a-kind and I also do original custom designs for clients.

Where can we find Linda ASAF in Austin?
At my showroom located at 1117 West 5th Street by Whole Foods.

What is the time frame and cost involved in a custom dress for lets say maid of honor or the bride?
A custom dress takes a minimum of 2 months. For a wedding gown, as an example, this includes a concepting session with the bride, time to source raw materials, 1-2 fittings with a 'mockup' of the design and 1-2 fittings after the gown has been made.

Where did you grow up?
Corpus Christi, TX. I attended Catholic schools and learned to sew from the Sisters of Incarnate Word!

Did you have an early interest in design and fashion?
Yes, I remember even in 2nd grade how much I enjoyed drawing and designing things. Art was my favorite class! Then when I learned how to sew, it was like a huge bonus - being able to create something beautiful AND wear it!

Favorite designers, places, stores, people, things that were formative to your current creative vision?
I am inspired by so many things around me everyday. I once had fabric custom-made that was inspired by a sunset over the lake. Other sources include beautiful textiles, a fashionable woman at a party, movies, celebrities, menswear, etc.

What is your vision for your current collection?
My vision is to create really pretty, feminine, classic yet sexy designs that accentuate a women's best aspects. I steer clear of overly trendy things or fads as I want my clothes to be good buys that my customers can wear for more than one season. I love to incorporate beautiful european couture fabrics as well to make the designs even more special.

What cities inspire you?
Paris and NYC! I also love the casual individual style of Austinites especially women who put together unexpected combinations

Favorite Stores (new find):
Apple Store in SoHo. It has a theater inside and the salespeople feel like rock stars in their own right. I love how they take pride in their work.

Any unique non-fashion stores that you love?
Kuhl-Linscomb in Houston. It's a totally unique concept that is actually a series of homes plus a large retail building. Everything in their series of shops is really cool, interesting and tastefully designed. They sell gifts, home furnishings, furniture, and even luxury european kitchens.

Anything new on the horizon for you?
I'll be doing the evening gowns for the Austin Music Awards this year! This will be so much fun. I'm also doing a Fall Fashion show in August at the newly redeveloped Austin Music Hall to benefit Heart House.

designer insider
posted - beth / 1:05 PM / 02.21.07

From my inbox to

From my inbox to .... your eyes with love from New York

"I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that this week in London, NET-A-PORTER hosted an event for Helena Christensen ( Ms. SUPER MODEL VIXEN) and her business partner, Leif Sigersen, to celebrate the debut of their clothing collection, Christensen & Sigersen, which will be sold exclusively via NET-A-PORTER this spring.

Elements of the collection verge towards a vintage farmer-style: simple cotton and knit pieces are great for layering. They come in mainly natural, neutral colours: variations of white, antique beiges and warm grey-brown tones - hues that are inspired by the Danish weather and nature. The collection also features bursts of color, such as the clown-dress, in bright green lace and pink silk ribbon, worn over a yellow slip."

~ Katherine Cantor

designer insider
posted - beth / 8:02 PM / 02.07.07

Austin Glossies

I know, I know, I know - You are a girl of substance and firmly believe superficial identifiers should never supercede the company you keep, convictions you hold, or the life strides you make.

Wisen up, Polly Anna. The world thrives on common dominators. Truth be - a few include the coffee shops you frequent, the boutiques you love, the play lists you rock, and the Austin glossies you read.

So, choose wisely. We wouldn't want the simple minded to confuse you as ....

Ms. Southern Socialite...
Brilliant is the only Austin glossy delivering a triple hit. Offering the complete line up of Texas Style & Substance for socialite within Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. The monthly publication holds a solid Luxury and Style influence with a strong Travel and Leisure section, The Brilliant crew always has the inside to all the fabulous events in Austin and beyond.

Ms. Impressionable...
Austin Magazine is a newcomer to the Austin Lifestyle glossy scene. The bi-monthly magazine contains features including Celebration, Personality, Selections. This publication is said to focus on those people and destinations influencing Austin Style. It screams of Tribeza under tones. Rightfully so, it's a Tribeza publication. Duplicating efforts in the Austin market - I'm confused.

Regardless, The Tribeza crew does an amazing job pulling together another niche lifestyle glossy.

Ms. Popular...
Tribeza is filled with "topics - from the arts to design, dining and style." The monthly publication highlights prominent Austinites and has a strong see and be seen slant. Honestly, anyone and everyone featured always seem a bit too good to be true.

Tribeza's featured articles include Community (event recaps and exposed sections highlighting Austinites), Style & Design (filled with featured articles) and Cuisine (capturing the best places to fine dining).

Ms. "Silver" Austin...
Glossy, an Austin American Statesman publication, will expand to a nine month publication soon enough.

Limited in distribution it's a true secret. Similar to Dallas's Paper City and F!D Luxe, Glossy is high on style. Capturing the ole Austin socialites and families beyond the typical world of fundraising events.

Ms. On The Go...
Austin Monthly seems to be everywhere you are.

It's a well-circulated monthly publication with a strong readership base; Austin Monthly maybe the best page to page read of the lot. It offers the big picture of talk, scene, style, events and dining within Austin.

Ms. Outgoing...
Rare captures the true youthful college feel of Austin. The monthly publication is light on style and high on the fun factor.

The Rare crew does a great job at profiling the true-blue and down-to-earth Austinite.

Ms. Shopalcoholic...
Jewell is full of shopping picks. Lighter on advertisements and editorial, this quarterly publication is a great quick read for those who love to shop without the fluff.

(Img sources: Thank you to each publication for allowing styleshaker.com to post their front covers)

designer insider
posted - beth / 11:02 AM / 02.01.07

Rochelle Rae - Rae Cosmetics

Rochelle Rae, is a sought after make-up artist, who shows no signs of slowing down.

This natural beauty and savvy business woman has built a huge following. Her impressive list of clientele and Rae Cosmetics firmly secures her rank among those in the running to be the next Bobby Brown.

Q: What type of formal training and how many years of experience have you earned as an makeup artist?

I Studied Fine Arts at the University of Missouri in Kansas City and Makeup at the Makeup Designory (MUD) in Los Angeles. I have been a professional makeup artist for 12 years.

Q: Who has been your favorite person you have had in your studio?

It was very exciting to do makeup for Lizzy Jagger (Mick's daughter) and Erin O'Connor (British Supermodel) I did their makeup for a Zack Posen Runway Show.

But one of my favorites is Liz Carpenter. She is so smart, interesting, and funny.

(Line n' Shine - High-shine dynamic duo. Coordinating lip pencil and gloss all in one fun, convenient package. $25.00)

Q: When did you decide to start Rae Cosmetics?

I launched the makeup line in 2005 but started thinking about it years before. All the makeup I was finding on the market was heavy looking and even heavier feeling. I live in Austin and the lifestyle here is active and the weather is hot, humid climate. This called for a lighter, more natural approach to cosmetics. I started mixing products with moisturizers, sunscreens and anything to "lighten them up". I discovered lighter, oil free, natural products were not only healthier for skin but also looked better and lasted longer. After about two years of research and design, Rae Cosmetics was introduced in August 2005. It is a mineral makeup line created to take the heat, like the women who wear it.

Q: What is your most popular seller?

Climate Control is the signature of the line. It is a Multi-mineral tinted Foundation, Sunscreen and Anti-oxidant lotion all in one. SPF 20 guards against the sun, anti-oxidants Ginko Biloba, Ginseng and Vitamins A, C, and E protect against free radical damage and moisturize skin. The ultra-sheer formula is water resistant and pro-sports, perfect for a hot, humid climate and active lifestyle.

Q: Do you have any new make-up techniques to share?

To visually lift and brighten the eye, swipe a small line of concealer from the outside corner of the eye at an angle, up towards the outer edge of your eyebrow.

With a sponge blend very well. Blend down towards the cheekbone, removing most of the concealer. This will
clean up any eyeshadow that may have fallen down onto the face and visually lift the outside corner of the eye, for a brighter, more youthful look.

For under eye circles, it is very important to watch how much product you use. Less is more!!

(Concealer Hypoallergenic, Fragrance and Talc free. $16.00)

Place the concealer only where it is needed, stop and look at the actual area that is dark. Most of the time
concealer is not needed close to the lash line.

For dark circles, concealer is usually only needed in a half moon shape under the eye and in the corner, next to the tear duct. Avoid the area next to the lash line, to help prevent product from settling into fine lines and wrinkles. Even use a Q-tip dipped in moisturizer to remove excess concealer.

Schedule a consultation or buy Rae Cosmetics on online. Rae Studios, 830 W. 3rd St. #1136 Austin TX 512.320.8732.

designer insider
posted - beth / 2:06 PM / 01.21.07

Andrea Moore

Austin jewelry designer Andrea Moore combines natural gemstones, metal and artistry to create her one-of-a-kind Gypsy Born Designs. Her handcrafted jewelry has been described as vibrant and instinctual; every piece is made with an extraordinary attention to creativity and craftsmanship.

I found Andrea at Stitch Austin and couldn't wait to spread the word.

Q: What inspired you to create your collection?

A: As long as I can remember, I've been very visual. I am constantly exploring how adornment (in any form) can create interest and if successful, enhance the original, simplistic beauty of things. Whether the subject is a blank wall, empty vase, or simple dress, I believe adding interesting details, texture, color, and occasionally a little sparkle communicates a certain "joie de vivre". I still pinch myself that am able to satisfy this passion by creating jewelry that others choose to wear to express their own style.

Q: What inspires and influences your designs?

A: I am most inspired by designs that only Mother Nature could create: for example, the symmetry of a seedpod, the gnarls of a tree trunk, the patterned shimmer of a butterfly wing. While I adore these things, I am also attracted to luxurious fabrics, sparkling chandeliers ... a certain elegance in design. I am most happy when I am able to successfully marry these contrasting aesthetics into my jewelry... natural shells, rough lava rock, or sinewy leather in harmony with refined and glamorous elements of sparkling stones, fine gold wire, and shimmering chains.

Q: What are a few top picks on your play list?
A: Music is an important part of who I am and it usually creates the backdrop to my day. Most recently played in my studio would be: Calexico/Iron and Wine (In the Reins), The Black Keys (Thickfreakness), John Scofield (A Go-Go), Adrian Quesada (Ocote Soul Sounds), Stanton Moore (III), Led Zeppelin (How the West Was Won), Anders Osborne (Ash Wednesday Blues)

Q: When did you realize you had hit a sweet spot?

A: I guess that would be a few years ago when it dawned on me that I had fans and collectors outside of my friends and family. When I realized my pieces were being sought out, not just an impulse buy, I thought hmmm, maybe I've finally found my look, a recognizable design direction that people are responding to.