When you think of knitting and crocheting, does your mind immediately envision a cute little elderly woman sitting in a rocking chair, hair in a bow whipping up a sweater or blanket? Actually that is exactly what I thought when East London twins, Calliste and Carissa Yeboah, approached me about their indie fashion brand, Made With Hands. However, this is yet another one of those times when you shouldn't judge a book by its cover--nor that part about making assumptions. Made With Hands creates simple, hand-made pieces with 100% natural fibres. There's something about their style that gives me an air of London underground and reminds me of The Clash. While their products are sold in the
UK, you can get a look at their Bobble Necklace at the New York Design Center.
I actually think their Bobble Makeup Bag is pretty unique and I'd probably more want to use it as a purse than to simply leave it on my vanity collecting dust. You've got to admit, these twins really took something ordinary and made it extraordinary. Made With Hands really gives a unique spin on traditional and gave me a new way to look at "knitwear."
See for yourself at www.MadeWithHands.co.uk
Copyright: The Fashion Rag
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Shannon: What was the inspiration for your spring line?
Boaz: Menswear with details, such as the welt back pockets that are a classic menswear detail. Pockets and geometric patterns, such as stripes and plaids, are also very menswear related. There are actually 2 groups in the line: one that is more ‘dressy day wear’ with pants that can be paired with tank tops and flats for more of a casual look or with a sexy top or button down shirt and pumps for a dressier look. The second group is just for casual wear.
Shannon: What were the fabrics used?
Boaz: It’s all garment dye and wash, stretch cotton fabrics that are being sewn and then dyed and stone washed for 45 minutes, for a worn and soft look. The fabrics include a lot of stripes, pinstripes and seersuckers as associated with menswear.
Shannon: What is your favorite piece in the collection?
Boaz: Actually the short sleeve shirt with the tie in the same fabric is a shirt that I like, mostly because of the different ways you can wear it. It looks great and very "career woman" with the wide leg pant and high heels, or it can be a cool & fun in more of a downtown look with a black straight leg jeans style pant, as well as, easy and laid back without the tie.
Shannon: Does the small red x have a meaning?
Boaz: The red X is just an extension of the big X I had on the pockets last season and I wanted it to be more of like a branding detail to recognize and distinguish my line from the rest.
Shannon: Who is the Boaz girl this Spring?
Boaz: She is a metropolitan girl who works, lives and has fun in the city. She is looking for sophisticated, chic items that she can wear throughout the day, to work, dinner and drinks; from being a boss at work to an opening at night…
You can find Boaz online at www.boaznyc.com.
Copyright: The Fashion Rag]]>
Shannon: How did the two of you cross paths?
Morand & Zwirner: Gaelle and myself are neighbors. I think our paths crossed initially in the laundry room. We both were working in the film business, she doing CGI work as a “Look Development Artist”, me as a “Gaffer.” It led to discussions about lighting and photography. Gaelle was actively doing shoots where I, had taken a long hiatus from picture taking. I began to pitch in on some of her shoots to help with the lighting. Through that, I was inspired to pick the camera back up. We began to organize shoots together in the hope of building individual portfolios. It became clear that we complimented each other well. The deficiency of one was compensated by the other. Instead of trying to do it alone, we decided it made more sense to work as a team. Plus, we like to work together so why not?
Shannon: With backgrounds in the film industry, what inspired you to choose photography over film as your career path?
Morand & Zwirner: Creative control, the desire to nurture your own vision, and see it to completion. Both of our jobs required us to utilize our creativity, just not to its highest potential and in a very limited scope. The final “look” of the projects we were involved in was always at the discretion of others and at times, we had no control over what projects we were working on. It became a “job” and although we were both well paid at what we did, something was missing. Plus, the hours we were both keeping in the film industry began to affect our quality of life.
Shannon: Do you have a mentor or another photographer you admire? What are the qualities about this person that help you learn and grow in your craft?
Morand & Zwirner: We respect the work of many photographers. Each seems to have something particular that resonates with us. Be it Nigel Parry’s portraiture work, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott’s or Gray Scott’s fashion spreads. I am a big fan of Gregory Crewdson, his lighting is amazing!
Shannon: What is your signature style of photography?
Morand & Zwirner: A cinematic look is what we think would best describe it. Dynamic lighting, bold use of colors, the ability to be versatile. We are drawn to many “looks” or “styles,” I believe the specifics of the shoot will dictate the style. It is up to us to be versatile and able to capitalize on it.
Shannon: Where do you look to for ideas and inspiration for a shoot?
Morand & Zwirner: The ideas seem to come from nowhere, I get some of my best ideas while I am in the shower. Why? Who knows? Otherwise we are always looking at other peoples work, or shoots from the past. Taking bits and pieces and trying to fit all the things we like together.
Shannon: What is the most important part of a successful shoot?
Morand & Zwirner: The most important part is a clear vision of what it is you are there to capture. Surrounding yourself with a talented and enthusiastic crew is very important, as well. Combine that with a positive “can do” energy, and you have a good recipe for success.]]>
Shannon: How do music and photography compliment each other?
Morand & Zwirner: Sound and Vision, they are the two sisters of inspiration. Music can be the catalyst for a particular mood or feeling. That, through osmosis, is carried over visually in our photos. It is always important to have something playing when we shoot, it usually will reflect the vibe of what it is we are doing visually. I always was taken with a Russian abstract painter named Vassily Kandinsky, he created paintings that were supposed to visually represent what music “looked” like. That idea always stuck with me and I believe it shows up, less abstractly, in a lot of our work.
Shannon: If you had to choose one over the other, which do you prefer: images in color or black and white? Why?
Morand & Zwirner: There is no choice between the two. It comes down to what makes the proper visual impact. We have always been fond of B&W portraits, mostly because they feels timeless, but if shooting the same subject in color better captures what we are going for, then it is an easy decision. The subject and situation will determine whether it is color or B&W. We seem to be able to move between the two pretty effortlessly.
Shannon: Where do you want your photography to take you? (Ie. Is there a particular magazine, fashion brand, etc. that you want to shoot for?)
Morand & Zwirner: It would be amazing to have our work being published in “W,” “Italian Vogue,” and other European magazines. In Europe they seem to be willing to blur the line between art and fashion photography. They allow fashion photography to be elevated to the level of art. It would be wonderful to travel and have the opportunity to shoot clothing that in itself is a work of art. It is inspiring!
To see Morand & Zwirner's portfolio and contact information, please visit their website: www.morandzwirner.com]]>
As the crowds are now overwhelming - it makes sense to get yourself settled in a great hotel. My personal favorite while in Miami is The Raleigh. The property is historic and the moment you start up the curved driveway - your taken to another place. There are black and white photos the re-tell the glamour days of Miami's hey day back in the 40's and 50's.
Andre Balazs is the man responsible for this dream of a hotel. He is the chic hotelier that brought you the Mercer in NY and the Chateau Marmont in L.A.
He has an amazing talent for providing the chicest hotels for the coolest crowd without any of the pretentious insanity that has become the norm these days. One of the highlights is the most beautiful pool in all of South Beach.
With all the things to do and see, between South Beach for the Art scene and the Bal Harbour shops for the fashion scene - you have to schedule time to relax!
There were parties and dinners and after parties all over town. I was really pleased to be invited to the premiere dinner of The Supper Club NY in MIami. If you haven't read about it yet, it's the latest members only social group that is bringing together the coolest NY'ers and those in the know over dinner. The NY events have been hosted in some very impressive private homes as well as those restaurants where it is hard to get a reservation this month. I was happy to be seated next to Tasmin Lonsdale, the founder of the Club and one the cutest export's London has had in a very long time! Lonsdale is witty and talkative and just exactly the right type of person to be organizing social events.
The Raleigh was a great host and set up a long table for 30 alongside the pool. The ladies from Miami at the dinner really has great personal style. One gorgeous gal was 5 months pregnant- but I couldn't even notice until she abstained from drinking champagne. She was rocking a black baby doll dress with great jewelry and black Jimmy Choo heels. Who says Pregnant women can't be sexy! Of course, she happened to be the P.R. wiz for Neiman Marcus in Coral Gables- so it should be no surprise she knew how to put a look together! I have to say the only disappointment at the dinner were the other NY'ers there! I never met such a group of desperate name droppers in my life! Bravo Miami - your in crowd know who they are.. and don't have to brag, brag, brag!
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Zaha Hadid. She is one of the most dynamic architects working today. Vista Art and Design is the latest creative offering from Victor Alfaro. You know the name as his runway shows in NY graced cover after cover of WWD and fashion magazines from Milan to Mexico City. The last 5 years Alfaro has been under the radar as he navigated large contracts with huge corporations and relocated to Los Angeles.
This year Alfaro launched VISTA design as an outlet for his creative talent. Designing clothing is one form of creative expression, but with VISTA - Aflaro is free to showcase the best of design in other mediums. Most prominent- Modern Art, furniture, and real estate. He has spent the last year traveling the globe compiling references for the site and planning exhibitions like the one with Zaha Hadid in Miami. The collection of pieces Alfaro showcased with the Hadid pieces were perfect. He has the ability to relay a message - be it through fashion design or furniture. Alfaro is one of the most talented designers of his generation and the most exciting aspect to this show is that - Victor Alfaro is back! Lets hope he can be persuaded to once again lend his talent to fashion.]]>
In other D&G news, Mr. Beach boy himself Matthew McConaughy was spotted shooting new ads for the brand. Shocking to see him fully dressed I know! He even made it to the party and yes - kept his clothes on.
FENDI took the concept of runway to a whole new level last month. The Italian fashion house staged their runway show atop the great wall of china! The show was the first for both the wall and the fashion house who is owned by LVMH. While the event got great press, it is strange timing - considering the backlash building from reports that several "luxury" companies are producing goods sweatshop style in China and sending them back to Italy for a "made it Italy" tag to be sewn in. Author Dana Thomas wrote an excellent report of the state of affairs happening in the luxury sector titled Deluxe - how luxury lost its lustre. Published by Penguin press, the book has started a conversation that is getting louder and louder!
Madonna is hitting the fashion scene once again in early February to help Gucci unveil its new boutique (don't gag) in Trump Tower in NYC.
Never one to miss an opportunity to help out a charity - the party will benefit her charitable foundation Raising Malawi and UNICEF.
Also in the news this week is Madonna's battle with her NY co-op who appear to be trying to prevent her from buying the next door neighbors apartment to expand her Central Park West digs. Who did they think they were dealing with? some shrinking violet??
**the title of this post was an homage to the BEP song "my humps". - not the real version but the parody by Alanis Morisette]]>
Each design that is sold on ZenTrend.com has a customer review section so you can see what others have said about the pieces showcased. I absolutely love how each product sold on ZenTrend is given multiple pictures so that you can see exactly how the piece fits and the detail to the garment. A great example is of the Chiffon Halter Dress with Shell Belt; in the head to toe shot the detail in the belt and the small sequin design that outlines the neckline of the dress are barely visible. However, with the closeup image provided you get a clearer picture of what the dress looks like, giving you that mental imagdry as if you were right there in the store seeing it first hand.
ZenTrend showcases tops, skirts, dresses and Pashmina shalls all in luxurious fabrics, most with intricate details and embroidery. My favorite is the Chiffon and Brocade Dress, but I also have my eye on the silk Brocade Skirt with that gorgeous red belt...I think Jason mentioned in an earlier post seeing red everywhere while in Rome, this skirt immediately made me think of him.
So whether you are looking for an indie designer to purchase from or you are an aspiring designer looking to get a jump start, ZenTrend.com is the perfect place for fashion.]]>
Land on the front page of the fashion boutique Benny & Shaw, and you'll be captivated by the gorgeous ruby colored satin ball gown from Butter by Nadia (I know I certainly was). Benny and Shaw is a start-up internet boutique created by a husband and wife team in New York City--and where else to start a fashion boutique other than in one of the great fashion capitals of the world?
Benny & Shaw started out with only a few local lines and are now expanding to include other lines that will be available come Spring. Currently, their best selling designer collection is Butter by Nadia, creator of the "miracle" signature wrap dress; a comfortable, convertible, one size clothing line--which really looks amazing on women of various sizes (I desperately want the Verena Top in Charcoal!). Butter by Nadia has a celebrity following too..such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Naomi Watts, and Jordin Sparks just to name a few. If you happen to planning your nuptials, Benny & Shaw also offer Butter Bridal as well.
Jewelry is another find on Benny & Shaw's boutique. They currently carry New York fashion jewelry line sensation Andrew Hamilton Crawford. His pieces are inspired by everyday objects, such as a bluebird or a butterfly and with each concept taken it is refined into a chic piece of jewelry. His celebrity clientele include Oprah, Beyonce, Fergie and Paris Hilton.
Popular New York City jewelry designer Keri Starker of Kayla Designs is also found on Benny & Shaw. She creates one of a kind timeless pieces with stunning semi-precious stones and fine metals. Currently Benny & Shaw are the exclusive online retailer of this line.
So start your holiday shopping now or just splurge on yourself and head over to www.bennyandshaw.com.]]>
Rome is also one of the best shopping destinations in Europe. While Milan is home to the corporate end of the fashion business, Rome is definitely the first destination for first class shopping. The luxurious Via Condotti is the Rodeo Drive of Rome. Designer boutiques flank this fashionable address that begins at the mouth of the Spanish Steps - What an entrance! Expect to see all the big Italian names.
Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli to name a few.
What struck me the most while in Roma was an overwhelming trend I saw everywhere - RED. There were red coats, red hats, red bags, you name it!
Rome is also home to Valentino. He is the maestro of Italian fashion who made deep dark red his own trademark. The sexy rich color is also the name of his younger, hipper collection - Valentino RED.
The designer has been based in Rome for his entire career. Recently stepping down from his namesake company, the designer went out with a bang - holding a 45 year finale fashion show in Paris this past show season. It often confuses fans of the house as the designer has show his runway collections in Paris for 25 years, even though the company is based in Rome.
While the fashion flock might at first think that the love of the blood red hue is all due to the godfather of Italian fashion - however there is a more divine inspiration for the color. The Pope.
Rome is also of course home to the Vatican and the center of the Roman Catholic church. Remember, before the modern day Italian government - the Vatican was the ruling body of the Holy Roman Empire. The Pope was the ultimate ruler and to those who believe - the right hand of God on Earth. How could one argue with that??
The new Pope - Benedict XVI was famously photographed wearing Red Prada Loafers during his first days as Pope.
Who knew that the Pope was a fashion trend maker? There are even several stores near the Vatican where you can buy the same vestments the pope himself wears. I decided to go to the true source - Gamarelli's, just of the Piazza Minerva. They are the official tailor of the Pope. Of the top selling items are the RED socks worn during specific ceremonies. I couldn't resist.
The love of Red is taken to a whole new level by numerous women in Rome with their choice of Hair color! You be the judge - I shot these ladies from the back to.. lets say.. protect the innocent? Ciao Bella!!
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While Most Americans have only spent time there on a layover on the way to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City is an undiscovered treasure that you should not miss. Dating back to the 1300's, this megalopolis was originally built on a lake - as the entire city is actually a valley ringed by beautiful mountain ranges and two volcanoes. Not to mention the fact that it is has one of the highest elevations at 7300 feet above sea level. Don't be surprised if you see troops of runners training for a marathon. With such thin oxygen, after training in D.F., running in a city like L.A. or N.Y.C. feels like you have twice the O2 to fuel you! The zocolo or center of the city is dwarfed only by Tiananmen square in China and Red Square in Russia. Shakira recently gave a free concert there for 200,000 people!
It was also the site of the ultimate fashion statement while I was there. A group of Native Mayan Indians from the Oaxaca region who were protesting the Mexican presidential elections and the governments treatment of their people and the land had brought the message all the way to the Zocolo. - and they brought nothing else with them - literally! The protest was in the nude. The only coverage a few of the men had were pictures of the new president, Mr. Calderon - covering their private parts like a loin cloth - but most were as naked as the day they were born. 
This is just the start of what I found in Mexico City... stay tuned for more of my trip.... 
There was a definite progression of roles from Square Pegs to Hudson Hawk to Mars Attacks - more than can be chalked up to puberty. We saw this beauty evolve and emerge and then blossom on Sex & The City.
