Creativity beyond borders

I love always searching for designers who try to go outside the norm, by using different materials, creating products that are multifunctional, or taking their creations a step further than what is expected. I think they are just very inspirational. For example, the designs by Eunsuk Hur are amazing, they can be fashion pieces that can be worn or be used for interior design. They are just so beautiful and unique!!! For this collection called Nomadic Wonderland, Eunsuk Hur used wood, wool felt, and leather. Also, the user has the choice of color, shape and textiles that can be altered as many times as they want, so creating a sustainable product (http://www.eunsukhur.com). Another interesting artist is Maurizio Anzeri who stitches thread into discarded family photographs to create art pieces. I would have never thought of using thread, what a great idea! (http://www.maurizio-anzeri.co.uk).

Also, the designer Deborah Sommers has turned outdoor textiles into something really fun. Her textile banners really change the feeling of an outdoor patio or area making it more alive and creating a certain mood (http://www.dgardencollection.com). And another artist that I really love is Lindsey Adelman, who designs light fixtures. The collection shown here is called the Knotty Bubbles Collection for The Future Perfect Editions. It is a collection of one-off hand-blown glass light fixtures bound and tethered with intricately knotted rope. The barnacle-like forms are rolled in 23k gold. I really the combination of materials used, it looks elegant and modern, but at the same time, she used rope to knot the fixtures together. I just can’t wait to see what new designs these artists will do next year!

What do women from 55 to 65 years old want to wear?

Nowadays, the majority of women from 55 to 65 years old have a hard time finding clothes. Many of them would like their clothes to have the following characteristics:

1. looser clothes that are wider in the arms and the hips

2. tops that cover the stomach area

3. pants that use elastic in the waistband

4. garments made of natural fibers, with less stretch

5. contemporary clothes with style, without looking too young or too old

Inspiration pictures - December 7, 2009

The other day I came across these pictures and I just thought these garments are just absolutely beautiful. The designer is Valerie Ferus and she makes knitwear and woven pieces (www.valerieferus.com). I think the sweater and the dress make such a statement, they are elegant and dramatic. They are just timeless and very unique.

Spring 2010 Accessories - Trends

I reviewed the spring 2010 accessories of many designers and I noticed that designers used several different types of leathers in their handbags that have texture, such as snakeskin, crocodile and ostrich. Also, there was a lot of use of jewels, beads, crystals, and embellishments in the shoes, as well as mesh. My favorite handbags were of Givenchy, I loved the prints, texture, and silhouette of the bags. And definitely, my favorite shoes were those of Pierre Hardy, I think they are sexy, fun, and different. I like the way he embellishes his shoes. I also really liked the Giorgio Armani snakeskin and mesh sandal, I thought that combination of leather and mesh worked really well, and I loved the cork lace up bootie from Santoni, it was so different! Definitely, the jewelry that stood out for me were the cuffs from Taher Chemirik, they reminded me of spiders, I would love to wear them all the time.

Inspiration pictures - November 23, 2009

When I saw these rings and bracelets made out of wood and cork, I was just astonished. I could not believe how beautiful they are, and the details are amazing. They are like sculptures. Anthony Roussel is the artist of these pieces and uses layers to create these three dimensional designs (http://www.anthonyroussel.co.uk). His jewelry inspire me to design clothes that are more sculptural, maybe using it as a detail in a collar or a sleeve of a blouse.

Cool French market/café in the eastside

A great place to go in the eastside of Los Angeles for breakfast or lunch or just to have a wine is Nicole’s Gourmet Foods in South Pasadena. They sell hundreds of cheeses, pâtés, truffle products, foie gras, oils and vinegars from around the world as well as a large selection of hard-to-find specialty baking products. Nicole, the owner, is very knowledgeable about the products especially the cheeses and can help you find the right cheese to pair with one’s specific foods. Also, they have excellent sandwiches, salads, and desserts. My favorites are: the cheese plate, the charcuterie plate, the artichoke and tomato salad, and the eggplant sandwich. The desserts are delicious and they are all made in-house. Definitely, one has to try the pear tart, it is one of the best in town. Besides the products and foods they offer, I love seating in their outdoor patio, there are a lot of trees and greenery, and you feel like you are in Europe. It is definitely a place that one has to visit, and it is just off the Gold Line (Mission exit).

Nicole’s Gourmet Foods

921 Meridian Ave. Unit B

South Pasadena, CA 91030

Tel.: 626-403-5751
http://www.nicolesgourmetfoods.com

Inspiration pictures - November 16, 2009

What can I say? I am obsessed with shoes. These Azzedine Alaïa cut-out booties are gorgeous! Many designers have used the cut-out technique in their work—the finished product can look very crafty or very cool—but these shoes are a piece of art, they scream luxury, sexy, and emphasis on the finest quality and details. You can wear the most raggedy clothes, but these booties will make your outfit.

Inspiration pictures - November 9, 2009

I guess I just can't get enough of Hussein Chalayan. The silhouette of these shoes are like a work of art. I think they just are extremely beautiful! How can anyone not feel sexy with these shoes???

Inspiration pictures - November 2, 2009

One of my favorite dresses from the Fall-Winter 2010 collections is this dress from Hussein Chalayan. The neckline is so sculptural and beautiful, and can be used in different ways. I love that there is movement in this dress. It looks awesome with over-the-knee boots or high heel pumps.

My favorite "people"

Fashion designers:

1. Riccardo Tisci (Givenchy) – I love his innovative work, beautiful draping, and creativity. His collections never disappoint me.

2. Alber Elbaz (Lanvin) – His work is always feminine, elegant, and sophisticated, like he describes it “classic with a twist.”

3. Nicolas Ghesquière (Balenciaga) – I love that he experiments with new fabrics, and incorporates futurism in his work, but at the same time the clothes are modern, edgy, and wearable.

4. Tomas Maier (Bottega Veneta) – His designs are simple and classy, with an organic feel. I love his color choices.

5. Stefano Pilati (Yves Saint Laurent) – He has captured the essence of Yves Saint Laurent, his work is a mix of feminine and masculine look, with clean lines, and great tailoring. He has made it modern and forward in his own way.

Other favorites:

1. Taher Chemirik –­ I love his jewelry, they are like sculptures.

2. Pierre Hardy – His shoes are fun and sexy, and very wearable.

3. Ralph Pucci – I adore his furniture, simple and clean lines, with a modern look that is timeless.

4. Jens Risom – His furniture is simple and contemporary, specially his chairs, they represent mid-century cool.

5. Zaha Hadid – Her work is innovative and modern, with great movement and energy.

Inspiration pictures - Oct. 26, 2009

The wine color of these succulents is amazing, it would be great in a dress or a coat. Also, I like the contrast of the steel structure and the palm trees and foliage around it, there's a nice harmony.

Trends – Spring Ready-to-Wear 2010 shows (Paris, Milan, London, and New York)

1. Strong feminine look by using sheer fabric, lace, and ruffles
2. Lingerie as outerwear
3. Use of prints (graphic, tribal, checks, etc.)
4. Tight fitting dresses

(Pictures- Designers from top to bottom: Roland Mouret, Antonio Berardi, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Venetta, Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana, and Givenchy)