Inspiration Board: Giorgio di Sant' Angelo

I've always had a fondness for vintage clothing and design. When done well, design elements have the ability to transcend time. This was made apparent once again when I visited an exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum showcasing the talent of Giorgio di Sant' Angelo.


Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo. Image MAO MAG


Italian born American Designer Giorgio di Sant' Angelo, (1933-1989) is best known for his free spirited collections influenced by Aztec, American Indian, Asian, and gyspy influences. What I found impressive was his use of stretch and synthethic fabrics like polyester and Lycra to make such modern pieces. I was immersed as soon as I entered the exhibit; one side displayed chic pieces meant to display the human form. The other side of the room full of whimsical, free spirited, gypsy inspired pieces the seventies were known for.

"Silhouette as we've known it, as something imposed by fashion, is finished. The only silhouette for 1971 is the body."


Dress. c 1974, synthetic jersey



“I am not a fashion designer but an artist who works in fashion—an engineer of color and form.”









If only I could touch these pages! Designer sketch book.

Introduction of Guest Blogger/Inspiration 2011

Hudson De Witt Kelly, Chicago, IL

I have been an ardent supporter of the fashion industry as long as I can remember as it gave the endless possibilities of dreaming outside of the world I was in and into the world I was destined to be; sure as children we play but I didn’t just play I dared to become. I was fascinated by Vogue, GQ, Elle, W and Harper’s Bazaar because my grandmother always had them around her home and it gave me fuel for my stories and I knew that there was more to it than just women playing dress up for a camera with pouty lips they had created something so much more; of course at five you really don’t know what that is and even today at thirty-four with all the years I have spent in the industry working; thriving in it, living in it I still dream to understand it maybe I am not supposed to.

I am not one of those men who sits back to learn every term there is to know but I do know what not only inspires me but I also know fashion because I am always in it. I have friends, associates, celebrities both men and women that I look up to; I have periods that I wish that I could have been a part off but I also have my own imagination and this takes me to faraway places even know. I sit at the beach and I people watch wondering what they look like in clothes; while others are taking them off I am putting them on.

No matter what we want to believe we are all in fashion; we wear clothes. We shop for them no matter where it is we support this industry; women may do so more than men but men do so well. When we go to art museums, movies, go to buy books yes you still are supporting the fashion industry. Look at music it is so intertwined with fashion the buyer may not yet realize it but the industry does. Today at this moment I am inspired by 90’s minimalism with a move towards the new urbanite; when I think of this three people always come to mine Nia Long in love jones and Serena and Lily Vanderwoodsen of Gossip Girl.

Why you may ask because they wear what they want; how they want and it always represents walking representations of individuality. Serena is young but she knows more about fashion then most people half her age; of course it being a television show we must then look at her portrayer Blake Lively she mixes California cool with New York craftsmanship so effortlessly no wonder she has graced the cover of Vogue so many times. Then there is Kelly Rutherford who started off on the soap opera Generations to move on to the rebirth of Melrose Place; yes MP has had three rebirths if you ask me; she is sophistication at its best in this role. Nia Long on the back of the motorcycle with Lorenz Tate zooming around Chicago was not only cool she was herself; forever free.

Maybe minimalism has made such a comeback because of the global economy maybe it never went away but I find it fascinating because it is timeless; there is something that reaches mass appeal when haute couture can be so dazzlingly over the top. Minimalism is the ability to strip yourself down of all the masks and allow the real you to shine through in 2011 that has never been more important.

Until Next Time
HDK

Chic Beauty: Carol's Daughter New Ad Campaign

Popular hair and skin care brand Carol's Daughter founded by Lisa Price, launches new multicultural ad campaign.


(photo Steven Sullivan for WWD)

The new campaign scheduled for release in June 2011 features Solange Knowles, Selita Ebanks, and Cassie in response to the US demographic shift reflecting a more diverse population. US figures show that at least 9 million people are bi or multi racial. Solange Knowles is of African American and French Creole heritage; Selita Ebanks (African, Native American, Irish, and Jamaican); Cassie (Filipina and African American).

“What we’re doing now is moving into a polyethnic space. We want to be the first beauty brand that truly captures the beauty of the tapestry of skin types in America. When I say polyethnic, I mean women who are made up of several ethnicities. If you ask them what they are, they’re going to use a lot of different words to describe themselves." - Steve Stoute, Chairman of Carol's Daughter as told to Women's Wear Daily


Lisa Price

Carol's Daughter has enjoyed successful investment and partnerships with HSN, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Mary J. Blige to name a few. A new fragrance My Life Blossom by Mary J Blige expected to release in August following the widely accepted My Life fragrance. Carol's Daughter can be found in major retail and cosmetics stores across the country. For more information visit carolsdaughter.com

Anthropologie Catalog: February 2011

Anthropologie's February edition takes us to distant lands and brings us beautifully designed clothing mimicking art with global influence. I especially like the collection of detailed belts, jewerly, accessories and textiles. There is also a impressive selection of furniture.


Chilled Stripes Sweater Tank, Graceful Days Pants, Mixing Elements Bracelet, Taro Chair


River Bends Tunic, Softened Edges Belt, Go Getter Pants



Draw the Eye Vest, Chiffon Swing Shirt, Forest and Mine Bracelet, Corsetland Wide Leg Pant


Seamingly Maxi Skirt, First Hint Blouse, Stitched & Studded Belt, Rockland Sandles


Plenty By Tracy Reese Chunky Angles Dress, Bordered Bolts Ikat Skirt, Crochet Caricature Blouse


Beaded Geometry Bag


Simple Compositions Blouse, Mirror Image Belt, Fulani Patchwork Skirt


Endless Length Dress, Liquid Rhombas Scarf, In the Wind Scarf, Mirror Image Belt

Refer a Friend at ShopBop!

Happy Monday everyone! I'm just going to share some information today. When you refer a friend to Shopbop get $25! With lots of designers picks, editorial features, lookbooks, and outfit ideas; I'm sure this won't be hard.



Browse and click below:

ShopBop

Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2011

For the love of Fashion design and great styling!! I orginally was going to talk about the wide leg trend of the season and when I began to look at the Louis Vuitton pre-fall collection, I totally switched gears! Yves Saint Laurent once said "Fashion fades, style is eternal", and this collection is sophicatedly modern yet very true to design that has stood the test of time. Influences that span decades from the twenties to the seventies, and today are evident here. You'll also find some wide leg pants in the mix! To be continued...Enjoy!












{Images courtesy Louis Vuitton via Vogue.com}

Inspiration Board: Welcome Spring

Inspiration can be found anywhere as art often imitates life. Over the weekend I had some extra time and found myself in Pottery Barn. I describe my decorating style to be shabby chic, vintage, modern with a touch of casual glamour. Spring is associated with a feeling of renewal and refreshment. Join me as I welcome the upcoming season inspired by Pottery Barn and the spring runways.






Carolina Herrera Spring 2011


Nanette Lepore Spring 2011




Thakoon Spring 2011



Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2011


Krizia Spring 2011



Donna Karan Spring 2011




Badgley Mischka Spring 2011


Badgley Mischka Spring 2011



Thakoon Spring 2011



{images: Pottery Barn, WWD Spring Shows}

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Golden Globes Red Carpet 2011: Favorite Picks

The trends of the evening were nudes, black, emerald green, pink, and reds. Even though most of the stars wore floor length gowns , detail still went into the selection of "statement shoes". My favorite looks from the carpet below:

Black

Guiliana Rancic


Eva Longoria, Zac Posen


Nudes

Jennifer Lopez, Zuhair Murah gown, Christian Louboutin Shoes, Swarovski bag, Harry Winston Jewels.


Sarah Hyland, Max Azria gown, Mikimoto jewels


Leighton Meester, Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2011 gown, Louis Vuitton clutch, Cathy Waterman Jewels, Jimmy Choo shoes



Sparkle


Olivia Wilde, Marchesa gown, Christian Louboutin shoes


Shaun Robinson

Green

Mila Kunis, Vera Wang gown, Lorraine Swartz Jewels, Yves Saint Laurent Shoes



Angelina Jolie, Versace gown, Robert Procop Jewels, Ferragamo Shoes. Brad Pitt, Tom Ford tuxedo

Pink


Natalie Portman, Victor & Rolf gown, Stella McCartney shoes, Tiffany & Co. Jewels

Red

Sophia Vergara, Vera Wang


{Images:Steve Granitz wireimages.com}