Paper People

One thing SCAD seems to get right are the visitors they book (may it be with late notice, odd timing, or cramped spaces). After the elation of Scott Shuman's (The Sartorialist) and Garance Dore's visit, this quarter's second set of guests, Kim Hastreiter and Mickey Boardman of Paper magazine, were a cherry on top. For those unfamiliar with the magazine visit www.papermag.com, or better yet run out and snag a copy NOW!

Hastreiter described the beginnings of the publication in 1984 when it was just her and partner David Hershkovits in an apartment with very little money. The first issues looked nothing like the magazine today. It started out as a large, folded, black and white poster filled with content covering art, fashion and the buzzing New York culture. Articles and photos were made by artists, not typical journalists. It was a publication for the creatives by the creatives.
Why the name Paper? Kim told the intimate crowd that she was inspired by the simplicity and effectiveness of the brand Agnes B. She wanted a name that didn't define the magazine because it wasn't just an art magazine or a fashion magazine or a pop culture magazine: it was a convergence of all that inspired Kim and David.

Much of the talk consisted of Kim and Mickey's distaste of the fashion industry and I couldn't agree with their comments more. "Just because you're cute, connected, and famous does not mean you design good stuff," Kim said. "I see a lot of issues with the fashion establishment. Often they [fashion editors, buyers, etc.] don't look at the clothes; it's about who can sell more perfume." Mickey discussed his days at Parsons when they seemed to have an obsession with producing Michael Kors clones. His style was eccentric (evident from his blingy and bold chain necklace with matching leopard print jacket and sneakers. His Jackie O meets Hip Hop collection ("Jackie Ho") received "crickets." "In my spare time I'd try something they'd like," he said. "I'd put the vest over the jacket and they'd go crazy!" His best advice came from his story on how he got from Illinois with a Spanish degree to New York working in fashion: "Find someone genius [speaking of Kim] and stick to them like glue." Simple enough, eh? Take a look at the genius he speaks of and you'll instantly see why she's not your typical Anna Wintour or Amy Astley:





The talk was fascinating: there were shared tales of Kim's first dinner with the Toledos, receiving a letter from Geoffrey Beene himself and her large collection of fake designer fakes (or "cultural icons" she told us). It was so great to hear about how someone is truly making a unique mark in a world of waxy, high heeled figures and receiving praise from the typical fashion media for what she does. "It doesn't matter what you're doing," she told us. "Just so it really well and do it honestly."

Words of the Wise

photo via coutorture.com

Before I delve into the ocean of homework awaiting me, I wanted to share information from the panel I attended this evening. The panel convo consisting of designer Chris Benz and his entourage (muse and business posse) was another event for SCAD Style.

For those unfa

miliar with Benz, he is the 2004 CFDA Emerging Design Award recipient, a Parsons alum, and an ex-J.Crew designer (dresses and special occasion). Now with his own successful label, he came to Savannah to give advise to a few of us wide-eyed fashion kids.

Most of the discussion covered the details of how he personally got to where he is. He met his business partner at Parsons where he started at the ripe young age of 16, interned at Marc Jacobs at 17 (thanks to a friend who recommended him), and the l

uck just kept going from there. I'm not saying that his career happened just out of luck. He's clearly talented (check out his latest collection), but sometimes it just seems so fantastical when you're the one sitting in the plastic chair in the audience.

The best part of the convo came when the designer's muse, actress Eva Amurri, gave her advice on how to make it in the fashion industry. "You need to be skinny...or gay...or both." Of course, that was followed by a "just kidding," but she sure hit the stereotypical nail on the head. She also shared the fact that she internet stalked Benz before meeting him, developed a crush on him, and then met the man. Yeah...

There was also plenty of talk about the business end of the label, an

d they didn't make it seem all cupcakes and butterflies. Benz and his gang told us that it's a lot of hard work and more of the work is in marketing yourself and your collections--not just designing. Instead of hearing the same horror stories about how horrible the fashion industry is, the designer added that the business is "still glamorous." The continuous slideshow of photoshoots, celebrities, and red carpet events in the back weren't evidence enough for me. ;)

until next post,

B

*PS: I loved his sketches:

photo via style.com

Imaginary Shopping

Inspired by a little post on Fashionista and the fact that the economy isn't so great (...and the fact that I really want new clothes!), I thought I'd do my own "Imaginary Shopping" list. Simply, it's an outfit I'd love to buy if I ever had the money. I mean, a girl can dream, right?

until next post!

B

Alexander the Great

graphite, 2009, Alexander McQueen Spring 2009

A tribute to (Lee) Alexander McQueen. May he rest in peace now. His genius will be missed greatly.

Sketch-a-Stretch

Drawing based on a look from the Ellery autumn/winter 09-10 women's collection.
See more of the gorgeous look book at the Coute Que Coute blog.

Truly Forward Fashion

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but, I have decided to set my career goals in the realm of eco-fashion. I might not exactly be the poster child for a green life. Yet, the idea that something I plan to do for a living effects so many people and has such long-lasting effects makes me eager to be involved in environmentally conscious fashion (I've found that the fashion industry can be fast-paced, cut throat, and resultingly, quite wasteful).

I want to work for (and eventually create) a business that's rooted in fair trade practices and creates garments that are sustainable.

I initially had different plans for this post. I was going to cover my favorites from London Fashion Week. Instead, I chose to share with you the amazingly talented green designers that are moving fashion forward with fresh ideas sartorially and economically. Many designers had a chance to show their Spring 2010 collections at the GreenShows during New York Fashion Week! Below are a few of the inspiring looks that could have easily been shown in Bryant Park.

images via treehugger.com Gorgeous and sustainable look from Van Markoviec's Spring 2010 collection

Hand weaved (!) look from designer Tara St.James for the Study by Tara St.James Spring 2010 collection

Look from San Fran based Mr.Larkin label

Lara Miller Spring 2010

Bahar Shahpar Spring 2010

These designers prove that eco-fashion can be chic and cutting edge. An internship with any of the designers would be a dream!

On a related inspirational note: designer Tara St.James made it to fashion week thanks to the help of supporters. Check out the sweet video she made:

The Square Project from Jesse Benjamin on Vimeo.

I <3 NY[fw]

NY fashion week ended today and, as I try to be a good fashion student, I reviewed as many shows as possible. Below I compiled a few of my favorites (sans the consideration of today's shows).

I really love all the use of sheers with a lot of collections. The Marchesa dresses are breathtaking, I continually adore the romantic looks from Vera, I want to be the girl that Peter Som designed that collection for, loved the lace and ruffles and downright fun at Betsey, and Doo.Ri and Alex Wang...genius!! I only wish I could design/wear anything like it!

until next post!

B

photos a la coutorture.com and nymag.com

So what if it drizzles and dribbles and drips?

Finally! Rain!...that I sort of missed out on. =( I was working for most of the day, so I didn't get a chance to break out the umbrella. I just stood inside the rather cozy coffee shop and watched the water fall. After work, I scurried on over to a used book store nearby. Books and rain just make sense. I picked up a copy of "Falling Up" by Shel Silverstein and a great 70''s Vogue Sewing book. Witty poems, fun illustrations, and a great sewing book were the perfect end to my day.

I've got to try this sometime. Clothed, of course! =)

The Vogue Sewing Book has a great section on some great designers. Here, my fashion love for Yves Saint Laurent.

dress secondhand, cotton cardi Madewell, silver locket So Good Jewelry in Savannah

To DIY for

Ok dears, I need your help. I've been racking up a few images of things that have inspired some DIY ideas. So, which DIY should I DMS (do myself)? Below are the images. Please tell me what you think!

*~*

DiY 1: Dip dye white skinnies. I just bought a pair of white jeans as one of my summer staples. I've wanted to do this to them all along. ;)

Image from 80spurple.com

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DiY 2: Cut out back tee. Find an oversized tee and cut it up! image from openingceremony.us

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DiY 3: Boatneck t-shirt dress. This will be great to pair with some skinnies. I love an open neckline. image from openingceremony.us

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DiY 4: Zipper leg leggings or jeans. I have a pair of jeans that would be great for this, but I've also wanted to try it with leggings.image from 80spurple.com

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DiY5: Tie Dye skinnies. Ok, I like skinny jeans a little too much, but this would be fun to do. I'd had a little distress and hardware too.image from netaporter.com

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DiY 6: Zipper high waist skirt. This might be a full on sewing project, but rather simple. Very Alexander Wang. I'd make it out of a funky, 80s-esque fabric.image from 80spurple.com

All mixed up

First off: Shout out to SCAD Honeybees for their photo with the Toledos and blurb in Vogue. Pick up the July issue for a closer read!

Next up on the menu: A couple of amazing looks from designer Roksanda Ilincic's Resort 2010 collection. Asymmetry and a gorgeous satin gown is all I need!

R.Ilincic images via style.com

And to finish off, a little update on my internship. I'm currently working on a logo for the designer and tomorrow I will attend the Summer Soiree Dress for Success fundraiser/fashion show. I'm excited and nervous because designers and press for Charlotte Fashion Week will be there! I'll post an update Friday on how things went!

My Imaginary Summer

Dreams of Lollapolooza and Bonnaroo (below) and divine, perfect, ethereal summer dressing on my mind:
the MGMT!

Alexander Wang Resort 2010

Collette Dinnigan Resort 2010

Preen Resort 2010

Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010

Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010

J.Mendel Resort 2010

Issa Resort 2010

Collette Dinnigan Resort 2010

Alexander Wang Resort 2010

Tuleh Resort 2010

Alexander Wang Resort 2010

images a la style.com

Badgley Mischka and 20s street style

For SCADstyle week, we had the honor of having designers Marc Badgley and James Mischka hold a Q&A tonight. The discussion, questions, and advice were great. They spoke about their label's style, tips on how to make it in the fast-paced fashion business, how they started out, and there was a lot of talk about the current economic situation. According to them, the $10,000 dresses they make and couture industry will survive! Apparently, it can never die.

Oddly related, the girl that sat in front of me caught my attention for a street style post. Turbans have been on my mind since I designed a retro swimwear collection that included a few of the cute wrap caps. Her turban is actually a 20s cap that she so cleverly wore backwards. Paired with the striped top, tassel necklace, and wide leg pant I read the perfect 20s vibe. So, some people can still afford a $10,000 gown as opposed to, say, the normal three in today's fickle economy. I say, stylish folks like this girl have the answer if its daily wear and a smaller budget were talking about. Vintage is always the answer! At least for me!

I'm still swamped with work, but I can't control my urge to post! Until next time loves!

Beauty from pain

This is a quickie post to tell you that I will be on a temporary hiatus for the next month or so due to the overwhelming demand of...coursework. Yes, yes, tears, but no worries I shall return and better than ever! No pain, no gain! I do have a few things on "stock" to share. When I get a chance to breath or decide to procrastinate (we all do it, people!) I'll do a post on the quick.
Below I found a photo in I.D. magazine. It's about this fashion designer/stylist's tattoo. Coincidentally, I've planned to get some "ink" with a similar concept after graduation, as sort of a mark of my accomplishments. And trust me, the pain of the tattoo will be nothing compared to the "pain" of 4 years of art school. I know I can get an "Amen!" on that from some of you!

a close up... I really like her meaning behind the tattoo: "the heart stitched with a needle is inspired by eco-feminist thinking, it symbolizes the value I place in feminine traditions." I can relate, but I guess my reasoning is a little more superficial. I just wanted my tattoo to symbolize fashion. I have two more years to think of a better reason.