Posts filed under 'Features'
We asked: Are Oversized Sunglasses In or Out?
You said:
They’re still sort-of in, but it seems that they’re reaching the tipping point towards On the Way Out. While nearly half (48%) think they’re in style, 36% believe oversized sunglasses are on the way out. And the remaining 16% have already deemed them Out.
Omiru’s take: The dramatic sunglasses silhouette, like all trends, will have its rise and fall–and it looks like this trend’s star is starting to burn out. The innovators, early adopters, and much of the early majority have each burned through this trend, and it’s the late majority and the laggards who are left. Going forward, wear this trend with caution!
Next Question: Tell us, what do you
think about jackets with cropped sleeves? Are they In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on
the sidebar!
June 5th, 2006
Jewelry designer Geoff Thomas is giving manly men who’d like to experiment with jewelry a reason to celebrate. His hardcore line of bracelets, necklaces, rings, and belt buckles are anything but feminine. That’s not to say that women can’t partake in the unique designs of Thomas. In fact, his one-of-a-kind sterling silver bras are suited particularly for female clientele. Actress Traci Bingham has already snagged one for herself. And we caught Mischa Barton wearing one of his rings during an episode of the O.C. last January. Omiru got a chance to dish with the talented sculptor, painter, and jewelry designer.
O: Your artistic skills: natural gift or were they taught?
G: Well both my parents were artists. As far as being taught, I taught myself pretty much everything, especially with the jewelry. I bought books on everything and sort of put it to practice along the way. I’d say I have a combination of the two. Definitely I have the artist gene in me.
O: You started off as a sculptor and painter and then transitioned into jewelry design. With which profession do you most identify yourself?
G: I consider myself an all-around artist, but I’m definitely a jewelry designer right now more than a painter or a sculptor. I took an immediate liking to jewelry design. I have a fascination with metal, and I’m into the whole fashion world thing too. My skills in the jewelry world are definitely further along than my skills in painting and sculpture. I know a lot of jewelers, old timers, who have been doing this for 20 or so years, who look at my work and are surprised at what I’m doing for my age. I think my strongest talent lies in jewelry. Also, I have to say unfortunately there’s much more of a living to be made with jewelry.
O: Were you always a jewelry fan?
G: Yeah, I’ve always kind of been into it. My mom was a big collector of Southwestern jewelry, and I was always checking that stuff out. I’ve always been fascinated with metal – different forms of it, playing with it, sculpting it – it’s sort of natural that jewelry would be something I was drawn to.
O: What makes your jewelry line unique?
G: Well, it definitely doesn’t look like anything else out there. I draw from a lot of different influences. I was a tattoo artist for a while, so I have that edge in there. My fabrication techniques are self-taught, and for that reason, the way I put the metal together is not like what a lot of other people do. And I have the technical abilities and the artistic vision. You get a lot of jewelry designers that are either very creative or they’re a craftsman on the technical side. I luckily have both of those going on. I can execute my vision in a very specific way. I’ve always been an individualistic kind of guy. I never like wearing the same stuff that everyone else has, so I go out of my way to be as unique as possible. I sort of get lumped into kind of a hard edge category sometimes, though that’s not my only kind of style. I think I have a sleek style too. I come in with that hardcore rock and roll edge with a classy touch to it.
O: How did you turn your dream of jewelry design into reality?
G: I started designing jewelry almost 10 years ago. I started off doing it as another art form. I would say up until a couple years ago it wasn’t really something I was pursuing as a business and becoming a brand name type of designer. It’s only been a couple of years that I’ve been on that track. I had enough people telling me it was something I should do, and I had people believing in me, so it just sort of fell into place.
O: What piece is your personal favorite?
G: My personal favorite piece right now is the Razed Mokume bracelet. It’s pretty over-the-top.
O: What’s your price point?
G: It depends. My one-of-a-kinds, which are in the Geoff Thomas Designs section, go anywhere from $1,000 to $10-15,000. They’re hand-made by me from top to bottom. I also have a more mass produced collection line that is mostly all sterling silver. Everything in that collection line is between $150 and $250; we even have some pieces under $150. However, I’m moving more towards gold and diamonds right now, so those pieces are going to go higher in price.
O: Do you have a team of people helping you?
G: My one-of-a-kinds are all hand-made by me.
O: How long does it take to make a bracelet?
G: It depends. I’d say the Razed Mokume bracelet, between design time and fabrication time, takes about 20-25 hours. Sometimes less, sometimes more. I have a bikini top that’s a collectible and made out of sterling silver and white and yellow sapphires. That one took about 60 hours. I’m usually working on 10-12 pieces at a time. I’ll bounce from one to the next, so sometimes it’s hard to gauge exact times.
O: Where can we buy your jewelry?
G: Right now, online and out of my showroom on Main Street in Santa Monica. I’m right now, as we speak, putting my collection into retail stores. A couple in LA are getting ready to pick up my line. There are also some in Arizona. I’m just getting started with that facet of the business.
Look out for Geoff’s designs in an episode of a major reality TV show as well as three summer movies!
May 31st, 2006
We asked: Are 3/4 Length Jackets In or Out?
You said:
They’re In! A full 73% are for the 3/4 length style. Only a handful (16%) believe 3/4 length jackets are Out, and even fewer (11%) think they’re on their way out.
Omiru’s take: What’s not to love about this classic silhouette? It’s flattering on most body types, and in a lightweight fabric, it can take you from Spring to Summer with ease. To punch up this classic look, try a jacket with a little more personality. Look for oversized lapels, oversized buttons, or a bright color (orange, anyone?) for a jacket whose style does your personality justice.
Next Question: At the ExPosure fashion show, you wrote down Stunner Shades/Aviator Sunglasses on the In List. While we like the drama of these shades, we also appreciate the other extreme: Small and Square Sunglasses. Tell us, what do you
think about Oversized Sunglasses? Are they In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on
the sidebar!
May 30th, 2006
We asked: Are Bubble Skirts In or Out?
You said: They’re Out. A full 50% think they’re out, with another 22% believing they’re on the way out. Only 28% are still all over this trend.
Omiru’s take: On the racks, this skirt silhouette is adorable. However, once we put the skirt on, our love affair started to fade. Figure flattery, once again, was the issue here. Problem 1: the pouf–which adds visual weight to the derrière and upper leg. Problem 2: the length–which tended to run a bit too long to be attractive on any but the longest legs.
Next Question: Tell us, what do you
think about 3/4 Length Jackets? Are they In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on
the sidebar!
May 22nd, 2006
We asked: Are Victorian-style blouses In or Out?
You said: They’re in, but you have your reservations about them. 45% of you voted for them, while 34% think they’re Out. Another 21% believe that they’re on their way out.
Omiru’s take: Though they were everpresent last Fall and Winter, it seems that the fashion community is tiring of these questionably flattering blouses. And, let’s face it, so are we. It’s too bad, since something about these blouses screams Spring, but hey, we’re ready to move on to the next silhouette.
Next Question: Tell us, what do you
think about Bubble Skirts? Are they In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on
the sidebar!
May 15th, 2006
Though four years have passed since famous makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin left us, his legacy and his beauty line live on through his friend and business partner, Eric Sakas. The former Director of Marketing for the Inoui line of cosmetics for Shiseido, Eric worked very closely with the late Kevyn and founded the Trade Agency with the makeup guru. In 2000, the duo also founded Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, Inc., the company that oversees the manufacturing and distribution of Kevyn’s complete line of cosmetics and lifestyle products. Omiru had the chance to chat with Eric about makeup tips and Kevyn’s continuing influence on his eponymous beauty line.
Omiru: What was your relationship with Kevyn?
Eric: Kevyn and I were both partners and business partners. We shared a wonderful life together.
O: What do you remember most about him?
E: I remember that big heart, lots of laughter and joy, and how he treated people. He was really great with everyone; he could make anyone feel at ease. People loved being around him. His soul was bigger than his life.
O: What were some of his regular sayings?
E: It’s not worth doing if you’re not going to give it 110%. Tune out all the voices around you and listen to your heart. What makes us special and unique is what makes us beautiful.
O: Did the makeup line launch before or after his passing?
E: The Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Line was founded in May 2000. Kevyn Aucoin passed on May 7, 2002.
O: What do you think about when creating a product/choosing a color? What are you taking into consideration? (Feel free to reference the new introductions.)
E: We have years of products Kevyn developed that are sitting with our manufacturers waiting to be rolled out. There is a full bath and body line, a fragrance line, as well as a skincare line. Occasionally a new technology is introduced that I will incorporate into Kevyn’s philosophy. I also look to his makeup bag for inspiration.
O: What are some tips for the lips?
E: Make sure your lip pencil is sharpened and of a fairly firm texture in order to clearly define and draw across the small lines around the mouth. Lining the lips (using the Flesh Tone Lip Pencil) will also help to prevent your lipstick from bleeding.
O: Eyes?
E: Eyes are the only area where you can really have fun and be quite creative. Unlike the lips, which can only be altered in shape before they start to look awkward, the eyes have no real set limitations. Each shape you create, whether with shadows, pencils, or liner, can take you into completely different realms. From "smoky" to "defining," subtle to high-drama, depending on the face you choose, the eye area is integral for a successful look.
O: Cheeks?
E: Blush can bring a glow or the bloom of youth to your face. Coloring is simple, too. Pink and apricot are favorite colors - more or less, it’s foolproof. For liquid or crème blush (like the Creamy Moist Glow), it is best to apply it before powder. That way it blends easier and with loose powder over it, it looks like it’s coming from within.
Images: Top left: The late Kevyn Aucoin. Bottom right: Kevyn Aucoin Liquid Eye Shading.
May 9th, 2006
We asked: Are Shorts In or Out?
You said: Bring em on! A whopping 77% of you are loving this warm-weather favorite. Not since we asked about Nautical fashion did we see such an overwhelming vote of approval. Only 11% believe shorts are out, and only 12% think they’re on the way out.
Omiru’s take:
We’ve been loving the variety of silhouettes out there–from the short shorts to the more forgiving knee-length styles. A few figure flattery tips from us to you:
- Long waisted (e.g. short legs): Try shorter length shorts to give your legs as much length as possible. On a casual day, pair these shorts with a pair of wedge sandals.
- Short-waisted (e.g. long legs): Look for low-rise styles that give you the appearance of a longer torso.
- Petite: Your best bet is a long short (ha) that hits you right above your knee. Look for shorts with a slim fit–avoid wide legged styles.
- Full Derrière: Styles with medium sized back pockets minimize the size of your rear. Try pairing a dark colored short with a lighter colored and/or patterned top for best results!
Next Question: We’re (still) seeing those Victorian-inspired high-necked blouses everywhere. Tell us, what do you
think about Victorian-inspired blouses? Are they In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on
the sidebar!
May 8th, 2006
Jewelry designer Patricia Candido is living the American dream, literally. Though she left tropical Brazil for hectic L.A. with her American husband a year ago, the move was a smart choice for her career. In less than a month after launching her collection, she gained a loyal fan base that includes Hollywood heavyweights Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, and American Idols Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice. Omiru had a chance to catch up with Patricia to dish about her sudden success, her appreciation for the American culture, and how her name has graced the pages of major fashion magazines.
Omiru: You went from working in public relations to telecommunications and now to jewelry design. How did you decide to get into jewelry design, and was it always a passion of yours?
Patricia: Well, jewelry has always been my passion, but when I was living in Brazil, I had almost a 15-year career in public relations. My husband is actually American, and he was living in Brazil with me; we decided to move back here. I did not want to go back to communications school to get more education, and I didn’t want to spend another 2-3 years in a university when I was already 20 years old. I did not have a work visa. To kill some time, I was just making little bracelets with plastic beads. I showed my husband, and he said “This is really pretty, but I think with plastic beads we’ll go nowhere. What about if we change the plastic beads to semi-precious stones, and go with silver and precious metal?†That’s how we started to refine the design. When I very first began to make jewelry, I had around 10-15 pieces in a tiny box, and every time I was wearing something, people would approach me on the streets saying “Where did you get this?†So I started to feel that there was really something there.
O: From where do you draw your inspiration?
P Most of my inspiration comes from the Indians in Brazil and the way that they adorn their bodies. It’s different from the American Indians. The only thing the American Indians wear are feathers. In Brazil, it’s a tropical culture; the weather is not cold. I started to look into their colors and all the feathers that they used and all the color combinations. That’s my focal point.
O: Are your designs sold in Brazil?
P: No. The fashion industry in Brazil is getting really big, and just like here, they have many different label designers and boutiques. They’re really into American fashion and European fashion, and we’ve been talking about that. It’s something that’s down the line.
O: What makes your collection unique?
P: My color combinations. I always go for bright and strong colors. Also, it’s very organic looking. I use precious metals and precious stones and feathers. Then you have amethyst, then you have 14 karat gold around it, then you have onyx. I basically try to use all the fantastic stones that I can find.
O: I noticed that a lot of celebrities are starting to wear your jewelry line. How does it feel to see your name in major magazines?
P: Oh my God, it feels fantastic!
O: How did celebrities start hearing about your designs?
P: When I first started to think of jewelry design as a business, I didn’t know where to go. My whole background was selling news, working behind the doors. I didn’t have any experience in sales. One day, I came to Venice Beach to sell my stuff–it wasn’t the right place. Later, I went for a walk on Sunset Boulevard and went into a boutique. The owner of the boutique came to me and said, “The bracelet you’re wearing is gorgeous. Who is the designer?†and I said “It’s myself.†She asked me if she could sell it. Of course! One week later, Halle Berry came by and bought all the inventory I had in that store. Halle came back several times. All in all, she bought more than 200 pieces of my jewelry. She also gave my jewelry to Oprah Winfrey! And that’s not all. One stylist who saw one of my chokers in a boutique in Beverly Hills put it on Barbara Streisand in “Meet the Fockers.†And all this happened within a month!
O: How long ago was this?
P: Only about a year ago. My line is still brand new.
O: Have you gotten a chance to meet your celebrity clientele?
P: A couple. I’ve met Rosanna Arquette. There’s a newcomer actress named Marcelle Larice. She’s doing a show on UPN with Jenny McCarthy. We actually became friends.
O: Do you think that you’ll start branching out into other accessories?
P: I have been approached by many shoe and handbag designers about incorporating my styles in their creations. In the future, I will definitely be launching a shoe line. First a handbag line, then a shoe line, and further down, a clothing line. It’s all in my business plan.
O: Is this your last career choice or will there be others?
P: I hope not. I really would love to write a book about all this–for me it’s really an American dream come true. I came from Brazil. When I first moved here, I had a very hard time speaking the language and it was such a challenge for me to go to boutiques. At the beginning, I started to sell my jewelry myself. I didn’t have any sales reps, any support. It was really overwhelming to go to places and see people’s reactions. Also, it’s great to see how American people are so open to foreigners.
O: Most jewelry designers focus on women’s pieces, but you’ve successfully branched out into men’s jewelry. Why did you feel it was important to include pieces for men?
P: My husband was at Starbucks wearing one of my bracelets, and the stylist for American Idol at that time – that was when Carry Underwood won – approached my husband, and they decided to have one or two pieces for the show. Bo Bice wore one of my bracelets. My designs are especially for guys who are involved in fashion, for men who are not afraid to pull a piece and go with the whole fashion statement. I have a line of silver bracelets that are very simple. They’re very striking and do really well with men.
O: So was your husband wearing a piece from the men’s line or the women’s line?
P: No! He was wearing one of my pieces called Africana. It’s all in cashmere gold and orange coral.
O: What is your favorite piece from your collection?
P: Usually my favorite ones are the ones I created recently. I love the whole Africana collection. And I love the new line of earrings I’m working on right now that will be launched in mid-May.
O: How many stores carry your line?
P: I’d say 100 stores in the U.S., around 20 in Japan, and a couple more in China.
O: Last words?
P: I am very grateful for all the wonderful feedback I’ve been getting. It’s been very overwhelming!
Like what you see? Look for Patricia’s designs at Fred Segal (LA), Margaret O’Leary (NYC), and the Caesars Palace Forum Shops (Las Vegas). Can’t wait? Shop online at www.patriciacandido.com.
May 2nd, 2006
We asked: Is Military Fashion In or Out?
You said: Military fashion is an oxymoron. 36% of you are still all over military styles, but an equal percentage think the trend’s over. And an additional 28% think they’re on the way out.
Omiru’s take: While you didn’t bash this trend as hard as you did the leggings, it’s clear that military fashion (and might we say military action) is falling from favor. Though it certainly isn’t a crime to sport the look (after all, we saw a military shoutout on p. 140 of this month’s InStyle), be aware that this trend is making its final descent into So-Last-Season-land.
Next Question: What with the rising temperatures, we’re seeing shorts (from short shorts to knee-length shorts) everywhere. So tell us, what do you think about Shorts? Are they In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
May 1st, 2006
What’s new in the world of denim? Omiru got the scoop from Andy Knight of Denimology, a new UK-based site that brings you news and reviews of the best premium and vintage denim.
Omiru: What do you think about the future of the premium denim industry?
Andy: I don’t think that the premium denim industry is going anywhere soon. I predict that more niche denim manufacturers will start producing products such as Cheap Monday’s budget premium denim collection priced at around $50 for punk looking skinny jeans or PRPS who produce super high end ($300+) highly distressed denim for men.
O: What’s up next for premium denim brands?
A: This year, women are going to see less faded, distressed, bootcut jeans and more super skinny dark jeans like those from J Brand. Men’s collections are also going to see more heavy dry unwashed selvage denim such as the Nudie Dry Denim range.
O: What’s your take on why premium denim skyrocketed in popularity over the last half decade?
A: Consumers were sick of being sold poor fitting jeans made of low quality denim that made everyone look like a grease monkey. Female consumers quickly realized, with the arrival of premium denim, that it was worth paying the extra money for a pair of jeans that made you look fantastic and that you could dress up or down. And men, of course, enjoyed looking at the women that were wearing those premium jeans.
O: What inspired you to start Denimology?
A: I was spending a lot of time searching for the perfect pair of jeans. I thought, "Surely I can’t be the only person like this," so I started a blog for all the other denim addicts out there.
O: Tell us about Denimology.
A: Denimology is dedicated to denim addicts everywhere. It is updated a couple of times a week with the latest news and photos of premium and vintage denim.
O: Anything we forgot to ask?
A: What’s my current favourite pair of jeans? Nudie Regular Ralf Dry Selvage.
Read more about denim at http://www.denimology.co.uk/.
April 26th, 2006
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