From Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2006 Collection
Invoking the spirit of the vintage “English prep
school†look, prominent labels like Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten and Alexandre
Plokhov have been doing the unthinkable: combining shorts with blazers. Actually, it’s not that unthinkable. AC/DC front man Angus Young is already known
for this signature look. Even so, it is
possible to achieve this look without looking like a rock n’ roll copycat or
a uniformed boarding schooler.
Elite Mirror Aviator Sunglasses | $15 (sale) at 80sPurple
Marc by Marc Jacobs 2-Button Blazer | $179 at Bluefly
Gazzarrini V-Neck T-shirt | $60 at Yoox
Spring Grosgrain Belt | $32 at J. Crew
Linen/Cotton Weekend Shorts | $60 at J. Crew
Ben Sherman Sacramento Slip-Ons | $70 at Urban Outfitters
Posted by Dino on May 3rd, 2006 in Men, Ready Made Outfits, Runway to Reality |
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.
Posted by Melody on May 2nd, 2006 in Designer Profiles, Features |
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!
Posted by Trisha on May 1st, 2006 in Features, News, Trend, What's In and What's Out |
Guys, if you feel that you’ve been missing out on the cheap chicness of Forever 21, you’re in luck. The disposable fashion haven will be expanding its offerings into menswear this season.
I wonder if they’ll keep the same branding for menswear. And if so, will there be a stigma against guys wearing clothes branded Forever 21?
Posted by Trisha on May 1st, 2006 in Men, News |
We’re all over…
The Updated Huarache
Part ethnic, part craftsy, completely summer.
Kate| $205 at Debout Shoes
Posted by Susannah on May 1st, 2006 in Trend, What's In and What's Out |
Issue XXXVIII of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a weekly compilation of the
cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this
week.
This
week, we’re heading to the beach with a cute eyelet bikini for women and a colorblocked pair of board shorts for men!
For women:
And for men:
Colorblock Board Short| $48 at A|X
Posted by Trisha on April 28th, 2006 in Friday Fashion Hotlist, Men, Trend, Women |
Gone are the days when secretaries covered up their entire bodies when going into to the office. Not only do real secretaries dress less conservatively these days, many women who aren’t even secretaries sport the look. According to Style Bytes, the secretary look isn’t dead…so here’s our rendition that’s more suitable for a wine bar than for the cubicle.
Fashion Formula for the Sexy Secretary= Plum Cardigan + Short sleeved White Shirt + Pencil Skirt + Peep-toe Pumps.
Caslon Dolman Sleeve Cardigan | $44.90 (sale) at Nordstrom
Diane von Furstenberg "Vespa" Cap Sleeve Shirt | $145 at Nordstrom
Asymmetrical Slit Pencil Skirt | $89 at Bebe
Kate Spade "Giselle" Sandal | $275 at Nordstrom
Posted by Melody on April 28th, 2006 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Summer’s almost here, which means it’s time to get your wardrobe beach-ready. Whether you’re a serious swimmer or you just want to work on your tan, CoutureCandy’s got you covered…figuratively speaking, that is.
At CoutureCandy, you can shop all the hottest designers
in one place. You can read the latest industry news, get the inside
scoop on the designers, and even keep up on (and purchase) what celebrities are wearing. You can share ideas and connect with other members of the CoutureCandy community via the exclusive "Couture Talk" Forum or get inspiring wardrobe advice from their "Personal Stylists."
Posted by Advertising on April 27th, 2006 in Advertising |
Women may have gone plaid-crazy with their tops, (check out Trendscape: Pretty in Plaid) but for men, it’s the shorts that have been splashed with plaids and vibrant prints that are perfect for the spring and summertime. This can definitely add a little pizzazz to the neutral (and sometimes yawn-worthy) palette that are in great abundance in the average Joe’s wardrobe.
Posted by Dino on April 27th, 2006 in Men, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape |
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/.
Posted by Trisha on April 26th, 2006 in Features |
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