Category: Fashion

Blo & Go, Changing the Way We Blow-Dry Our Hair – An Interview with Laurie Coleman

Blo & Go, Changing the Way We Blow-Dry Our Hair – An Interview with Laurie Coleman

This morning I had just washed my hair and was staring at a white box which contained an invention publicist/co-inventor Anthony Turk sent me to try out. I decided to try it after hearing about how women’s lives have been made a little easier, at least when it comes to blow-drying their hair. Because of the heat during summer in Los Angeles, blow-drying my hair was the last thing I have wanted to do. So I have been wearing it—how should I say this—au naturel. I opened the box and stared for a minute at the contraption. It looked complicated. But I pulled the device out, followed the directions, and when I was done . . . . I emerged with salon blow-dried hair! It was so easy, and it has changed my blow-drying experience. This product is called BLO & GO and it is about to revolutionize the way I blow-dry my hair; because after using it, I simply cannot live without it.

BLO & GO has already been featured on “Good Morning America,” “The Early Show,” and the “Today Show.” Countless celebrities are already in possession of this fabulous invention, and BLO & GO is now available for purchase on HSN.

I recently interviewed Laurie Coleman, the inventor of BLO & GO.

Laurie, who all is involved in the creation of this product?

It’s funny because it’s definitely one of those ideas where you have necessity as the mother of invention. That’s really how the whole thing started. I would be getting ready to go out or go on an audition and you come out of the shower and you get your hair blown out. I would take a coat hanger and I would hook it over my door and I would put my hair dryer in it. I’d just sort of rig it up. And that way I’d have two hands because I was struggling with the brush and the hair dryer. I’d watched other women struggle with it, too. So if I could just get something that would hold my hair dryer above my head, I could replicate that fan blow-out.

My friend Anthony Turk walked in and asked, “What are you doing?”

I explained how difficult it was to hold the blow dryer and then add my round or flat brush and get my hair blown out. So he suggested we come up with something. We did a patent search and it came back that there wasn’t one for what we were trying to do. We weren’t exactly sure what it would look like. But that’s how it really started. We worked with an engineer and we came up with this. The thing that makes it so great is the suction cup allows you to put it on your mirror or window and that it’s up above your head. So when you’re sitting in the salon and they’re doing your hair, they’re up above you. And that’s really how the whole thing started, and now we sort of have a team together. We really persevered . . . and now we’ll be going on HSN.

A lot of celebrities use this product, I understand.

Yes, it really has been super positive. I think it’s because women get it immediately. When we started we were dealing with a lot of men, and they were kind of like, “Well . . . whatever. I don’t get it.” And then the second women would see it, it was just like major thumbs up.

Let’s talk about the actual invention itself. What was the process to actually come up with something that’s workable?

We worked with a couple of different people. The first time it came out, it was really complicated. The idea is that we really wanted it to be portable. So we had a couple of things we wanted. We wanted people to be able to use it up above or on a counter. I wanted it so it wouldn’t have to sit on your counter the whole time. You could just take it off and put it away, or you could leave it up. I think the trick was finally we found a very creative guy in Los Angeles who does a lot of different inventions. He just nailed it for us. He came back and showed it to us with the suction. After we got what we wanted it to look like, it had to be strong and flexible. When he put it together, had a couple of prototypes, there were a few [issues]. Sometimes the arm wasn’t quite right. It needed to be able to hold the professional weight of a hair dryer as well as just a little one you buy at a drugstore. After we finally got it [exact], we had it made in mass quantities. It took a while. And then we had to get people to want to market it. But perseverance, that was the key.

I’ve heard stories where getting a patent is very difficult. Did you guys run into any obstacle trying to get your patent?

Yeah, it comes back a lot. Right now it’s passing. It costs a lot of money. You have to get a patent attorney, and then you have to go through legal steps through the patent office in D.C. But it’s just one of those things where you have to stay at it. There were a couple of other similar products earlier, but the problem with it was it was really big and heavy like a big microphone stand and it weighed a ton. It really wasn’t very practical. But ours is different. But it’s still a very slow process.

What’s going to be your ultimate retail price on the Blo & Go, or have you not figured that out yet?

We haven’t really figured that out yet because we’re not quite ready for retail. We’re very close. We’ve a really great box, but there are a lot of steps to go through with retail. You need to have a track record of sales. HSN will be really great for that. We’ve had good response with our website as well as going into the international market, especially Hispanic. We would like to move into retail, hopefully by fall.

You said you can get it on the website. What’s the price for somebody to purchase it there?

It’s $29.99 plus shipping and handling. We also are introducing a really great product line of hair products, which are additional add-on sales, as well. You can get this at www.bloandgo.com.

Tell me about some of the other products you’re introducing.

It’s a hair serum. It decreases the drying time in your hair. We’ve worked with a hair care line to develop this for us specifically. It also has just a little bit of illumination to it. You have just a little bit of shine. It doesn’t weigh the hair down. It doesn’t make it greasy. It just gives it a nice texture and a beautiful shine. That’s the only product we have now, but we’re probably going to develop a shampoo and a conditioner. We’re not quite there yet.

That’s exciting. It’s like it’s taken a whole new turn.

It is exciting! I never thought of myself as being an inventor and running a company, but strange things happen.

Tell me a little about your background.

Well, I’m actually a trained ballet dancer. And from that I moved into commercials and did a lot of runway modeling and a couple of small parts in things. I have a performing arts background. Actually, my entire family was in the performing arts in one way or another. I am married to a United States Senator. I have two wonderful kids. My son Jacob is going off to law school; and my daughter is just graduating and is going off to Notre Dame. It’s just one of those times in your life when you’re looking for something different. This really just fell into my lap. I was just fine and just using my coat hanger. Blo & Go has really just taken off, and it’s been a fun adventure.

Let’s talk about the logistics of Blo & Go. Let’s say I take your Blo & Go and I put it on the mirror. What next?

You put it on either a mirror or a window or your vanity. These are the three surfaces that it really works best on. And then you get it to the height that you want to use it. Then you take your blow dryer, feed it through the little cradle—it has a bungee cord that holds it in so it can’t fall out—and then you start blow-drying your hair a little bit . . . and then you start replicating that salon experience. I blow-dry my hair in sections. You can pop in on our website to see the models blow drying their hair. That’s it. It’s very simple. Everybody uses it a little differently, but basically it accomplishes the same purpose. I encourage everyone to try it because they’re going to love it. Once they start, they’ll be like, “Where has this been all my life?”

To learn more about BLO & GO visit www.bloandgo.com.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Nicolita’s Nicole Saenz and her Vintage-Styled, Technicolored Swimsuits

Nicolita’s Nicole Saenz and her Vintage-Styled, Technicolored Swimsuits

I’m a nostalgia addict. I love things that look like they were from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Heck, I even collect Audrey Hepburn dolls and have at least five Hepburn coffee table books at home in my living room. I watch classic movies, preferably those in technicolor. So it’s no surprise that I would fall in love with Nicolita swimsuits. Even though I met the label’s designer over four years ago, I regret that it has taken me this long to publish an interview with her. Nicole Saenz is the brainchild behind Nicolita, which is a swimsuit line with a Latin/Cuban flair and just the right amount of retro “old Hollywood.” Her swimsuits flatter the figure and really do justice to the woman with curves. As I sit here writing this, I’m wearing my Nicolta swimsuit that Nicole gave me when we first met all those years ago. And excuse my expression, but I do have a little junk in my trunk. As I close my eyes, I like to envision myself as maybe Raquel Welch or Sophia Loren, walking down Saint Tropez or perhaps stranded on a desert island with Carey Grant with one common theme—all cameras on me, the leading lady, wearing Nicolita.

In this issue, Agenda Magazine did a photo shoot featuring some of Nicolita’s designs modeled by TV personality Adrianne Curry, and I was able to experience her newest collection firsthand.

Nicole, we met each other over four years ago. I am delighted to see that you are doing so well. I always liked the uniqueness of your designs, and still wear that first suit you gave me back then. How would you say that your collections have evolved since you started designing swimsuits?

Thank you so much. I, too, am thrilled with the success of Nicolita! Over the past six years I have maintained the uniqueness of my designs and, most importantly, my signature Nicolita branding. The nature of the fashion business is constantly evolving, and in order to be a successful designer, I must keep up with the ever-evolving industry. Nicolita designs are vintage glamour with modern flair. Our products capture the beauty of the past with today’s silhouettes. In my first couple selling seasons, buyers commented that my more intricate pieces wouldn’t sell; however, my sales didn’t reflect that pessimism. I was delighted to see that Nicolita’s vintage flare doesn’t have to be toned down in order to be practical and furthermore sellable. Nicolita’s collections have evolved by experimenting with new colors and textures while still capturing the beauty of 40s vintage glamour with a twist.

What type of woman defines Nicolita?

The Nicolita customer is unique and flirtatious. She is classy but wants to show a little skin.

How did you come up with the name Nicolita?

This was my parents’ nickname for me. It means little Nicole. When I started thinking of a name for my company I found that the label for Nicole was taken, but Nicolita was unique and fit my personality.

What are your price points?

A Nicolita bikini is priced between $120.00 [and] $150.00.

Do you only design swimsuits, or do you also do cover-ups, dresses, etc.?

When I first started Nicolita, I designed customizable handbags. Then I saw the need for bikinis among the sorority girls and began designing suits to fit that need. I currently focus my attention on swimwear because this is my main product.

What was your highest high as the designer for Nicolita, or as a designer in general?

I have been blessed with many high moments during the process of starting Nicolita. One that comes to mind was making my very first sales call to Nordstrom and actually booking an appointment with the head swimwear buyer in San Francisco. I presented my designs, and within a week she placed an order. This was only six months after deciding that I wanted to do swimwear.

Another that comes to mind was when I received a phone call from the swimwear buyer for Dillard, wanting to book an appointment in New York City. They wanted to see my showroom, and of course, it being so premature into my career, I had to get creative to make up for my not having a showroom. So I set up a private Cuban lunch with an authentic menu true to my heritage. I had never been to New York City in my life! It is funny, looking back, because I was all alone with no idea how to navigate through the snow-covered city with high hopes of selling my bikinis.

What was your lowest low (if you have had any lows at all)?

Having your own business is constantly a roller coaster of high and low emotions. To pinpoint one low point is difficult to say. However, the common thread between every low experience is that it has built me back up stronger and better each time.

Where do you see Nicolita in five years?

Over the past six years I have seen a tremendous growth in the industry, and the reach on the Internet is so vast. Currently we just expanded to distribution in Europe, which I foresee to be a huge step for Nicolita.

The next five years I want it to continue to be a leader in the swimwear industry. Eventually, I would like to expand into other markets.

What was your biggest challenge in constantly creating new collections every season?

My biggest challenge in creating a new collection each year is trying to figure out the story of where Nicolita is in her travels. There are so many places, that it’s hard to decide where she will go next. It is hard to narrow my creativity down, at the same time not get carried away with the endless possibilities. I enjoy visiting the countries first before I design the collection in order to get true inspiration. So far, Nicolita has traveled to Cuba, Morocco, Spain, and Italy.

It was exciting to have you as part of Agenda Magazine‘s editorial shoot for the summer/swimsuit issue in which you dressed Adrianne Curry in suits that will be coming out next season. I liked how they had a vintage feel to them. What made you design in this style, and what inspired this new collection?

The shoot was amazing, and Adrianne was so receptive to the vintage glamour that defines Nicolita. The suits fit her perfectly. Adrianne loved the Black and white one-piece with the low v-neck backside. She kept taking sexy pictures on her phone and sending them to her husband. She was great to work with.

Some of the pieces that Adrianne wore at the photo shoot were mixed from Nicolita’s 2008 and 2009 collections. My 2009 collection was inspired by Nicolita’s travels through Italy. Each season and new collection for the line, “Nicolita jet sets around the world and falls in love along the way.” I design an entire collection around where Nicolita is in her life and where she is traveling to. Nicolita’s character was inspired by my personal Cuban heritage of my parents’ experience living in Cuba during the 40s and 50s. During that time, Cuba was considered the “Tropical Island in the Sea” and the “Land of Romance.” I wanted to preserve their memories of when they were there and base my branding time period in the 1940s. That is why I keep consistent my vintage flare in each collection.

How long have you been designing, and what is your design background?

I have been designing for Nicolita for almost seven years. I have my business degree from the University of Southern California, with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and marketing. All of my fashion sewing and designing background has been self-taught.

I understand that you just did a shoot for Janice Dickinson recently. Would you care to share the details of that shoot and Nicolita’s specific involvement?

Nicolita met with the Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency to find the new NICOLITA model. It was an interesting experience shooting a reality show and shooting for my 2009 Catalog.

In addition to your website, where else can your swimsuits be purchased?

Yes, besides shopping online at myNicolita.com, our products may be purchased online at our other web partners, Bestswimwear.com, Swimwearboutique.com, Razorreef.com, and BeachBliss.com. For boutique and department store locations where our product is sold, please visit mynicolita.com to search for a store near you.

Any last words? Here’s your chance. Plug, plug away!

We had a unique experience this year finding the new face for Nicolita. While we shot the Nicolita 2009 Catalog Collection, the Janice Dickenson Show documented the whole process for their TV show that will air on Oxygen and Bravo mid-August 2008. On the show, viewers will see how I narrowed down my search for the next Nicolita model. I had a wonderful time on the show. Janice and her models were great to work with.

Visit www.mynicolita.com for more information.

See the Nicolita Fashion editorial featuring Adrianne Curry.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Isabella Oliver – Maternity Wear without Compromising Style

Isabella Oliver – Maternity Wear without Compromising Style

Isabella Oliver maternity wear provides chic maternity clothing for pregnant women who won’t compromise their sense of style. Isabella Oliver offers moms cool options to wear for the summer heat and delivers fabulous, feel good and glamorous clothes that pregnant women love. What’s even better? There’s no difference in the level of style from standard non-maternity clothing.

Isabella Oliver’s collection is a favorite among celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Minnie Driver, Amanda Peet, Tori Spelling, Marcia Cross, and Heidi Klum, just to name a few.

Founders Vanessa Knox-Brien and Creative/Marketing Director Baukjen de Swaan Arons, formerly with Proctor and Gamble, initially launched Isabella Oliver in 2003. Vanessa was previously a head designer at Victoria’s Secret and head designer and Creative Director at Natori. Her designs have been recognized by Design and Lingerie critic awards and have been featured in popular television programs, such as “Sex and the City,” “Friends,” and “Will and Grace.”

Interview with founders Vanessa Knox-Brien and Baukjen de Swaan:

Your maternity line is a relatively new line, launched only five years ago (2003). What made you decide to design maternity clothing?

When we [my husband Barrie and I] were pregnant with our first children (Isabella and Oliver), we could not find timeless, classic pieces. It doesn’t sound like a difficult request, but there was nothing available that suited our clothing style and lifestyle needs.

What is your background, for example, education, training, etc.?

Baukjen: I have a marketing and branding background, and this is the area I take responsibility for within Isabella Oliver, although we work closely together over all areas.

Vanessa: My background is in design, lingerie specifically, and that is my core responsibility within Isabella Oliver.

Did you encounter any specific challenges with the line? For instance, was sizing an issue?

When we started, there were several hurdles that had to be overcome, for example, finding factories that are willing to work with a new company. Another challenge we had was to narrow down the designs we originally had in mind to a realistic size so that we had a collection that could be launched financially but also answer the needs of the modern pregnant woman, and together they would form a cohesive story.

The line is very versatile. In your own words, can you describe your collection?

It’s modern, effortless, chic yet comfortable. Anything that does not tick all those boxes does not go into the collection.

Do you have a favorite piece?

Vanessa: The Wrap Around Top in all its varieties. It’s so flattering and works throughout pregnancy and after.

Baukjen: I have a different one every week but at the moment it is a style from the ’08-’09 Autumn/Winter collection, which is a silhouette which is clean, simple, timeless with a touch of sexiness.

What are some of the fabrics you use?

We focus on pregnancy-friendly fabrics that are soft on the skin, drape beautifully, grow with the pregnancy curves, and are easy care. So our fabrics include a variety of jerseys, tailored stretch wovens, and sweater knits.

How would you say your line compares to other maternity lines?

We design clothes that we love to wear. The designs are modern, chic, and comfortable. Timelessness also plays a large role, as that is a look we love. Since we launched four and a half years ago, the competitive landscape has changed, and there is now a lot more available across all different budget levels. However, we don’t focus on what competitors do, but instead choose to focus on what we do best, and that is designing effortlessly chic clothes that are comfortable, too, and have our signature detailing.

Can your clothes be worn even after the pregnancy is over?

Absolutely!

What are some of your price points?

They vary from $50 up to $850 for a wedding dress.

I visited your website and was impressed how thorough the shopping experience was. You even have instructional videos to help women wear your clothes. How did you come up with such an amazing resource?

We are an etailer which means we sell via the Internet and our catalog. We are continuously looking at how we can physically bridge the gap between ourselves and our customers. We give lots of advice, be it in videos, in our online magazine, on the product pages, and in the catalog to give as much information and tips to our customers. Even though our business is heavily dependent on technology, we always try to . . . “untech” and humanize our website.

What inspires your designs?

Lots of things. It can be a fabric, a neckline we saw in an old movie, a color of a wallpaper, the way a fabric moves and drapes, a photo hanging in someone’s living room. Inspiration is really limitless.

What is your highest high as a designer?

Vanessa: Hearing people talk about us and receiving fabulous feedback and thank you notes.

Baukjen: The emails from customers, seeing a woman on the street wearing Isabella Oliver, the growth of the business.

Have there been any lows?

Of course. Delays in production, website issues, selling out and having frustrated customers. Anytime a situation is out of our control, it is frustrating, but we have learnt that the best way to deal with it is to be honest and communicate with our customers.

What advice could you give pregnant women who are searching for clothes? Are there any tips to guide them to the right wardrobe?

Be yourself. Don’t try to wear clothes that aren’t you. Invest in basic pieces with clean lines and neutral colors that you can dress up and down with accessories. Show off your curves. Don’t hide.

What other kinds of items besides clothes do you manufacture/sell?

At the moment we only sell clothing. However, we are branching out into other categories.

Where do you see Isabella Oliver Maternity Clothing in five years?

In the coming year we are launching our first collection for non-pregnant women, which will follow our design philosophy of timeless, modern, chic pieces that are comfortable and work every day. Also we are launching into a few other countries. Where will Isabella Oliver be in five years time? Hopefully, dressing women around the world who like our design concept!

Any last words?

Thank you for inviting us to participate. Isabella Oliver is a dream come true for us; but there’s a whole team behind it, so we’d like to thank them!

Visit www.IsabellaOliver.com for more information.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Vivienne Tam Fall 2008 – Himalayan/Disney Inspired Designs

Vivienne Tam Fall 2008 – Himalayan/Disney Inspired Designs

Vivienne Tam was born in Canton, China, and raised in Hong Kong.  After graduation, she moved to New York, where she cultivated her interest in fashion. In 1994, Vivienne Tam launched her signature collection of Eastern-inspired clothing with a modern edge on the New York runways.  In 1995, she introduced a collection that triumphantly crossed over from the fashion world to the art world.  In 1997, Vivienne Tam launched the Buddha collection.  Some of the images became extremely popular so that her look was adopted by several designers.  Certain pieces of the collections were inducted into the permanent archives of the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, The Museum of FIT, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Vivienne Tam continues to appeal to a wide demographic with inspired, fresh collections every season. And her fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection is no different.  The Disney-inspired designs, coupled with Himalayan thangka painting are an interesting juxtaposition of inspirations. The colors Vivienne Tam chose for her new collection are vividly rich with unexpected color combinations.  Her signature dimensional cutout technique, which we’ve seen in past collections, managed to be fresh and new.  And a  quilted theme appeared throughout her new collection.  Some of the pieces included geometric-styled dresses with shimmering fabrics in gold.  Other notable pieces included a gold cardigan worn over a gold embroidered skirt.  All dresses were thigh-length, and few of them were adorned with cutouts of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, lending a youthful vibe.  All garments were worn with various colored tights, boots, and a minimal selection of muted-colored heels.

What inspired your collection this season?

The Hemalayan arts. (Thangka prints)  I love these paintings because they are all the same. They have clouds, fire, and lotuses.  I love to interpret them into my clothes.  When I saw the paintings, I started with the prints, and then I went into all the borders and applications. And then I think about what is the right silhouette for those beautiful textures and prints.

How did you come up with the fabrics?

When I started my business, I had no money, so I ended up creating my own fabrics. So it’s very special, and nobody has it. I used a real basic fabric to create my own special fabrics.  When I started, I couldn’t afford the European fabrics.

I did find that your fabrics are unique. I love how you’re able to assimilate within a wide range of demographics with your clothing.  Do you have a favorite piece out of this collection?

Every piece is essentially my favorite piece.

Vivienne Tam’s clothing brand is inspired by Chinese design and modern fashion.

Her shops can be found in most major cities around the world. Madonna and Julia Roberts are among Tam’s celebrity fans.

To learn more about Vivienne Tam, visit her websitewww.viviennetam.com.

By Kaylene Peoples

Lela Rose – Fall 2008’s Sporty Cocktail Theme

Lela Rose – Fall 2008’s Sporty Cocktail Theme

The Texas-born designer, Lela Rose, has a vast background in the aesthetics. She attended the University of Colorado, where she studied sculpting and painting. After graduation, she worked under Christian Francis Roth and Richard Tyler, both prominent fashion designers. In 1996 Lela Rose launched her first collection out of her apartment. This collection featured feminine clothing with lots of embellishments. Her clothes have been worn by an extensive list of celebrities, including Ashley Judd, Mischa Barton, Selma Blair, Molly Sims, Jessica Simpson, and Jenna and Barbara Bush. Lela continues to create simple, timeless garments.


Lela Rose has come a long way since that first collection back in 1996. Her designs have been featured in InStyle, Lucky, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle Weddings, New York Weddings, Cosmopolitan Bride, People, Entertainment, Martha Stuart Weddings, US, Teen Vogue, Glamour, Town and Country, Town and Country Weddings, Inside Weddings, and W. Her designs are casual, timeless, elegant, and wearable.


I attended the Lela Rose’s fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York and was delighted by the sporty upscale clothes she presented on the runway for Fall 2008.  This collection supported refined ruffles and a more refined shimmer.  This was a very different look from seasons past.

The Fall 2008 Lela Rose collection focuses on the venturesome woman characterized by modern agility–the Sporty Cocktail.

-Lela Rose-

And that “Sporty Cocktail” look ranges from bomber jackets to zip-up parkas to racer back swimsuits, but with a cocktail feel adorned in untraditionally rich fabrics.  She deems her day collection as “Susie Chapstick meets Park Avenue.”  Her cocktail theme effortlessly spills over to night with the alluring rock star glamour of a young Jerry Hall, consisting of high collars and ruffles juxtaposed with rock star edge.

Her descriptions, though a mouthful, were also eye candy: peacock cashmere felt duffle jacket, birds-eye looped paillette sweatshirt dress, gold dot layered inside out dress, mallard dot gazar layered dress, and fuschia gazar strapless gown, etc. When asked what inspired the various colors and textures, she replied:

I wanted to do a backdrop of salt and pepper so I really wanted to do bright colors. I am kind of a bird lover and started going through bird books of different colors that I loved in certain birds. That’s why we had cardinal, gold finch, mallard. I really wanted a very rich color pallet.

Mid 2007 Lela Rose introduced to Payless Shoes an inexpensive line of shoes for women and infants. Some of the pieces were revealed on the runway, including: The Bixby, a round toe d’orsay pump with a satin bow; the Addison, a round-toe flannel wool pump with a wood-stacked heel in a variety of colors; and the Sibley, a round toe flat with a removable pink bow. Her shoes will be available in the fall of 2008 at Payless stores and payless.com.


I Love Shoes® because even one new pair can bring life to any wardrobe.
-Lela Rose-

For a list of retailers, or to learn more about Lela Rose’s designs, visit her website, www.lelarose.com.

Written by Kaylene Peoples

Tracy Reese’s Feminine Chic – Fall 2008 Runway Review

Tracy Reese’s Feminine Chic – Fall 2008 Runway Review

Born in Detroit, Michigan, designer Tracy Reese as a child used to sit with her mother at the sewing machine making clothes.  She later moved to Manhattan and attended Parson’s School of Design.  After graduation, she worked at a small contemporary firm called Alequin, designed by Martine Sitbon, Perry Ellis, etc.  Years later, Tracy launched Tracy Reese and a second line, plenty by Tracy Reese.  Now almost a decade later, the label epitomizes “feminine chic.”  These creations are timeless, wearable looks that Tracy pulls from vintage and bohemian influences.

Tracy Reese and Tracy Reese plenty have been featured in Cosmo Girl, New York Post, OK, Vogue, InStyle, Lucky, Essence, and marie claire.  Celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Mya, Jamie Lynn Dyscala, Beyonce, Mira Sorvino also wear Tracy Reese.

Tracy Reese’s fall 2008 collection featured a variety of animal prints, pleated skirts, sequined pencil skirts, and a combination of oatmeal crew neck sweaters matched with gold sequined skinny skirts.  A gray paisley print on a jacquard raglan coat and a russet striped turtleneck over a gold slim skirt go surprisingly well together.  Other surprising combinations included a green ruffled shirt paired with a gold animal print pleated skirt.  What was common on the runway in New York was the high waisted, wide-legged cuffed pants that seemed to pop up in a variety of collections.  Her unexpected combinations of colors wove a cohesiveness throughout her 46-piece collection and screamed “unique.”

I was really into nature and the elements—just how weather can affect our emotions.  And we wanted to do some florals, but we didn’t want to do them the same old way. How can we expand on that?  And we literally expanded them into dramatic proportions so they became abstractions—just not the typical thing, but when you put it on and layer it all together, it had a dreamy effect.  I was really happy with that effect.

-Tracy Reese-

To learn about Tracy Reese, visit her website www.tracyreese.com.

By Kaylene Peoples

Joanna Mastroianni’s Fall 2008 – Morocco-Inspired Designs

Joanna Mastroianni’s Fall 2008 – Morocco-Inspired Designs

Joanna Mastroianni launched her signature collection 15 years ago.  Clean and sensuous lines describe this talented designer’s style.  Fall 2008 is inspired by the Kingdom of Morocco, with Moorish architecture, elaborate grillwork and the delicacy of inlaid tiles.  Descriptions like Tangerine/copper/black print cap-sleeve, and Cypress bengaline elongated jacket with mandarin collar and half-belt, matching slim pants–don’t begin to describe the intricacies of Joanna Mastroianni’s most recent collection.

Can you go into more explanation about what inspired your Fall 2008 collection?

The collection was inspired from Morocco.  How much fun!  To put on these beautiful garments, but yet they’re modern, they’re couture, but again, always young in feeling.

You had a piece that reminded me of Alice in Wonderland.

That really was inspired by the true architecture of that part of the world.  It was very geometric; yet at the same time, there was an interest to it. Morocco.  As she turned around, you saw something that could have been inspired from a detail of one of the top of the buildings.  It was soft, feminine, flattering to the body.  It was made up of metal in the back.  It was metal and ribbon, and these beautiful stones.  Actually I started out with the embroidery first, with the colors that created the embroidery, and that sort of set the mood for that.

What is your background?

My whole life has been about fashion. I feel like I’ve been designing forever. It’s something I always loved to do. It’s a way of life. I was making Barbie doll dresses when I was 9 years old and never stopped. The difference is I’m designing for taller dolls.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had an architecture background.

If I wasn’t designing garments, I’d be designing buildings and decorating.  But it’s all related.  Everything comes into play.  I can look at an arm on a chair and you never know what it’s going to inspire in a garment.  I ‘m always inspired by architecture, by nature, things that are anything but garments, and then I translate it into garments.

What enables you to be able to reinvent yourself every season so exquisitely?

A curiosity and a gift that I was blessed with.  Again it combines with the curiosity.  I live for the moment when I come up with a new concept that I will then take and develop. Every one of my collections has a different theme.  I thoroughly research it to a way where it becomes a way of life for me.  And this is all I can think and feel.  [Each new season] It’s the most chaotic, but it’s my most favorite time of the year.  I just learned how to walk and I can’t stop it.  I’ve been really lucky because every single collection has felt that way and every single collection that I’ve done. . . it’s felt like my greatest creation.  It’s a very comforting feeling for me as a creative person because it’s what I live for.

Joanna Mastroianni has outfitted celebrities at the Tony and Grammy Awards, and celebrity clients include Jane Seymour, Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Melanie Griffith, Susan Lucci, Sela Ward, Tara Reid, and Sean Young.  She has been featured in Lucire, Surface, WWD, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, People, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, just to name a few.  Visit www.joannamastroianni.comfor more information.

By Kaylene Peoples

Vlademar Iódice Fall 2008 – “Graffiti – Street Art”

Vlademar Iódice Fall 2008 – “Graffiti – Street Art”

Brazilian designer Vlademar Iódice’s love for design came from watching his mother hand sew their family’s clothes.  Following in his family’s footsteps, he learned the technical aspects of creating and producing clothes.  He launched his label in 1987 and created a trademark with his last name.  Vlademar is personally involved in every step while creating his designs.  He explains that his creativity and inspiration is nurtured by whatever surrounds him.  The Iódice woman is described as strong, loving of self─and aware she is loved─extremely feminine and confident, and well-traveled.  However, she doesn’t forget her roots.  Vlademar has a unique way of interpreting femininity through his designs, and his inspiration comes from his Brazilian way of life.  Celebrities like Linsday Lohan, Mischa Barton, and Victoria Beckham have been spotted wearing his designs.

Iódice’s fall 2008 collection, titled “Graffiti – Street Art” is glamorous and sexy.  The clothes are perfect for the sophisticated lady with a hot body and are tailor-made for clubbing.  What better place to show off this style than on the New York runway!

His sizzling collection includes an array of black leather and black patent leather jackets, and trench coats topping micro-mini skirts. His signature molded sleeves and draping off-the-shoulder style define who can actually pull off the Iódice style—somewhat reminiscent of the iconic 80s pop stars.

Other notable pieces were minidresses swirled with black short pleated dresses with wide black belts at the waist, and necklines embellished with zippers and wide lapels, all styled with black leather gloves and platform heels. Though the running color scheme was black, mustard and pink shone through as accents throughout the collection. The mustard fleecevest was a unique accessory to an all black jumpsuit, and sleeveless and off-shoulder shimmering dresses in silver and pink helped to reinforce that 80s feel. As a fan of rich colors, I appreciated the navy, caped, zipped up dress. Black dresses with accents of color were another favorite.

To learn more about Iódice, visit www.iodice.com.br.

By Kaylene Peoples

Jayson Brundson Fall 2008 – Creating Clothes for the Playful Side of a Woman

Jayson Brunsdon Fall 2008 – Creating Clothes for the Playful Side of a Woman

Jayson Brunsdon has been involved in the fashion industry for 20 years.  He was first an illustrator and stylist and the creative director for an Australian fashion brand, Morrisey.  Jayson’s client list includes HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Linda Evangelista, and Naomi Watts.  His designs have been featured inUK Vogue, Marie Claire Australia, and Harper’s Bazaar Australia.

The collection is filled with a variety of all black looks with the occasional splashes of crimson red, teal, and florals, accessorized with leather finger gloves and styled with leather calf boots, and the occasional pom-poms.. Unexpectedly, red silk capes topped with the prevalent black round-top (derby) hat, turtle necks under fitted, playful bodices, courtesan gowns, poodle dresses all styled with a hint of French renaissance flair.   A black feather cape is the surprise ending to Jayson’s show.

Tell us about your collection.

The collection is about love.  So it’s about fun and coquettish girls, mischievous and flirtatious girls. I think it’s fine that women experience the empowerment of being feminine through something that’s kind of flirtatious and charming and mischievous.  This is a very “after dark” kind of girl, too.

What do you mean by that?

The collection is all about being after dark.  She’s been out too long.  She’s had a good night out. There are a lot of very playful pieces, a lot of tool and a lot of pom-poms.  I went to Paris in September and was really inspired by a girl in the street I saw.  She had a bow and a hat on, a very cute dress, and black boots and tights.  I just started thinking about Parisianstyle.  As an outsider looking at Paris, you sort of think about poodles and pom-poms and stuff like that.  So I started thinking about pom-poms a lot.  I noticed in this season there have been a lot of similarities in colors in the collections, like deep purples and banana yellow, really intense browns. There are some teal greens and teal blues.  I did some purples and greens, but they haven’t hit the runway.  But there’s quite a bit of black, and black and ivory as well mixed in with it.

What inspires you?

I get inspired by society and art, film, women, biographies.  I always get inspired when I travel.  The ideas from one collection to the next often happen the minute one collection finishes. One collection starts immediately following that.  The collection is about having fun.  It’s about being a naughty girl.  Jayson Brunsdon’s label is available in 18 countries and more than 20 US states.  For more information, visit www.jaysonBrunsdon.com.

By Kaylene Peoples

Vintage Glo – One-of-a-Kind Jewelry from Treasures Around the World

Vintage Glo – One-of-a-Kind Jewelry from Treasures Around the World


My best friend lived in a 3000 square foot Victorian House with a wraparound porch and fine antique furnishings inside.  I loved that house as a child and cherished the memory.  From then on, I have carried the love for old, worn, and unique things, anywhere from furnishings to trinkets.

—Gloria Bass—

Gloria Bass is the wife of a fireman and a stay-at-home mom who home schools her teenage daughter.  She has a hefty schedule volunteering in her community and designs beautiful vintage jewelry in her spare time.  She has only been designing and selling her jewelry a short while and has already sold quite a few pieces in select boutiques.  She has been featured in Ocean Magazine and Riviera Magazine.  Celebrities Gloria Loring, Anastasia Brown, Leeza Gibbons, and Cathy Rigby also own pieces from the Vintage Glo collection.

Bass combs antique swap meets, boutiques, estate sales, and warehouses; and each hand-selected antique is given new life as Gloria works her magic to design her one-of-a-kind jewelry from her ‘found’ treasures spanning the globe. She’s even been known to purchase an entire chandelier in search of that one perfect piece. You will find anything from key chains and antique ornaments to typewriter keys as main components to her vintage-inspired wearable art. In a recent interview with the creator of Vintage Glo, I asked Gloria to shed some light on her designs and how she got started.

Hi Gloria, I’d love to hear a little about you and how you started Vintage Glo.

I am married to a fireman for 18 years and [I have] a fifteen-year-old daughter. I have been a stay-at-home mom the whole time, dabbling in different crafts and never dreamed I would be messing with jewelry. I volunteer in the community and home school my daughter.

How did you get started doing jewelry?

I started making prayer books, like scrap books, and I embellished them with jewelry—old buttons, old clip on earrings. I got away from that.  I knew I had to do something with the old because my house is filled with antiques. It looks like a museum.  I started looking for jewelry and started making it.  I started making bracelets.  My sister was living with me at the time, and she is a web designer.  And as I started making this jewelry, I was producing all these pieces and gave them to her.  My sister insisted that we create a website and sell it.  She came up with the name Vintage Glo.  My nickname was Glo in high school.  After the website was done, she gave me all the pieces back and said, “Go sell them.”  I went out to Irvine Swap Meet and laid my jewelry out and that’s where I got my first offer to be in a store in Costa Mesa.  I approached more boutiques in the area.

So it’s been pretty easy for you, then?

It’s been really easy.

In more detail, tell me about your jewelry and what’s involved in the construction.

I have made some pretty bizarre stuff, but people love it because it’s out of the box. I made a bracelet out of a door hinge. . .painted, rusted door hinge. And in the holes of that door hinge I had set some old loose rhinestones in the holes. As far as chandelier pieces, I used that to embellish as well. Typewriter keys. . .I typed someone’s name with it. I even used a chain from a plant hanger.

Were there any obstacles you encountered when starting your business?

I think basically getting the confidence from being out of the box so much. People are so used to the norm. Going out of the norm was pretty scary because I didn’t know if people were as strange (or out of the box) as I was. I love to be different. That’s why my house is full of one-of-a-kind knickknacks. . .furniture. . .I wasn’t sure how people would respond to that.

When did you actually start selling?

May 2005

Would you say most of your success is through word-of-mouth and your website?

Yes, mostly through word-of-mouth and seeing it on other people.

What are your price points?

They range for the necklaces from $60-$120 retail.

Highest High

When I spoke to Anastasia, Gloria Loring, and Leeza Gibbons, and they loved the pieces.

Lowest Low

Sometimes when I am out there and I see people trying to create what I have already created, it bums me out. But I realize that we have our own spin and nobody can get into my head and do what I do. And that’s been discouraging at some point. [My lowest low] is when I see people trying to copy.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I can’t imagine not creating my jewelry.  I hope that I am more successful and more well-known than I am now.  But I am proud of what I’m doing.

Any advice you’d like to give to someone trying to start their own jewelryline?

Stick with what you love. People are always going to try to get you to [do what they think is cool]. Do what is in your creative heart.

Are you interested in mass producing?

I’ve been in eight boutiques. I just decided to pull out of them.  It wasn’t productive.  And I had to reproduce things. . .collecting checks. . .etc.  So, no. I only kept one boutique, “Pink Laundry.”

I don’t look at magazines because I don’t want to get off focus of what’s in my own creativity.  Yet at the boutiques, they see my jewlery and comment on how my designs are what’s totally in right now.  I will get up at 1:00 a.m. and I will run down to my studio if I have something in my head.

To learn more about Vintage Glo, visit www.vintageglo.com.

By Kaylene Peoples