being a step ahead by taking a step back

For a fashion designer it is already 2011. Yes it can be weird to work on designs to be worn in a year from now. You're always hushed to the next thing before you can really enjoy that moment. As an independent I can control the design schedule a bit more, but let's be honest, you've got to think ahead and sometimes that means to just really be in the now. Because people who do not worry about fashion (they could be your customer), they have to catch up first.



As much as it is shameful to be catching up on an ongoing trend, it can be frustrating to be ahead all the time. And sometimes I just wanna make a piece of clothing for right now! That could mean I've got to take a step back. "What is she talking about? It's confusing!" you may say. So let me show you a situation like this on an example.

I am rediscovering a print from 2 years ago. It feels right to me now.

It just happened yesterday when I was on my usual sneak peek tour through the garment district. Those of you who have been following some of my work, know about the cool Sunglasses photo printed fabric. Well, when I chose it for a dress 2 years ago, there was another print from the same manufacturer, the Sandals photo print. I preferred the Sunglasses one over the Sandals one then and never looked back, but on my stroll yesterday this print looked like now to me, I wanted to make something with it to wear this Summer 2010. And that is what I mean when I say: "Sometimes I have to take a step back to be ahead", which could be what I am feeling right now.

It's intuition I believe. Anyway, now that I have picked the fabric, I've got to get inspired to come up with the type of garment it is going to be and that - you bet - is a whole another story! It may inspire you or you may have a suggestion... please feel free to comment on it :)

holiday feeling

It's no secret, we are reminded every day that it's that time of year again where the x-mas holiday celebrations are upon us and I must say I am feeling cozy and festive these days, especially since they are forecasting a few days of snow storms... Ahhh! There we go - I love Winter! So during times like these I like to come up with some garments and accessories that are making me feel... well, exactly that: cozy and festive!

Have a look at this evening pouch I just made...



It's a One-Of-A-Kind. The screen print depicts a woman in 1920's attire posing with a leopard. I found a very small batch of prints of different 1920's images, so there will be a couple of similar bags, but each and every one will be a different picture and they'll vary in sizes too. The color theme here is black, white, gray, rusty orange (dress), copper (glass beads), pearl gray (glass beads) and antique silver (chain).



It's kind of thought to accent an evening dress with some eclectic sparkle... it really works with any black dress. I even see an elegant pair of pants - wide leg, satin and a blouse or an evening top with some more beading accents perhaps? Crushed velvet in a jacket or coat, might be a good choice... anyhow, I just wanted to get in the mood a bit...



Of course, it's handmade. And it features an array of tiny little details which make this handbag so fabulous!

It's fully lined with a black on black patterned silk charmeuse and I added padding to give it a nice soft thickness. An inner small pocket comes in handy and the cotton crushed velvet backside brings that certain cozy vintage vibe and richness with it's texture. The silver gray and copper glass beaded fringe and a slippery snake chain strap add sparkle and last but certainly not least a smooth riri zipper for quick and easy access!




Yes, just simply a great piece to compliment and finish an evening look for years to come! Own this One Of A Kind...

rockin' print mix puzzle

There are a few magazines I would never throw away (besides the ones that have articles about idilvice in it) if they were the last thing I had to come back for, in case they would not fit in my car when I moved or whatever dreadful situation would present itself that would jeopardize the glorious fact that I own them. These magazines found a very special place in my heart because they had something in particular in them that strikes a nerve and had a major influence on me at the time and later remind me of the fascination I had with it.

One of these glossies (Vogue Italia, 2007) is the one with this Steven Meisel photo spread in it:


Yes, that is right, I will never give it away, you bet! The execution of the images is incredible. Now there is a dazzling puzzle version available at Art + Commerce!