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"fASHION IS A LANGUAGE OF ITS OWN... LET'S TALK" EURASIAN VOGUE


JESSIE LIU- THE INTERVIEW

6/28/2016

4 Comments

 
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Designer, Jessie Liu

​I first heard about Jessie Liu at this years LA fashion week. In a sea of fashion it stood out. With her use of color, lazer cut leather and unique graphics, I wanted to know more. I began learning  the quickest way I know how, trying the pieces on. I began with the trench, how the material draped, where the laser cut patterning fell, how the material felt on my skin, (wearable and beautifully soft leather) and most importantly how it made me feel when I wore it. Innovative? Wearable? Practical? Check, check, check. Next step, interviewing the designer herself, Jessie Liu.

In the process of the interview, I got a lot more than I bargained for. Learning not only about Jessie's background, her challenges on starting up her company but far deeper issues; the issue of bringing work back to America and her views on the discrimination she has seen and experienced in the process of starting up her company. You have been forewarned, this is a no holds barred interview, and gosh, do we love her for it. 


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When did you first know that you wanted to be a part of the fashion industry?
 

Literally, since I was a child when I made the first knit dress for my Barbie doll.
 
What is your earliest memory of a special fashion moment for you?
 

It was from my childhood memory, posing in my new dress for my mom's photo shoot when I was around 8 or 9.
 
Is any of your family in the fashion industry?
 

No, no one related to arts either.
 
What was your training and work experience prior to launching your own line?
 

I received my MFA at Academy Art of University in San Francisco. Prior to that, I was an accountant. It may not seem relevant, but business-wise, that experience has helped me tremendously.
 
I think it's hugely relevant! You are now based in San Francisco, how is the fashion scene there, and how does it compare to other places you have lived?
 

Well I'd say Fashion in San Francisco is just like the fashion in most of metropolitan cities in the world, but with its own authentic tastes. I don't see much that are uniquely San Franciscan. I guess because the great weather year-round, people here are more comfort driven than weather oriented.
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I understand that you grew up in China, when did you come to the US?
 

I had my undergrad of accounting major in Toronto , Canada and moved to California  in 2008.
 
How has your cultural mix and experience in different countries affected your aesthetic and vision as a designer?
 

I'd say I am affected by the mixed culture. You can see from my collections that some of the graphic elements, like prints and laser cut motifs definitely carried Asian influences. However, the silhouette is very western in style. I feel somehow the mix of eastern and western cultures could bring out unexpected beauty and elegance. But when it comes to design, I am unbiased to any specific culture or style. I want my designs to be appreciated worldwide.
 
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Being mixed myself, (half Chinese half English) I am always fascinated by fashion trends and how differently they are interpreted in different parts of the world. How different is the consumer in China do you feel V's an American consumer and how different is the fashion industry overall in both places in your opinion?
 

Well, since I was not a fashion designer when I was in China, I don't have too much to say about the differences of the industry between China and America. However, I feel that fashion in Chinese metropolitan cities is definitely leading, and of course that's related to the rapid economic growth and growing demands. Top 10% income earners in China are a whopping 140M people, which is almost half of the US population.  Imagine all these folks waking up one day and demand individualism, elegance, high-quality garments, and you’ll see what I mean. It is a huge market.  Fashion hits faster in the Asian market compared to most of the cities in the States, and you can also feel the desperation and the needs for fresh fashion is much stronger over there.
 
Can you remember the exact moment you decided to start up Jessie Liu and how long did it take from idea to realizing the brand?
 
My company name is Simple Pair. I had a partner when I just started my company, she was my good friend also a fashion design background, and we shared the same visions and values. A simple pair of us decided to start our own women's line to pursuit our dreams.  Unfortunately, my partner was diagnosed with late stage cancer after a few months after we started our company.  Since then, I’ve been on my own journey and I named my collection with Jessie Liu. Being a consumer myself, I know from the get-go what I want my brand to be. The entire process took about 3 years.

I'm so sorry to hear about your partner, Jessie. That must have been an incredibly painful time. It shows great strength that you carried on and began the Jessie Liu line. Since beginning Jessie Liu what has been the biggest challenge with starting up your collection?
 
My biggest challenge was being a small business, how to do more with less.  I had to deal with catching up with time lines and the lack of staff and delays at the manufacturing stage. These are also related to industrial experiences. Also, what I didn’t realize was you often hear politicians tout about bring jobs back to this country, yet no one said anything specific on how to do it.  Well, I tried to make everything in the USA and let me tell you how hard it was. There was just nobody who’s willing to or has the expertise to do the work. We had job openings for months before I gave up. Then I had to deal with immigration. That was the most horrific experience I have imagined.  I wanted to sponsor one of my employees to stay and work for me as a highly-skilled worker (H1B visa), but the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office refused to recognize my employee’s MAF diploma, (despite the fact) that I have the same degree since the Academy of Art University is for profit...I don’t even know what to say.  Do we as a country really want to bring work back? Really?  I mean, come on, buddy these are the same people who educated and staffed giant companies like Pixar, Disney animation, and Dreamworks. How come the Fashion industry MFA was denied a H1B visa? If this is not discrimination, then what is? If we’re serious about bring jobs back into the US, we need to start by actually fostering growth by keeping existing talents so they can create and sustain the fashion industry here, not but sending them back and then complain why all these companies are making goods in China. No one knows the howto’s in this country anymore. If we keep immigration a backward institution as it is today, we’ll continue to snuff out industries like ours!  
Sorry, I am venting and pleading for help, hoping some politician would read your blog?  Maybe Hilary Clinton or Michelle Obama?
 

I appreciate your candor, Jessie. I think it's good to have this conversation, especially as I'm sure many people may have had very similar experiences. You are obviously an incredibly strong woman, and I think this is reflected in your designs. When you are designing, whom do you have in mind? What kind of women is your customer?
 

I design for women that have unique characters. She is very confidence, strong, and intelligent. She dares to challenge the status quo and is not afraid to try new things. Meanwhile she is cool and composed.  She is super sophisticated but with enough edginess. I'd say I myself carry some of these characters. I take myself as a muse since I know her the best. I think Michelle Obama also would be a good muse for my line.

How would you describe Jessie Liu in one sentence?
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Jessie Liu speaks fresh designs, couture craftsmanship in exquisite fabric selections.
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Where did you find your inspiration for this collection?
 

San Francisco is such a big metro-cosmopolitan city and I just LOVE the diversity here. I find my inspirations from reading random architectural megazines, visiting the dozens of museums in the city, ranging from the African Diaspora museum to the DeYoung museum, even the Cartoon museum is not out of the question. I am pretty jazzed about the opening of the new MOMA, and I am deeply moved for those philanthropists such as the Fisher family (interestingly GAP’s co-founder) to have donated their private collection of a HUGE amount of contemporary art pieces to the museum. Who said art is only valuable when the artist dies? It’s ridiculous!  Even more importantly, the benefit of the endowment to enable all under the age of 18 to enter the museum free of charge will benefit millions of young minds for ages to come.  I plan to visit the museum and draw some inspiration from the Fisher private collection. So, this is San Francisco, and I plan to let the world wear it!


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​How many people are in your team?
 

We have a team of 4 regular employees, and many, many contract seamstresses, pattern makers, and manufactures.
 
Where are you currently stocked?
 
San Francisco Bay areas, London, UK
 
Would you eventually like to have a storefront for your collection and if so where would your ideal locations be?
 
Yes, absolutely. I want the first store to be in San Francisco since this is my base and I adore its people.
 
If you had any advice for new designers what would it be?
 

Go and chase your dreams, otherwise you will be hired to chase others.
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Great advice. One of the best I have heard! Are there any designers that you look up to?
 
Many, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Yves Saint Laurent.
 
Aside from Michelle Obama, who are some of your style icons and if you could dress anyone in the Jessie Liu line who would it be and why?
 

I don't really follow mainstream celebrities. I think the characters that they showed to public are mostly not themselves, but rather a perpetual cast of some sort.  If you really ask me who I want to dress with Jessie Liu, she would be the current first lady of China. She is a very talented and well know singer in China; she was famous before she became the first lady. And she is very confident yet modest. She is real. It'd be my pleasure to dress her some day. As I mentioned before, I think Michelle Obama would look wonderfully chic yet elegant and solemn in my jackets and dresses.  She has a great taste of fashion. It would be an honor.
 
Where would you like to see the Jessie Liu brand five years from now and are there any imminent plans for Jessie Liu that you can share with our readers?
 
I just got back from the Daytime Emmy Award and the stars whole-heartedly LOVED my collections.  This experience further affirmed the path I’ve taken for my brand: stylish, recognizable quality, couture-level craftsmanship, and just fresh elegance. But I also want to explore additional options to deliver high quality, comfortable, and reasonably priced pieces for everyone. I see my brand taking off in five years and perhaps will finally be available for the public at large while still retain that exclusive quality.

Thank you again for your time and candor, Jessie.   

 
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THE JESSIE LIU COLLECTION

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​Photo credit: Courtesy of Jessie Liu

For more information on Jessie Liu visit


Jessie Liu Website
Find Jessie Liu on Instagram
4 Comments

BELOVED FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER BILL CUNNINGHAM DIES AGED 87

6/26/2016

0 Comments

 
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Photocredit: The New York Times Instagram.

Beloved and legendary fashion street photographer Bill Cunningham sadly died yesterday, Saturday 25th, June 2016 in Manhattan at the age of 87. Cunningham had recently suffered a stroke that resulted in him being hospitalized.

Cunningham was born in 1929. He received a scholarship to go to Harvard, however didn't stay long, instead moved to New York and began working in media.

Over the years Cunningham famously, through his photography recorded the evolving fashion and culture of New York by photographing people on the street, capturing the extravagant, chic, and everything in-between for The New York Times, who he worked for almost forty years. Prior to that he had his work featured in The Daily News and The Chicago Tribune. Cunningham's success was largely due to his ability to be so open minded about fashion and loved capturing the eccentric fashions on the street.

Cunningham had made such an impact on New York, with both his incredible work and gentle personality that seven years ago, in 2009 he was even given his own living landmark for 'Outstanding Contribution' awarded by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Cunningham become legendary after riding around Midtown photographing those on the street. He famously said in the opening of his own documentary, Bill Cunningham New York, "The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will.” No truer words were said and the proof was in his photographs that were taken primarily around Midtown's streets, using his preferred mode of transport, his bicycle and wearing his now famous blue coat. He has single handily captured so many of the trends that have come and gone throughout the years, that have contributed to recording the ever changing face of New York city.

During the years, Cunningham himself become as much of a celebrity and talking point (if not more so) than some of the people he photographed. Gigi Hadid, on her Instagram after the news of his death broke, wrote, "I remember being almost starstruck the first time Bill stepped in front of me with his camera on the street. I was honored. He's told incredible, iconic, real-life fashion stories with his photos, and his spirit will live forever in the industry. #RIPBillCunningham - a fashion icon."

Cunningham was so revered in the US that in 2008 he was celebrated at Bergdof Goodman, as they erected a life sized mannequin of him in the window. And it wasn't just the United States that honored Cunningham. In 2008 he visited Paris, and during his time there the French Government honored him with the Legion of Honor.

Perhaps his most prestigious honor was the 2010 documentary, Bill Cunningham New York, that premiered at the Museum of Modern Art. The documentary opened to rave reviews, however Cunningham himself wasn't so happy about the publicity it brought him. A man who had spent his whole career looking to photograph the people of New York, wasn't thrilled to be the talking point. In fact he thrived in being invisible and felt this was the best way to get the most successful photos. Moving around the streets, fashion events and galas as unnoticed as possible. The reaction Cunningham had to anonymity being removed was reflective of the way he had lived his life. No aspirations for fame, little care for money, choosing instead a simple life up until the end. The Times description of him is perhaps the most apt:


"He didn’t go to the movies. He didn’t own a television. He ate breakfast nearly every day at the Stage Star Deli on West 55th Street, where a cup of coffee and a sausage, egg and cheese could be had, until very recently, for under $3. He lived until 2010 in a studio above Carnegie Hall amid rows and rows of file cabinets, where he kept all of his negatives. He slept on a single-size cot, showered in a shared bathroom and, when he was asked why he spent years ripping up checks from magazines like Details (which he helped Annie Flanders launch in 1982), he said: “Money’s the cheapest thing. Liberty and freedom is the most expensive." - The New York Times. 



A sad loss, a great legend and someone we have learnt, and can continue to learn so much from. Thank you for the beautiful images, Bill Cunningham, through them, you live on. 

BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK - THE TRAILER




​Click for slideshow of In The Life of Bill Cunningham 
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FIDM DESIGNERS: THE ONES TO WATCH 

6/20/2016

6 Comments

 
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Stacy Fan attending the FIDM Debut Show 2016 
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This year I attended the FIDM Debut Runway show. Located in Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, the venue was grand in both size and set up. The audience was filled with aspiring students, established industry people coming to support as well as featured guest appearances from FIDM Alum, several of which have gone on to compete on Project Runway and many more who have gone on to establish themselves as credible players in the industry. Even Tim Gunn popped up on a pre-recorded video to wish the FIDM students luck.
 
Attending the first show of the week, there wasn't an empty seat in the house. Each collection that showed that evening impressed me, the amount of work and thought that had gone into each one was incredible and to know that the students had just graduated was even more mind blowing.
 
Getting into the FIDM Debut show itself is not easy, and for some it wasn’t the first time they had applied. However I can see why, the talent and level of design that showed was far more than I could of ever expected. There were however three designers that evening that really blew me away, Rychie Zheng, Yongjian (Tomy) Huang and Danny Godoy. 
 
As soon as the show was over, I tracked the designers down and met with the each individually to discuss their experience at FIDM, the inspiration for their collection and what they have planned next.
 
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Rychie ZhEng


Born and raised in China until the age of seveteneen, Rychie Zheng’s collection is a mix of both both US and Chinese culture, with one of her biggest inspirations being that of paper craft. Rychie set out to create pieces that were original and with her incredible use of draping, and layering I can safely say she has accomplished this. 
 
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Stacy Fan meeting with designer, Rychie Zheng

Although Rychie is a newly graduated member of FIDM and clearly a natural designer, it wasn’t the first path she took, “I was interested in fashion (as early) as elementary school. When I immigrated to the US when I was 17 years old, I went to Arcadia but when it was time to pick my major in college, my dad didn’t think it was a good to choose fashion, so I studied business and marketing management and international business." However after spending four years in retail her love of fashion didn’t disappear, so Rychie decided to take the plunge and go back and study her first love, “I started this program in 2014, so I had zero background and learnt how to sew and everything in 2014. I picked it up really quickly, but I worked really hard. When I first learnt to sew I was really hard on myself, if it wasn’t straight I would rip it up.”  This perfection clearly paid off as Rychie’s collection not only made it’s way to show at the Debut collection, but was impeccable in both cut, style and finish.


Having a good eye for fashion runs in Rychie’s blood, her mom works in menswear and her dad helps get the goods, “ My mom really likes fashion." Rychie says. 

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Speaking about her experience at FIDM, Rychie tells me, “I think the whole programme is set up well, so you can see eveything that you will see and go through in the industry. I had the chance to be in the Debut, so I had my own collection after one year. I am really glad I only took one year to complete the course and I had a 12 piece collection. I was slow in making the garments, so for me that was the challenge. I learnt how to speed myself up during the Debut program. The Debut collection has been my biggest accomplishment and is a new chapter into the industry.”
 
With her Debut collection, Rychie wanted to create something new and original, looking to designers like Rei Kawakubo for inspiration, “She is so inspiring, she thinks the creation is the origin of her design. It is new, maybe we don’t understand it, but she can pass on her message to her audience, she thinks fashion has now turned too much to fast fashion; it’s missing the soul of the fashion. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, girls want to change their fashion and style often but there's pros and cons.”

Rychie's other influence is her Chinese heritage, “I wanted to get some Chinese elements in it. It’s not too obvious but I am Chinese and I am conservative so I don’t want to show too much skin. As a Chinese designer, I wanted to have something clean, I have a lot of things going on in my silhouettes but they are still very clean. I think that is very different to other designers, they want a lot of things going on in their design which isn’t for me. I didn’t really intend to do that in the very beginning but I just went with what was in my head.”


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​I ask Rychie, how she would describe the woman she is dressing, “A woman very independent of course, she likes to try something new, she travels a lot and counts on herself, she is strong but feminine at the same time.” In the future Rychie tells me, she wants to create a line that is “Something more high end, I like a very fine clean finish that looks very expensive, I want to set myself as high end but RTW. 
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I adored Rychie's collection and just loved how original it was. Each piece looked so luxe and was the perfect combination of being stand out but also wearable. I can't believe this was her first ever collection and cannot wait to see what she does next.

​See Rychie's full collection below. 
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​Yongjian (Tomy) Huang 

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Designer, Tomy Huang

​Although Tomy just graduated from FIDM he is by no means new to fashion. He actually had seven years experience in China as a designer and pattern maker and has even taught sewing and pattern making in China prior to beginning FIDM and this experience certainly showed in his collection.  
 
Tomy heard about FIDM through his mom’s friend. He was spending his days playing on computer games, but when he found fashion, this all changed and it became his only focus.
 
Tomy’s collection was inspired by Japanese origami, and using the chinese lucky color of red, and the cream color of champagne he created a collection combining both men and womenswear. Inspired by designers John Galliano and Alexander Mcqueen but from an asian perspective it was one of the most impeccably tailored and cohesive collections I've seen.


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Despite already having an impressive background in fashion in China, after hearing about FIDM's Debut collection, that only 10-12 designers would be able to show in, Tomy decided to join the program as he really wanted to see his collection up on the runway because, “FIDM is a great stage." 

Inspired by origami, Tomy says, "The color combination of my collection was cream and a touch of red." His collection was particularly stand out with his use of the red leather, however it certainly wasn't easy to work with, “It was really hard to sew the leather, it’s cow leather and it’s really thick. It took me more than one week per dress!" Tomy continues, "The programme is about nine months, and we have that time to get the collection together." Tomy’s process isn’t a conventional one, preferring to drape before he even sketches, "I like to do more structure and pattern making. I don’t sketch first. I drape first.  My process is I find the inspiration, choose the element, then the fabric, use this sample on the dress, then sketch.” Conventional or not, this process is certainly working for him. 
 
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"Being Chinese has influenced me through the inspiration of the origami in my collection, and the technique.” Tomy was one of the only designers that chose to tackle both a men and women’s wear collection, but if Tomy had to chose between designing for men or women? “ I would choose women’s wear. I like the silhouette, the curve, more hour glass. It’s more elegant. However in the future I would like to do both. I would love to do my business here but also have a Chinese customer.” 

See Tomy's full collection below
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Tomy Huang's dresses made of leather each took one week to make
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Danny Godoy

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Danny Godoy had a clear dream, and it was getting into the FIDM Debut. After not getting in the first year, he kind of ‘gave up’ on his dream. However after the support and encouragement of his friends and family, he applied again and it was a, “What if I don’t get in?" moment. But he did get accepted and that was where he says his journey really began. The inspiration behind his collection was inspired by the 40’s and 50’s and his muse, Dita Von Teese. 


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Danny Godoy's finale 'Cage Dress'

It turns out enrolling in FIDM was the best decision he’s made thus far, “It was more than I thought it would be, it’s not for everyone, I’m only 21, but so far it’s been the best experience of my life. It’s a hard school, it’s not for everyone.”
 
Not only did Danny get in the second time he applied he even managed to offset his tuition and fees. He was an RA and for the last 9 months of his time at FIDM and also worked at Halston, as he “Wanted to keep retail fresh on my resume.” Danny had previously worked at Ted Baker for three years, a year and a half of that as a manager.
 
Although Danny loved his time at FIDM and achieved his goal of showing in the Debut show he tells me it was definitely the most challenging thing he’s done, however he adds, “These last 9 months, were the most gratifying. I definitely stepped in with an open mind. I didn’t have a preconceived idea. I had a previous collection I had done before this one. It wasn’t me though. It was more RTW, more sportswear. My next collection was more daring. My woman is still young and very bold in a very classic way.” Bold is certainly the right word to describe his collection, particularly his finale 'cage' dress, “The cage dress was paneled out, made with horse hair, the fabric and underlay, it took me about 240 hours to make.”
 
The entire collection took Danny six months, he tells me “Solidifying the idea took the longest, being a newbie designer.” In fact Danny had so many ideas it took time to really pick just one and to just go with it, “Some had a quick approach, but only about four designers kept with their original ideas.”

Taking the time out after not getting into FIDM certainly paid off as Danny admits, “The first time I applied I wasn’t as strong as I didn’t have a strong enough personality, I didn’t know what I was capable of, or I didn’t come through as I was capable enough." Fortunately the time out made all the difference, and Danny more than proved what he was able to achieve this time around.
 
As well as being a huge support, Danny’s family also have a very strong influence on his designs. After checking that this was definitely what he wanted to do, and seeing his potential, his mom bought him his first sewing machine. That one broke so his dad then bought him one, that one also broke and then his neighbor who just happened to be Becky G’s grandma gave him her old sewing machine, "That one didn’t break! But I was also afraid to use it." Danny say's with a laugh. 

Danny has certainly learnt a lot during his time at FIDM but some of the lessons he learnt weren’t just in the workroom, but life lessons, “One of the biggest lessons I learnt was to not give up, to always go with your gut feeling, there's always going to be people tell you to do something different, don’t second guess yourself and go with your gut. It’s something I learnt most recently. The last two weeks were life changing. I learnt that lesson. You can’t be so nit picky, you can’t plan everything out exactly as you want it, you can only set out those goals.” Danny continues  "FIDM did help a lot with figuring out who I am as a designer but more as a person, you know your basis but you don’t know what you’re doing next. FIDM definitely showed me who I am and what I am capable of doing, a sense of security and confidence. I can see who I am now. The teachers are so supportive; I can ask them anything, industry advice or help.  It’s not just the instructors either, the owner, the chair, you see the love, you see the passion. They work for the success of their students.”
 
Danny has certainly come a long way since he first began at FIDM and the security that the school has given him has certainly stayed with him since graduating allowing him to take far more risks in his life than he would have before. Later down the line Danny's dream would be to work overseas, “I would love to work for Chanel or Dior, Jack spade, RL, I feel very comfortable designing for women but not for men, attention to detail, fabric choice, there is a difference. I haven’t done any designing for men but worked for Ted Baker so I know what they want, designing is research. What’s going on, what is trickling down to what people are wearing, avoiding my comfort zone.”
 
Danny’s attitude and career choices are cemented in looking at the long term. Many newly graduated students set their sights immediately on having their own line but Danny has more of a practical plan, he calls it, “OPM – Other peoples money.” Danny laughs. I want to learn from them, I want to learn from the business side. I was a manager at a retail store, I know design, now I want to learn about how to build a brand. I want to set up my own brand maybe 15-20 years down the line.”
 
However in the mean time, Danny tells me, “My short term plan would get me to the position as a creative designer at a house like LV, Gucci or Dior, Even just getting in to the company or being a designer, but my ultimate goal is to have my own brand. I want everything, not just RTW, but furniture. I want my stuff to not just be worn by people but also to have my designs within the comfort of their own home, I want to be a part of peoples lives in general.”
 
With his vision, dramatic designs and strong work ethic, I’ve no doubt that Danny will achieve his goals.


See Danny Godoy's full collection below 
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​Photo credits:
FIDM Debut Runway collection photos: provided by FIDM by Photographer: Alex J. Berliner/ ABImages
Rychie Zheng's editorial photos provided by Rychie Zheng
Yongjian Tomy Huang's editorial photos provided by Tomy Huang. 

Click for more information on FIDM

Rychie Zheng Instagram
(Yongjian) Tomy Huang
Danny Godoy Instagram 

Special thanks to FIDM for their assistance. 

6 Comments

PERLA FORMENTINI LANDS IN THE US!

6/20/2016

5 Comments

 
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Wearing Perla Formentini heels, Noemi in Blue / Grey 

I couldn't be happier that the luxury Italian shoe brand Perla Formentini has officially launched in the US with their stunning Spring/Summer 2016 collection, which is available now online. The collection includes luxury loafers sandals, ballerina flats, stunning pumps and gorgeous heels.
 
Eurasian Vogue always holds a special place for a female led company, filled with strong women who know exactly what strong women want, so we love that Perla Formentini is a company led by women and the design team is mostly made up of women. As a result the brand are committed to producing luxury quality shoes at an affordable price point that fit it in with our lives. The founders, Perla Formentini and Bianca Tse, tell EV "We are so proud to be a company for women by women," continuing, "We lead such busy lives today, balancing family, work and leisure. We really want to design shoes that can fit our lifestyles, and are especially excited about the launch of our brand in the US."

Perla Formentini shoes are crafted in Marche, Italy, a place where Italian sophistication meets a luxe, minimalist aesthetic. The brand is inspired by confident women who are uniquely stylish without sacrificing comfort along the way. 
 
Perla Formentini collections are perfect for the office, cocktail hour, events and work in the city or roaming the countryside at the weekend. The collection is bold in color and design, with unique color combinations, and of-the-moment shapes, which give the Perla woman exactly what she needs, a luxurious comfortable shoe that will make her stand out wherever she goes.

For the spring / summer collection the design team were inspired by the warmth of sunny days, the deep colors of the Mediterranean and bold architectural shapes and metallic palettes of the city. 


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Stylish comfort.. My Perla Formentini's on the move. 

This season’s hero styles include:
 
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Lia, a soft ballerina flat in bright and pastel hues. $198
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Calandra, a flat slingback sandal with geometric cutout details $365
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Enrica, a flat gladiator inspired sandal with silver hardware detail $365
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Ilara, a metallic criss-cross sandal with block heels $380
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Ines, a colorblocked suede slide featuring block heels $350
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Sonia, a bold suede stiletto heel with bold criss-cross details $395
 
I love the entire collection but was particularly taken with the Noemi. I always want a heel that I can walk in all day but also a pair that are stand out enough to make my outfit really pop and these shoes checked all the boxes. I’m absolutely loving a slightly platformed heel and the Noemi in rich blue, reminds me of the sea on a summer day and makes a bold statement with their strong architectural aesthetic with the beautiful strap across the heel.
 
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Noemi in Blue / Grey $365

They are seriously cushioned making your feet almost bounce when you walk. Also with their rich blue, they look perfect paired with with cropped jeans or denim culottes. I’m also planning on wearing a lot of midi skirts as we head into summer, and these shoes are the perfect partner for them! I have already styled them with two of my summer outfits and honestly couldn’t love them more.
 
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​Visit Perla Formentini 
Perla Formentini : Instagram 



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NOVESTA LAUNCH IN THE U.S! 

6/18/2016

2 Comments

 
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​Good news for sneaker fans!! The awesome ecological shoe brand NOVESTA have announced the launch of their first ever U.S collection of unisex sneaker in the U.S. Available in a low top, called the Star Master and high top, called the Star Dribble just in time for summer! 


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​I’m a huge fan of Novesta. Not only are their shoes amazingly comfortable with a unique design and beautiful color range, Novesta also take great pride in creating ecological footwear of the highest quality in an ethical manufacturing environment.
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Novesta began their story in 1939, with famous shoemaker Jan Antonin Bata, who opened up a factory in Partizánske in the middle of Slovakia. Since then the brand has gone on to be one of the most popular throughout Europe, specializing in crude rubber and cotton canvas. Soon after launching they became the main supplier to top European designers and shoe makers for over half a century. 

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In 1992 the Novesta brand was formed. They still continue to supply to top brands with their crude rubber and have become renowned as one of the top shoe companies in the world with their use of natural materials in their production and European sensibility in design.

​I love pairing my Novesta’s with maxi dresses, and short dresses in the summer and cropped jeans for cooler climates or the evening! I especially love the red ones, to add a pop of color to an otherwise muted outfit. 
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Speaking of the launch in the U.S Novesta North America Brand Manager, Matt Butlett, states “We are thrilled to introduce Novesta to the states.  Ecological footwear is important to the American consumer; addressing that preference with such dedicated care in manufacturing produces a classic sneaker that will appeal to men and women across the country.”
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Novesta is available at Madison Los Angeles  and Lone Flag.
 
For more information visit Novesta  online. 
Novesta on Facebook   
Novesta on Instagram.
 
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The Novesta colors available are Beige Ecru (natural canvas), Beige Transparent, Platan, Red, Military Green, India Blue, Black, and White $89.00 for the Star Master. $99.00 for the Star Dribble
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2 Comments

THE OLSEN TWINS TURN 30!

6/13/2016

8 Comments

 
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 It's hard to believe that the Olsen twins have turned 30 years old today! Perhaps because they have been on our screens since they were infants!

Now two of the most influential designers in the fashion industry, the Olsen twins started out as actresses, beginning their career as babies, both playing Michelle Tanner on Full House. 

Their acting career flourished and at the age of six the fraternal twins were acting together in a number of TV shows and Films. They have accumulated a huge amount of wealth which has only increased since they stepped into the fashion world and are now two of the wealthiest women in the industry. 


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The twins quickly found a unique look of boho glam favoring muted colors and simple but tailored designs and are rarely seen without their oversized sunglasses. In 2006 the Olsen twins were the face of Badgley Mischka but their foray into fashion began in 2004, when they created a line for Wal-Mart stores in North America for girls aged 4-14. 

Since then their career in fashion has gone from strength to strength. In 2006 they created their first couture line, The Row (named after Savile Row) focusing on relaxed and timeless tailoring, and pieces inspired by their own vintage wardrobe. In 2007 they created their second line Elizabeth and James, a brand consisting of feminine pieces including dresses and separates, but all with the effortless stamp of the Olsen twins own personal style. 

The twins have created an ethical work environment for their workers and made headlines when they pledged to give maternity leave to all the people who sew their line of clothing in Bangladesh, a move that was praised by the organizers of the pledge, The National Labor Committee. 

In 2008, the twins went on to publish a book named Influence, a book featuring interview with some of the most prolific people in the fashion industry and in 2013 launched a new fashion line in Oslo, Norway, a perfect home for their style. With Norwegians style being more minimal which the Olsen twins said "Is great for us, as we are definitely attracted to that aesthetic." 

The fashion industries support for the twins work has been unwavering, and in 2012 they were named  Womensewear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) for their line, The Row and again in 2015. They also received the CFDA award in 2014, this time for Accessories designer of the year. With their timeless elegance, business savvy and classic beauty and incredible career already, they have certainly crammed a lot in their thirty years! Happy Birthday, Mary-Kate and Ashley, here's to the next thirty!! We can't wait to see what you do!! 
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THE OLSEN TWINS FASHION 

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8 Comments

TOPSHOP'S DRESS OF THE MOMENT

6/9/2016

 
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Loving my Topshop Wrap Slip Dress

​Topshop have once again outdone themselves with their latest summer drop, this time with the stunning Wrap Slip Dress. I first saw this beauty when it came out in England a couple of months ago, (I quickly snapped mine up) before returning to the US and seeing it in their LA store. Even Caroline Flack has instragammed a picture of herself wearing the dress, with a caption saying the dress "Is everything.." We couldn't agree more. Shop yours below! 
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​Caroline Flack in her Topshop Dress. Photo credit: Caroline Flack : Instagram. 
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Topshop wrapdress (currently unavailable online)
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Topshop Striped slip dress
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Topshop Wrap slip dress in red
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Topshop Mix Floral Wrap Dress all priced at $68 USD or £36.00

KARL LAGERFELD'S ENGAGEMENT RING COLLECTION.

6/2/2016

 
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Karl Lagerfeld has just stepped into new territory and he's made some women very happy in the process! This fall Lagerfeld will be adding engagement rings to his already impressive list of collections. 

Karl Lagerfeld is famously the head designer for Chanel and Fendi and his list of designs are certainly extensive designing everything from shoes, clothes, handbags as well as a range of accessories and even a Diet coke can, however he had yet to create that all important diamond ring, until now. 

Having such an extensive range of designs under his belt, including the wedding dress range for Chanel, you would think that creating a line of engagement rings would be a walk in the park, however Lagerfeld has said that it was, "Kind of a challenge.”

Lagerfeld has partnered up for a licensing agreement with Fredrick Goldman fine jewelry. Frederick Goldman, Inc. were founded in 1948, and operate and manufacture in North America and are based in New York. They specialize in bridal jewelry, and diamond and gemstone fashion jewelry for women.

 The collection is catered for a millennial crowd and will range from $1,000-$10,000. The collection all come in 18-karat yellow and white gold and for those with a larger budget can even get their chosen design in platinum. Lagerfeld has started the collection with just three designs all of which are very classic. One of the designs is even inspired by the curves and arches of the beautiful Parisian architecture. 

Speaking of the collection Lagerfeld says, "The rings had to express something that concerns the heart and real feelings,” Continuing, “It has to be a symbol and a sign of a real wish of engagement. It has to be elegant but not bling-bling.”

I believe Lagerfeld has achieved his goal! See the first released images of the collection below: 




KARL LAGERFELD'S BEAUTIFUL ENGAGEMENT RING COLLECTION 

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Images: Karl Lagerfeld.

    By
    STACY FAN 



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