Dedicated Follower of Fashion

Friend Friday: At The Beach/Pool

(lounging poolside at The Standard, Hollywood)

For this weeks Friends Friday Katie of Modly Chic wants to know...what do fashion bloggers take with them to the beach or pool?

1. You're headed to the beach/pool, what's in your bag? 

If I'm not wearing it...my swimsuit, a towel, a good book or magazine (usually both), my i-pod, a ton of water, sunscreen, lipbalm, and a water spray (I love the Evian one) Oh and snacks!

2. Be honest... how do you feel about sunscreen? How often do you put it on?

I have not been diligent enough about sun screen in the past - I don't burn easily, so I tend to forget about it easily as well, which is neither big nor clever. I am trying to be much better about that. I'm using moisturisers with SPF in them all the time now and using sunscreen when I know I'm going to be in the sun for an elongated period of time.

3. Do you have any sunburn remedies?

I don't! I have literally burned twice in my life and I had no idea what to do! I've heard aloe vera is good....

4. Do you use sunless tanning products? Which do you use, why is it your favorite?

I very rarely do as I get quite tan easily, I'd used St Tropez in the past but recently I got to try a whole slew of products as part of the tried and tested series we did for 'Get Summer Ready' and I really loved Solerra Bronzing Mitts and Infinity Sun's Spray tan - Jergens was pretty good too - and cheap!

5. The best part about the beach is...

The smell, the salt spray mixed with sunscreen, and hot skin - the smell of summer, and I love feeling the sand between my toes.

Kelsi x

Erika Hendrix of Asuyeta

By Sarah Corley

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of corresponding with Erika Hendrix, the founder and designer behind Asuyeta. With a new brand name that reflects her Cherokee Indian heritage, Erika knows how to fashion pieces that are instantly desired and loved by many.

Becoming a designer...

Erika Hendrix first discovered her love for design in 2002 when she learned to sew during an apprenticeship in interior design and window dressing. She started designing beautiful clothes completely unique to her and quickly realized that she wanted to share them with other people. So Erika started visiting stores with her pieces, and most snapped them up right away for consignment. This positive feedback on her designs led Erika to create a full-fledged label in July 2005. 

Although Erika is completely self-taught in design, she has always had a natural creative flare and eye for detail. She explains, “Even though I did not go to design school, I have always been creative and enjoyed making things. I started sewing in 2002 and taught myself everything I know. It’s a hard way to learn, but it was the best fit for me!” 

Erika now has an amazing store in Mannheim, Germany, where she moved for her husband’s military job in 2008.  She loves having daily interaction with customers through her store and says, “It’s great to have customers come in because you see what people really want!”

A Look into Asuyeta...

After five years designing, Erika was ready for a fresh take on her brand, so she recently tapped into her Cherokee Indian roots for inspiration for a reinvention. As of May 2010, Asuyeta has replaced the name of her label (originally called Erika Hendrix). This word means "chosen" in Cherokee and "envious" in Sanskrit, so her label represents clothes that are chosen for the consumer, especially those of which everyone should be envious. And you will definitely get that vibe from her collections!

Her current spring/summer collection, "Baby, you're the ginchiest!", is filled with pretty floral prints and lovely silhouettes. You will find yourself wanting immediately!

Read on for a glimpse into my conversation with Erika about her label and collections:

What was the road like to becoming a designer and creating Asuyeta?
It has been a very rocky journey, and it still has its ups and downs. But I am loving every minute of it!


Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?
I am inspired by everyday life, people, music, and art.

What garments do you enjoy making the most? Why?
I love making my collections because I pick the theme and get really inspired by it! My SS10 collection was inspired by the 50s, so I looked at a lot of Gil Elvgren paintings and watched movies like Grease and Pleasantville. My AW10/11 collection is inspired by my Native American heritage, and I am very excited about that!

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far as a designer?
Every time I get an order in or a customer comes to the store and buys something or says something nice about my pieces is an accomplishment! Also, reading articles written about my pieces is always awesome!

Do you have any advice for emerging and independent designers?
Do your thing and don’t give up!

 

Thanks Erika!

www.asuyeta.com

DFOF TV: Nosey Parker - Chelsea Rebelle

By Kelsi Smith

Anyone who has followed this blog for sometime understands my love of Chelsea Rebelle. Sitting front row at the past two seasons shows have afforded me a first hand experience of the beautiful collections, and yet for this inquisitive, and, well, downright nosey, fashion blogger, front row was not close enough.

A few weeks ago I met with Sarah Brannon, designer behind Chelsea Rebelle, to take a closer look at her creations. The above video documents my exploration of my favourite pieces from her Fall/Winter Collection. For those who have a keener eye for detail, below are a few detail shots from the pieces that I captured on film.

 

Details: Ex Lovers - A/W10/11

Sarah also managed to spare some time to sit down, over lemonade, tea and vegan cookie sandwiches at my new favourite LA bakery, Babycakes, to discuss her evolution as a designer and exactly how this native New Zealander found herself in Los Angeles.

Sarah trained in fashion in New Zealand, graduated in 2001 and began producing her first collection in 2000, initially creating a line of streetwear after making clothes for her friends. A romance brought her to Berkeley, California in 2002, where she continued her collection. Working out of her home the streetwear aesthetic she'd developed was successful in local boutiques. Her streetwear collection had been developed through happenstance, but despite it's success for her on a local level it was not how she'd envisioned her line.

A move to Los Angeles in 2004 gave her pause to re-evaluate her future as a designer and Chelsea Rebelle was officially launched in 2005. The first few months of Chelsea Rebelle's "life" was not without drama. A studio fire, 3 months after the launch obliterated everything Sarah had worked towards. As with most young designers money was not readily available, everything had been poured into Chelsea Rebelle and the next year was a struggle between an unscrupulous landlord refusing to let her out of her lease and insurance companies refusing to pay up.

Sarah found herself in a 'Catch 22' situation. Having lost everything, what she really needed was another chance to re-evaluate her situation, however the insurance company offered no such opportunities, refusing to pay out unless Chelsea Rebelle was to remain in existence.

'Under the Influence' - Chelsea Rebelle A/W 06/07

Sarah proved herself resilient and once the legal battles were through she relaunched Chelsea Rebelle in early 2006. Since then Sarah has been producing collections of the highest caliber out of both London and Los Angeles.

'Ex Lovers' - Chelsea Rebelle A/W 10/11

Her work evokes the whimsy of the girliest girl with feminine silhouettes and details such as bows and pretty collars, but the garments retain a certain masculine quality through tough details such as PVC and studs. These juxtapositions, quite literally at times 'leather and lace', express a lot about who Sarah is as a designer and who she expects to be wearing her clothes. Most recently Kelly Osbourne wore the magnificent Glitter dress from the Chelsea Rebelle Spring/Summer 2010 collection to Elton John's party in Los Angeles. This was a style collaboration Sarah was very excited about, describing Kelly as the perfect Chelsea Rebelle girl. Los Angeles meets London, girly girl meets rockstar tomboy.

The Glitter Dress - Chelsea Rebelle S/S10

A notable and noble stance, deserving of a mention, is Sarah's refusal to use leather and fur in her collections, as a devout vegan she shows us how to be stylish without the use of animal by-products. The materials used to develop her collections are of the highest quality and her faux leathers and furs are just as good as the real thing minus the ick factor. Sarah is a shining example to other designers that faux does not mean faux-pas.

Having learned more about Sarah's background and how her collection has evolved through hardships I recognise the resilience within her garments. The Chelsea Rebelle character is a heroine, feisty and tough but she's not butch, she in touch with her femininity and not shy of exuding that and using it to her best advantage. She's the girl we all dream of being, and in wearing Chelsea Rebelle we find ourselves that little bit closer.

Nadia Izruna of NADINOO

Fashion is such a beautiful thing, is it not? There is something marvelous about watching new trends and designs come into the fashion scene. Whether we are being intrigued by a different spin on an old idea or a completely unique design, there is no question that fashion is evolving at every moment. Since designers are central to this evolution, we are highlighting one of our favorites this week on Dedicated Follower of Fashion!

Meet Nadia

Nadia Izruna grew up appreciating the process of creating and sewing beautiful garments. With a mother who enjoyed sewing clothes, Nadia was introduced to fabrics and their clothing possibilities early on. She explained, “My mum used to make clothes for my four sisters and me. She’d take me to buy the fabrics and then I’d hover around her, probably annoyingly so, until they were ready.” By the time Nadia was eighteen, she finally had her own sewing machine and was ready to take on the fashion world. In her own words, “I haven’t looked back since.”

Because of her lifelong interest in making clothes, Nadia realized designing could be a career she would actually enjoy. She remembered, “Doing anything you love and earning a living from it is a very fortunate thing to have. Having friends and family dreading the Monday morning was all the realisation I needed.” Thus, it made sense for Nadia to pursue fashion as a career, so she entered Manchester Metropolitan University to study fashion design and technology.

Throughout her university experience, Nadia was always ready to learn through regular coursework at the school and local internships with independent designers. She recalls creating her first complete collection, “The final year of university was very demanding, but seeing my collection at Urbis Gallery (Manchester, England) was very exciting.”

After finishing at the university level, Nadia joined the design team at Puma for three years. It was there that she learned how fashion works on the corporate scale, “Working for a corporation of this size exposes you to many key skills I have utilised whilst starting up Nadinoo.” However, she also realized, “Designing commercial product at Puma does mean you sometimes have to sacrifice creativity. But seeing your product in store and on people as you walk down the street gives you a real buzz.”

NADINOO

With five years of professional design experience, Nadia has been in the industry long enough to understand the ins and outs of running a label. Because of her background, she has achieved every designer’s dream and created Nadinoo, a growing and successful brand. When asked about her design experiences, Nadia commented, “The real icing on the cake has been Nadinoo. It’s really hard work, but I get to design garments which I love to bits! I’m very proud of how far Nadinoo has come in less than a year.”

Currently based in Germany and moving to London later this year, Nadinoo includes designs that are beautifully feminine with a vintage feel—even pixie-ish. Nadia explained her label’s aesthetic, “For inspiration, I like to dip into many fashion eras from the 1900s. Right now, I’m particularly inspired by the 30s and 40s. The styling is all so perfect that I think this will definitely come through in my next collections.” Beyond these eras of style, specific fabrics (like Liberty of London prints) inspire Nadia as well, “Often when selecting the fabrics, they spring to life, and I can imagine what style they would suit and how they will look as finished garments.” When working with silks, she loves creating beautiful dresses, as seen in her Autumn/Winter 09 collection.

Advice for Independent Designers

“Getting industry experience is essential.  Small design labels are great for exposing you to the product and are very hands-on.  Larger corporations teach you processes, such as critical paths, costing a garment and commerciality.  Finally for the independents, save up a little investment capital. In most cases it will be a while before your business becomes profitable, and eventually you can earn a living from it.” ~ Nadia Izruna

What Nadia loves right now!

* Vintage stores and markets in London
        1.    Portabello Market
        2.    Brick Lane
        3.    Petticoat Lane
* Music – TOP 5 Bands
        1.    Friendly Fires
        2.    Bat for Lashes
        3.    Bon Iver
        4.    Lykke Li
        5.    Joanna Newsom
* Radio – Since she lives in Germany, Nadia loves to tune in to hear English conversation!

Fun Fact: Did you know that Nadia is half English and half Libyan and can speak fluent Arabic?

Check Out Nadinoo

Learn more about Nadia and her designs through the following sites:

Nadinoo.com
Nadia's Blog
Etsy Store

Thanks again for letting me interview you Nadia! I am looking forward to watching your continued success  with Nadinoo. Good luck in London!!

By Sarah Corley

Designer Spotlight - Luli De Paula of Bellebas

Have you ever sat back and really thought about the beauty in design? As fashion enthusiasts, we are privileged to see and appreciate the innovation and self-expression of designers through their creations. Not only is it fun to wear their clothes and look pretty, but we are also taking part in something much greater. We are spreading the designer’s story!

Meet Luli

Today, Dedicated Follower of Fashion is providing you with an in-depth look into Luli De Paula’s journey to becoming a designer. Originally from Argentina, Luli is a lifelong artist and admits being inspired by and interested in everything, “Everywhere I look, I find something fascinating.” As the creative mind behind Bellebas, she focuses on creating clothes that are interesting, classic, and pretty. Using lovely floral and solid fabrics, her designs are beautifully feminine with interesting details. Luli explained, “I like to design timeless clothing—something you can wear all your life, something that won’t lose its beauty with time.”

Although she did not begin her education pursuing it, every step set the stage for fashion to be Luli’s future. She described her journey, “My road was definitely a curvy one that evolved into the design world.” At first, Luli studied medicine because of her interest in the human body. After some time, she realized that her creative spirit needed to be in an artistic field, so she spent half a year in photography and eventually began architecture. While studying architecture and participating in snowboarding seasons in California, she realized her desire to pursue fashion design. Luli remembered, “One season I just woke up and decided that fashion was my future. I loved creating and being able to be independent, just needed to evolve into it.” 

Bellebas


 
Once Luli understood and embraced her passion for fashion design, she went to design school, where she grew as an artist and designer, “I absolutely loved design school. It was a lot of fun and gave me freedom in doing what I loved and was interested in.” Having spent three years studying complex structures and morphology in architecture, Luli adjusted quickly to the program. Alongside her artistic studies, Luli gained real-world experience in the industry, including development of her own brand Ramona and work with a well-known clothing company called Giesso in Argentina. When she finished school, Luli moved to Ireland to be with her Irish boyfriend and started her new brand Bellebas. She commented on the move, “I started again from scratch, bought my machines, a tailor's dummy, and just started doing everything myself: designs, patterns, cutting, and sewing. I put up my website and things started selling!!!”

Based in Dublin, Luli is still developing Bellebas and expects to have a new collection out in the next few months. Keep a look out!

Advice for Independent Designers

“Trust yourself and just start. Don’t over think things too much. Go for it and start even with the smallest thing. That will lead your way into new creations.”
~ Luli De Paula

Check Out Bellebas

Learn more about Luli and her designs through the following sites:

Bellebas.com
Luli's Blog
Store - FREE shipping worldwide!

Thanks again for letting me interview you Luli! Say hello to Ireland for all of us! :)

xoxo, Sarah Corley