CULT [kuhlt] noun : refers to a cohesive social group and their devotional beliefs or practices, which the surrounding population considers to be outside of mainstream cultures.
INDIVIDUALITY [in-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee] noun : the state or quality of being an individual; a person separate from other persons and possessing his or her own needs, goals, and desires.
CULT OF INDIVIDUALITY : A group of people with the same ideals of being true to themselves by not doing, acting, or pursuing what others think they should. Reaching that level of comfort with self where you can acknowledge, respect, and appreciate other people's tastes and styles, while never imposing your own judgement. Belonging to a crew where diversity and being different is not only welcomed, but encouraged. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I'm a lover of handmade local items, especially when it comes to accessories. I long to wear a pair of earrings or necklace that screams BAD-DOW, or SHAH-DING (these are my Batman sound effects), in where I know no one will have seen. Whether it be new concept never seen before or a classic re-invented, I will jump quickly to get my hands on unique pieces. This week I found a jewel.
Nena Fly Soul is a Boricua (representin') artist, dancer, mother and activist that works out of Northeast Los Angeles. Her designs often feature bright and bold prints and colors which are reminiscent of African/Tribal garb. This is because Nena Fly Soul uses beautiful Nigerian Ankara fabric on most of her pieces. Additionally, the use of gold chains and the arge studs play an integral part in modernizing them.
My absolute favorite item are these glasses. I mean, whats not to love!!!
Source: http://nenasoulfly.com
And anyone who knows me, understands how much I love my door knocker earrings.
Here's a nice twist to the classics.
Source: http://nenasoulfly.com
Although there are only a few items on the site, Nena Soul Fly has an Etsy account too. A listing of her media formats are on her website www.nenaflysoul.com
If you venture into reading my pasts post, you will notice they are a bit random in topic yet insights into the general fashion industry. This is because my blog was initially created for my Creative Fashion Presentations class at FIT (great class by the way, I highly suggest to all FM students to take). Looking back at some of my posts, I considered erasing all my previous entries. The thought process there was if I was going to write a blog, it should have some direction, and not just assignments that were required during my last semester of school. However after more consideration, I've decided to keep the entries. After all, they are part of the journey in fashion, the arts and all that I love.
So from here on in, I will begin to venture into other worlds that I'm passionate about including music, cool events, art, shopping, and other facets that stimulate me. Here I will continue to plant a seed, and watch it grow!
Had I not had a personal relationship with founder of Dareales Hip Rock Couture Chris Bray, there is not doubt that I would still have been drawn to the brand for the truth and purity it represents. Dareales' clothing is geared to attract those whom are not afraid to be who they are, no matter how different they are. Similar to this blog's strong support in individuality of character, personality, and style, Dareales stands behind those that make this way a personal testament.
Both Dareales Hip Rock Couture and myself are especially fans of artist that create from their hearts. I used up-and-coming hip hop aritist, Scott Stella, (AKA Alias) and his life, as I thought he was the best representation of the brand and a loyal wearer of the line.
Here is my vision of the brand, translated and.... MADE FOR THE REAL!
“Dareales is a state of mind that embodies individuality and realness,
without sacrificing ones personal beliefs or what an individual stands
for.”
DaReales Spring 2012 Lookbook
Video made possible with the help & courtesy of Dareales, Scotts Stella (ALIAS), his lil' ones, Titus Bray & many other Super Stars!... I owe you all many thanks.... ~Vanessa~
To Learn more about the brand or check out some more fresh gear, go to: www.dareales.com
In doing research for my final project, I came across this
video entertaining video look book. As
most of you already know, I’m a huge fan of street clothing. Growing up in New York City in the 80s &
90s plays a large role in my appreciation of urban music, arts and fashion. Although I’ve grown to appreciate eclectic fashions
and styles, my heart still has a place for the old school appeal.
My Ninja Clothing dedicated their Summer 2011 collection on Rosie
Perez in Spike Lee’s, “Do the Right Thing”.
The company’s use of music, styling and dance moves perfectly reflect the
collection. Also notice how the styles in the collection are creatively displayed throughout
the video in the same text format that was used in the movie.
With the growing uses of internet technologies, it’s no
surprise that look books have transitioned to video formats from their plain
pictured formats. For those of us
(myself included) with a short attention span for internet clips, be aware My
Ninja Clothing has found a great way to keep its target tuned in. What do you think?
While they are less recognized than fashion shows, trunk
shows are often created and geared toward the consumer, rather than the
media. This type of presentation can be
rather useful to designers in making personal connections with their clients while
creating new fans of the brand.
Ultimately, this experience has the ability to not only sell more pieces
for the vendor, but help to build customer loyalty by catering a show to the
target audience and making them feel special.
What appeals to me most about trunk shows is that they can
take on many forms. From videos, to in-store parties; they can be super
intimate, host large crowds, or made to be viewed by individuals. What
intrigues me most about trunk shows is that they are not only attainable for
the big name designers and department stores, but work great for smaller stores
and up-and-coming designers, providing a new outlet to showcase their new
merchandise with very little expense, if need be. Boutiques, showrooms, restaurants, large
department stores, halls, nightclubs,
parks, online videos or basically any open area which is suiting can be a
location used for a trunk show. This is
what drew me to the following video clip of the Subdivision & Ethereal
Trunk Show. Two Boutiques from both
Brooklyn and Queens, with similar target audiences decided to throw a trunk show
at a restaurant, featuring 7 local artists. I’m a fan of boutiques that support
the community designers. This clip also
highlights some important features that may go into this trunk show style, such
as food & drink, music, and a small fashion show. In addition to being treated to food and
fashion, the customers get the opportunity to speak with the designers, see,
feel and purchase designs before they are released in stores, and usually at a
reduced rate. How’s that for an
experience?
Most people are accustomed to runways show sets, music and merchandise to create an overall mood of the presentation. However, Louis Vuitton took it a step further for their Spring 2012 Collection. Their show featured a larger than life Merry-Go-Round, with their models already sitting on the horses, as the fixture spun around to whimsical music that is very reminescent to the sounds heard from our childhood 'Jack in the Box' toys. The show was a great reflection of their line which possessed a soft, feminine and innocent like quality. It should be mentioned that Alexander McQueen did a carousel like idea back in 2001, however his theme displayed darker tones with the models wearing clown make-up, as seen in children's parties. This is not surprising since McQueen's shows are known to take this type of fashion presentation to the next level. I've inserted the LV video along with a quick glimpse of the McQueen Show.
Fashion has headed back into time, evolving styles from yesteryear and transforming them into today's trends. What was once old is new again. Trends in color makes no exception of this, borrowing colors that typically captured unforgettable moments from a time before.
Instagram - Daniel Photography
Spring 2013's color hues pays homage to the hazy dreamlike images we often find in vintage photos. Popularized with services such as instagram and hipsmatic, the tonal colors that will be featured during the season combine
neutrals and calming colors to form the hues captured on filtered film photographs.
Source: Instagram
Source: JeffSingerphotgraphy.com
Source: Mashable.com
We are already seeing hints of these colors on the streets:
Source: Street Peeper
Source: Street Peeper
Source: Street Peeper
Source: The Sartorialist
Source: The Sartorialist
And some colors will be available in stores this Spring:
Saks: DVF, Pre-order for Spring 2012
Nordstrom: Versus Versace Spring 2012
And not surprisingly we've already began to see these colors
represented on the runways for Spring 2012
