Friday, January 30, 2009

The Jewel Box


Fresh-faced designer Carri Vacik knows a thing or two about fine jewelry. She comes from an artistic family, married into a family of stone dealers and received a diploma in Gemmology before launching her own line. As a member of the British Gemmological Association she is intimately familiar with exotic gemstones and most importantly, she’s passionate about providing women with fabulously ornate jewelry. “I always envision a different woman wearing each piece I create. Maybe a mysterious woman from the East, an erotic woman from a Klimt painting or a stunning Hollywood actress from the Golden Age,” says Vacik when asked about what type of woman she designs for.


Launched in November at a posh private party in the South of France, Vacik's Spring 2009 collection features extraordinary colors that create an undeniable presence and make each design a statement piece.
Stones from the collection include orange sapphire, garnet, blue topaz and peridot. A purple amethyst cocktail ring fittingly named the "Adventuress" composed of delicate rhodolite and 18 carat yellow gold in a figural setting takes center stage in the collection. Meanwhile a sapphire and citrine ring cleverly named the “Courtesan” draws it’s color story from gothic stained glass windows mixed with influences from Byzantine Cathedrals. “My inspiration is highly eclectic,” says Vacik, “the hues and tones from India or Africa, Les Ballets Russes or a painting by Franz Von Stuck.” Not to be out done by the playful cocktail rings, a pair of garnet checker cut drop earrings featuring amethyst briolette, white topaz and 18 carat white gold threaten to steal the show.



Many designers strive but few are able to achieve the level of sophistication and glamour that Carri is able to infuse into each piece of her signature jewelry collection. At a time when the global economy is in recession her line is a reminder that adornment is still the best way to spice up a little black dress.


Carri’s opening price point is $4,000.00 and ranges up to $10,000.00 depending on the item. She is currently in talks with a few high-end department stores in London for distribution of her line. For additional information or to view a summary of work visit www.carrivacik.com


Friday, January 23, 2009

Designer of the Moment: Jason Wu


Jason Wu became an instant sensation in the fashion world after First Lady Michelle Obama wore one of his creations at Tuesday night’s Inauguration ball. The off-the-shoulder white dress he designed featured delicate embellishment details of white organza flowers and Swarovski crystals. As per tradition the dress will be donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where it will eventually be displayed next to other inaugural gowns. When asked by Women’s Wear Daily about his thoughts on Mrs. Obama wearing one of his designs, Jason Wu humbly responded, “It was very emotional. It was the ultimate validation for me as a designer.”

So just who is Jason Wu? Well for starters, he was born and raised in Taipei and despite his ripe age of 26, he’s surprisingly well-traveled. At the age of nine he began learning how to sew and continued to pursue design throughout his adolescent years. He went on to study at Parsons School of Design in New York and before he launched his own line of clothing he was an intern for designer Narciso Rodriguez. His collection can be found at over 30 retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-porter.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Ikram in Chicago.

Jason Wu’s media coverage rivals, or perhaps even surpasses, fellow young designer Zac Posen. He has been featured in numerous fashion magazines including Vogue, W, Harpers Bazaar, InStyle and Marie Claire and his name continues to be somewhat of a buzz word all over Seventh Avenue. New York Magazine reports that Jason Wu’s website received over 4 million hits yesterday alone and the party isn’t over yet.

Currently, Wu is working on wrapping up his Fall 2009 collection which will debut at New York Fashion Week in February. His Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection can be found online at
Style.com

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Gene Juarez "Jam" Event


The Gene Juarez “Jam” event was held Sunday, January 18th at the King Kat Theater in Seattle. Sponsored by Team Artistic the evening fused together beauty, fashion, art and photography. Models dressed in clothing from The Finerie received high fashion hair styles immediately followed by an impromptu photo shoot on stage. There were giveaways all night including Kerastase product and BaByliss flat irons. The climax of the evening was the haircut contest in which five audience members were given three minutes to do their best rendition of a David Bowie hairstyle using only a comb, a can of hairspray and some clippers. The winner, a stylist named Eric from the Bellevue Gene Juarez salon won with his interpretation of a Labyrinth hairstyle circa 1986.

For more info on Team Artistic visit their website

Wearing Fur is so Out


My Sunday tradition is very ritualistic, I grab a cup of coffee from Starbucks and then pick up a copy of the New York Times to revel in the glory of the Sunday Style section. This week while flipping through the World News section I came across several extremely offensive fur ads from companies like Macys, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue. Who even wears fur these days? I mean really with all the fur alternatives out there and the vegan movement that has been stirring among socialites in the city as a “hot trend” why is a reputable newspaper like the New York Times printing out ads that are so socially inappropriate?

Macy’s ad promotes an “After Inventory Fur Sale & Clearance” of 50-65% off female mink short coats, fox jackets and rabbit lined overcoats. Bloomingdale’s ad boasted the headline, “See Yourself In the Fur of Your Dreams” and sale 45-65% on a “beautiful” selection of furs, while Sak’s Fifth Avenue featured 45-65% off mink, sable, sheared beaver and shearling. Ads like these make me furious.

According to the BornFreeUsa.com site, “Every year, more than 50 million animals are violently killed in the name of "fashion." Some fall victim to barbaric traps. Others spend the entirety of their lives in grim conditions in fur farms across the globe before being slaughtered. Another source of fur is Canada's government-sanctioned seal slaughter, in which hundreds of thousands of seals, many just weeks old, are brutally killed. This is the reality that the fur industry wants so desperately to hide from the buying public.”

Sadly fur is alive and well in the fashion industry. Designers like John Paul Gaultier and Giorgio Armani regularly use fur in their collections. A recent article from Fox News quoted designer Karl Lagerfeld as saying, “It is childish to dispute the practice of wearing fur in a world where it is acceptable to eat meat.”

Draw your own conclusion after watching the below video from PETA (People for Ethical Treatments of Animals):
PETA VIDEO

You Better Watch It


If you want to experiment with the menswear trend for Spring ‘09 but don’t want to go all out with the boyfriend jean, tweed vest or blazer opt for a menswear inspired watch. It’s an easy way to update your wardrobe and the masculine features of an oversized watch look surprisingly feminine on a delicate wrist. My personal pick is the Chunky link watch from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Available online at www.net-a-porter.com ($225 USD).

For watches a little closer to home, check out the French line of Freelook watches at Sway & Cake if you’re shopping in the city, or for an edgier assortment of Nixon watches swing by Evo in Fremont.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

New Style for the New Year


The start of a New Year offers the opportunity to start over and redefine who we are and what we hope to become. Personal style plays an important role in the process and that’s why Seattle-based Wardrobe and Style Coach, Darcey Howard is hosting an event titled “New Style for New Times”. The free three-hour event is designed to educate and inform Seattleites about how to reinvent their personal style on any budget. Darcey’s talk will offer guests advice on how to strategically shop for wardrobe pieces while focusing on big picture style goals.

Date
: Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Alchemy Collections, 2029 2nd Ave. , Seattle, WA 98121

RSVP: info@alchemycollections.com / 206.448.3309

Monday, January 12, 2009

Project Red Dress Design Competition


Seattle is rolling out the red carpet for the 2nd Annual Project Red Dress design competition sponsored by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. Fashion students from 6 schools will compete to win a $3,000 scholarship while helping to raise money for The American Heart Association. Celebrity judges including Nick Verros from Project Runway will be on hand to review custom red dress designs submitted by contest participants.

Tickets start at $50 for general admission. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 and include premier runway seating and a swag bag. Last year’s event sold out so get your tickets today!

Event Sponsors include: Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, Fashion Group International, IADT, The Fairmont Hotel, Half Past Lavish Events, Macys, Pacific Fabrics & Crafts, and the Renton Sewing Company.

When: February 13, 2009

Where: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Time: 7:30 PM

Tickets: 
Brown Paper Tickets


For more Information visit:
www.projectreddress.com

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Golden Globes Best Dressed


There were a lot of honorable mentions tonight at the Golden Globe Awards for film nominees and fashion mavens alike.  Jennifer Lopez looked stunning  in a gold number by Marchesa, Angelina Jolie looked beautiful and serene in a Versace gown, while Kate Winslet looked amazing when she received the first award of the night in a black Yves St. Laurent gown.  However, the most beautiful woman of the night was Eva Mendes (hands down!) She wore a white Dior gown with an overstated turquoise necklace.  She was truly the epitome of style and beauty for the evening. 

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Must-Have Spring 09 Accessory


If there’s one accessory you buy to update your wardrobe for Spring ‘09 make it a skinny belt. Consider it a carry over from Fall ‘08 with new colors and textures that are perfect for taking your new wardrobe to the next level. Use your new belt to add a finishing touch to a basic dress or add a bit of interest to a pair of jeans.

For a great assortment of skinny belts (at deep discounts) check out
www.bluefly.com or if you prefer to shop in the city, check out the belts at Sway & Cake.

Image: Emanuel Ungaro Spring '09 Ready to Wear

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Color Me Fierce

When I was a little girl I would have KILLED for a color book like the one I found today at a Bellingham boutique. The activity book called 'Color Me Fierce' comes with 6 crayons and is filled with fashion pictures to color.

Creator Nike Desis had a sense of humor when he put this coloring book together because after flipping through I noticed several pages that caused me to raise an eyebrow...

Page 8- "Can you help dress Tatiana using the colors of seduction?"

Page 14- "Sasha has gained some awkward weight. Complete the operation by folding at the center line so that the two dotted lined meet. She'll look much better."

Page 16- "Which purse shall Lisa carry today? Draw in her choice. Remember: She only wears designer".

Page 20- "Prima aches to marry rich. Draw a huge black diamond ring on her finger!"

Page 24- "Nora is such a glamour puss. Cut and paste her new post-plastic surgery face."

You can get a color book of your very own at Amazon.com
A brief word of caution....these books are not for kids. (I learned that the hard way.)