Like of the Week: Thrive: Where Fashion & Technology Meet

When it comes to Fashion, a multitude of mediums have been used to create stylistic art. Everything from food to raw meat, (a sarcastic thanks to Gaga for that one! Which you can read about in a previous post under “Dislike of the Week“) and now you can add both wood and metals to that list.

Not only is Thrive’s tech-savvy Spring & Summer Collection, creatively titled, Bits and Bytes, comprised of futuristic, bold and eye-catching accessories and clothing made from unlikely materials, but the collection is also a metaphorical representation which focuses on some of the building blocks of digital advancement in technology.

Featuring binary coded numbers, wooden panels, graphic patterns, intricate shapes and metallic gathered fabrics, there are a variety of styles created that are not only unique but have a modern elegance to them. The result is a look that’s sleek, modern and 100% hi-tech.

It was under the creative direction of Cem Cako (who studied in Antwerp under Belgium influences) that both Rob Meadows and Ali Shahriyari, two technological designers, founded Thrive in the hopes of blending fashion with software technology in a way that was both thought provoking and imaginative.

Also, now based on the interest and buzz it’s created, Thrive will now be expanding on their Parisian line of dresses and accessories to other items such as trenches, skirts, jackets and tops. By collaborating with Cako’s Belgian aesthetic design and European aesthetics and also making it marketable for to a wide range of Fashionistas (Rob and Cem are aiming for a line that meets the approval of both European and American culture ) from all over. If that’s the case, then it appears Thrive is, well, thriving and well on it’s way!

To read more on this contemporary and cutting edge collection see an exclusive interview with the masterminds here.

Dislike of the Week: Clap if you want the Girls to Come Out! (Or, the Clap-Off Bra?)

File this under Bizarre! Okay, I can definitely see the appeal from the P.O.V. of males who tend to see brassieres as some sort of alien contraption whose clasps and claws are only created to befuddle and mystify much of mankind, but this borders on just damn lazy!

Syrian Lingerie has one-upped most of technology with Randy Sarafan’s latest creation craze- the “Clap-Off” Bra! Showing us that the Arab culture is not nearly as sexually repressed as many might believe, he’s even created a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own Clap Off bra.

Now, I’m all for the divine intervention of making bras easier to unhook themselves, but here’s my current conundrum regarding this product, aside from the boudoir…where are you supposed to wear this unpractical device?

Don’t even get me started! What happens if you go to see a loud and raucous concert? People are constantly banging their hands together during a live music event! Obviously this undergarment cannot be worn in the presence of the “Clapper” light switch, so nix any trips to Grandma’s while wearing this baby! SPEAKING OF BABIES, baby-sitting children under the age of 2 years, or any kids for that matter who are in those formative stages where clapping is a common act is also out of the question (unless you’re also willing to give a small lecture on human anatomy). Cross tennis matches and golfing outings off your list, those are a no-no (c’mon, isn’t that where “polite claps” were invented?). You also might want to keep this under wraps when around any immature men (aka, male teenagers, your own male inner posse, creepy Uncles, etc.) According to Sarafan, two claps and that snap will trip itself faster than a switch on speed so choose your whereabouts wisely!

We obviously know who this product is catered to…and my response is this: Yeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh, thanks but I think I’m good…

Check out the “magic” here. (Mildly NSFW)

Fashion Like of the Week: Festive Food Fashions

From Food to Fashion

Food and fashion have been two very reluctant cohorts lately and in light of our nation’s beloved Turkey Day, it only made sense to feature the two together this week.

Enter Ted Sabarese, artistic photographer and creator behind the breathtaking edible ensembles featured in his series of 2009 photos, entitled “Hunger Pains.” With as many as fifteen designers using their skills to coordinate and construct 100% edible and wearable fashions for this delectable fashion-forward shoot, and with only sixteen hours to do so, there was also another challenge thrown into the mix – the garments and materials chosen were based completely on foods in which their model was currently craving!

It’s been said that the model who wore the Artichoke Ball Gown (created by previous Project Runway designers, Daniel Field and WesleyNault of the dynamic design duo, WesField), had to stand perfectly still for up to six hours so that the designers could individually sew and affix each leaf perfectly to achieve the best shot for Sabarese’s fearless photoshoot. The result, stunning and eye-catching styles consisting of waffles, baguettes, pasta and other tasty treats!

Check out the video below to get a behind-the-scenes look at just how much work went into this shoot. Warning: Video may cause hunger pangs and intense drooling.

Dislike of the Week: Thanksgiving; A Day for Food, Family, Friends & … Prostitutes?

Hooker Not Included

When all the wine has been consumed and the turkey has been eaten this Thanksgiving Day, one cannot help but want to curl up in their comfiest of clothing and pass out on the couch. Try, however, to refrain from wearing this sweatshirt while at your Grandma’s Turkey Day bash.

Yup, class and cordiality can fly right out the window when sporting this wacky declaration of douchiness. Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like letting the world know you need to pay a prostitute to get your jollies after a big meal shared with close friends and personal relatives. In other words, when chillin’ with the Fam on a Holiday that’s meant to give thanks, try to keep it clean.

For $37 you too can rock this Hoodie like a fool. For details, click here.

Like of the Week: Give Your Old Garments a Second Chance at Life

Fashion Clothes Recycling

Has this ever happened to you? You have this pile of old clothes that you know you need to get rid of and you swear up, down and sideways that you’re going to donate them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Instead, they end up sitting in a bag for months and months in the corner of your apartment until one day in a fit of laziness you mindlessly toss it, ready to be rid of it altogether.

I’ve definitely been guilty of exiling a few items to the trash bin once I felt their lifespan was waning, but now NYC is launching a brand new plan of attack to keep this problem in check.

Every year, more than 190,000 pounds of tossed out textiles wind up in our garbage and landfills and according to a recent poll by Goodwill Industries, most people would much rather can their old clothes than travel the ten minutes or so to their local donation center.

Beginning this September, a new clothing recycling campaign will take effect in Manhattan and the outer boroughs in an effort to eliminate excess waste. New Yorkers will now be able to go to one of the fifty clothing receptacles spread out in various locations to drop off their unwanted garments to be recycled. Some of these bins will even be placed in apartment lobbies leaving no excuse not to participate in this great cause. If the project is as successful as officials believe it will be, the campaign could spread across the nation.

Now there’s no excuse to let last year’s trends waste away in your closet when you can give to a greater cause without the hassle.

Dislike of the Week: Filthy Couture for the Filthy Whore

Filthy Couture

This past Fourth of July weekend, J-Wow (who is often known as the slightly taller, bustier sidekick to the pickle-loving Snooki on Jersey Shore) debuted her very first fashion line, titled ‘Filthy Couture’ at none other than the very classy Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

There are so many things wrong with this that I don’t even know where to begin. It now appears as though just anybody can throw together a line these days and then slap an under-developed oxymoron of a name on it for fashion street cred. If I had to sum up this line in three words they would be as follows: tacky, trashy and tragic.

Not only are these looks too bright, too tight and all sorts of wrong, but unless you’re a drag queen or a Vegas showgirl, no one should be seen wearing these monstrosities in public. J-Wow herself claims her designs can be worn for a variety of special occasions, such as weddings, proms…(insert chortle here) or for your next performance at that local strip club along the airport highway. She’s also added her own brand of swimsuits into the mix, which are just as tarty as you might imagine and come adorned in either lace or chains….because nothing says “beach” like wearing a ton of chains to weigh you down in the hot summer sun.

Amid the clashing rhinestones, gathered tulle, hot pink and white lace (What is this? A 90’s Prince music video!!), there was a lot going on but little to buzz about. Epic fail, Jersey Shore. Epic.

Like of the Week: Manhattan-based, jewelry boutique, Alibi.

ALIBI boasts a range of exotic baubles

Located in the heart of Nolita, lies a true gem for all you accessory junkies out there.

Alibi, which can be found on Mulberry Street, just a hop, skip and a jump from Prince Street here in Manhattan, is the place to go for unique trinkets and treasures from some of NYC’s local designers.

Store owner and Parson graduate, Johanna Liu, has created the perfect haven for all of your jewelry needs, with items ranging from delicate and feminine to tough and exotic. However, what makes this place so unconventional is the layout of the shop itself.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lui and visiting the boutique itself and let me tell you, it’s absolute heaven from the moment you walk in! The jewelry itself is displayed in glass cases strategically placed about the brightly lit establishment, giving off an almost artsy vibe; almost as if you were viewing fine artifacts in a museum.

It’s fun, fresh and fiercely original. So if you’re in the area, check it out…and if you’re not in the area, make sure you go out of your way to stop in and visit. You won’t be disappointed by this treasure trove.

241 Mulberry Street (between Prince & Spring Street)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 226-7373

Open Weekdays 11am-7pm; Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 12pm-6pm

Dislike of the Week: The Dropped Crotch Trend

Drop Crotch Pants

In case there is anyone out there who has been dying to invest wholeheartedly in the dropped crotch fad, then this post is for you!

While browsing the wonderful world wide web I came across these Pixie Market Jersey drop crotch pants (shown right), which immediately sent me off on a Google hunt that ended in my finding a multitude of sites featuring this odd trend. One, I have to say, that does little for the human form.

Designers are obviously trying to bring this look back again and I have to beg the question…why??? Perhaps it’s the unflattering cut, or the fact that it makes anyone and everyone’s legs look stumpy and just plain unattractive, but I’m just not buying into this unfortunate trend.

For some odd reason this style evokes images of when the white boys in my high school would try (strong emphasis on the word “try”) to rock the “saggy” pants look. Let’s just say, it didn’t work then and I don’t see it working now.
This look only succeeds in making the wearer look as though they are attempting to smuggle a baby watermelon out of a grocery store and little else. Let’s just say that the dropped crotch craze falls short… in more ways than one.

, Pulitzer-Prize winning fashion journalist together in one room? You get some of the most brilliant minds in fashion today giving their insights on the world and the future of this fascinating field.

In a 90 minute panel discussion orchestrated by Cindi Lieve of Glamour magazine, the floor was opened up to a variety of topics ranging from the comeback of the first lady to what fashion holds for our society in the years to come. The event, The Future of Fashion, took place at the NYC 92nd Street Y on Oct. 21st and cost audience members only $27 to attend, a small price to pay to get up close and personal with such famous names in the world of style.

Ashley Olsen, the youngest of the group, came decked out in a Grecian style floor-length gown, black fitted blazer and red-hot platform heels, looking very much the epitome of boho-chic meets NYC. She discussed her two clothing lines created with sister, Mary-Kate, The Row and Elizabeth & James (the latter named after the twins’ own siblings). Though they differ slightly in their styles, The Row is more couture while Elizabeth and James offers more of a trendy, edgy feel, their sales are expected to go up to 30% this year alone.

Funny enough, she claims her start in fashion came from a conversation she had with her father, where she relayed to him her desperate search for the “perfect white shirt” to no avail. His fatherly response was to simply make and market her own and a fashion line was born, but don’t expect to find Ashley among the other celebrity starlets who “slap their name” on a clothing brand to enhance their popularity. The Row is comprised of 9 people in total with Elizabeth and James not far behind with only 30 employees! Ashley has taken a hands-on approach to both lines and says that this new role in fashion is one she is excited to live out. This young designer is a future force to be reckoned with and also garnered much praise from the other speakers.

Robin Givhan is a fashion editor for the Washington Post, as well as a Pulitzer Prize winner for her caliber of stylistic criticism which shines through in her journalism. It’s her sharp tongue and wit that set her apart from the cookie-cutter style of writers today. She is, in one word, delightfully cynical in the best sense possible.

One crowd-pleasing moment came when she compared the mentality of fashion to that of sports when driving home her point of why some people (mostly the male population) feel that the art of couture is not as readily accepted as say, thousand dollar prime seats to a football game. Never one to shy away from controversial topics she even commented on how sad it was that much of the culture is still not ready to see fashion as an art-form, or how the recent weight obsession might be the result of a society of women who are “reacting in opposition”, or self-loathing as obesity sets our generation into a further downward spiral.

Isaac Mizrahi is no stranger to the world of fashion. He has not only hosted Bravo’s ‘The Fashion Show’, created an incredibly successful line for Target and attached his name to Liz Claiborne’s, but now he’s working on a new endeavor with QVC that involves cook ware as well.

One extraordinary characteristic about Isaac is the fact that he is always willing to push the envelope and reinvent himself as well as his style. His latest projects with Liz Claiborne and now QVC only prove to set new ground yet to be conquered in the arena of fashion. When most designers would shy away, Isaac welcomes the challenge head-on, whole-heartedly and without a second guess.

Thoughts on Michelle Obama…

One thing that everyone had in common was a great admiration for the First Lady. Every single person on the panel felt that Michelle Obama had changed the face of fashion in one way or another. She has favorably altered the image of the archetypal “First Lady”, in her drab uniforms so as not to outshine her husband. Through her style and her grace, she has become an inspiration for women everywhere and Mizrahi also commented on her ability to mix “high end and low end” pieces to create a perfectly balanced palette. She is dressing for the everyday woman and in doing so, has made herself extremely relatable to the American public. She is not stick thin, she doesn’t wear the standard “first wife” uniform or usual drab business suits, she has fun with her looks and plays with fashion the way a woman should.

The Cultural Conundrum on Skinny…

When the issue of the shrinking model came up, Robin brought forth the fact that in this day and age, the ideal of the perfect size gets smaller and smaller as the average woman gets larger and larger, even offering that this might be the cause of women’s own self-loathing in a world where thin is in. However, despite the recent downsizing in runway models and print ads featuring less than normal body images, Isaac was firm on the fact that, in reality, all of this hasn’t stopped the public from buying what these models are selling. In a society where the masses love reality shows like ‘The Biggest Loser’ and ‘Celebrity Fat Club’ it’s becoming easier to see that it’s not only the fashion world who is obsessed with this thin subculture.

When High-end & Low-end meet in the middle…

The recent dip in the economy has no doubt affected fashionistas all over but even the top designers can give a little advice when it comes to cutting corners. When it comes to shopping on a budget, Ashley swears by buying vintage to get the best deals for a low bargain price. Even Isaac said the chicest of ensembles can be made by mixing couture with inexpensive pieces for an unexpected twist and Robin stated that there are numerous magazines, Glamour being one of them that are presenting readers with more affordable choices when it comes to style, make-up and clothing options and has so far proven to be helpful.

The Inevitable Future of Fashion…

When asked what the future of fashion holds, there was a momentary pause from all the panelists. Robin said that she felt it would be “more democratic”, Isaac meditatively suggested that more mini-trends and fashion subcultures will result in the upcoming years, and Ashley, after much contemplation followed with “it will be more fun and exciting!”

And at the end of the day isn’t that exactly what fashion should be?

What was so refreshing about this entire evening was how laid back and at ease the discussions were structured. It was if we as audience were merely flies on the wall, simply catching a glimpse of these creative minds freely verbalizing over a cup of coffee.

To describe the market to someone who has never been (and is equally as obsessed with the world of fashion, clothes, and all things accessory related), I only have this to say:  Imagine being four again and making a trip to Santa’s workshop…that, my friends is the best way that I can describe my jubilation in a nutshell upon entering this giant smorgasbord of fashion bliss!

This week I focused on just a few of the gifted designers, but I hope to cover much, much more in the future! Check them out!

Tina Wang is a brand new designer on the scene and a recent graduate of F.I.T, but I can easily imagine her fashions walking down the runway and being coveted by all!

Tina hand makes every item of clothing that she sells in her own apartment.  Not only is she talented beyond belief but she is a sweetheart on top of that, when I told her I was doing a piece on up and coming designers she was eager to give me all the info I needed and even pulled out her digital camera and showed me pictures of her friend modeling one of her fabulous creations like we were old friends!

Her styles are flirty and feminine and her choice in fabrics and colors are youthful, fashionable and perfect for almost every occasion. I instantly fell in love with a peachy hued strapless dress that was to die for, and it only took Wang three days to construct from start to finish! Her attention to detail and flair for creating the most flattering of feminine shapes only goes to show how gifted and truly skillful in her designs she is. Check out her work on her website and at Etsy.com!

www.shoptinaw.com

www.shoptinaw.etsy.com

Iris Shiloh is another bright and trendy designer who focuses mainly on accessories, and as we all know, accessories do have the ability to instantly transform any outfit in less than three seconds flat, and with Iris, this is absolutely the case.

Specializing in cute, waist-cinching belts in a bold variety of colors and patterns, this tiny accessory is a great way to amp up a tunic dress or to pair over a blouse and pencil skirt for the office.

She designs each belt herself and the versatile styles and detailing make these the perfect addition when transforming a simple outfit into a stunning outfit. I photographed Iris at the market this weekend wearing an eye-catching black and gold belt, which not only completed her outfit with a natural ease, but added a different element entirely.

You can find Iris and her fabulous belts at the Soho Young Designers Market or e-mail her to purchase at   Shilohiris@gmail.com

Elena Volovelsky crafts elegantly whimsical and delicate pieces of jewelry for her line, Fair Leia.

Made from sterling silver or gold, Elena composes delightfully crafted pieces that can be worn for any occasion and thoughtfully have more to them than meets the eye.

The designer claimed past experience on her amusing and fresh idea of slipping mini hoop earrings and polished silver hair clips on thin chains for the hectic girl on the go. An innovation erected from sheer brilliance and a sure-fire gift for any young woman who has ever wanted to change up their look on the impulse…Fair Leia’s collection just seems to make it possible.

See all her goods on Etsy at www.fairleia.etsy.com!

Tarot Vintage

Unfortunately there were no cards available for Tarot Vintage due to the fact that are still in the process of setting up their brand new website, yet, they were sweet enough to send me a link to their myspace page in order to learn more about their fashion creed.

Tarot Vintage is all about making classic vintage affordable, and in this day and age with the economy the way it is, why shouldn’t people be able to buy great clothes at great prices? The variety and styles Tarot Vintage offers range from summery retro dresses to stylish rompers, and their phenomenal vintage shoe collection alone, was enough to make me stop and salivate.

Prices tend to range from around $50 per garment, and their dazzling collection of vintage shoes goes for about $25 a pair!

These fashions are so fun and unique that you can’t help but want to grab them right off the rack. Check them out on their myspace site for more info: www.myspace.com/tarotvintage, or come visit them weekends at the Young Designers Market.

Please come out and support NYC’s local designers every weekend at the Young Designers Market (www.themarketnyc.com), located on 268 Mulberry Street in New York City.

Follow the loud Rock n’ Roll, wax drippings and scrap metal to a studio in California. There you’ll find Rich Sandomeno of Spragwerks, casting his mark on the fashion industry.

Rich’s fascination with the dark side began during his youth. While friends were playing ball, he found himself exploring dark and damp basements. A collector of sorts, Rich buried his deceased pets only to dig them up. Their bones became treasured troves and he began his lifelong quest for bugs, skulls and monsters…really anything that no one wanted. The post-industrial wasteland of Northern New Jersey created the perfect backdrop for his design aesthetic today.

Endless curiosity about why and how things either work or don’t, cause Rich to seek answers in the world of heavy-duty diesel mechanics. Dissatisfaction eventually set in, and he started to feel as old and as broken as the trucks he had been working on. But his experience with materials proposed a promising opportunity…jewelry.

This mechanic turned jewelry designer has taken torture and mechanics to a whole new level. Form definitely follows function when it comes to the many unique handcrafted pieces, each personally backed with a lifetime warranty. Skull pendants, spike bracelets and brass-knuckle cuff links are just a few of the pieces inspired from his childhood experiences. Favorites also include the textured wedding bands…sure to make any man say, “I do.” After all, marriage is the most celebrated symbol of torture. Till death do us part, right?

Visit Spragwerks and surrender to your deviant desires. Spragwerks can also be purchased at the following locations.

New York City-Trash & Vaudeville and New York Adorned
Los Angeles-Fred Segal, Popkiller, Handmade Gallery, and soon…The Museum of Death
Chicago-Broken Cherry, The Silver Room
San Francisco-Lava 9
Portland-Gilt
www.starsandinfinitedarkness.com
www.myspace.com/spragwerks

like a chicken with my head cut off, and the doom and gloom of the rain from outside my window did not help matters! However, I managed to make lemonade and threw on my uber comfy Levi gray skinnies and one of my husby’s sweaters for added comfort and warmth! Roll up the sleeves on this bad boy and I’ve got a super sassy, sloppy-chic thing going on…”

READ MORE HERE: Today I’m wearing…

What makes it unique? She actually wears the clothes and tells you where she got it. We’re going to try to get as much of her reviews on The Whiskey Dregs as possible. Here’s an excerpt:

“It’s a beautiful Sunday morning and I’m up and ready for the lazy day ahead of me. First stop, Brunch with my bestest Jessica, which will include $2 mimosas and lots of girl talk :) I borrowed these denim leggings from my fashionista friend Sarah(and I’m secretly praying she will never ask for them back because they are super fabulous and super comfortable!) and I’ve got one of my favorite abstract tees from Forever with some fun accessories!”

READ THE REST HERE: Today I’m Wearing . . .