With Five Questions: clothes

Showing posts with label clothes. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Meet Michelle Rene, Fashion Designer

Michelle Rene is a designer and label based out of a small Pennsylvania town but with a huge fashion forward presence in the industry! She was invited to present in September 2015 for New York Fashion Week and was welcomed by media with open arms. In February of 2016, she brought New York Fashion Week to Garden City.

1. How did you get the idea of bringing Fashion Week to Garden City?

I wanted to branch out, as advised by my amazing PR rep Bridget O'Brien, into different parts of New York during Fashion Week. The hotels venue and location were perfect for a new customer base and exposure for my line.

2. Would you tell us a bit more about the event and how it went?

The event was called A Prelude to the Oscars, so I wanted to do an ode to Old Hollywood with vintage inspired designs by the starletts we so love. I design gowns on a regular basis, but this evening allowed me to play a bit more with different styles and fit.

3. What was your experience like earlier this year at Fashion Week in New York?

My last show was in the city at a location called Stitch. My designs were all in pink fabric to bring awareness to the battle of Breast Cancer, called "In the Pink with Michelle Rene." #pinkisthenewblack

4. What are some of your inspirations when it comes to creating wedding dresses?

I love the challenge of taking a flat piece of fabric and combined with my client's dreams and my ability we breathe it into life. I also look to the world around me to inspire the mood or look of a design and or idea. Many times I start out with a fixed idea of what I am going to do, and then the fabric starts to talk to me and we go a totally different direction. It's always an adventure when I pull out my scissors and start to cut. Most times I myself do not know where it will end.

5. Would you tell us a little more about the custom work you do, not only for weddings but also with casual wear and other designs?

I tell people that I don't make sizes; I design clothes that you want to wear, that flatter your style, your body and image. Something that concerns me is when clothes wear a person and not the other way around. If someone is saying to you that you look great in that dress and not you look amazing today, well then I think there maybe something wrong with what you are wearing. You need to shine through, your style, your fit, you! That is what drives me, finding that moment when we discover the design that allows YOU to look and feel the best you can be.

Thanks, Michelle!

Monday, February 8, 2016

Meet Justin Michael Woods, Designer of Forgotten Citizen

Justin Michael Woods is an actor, writer, model, TV producer, and now fashion designer. His active lifestyle fashion brand, Forgotten Citizen, is making its debut this year at New York Fashion Week. Justin is also an engineer and a military veteran, and Forgotten Citizen expresses his beliefs toward the importance of the United States doing more for its veterans. Learn more about Justin and Forgotten Citizen by clicking here.

1. What made you decide to create your own fashion line?

I've always been a big guy. I have thick legs and a booty. I got tired of always having to squeeze my body into sizes that never properly fit my body type and did absolutely nothing for my frame. I'm big but I have an athletic build.

2. Where do you find the inspiration for the clothing that makes up Forgotten Citizen?

Forgotten Citizen is extremely dark and edgy. You will find minimal bright colors here. It's for the most part, monochrome. Black/Grey/Off White. My inspiration comes from the 1920s with a touch of The Addams Family.

3. How do you balance your work in acting and directing with your work in fashion?

In between takes or while on my lunch break on set, I find/make the time to sketch and design. I've even gone as far as to bring my portable hand sewing machine to set. After 15-18 hours on set, I walk out with either a new design concept or a full article of clothing to add to my collection. To answer your question, I'd say I am an expert at time management.

4. What are some TV and movie projects we'll be seeing you in soon?

You can see me in two upcoming episodes of NBC's Shades of Blue starring Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta. I just wrapped my scenes on Madame Secretary, The Good Wife, Limitless, and Daredevil. Recently, I wrapped the Clint Eastwood-directed feature film Sully starring Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, and Laura Linney. I'll also be appearking in How To Be Single and the two films I'm producing thru my entertainment company, Stone Wolf Entertainment, The Legacy of Cain and The Reunion.

5. Looking ahead, what are your long-term plans for Forgotten Citizen?

I see my brand on the set of major motion pictures. I'd love to be a costume designer for network television shows and major motion pictures. But more importantly, I want ALL body types to feel sexy and comfortable in my designs. I'd love for Forgotten Citizen to become a household name. I believe each and every one of us is sexy in our own unique individual way.

Thanks, Justin!

Monday, March 2, 2015

Meet Pukka Borg, Clothing Designer and Etsy Seller

Pukka Borg describes herself as a different kind of person. She's always found attractive the unusual stuff but yet interesting and unique things. She is creative, and she spends all her days creating and designing alternative rocker clothing and accessories. Check out her work on Etsy, and follow her on Facebook.

1. How do you get the inspiration for your clothing designs?

Sometimes I spend my time in quiet places and imagine myself wearing an outfit at a certain place with a certain mood. It is like I build up a character. That's why every design I create has a story. After having spent late nights thinking and creating at first, it comes to me more naturally now. My creations have become to be a part of my life, an everyday thing.

2. What are some of the benefits of Etsy as a platform for selling your creations?

I found Etsy is the best platform to promote handmade items. There are so many talented people with different skills and qualities. If everyone tries to understand that all these items are made by a pair of hands, then they will be more appreciated. I thank Etsy for giving me the opportunity to spread my creations to the entire world.

3. Could you tell us a little bit more about the name of your shop and what it means?

Bitten STC stands for Bitten Spread The Curse. The idea behind this name came from dark art culture of which I am currently running a page on Facebook. Once you admire this culture then you are Bitten and will start to Spread The Curse. My designs express this darkness and inspire the "Bitten" culture. Shadow District Project is another page I am running on Facebook. It features my dark creations and the name is derived from the post-apocalyptic theme of my creations.

4. What are some of your favorite materials you like to use, and where do you source your materials?

Studs and leather (vinyl) makes a perfect combination! I usually purchase some of my materials from local shops, but I don't always find what I'm looking for. For certain designs I need to purchase the materials online. Now I am planning to work on new designs which will consist of different types of materials and fabrics. I believe you have to be versatile from time to time.

5. In your own wardrobe, what are some of your "essential" pieces that you love to wear?

I can't separate myself from the SDP Wild Savage Wolf Jacket. I remember one of those terrible cold nights, had to ride on the bike with my husband and I didn't feel even a shiver with this jacket!

The SDP Pointed Hoodie is one of my designs that I wear a lot. It is light weight and I have to admit it I am obsessed with hoodies!

And the SDP Hazard Pants is a unique piece I have. I created this one especially in a Post Apocalyptic theme.

I can't stop mentioning the items I've designed because what I create is what I had always wanted to wear--and most importantly they have to be comfortable.

Thanks, Pukka!

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Meet Leigha Pittard, CEO of Fierce Simplicity, a Designer Swimwear Company

Fierce Simplicity is a luxury women's designer swimwear company that specializes in well-fitting swimsuits, sexy bikinis, and cut out monokinis. Based in Florida, Fierce Simplicity capitalizes on the year-round beach weather and has perfected its craft of unique bathing suits for jet-setting travelers, sun bathers, and pool party attendees.

Our interview below is with Leigha Pittard, CEO of Fierce Simplicity.

1. Would you tell us how Fierce Simplicity Swimwear got its start?

I moved to Miami after graduating, and in February of 2013 I launched my online swimwear boutique, Fierce Simplicity, specializing in women's designer swimwear. Growing up in Massachusetts, I always had a love for the beach but could only truly enjoy it during the three months of summer. Moving to sunny South Florida, I enjoy the beach year round, and this is where I decided to focus my business on luxe swimwear. There is nothing like sunbathing on the beach in a super-cute Brazilian bikini with a cold margarita in hand.

As a fairly new company, Fierce Simplicity has seen much success. We are an internationally recognized swimwear brand with sales in over 35 countries. With the encouragement of my customers and supporters via social media, I realized I had a knack for curating retro swimsuits, sexy bikinis, and unique cut out monokinis from luxury designers around the world such as Pily Q and Maaji and discovering small lesser-known brands with one of a kind designs.

2. How do you choose the designs to feature in your shop?

I have always used social media as a conversational tool to gain honest feedback from our customers and supporters. With the use of Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram I found that the swimwear market lacks swimsuits for women with large DD cups and bigger chests along with flattering plus-size swimsuits. I also have noted many companies still do not offer bikini sets in mix and match sizes.

When choosing designs to feature on Fiercesimplicity.com, I look for versatile pieces that are figure flattering for all body types. I make sure our collection is unique, sexy, and classy, and addresses all types of swimwear preferences from micro bikinis and sheer thong swimsuits, to sexy yet modest one piece bathing suits. I also place polls on our Instagram account @fiercesimplicity to gauge our customers' opinions on potential items to add to our store. Most importantly, I look for design and quality in the swimsuits I add. I believe swimwear should be timeless in design, so I select pieces that can be worn for every type of event whether it's a pool party, a honeymoon, or a vacation to an exotic location like Tahiti. I believe all women should feel confident and sexy when they put on a swimsuit whether they prefer a vintage 1950s style high waist bikini or a video vixen cut out monokini.

3. When it comes to choosing swimwear and finding something "just right" for them, many women find the experience a bit challenging. Do you have any advice to share?

Often we see a cute bikini on a friend, and it becomes an instant must-have. This is the wrong approach to finding the right bathing suit, unless you and your friend have a similar body build. Choosing the right swimsuit for your body type is essential to look sexy and feel great in your swimwear. The art of finding the ideal swimsuit is all about enhancing your body's best assets.

The first step is to know your body type (body shape). The four most common are the pear shape (hips wider then your waist and chest); the apple shape (your waist is wider then your hips and equal to your bust); the hour glass (your bust and hips are proportional with a smaller waist); or the straight figure (thin all around with relatively no curves).
The next step is to choose swimwear cuts and styles that accentuate the type of figure you have.
a. One-piece swimsuits will hide your waist, especially ones win a dark, solid color with shirred paneling. High-waisted bikinis are also a nice alternative. Tankinis are also a classic option.
b. High-cut bikini bottoms and one-piece swimsuits can make your legs look longer and your torso more fit.
c. Bandeau tops are great for pear-shaped women as this style makes the bust appear wider and will balance out a figure with wide hips.
d. Underwire bikinis are a girl's best friend with a large bust size. Thicker strapped bikini tops also offer more support and comfort.
The third step is to also choose colors and fabrics that accentuate your appearance and downplay the areas you are less fond of.
a. To accentuate a feature you love, choose swimsuits with bright colors or patterns. To hide a feature you do not like, use a solid color.
b. If you have pale skin, choose black or deep jewel tones such as maroon, navy, and dark purple. For dark skin, bright colors are very flattering.
c. To make an area look bigger--say, for example, you want to accentuate your bust or hips--add ruffled swimwear pieces. To make an area look smaller, choose a swimsuit with shirred or ruched fabric.
d. Buying separates will be your best friend.
It is also important to select a swimsuit that matches what you want to use it for. For example, if you are playing volleyball, a crop top bikini or rash guard swimsuit may be the best options as this type of bikini has optimal support without the worry of boob slippage.

Check out the Fierce Simplicity Swimwear Fit Guide to learn exactly how to accentuate your best features and minimize the less flattering ones while in a swimsuit: http://fiercesimplicity.com/swimwear-fit-guide.

4. Along with swimwear, what are some other items you sell?

In addition to luxe bikinis and unique one-piece swimsuits, Fierce Simplicity offers a wide variety of resort wear and beach accessories. You can find Bohemian lace cover-ups, crochet maxi dresses, barefoot sandals perfect for beach weddings, and body and belly chains. I am also working on a nail polish collection to expand the business into cosmetics. Nail polish and bikinis do go hand in hand, after all.

5. What swimwear fashions do you think will be most popular this summer?

For the Summer 2015 swimwear trend, you can expect to see: