Halston Heritage Collection

It has come to my attention that HALSTON is my favorite designer of all time.  And in saying this I realize I have alienated many fabulous designers in the process - BUT for me personally he was the BEST.  I would literally wear every single piece he ever created and it would be an honor to feel it on my body - YES it's that deep!

In my research of Roy Halston Frowick I found out that there is probably an unconscious reason I love him so - besides the point of knowing every curve of a woman's body and being completely ahead of the fashion trends - he also has some Indiana ties.  He was born a Midwesterner in Des Moines, Iowa but he did graduate from high school in Evansville, Indiana and he attend Indiana University for one semester - we should be honored!  In 1952 he moved to Chicago and attended school of the Art Institute of Chicago and the rest is history.  In an unambiguous way fashion is born so genuinely here in the Midwest and along with Halston we can't forget about our other success story in Bill Blass (but that's another post altogether).

The company Halston founded had it's ups and downs to say the least.  I remember my mom being so excited that he signed a licensing agreement with JCPenney so she could buy some of his line for her own collection.  You have to understand how HUGE this was because my mom hates to shop so for someone like Halston to have that sort of affect on her was of enormous proportions!  With those licensing agreements and so many collections demanded of him, the selling of his name to Norton Simon Industries in 1973, and the firing from his own label in 1983 there was much controversy surrounding this amazing figure who single-handedly changed fashion (hello -  the Pill Box Hat made for Jackie Kennedy!!!).

“Halston had the strongest influence in fashion early in the decade, when he helped bury the wild, anti-establishment look of the 60's, with its gypsy colors, fringed leathers and tie-dyed fabrics. He introduced the more sober clothes that women were ready for.” —Lisa Belkin The New York Times 

His magic was lost for awhile and the whole reason for his being had seemed to be forgotten about by most.  The company has had at least eight different owners and six different designers since that time.

Enter Fall 2011 and the HALSTON HERITAGE COLLECTION designed by no other than Sarah Jessica Parker.  The resurrection of this line is one of the best play on Halston's vision and the merging of modernity I've seen.  You look at it and know it's Halston but there's a slight twist thrown in that makes it right now!  Finally, I feel, ol' Roy would be very proud ~

Until then:  "A designer is only as good as the people he dresses." - HALSTON

Transformations Fashion Show

Friday night, I saw an awesome show. Transformations is an annual show designed and produced by Catherine Fritsch for DivaFest.

Fristch speaking with the audience

 Fritsch is owner and designer of Mercurious Designs and Sweet Revenge Lingerie. She has 18 years experience in designing, pattern making and sewing services. In my book, she is the one of  the gurus of design AND she is one of the most humble and nicest person you will ever meet. She's also one of our clients at Aesthetic Design Style.

In the Transformation show, Fritsch takes off the wall objects, like styrofoam from bean bag chair and balloons, to make modern Victorian pieces. Models were supplied by LModelz Modeling Agency. Makeup was done by our own Julia Rutland and Christopher Thompson of Re-Creations and Kathy Moberly of faces by klm. Hair styling was provided by Geneva Hair Studio and jewelry by Cheeky Couture.

  

I was excited all week about this show. Here are a few of my favorite.

To find out more about Catherine Fritsch or Sweet Revenge Lingerie, go to her website.

She Sells ShaSAM3: Our interview with Julia, the Jewelry Artist

Julia Rutland is the head diva here at Aesthetic Design Style, but did you know she also has a jewelry line? She's a busy little bee! Here is the interview she did for our blog.

Introduce yourself?

I'm Julia Rutland, owner of Aesthetic Design Style and my creative outlet is designing statetment pieces for my line of jewelry called ShaSAM3.

Where are you from?

Born a Buckeye, but have lived most of my life in Indianapolis.

ShaSAM3 "Egypt Royale" (retail $15)

How long have you been designing?

Officially since October 2009 - unofficially all my life.

When did you start ShaSAM3?

October 2009 - the name is a hybrid of my three beautiful daughters' names.

What inspired you to start ShaSAM3?

My mother-in-law had a big suitcase full of costume jewelry she found at her mother's house. All kinds of stuff from all eras and I just was beside myself. We all got the chance to go through it and pick out things we liked; so that's what started my wheels turning. There were a ton of vintage brooches and earrings that had no mates so I just knew I could create something nice from these pieces. I love big oversized accessories and I really love rings. I wasn't finding rings big enough for my liking so I started desiging them out of need :) The more I wore them the more people asked where I got them so I thought maybe this would be something I could share with others. This way the beautiful jewelry that would have been thrown away or left in that suitcase could be cherished for years to come with a modern twist.

What sets ShaSAM3 apart from other accessories lines?

 

ShaSAM3 "Ring Leader" (retail $50)

I LOVE using unexpected things and making them beautiful or extraordinary. Denim is pretty dull but when you work it into a piece of jewelry it takes on a life of its own and becomes art. The best part is taking denim -which was at one time considered something only "blue collared" workers wore- and turning into something that I pair with an evening gown. Irony runs through many of my pieces. My love of finding new life for old things got me thinking of all the denim I had laying around. That turned into the statement pieces I create out of denim. I sometimes incorporate the vintage jewelry with the denim for an unexpected marriage of hard and soft that really seems to work.

Who are your influences?

Elsa Schiaparelli, Marchaesa Casati, and my Great Great Aunt Rose (whom I never had the pleasure of meeting but she smoked cigars and wore pants at a time when "ladies" weren't suppose to do so - I love hearing stories about her)

What is your favorite piece?

 

ShaSAM3 Ring (retail $15)

One called Ring Leader that I designed because I was in love with these huge metal rings I had lying around. I added some denim and some nice natural baubles and it turned into something better than I imagined in my head.

What are your price points?

Nothing over $50

Who do you prefer: Independent or Mainstream designers?

an independent fashion revolution all the way baby! (that's trademarked by the way :)

ShaSAM3 Denim (retail $30)

Any other special projects you want to share with our readers?

I am working on expanding the brand this year and having it in more retail establishments and available for online purchasing as well. Look for our designs to collaborate with some local and not so local designers this year and we may just pop up in other unexpected places :)

You can see and purchase more pieces and from ShaSAM3 on their website and the Aesthetic Design Style online boutique.

Be a Part of Your Own Clique: Interview with Tiffiany Gilstrap-Scott

Tiffiany Gilstrap-Scott of Clique Da Cour

I was so lucky to meet Tiffiany Gilstrap-Scott last week for the first time. She is such a talented person. It's very rare you find a genuinely nice individual. Read her interview and you'll see what I mean. 

Introduce Yourself

My name is Tiffiany Gilstrap-Scott. I was born and raised in a small town in Indiana. I have a bachelors' degree in Merchandising and Design from Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa, FL. I just moved back here about 7 months ago. I love to design and also play soccer; its' still a fun past time for me. I work two jobs other than designing. People call me crazy all the time, why do you work so much. My answer is you have to work hard to get your dreams. No one is ever going to hand you something you have to be persistent and work through the rough spots to get to the prize lol :).

Where are you from?
I grew up in Tipton, Indiana.
How long have you been designing?
I have been doing this a long time. My mother and grandmother both taught me at a very young age how to crochet and sew. I remember sitting on my grandmothers lap teaching me how to sew my baby doll clothes . It's just something I just always did. I used to make some of my dresses for school growing up as a kid and special event I had. I just loved having something that I know no one else would. There is nothing worse than showing up somewhere where the girl is wearing the exact same dress as you. Thank heavens that has never happened to be, but it has happened to people I know. It's an awful thing.
When did you start Clique Da Cour?
Well it was part of a school project actually in high school and I just been fine tuning it ever since. I really started getting into it when I was in college. I know it was something I wanted to keep pursuing and I figured I better start soon and just keep building on as I go along. You're never finished; it is always an on going process to keep bettering yourself as you get older and learn more things along the way. I always tell people you can never know everything in your line of work there is always something to be learned to better yourself not only as a businesswomen but as a person too.

Clique Da Cour (retail $95)

  What inspired you to start Clique Da Cour?
I would have to say a good part of it was from my grandfather Dennis Gilstrap; which is no longer with us. He was a very successful business man. He started a company with his partner Henry known as {the} Val corporation. It was a retail establishment with hardline and softline products. He sold it several years ago, but he also owned a warehouse several apartment complexes along with buying houses and flipping them for profit or renting them out. He was always in a business venture and always trying to get to the next step and conquer something else. He was very persistent and never stopped working. I hope to one day be as successful as he was.
What sets Clique Da Cour apart from other lines?
I try to make each piece different. I want someone to appreciate the time and effort. I not only want it to look good on but also be visual appealing and someone go wow you really made this yourself. We try and make each piece unique to set us apart, its not something you could go in a department store and but off the shelf.

"Sugar" Feed Bag Clutch (retail $15 and up) Designs may vary

Who are your influences?
My mother Angie, my grandfather Dennis, and my grandmother Georgia.
What is your favorite piece?I don't think I have one! As long as what I make for someone and they appreciate it and love it; that's all I ask. That's the best reward I can get.

Sloutch Beanie on Etsy (retail $12)

What are your price points?
I would say they're from anywhere to $15 to couple hundred but that is for a gown. I do want everyone to enjoy my pieces. I didn't grow up with a lot of money and I do want people feel that they can afford my clothes. You don't have to live in a mansion to get designer wares.
 

Who do you prefer: Independent or Mainstream designers?
Independent designers!!! I do like some mainstream, but its getting to the point where anyone with money can design. As long as you have a big enough checkbook you just pay people to do everything for you. There are some mainstream designers that went to school for design and worked their butts off to get to where they are today and I applaud them for that. We all know its not easy. Now we got all these people that are just getting into just to make money and to most independent designers it means more to us than just money its something we put our blood, sweat and tears into; doing what we love. Most independent designers are an artist {and} the business person, they do it all from production to the end product and then sell it for a profit. 

Any other special projects you want to share with our readers?

I am going to be entering into a competition called Indy Fashion Time (IFT). I am really excited about it. You comprise three looks which one of them is avant garde. I have some great ideas and starting to get started as we speak. It's coming May 31st to June 4th, 2011. The final competition is being held at the State Fairgrounds.

Clique Da Cour (retail $ 80)

Take a look at more pieces from Tiffiany and Clique Da Cour on her website and her Etsy page.

The Online Lookbook

It's FINALLY complete!  I feel as if the world stopped while our lookbook was being put together.  But it was worth the wait because I love the way it turned out.  Thanks to THE best photographer on the planet, Polina Osherov, the beautiful Michelle Pemberton modeling, and last but definitely NEVER least the incomparable Fashion Stylist Nikki Sutton for the front and back covers of the lookbook. These pictures were taken from the Sweet Revenge Lingerie show called Cabaret Lingerie back in March of this year and the corsets shown in the beginning and the end are available for sale.  They are hand done with impeccable precision and workmanship - they are simply a work of art for the body.

CLICK HERE for a peek!

Creating a lookbook these days is of the utmost importance!  If you are going to talk to anyone intelligently about your business you have to have something to back it up - a lookbook is a good place to start.  I decided to start with an online lookbook simply for convenience.  I am able to reach important out of town contacts instantly and they are able to see what we have to offer on the spot upon the arrival of an introduction email.  There are some appointments (face to face) when I do use our printed lookbook and my clients are given a copy of that to keep.  They will also have access to the online lookbook as well for their reference or if they need to send it on to one of their affiliates. 

The process was relatively easy to do but it did take a lot of time and effort.  Remember when you are putting together anything that has to do with marketing or branding that YOUR name is on the line and it is important that you make a very good first impression.  I know your mother always told you to "never judge a book by its cover" and for most situations that does hold true - except for this one.  Lookbooks are your clients very first introduction to who you are and what you are about and you need to get it right the first time.  Whomever your client may be please know that they are inundated with people trying to sell them things every single day.  You have to find a way to set yourself apart and make your brand stand out.  Customer service is a HUGE way to set yourself apart but you won't get a chance to offer that part of your business if you don't get a first meeting.  The way to a first meeting is a good lookbook. 

I'm not only referring to fashion lookbooks here.  Photographers, models, artists, designers, interior designers, Marketing/PR businesses, there are many different sects of business that can benefit from a lookbook and an online lookbook is a good place to start for the novice.  I count myself in the novice category and I plan to learn and grow every day as well.  For now I need to make sure my designers have a presentation that represents them and their brands well and professionally because I am making a first impression for them and that's why I take so much pride in what I do. 

There was a wonderful blog post written in one of our very favorite blogs Style Sample Magazine regarding how to set up your own online portfolio.  Take a look at their view on lookbooks and hopefully you'll get a feel for if an online lookbook is best for you or if you will invest in a printed version - or there's always the combination of both which can only increase your chances of gaining that GREAT first impression!

Until Then:  "Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself." - Truman Capote

NY Fashion Week & Fashion's Night Out

I just get giddy with excitement around this time of year (then again in February).  The anticipation of the new, the ornate, the outlandish in fashion just has me all in a tizzy!  Along with all of the hype of Fashion Week and it's new digs at Lincoln Center we also have one of fashion's biggest nights tomorrow (Friday, September 10th) Fashion's Night Out (FNO).  Here's more info about FNO directly from them:

ABOUT FASHION’S NIGHT OUT: Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy, and put the fun back in shopping. For one night last September, in New York City and twelve other cities around the world, designers, celebrities, models, and fashion editors staged exciting, one-of-a-kind events in stores open after-hours to the public. Shoppers were able to see Sarah Jessica Parker singing standards with Oscar de la Renta, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen tending bar, as well as Michael Kors, Justin Timberlake, Kate Hudson, Rihanna and Gwen Stefani (just to name a few) at various stores throughout NYC supporting the industry. Retailers saw a surge of new shoppers and increased sales, while customers relished the street-party atmosphere.

FASHION’S NIGHT OUT 2010: FNO will return to New York City and launch in cities nationwide this year on Friday, September 10, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Last year, in NYC alone, more than 800 participating stores across the five boroughs feted thousands of shoppers who supported the fashion and retail industries—we expect this year’s event to be even bigger and better, with a lot of fun surprises!
FASHION’S NIGHT OUT ON A GLOBAL LEVEL: In the United States, FNO is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. Around the world, countries led by at least fifteen international Vogue editions, will once again participate in the festivities. Nations including Australia, Britain, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey, each country will tailor its Fashion’s Night Out celebration to appeal to its unique retail environment.
CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS: A percentage of the sales from the Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt will be donated to the New York City AIDS Fund in The New York Community Trust. Be sure to check back in August for retailer information and locations.

Support FNO and look good doing it by purchasing a piece from their collection.  You can find out where to purchase HERE.

Until Then:  "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."  - John F. Kennedy

Expanding Our Reach - Welcome Gaby Couture!

What an incredible week this has been! The weather is getting nice, everyone seems to be in a good mood, and the independent fashion realm is flourishing!!!

We are proud, excited, and elated to announce that we have a new line to add to our Aesthetic Design Style family. WELCOME GABY COUTURE! An amazing designer with amazing pieces who lives and creates in Indiana. This is what Aesthetic Design Style stands for and is all about - taking care of the incredible talent that we have in our own backyard.

A little about Gaby:

Created from her experiences as a child in Argentina and travels around South America, each "Gaby" creation stands out for its personality as well as its elegance and an inspiration of Euro-Latin culture.

This Argentinean designer started her career 30 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina with a passion that would take her all over the continent, including New York City. At twelve years old, Gabriela Frezza, creator of "Gaby" and "Gaby Couture", sewed her first dress in order to attend a party.

"I hope to show Indianapolis a little bit of New York high fashion in this upcoming show. I think the Midwest really needs something like this", says Frezza, who has worked for clients all over North and South America, including Chile and Argentina. Her pieces are always designed with the woman in mind, making sure every dress is sexy and shows off the sensuality of Latin Culture.

We are extremely honored to be working with Gaby Couture and see that the future is very very bright!

Join us on June 12th as we "Rock the Runway" in Fountain Square - Indiana, 1043 Virginia Avenue @The Murphy Arts Center 4:00pm - 10:00pm! Tickets are only $7 or if you bring a clothing donation for GOODWILL you will only pay $5. Come support local designers with global visions. Gaby will be there in full force so watch for big things happening very soon!

Until Then: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank

Midwest Fashion Week Spring 2010

Midwest Fashion Week is upon us once again. Created and founded by Berny Martin this event is becoming bigger and bigger bi-annually. This series of events based in Indianapolis, Indiana helps to focus upon and draw attention to local and independent fashion and accessory designers - which is what we're all about over here at Aesthetic Design Style.

This year we have a special stake in Midwest Fashion Week as our very own Catherine Fritsch Designer of Sweet Revenge Lingerie and Owner of Mercurious Designs will be participating in a spectacular show on Friday, March 19th at IndyFringe Theater located at 719 East St. Clair Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202. With the help of renowned Stylist Nikki Sutton and Makeup Artistry by Kelly Oswalt this show is sure to bring a breath of fresh air to the Indianapolis fashion scene.

You can now enjoy shopping for special pieces at our new re-launched Style Shop on our web site. Sweet Revenge Lingerie, Brynn Capella Handbags, Chic Gems Couture, and Bags of Blessing are all available with new looks for Spring RIGHT NOW.


















Come out and support local independent fashion and accessory designers.




Until Then: "It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed." - Vida D. Scudder

Open Minds and Open Hearts for Fashion

Nikki Blaine Couture

D. Lamont Couture

Denderah

Rags II Riteous

I attended the "1st Annual Holy Decore Fashion Experience" this weekend for the mere fact that my gorgeous niece was one of the models in the show. And for the fact that she happened to be modeling for one of my very favorite local designers - Nikki Blaine Couture!

I was pleasantly surprised at the incredible fashion that was to be had at this show. The designers hailed from Indianapolis and I was wondering how I missed a few of these names. Not only was the fashion independent and unique, but it was beautifully constructed and had the ingenuity of a new generation of designers. What I also loved about this show was that there was a balance of lines for men and women that I liked equally. I will say that in past shows I've attended I hadn't been extremely impressed with some of the mens lines but this one was an exception.

Besides being a bit biased to Nikki Blaine I thoroughly enjoyed Rags II Riteous, Denderah, and D. Lamont Couture. These were my top 4! They used everything from neckties to wool crepe from hounds tooth to leather and in some beautiful ways. Goes to show that sometimes the very thing you've been looking for truly is in your own backyard. Look for more to come from the aforementioned designers in the near future - from me especially!

Until then:
“We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Nikki Blaine Couture