Details Details Details

A couple weeks ago we did a photo shoot with the talented Anna Ziemniak for our client Shyra Ely-Gash and her online boutique TutzGlam.  (Thank goodness for Janelle Cissell who is THE BEST when it comes to keeping us together on shoots :)

We had the absolute privilege to shoot at the Madame CJ Walker Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana.  If you aren't familiar with Madame CJ Walker or what this theatre means to our city let me tell you that we wouldn't have such a fabulous city or such a rich history without either one of them.  Her story is one of pure self-motivation, determination, and passion.  CLICK HERE for a bit about the beautiful Madame CJ Walker.  For now, enjoy some of the incredible details of this historic theatre and of the fabulous day we had shooting :)

 

 

 

 

Until then,

 

Julia

 

Alien & The Undead: Fashion Among Mortals

First, I want to say I am EXCITED to be back with ADSH. I have missed everyone, but had a much needed rest and had to step back for a moment. Whew...it's good to be home.

Since before HG Wells' 1898 version of "War of the Worlds", our society has been fascinated with the unknown, undead, and things that go bump in the night. Almost every weekend you can go to your local movie theater or turn on your TV and be mesmerized by nonhuman creatures. This intrigue for all things creepy has crossed over to the fashion houses of New York, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, and independent designers and boutiques.

Thierry Mugler Alien Perfume Print Ad

You can see the unearthly influence in Thierry Mugler's Alien perfume campaign from the molded bodice of the regal golden gown to the alien/cat orbital makeup to her hair resembling a crown; a queen among mortals. It reminds me of the female costumes of the 1980's film "Flash Gordon".

The Women of the 1980's Flash Gordon Movie

Perhaps when you turn the pages of your favorite fashion rag, you see Rick "Zombie Boy" Genest, the fashion model that is tattooed in zombie like markings on the majority of his body.  This enigma has been used in various ad campaigns, runways, and was even featured with the diva Lady Gaga in her music video, "Born This Way".

Lady Gaga & Zombie Boy in "Born This Way"

Paris has recently celebrated monsters in fashion by holding a traveling exhibit at the La Gaîté Lyrique.

A Traveling Exhibit Now at La Gaite Lyrique

But you dont' have to stray far to see the influence of the unknown. Independent designer and boutique for plus size women, Domino Dollhouse, was recently featured on Joe Zee's reality fashion show, "All on the Line". The brand has released their new Astralnauts Collection, featuring the little sparks of light in the sky.

Domino Dollhouse's Babydoll Dress in Galaxy $89
(only available in 4X - all other sizes sold out)

I look forward what the next trend will be. Oh yes, there will be a new one. Soon aliens, zombies, monsters, and any unearthly phenomenon that comes to mind will be old and something new will be on the horizon. But in the meantime, there are many who want to make fashion an out of this world experience.

~ Ruby

"I Wish We Could Do This Everyday!"

Sunday, Aesthetic Design Style House held our first photoshoot. The pictures will be featured on all of our media and feature ready-to-wear and vintage pieces from our in-house designers and clients. We would like to thank our wonderful models, KathRyn Lou and Sasha Greene, our photographer Anna Ziemniak, and our staff Julia, Amber, Mallory and Janelle for the greatest photoshoot ever! We can't wait until we see the final shots. When they're done, we will definately give you a sneak peek. In the meantime, here are some shots done behind the scenes of the shoot.

Congrats to Alyssa & Tiffiany

Congrats to our own Alyssa Benner and Tiffiany Gilstrap-Scott of Clique Da Cour for their participation in this weekend's Indy Fashion Time.

 

Tiffiany Gilstrap-Scott of Clique Da Cour with her hairstylist and models.

 Tiffiany's pieces reflected the romantic side of Clique Da Cour infusing lace, ruffles and fabric that showed movement with every step.

Alyssa and her models.

 Alyssa's pieces had a circus theme. The splash of bold color, print and texture could be seen throughout her garments.

 Even though our girls didn't win the main prize, a $1000 scholarship and sewing machines and accessories from sewing machine manufacturer, Baby Lock, they're still winners in our family. Congratulations ladies, we hope to see great things from you in the future. 

 

Special thanks to Sarah, Amber, Mallory, Julia, Janelle and all the models who helped Tiffiany and Alyssa on their special day with hair and makeup!

The Interns Take Over ADSH!

This week begins our Intern Takeover of our blog!  Enjoy the next few weeks with a fresh perspective on all things fashion from the inside out.  Without further ado MEET AMBER!

I am so excited to have this opportunity to be working with Julia and her team. I just know that I am going to be learning so much from this experience, and my hope is to use all of it to help better my career in the fashion industry.

My name is Amber and I am a junior about to be a senior at the Art Institute of Indianapolis. My interest in fashion didn’t come about until I took a sewing class my sophomore year of high school.  I really loved creating pieces and learning new stitches to put garments together. It fascinated me. Fashion is all about expressing yourself and telling a story, just like any other art form. I originally wanted to go into costume designing for theatre and film, because I have a love of history as well. Now, I’m not so sure that is what I want to do forever. I still have a huge interest in costuming and if the opportunity presented itself I would still love to dabble in it, but there are so many other aspects of fashion I enjoy now to.

A little about my background: I’ve grown up in Indianapolis all my life. I’ve lived in Carmel since I was 7 and before that the Pike area. I have a big family with 3 sisters and 3 brothers that I try to spend as much time with as I can. I went to Carmel High School and graduated in ’09. Other than sewing I enjoy yoga, Pilates, church, cooking, reading, and writing. I am also a music lover of all types of music. I am big into supporting the Indianapolis music scene and try to go to as my shows in the area that I can.  I take every opportunity I can to travel. I’ve only been to a few of the states like California, Florida, Arizona, and Tennessee. Out of the country I’ve been to Aruba, which is beautiful, and in a few short weeks I’ll be traveling to England. I’ll be sure to share all about my experience there.

This is just a little bit about me. Again I can’t express how excited I am to be interning for Aesthetic Design Style House and all the experiences I will be learning from them.

Until Then:  "I must admit that I personally measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings."  - Margaret Mead

Tough Time Blues

I don't know if it's the weather or just the time of year, but EVERYONE is chatting about how they're in a slump, both creatively and financially. Sometimes you need to just sit back and re-evaluate the goals of your company and brand. Here are a few topics that can help you start that process.

Who are you making you pieces for?
Most people make their pieces for themselves. People that do this don't sell their pieces. You have to design from inner creativity, but you need to keep in mind your target audience.

Who is sitting in the audience at your fashion shows?
It's great that you are participating in fashion shows. But if your line is ready to wear and no one is buying your pieces after your showcase, what was the point? Make sure you are targeting people that are going to buy your pieces. It's great to do a showcase for the public, friends and family, but your grandmother already purchased her couture X dress. Make sure you're filling the seats with potential clients and customers. Make your pieces available for purchase after the show.

The economy is crazy. Price your pieces accordingly.
Last night, we had a meeting with a designer. It was such a somber meeting because we had to reduce some of the prices of her pieces. THAT SUCKS!! We have to be mindful of the economy.With gas prices soaring, people are going to start locking their money up again to pay for extra expenses. Make your pieces economically friendly.

PUSH PUSH PUSH
Shake off that negative energy around you. Push through this hard time. It's only for a season.

For more help or to see what we can do to help you push through your brand's tough time blues, visit our website.

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.