Aesthetic Design Style House

Monday, April 19, 2010

Only the Strong Survive

I consider myself a very optimistic and a "glass half full" kind of person. My passion is to venture into the world and fit independent designers with boutiques and clients that I believe are perfect for their lines. Lately I've been a little discouraged and I need to shake it and move forward ("half full, half full, half full . . .)

One huge difference I've found between independent fashion and established labels is simply name recognition. True story, I had a client say to me "why would I buy a handbag for $300 from you when I can get one for a little more that says Louis Vuitton?" My answer to her was, nicely "because you make your own way and your own style and that's what sets you apart." The quality, time, value, craftsmanship, and uniqueness in independent designs are second to none. Not to say that I wouldn't fall over for a Valentino gown in his signature Valentino Red BUT there are only certain fashion houses on the entire planet (Valentino being one) that can truly boast Haute Couture and the art of it. So in a way Valentino can kind of relate to independent fashion. Personally I decided to help independent accessory and fashion designers with getting their name out there because I don't want what everyone else has. I thought more people felt the way I did but I'm running into brick walls at every turn (and I am a very likeable person!!) with boutiques.

IndySwank in Indianapolis, Indiana has welcomed us and Catherine Fritsch's line, Sweet Revenge Lingerie, with open arms. Jennifer Von Deylen owns this wonderful boutique and really focuses on special pieces and independent designers (as well as the most fantastic Vintage). I contacted her and she immediately replied and set an appointment. I realize not all business transactions are this easy - I guess I just hoped everyone would fall in love with my designers as fast as I did and it would just be that easy.

One boutique (I'm not naming names) said to me after I had contacted them regarding one of my lines "oh we don't buy independent designers so we're not interested." I said "may I ask why?" They said "just past experience we've had with them and their stuff takes too long to get here and it's usually one piece here and there and it was just a headache." I said (again, very nicely) "I'm sorry you've had bad experiences with independent fashion in the past but not all independent designers operate in that fashion." Needless to say they still wouldn't budge. Fashion is completely and absolutely personal so I have to understand the way they feel. It's unfortunate, though, that they are missing out on so much talent and so much creative genius that lives right under their nose.

I bring all of this up for one reason and one reason only. I'm not a quitter and my designers are so awesome and I believe in each and every one of them to my core - or I wouldn't be so vested in their success! Before I take on a line or designer I literally have to fall in love (going back to the whole fashion is personal thing again) with them. Every line and every designer we represent I would wear personally. You have to have a very open mind and not follow the crowd when it comes to expressing who you are through your own style. It's funny but looking back at my 34 years on this earth I find that fashion has been a constant for me. Something that always got me through good and bad times - an outward expression of who I was/am at certain times in my life. One can be insecure about many things in life but when you have your own style and feel confident in who you are and what you do - your insecurities don't show and no one would ever know about them and isn't that the point?

Independent fashion is me, it is Aesthetic Design Style, and it will be in your closet - THAT I am taking full responsibility for right now! So, ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE but I am also saying that ONLY THE STRONG WILL THRIVE and that's us!!

Until Then: "Make the most of who you are for that's all there is of you anyway."

Monday, April 12, 2010

Indy Fashion Time

Networking is really an incredible thing when done properly! I have met the most wonderful, smart, creative, and powerful individuals just by going to things and doing the things I love. One perfect example of this was when I met Denisha Ferguson AKA DLANG. Not only is she a designer but she, like us, is devoted to changing the landscape of fashion in our very own backyard. She believes in and knows how much talent we have right here in Indianapolis and wants to showcase that talent.

But it doesn't stop there and this is not just another fashion show!!! Denisha created Indy Fashion Time to educate, spotlight, and encourage designers and make them more successful in their futures. Aesthetic Design Style is so excited to be able to help out and be a part of Indy Fashion Time this year! This is the 3rd Annual launch of this event and it is shaping up to be the biggest and best so far.

Denisha breaks down the IFT Experience in three categories:

Mission - To create learning, networking, and economic opportunities for the creative mind
Vision - Dreamers platform into reality
Goals - 1. To obtain dreams through artistic expression 2. To empower youth through workshops that introduce basic principles of the arts, while also focusing on self-esteem and life skills 3. To provide marketing opportunities for the novice and experience creative professional 4. To promote cultural diversity in the arts 5. To increase tourism by providing creative events in Indiana

There really IS more than corn in Indiana - PROMISE!

IFT offers a design competition with a CASH prize for the winner! This is something that is rare for fashion events in the city so I applaud her for this offering.

The competition is open to any resident or non-resident of Indiana, student, entrepreneur, or professional
Requirements: 1. Present four original designs 2. Follow rules outlined on registration forms 3. Submit $189 registration fee
To enter simply email IFT Week at iftweek@yahoo.com with your name and mailing address and you will be sent the designer registration forms
Deadline has been extended to April 21, 2010

Tickets for IFT are very reasonable as well. $15 for general admission and only $25 for VIP tickets which includes access to networking reception, lite Hor' D' oeuvres, preferred show seating, and MORE surprises (are you kidding me? VIP all the way baby!). CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets NOW!

For further details on how you can join the competition, volunteer, or get the schedule of events visit IFT Week and get connected.

See you there!

Until then: "Creativity is the ability to see that which is waiting to exist"

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Going barefoot to help save the world!

If you don't know about or have never heard of TOMS Shoes I want to take this time to fill you in on this wonderful company and the very special day they've created.

For everyone who has followed our blog (big smooches and THANK YOU by the way!) you know how much I'm obsessed with shoes. Well, TOMS Shoes takes this love of mine to an entirely different realm. My obsession is now not so superficial as to how cute a shoe is but rather what the purchase of that shoe can do for the world. I know it sounds cliche and unattainable but that's what TOMS Shoes do everyday - they change lives all over the globe. For EVERY one pair of shoes you buy from TOMS they give a pair of shoes to those in need, those who can't afford shoes, and those who may never have owned a pair.

Thursday, April 8 is "One Day Without Shoes". Here's how they describe the day from the TOMS Shoes Web site: "One day without shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child's life. On April 8th we ask people to go the day, part of the day, or even just a few minutes barefoot to experience a life without shoes first hand and inspire others at the same time."

Also, their Web site states THE FACTS:

In some developing nations children must walk miles to school, clean water, and medical help.
Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil..
Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.

So join us tomorrow in chucking those heels for a day, part of a day, or a few minutes. Also check out TOMS Shoes to see, in depth, how they are helping change our world one child at a time.

Until Then: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has" ~ Margaret Mead

Thursday, March 11, 2010

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

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

When Rachel Zoe Speaks - We Listen

Everyone has their own opinion regarding Rachel Zoe - I happen to love her. So when I stumbled upon her "The Not So Basics Guide - 20 Wardrobe Essentials" I just HAD to share. They all really make a lot of sense along with being fantastic. Some of her picks are on the more expensive side but if you use this as a guide you can put your own twist on her recommendations. Which is what we all should do anyway in order to stay true to who we are. Fashion is the one thing that lets us express EXACTLY who we are without saying a word - I just get all excited!!!

So here we go!! Rachel Zoe's 20 Wardrobe Essentials everyone should have (with pics of examples I have found from independent designers -of course!)