Why be cotton, when you can be leather?

by: Ms. Gigi

Ho0wdydo babies? It’s that time, Fashion Fridays….

The days have been going by super duper hyper fast since the time change….Anywho, remember our friends Darkhorse? Ah yes, Darkhorse, named aptly for the unpredicted, highly unlikely victor, in an outcome, has released their spring ‘08 line. While remaining true to themselves and their love of Grace Jones, Darkhorse doesn’t disappoint in their designs…Check it out…

Swagger and Phenomenon, really amazing stores based in Japan , stocked with the latest Hot $hiz, has released some great pieces for the ladies {and fellas too by the way} …some of which are already sold out! Phenomenon seemed to really be inspired by punk and biker wear….(Speaking of biker wear, have a gander at Obey’s Blair moto jacket posted below) and and Swagger, by 80’s dance wear…sound weird? Really its not…
 
Designer Spotlight

Local So Cal, LA shoe and accessories Designer Melody Ehsani, is a force to be reckoned with. The designer, of Persian extraction, has truly found her calling as a designer of shoes and accessories, after one time being enrolled in law school to become a lawyer in accordance to her family’s traditional leanings. A UCLA and Art Center graduate, design is something that seems completely inherent to Ehsani.   Her designs appeal to the ultra feminine aesthetic–you know the fine intricacies women look for when they are blown away by a fierce shoe. For those with a taste for the extravagance of couture but barely have enough pocket change to get that soy mocha latte frappuccino—they won’ t feel so bad about purchasing the designers shoes, for they’re reasonably priced and a portion of the sale goes to a fund dedicated to the empowerment of women. Melody says in her culture, a woman’s value is measured by her marital status. Give thanks that this woman was bold enough to pursue a dream many would deem far fetched. Ms Cleo say this is a girl to watch…big things to come in the future…

Get to know the designer a little bit better by reading the following interview from Clutch Magazine.
 

It was a fashion “Aha!” moment when we were first put on to super fab shoe designs by Melody Ehsani. With come hither styling and opulent details these are the pumps you’ll reach for when it’s time go glam or go home. We got in step with the designer to find out more about the line that’s currently at the top of our covet list.

Q: Tell us more about the lady behind the pumps?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles . I’ve been designing shoes for the last couple of years, and I’m currently working on expanding my line. Design is my calling, and in following it I feel like I’m doing what I was really created to do, which is serve humanity. I’m particularly drawn towards helping young women wake up to who they are. I’m relentless and unshakeable when it comes to following things in which I believe are my assignment, so you’ll be seeing Melody Ehsani around for a long time.

Q: Have you always wanted to be a designer, particularly a shoe designer?
I always knew I was a designer, but I never viewed design as a career option growing up. I was brought up in a house with two artist parents who never made money off their art. My father passed when I was ten, so I always felt like I had to be super practical with my life. I went to UCLA and decided to go to law school, and eventually (after a lot of soul searching) I decided to drop out and follow my heart to study product design at the art center in Pasadena . I realized I had an amazingly intuitive talent for designing objects that functioned well and were aesthetically pleasing and that I LOVED doing it. Shoes are what carry you through the world, and I loved and understood them, so that’s where I started. But I am branching off into accessories and have some other products in the works that aren’t necessarily fashion-related.

read more

At last, my most favored day o’ the week has arrived; alas my fair fashionistas, Fashion Fridays is here again!

Happy happy day!

There’s so much excitement going on in the fashion world, especially with the up and comers…

Feathers and other animal skin coverings…there’s something about feathers, fur, and leather I guess we humans are extremely taken by, that we absolutely have to use it as a medium for artistic expression. There’s a company called Haji Couture that doesn’t cease to amaze in the expert craftsmanship displayed in their earring designs. Check em out at hajicouture.com.

Speaking of feathers…did you check out Project Runway’s Winner this season, Christian Siriano…honeychild this 21 year old’s age speaks nothing of the immense talent beyond his years that he possesses…Fierceness personified should be his mantra, because his line at Olympus Fashion Week in New York was that and then infinity times more…take a look at his pieces…

Now that we’ve had our high brow, couture fix, onto the cas-u-al…
I’m so humpin Imaginary Foundation right now, this amazing art based thinktank collaborative from Switzerland, whose work if more influenced by the power of the imagination, Dada the precursor movement to surrealism. The brilliant visuals of the graphics on the tees speak to a whole new fantastical world each of us should hold dear. You can check them out at imaginaryfoundation.com or purchase from karmaloop.com and digitalgravel.com as well…

Maharishi is known for the fresh take on clothing design and does it again with their new releases for spring. The women’s line is particularly pretty and adorable with a nod to vintage stlyings and whimsy prints n graphics, whereas there men’s line is influenced by warfare/army apparel–with camoflauge prints and colors, military jackets and Japanese imagery….I know its been done before, but Maharishi does it better…

Well that’s all for today kiddies.

Starting next edition of Fashion Fridays, we will feature local read:{California} up and comers and are looking for people to submit photos of their lines and such. With time, we’d definitely like be more inclusive and compile a list of clothiers nationwide and internationally. We’d love to hear from you all. Feel free to write us at be_leather@yahoo.com or kristenjacks@gmail.com and Tell YO FRIENDS!

We’ll be back next time with mo Hot $hit fo’ yo A$$! Love!

by: Ms. Gigi

Dear Ones!
My glorious fashion babies…
It’s my favorite time of the week again…
I want you all to behold the fastastikal, wonderful world of lazy oaf.
Lazy Oaf, the quirky UK based sportswear company which specializes primarily in tees, sweatshirts, and accessories for men and women makes me reminiscent of my childhood with the usage of such bright colors and almost cartoonish imagery for “grown ups” on their apparel. The simulated, trompe l’oeil  effect on shirts isn’t something brand new, but refreshing take on a trend. Have a gander at all the pretty things at lazyoaf.co.uk and oafette.com.

And, seriously, one of my favorite clothing brands upon discovery is 21st Century Maroon Colony…As if the name alone doesn’t stop you dead in your tracks, have a look at the mission statement or aim of the company run by two young brothas from the Bay Area: “21MC (21st Century Maroon Colony) is a S.F. based conceptual streetwear company representing the west coast of the Afro-Triangle.Live from Afro-Triangle, our purpose is to provide Tropical Wear garments to the urban Maroon Colonies of the 21st century. The patterns, rhythms, textures, and colors of Africa and Her diaspora, passed on to us by our ancestors, inform the way we create our collections and the way we wear ourselves on the streets.”

Can you say swooon…. It’s nice to see that clothing with a conscience, awareness and acknowledgment of the past…The creators of this brand produce unisex apparel with bold and vibrant colors befitting to most shapes…have a looksee…

Ok Chilluns! That’s all for now! Stay fab-sauce-ulous.