Thursday, September 16, 2010

Artists Feature- Myka Shoes

 
J: Where are you from?
M: I'm from Israel born and raised. Although I did spend a few years in the Netherlands where I studied at the Rietveld Academy of Art and Design in Amsterdam.
 
J: How do your surrounding affect your creative process?
M: My creative process is less affected by my surroundings, but rather from my interests. My current collection, Winter 2010/2011, is actually inspired by the movies of Pedro Almodovar, specifically the women from his movies. While my Summer 2010 collection was inspired by strong women in history. Basically I guess you can say I am inspired by strong women everywhere.

J: How long have you been designing?
M: I started sketching and designing things for myself since the day I learned to hold a pencil. My love of design really blossomed during my studies at the Rietveld Academy, and that’s when I really got more deeply involved in graphic design and the like. It wasn’t until two years ago that I decided to focus on shoe design. This is currently my second year in the business and I’m enjoying every minute of it! 


J: What is your favorite piece and why?
 M: My favorite piece is the Rebecca Snake-Embosses Heel because on one side it has a very simplistic design, yet it is an intriguing piece because it’s made from leather that is far from standard. I went for something less mainstream and more on the wild side. This is a twist that I try to put into all of my designs.

J: Where do you draw inspiration from?
 M: My inspiration is generally drawn from things that affect me deeply. Basically this goes back to question number two – strong women are always an inspiration to me, especially when they manage to break boundaries or change the course history.

J: What do you feel makes you different from the designer?
M: I truly believe that when you look good you feel good, which is why I design shoes that will make a women look good, and of course feel good, all the way down to her toes. I think one of my major differentiators is the “twist” that I add to my designs that keep the design classic, but with a pop of originality. My shoes go with your life, regardless of where you are or where you are going. Lastly, comfort is very important for me, especially when it comes to shoes. This is one of the things I focus on when designing – I want the women who wear them to be as comfortable as possible, all while feeling sexy and feminine.

J: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 things with you what would they be?
M:It would be difficult to take my three kids without my husband, as they would be too much for me to handle. So I guess my best answer would have be sunglasses, a bathing suit and suntan lotion. If I’m going to be stranded on a deserted island I may as well get comfortable and die with a good tan.

Busy Bee

I have had way too much going on lately, but definitely in a good way. I'm really doing great with the accessory line, and productivity. Don't get me wrong I'm completely behind schedule as far as I'm concerned but so far, especially within the past few weeks, I have gotten a lot done so I'm excited. I'll be posting my favs this weekend, and I'd love to know what you guys think!
Then, this weekend I have two modeling sessions. One will be my second trash the dress session Saturday which I am so excited about. My photographer actually asked me to do both a trash the dress and a Glow session with her. Glow is when they have artists come in and do glow in the dark body painting, then photograph the art. I am so hyped for it! That will be on Saturday night. Then, I have a fashion show here in Kansas City at great vintage store. Donna's dress shop. They are having a coat preview, and party so if your in KC you should definitely stop in. Reese's

Jay =)

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Ms. Knowles

Oh how I love thee, for you my dear are absolutlely FAB.




Pictures obtained from Solanges blog mydamnblog

Friday, September 10, 2010

Artist Feature - MillionaireKream

Woops this was supposed to be posted yesterday. My bad. But without further a due I present Millionaire Kream .
J: Where are you from?
M: I'M ORIGINALLY FROM OAKLAND CA AND I CURRENTLY LIVE IN BERKELEY.

J:  Bay area in the house! How do your surroundings affect your creative process?


M: I THINK THE ENVIRONMENT YOU LIVE IN HAS A HUGE EFFECT ON YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. FOR ME I PULL MY INSPIRATION FOR THE THINGS I SEE AROUND ME EVERYDAY.


J: How long have you been designing?


M: I HAVE BEEN A FASHION DESIGNER SINCE I WAS A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL SO ABOUT 7 YEARS. I JUST RECENTLY BEGAN DESIGNING EYE-WEAR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO.


J: What made you start?


M: I WAS WORKING WITH A RECORDING ARTIST DOING THE WARDROBE STYLING FOR A MUSIC VIDEO AND SHE ASKED ME TO MAKE SOME CUSTOM GLASSES. WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A NICE VISUAL FOR THE CAMERA SO I MADE TWO PAIRS AND BASED ON THE REACTION I GOT FROM EVERYONE ONCE THEY SAW THEM I WAS INSPIRED TO CONTINUE MAKING MORE GLASSES SO HERE I AM NOW! PLUS I WAS GETTING CRAZY REQUESTS TO DO CUSTOM GLASSES.


J: What is your favorite piece and why?


M: I REALLY DON'T HAVE A FAVORITE PIECE. I TEND TO BECOME ATTACHED TO ALL OF THEM IN THE BEGINNING BUT I REALLY LOVE EACH PAIR BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL DIFFERENT AND I SURPRISE MYSELF A LOT WITH THE FINAL PRODUCT.


J: Where do you draw inspiration from?


M: WHEN IT COMES TO THE SUNGLASSES I REALLY DON'T HAVE A DESIGN PROCESS. I JUST PICK A PAIR OF GLASSES AND LAY OUT THE MATERIALS I WANT TO USE THEN START WORKING. MOSTLY ANYTHING THAT CATCHES MY EYE OR IS DIFFERENT INSPIRES MY DESIGNS. I AM ALSO VERY INSPIRED BY MUSIC, I LISTEN TO ALL TYPES OF MUSIC AND DO FIND MYSELF INSPIRED BY THE ARTISTS SOMETIMES.


J: What do you feel makes you different from the designer?


M: I THINK WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DESIGNERS IS MY USE OF NEW AND UNUSUAL MATERIALS. AND I AM ALWAYS EVOLVING AND CHANGING AS A DESIGNER. I DON'T DWELL ON ONE LOOK OR STYLE TOO LONG SO MY DESIGNS ARE ALWAYS FRESH.I LOVE TO LOOK FOR MATERIALS IN UNCONVENTIONAL PLACES. I ALSO FEEL THAT BECAUSE I HAVE A REAL PASSION FOR WHAT I DO THERE IS A HIGH LEVEL OF CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT GOES INTO EACH PAIR. THEY DON'T LOOK LIKE I MADE THEM IN A KITCHEN. THEY ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND CLEAN.


J: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 things with you what would they be?


M: IF I WAS STUCK ANYWHERE FIRST I COULDN'T FATHOM GOING A DAY WITHOUT MY IPOD, SECOND I WOULD NEED THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND THIRD AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF CHICKEN PAD SE EW (THAI FOOD).I'M REALLY NOT TOO HARD TO PLEASE BUT DON'T TELL MY FIANCE I PUT THE IPOD BEFORE HIM :)
Fab
Jay. =)






Thursday, September 2, 2010

Artists Feature- Miss Brache

Yay, my first artist feature! I had the opportunity to interview the lovely Diane of Miss Brache from etsy. Who, might I add is both fab and gorgeous! I was so excited because I have admired her work for so long. 
J: Where are you from?
D: I'm was born and raised in Miami, FL. My parents are Cuban and Puerto Rican.
J: How long have you been designing?
D: Since I was a little girl. I have as long as I remember been making clothing for myself or my dolls. At 11 I made outfits out of paper grocery bags for my 3 cousins, my sister and myself. We then had a fashion show for the family. I can't find those photos anywhere:(

J: What is your favorite piece and why?
D: Right now, my wedding dress. Why, well it my wedding dress:) I've been working on it all Summer. It has been the biggest project I've ever done and most difficult. The main problem was the fact that I do this for a living, so I had waaaaay to many ideas. I never was the kind of girl that dreamed of my wedding dress so that made it even harder.

J: Where do you draw inspiration from?
D: From going out and doing stuff. Movies, dancing, dog park, family parties, anything where there are people. I'm always watching people and looking at their seam lines, shape and color of garment. I think I could make her look better if it where more like this or I think that dress is very flattering because of the waistline placement and so on. I hope I don't freak people out when I'm out on the streets, I'm just being inspired by them:)

J:What do you feel makes you different from the designer?
D: I like to design to make people feel happy with who they are and bring out what they like about their shape. Women are always thinking negatively about how they look. When they are in something that makes them feel pretty they shine. I feel like any woman can shine, no matter her shape. I design to make women feel beautiful just the way they are.

J: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 things with you what would they be?
D: Machete or Saber of sorts
Musical Instrument (can't play any, but it would be a good time to learn)
Very Large Towel

Jay =)