Wednesday, October 3, 2012

American Hipster Presents Detroit - Style: Homeslice


Fashion Designer Emily Thornhill a.k.a. Homeslice photo credit: Iryna Zhygalkina

Detroit's Homeslice Clothing Designer Emily Thornhill is featured in the next "American Hipster Presents" piece.  It will be released Monday October 8th online however I was given access to its link here, check it out above.

 
If you have not heard of American Hipster Presents this is the low down: Our series, American Hipster Presents (youtube.com/americanhipster) , visits ten cities across the U.S., profiling five trendsetters in each city in the worlds of food, fashion, music, art and social life. 

We aim to showcase the exciting and interesting qualities of a creative generation, making these cities into destinations and hopefully changing some people's negative perceptions of the ubiquitous term "hipster."

The American Hipster channel is part of YouTube's original content initiative which aims to bring consistent, high quality entertainment to the web.


Nice work AHP and way to go there Ms. Emily Thornhill Homeslice in Detroit!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Fairy Tale Interrupted The Book



I recently read this book written by Rosemarie Terenzio (JFK Jr's Personal Assistant) and loved it.  The title alone, how very powerful!  I don't know about you, but the books I choose to read always leave a mark on me, so I choose carefully and don't much care for fiction or "pop cultural icons".

Aside from the fascinating stories about John Kennedy Jr, his business associates and relationship with Carolyn Bessette, I really enjoyed learning about Rosemarie's life.   I have so many thoughts and reflections about this very well written book and I highly recommend it be read by students hoping to work in Magazine Publishing, or those who would pursue a career in PR.  Rosemarie did a fine job of highlighting the challenges as well as the confidentiality and trust issues necessary for developing professional relationships in any field. 

If you have read this book, I would love to hear your thoughts on it.  I'll leave you with a quote by JFK Jr, to Rosemarie. "Nothing is as good or bad as it seems in the moment".   What a comfort to know he had that kind of perspective given his unique place in history. 

Friday, September 28, 2012

Bloomfield Hills Vintage Apparel Show: A Sneak Peek



What A Piece! 
It's a statment piece From Store B Vintage collection (Chicago)
If I were shopping this is the dress for me!

Oh how I want this dress!!! Perfectly classic with a twist, Geoffrey Beene From Store B Vintage collection (Chicago)

Loved this Floral and Velvet Ungaro Dress From Store B Vintage collection (Chicago)

Beautifully datailed Kimono from the Paris Shop


All Photos by Alvita Lozano

The Bloomfield Hills Vintage Apparel Show, a one day event is here tomorrow Saturday, September 29, at the Birmingham Unitarian Church (38651 Woodward Ave.) in Bloomfield Hills from 10 AM to 5 PM. This event is a biannual vintage dream spot for the seasoned style hunter and cost $5 dollars to get in.

The vendors bring out special back room inventory and include Paris Shop located in Royal Oak, MI, Store B Vintage from Chicago, IL, and Heads Up Vintage Collectibles from Pinckney, MI to name several. 

The photos above are a small sample of the quality and type of things you will find at the show.  This is definitely the spot to pick up a fabulous faux or real fur coat for the upcoming season, I noticed a hand full of dealers with a variety of beauties ready to go.  Chic, Hip, Glam, I found it all.  I hope you will swing by and see for yourself.  If you can't let me know and I'll put you in touch with the organizers for a future show.  Enjoy Vintage Divas!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Detroit Fashion Designer Heads To The Capsule Show In New York


 
 
 
 
Cynthia LaMaide Custom Dresses and Accessories on Model: Candace Wiwel, All Photos by Alvita Lozano
 

Cynthia LaMaide is one of Detroit's more diversely skilled and sought after independent Clothing Designers and known for her one of a kind knitted garments.  On a recent visit to her studio I also learned that she is serious about maintaining a sustainable approach to fashion design ( no waist and using mostly organic yarn from Italy ). 

Her resume includes costume design and styling in film as well as extensive experience with catalogue photo shoots, and celebrity wardrobe work.  "I'm a perfectionist, working with the best materials to produce a work of art that is wearable, alluring, and timeless".   Her hand work includes knitting, dying, weaving and every facet of sewing.  She also produces a variety of mixed material accessories which include scarves and jewelry.

Mrs LaMaide sells her garments to select upscale boutiques around the country and Europe.  When she travels to trade shows and participates in Art shows, her pieces sell out completely.  Her next collection is headed to the  Capsule Fashion and LifeStyle Tradeshow which will take place on September 18-20 in New York.  She will also participate in a designer trunk show at the hip Soho boutique RUIA on September the 20th.

If you happen to own her work, let me know why you had to have it and what you think of our local fashion star.  If you want to contact Cynthia for custom order and general inquiries send her an e-mail at Cynthia@Lamaide.com.


Monday, September 3, 2012

Sugar Man Lost And Found In Detroit: Rodriguez

Image Via: Killeraphrodite review
 
Let's face it, Detroit and America could use some good news right now and this movie is right on time. 
 
I made a point to see this film over the labor day weekend and what can I say but Only In Detroit!!! 
 
Rodriguez, the subject of this film is alive and well indeed and from what I can gather, starting to enjoy some of the fruit of his gifts.   Enjoy it Sir, true talent is not manufactured like our automobile industry goods are however your story is just as inspiring and keeps us all moving forward!
 
The film is playing right now in theaters across America and the soundtrack is also available in many formats via Sony Classics. 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

TRASHION: A Showcase of Re-fashioned Ensambles

The Whitdel Gallery Trashion Show Promo Design & Info
Jewelry Pieces by Tiff Massey
 
Experimental Mannequin: mixed media, found objects by Tiffany Best
Experimental Mannequin: mixed media, found objects by Tiffany Best
 
Julia K. admires the Cynthia LaMaide: Plastic Garment Bag and Bullet Shell Dress
 
S. Lapinski "Eve" Dress Form, & Mixed Media Installation
All Photos: A. Lozano

If you are interested in a creative fix and can get over to the Southwest Detroit area for an afternoon, make a B-Line for the Whitdel Art Gallery.  Their latest show features the work of a select group of Fashion and Design people for their 'Trashion" exhibit. 
 
This upcoming weekend Tiffany Best will be a guest speaker at the gallery, which will also include a hands on family art project for the experimental fashion artist in you.   Check out the Whitdel Gallery site for more details.


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

A Vintage Day Dress Tells A Modern Urban Story In Detroit


Vintage Dealer/Model and Stylist: Cara Lundgren of Dolly Rocker, All Photos/Art Direction by Alvita Lozano

Photo Story: Vintage Dealer/Stylist, modern storyteller of life in an urban landscape

Ms. Cara Lundgren, a long time vintage collector, dealer and stylist in Detroit agreed to a collaborative photo shoot modeling her wardrobe and showcasing an eclectic urban look.  Best known for her tye dyed vintage slip dresses and 70s Boho Rock Goddess personal style, she wears a cotton argyle printed vintage day dress and styled it up with a stretch/cinch brass "Evil Eye" buckle belt, along with a mix of her favorite silver rings, an embossed leather bracelet, a straw woven hat with eyeglasses from Target and a pair of contemporary open toed platform shoes purchased at DSW on sale.   

Ever the hunter of beauty and value, Cara admits to being drawn to garments that she feels can be translated into a contemporary look, "Vintage is not clothing of a bygone static era, the best pieces are timeless and lend themselves to new trends.  Mixing contemporary accessories with a favorite vintage garment is an easy way to make it work for you, it's what I love to do.  As a vintage dealer I'm always learning, doing research and studying what I find."

Some of my favorite vintage statement pieces have been purchased from Cara Lundgren a.k.a. "Dolly Rocker", who keeps an Etsy shop as well as a pop up space at The Rustbelt Market, in Ferndale, Michigan.