Detroit's Creative Culture Hub Is On The Map!



FreeStyle In Detroit: Polyvore Set

This is dedicated to the MANY creative folks I have met and had the privilege to collaborate with this year (you know who you are).   And also to those I will collaborate with in the coming year (you know who you are).

Whatever you do, do it well
Whatever you do, do it big
Whatever you do, do for others
Whatever you do, do it in DETROIT

Cheers!

A Textile Holiday Tribute: Manuel Canovas Paris

One of the best aspects of working in Architectural Interior Design for me was exposure to Textile Manufacturers and Designers in that industry.  It's also been great to keep up on some of those lines as I continue to explore textile in fashion now.  Thank you Cowtan and Tout for allowing me to study the details of this Manuel Canovas "Frida" textile.  The modern application of this ancient Mexican Motif is bold and beautiful.  I'm sure it will find many happy customers and creative incarnations. 

The mannequin frock is a little fashion assemblage I threw together this week.  Consider it a Christmas postcard from Detroit to the many hands and professionals that continue to make the textile industry Artfully Inspired.  Happy Holidays!

Emerging Projects In The Art and Fashion Community

A little R&D goes a long way in the world of Art and Fashion.  Thought I'd share a little inspiration today which includes the following quote: "One thing at a time, all things in succession, that which grows slowly endures" - J.G. Hubbard.  Words I live by despite the supersonic speed of change.  Here's to savoring the beauty, inspiration and information with substance all around us today!

Art and Fashion get cozy at "Public Pool"



Above Images via: Metromix, photographer is Shaun Pezeshki

Is it really December already???  2011 is slipping away too quickly for my sentimental heart, sigh.  Ok, I had a moment and now it's time to take a look at a November outing. 
UN-dress: Re-dress, was a very exciting Art and Fashion themed show at the tiny urban "Public Pool" gallery.  Most of the photos above can be found at the on-line Metromix gallery compliments of photographer: Shaun Pezeshki. 
A nice mix of local Artist showed work but I was particulary interested in seeing the work of Sarah Lapinski (Wound Menswear Designer) and Mark Watson (Fiber Artist).  Congratulations to them both on a sweet show, and to Public Pool for bringing Art and Fashion together in a big way.

Portfolio: Polyvore Digital LookBook "Kiss My Cookies"

The Polyvore portfolio lesson I created is outlined here: Create a Polyvore digital LookBook story to include one staple image, several fashion concepts, and a bit of humor in seven pages.

This is what I came up with and encourage you to create your very own e-LookBook on Polyvore.  What do you think of the title?  Does it make you think?  Or smile? I hope a little of both.

Passport To A Sequins and Sushi Birthday Celebration

Elaine Von Vintage Birthday Invite: Photo, Model and Concept

Photos by Phillip R. Harris

The multi-talented Fashion Blogger/Photographer Ashlee Harris a.k.a. Elaine Von Vintage just turned 23 and hosted a unique Birthday celebration earlier this month.  The invite read "Sequins and Sushi" and featured a wonderful photo of her work to take place at a restaurant/bar in Ferndale, MI.  As you can see it was a spirited gathering and Ashlee was a gracious and radiant host.  Congratulations dear girl for your boundless imagination and Style!  xoxo - Alvita 

Beautiful Bollywood: Photo Shoot Highlights



Model's Gold Blingy Shoes

Add caption

These photos are from a recent photoshoot organized by the spectacular photographer Eric Peoples of Epic Images. The theme was the desire of the Model Jessica Steinheible and I was given creative liberty with wardrobe and photoshoot Styling.  The Artful Christy Curthoys wowed us with her Makeup and Hair Styling.  My assistant Stylist Caitlynn Demagio for this shoot is also building a name for herself interning with StyleLine Magazine.  I'm thrilled for her and pleased to share a very small sample of images from this wonderful shoot.

A Place To Call Home In The "D"

October Issue of HOUR cover

Props for the October AD shoot

CWBWMH: AD shoot agents



Shoot location kitchen island and props...that's a wrap!



Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel AD write up in October issue of HOUR, Photo by Lepeer Photography


 "Carve out a place to call home" is a brilliant tag line for this AD shoot (Concept and Tag is credited to the Marketing team at Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel).  It's also a great line for the future of Detroit in my humble opinion.  I'm tremendously hopeful about the future of this city and the collective industry here in Michigan. 

I once told an associate during an interview "If you can make it in Detroit you can make it anywhere".  That's my spin on the old addage "If you can make it in NY, you can make it anywhere".  In my way of thinking, Detroit is the other side of the coin in the Creative/Fashion market demographic. Where NY has become too expensive to operate and compete in a diversified global market Detroit is primed for a major influx of people and opportunity on a grand scale.  It may take some time, but we are ready and willing to take our place!

European Magazine Fix via Leopold's Books

Another Magazine: Fall/Winer Cover 2011

Great selection of magazines in stock now



Leopold's Books Facebook Page

Leopold's bookstore is a smart and unassuming place to visit.  If you are a bookish/magazine sort this is a must stop and see and buy something for good keeping kind of place.  I initially stopped into Leopold's Books on one of my trips to the DIA not long after it's grand opening and made note of all the obscure semi counter culture/art/political gems it stocked.

Recently I was on the hunt for a copy of the fall issue of "Another" magazine which is published bi-annually and otherwise available on-line (Super Smart Magazine Format by the way).  The mall based book store I purchased it at last year is now closed so I knew I'd have to do some digging.  Dig I did.  The Internet search for local distribution was fruitless so I called "The Book Beat" in Southfield and was told they did not carry it. 

When I contacted the owner of Leopold's via e-mail I got a quick response back on the magazine and made arrangements to pick up a copy when it arrived.  Score!!!

Now that is what I call service Detroit.  This is why it's so important to support local business people and the resources they bring to our city.  Next time you are in the mood for some international news on Fashion/Art or Culture make a B-line for Leopold's Book store.

Sewing and Reaping Industrial Hemp In Michigan

All photos are Michigan based Conscious Clothing Designer of Industrial Hemp Garments Etsy Shop

This is a must read post for any advocate of smart Michigan based industry ideas.  I was given permission to share the content of this e-mail letter written by Mr. Everett Swift, who is executive director of Michgan Hemp.Org .  The following is an abreviated version of that message.

"Hello friends in The Garment Industry,

MIHEMP had our Annual Meeting on Saturday and made a decision to support a "Farmer Fund", the aim of this fund is to raise three thousand dollars to be used for an application fee for a permit to grow Industrial Hemp from the DEA.

The Farmer Fund will be separate from our MIHEMP funding.

Now, I know that many of you are thinking why on earth would we invest money into something like this?, the DEA is never going to approve the permit, if it were that easy someone would already be growing the crop.

First off if that is what you are thinking you are right, it would be three thousand dollars wasted on a permit that will never get approved....But, it may not be such a waste if you look at it from another angle, as our attorney Matt Abel pointed out at the meeting, you can't challenge a decision by the DEA if there has been no application filed or a decision made, also think of the media exposure something like this could get, no one has applied for the permit in Michigan that I know of since 1940 when Henry Ford had one which he used it to grow hemp and build a car and fuel it with Industrial Hemp.


If the DEA refuses to act on an application or denies a permit and a complaint is made to the State Legislators and/or Michigan Representatives in the U.S. Congress or Senate they must give a formal response, they can't just do as they do us now and send a form letter or ignore it.

I have been pushing for Michigan to join the other states in the Industrial Hemp fight for four years and if I can raise the money I WILL apply for the permit.  If handing three thousand dollars over to the DEA will get it done then I think it is worth the risk.

According to the DEA application you must show that you would be in compliance with State and Local law, I have a letter from Hillman Township saying there is no law prohibiting me from applying for the permit or growing the crop, I live in a county that has passed an Industrial Hemp Resolution,

I can find no state law that prohibits me from applying for the permit or prohibits me from growing the crop as long as I have federal approval.

When two farmers in North Dakota applied for this permit it started a movement that resulted 17 states passing pro industrial Hemp legislation so far."

Let's add Michigan to those other progressive states  and support this important legislation.  Collective industry teamwork is crucial and this kind of creative vision can help us diversify our resources and build innovative opportunities.  Contact Mr. Everett Swift at MI-Hemp.Org to support this important effort and for more details.

101% Fashion Ride Recap!

Fashion Designer Cynthia LaMaide

 

Fashion re-designer Sarah Jane Sarah Jane, photo is J. Bissette



Janna Bissetts Motor City Painting is for Sale photo is Jai Singleton



101% Fashion Ride Feature Artist Janna Bissett in front of her Painting



Event location: Crofoot in Pontiac, by Jason Loudermilk

Hi Friends, I'm a couple of blogs behind schedule but I just want to say a few words about a neat event put on by P2 productions recently.  I posted a few photos of the fashion show.  Fatoula Lambros, Cynthia LaMaide, and Sarah Jane Sarah Jane and Luminetta all had nice showings.  

The theme of the event mixed Detroit Fashion Mavens with Motorcycle enthusiest and the hip urban Art/Photography of Janna Bissett.  This event was also a "Pink Fund" fundraiser which is the cause of choice for P2 "Fash Fest" organizers.

The Artwork and Photography of Janna Bissett gave this event a cool dimension that most of these shows are missing.   

 By that I mean to say I have an affinity for both Art and Fashion in tandem, I do not experience them as exclusive or seperate entities in my lifestyle. So this made complete sense to see them together. It's a win, win format Detroit.