Designer, Kristine Rodriguez, moved to San Diego, California in the summer of 2012. She started her career as a freelance Graphic Designer but had a passion for knitwear fashion. Although Kristine did not have “connections” to break in to this tough fashion industry, she made her way onto such a huge platform, called San Diego Fashion Week where she was able to debut her line called Responsive Textiles.
When designing a collection, Kristine usually thinks of a way to answer the question “How do I visually express this idea and keep it functional and beautiful?” Although it’s a lot of trial and error to get the result that she wants, it’s definitely worth it.
I believe a knit machine was the best thing that was ever discovered because now we get to enjoy all of this amazing fashion from Responsive Textiles.
“We believe clothes are our second skin, and they should be as unique and human as we are.” –Kristine Rodriguez
This article was written by Darcel. Follow her on Twitter @DarcelWorld
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10409310_727336400635726_1926941686156394172_n.jpg637960Luevo Teamhttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngLuevo Team2014-10-14 11:51:272014-12-11 15:33:33Luevo caught up with Kristine Rodriguez of Responsive Textiles
Exciting, whimsical and fantastical. That’s how you might describe the beautiful looks of designer Victoria Roberts’ line WishNow. Victoria began her design journey at a very young age, as she quickly learned her love for sewing, creating and helping with costumes for school plays. Victoria decided to turn this passion into a career and has since worked on costumes for theatrical productions, Oscar-winning actresses and at Walt Disney World.
Victoria began her line WishNow in 2013 and she debuted her first collection at that year’s Fashion Week San Diego. There she won Most Innovative Designs by the advisor Panel and took the 2nd Place Designer Award as voted by the audience. Victoria was back at this year’s S/S 15 Fashion Week San Diego shows, and once again wowed the audience with her formal wear and fantastical costumes. We had the chance to get an interview with the designer to learn more about her journey and success as a designer.
What goals have you accomplished that you are most proud of thus far, when it comes to WishNow?
My proudest moment was during my first experience at a Fashion Week last year. I was awarded Most Innovated Designs at Fashion Week San Diego. That really gave me the confidence to continue doing what I love.
What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
My favorite thing about being a designer is the creative outlet that comes along with it. I have so many ideas, and such an urge to just create. Designing dresses, specifically, releases all that from my mind. It’s so therapeutic and rewarding.
What path would you have followed, had you not become a designer?
If I were not a designer, I would be a costumer, working at the theater. That is where I got my start and what inspires my collections.
What do you think has helped you most with your designing to date?
Without a doubt it’s been the support I have from my family. They are there with me every step of the way. I am so pleased to have a team behind me. Go Team WishNow!
What obstacles have you had to face and overcome to get where you are today?
Like most artists, I work with a very small budget. Thankfully I have made some amazing connections with suppliers that are very supportive and want to help me when sourcing my materials.
What inspirations did you draw on to create this collection?
This collection is inspired by pop art with a creative theme of “Barbie Girl”. It’s all about feminine silhouettes and colorful materials. Most dresses have figure flattering seam lines that bring in the waist and layered skirts that are comfortable to party in all night.
What is the thing that makes all this hard work and effort worth it for you?
Very simple, having someone wearing my designs! Whether it’s a model walking down the runway or a customer wearing one of my dresses to an event, it’s the most rewarding part of what I do.
What was the turning point in your career that made you say “Yes I’ve finally made it”?
I feel that I experienced a moment like that when I realized I had a fan base. People would approach me at events, parties and other industry shows telling me that they are WishNow fans. It’s such an amazing feeling knowing someone other than my mom likes my work!
How would you describe your process of inspiration? What do you do to keep your ideas fresh and interesting?
When it comes to inspiration, I look to film, books and music. In a way it’s like anthropology. I like to study different personalities, lifestyles and the choices people make. Most of my designs start with a character. I design something I think would show their individuality and go from there.
If you could describe your new collection with one word, what would it be ?
Individuality.
What would you say the overall theme of this collection would be?
The theme of the collection is Barbie Girl. Feminine, confident, colorful party attire.
Upon first glance at the L-L-B Spring/Summer 15 collection, one can see that there is a great depth to the ideas that have produced the pieces that models wore down the runway at Fashion Week Brooklyn. Lisbeth Løvbak Berg is the designer behind L-L-B whose creations are making waves in the fashion industry, and there is little stopping her goal of taking over the international market.
As an individual, Berg was drawn to many interests ranging from medicine to languages and finally rested on the fashion world. Other career options diminished as her passion steered her towards design. Berg states that her favorite moments are when she sees her pieces come to life on the runway; numerous ideas go into the conception of a piece and to see those ideas come into reality is what makes this design process satisfying for her. It is good that Berg focused on what she really loves and excels at as her creativity and passion drive her towards producing her beautiful lines.
The Spring/Summer 15 collection by Berg called, “Construction” is based on this theme of constructing appearances through clothes. Clothing create an image of who individuals are, but is only a small piece of the larger puzzle of one’s identity. The clothes in the Construction colletion are themselves like pieces in a puzzle, with the option of being able to be attached and detached to outfits. Berg draws inspiration from many places such as an image of cranework against the blue sky. Architecture, industry, and her travels are feed into the ideas she ultimately uses for her designs.
Berg’s design journey is a continuous experimentation with new things. As a child she created ‘little things’ and her studies in art have prepared her to view the world with artistic eyes. The designer is exploring ecofashion as she considers the ways humans and clothing interact. Textiles are not just fabrics, but represent concepts of function and design, making it evident that Berg is not running out of ideas anytime soon.
Pieces from the Construction collection are now available at Luevo.
An author, vintage expert and designer, Bridgett Artise is making waves in the fashion industry and her Spring/Summer 15 Born Again Vintage collection is just one of many successes she has seen. Her open attitude to different things has allowed her and her brand to expand and inspire others. Her career as a designer gives space for Artise to express her creativity. It is perfect as nothing binds her back from the freedom and space she has to create. Usually, it is just one component that Artise needs to birth a whole line made of numerous textures, prints, and colors. It seems that though her ideas are sporadic, there is a value to this spontaneity as the fresh appeal of her designs come organically and are produced masterfully.
“A turning point for me was receiving a phone call from New York Times about an article where I was deemed a vintage expert and about my teachings about this topic for my alma mater.”
Called ‘born again’ vintage, the collection is centered on a theme of rebirth. Rebirth is at the essence of her brand as Artise’s design eyes continuously gain new understandings of the world around her and what her clothes should communicate. The lessons she has learnt and her persistent creativity come together to tell new stories each season.
Born Again Vintage has come a long way. It started after Artise’s hiatus from buying and spending time as a mother when one day she had an urge to create. Her productions received great responses though she never had any intentions of selling or making a business. These unexpected plans stumbled into her life and she hasn’t looked back since. We are so happy to see Born Again Vintage on the runway at Fashion Week Brooklyn, and we have the best selection of her Spring/Summer’15 designs here.
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/image-6.jpg1350900Luevo Teamhttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngLuevo Team2014-10-02 17:36:312014-12-11 15:36:38Born Again Vintage stuns fashionistas at Fashion Week Brooklyn
Wookie Fields is the design talent behind ultra cool label Jaefields, a fashion line that looks and feels right. Fields’ Spring/Summer 15 collections walked down the runway this season at Portland Fashion Week and drew many to long for his versatile pieces. The clothing that makes up the Jaefields line comes from a creative thought box of Fields’ background experience in programming and algorithms. He has always been a designer in essence and his foray into apparel and product design shows his well balanced aesthetic.
The Jaefields collection has an obvious streetstyle aesthetic that is strengthened by its versatility and functionality. Fields has paid attention to the tiniest details from the material to the length of a clothing item to make pieces feel at home on the wearer, and not in a boring way. His ideas are always fresh as the collection translates his evolving taste and ideas gathered from his travels around the world. Any world traveler knows her or himself, and Jaefields is what can make up the contents of a perfect suitcase.
“Fashion is one way of defining your character and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice the comfort for design…From the right material to the right cut, this fall 2014 really accentuates those two words, versatility and functionality. It’s simple and essential for any occasion.”
Jaefields’ intent is to create unique, stylish and versatile garments with focus on functionality. Each collection is made of carefully curated garment, all originating from Fields’ search for the perfect pieces. Like any other emerging designer, growing the brand and gaining exposure has been a challenge, but the designer is extremely driven and motivated by the process of creating perfect designs which can only bring more success in the future.
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10445920_882432105105416_1189300669527003659_n.jpg526526Luevo Teamhttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngLuevo Team2014-10-02 16:11:522014-12-11 15:18:52Jaefields, a look behind the emerging Portland brand
The creativity and talent behind Kemris is attributed to Linda Nkemakonam Guyse, the designer, mother, and activist behind the label. Her story as a survivor of child abuse has influenced elements of her design and has resulted in a beautiful collection, ‘Unbreakable’ that is linked to her efforts as an activist. As a Nigerian born globalist, Linda stumbled onto the world of fashion and found a deep investment and healing in designing to celebrate lives. Fashion is a way for Guyse to express what words cannot and to share with others who are willing to embrace it.
The obstacle in creating such a powerful line lay not only in executing the designs, but communicating the issue which was so taboo to many in the African community. However, Guyse’s focus on the bond that those who have shared their story of survival with one another helped her to create something that was more than just clothes. Her and Kemris’ brand ambassadors help to continue the telling of these stories as they weave together fashion and social justice in this manner.
“Be like a flower that gives its fragrance even to the hand that crushes it”
The collection contains many beautiful and colour fabrics as Guyse’s Nigerian background exposed her to such textiles. Even the smallest details such as fabric choices are deliberated so that characteristics such as strength are represented well in the designs.
– Flowers represent every flower survivors needed to feel loved
– Coral stands as a reminder out beauty which can come out of painful experiences
– Black expresses the darkness that enables the appreciation of light
The Unbreakable collection was inspired by amazing women who endured horrible life experiences, but made it through with smiles and new found zeal to help others in the world. Guyse started her design journey when she started her healing process. The change in her thinking as a survivor, not a victim spurred her to create a way to express this cause. Kemris encourages the celebration of oneself and the continuous circle of celebration.
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Kemris-Designer-Imageforinterview.jpg530800Luevo Teamhttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngLuevo Team2014-10-01 11:36:262014-12-11 15:36:50Kemris Launches new and Powerful 'Unbreakable' Collection
Starting at just the young age of 20, Evelyne Aguilar took no time in making a huge splash in the fashion industry! She graduated from the Instituto di Moda Burgo in Italy with a Master’s degree in Women’s apparel and has since opened her own boutique, worked as a stylist and participated in several Fashion Weeks across the world. Evelyne will be showcasing her designs on the San Diego Runway later this week and we got the chance to grab an exclusive interview with her before the big show!
What goals have you accomplished that you are most proud of thus far, when it comes to Noia?
Becoming an international fashion designer. As well as having people wear my collections all over the world.
What is your favorite thing about being a designer? What path would you have followed, had you not become a designer?
My favorite thing is to see your collection passing through the runway and looking at people faces and their expressions in what they feel my collection transmit to them. If I had not been a designer, I would have been a fashion event coordinator or fashion marketing. It would need to be something related to fashion. I can’t stay away from it.
What do you think has helped you most with your designing to date?
I think meeting people in this industry, so I can have another prospective on my designs and of the things I think and feel. Also traveling helped a lot.
What obstacles have you had to face and overcome to get where you are today?
Lots of envy…You get to face people that won’t love you and some that will. But you need to keep on focusing in what you want no matter what.
What inspirations did you draw on to create this collection?
The inspiration for this collection is base on the major trends that fashion is facing at this time. I gave my collection a sporty felling but without losing the luxury sense.
What is the thing that makes all this hard work and effort worth it for you?
Getting amazing and positives comments about all my pieces and in everything I have accomplished.
What was the turning point in your career that made you say “Yes I’ve finally made it”?
I think I have never got to that point in my life, because when you finally get what you want, then you are ready for the next step and to keep on growing.
How would you describe your process of inspiration? What do you do to keep your ideas fresh and interesting?
My process of inspiration will be: Looking on latest trends and then selecting the one that mostly goes with your idea. And from there I start with selecting fabric, materials and creating the pieces.
The only way to keep fresh ideas is to be constantly around fashion, read fashion, eat fashion etc.
If you could describe your new collection with one word, what would it be and why? What would you say the overall theme of this collection would be?
The one word will be: Colors! You will get to see a lot of colors prints and sporty looks.
The collection theme, will be based in the mentioned materials and color I will be using, this is a very fresh and young full collection. Made for girls that are not afraid to look good with what they were and that are very confident about their self.
How did you start your design journey?
I started when I was a little girl and wanted to be an artist, then decided to study fashion and become a fashion designer. And I think it has been the best decision I’ve made in my life! I love it!
Evelyne’s Spring Summer 2015 collection will be available for pre-order soon after her runway shows on October 2nd!
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/1383742_10151644758487691_1714194475_n.jpg539960Luevo Teamhttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngLuevo Team2014-09-30 05:00:152014-12-11 15:10:17All about Noia Designer Evelyne Aguilar
Ean Williams is taking the Fashion Industry by storm! From model to designer to Fashion Week director there is no limits to what Corjor International designer can accomplish. Ean is the Executive Director of DC Fashion Week and also showed his new collection on the runway! We had the chance to get an interview with Ean about his journey to becoming the incredible fashion leader he is today.
What goals have you accomplished that you are most proud of thus far, when it comes to Corjor International?
My collections have been shown around the world, including Belgrade, Serbia, Lviv, Ukraine, Istanbul Turkey, and on one of the world’s most prestigious fashion television program (Fashion TV). High profile clients as well as publications appear to really like what I do and it’s great to realize that your hard work is recognized and admired.
What is your favorite thing about being a designer? What path would you have followed, had you not become a designer?
I love hearing the stories of how my garments make women feel. I started out as an computer engineer working for the United States Air Force, NASA and Verizon Telecommunications. I also modelled and acted professionally for over 10 years, and need that artistic creativity would surpass my ambition in the computer professional industry.
What do you think has helped you most with your designing to date?
Using my computer and problem solving skills as well as my exposure in the industry as a fashion photographer and model help me market my brand in ways most designers may not be familiar with. I have complete control over the collection including how it is photographed, styled, designed and marketed.
What obstacles have you had to face and overcome to get where you are today?
My biggest challenge is local costly production in the United States and competing with larger brands’ retail prices. It is a challenge producing garments domestically with higher & fair labor costs and manufacturing as opposed to mass production using foreign labor.
What inspirations did you draw on to create this collection?
My collection color palette consists of shades of pink. I am hoping to support breast cancer awareness by lending my design talents to charitable organizations to raise funds and awareness. I design with red carpet looks in mind to grow my current client base.
What is the thing that makes all this hard work and effort worth it for you?
Being a passionate designer has allowed me to follow my dreams and work exclusively for myself. It is the greatest feeling to see your creative expression result in both professional career growth and personal satisfaction.
What was the turning point in your career that made you say “Yes I’ve finally made it”?
When my collection appeared on the front page of both newspapers in the nation’s capitol. Something I have yet to see another peer do in my hometown.
How would you describe your process of inspiration? What do you do to keep your ideas fresh and interesting?
I am drawn to fabrics that capture my attention and the feel of it. I see fabrics in almost raw form and start the design process there, rather than sketch first and look for fabric later. I study trends but don’t necessary follow them. I go with my gut and often go against trends.
If you could describe your new collection with one word, what would it be and why? What would you say the overall theme of this collection would be?
I would say my collection is “impeccably feminine”. Often at times you just cannot describe your vision in one word. I love when a client puts on one of my designs and the reaction is she feels totally like a woman.
How did you start your design journey?
As a fashion show producer of many years, I had a designer client make unreasonable demands during a high profile fashion show. The result was a compromise (I don’t make compromises) in order to save the event. At that time I decided I would never allow someone to compromise my vision and chose to produce shows with my own designs and control the entire creative process. I am self-described control freak but in a way that yield successful results.
If you missed Ean’s show or loved what you saw, you can now browse and pre-order his Spring Summer 2015 collection here !
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DSC_0696-XL.jpg681511Luevo Teamhttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngLuevo Team2014-09-29 15:31:002014-12-11 15:10:34Ean Williams: Designer and Executive Director at DCFW
There is no limit for Kansas City Fashion Week designer Meggen Connolley! Meggen is launching her collection “Spiritual Warriors” from her line Magnetic Threads at this year’s KCFW. Meggen only learned how to sew and design clothing two years ago but has already made a huge splash in the fashion industry by personally receiving the Betsey Johnson choice award at Tucson Fashion Week. We had the chance to interview Meggen to gain her thoughts and insights on being a successful designer!
What is your favourite thing about being a designer? What path would you have followed, had you not become a designer?
Being able to create something tangible from a thought form is a great feeling.
What do you think has helped you most with your designing to date?
I am grateful to have some very talented friends who are designers and seamstresses to teach me.
What obstacles have you had to face and overcome to get where you are today?
I am constantly humbled by how little I know. I have to be very flexible and open to the knowledge and teaching of my friends and others in the industry.
What goals have you accomplished that you are most proud of thus far, when it comes to Magnetic Threads.
I am very proud of the fact that I learned to design and sew only 2 years ago and I have received an award from Betsey Johnson herself at Tucson Fashion Week as well as owned and operated my own shop selling my own clothing since the first day.
What inspirations did you draw on to create this collection?
This is the spiritual warrior collection. This collection channels the powerful female essence within various lifestyles for modern women.
What is the thing that makes all this hard work and effort worth it for you?
Seeing the designs walking down the runway and having positive feedback from normal people makes it worth it.
What was the turning point in your career that made you say “Yes I’ve finally made it”?
I think there are different levels of “I’ve finally made it”. When people buy my designs this is a sign that I’m on the right track. I still have plenty of room for growth.
How would you describe your process of inspiration? What do you do to keep your ideas fresh and interesting?
I look at nature, geometric shapes and channel an energy that I want to share with other people. There is an endless amount of inspiration that I can gather this way.
If you could describe your new collection with one word, what would it be and why? What would you say the overall theme of this collection would be?
Sophisticated. The sophisticated world traveler.
You will be able to pre-order Magnetic Thread’s Spiritual Warriors collection soon on Luevo!
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/meggen-13.jpg533800Luevo Teamhttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngLuevo Team2014-09-26 13:00:422014-12-11 15:37:21Magnetic Threads is showing at KCFW
Antonella Commatteo and Wade Von Giessen are the names behind Alpaca Couture, a line that turns natural fabrics such as Alpaca wool into unique creations. Ever since Alpaca Couture was established, the designers’ expertise with fabrics and their refined taste has resulted in beautiful collections such as this Spring/Summer 15’s resort wear collection.
This collection has been inspired by a sense of escape – a sense of freedom and lightness of flight that would be felt when anyone puts on their clothes. Their inspiration shows in the pieces themselves: Colorful silks and new renewable fibers such as rayon bamboo are used and bring out a light glamour to the upscale collection. Futuristic designs nod toward an other-world alike to the one in Avatar. If anything, Commatteo and Gease are anything but conformists.
Alpaca Couture, through a mix of alpaca and other natural textiles, raises awareness of this unique fiber. This not only gains further exposure of these regal mammals, but also serve to support a rapidly developing industry. Commatteo/Von Giessen’s corporate philosophy fosters the development of the labor force and is proud to have all of their couture designs entirely Made in America.
The two are a perfect pair and have managed to create beautiful pieces despite their busy lifestyles. Commatteo balances her designing with family time constraints because she has two beautiful children. Von Giessen has expertise with manufacturing products from alpacas’ shearing yields from his own ranch and has progressed towards design. Overall, they are creative and very determined to succeed even in the face of using a unique fabric.
Their resort wear collection is just the start – Commatteo and Von Giessen have an open attitude to where their designs will go. This is especially because images develop in their mind as they are able to gain inspiration from many places: clouds, cracks in the sidewalk, life and love out of many others. Their experimentations with fabrics and general awe with the world around them have allowed them to build Alpaca Couture into what it is today.
https://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/8.jpg1024683Luevo Teamhttp://www.luevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/luevo-logo-2x.pngLuevo Team2014-09-25 14:50:312014-12-11 15:37:31Alpaca Couture makes wool fashionable
