Grateful for you,
Lotta
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Fresh Fashion: Anthony E. Alfonsi
I always look forward to attending Fashion Columbia’s annual fashion show charity event. Fashion Columbia 2013 is a presentation celebrating collections of a select few graduates of Columbia College's Fashion Studies program. Fashion Columbia is the college’s premiere spring fundraising event. Net proceeds benefit scholarships in the Fashion Studies Department at Columbia.
More than 200 guests were at attendance at the Fashion Columbia 2013 on June 7th. The event was held at the Columbia College Media Production Center. In its second year, the silent and live auctions, ticket sales and corporate sponsorships helped raise $150,000 for student scholarships in the Department of Fashion Studies. For more information on the fund raising event, CLICK HERE.
Photo Credit: Chicago Sun-Times
The fashion show featured 45 student designs, including evening gowns, outerwear and dresses. The collections were exciting and fashion-forward. There were a couple of stand-out designers for me personally.
One of them was Anthony E. Alfonsi, fashion designer, pattern maker and seamster. His collection spoke to my inner punk rocker with his edgy, multi-textured designs. I was fortunate enough to interview him and learn more about his beginnings, inspirations, vision and his thoughts on the future.
Anthony E. Alfonsi
Who were your primary fashion and non-fashion influences growing up and why?
My main influences growing up are my grandmother Luciene Alfonsi, my parents, and music. My grandmother was a tailor and she showed me sewing techniques and helped me with some sewing when I first started. My parents have been supportive of everything I do. I listen to lots of metal and punk rock music, which first interested me sewing.
What was the first article of clothing you created? And when?
The first piece of clothing I created was a denim jacket when I was about 16 years old. I used to go to thrift stores with my friend Dave and we would buy clothes to alter. I bought a denim jacket of which I added studs and patches of bands that I listen to. I also fitted the jacket to my size.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue fashion design as a career?
I realized I wanted to pursue fashion as a career not long after I dropped out of college at Purdue Calumet as an Engineer Major. I have always enjoyed creating and constructing, so I thought about some kind of Design degree. My brother Dan was already attending Columbia College and it was mentioned they had a fashion design program. After attending a few classes I was hooked.
What is the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing? Do you have a specific research process when you start a new collection? How long does it take generally to construct a piece? What's your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?
I usually use images or an image as a concept/inspiration. From that I design a collection or garments. The creative process is intense because I have to take much into consideration. My research process is pretty much the same for most designs depending on the concept. For my designs it usually takes 10 to 16 hours to pattern, cut, and sew. I enjoy all the stages of the design process.
How would you define the style your collection exemplifies?
The style of my collection is structured ready to wear.
What do you like best and least about designing clothes?
My favorite part is actually everything that goes into creating a garment. The only thing I like the least is when the collection or garments are finished.
What are your favorite colors, patterns/prints and fabrics to work with and why?
I like to work with dark colored heavy and medium weight fabrics like vinyl and denim. I enjoy working with vinyls because if it is sewn incorrectly it will show as well as it doesn’t stretch. The same goes for the medium fabrics, except they have some stretch to them.
Your collection at Fashion Columbia showcased amazing designs for women. Do you design pieces for men or plan to in the future?
I do design pieces for men. I particularly think it's more difficult to design for menswear. I have some jackets and pants I designed that I would like to sell on some underground punk rock websites. I also design slim fitted suits, but that's about all I do in menswear.
Do you design jewelry or accessories? If not, do you have any interest in designing jewelry or accessories in the future?
I do not really design jewelry but accessories. I have designed and created some fetish style accessories like bondage masks and belts. I would like to make more wearable accessories in the future.
What are your philosophies regarding using animal skins or furs?
I personally don’t like using them. I am a vegetarian and I love animals, so I use alternatives to the real thing. I use vinyls and fake furs that will last just as long; as well as look and feel the same.
Who/what inspires and influences you the most in fashion?
Many vintage designers as well as present designers inspire me in fashion.
Do you have any favorite vintage designers who inspire you?
Yes, I’m a big fan of Ossie Clark and his snake skin jacket.
Who would you love to work for (if anyone)?
I would love to work with Betsey Johnson.
What are your favorite and least favorite trends right now and why?
My favorite trend is the exposed zippers, and least favorite would have to be high-waisted pants.
How would you define your personal style?
My personal style pretty basic with jeans, t-shirt and a denim vest.
Who is your style icon and why?
My style icon would of have to of been Alexander McQueen. I love his styling for his shows.
What's your favorite fashion piece that you own and why?
I don't really own fashion piece but I would have to pick it would be my black denim skinny jeans.
How would you describe Chicago's style and its place in the fashion industry?
Chicago’s style is pretty basic compared to New York and its somewhat current to fashion trends.
Now that you have graduated, what are your plans? What are some of your fashion goals?
I would like to sell jackets and jeans to underground clothing companies. Also I would like to start my own line Anthony Edward Alfonsi. I would like to do custom garments as well as sell collection pieces fit to the size of the customer. Also hopefully move to NY at some point but it's expensive.
Where can readers find out more about you and your work? How would someone be able to obtain one of your pieces (website or address)?
www.anthonyedwardalfonsi.com You can email alfonsi_a@yahoo.com if you would like a custom or an already designed garment.
Contact Lotta at Lotta@LottaDeLuxe.com
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Renegade Craft Fair | Chicago Summer 2013: Top 10 Stand-Out Jewelry Designers
On the real, I have scored some of my favorite and most unique jewelry pieces at festivals. A lot of jewelry designers don’t have a brick-and-mortar store and festivals are a major opportunity for these artists to showcase their designs to the public. Lucky for me, Chicago hosts amazing festivals and although the main attraction may be live music, DJ’s or food, I secretly go on “booth reconnaissance missions" for cool jewelry pieces.
Eclectic artisans from around the country exhibited their DIY goods at the Summer Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago on September 7th & 8th. This marquee festival, held in Wicker Park, was the Renegade's 11th year in Chicago.
All of my senses were captivated by the booths-upon-booths of fashion and jewelry, housewares, furniture, bath and body products, screen-printed art, paper goods…the list goes on. I was overwhelmed by designers’ contemporary designs, sustainable materials, and focus on the environment and community.
Therese Kuempel is a metalsmith and sculptor based in Chicago. She is also a student attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She works primarily in metal, hand fabricating one-of-a-kind jewelry. I love the mix of industrial metal and organic stones.
MuKee and its shop owner, Derek Keenan, are out of Denver, Colorado. The cool thing about MuKee’s jewelry and accessories is that they are handmade from reclaimed skateboards. Major points for the pieces with Chicago-centric designs (of course)!
Sandra Fettingis was born and raised in Chicago. She currently lives and works in Denver, Colorado. She is a designer of sculptures, murals and jewelry. Her jewelry pieces are geometrically shaped in neutral shades and strong pops of color. I especially like her transparent pieces which can accentuate any outfit without overpowering it.
* Bio details and most pictures are from the designers’ respective websites
Contact Lotta at Lotta@lottadeluxe.com
Eclectic artisans from around the country exhibited their DIY goods at the Summer Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago on September 7th & 8th. This marquee festival, held in Wicker Park, was the Renegade's 11th year in Chicago.
All of my senses were captivated by the booths-upon-booths of fashion and jewelry, housewares, furniture, bath and body products, screen-printed art, paper goods…the list goes on. I was overwhelmed by designers’ contemporary designs, sustainable materials, and focus on the environment and community.
Picture credit: Renegadecraft.com
Always on the lookout for new designers (at least new to me), I was excited to visit every single booth and “discover” emerging talents. For this blog post, I narrowed my focus to jewelry designers that appeal to my own personal taste in jewelry: vintage design, pieces using unique techniques or the mix of natural and industrial materials. With that said, I now present to you...
My Top 10 Stand-Out Jewelry Designers*
Therese Kuempel is a metalsmith and sculptor based in Chicago. She is also a student attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She works primarily in metal, hand fabricating one-of-a-kind jewelry. I love the mix of industrial metal and organic stones.
Sarah Safavi is a designer creating out of Sugarhouse in Salt Lake City. Each piece is crafted by hand mostly with limited vintage, repurposed and unusual materials. I have a soft spot for her handmade pieces with simplistic designs and inspiration from nature.
MuKee and its shop owner, Derek Keenan, are out of Denver, Colorado. The cool thing about MuKee’s jewelry and accessories is that they are handmade from reclaimed skateboards. Major points for the pieces with Chicago-centric designs (of course)!
COATT is a family-run design studio made up of COAgans and ScharlaTTS established in November 2010. Their line of jewelry centers around their morse-coded necklaces. Using gold dots and dashes on silk cord, their jewelry spells out words, names, and phrases in Morse Code such as Love, Sister and Hope. The delicate necklaces come in different length options and can be wrapped around your wrist to wear as a bracelet. Pieces can also be made to order with your monogram or name. What a unique concept!
Sandra Fettingis was born and raised in Chicago. She currently lives and works in Denver, Colorado. She is a designer of sculptures, murals and jewelry. Her jewelry pieces are geometrically shaped in neutral shades and strong pops of color. I especially like her transparent pieces which can accentuate any outfit without overpowering it.
Limbo Jewelry Design is the husband and wife team: Edson Enriquez (Designer/Creative Director) and Anne Rutt-Enriquez (sales, operations) out of Austin, Texas. The beauty of his jewelry aesthetic is in the clean lines of the basic and organic shapes.
Edson states on his website, "I am trying to prove a point with my work. Things, shapes, and forms are beautiful already. We as designers do not need to add to them or drastically transform them. Our job is to simply enhance them and present them the right way."
I scored a sterling silver 3-circle necklace. It’s lightweight, simple and super cute.
Edson states on his website, "I am trying to prove a point with my work. Things, shapes, and forms are beautiful already. We as designers do not need to add to them or drastically transform them. Our job is to simply enhance them and present them the right way."
I scored a sterling silver 3-circle necklace. It’s lightweight, simple and super cute.
Molly McGrath is professionally trained as an architect-turned-designer. After using a laser cutter to make architectural models, she recognized the machine’s unique potential to make jewelry and other designed objects like wall hangings and homewares.
Molly designs and produces all of the work at her studio in San Francisco, and is focused on ethical and sustainable material sourcing, conceptual integrity, accessible pricing. Her work is inspired by botanical and geometric forms, perspective, textiles and optical illusions. I was mesmerized by the layered details and clean cuts made in each piece.
Being a bass player, music lover and having an affinity for pieces with Chicago references, I was INSTANTLY drawn to plastique*. Eye-catching, laser cut acrylic and enamel jewelry with a very modern and minimalistic feel, this line was started in 2009 by graphic designer, Jen Murse, who designs and creates all pieces in San Francisco, California.
plastique* is a collection that is inspired by Jen Murse’s true passions. Her designs include retro music devices, world famous skylines, graphic design expressions and geometric shapes adding a whimsical touch to any outfit.
Near the top of my list is Dollybird Jewelry, a Chicago-based company owned and operated by designer Katie Johansson. Dollybird pieces are pretty special. I discovered her art at a Chicago festival years ago. I purchased a beautiful white turquoise heart-shaped necklace. It was the first time I have seen white turquoise. I’ve been a fan of her unbelievable quality and design ever since.
To round out my list is GlamRocks Jewelry by Chicago-based designer Kristen Molenhouse. Established in 2010, Kristen has taken her painting, interior design background, and metalsmithing skills to create beautiful, modern pieces with an edge.
Using hand selected gemstones, minerals, metals, and design textiles, her pieces were a beautiful mix of all things I LOVE:
A little bit nature.
A little bit rock and roll.
Vintage and modern rolled up in one and dipped in gorgeous craftsmanship.
I am officially obsessed.
Using hand selected gemstones, minerals, metals, and design textiles, her pieces were a beautiful mix of all things I LOVE:
A little bit nature.
A little bit rock and roll.
Vintage and modern rolled up in one and dipped in gorgeous craftsmanship.
I am officially obsessed.
And there you have it! All of the designers' collections are available online. Visit them on the web and support some of the brightest makers in contemporary craft and design!
I had more than my fill of inspiration and excitement to last me a while...at least until the Renegade Craft Fair comes back to Chicago on December 7th & 8th! For a complete list of the 2013 Renegade Craft Fair Chicago Makers, CLICK HERE.
* Bio details and most pictures are from the designers’ respective websites
Contact Lotta at Lotta@lottadeluxe.com
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