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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Shoe Fashion Spring 2014: "The Shapes of Love" by Alberto Moretti


Photos & story by Karen Ostlund 
left, Alberto and Amedeo Moretti at the SoHo house in
West Hollywood
Italian Alberto Moretti Women’s Spring 2014 Shoes is called:
“ The Shapes of Love” .

-"The new shoe collection is characterized by innovative silhouttes, where craftmanship plays with materials, colors and details", said Alberto Moretti during his visit in Los Angeles.
Since 2008 the art director of Arfango, Alberto Moretti is known as an avant-garde combining creativity with pure excellence in Italian shoe design.
 
Alberto Moretti's dandy loafers for men Spring 2014
Last October during LA Fashion Week, Alberto & Amadeo Moretti  flew from Milan,Italy to present their new Spring 2014 Shoe Collection at the Soho House in West Hollywood.

Alberto’s style to create cult objects is strongly influenced by his sensual visions of women’ eros and the new dandy look of men’s style.
Moretti’s shoes for spring- summer 2014 are divided in six styles:
Wing, sophisticated, stone ring,  pointy toe, sneakers and men's dandy loafers:

Wing Peep toe sandal Spring 2014

The Wing Peep Toe model comes in various colors and made of satin with overlays,  that brings to mind the flight wings of  a butterfly, symbolizing the freedom of women - with contrasting straps to embrace the ankle.  
             
Sophisticated shoes Spring 2014 with two colored bands


 
The Sophisticated  shoe is a sandal with two colored bands and cuts for a peek-a –boo sensual effect on the upper sole , while Pointy Shoe is fastened  by a  t -strap , elegant and chic , able to propel the foot. The cut of the upper sole recalls the movement of the wave.

 

For those who do not like high heels, the alternative is the Stone Ring model for Spring 2014, which is the flat thong sandal  with leather or pony woven straps around the ankle. A tiger eye stone  is positioned within the toes like a precious ring.
Moretti's Stone ring flat shoe Spring 2014
 
 
 
The Alberto Moretti stores in Europe:

ST TROPEZ, rue Gambetta 35, France
FORTE dei Marmi, via Carducci 2, Italy
 
Alberto Moretti sneakers Spring 2014
 
www.albertomoretti.com

 This was the assumption at the basis of new ventures and synergies, including first and foremost with the Car Shoe brand: born at first as Alberto’s cooperation to product development, it then translated into a partnership between his father, entrepreneur Antonio Moretti, and owner Patrizio Bertelli.
Moreover, every year Alberto renews his art partnership with his multi-faceted friend Lapo Elkann and produces a unique collection for the latter’s Italia Independent brand.

This was the assumption at the basis of new ventures and synergies, including first and foremost with the Car Shoe brand: born at first as Alberto’s cooperation to product development, it then translated into a partnership between his father, entrepreneur Antonio Moretti, and owner Patrizio Bertelli.
Moreover, every year Alberto renews his art partnership with his multi-faceted friend Lapo Elkann and produces a unique collection for the latter’s Italia Independent brand.This was the assumption at the basis of new ventures and synergies, including first and foremost with the Car Shoe brand: born at first as Alberto’s cooperation to product development, it then translated into a partnership between his father, entrepreneur Antonio Moretti, and owner Patrizio Bertelli.
Moreover, every year Alberto renews his art partnership with his multi-faceted friend Lapo Elkann and produces a unique collection for the latter’s Italia Independent brand.

This was the assumption at the basis of new ventures and synergies, including first and foremost with the Car Shoe brand: born at first as Alberto’s cooperation to product development, it then translated into a partnership between his father, entrepreneur Antonio Moretti, and owner Patrizio Bertelli.
Moreover, every year Alberto renews his art partnership with his multi-faceted friend Lapo Elkann and produces a unique collection for the latter’s Italia Independent brand.This was the assumption at the basis of new ventures and synergies, including first and foremost with the Car Shoe brand: born at first as Alberto’s cooperation to product development, it then translated into a partnership between his father, entrepreneur Antonio Moretti, and owner Patrizio Bertelli.
Moreover, every year Alberto renews his art partnership with his multi-faceted friend Lapo Elkann and produces a unique collection for the latter’s Italia Independent brand.This was the assumption at the basis of new ventures and synergies, including first and foremost with the Car Shoe brand: born at first as Alberto’s cooperation to product development, it then translated into a partnership between his father, entrepreneur Antonio Moretti, and owner Patrizio Bertelli.
Moreover, every year Alberto renews his art partnership with his multi-faceted friend Lapo Elkann and produces a unique collection for the latter’s Italia Independent brand.This was the assumption at the basis of new ventures and synergies, including first and foremost with the Car Shoe brand: born at first as Alberto’s cooperation to product development, it then translated into a partnership between his father, entrepreneur Antonio Moretti, and owner Patrizio Bertelli.
Moreover, every year Alberto renews his art partnership with his multi-faceted friend Lapo Elkann and produces a unique collection for the latter’s Italia Independent brand.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Part 2: Style Fashion Week's Cocktail Dresses for Spring 2014


Los Angeles, CA (West Hollywood Today) 12/26/2013

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund

 Twice a year, Style Fashion Week presents the season's must-see shows, unforgettable performances & installations.

Many of the garments we will see at many of the SAG & Oscar events in January thru March 2014.
Bettie Page Spring 2014 retro fashion
 
Last October, the 6th season of Style Fashion Week, the 5-days event  breaked new ground with official endorsement by the city of Los Angeles, a new venue at L.A. LIVE's Event Deck, and a line-up of international designers fashion for Spring 2014.
Bettie Page cocktail dress
Spring 2014
                                  
The Style fashion week’s venue tripled in size with two runways, and received the Seal of Los Angeles supported by City of Los Angeles Councilman Curren D. Price, Jr.

The ever-growing and innovative week of events earned Style Fashion Week a respected position of influence in the fashion community.

An expansive brand marketplace immersed guests in art, fashion, and design and allowed them to directly engage with brands and designers throughout the week.
Betty Page dot style dress
 

 

 Bettie Page Clothing: Bettie Page Clothing is a unique, retro-inspired and feminine collection that allows women of all shapes and sizes to embrace their bodies.

Designed by Russian model Tatyana Khomyakova, the tasteful sexiness of Bettie Page Clothing reflects the beauty and mystery of women. Whether you're heading to the office or a night on the town, these statement dresses can be worn day or night and flatter women of all ages. Bettie Page boutiques can be found in Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Hollywood, Santa Barbara, Minnesota's Mall of America, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Portland, Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, Nashville and online at www.bettiepageclothing.com.
 
 
 
 
Gregorio Sanchez Spring 2014
chiffon, organza, silk & linen
 
Gregorio Sanchez: Returning designer, Gregorio Sanchez brings his 15 years of experience in the fashion industry to his remarkable collections. His Spring 2014 collection is inspired by the natural environment representing serene energy of nature.
Gregorio Sanchez long
gown
                     

His progressive earth toned palette is designed to create a harmony between feminine and environmental beauty. The light fabrics; chiffon, organza, silk and linen, give freshness and natural movement to the simple silhouettes in the collection. Pieces will be paired with leather bags, clutches, and straw print totems. Gregorio Sanchez is the first Mexican designer to have his own boutique on the exclusive Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. You can find his collection at 421 North Rodeo Drive inside the Rodeo Collection.
 
 
Octavio Carlin Spring 2014
 
Octavio Carlin: Octavio Carlin's Spring 2014, "Azul" collection is inspired by nature and especially the deep and serene blue of the ocean. Also inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, the Octavio Carlin Collection is accessibly glamorous for women who want to be noticed on their way to the opera, at a cocktail party, a wedding, or walking into the Oscars. The modern, yet classically glamorous fashions of exclusive ready-to-wear, Special occasion and bridal wear are impeccably detailed to highlight a woman's inner beauty and uniqueness.


                      
 
Octavio Carlin Spring 2014

                               

 


Sachika Spring 2014
Sachika: SACHIKA's Spring 2014 "Fearlessly Sensual "collection presented clothing for the fashion fearless, who like to command, have fun, and express their playful side. The line presents the balance between effortlessly wearable and statement-making, a balance that SACHIKA is known for. For Spring 2014, TUXX by SACHIKA, the newest label for men, will show revamped fashion essentials for the confident man who can handle the "Fearlessly Sensual" dominant SACHIKA woman.

                       


                  
Kicka Custom Design
by Marika Soderlund






Sachika TUXX men's Spring 2014
Kicka Custom Design: Award-winning costume designer Marika Soderlund-Robison launched Kicka Custom Design in 2004. Born and raised in Sweden, Soderlund-Robison's creations have appeared in rock operas, music videos, and in countless theatrical shows. Her dramatic and intricate designs evoke a fantastical and timeless sense of extra-vagance."It's avant-garde fantasy haute couture for artists, performers, and dancers working in television, film, and stage." said Marika.
 
 
 
Dollcake, vintage ruffle dresses
for girls through age 12
 DOLLCAKE: Vintage Ruffles: Designed in Melbourne Australia, Dollcake is the girlswear collection known for its soft palette, delicate frocks overflowing with frills, and use of vintage lace and embellished accessories. Dollcake's Vintage Ruffle Collection reflects a whimsical, old-fashioned elegance. Designer Christina Campbell finds inspiration in the grace and style of decades past. This collection's range of dresses and headpieces is designed for girls, newborns through age 12.
Dexter Rose Simmons
Spring 2014
           
Dexter Rose by Dexter Simmons is a designer, stylist and make-up artist.
Bay area native Dexter  hopes to be fashion’s next triple threat with his avant-garde style of costumes, and a different kind of evening-wear on the runway.
 
 
 
Andre Soriano
Spring 2014
Dexter Rose Spring 2014
Couture








Andre Soriano's  design includes all type of garments from active wear to classic evening wear, and specializes in elegant wedding and couture gowns.

Styled to Rock, a fashion reality show 'executive produced' by Robyn Rihanna Fenty gave him an exposure of having a celebrity wear his clothes, which allowed him the means to expand his clothing line beyond San Diego.
Andre's fashion mantra is "Peace, love, glamour and fashion!"
-with influences from cosmopolitan cities worldwide such as New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Milan and Tokyo. (Andre Soriano's
photos by G. Castaneda)


Andre Soriano bridal gown Spring 2014
 Style Fashion Week closing its doors, I'm
at the red carpet entrance


 

 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Gallery L.A. Couture Fashion for Spring 2014



Le Mali designs bridal gown

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund                                                        

L.A. Fashion Week 10th season (Spring/Summer Fashion 2014) was presented last October at Sunset Gower Studios, with title sponsor Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

The Gallery LA Spring  2014 Couture Evening Fashion featured: 
The models are wearing Le MaLi Couture gowns, with CEO/founder
The Gallery LA Mikey Koffman
LeMaLidesigns.com Le MaLi is a Los Angeles-based womenswear brand founded by Taraslith and Marlene Herrera in 2011 while they were in college. Le MaLi is a representation of the pair’s complementary design aesthetics. “Ma” is taken from Marlene’s name and “Li” is taken from Taraslith’s. Designed for the sexy and confident jet-setters, the Herrera sisters aim to create elegant, high-end pieces for all body-types.  Le MaLi design inspiration is drawn from old Hollywood with an emphasis on shape and embellished details.
Both sisters were chosen by Mikey Koffman — creator of LA Fashion Week — to showcase their collections at 2013’s LA Fashion Week. Taraslith was one of the three LA Fashion Week Competition runner-ups and Marlene was one of the two LA Fashion Week Competition winners for Best Collection.

Nathanaelle Couture
Nathanaelle.com

Nathanaelle Hottois & partner David Haines  designs are feminine, elegant, detailed yet classic on line skirts and straight cut jackets. 
                                                       
Nathanaelle and David Haines wearing
their evening couture
The stretch white-black lace is sexy, form fitting, but classy on her pearl-lace suits and dresses.

This Spring 2014 collection is full of feminine silhouettes and complimentary designs for every woman’s curve.Her dresses and gowns can be worn to the gala, at work or on a first date. Nathanaelle  collection empowers the woman and makes her feel good about the way she looks.
 
 
Unique Vintage white
fringe flapper dress
 

 

Unique-Vintage.com

“In the roaring 20s, the garments were glamorous and the women were elegant”.
                                                             
Unique Vintage beaded
flapper dress
-If you just can’t get enough of the timeless fashions from this exciting era, Unique Vintage has a large selection of vintage-inspired art deco clothing.. The 1920s collection includes hand-beaded flapper dresses, fringe flapper dresses, flapper girl costumes, feather headbands, vintage-inspired shoes and a wide variety of other  accessories that will transform you into one of the sassy and classy ladies that you admire in the 1920’s photographs.


Shail K evening couture
 

 

ShailKUSA.com

Designer Kimi Verma was born in India, in the limelight city of Mumbai.  She began her journey by competing in the Miss Mumbai and Miss India pageants; and later she would become the next Miss Mumbai .
                                        
Shail K. Spring 2014
Kimi  became settled and set in motion to her design skills for shoes and dresses,  by creating dress lines independently and private labels for brands in the market.

She has offered consulting services for companies to market their products better and now after six years of successful fashion lines, Kimi  decided to launch her own line inspired by her mother
“Shail K”

Shail K. designs mix bold and jewel tones with intricate beading to create glamorous to very feminine pieces.  80% of the gowns are made of rich fabrics and are hand beaded.  
Nicole Lee's evening bags
in gold silver and black
 

 

Suzy Han, designer of accessories of NicoleLeeUSA.com is an artist at heart, and continues to launch her collection of fine handbags with chic details - quickly emerging as the "Nicole Lee Style."
                                   
Nicole Lee evening bags in white/black/gold
 w/studded details

 Her vision with Nicole Lee lies in creating custom high-end bags for women of all ages looking for high quality style and one-of-a-kind designs.
Suzy is a Korean American raised in Argentina, and her diverse designs come from her admiration for all cultures.She travels 6 months out of a year to Europe and Asia, in search of artistic inspiration and to oversee quality and perfect deliverance of her ideas.

 
This article is published at www.brassringmagazine.com
 

 

 

 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Style Fashion Week's Couture Gowns for Spring 2014

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund 
Last October, the 6th season of Style Fashion Week breaked new ground with official endorsement by the city of Los Angeles, with a new venue at L.A. LIVE's Event Deck, and a line-up of international fashion designers to show off the latest of Spring 2014.
Some of the gowns we will see at next year's many award-shows receptions, in January thru March.

Ina Soltani Spring 2014
                                        
Ina Soltani gown
Ina Soltani: Los Angeles based celebrity designer, Ina Soltani, draws inspiration from the dramatic narratives of artisan traditions and her deep appreciation of arts and culture.
Her designs are favorites among Hollywood A-listers including: Jessica Chastain, Kristen Stewart, Miley Cyrus, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Lopez. Ina Soltani's retrospective collection, "Tribute to Hollywood" will showcase the designer's most famous gowns worn by celebrities at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys, along with her one of a kind couture pieces.
This chic and passionate collection is filled with high drama and mystique, truly representing Hollywood Glamour at its finest.
 

 
 
Malan Breton Spring 2014
Malan Breton: The Spring 2014 Malan Breton collection is inspired by the union of the strength and delicacy and the complimentary principles of yin and yang. Here, "The strong Saville Row silhouettes of the 1960's British pop invasion meet the decadent romance of Won Kar Wei's film "In the Mood for Love".
The silhouettes are enhanced by opalescent fabrics, old world corsetry, rich brocades, organza, mylar, cashmere, embroideries, and mother of pearl, giving these collections a touch of glamour, romance, luxury, and strength.
M. Breton Spring 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


M. Costello Spring 2014
M. Costello Spring 2014 Couture dresses
Michael Costello: The collection which made debut at Style Fashion week is the new era of the Costello fashion group.
The Michael Costello collection is inspired by his travels. Traveling from city to city all around the world, Michael would look down through the windows of the planes and see these magical tracks of gold dust and burst of lights from the cities he would fly over. He loved the architectural structures mixed with organic silhouettes, it was then when he started sketching and upon landing he had created his new collection.


Silvia Bours Spring 2014 fashion

 

 

Silvia Bours: Silvia Bours is a Mexican born artist and designer. Her handmade designs are truly works of art. Each one-of-a-kind piece conveys Silvia's theatrical and feminine style. Her hand painted dresses are favorites in her collections. Silvia has previously presented shows in Arizona, and it was her first time at Style Fashion Week.

Goth bridal gown by Furne One
Furne One Spring 2014 Couture
Furne One: 
Dubai-based couture label, Amato Haute Couture by designer Furne One,spins a dark fantasy tale of intrigue and mystery.
 
There is a clear split on the runway between hell and heaven, the first half of the show dedicated to the minions of the underworld and the latter half relieving our fear with a parade of stunning angels.
The age-old struggle of good vs. evil is presented in fashion form on Amato's catwalk, fashion's function isn't to answer questions, but rather to pose them within a framework of wearable art.

 
Vilorija Spring 2014 cocktail dresses
Cristina Nitopi Spring 2014 evening gowns

 

 

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

14th Annual "Day of The Dead" Festival at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

 
THE 14th ANNUAL “DIA DE LOS MUERTOS” FESTIVAL At Hollywood Forever CeMetery

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund
Photo of Saul Hernandez by D. Young Wolff

The 14th annual "Dia de Los Muertos" at Hollywood Forever Cemetery took place last Saturday, November 2nd, from noon until midnight.
Day of the Dead headliner Saul Hernandez
The mainstage headliner featured vocalist and former lead singer of the bands Caifanes and Jaguares, Saul Hernandez.
Saul Hernandez creates music that reflects the present and is rooted in the most telluric past. His music is more than a concert, it is a ritual.
The theme for this year celebration was El Magico Mundo de Los Alebrijes - The Magical World of Alebrijes.


 


Alebrijes were brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. The first alebrijes, along with use of the term, originated with Pedro Linares. After dreaming of the creatures while sick in the 1930s, he began to create what he saw in cardboard and paper mache. Today Alebrijes are a vibrant part of the culture of Oaxaca.
Dance performances by Aztec Ritual Dancers
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is home to the oldest memorial park in Hollywood, since it opened in 1899. It is located on 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, and it is the only cemetery in the country, which opens its gates and welcomes its surrounding community to commemorate El Dia de Los Muertos.
The historical roots of this celebration go back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Meso-America of the indigenous people, especially the Nahua, and others native to Mexico more than 3000 years.


Performance by Andrea Zuniga
Indigenous people believed that the souls did not die, that they continued to live in Mictlan (Place of death) a special place for them to finally rest.

On the Day of the Dead, tradition holds that the dead return to earth to visit their living relatives. It is also believed that even if these relatives can’t see them, they can feel them.
It’s a way to come to terms with our mortality and become aware of the cycle of life and death.

         

Debut appearance Ceci Bastida
Grave altar nr. 50 S. Spencer

         


 
The Nestle Abuelita and NESCAFE Cafe de Olla booth.


ember        



THE 14th ANNUAL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL Featured:


A vibrant traditional procession in the home of Hollywood's
Immortals with traditional Aztec blessings and Regional Musical-
Dance group dedications.
Musical performances by Saul Hernandez, Ceci Bastida,
Andrea Zuniga Buyepongo, Chicano Batman and Quitapenas.
100+ Altars created by members of the community to their  
ancestors and loved ones.
100's of Aztec Ritual Dancers in full costume
A new third stage featuring music and theatrical performances
An Art Exhibition in the Cathedral Mausoleum
A costume contest for the best dressed Calaca (skeleton)
A children’s arts project area presented by LACMA
(The Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
Arts and Crafts vendors
Food vendors from around Los Angeles

Stilt Cirque, winners of costume contest won $ 500
 
On stage, altar  nr.43 won $3000 prize money for best traditional altar grave

 
                                  
 
Presentation of Altar winners - The judges selected the best altar of each of the  
following categories: Theme of Alebrijes, Traditional Altar, Contemporary Altar
- the best of each category won $3,000.



Cathedral Mausoleum Art Exhibit curated by Luis Villanueva.

For the complete list of altar
 and costumes winners: www.ladayofthedead.com