Costume Design Contest Get Your Fabric On

Film & Fashion Futures is excited to announce the following Costume Design Contest by Arizona Apparel Foundation.  If you ever wanted the opportunity to design a costume and see it brought to production in collaboration with some big names in the fashion industry, well now is your chance!!  Check out the contest and if you are a designer or can draw and illustrate here's your opportunity to get noticed for this 2017 Halloween season.

APPLICATION & GUIDELINES CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM HERE

COSTUME DESIGN CONTEST

Presented by Arizona Apparel Foundation and Supported by Yandy.com

Arizona Apparel Foundation is excited to kick off and announce their first “Costume Design Contest” sponsored by Yandy.com.  The winning costume design will be produced and manufactured in limited quantities by Arizona Apparel Foundation and Yandy.com for the Halloween season.  In addition, the winner will have their name included in a branded custom clothing tag/label with AAF and Yandy.com.

A percentage of sales for the costumes sold through Yandy.com will benefit Arizona Apparel Foundation in support of the AAF Inaugural Halloween Masquerade Ball Benefit which will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at F.A.B.R.I.C., located at 132 E Sixth Street, Tempe, AZ 85281

Eligibility requirements include: 1) Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.  2) There is a $25 Submission Fee. 3) Applicants must submit an illustration of a costume design based on the design guidelines and fabric options provided. 

Timeline:  Application and Submission Deadline is August 9, 2017 at 5 p.m. MST, and all entries, including all required materials are to be delivered to AAF, at the address on the form or electronically via email.  The selected winner will be notified by AAF on August 11, 2017.

Information for the Application and Submission are included separately.  AAF and Yandy.com are seeking designs that stand out in quality, creativity, contain solid design attributes, and are ready-to-wear focused (see the Application and Submission form for full details - documents can be downloaded from here.) 

By participating, all applicants acknowledge and agree that they have entered the contest of their own free will, that the full guidelines, rules and details of the contest have been made available to them in writing and they therefore understand and agree that neither AAF, Yandy.com, their agents, affiliates, sponsors, representatives or employees have any liability with respect to the contestants' participation in the contest or winning and are not liable for any damages as a result of winning. By entering this contest, applicants agree to be bound by these rules.

For more information contact Arizona Apparel Foundation at Phone: 602-743-4638 or info@azapparelfoundation.com

Arizona Apparel Foundation – Costume Design Contest

F.A.B.R.I.C.

132 East 6th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281

APPLICATION & GUIDELINES CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM HERE

Fashion Spectacle: Eyewear + Fashion hosted at FABRIC

#fashion #eyewear #designers #FABRC #GrowAZFashion

Fashion Spectacle: Eyewear + Fashion - May 13th, 7 - 10 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/1267990313250315/ - brought to you by Marshall Shore,Hip Historian and Fabric

Showcasing some of the most exclusive local Eyewear Shops in town, including:
Sassy Glasses Optical Boutique LLC, I2Ioptique, Sherwin Optical, Paris Optique - Different eyewear for different people, Vintage from Avante Optics, and Central Eyeworks

Arizona Designers include:
Hamati Design, Heather Kirk, Northern Clover, Alex Sanchez, Electric Lyon Fashion, and DesignHOUSE of Darylene

Over 40 models from:
Young Agency, Victor Navarro, AZ Star Talent & Modeling Management Firm, and free lance.

Tickets in advance $20, at the door $30
Purchase ticket on EventBrite - http://www.fashion-spectacle17.eventbrite.com

Charmosa Swimwear Finds Its Way to Kate Upton on SI Swimsuit 2017 Cover

Photos provided by Charmosa Swimwear
Kate Upton, Model
Swimsuit: Macrame One-Piece

When you happen to know the designer whose design shows up on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, you just have to be so ecstatic for them on this major achievement!!  The best part was seeing Charmosa's Swimwear's design flashed up on the Empire State Building on the Jimmy Kimmel Live's broadcast.

Kate Upton lands 2017 "Sports Illustrated" swimsuit issue cover https://t.co/4zyDSIfeWv pic.twitter.com/6cBQLUiIrA

— CNN (@CNN) February 15, 2017

Charmosa Swimwear and Neide Hall have been part of the fashion scene for a long time designing and growing the business and her knowledge. She participated in Phoenix Fashion Week's bootcamp program in 2014 and 2015 and was selected as the Lifestyle Designer of the Year for Phoenix Fashion Week 2015.  Neide's been building up to this moment from the first time I met her.

To also have a three time returning veteran to the SI cover with Kate Upton, model extraordinnaire, donning the Charmosa Swimwear Macrame one-piece, it can't seem to get much better than that.  Especially when you hear Kate talking about it...you just have to let that sink in for a moment.

We're excited to see where the journey goes from here. 
Here's a brief listing of the most recent accomplishments:

2015 - Lifestyle Designer of the Year for Phoenix Fashion Week
2016 - Evine Live Capsule Collection Launch
2016 - Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover

What's next for Neide Hall and Charmosa Swimwear? We'll be there to cover and capture it all.

Visit www.charmosaswimwear.com and you can find all of the Macrame swimsuit designs and get yours NOW ;)

Thanks to the Chronic Behavior team for helping to support and promote the brand. We appreciate you for your continued support.

A Hidden Gem In the Arizona Desert

by Toy Taylor - It's not that often one comes across a designer who not only makes your mouth drop open in "awe" but gives you a sensation of, "I gotta have that"! This is how I felt at Phooenix Fashion Week's launch party earlier this year when emerging designer ACONAV hit the walkway. This designer is so unique in his own right, a piece of this collection demands to be in your own wardrobe. Designer Loren Aragon infuses Native American cultures and sleek designs with a modern twist of bold daring colors. I cannot tell a lie...I was captivated.

Designer Loren Aragon

Aconav is one of twelve emerging designers being featured this year at Phoenix Fashion Week at The Talking Stick Resort.

Loren and his team have been working non-stop on what I expect to be a top notch collection for the big event, while trudging through the 4-month demanding Phoenix Fashion Week designer boot camp and debuting on the runway at New York Fashion Week. 

Let's just say Aconav has been going strong in 2016. So I was quite pleased when they took some time for little ole me to give a personal interview. 

Here's private look into the world of ACONAV....

How would you best describe your brand?

My brand is Native American fashion. It’s a Native American fashion brand that is authentically inspired by my Acoma Pueblo heritage. It’s the Acoma pottery art culture put into a wearable art form.

Are there any inspirations within your culture that inspire you specifically?

       Absolutely! I am inspired by the stories, traditions,

traditional dress, and pottery art of my Acoma people. At the foundation of my inspiration is the matrilineal idea which we live by in our culture. 

Our women, our mothers, our grandmothers are the power by which we’ve continued in our existence. 

It’s embracing that idea and presenting it in my work along with all the ideas of life and empowerment, which we still believe in today. It’s telling our story in a living art form.

Do you have a favorite designer that may inspire you?

       I was drawn to fashion by the designs of Native American designer & artist, Virgil Ortiz. His works encompass many of the same ideas and interests that inspire me, so in a way I connected with him. He comes from a neighboring Pueblo in New Mexico, Cochiti Pueblo, so our beliefs are very similar and we also connect in the pottery arts. Ortiz is a pioneer in the Native Fashion scene and it’s always inspiring

to see the next new venture from him.

What do you believe makes a quality piece of clothing?

Something that isn’t fast fashion. A design that will last for years to come. A timeless piece, one that can be worn time and time again and still be fashionable for any occasion.


What is your favorite part of conceptualizing a new design?

My favorite part of coming up with a new design is bringing together inspirational elements that will tell a story, my story, and the story of the Acoma people.  

What was your first piece ever created?

The first piece I ever created was a traditional Pueblo dress utilizing my first ever custom printed fabric. The dress was created as a show piece which I entered for judging at the 2013 Santa Fe Indian Market Fashion Challenge, in the traditional category. I took first place with that design.

How is Phoenix Fashion Week’s designer boot camp going?

The designer boot camp is a lot of work. For someone who hasn’t come into the fashion industry knowing the business of fashion, it can be quite intimidating and I feel like I’m behind on many aspects of the business. 


However, it’s very helpful and educational. There is a lot to learn and much to apply.

What type of knowledge will you be taking away from the experience?

I’m walking away with a ton of knowledge. There are things I never knew, things I always was curious about, and tools I now know how to use better and more effectively. 

It’s all knowledge in running a more effective, and sustainable business. I’m learning about my strengths and especially my weaknesses. I feel better equipped to speak of my brand more intelligently and make better decisions on what’s best for my company.

What are your fashion goals, meaning where do you want Aconav to be in 5 years?

I want ACONAV to be a sustainable brand. I hope to see a brick and mortar shop or fashion house develop from all this. I want it to grow beyond the designing of couture fashion. I’m fortunate to have touched on so much as an

artist and engineer so I’d like to apply what I’ve learned in those practices. I want to progress my fashion into other realms of fashion namely accessories, ready to wear, haute couture, more jewelry, more street wear, home décor, etc.

With all the current trending fashion, how do you come up with new looks in order to standout from others?

I don’t want my designs to be considered “trendy”. To me trendy implies that it will go out of style. I challenge myself to stay unique as I always have in being an artist. I love evolution in my designs. I’ve introduced collections that are still evolving. I start in on one idea, but as I draw it out I end up with numerous variations to a design which then becomes a collection.

  I want to be a trend setter, I’m working to set a new standard, I want to stay true to my message of “Cultural Designs Embodied in Timeless Elegance”.

Loren Aragon

I you enjoyed this journey with designer Loren Aragon of Aconav. I cannot wait to see Aconav's collection in its entirety on October 15th at Phoenix Fashion Week. If you do not want to miss the event get your tickets here NOW so you don't miss out on the big shindig.


See you on the runway!

Presented by www.chronicbehavior.com/   @chronicbehavior

www.facebook.com/FilmFashionFutures.com

A big thank you to Aconav for all photos used.

CARIBBEAN BRAND ISY B . UNVEILS HI-TECH DRESSES

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARIBBEAN BRAND ISY B . UNVEILS HI-TECH DRESSES THAT BEAT THE HEAT AT SHOP GARMENT DISTRICT PHOENIX

GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS (25 July 2016) - Caribbean fashion brand Isy B., plans to bring its jet-set island cool to the Phoenix heat when it unveils a sneak peek at its new hi-tech fashion collection at Shop Garment District in Phoenix on August 5^th.

Introducing a new way of dressing for the Arizona heat, Isy B. is sure to bring relief to fashionistas who no longer want to compromise between looking beautiful and feeling comfortable. The luxury brand’s chic dresses offer SPF 30 sun protection, moisture wicking, breathability, and a protective freshness shield, all of which are designed to keep you looking and feeling flawless on the hottest of days. The brand will infuse the Shop Garment District runway with its signature tropical style as the Phoenix Fashion Week Top 40 models take the dresses for a test run on the catwalk. Attendees will get a sneak peek of what to expect on the runway at the Phoenix Fashion Week grand finale event at Talking Stick Resort in October 2016.

Launched in 2015, the brand’s goal is to elevate fashionable womenswear to a new level of comfort using the latest developments in technical fabrics. The idea for the brand was born when founder and jet-setter Isy Obi struggled with pulling together a stylish wardrobe that could keep her cool and comfortable at home in the sun drenched Cayman Islands, and also travel with her around the world.

“For many women, summer-time dressing is a comprise between comfort and style, but with the fabric technology we have available today, we can change that.” Said Obi, “Menswear companies have been ahead of the game in incorporating environmental technology into their collections. I looked around the fashion industry for similar fashion for women and when I was unable to find what was needed, I created it. Launching at the Shop Garment District event is a great opportunity to introduce Isy B. directly to Phoenix’s discerning fashionistas.”

"I look forward to experiencing Isy B’s unique capsule collection during our annual Shop Garment District event as this will be major step towards the brand’s success," said Brian Hill, Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week

Isy B. will be joined on the runway at Shop Garment District by 14 other Phoenix Fashion Week Emerging Designers from the USA and around the world.

###

About Isy B.

Isy B. is the premier luxury fashion brand from the Cayman Islands, bringing comfort and functionality by fusing innovative fabric technology with a high fashion aesthetic in its modern dress collections. Isy B.’s philosophy is “Feel Good Luxury”, aka clothing that looks luxurious, but is still comfortable and versatile. Its mission is to design beautiful dresses for women who want to feel as good as they look.  Inspired by travel, the Isy B. collection is global style that’s re-imagined for the wardrobe of the modern jet setter. The Isy B. woman can effortlessly travel anywhere with signature levels of luxury and comfort that blur the line between high fashion and technology.

About Phoenix Fashion Week

Phoenix Fashion Week is the leading fashion industry event in the Southwest.  Our core purpose is to build sustainable brands from the ground up while pushing the Arizona fashion industry forward. The organization’s mission is 'Bridging Designers & Buyers' through three pillars of fashion, education, and community. Through educational fashion seminars, year-round fashion events and charitable partnerships, Phoenix Fashion Week continues to gain rapid acclaim for its community service efforts and for infusing world-class innovation into the Southwest. 

Press Contacts:

Isy Obi           

Director & Designer                                                               

Isy B.                                                                         

isy@isybdesign.com  

+1 345 326 4002

A Meeting of the Minds in the Big Apple? An Insider's POV

by Toy Taylor - So I was bound and determined to snag this interview with handbag designer Lynn Rosetti of New York City. A longtime client of mine told me all about her sis-in-law so I knew I had to grab this opportunity. 


(Recap from March 2016 Adventures)
Here it is my last day in the Big Apple, I hopped the downtown subway and was on my way to the Tribeca area. Was I nervous? Um heck yeah I was. This girl is from sunny Glendale so the subway is a wee bit intimidating. Not to mention the array of "entertainment" you see on the subway.

So here I am walking the concrete jungle to my first real designers gallery, yikes! I felt all swanky when the doorman had to ID me to permit me into the building. Nope, it doesn't take much to make me feel special...lol.

Designer Lynn Rosetti

When I arrived at Ms. Rosetti's studio she was just finishing
up with jewelry designer Vanessa Lianne. So you know what I was thinking.... interview times 2!


I thoroughly enjoyed chitchatting with both of them. They
were very eager and open to share their passion for the
accessory game with me.





First up, my sit down with local handbag designer Lynn Rosetti:

Describe your brand  

Oliveve handbags are made in NY and have a laid back yet luxurious vibe

What type of style do you portray in your handbags? 
Easy going luxury... comfortable yet stylish. We don't try too hard!

What was your very first piece? Do you still own it? 
Our first piece was the Izzy hobo bag in black lamb. I still own it and I still love it!

You shared with me you’ve been in the industry for quite awhile, is there a particular person/brand that may spark an inspiration in you? 
I have been very inspired but my former boss Steven Alan. Steven is a wonderful business man and has an incredible eye for new design talent. His own clothing designs are still my favorite. I also love the vintage look of Anna Sui who I worked with and the punk rock style of Stephen Sprouse who I was also fortunate to work for.

Was becoming a handbag designer a “dream” of yours? I always dreamed of creating a product and owning my own business but did not think handbags until I fell in love with leather. Leather is everything.

Living right in the midst of the handbag mecca, how do you keep your style new and fresh? 
Shopping shopping shopping!


What advice would you give our readers who are dreaming of becoming a designer? Whether it’s clothing, handbags, or jewelry. 
Listen to your inner voice. Learn everything you can about your craft. Make strong relationships with your factories and suppliers.

In your showroom you also represent other designers like Vanessa Lianne. Is this your way of “paying it forward”?  
I love helping emerging designers but repping is also a great business. Having several designers under one roof attracts more buyers.

Do you wear any other hats in the New York fashion world? 
I also consult with designers and some other fashion related businesses.

Where can we get a hold of one of your magnificent designs? 
Oliveve is sold on www.shopbop.com. www.revolveclothing.com and www.oliveve.com as well as about 100 other stores worldwide

Designer Vanessa Lianne

Vanessa Lianne was gracious enough to answer a few questions 

for me as well. I could tell she is one spunky girl. I got a great 

vibe from her. VL designs are very unique in their own right. 

Nature and outdoorsy stuff inspire Vanessa Lianne. There is a 

definite feminine vibe to her style but masculine enough to be 

worn by the likes of Lenny Kravitz lets just say. Her designs have been worn by many celebrities from both the film and music industry. 

 Here's what Ms Vanessa Lianne had to say...

Give me ONE word that describes your style of jewelry. 
I describe my jewelry as Delicate Armor

Do you work with all types of metal? Do you have a fave? 
I work in different types of metal from brass to platinum but my favorite metal is definitely gold. It is like cooking with butter.  It is malleable and responds beautifully to being soldered and manipulated. My jewelry has a matte finish which makes the gold look buttery- which I adore. 



What matters to you most as a jewelry designer? 
I am trained as a fine jewelry goldsmith so I care greatly about the quality and the source of my materials. I only used recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. I also care about craftsmanship. I hand make each of my pieces to ensure the quality and finish adhere to my high standards. With large orders I enlist help from master craftsmen in the diamond district of New York that have been working as jewelers for many many years. I want my jewelry to be comfortable, durable and make the wearer feel empowered and chic. That is why we call it delicate armor.

WTF Ring

What is your favorite part of conceptualizing a new piece? I love making new things. I find the process of designing to be really relaxing and almost meditative. When I sit down and make the piece that I have been designing in my head it is extraordinary fulfilling. That moment when I turn an idea into a wearable piece of jewelry- that is my favorite part.   


What was your very first piece? 
That is a hard one. I have been making jewelry since I can remember.  When I was in elementary I used to make Femo bead Jewelry. Femo is a clay material and I would make necklaces and sell them to my little sister’s friends. My first piece of metal jewelry that I created was a hammered silver ring with a gold square. I still have it and it was really thrilling to finally be able to have the tools and skills  to work in metal because I had so many ideas.

Singer Yolanda Adams

When I meet new designers I’m always intrigued by their creativity and wonder where it comes from. So I ask….what motivates you, Vanessa? 
I find inspiration everywhere I go. I love to travel and see new things because I always find sparks of inspiration and I never know where they might come from. I am fascinated by the natural world. I use a lot of texture in my jewelry so I am inspired by bark, rock textures, leaves, shells, interesting insects. Going for a walk in the forest can be a treasure trove of inspiration.  I am inspired by women. I will see a woman on the subway and just dream up a necklace that I think would look wonderful on her. This is where the beginnings of a concept come from and then I work through until it becomes a real object. 

Yara Shahidi
Blackish

Kimberley Perry
The Band Perry

Do you have big goals set for 2016?  
Vanessa Lianne Jewelry has seen exponential growth every year since we launched in 2013. 2015 was a huge year for us I have plans for  2016 to be even bigger, with the  launch of Vanessa Lianne Alternative Bridal Line. Our Bridal line offers non-traditional,  one-of- a- kind affordable engagement rings and wedding bands and it was just featured on Brides.com!

Constance Zimmer

A little birdie told me you styled for one of my favorite shows Orange Is The New Black (oohhh Crazy Eyes!!!). How did that go? 
It was so amazing. I am a huge fan of the show and  inspired by all the incredibly talented, gorgeous and  powerful women.  They are all wonderful people and it was an honor to meet them and so exciting to see how much they love Vanessa Lianne Jewelry!

 Felicity Huffman

Any other celebrities you’ve had the pleasure in working with? 
Vanessa Lianne (VL) has built a nice celebrity following starting with Katy Perry wearing the VL Ruby Snake ring on the cover of Vogue magazine in our first season! Many of my celebrity customers also wear it on TV. Constance Zimmer is a huge fan and has become a friend - Her daughter even has a pair of VL studs for when she got her ears pierced! Constance she will be wearing (VL) on her hit show UnReal as Quinn. Yara Shahidi from the acclaimed show Blackish is a customer and a fan. Recently I met with the costumer designer for Blackish who loved the collection wanted it for the show. So look out for VL on Blackish! Elaine Hendrix is also wearing VL on FX Sex Drugs and Rock’n Roll.  

Singer Lenny Kravitz

Yara Shahidi
Blackish

Other celebrities fans include, Felicity Jones, Lenny Kravitz - (Lenny wore our willough ring as a pinky ring on stage at the Grammys), Joshua Malina from Scandal is such a big fan he buys his wife VL jewelry and she has a little boutique in LA that now sells VL! Zendaya, Tori Kelly, the Roots, Kourtney Kardashian, Molly Simms and many more.

Where can our readers pick up one of your sweet little baubles? 
Vanessa Lianne Jewelry is sold at Lord & Taylor, Calypso St. Barth, Anthropolgie, Steven Alan and specialty stores across the country but the best selection is definitely on our website www.vanessalianne.com

Ugh! I'm still on cloud nine from the whole experience. All the love I received from the people in the Big Apple makes me even more excited to be going back. Definitely stay with me in the blogoshpere as you (and me) don't know where I am going to end up next. Again, a big thanks to Lynn Rosetti and Vanessa Lianne for taking time out of the busy day to chat it up with me. Whew, I love what I do!

See you on the runway!

Presented by www.chronicbehavior.com/     @chronicbehavior www.facebook.com/FilmFashionFutures.com