FASHION ISSUE FEATURING: 5 FASHION BLOGS WE LOVE INTERVIEWS WITH 4 NOLA FASHION INDUSTRY FAVORITES LOOKBOOKS FROM LOCAL DESIGNERS AND MUCH MORE
Steve Peer
LE T T E R F R O M T HE P U B L I S H E R New Orleans is constantly sitting on the precipice of a cultural revolution: always ready to find the next way to change the game not just in our fair city, but across the nation. We’re already known for our food, music and relentless spirit, but over the past few years, I’ve had the good fortune to watch my city flourish as a creative mecca in ways not seen for decades. Contemporary artists have flocked to our city for Prospect One and Two, the tech boom has littered our streets with hip kids in Warby Parker glasses and now even the fashionistas have discovered that despite the sweltering heat, New Orleans has style both enduring and cutting edge. In this issue, we highlight 5 shops we love in New Orleans, we feature lookbooks from some of our favorite designers, and introduce you to fresh new fashion blogs. Most importantly, though, we shine a light on the people who are building an industry. Cover photography by: Kimberly Edwards Styling by: Charlé Washington Hair and Makeup by: Dorothy Young Model: Samjhana Bc
This issue is dedicated to the life and memory of Edmund Kee, founder of Amelie G magazine and a true leader in the New Orleans Fashion industry. Justin Shiels Founder and Publisher, InvadeNOLA CORRECTION: In last month’s issue, Dorothy wrote that Company Burger served “organic grass-fed patties.” They actually serve “antibiotic-free, hormone-free beef patties.” Regardless, the InvadeNOLA team thinks they’re delicious.
©2012 Curious Tribe LLC www.curioustribe.com
C ONT RI B UTO R S SARAH BAIRD Editor
KIMBERLY EDWARDS Photographer http://kimberlyspins.com/
BROOKE LARSEN Stylist http://blarsen.tumblr.com/
RACHEL MALONEY Photographer http://www.flickr.com/RachelMaloney
SAMANTHA NAVARRA Writer https://twitter.com/samnav6
COLLIN WADE Writer http://neworleanspianoteacher.com
CHARLÉ WASHINGTON Stylist
DOROTHY YOUNG Hair and Makeup http://www.meetdorothyyoung.com/
New Orleans Fashion Week
CONQUERING THE WORLD OF FASHION ONE ADVENTURE AT A TIME.
The Elizabeth Chronicles, a New Orleans inspired fashion blog written by Katie Elizabeth Dumestre and Rachel Elizabeth Adams. Click now to read the blog: http://theelizabethchronicles.com
Hi, my name is @ChrisTrew. I'm a comedian. I have a podcast and web series called Trew to the Game where I talk about New Orleans sports. I perform weekly at The New Movement. I just wanted to say hi. CHRISTREW.COM
TREWTOTHEGAME.COM
Castile Soap Original Recipe 100 Calorie Bar Fluer de Lis soaps Party Favors WedDing Gifts Bridal Showers Liquid Soaps Bath FizZies Bath Salts Body ButTer Salt Scrub Lotions Skin Care Facial Masks including Kelp, Lava Salt, Activated Charcoal, Lemon peEls, and CofFeE to target problem areas. Facial Moisturizer Facial Toner Perfumed Oils Fabric Refresher Linen Spray Mosquito Spray with matching Mosquito repelLing soap. Cake Face Soaping products are always 100% Natural 100% Handmade and 100% Vegan made with my own two hands! Based in New Orleans! “Like” it on Facebook! VISIT www.cakefacesoaping.com OR www.myeverybreath.com
Badass comedy training and shows!
NOVEMBER 7-11 IN NOLA
With shows and classes running in New Orleans while maintaining a national presence with online material, frequent tours and festival appearances, The New Movement has joined an elite group of comedy collectives who maintain a strong presence in multiple cities and online. Let the comedy juggernaut proceed!
www.nolaimprov.com
Voted one of the
Best Buffet & Vegetarian Menus in the city Gambit ReadeR’s Poll 2010, 2011 and now 2012!
cLicK nOW tO LiKe nirVana On faceBOOK. Open tuesday - sunday lunch: 11:30am - 2:30Pm dinneR: 5:30Pm - 10:30Pm 4308 maGazine stReet • 894-9797 httP://www.insideniRvana.com/
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NO. 3 THE PARTY ISSUE DEBUTING OCTOBER 25 FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, EMAIL ADVERTISE@INVADENOLA.COM
ANNA
PHOT
ADDISON GRAPHY
FASHION COMMERCIAL PORTRAITURE
www.annaaddisonphotography.com info@annaaddisonphotography.com
LOCAL LOVE
ADVENTURE IN PICTURES:
SHOP GIRLS BY: BROOKE LARSEN PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL MALONEY
VERNON CLOTHING 2049 MAGAZINE ST. (504) 309-5929 WWW.VERNONCLOTHING.COM
VERNON CLOTHING There is so much to love about Vernon. The decor is retro, chic and inviting. The clothing they carry is classy and Southern and they provide fashion choices for both men and women. An area of the store is reserved for custom suit fittings. Every Thursday Vernon hosts a Happy Hour that features 15% off all merchandise and free booze. Plus, they just recently launched their own custom line of clothing designed and made right here in NOLA. What’s not to love?
TRASHY DIVA 2048 MAGAZINE ST. & 829 CHARTRES STREET 504-299-8777 OR 504-581-4555 WWW.TRASHYDIVA.COM
XXX
TRASHY DIVA Walking into Trashy Diva is a blast from the past, nostalgic for some of us and something akin to longing for a time we have only seen on television and in film for the rest. This local boutique started out as a place that sold vintage clothing, but now the owners design their own new, vintage-style pieces. Trashy Diva caters to modern women with a vintage aesthetic. There are two locations, one Uptown and one in the Quarter, as well as annexes that sell shoes and lingerie just as cute and classy as the items at their regular stores.
Jean Therapy was founded in New Orleans in 2002 and is based on the owner’s love for everyone’s favorite fashion staple - jeans. However, denim trousers aren’t the only thing that this store carries, nor is it the only thing worth seeing. Jean Therapy carries clothing from a variety of brands for a variety of people - men, women and babies. They even have their own line of New Orleans themed apparel. The staff is friendly and the choices vast. Jean Therapy has expanded to three stores in NOLA and Metairie since its humble beginnings, but its role as a one stop shop for jeans has not diminished.
JEAN THERAPY 5505 MAGAZINE STREET (504) 897-5535 WWW.JEANTHERAPY.COM
JEAN THERAPY
REFRESH 223 NORTH PETERS ST. (504) 592-3303 WWW.RFRSH.COM
REFRESH Situated on North Peters in a storefront that is too easy to pass by unnoticed (seriously, memorize the address) lies one of the Quarter’s best kept fashion secrets. Refresh opened five years ago and provides a wealth of street wear and sneakers for the stylish gents of NOLA. The atmosphere is fun—when I visited the employees were having a dance party and discussing their opinions of controversial native, Lil Wayne—and the decor is delightful. Refresh features many unique items, the highlight being a set of handmade hats made of genuine python and featuring logos of the Charlotte Hornets and the Utah Jazz. You can only get those at 10 places in the world. Oh, and the owner apparently knows Karl Lagerfeld. I will be returning.
before the fall P H O T O G R A P H Y: K I M B E R LY E D WA R D S STYLING BY: CHARLÉ WASHINGTON HAIR AND MAKEUP BY: DOROTHY YOUNG MODEL: SAMJHANA BC
IN NEW ORLEANS IT ALWAYS STAYS WARM A LITTLE TOO LONG. THIS FASHION SPREAD EXPLORES A STYLISH TRANSITION TO FALL.
STYLE
INTERVIEW
REAL PEOPLE
INTERVIEWS BY: SAMANTHA NAVARRA PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL MALONEY FOUR INTERVIEWS WITH NEW ORLEANS CHANGEMAKERS
ANDI EATON CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER OF NOLA FASHION WEEK WWW.SWEETHEARTSOCIALCLUB.COM WWW.NOLAFW.COM TWITTER: @ANDIEATON
ANDI EATON Describe yourself in one sentence. I’m a beauty business veteran, creative collaborator, and an editorial style lover with a deep affection for runway, street style and vintage fashion. Tell me more about New Orleans Fashion Week. What is the ultimate goal? Our goal at NOLA Fashion Council (the producer of NOLAFW) is to create opportunities for established and up-and-coming Southern designers to connect to buyers, editors and the trendsetting public. NOLAFW is back for our 4th season this October and is the marketing platform for these designers that work all year long to create sustainable apparel and accessories businesses. Where do you see New Orleans fashion week in 5 years? NOLAFW will organically grow as production and retail channels continue to grow. What sets NOLAFW apart from New York, Miami, and Los Angeles is the energy of our city. Creative entrepreneurs are thriving here.
In a city celebrated for its music, art, architecture—and now film— fashion is the next industry on the rise. What local designers are you most excited about? The New Orleans design community being a place of collaboration, shared resources and support is the most exciting to me. What I’m loving most is that we have a new production facility called NOLA Sewn. Quite a few of our local designers (Libellule, Loretta Jane, MESDress, Iacono) to name a few are producing through NOLA Sewn, and that’s way exciting! Tell me about your blog. Sweetheart Social Club is focused on my personal style and the things I love most which are vintage and local designers. It highlights the creative community that is New Orleans and Southern Louisiana fashion. I also love editorial styling, so it’s fun to play dress up myself! How do you feel about a top knot? The ‘top knot’ has absolutely become a street style and editorial
trend, and if I do say so myself, it’s been a part of my signature style for the last couple of seasons. I adore a top knot and the variety of ways long haired girls can rock it. What’s your favorite Fashion magazine and why? Vogue. I began what I call “Vogue Study” when I was still in jelly shoes and jumbo shoestring hair bows (a true child of the 80’s). I “produced” neighborhood “couture” shows modeled after what I learned each month in the Vogue pages. I’ve collected every issue since ’99.
BRENNAN MANUEL Describe yourself in one sentence.
She designs for an international
Why Men’s Wear?
Hardworking individual who wants
luxury brand owned by LVMH, but
Men need more options and I want
the most out of life and loves what
gets everything done during normal
to make clothes that I would wear
the world has to offer; the good, the
business hours to spend time with
in a heartbeat.
bad and everything in between.
her family. What advice do you have for
When did you decide you wanted
How do you prepare for a season’s
aspiring designers?
to pursue fashion design?
collection?
Learn the technical side of your
I decided I wanted to pursue a
I start with the inspiration and I
industry. It gives you control
career in fashion design after
decide what type of silhouettes
over your vision and allows you
my second year of law school.
I want to have. I think of a color
to create a solid product. In an
Success in any field is hard work
story, reoccurring pieces, and
age where anyone can market
and having the intuitiveness to
then I sketch. Next is the arduous
anything or nothing at all using
find or make opportunities in that
task of organizing every thing as
the Internet, you’ll stand out if you
field. So I figured, “Why not put this
far as fabric, trim, notions, stitch
have something to offer and will
much effort into something that I
location, what kinds of stitching,
gain loyal customers if the product
love doing?”
and placing these onto technical
is good.
sketches of the individual garments Who is your inspiration?
and then into an excel spreadsheet.
What’s your typical Friday
Successful designers who have a
Next, the “magic” happens when
night like?
story, a clear vision, and a signature
it’s time for me to start making
Go out, drink, and think about how
to their work inspire me. I really
all of the patterns and finally the
I can gain a competitive edge with
like Phoebe Philo and how she
administrative stuff like picking
this fashion thing. I mean I do the
conducts herself. She’s become the
models, getting measurements,
brainstorming throughout the week
darling child of the fashion world
and deciding who should
but it doesn’t end when I’m hanging
by molding everyone to her design
wear what.
out either. I think way too much.
aesthetic and her passion for family.
BRENNAN MANUEL OWNER AND DESIGNER OF CAMRICH MANN HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CAMRICH. MANN.CLOTHING
LISA IACONO DESIGNER OF IACONO WWW.LISAIACONO.COM
LISA IACONO Describe yourself in one sentence. I’m super shy. Tell me a little bit about your brand. I design the clothes I want to wear, or what my fancy alter-ego wants to wear. The brand is ultimately an extension of whatever is going on with my current self. The customer is someone who really loves fashion and fabric. How did designing for American Eagle and Betsey Johnson help you establish your own brand? The brand evolves per season and I’m still learning so much about myself as a designer. It truly has yet to be established. Working for those companies helped me learn the design calendar and the product development process in depth. Also, being able to see different approaches helped me shape my own.
Where can we find Iacono merchandise? Iacono is available at Weinstein’s, and a store in Cincinnati called The Wardrobe. What is your creative process? I try to channel the things that are stuck in my head. Experience, observation and whatever happens to be turning me on at the time. It could be a song, person, film, color, fabric, or a combination of all those things. Life happens and the designs are born. I drape, sketch, make samples and see what’s successful and what’s not. It’s an ever-changing process with lots of problem solving. I get anxiety just thinking about it. What designers inspire you? Suzanne Perron. My standards for fit and construction quality are forever skewed after working on her gowns. I also love Alber Elbaz, Narciso and Giles. I like things that
are dramatic and beautiful, but I also like design with a sense of humor, fun and sass. What kinds of things do you enjoy doing in NOLA that remind you of New York? I go out to eat most nights of the week, and both cities are great for that. I love that both places have access to art, live music and debauchery. New Orleans really suits me best.
TRACEE DUNDAS Describe yourself in one sentence. My actions not my words define who I am. What was your inspiration behind Fashion Week New Orleans? A huge inspiration in developing FWNOLA came from the positive impacts New York Fashion Week and other regional fashion weeks have had on their local industry and economy. Working as fashion editor for New Orleans Magazine and a stylist for a number of other local and national clients helped me build relationships across the board with many of the players necessary to make an event like FWNOLA successful. I did my research, consulted with trusted colleagues and started the process of strategic planning about eighteen months before the inaugural event took place. What motivated you to grow the fashion industry in New Orleans? It’s no secret New Orleans is recognized for many amazing things; our music, food, culture. However, our fashion industry was not being acknowledged as it should. The unique talents of designers, makeup artists, hair stylists and fashion aficionados were in need of a platform to showcase their talents and
celebrate their artistic abilities. The reception FWNOLA has received in its short two years of production is extremely exciting. Conversations about educational programs and the need for manufacturing have sparked and I definitely see an industry unfolding in front of my eyes. When did you realize you wanted a career in Fashion? This may sound odd, but I honestly never had any other desire. I guess you can say it’s in my DNA. I started by learning basic sewing skills through 4-H, sketching in art classes, choosing an Apparel Design/Fashion Merchandising major in college, and produced fashion shows and events throughout my undergraduate career. I wear many hats, but all of them fashion related. What advice do you have for readers interested in getting into fashion? Set your goals and go for it! Anything is attainable with hard work and commitment. Remember “no” often means “not now”. Be ready to volunteer or intern in order to get your foot in the door: fashion is an industry that most have to start from the bottom and work their way up.
What kinds of events can we expect from Fashion Week New Orleans this year? It’s been a busy year for FWNOLA in producing, partnering and hosting fashion events and activities. FWNOLA is committed to raising awareness about the New Orleans fashion industry as well as giving back to the community. Some of our events this year included working with the kids at Ogden’s Fashion Camp this summer. We sponsored designer Leah Bauer’s 10 year old daughter during the annual fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis, and we were a part of Festigal’s Bodacious Bra Luncheon. FWNOLA helped kickoff the Fall Fashion season by partnering with The Shops at Canal Place and Amelie G Magazine to present “Fashion’s Night Out” September 6th. FWNOLA and a local Walgreen’s store will host our second annual day of modeling and enhancement for Children’s Hospital patients to build their self-esteem and confidence as they battle cancer. What’s your favorite restaurant in NOLA? There are too many to pick one! One of the beauties about NOLA is the fabulous cuisine and so many incredible restaurants.
TRACEE DUNDAS FOUNDER OF FASHION WEEK NEW ORLEANS WWW.FASHIONWEEKNOLA.COM TWITTER: @FASHIONWEEKNOLA
RADAR
The lookbooks INVADENOLA STAFF WE ASKED SEVEN LOCAL DESIGNERS TO SHOW US WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED FOR FALL 2012.
AMANDA DELEON HTTP://AMANDADELEON.COM After musing over the idea of a New Orleans burial, Amanda deLeon’s line began to develop based on her feelings and experience of not only death, but her struggles with religion, depression, and anxiety.
Photography: Kevin deLeon MUA: Maria Barreda Model: Paris Lemon
eklektik ekhoes HTTP://WWW.EKLEKTIKEKHOS.COM/ Photographer: Ayo Henderson MUA: Jen Dickerson Stylist: Jasmine Vaughn Model: Noma Ndebele
Finding inspiration from the elements, Douriean Fletcher, founder of Eklektik Ekhos, makes handmade, one of a kind, emotive jewelry and bamboo sconces.
Hair: Bethany Barnes MUA: Erica Young
matthew arthur H T T P : / / W W W. M AT T H E WA R T H U R . C O M /
Focusing on the inaccuracies of perception versus reality, Matthew Arthur’s line is both chic and distressed.Â
saint claude HTTP://SAINTCLAUDENOLA.COM/ Designing with a spirit of individuality in mind, Saint Claude jewelry is lovingly hand-made by Sarah Killen and Tim Lacrosse.
andrea loest H T T P : / / W W W . A N D R E A L O E S T. C O M / Simultaneously bold and feminine, Andrea Loest’s collection features hand dyed collage that are ready to wear.
Photography: Kimberly Morand Hair: Selma Alamin MUA: Erin Alexander. Models: Amanda Martin and Ashleigh Romano
Photography: Christa Ougel Model: Adrienne Jemison
sewho
SewHo, founded by Genevieve Gaudet and Sarah Lathrop, believes local couture should be accessible and relevant, and maintains a commitment to being both within reach and fabulous.
H T T P : / / FA C E B O O K . C O M / S E W H O C L O T H I N G
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Ray
jolie and elizabeth WWW.JOLIEANDELIZABETH.COM Founded by Jolie Bensen and Sarah Elizabeth Dewey, Jolie and Elizabeth draws inspiration from the charm of the deep south and sophistication of the ladies who lunch.Â
BLOGGABLE
THE FASHION BLOGS BY: COLLIN WADE 5 PROFILES ON OUR FAVORITE FASHION BLOGS
U P P E R LY N E . C O M UPPERLYNE is a tastefully curated sampling of Juley’s fashion journey as she splits her time between New Orleans and Nashville. The photo layout and general aesthetic of this blog is clean and appealing, and her self-created outfits provide plenty of fodder for those seeking inspiration. As a bonus, she intermittently reviews boutiques and provides recipes while providing eye candy level photos. Recently, she has posted about her trip to New York Fashion Week, which is always fun reading for the fashion furious. Bottomline: Appealing design and lovely photos make this a must-read for outfit inspiration and the occasional lagniappe.
L E S L I E A L M E I DA . C O M / The blogger behind UNMADE has been churning out content of the digital persuasion for quite some time. In fact, you may recognize one of her other projects, Nola EATS, which has been around for almost a decade. For those of you for whom fashion is food however, UNMADE where you’ll want to go. Here, she shares make-up tips and reviews as well as occasional trend spotting and discussion. She is unabashedly non-New Orleans centric in her blogging and tastes, so if you need a dose of the Rest of the World, this could be a good place for you. Bottomline: Visit this blogging veteran to figure out what to do with your nails this weekend or whether to buy that new lipstick from Revlon.
SEQUINCRUSH.COM/
Sequin Crush is the fashion diary of blogger Jasmine, who, like any good New Orleanian, knows the value of a little sparkle. Fortunately for us, her blog takes that NOLA-fashion theme and runs with it. Sequin Crush is chocked full of NOLA fashion, from giveaways from Oak Street boutique Abeille; to the reimagining of a Jazz Fest dress as high fashion; to White Linen Night. However, that isn’t all she has to offer: she shares plenty of ensembles that are appropriate for our less-than-normal weather (Fall? What’s that?) and even throws in some awesome DIYs. Bottomline: Sequin Crush is your go-to for learning how to adapt Vogue’s advice for sweater weather to our swelter weather.
The ladies at The Elizabeth Chronicles strive to (and succeed at) keeping their readers abreast of the ins and outs of the fashion world, both in New Orleans and abroad. Both stylists in their professional lives, they are serious about fashion and through their blog, they’ll keep you up to date on what’s happening with your favorite global brands and designers as well as share the goings on in the NOLA fashion scene. For those on a tight schedule, their blog will maximize your information per click: when the ladies showcase their own outfits, you’re always getting two different looks, one from each blogger, so it’s perfect if you need inspiration quickly. They also frequently share their own luxury hacks, mostly in the form of DIY imitations of pricey designer goods. Finally, for those of you who need daily, if not hourly, fashion fixes, these gals will satisfy because they post frequently and rarely waste space. Bottomline: This blog is fashion-packed and a great pick for a lot of readers – whether you want to quickly peruse for inspiration or if you want some deep tracks info about the fashion world.
THEELIZABETHCHRONICLES.COM/
C H A N E LC R AV E S . C O M /
Chanel Craves is a great place to go for shopping inspiration. Her thoughtfully assembled ensembles provide readers with plenty of ways to dress up in Louisiana weather. This blogger’s style is youthful, playful, and chic and she knows how to showcase an outfit. Her blog is inspiring and convincing, so that even if you don’t envision yourself wearing leather shorts, by the end of looking at her photo spreads, you’ll find yourself reconsidering. (Maybe I do need those...) She covers all things Louisiana fashion, pays particular attention to accessorizing, and doesn’t forget the importance of a good mani. And with frequent use of clothes from Forever 21 and H&M, she won’t break the bank while inspiring you. Bottomline: Chanel Craves will inspire and charm you while keeping you glam on realistic budget.
WHAT THE FUDGE ARE WE DOING THIS WEEKEND? Whether its a dance party, a theatre production, or the newest hotel happy hour, InvadeNOLA has the best cross section of New Orleans events for young professionals. Click it: http://www.invadenola.com/events