IN THIS ISSUE
COVER MOOD SWINGS By Steven D. Hill THE FASHIONISTO A WARREN WEDDING Weddings by Ashton Warren WHAT WE LOVE 8 QUESTIONS FOR JeanPaul Pierre ASK WENDY BOLD MOVES ChaCha Clothing Line THE TRAVELING JEWEL Bronwen Lodato’s Jewelery ON THE STREET SARETA’S QUICK TIP
“Mood Swings”, a fashion spreasd by Stevn D. Hill lsmag/may
EDITOR'S NOTES
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e know that you have missed us and we have missed you as well. It has been a very hectic 2010 thus far. There are thousands upon thousands of books written on balance and juggling many things at one time but who really can apply all those tips? Not only has time crept in on us be we have been trying to work on a few issues at a time so we can continue to give you edgy fashionable issues every month. So ok enough about my melodrama and on to the good stuff. I am so excited about this issue! Avriel Epps is a budding music artist with an audacious sense of style bears all to LS Mag about her life and where she wants to be. Did you say mood swings? We all have them once in a while if not daily as we go through the rat race. Checks out our Contributing Editor Steven D. Hill’s Mood Swing photo shoot it rather moody! As we put this issue together I had to laugh at myself I am single, no kids and have no plans of ever getting married. I rather not attend weddings and sit amongst all the weepy eyes… blah, blah. So when Contributing Editor Brandon Herman suggested Ashton Warren a wedding dress designer to be featured I was a little leery. Once I saw her wedding gowns there was no way that I could deny this talented young woman to be a part of our movement. If you are getting married and want something that has an edgy look than make sure you check out her article. She has styled many Hollywood stars and has a strong career within the realms of the fashion world. Ask Wendy’s column is here and is still growing by leaps and bounds please send us your fashion questions you just might be featured. Go ahead and flip through and see what else we have in this issue we have a great article for our Fashionistos, Marcus D. Christmas gives the 411 on Matthew Williamson’s menswear collection. There too many other stories to list on this one page. If you have sharp writing skills and would love to contribute or be interviewed please contact me. angelaclay@liberatingstyle.com Live and Die Fashionable!
Angela Clay Editor in Chief
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COVER
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A RARE BEAUTY By Angela Clay/ Photos by Kamori English
COVER COVER
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If you think it, if you dream it, if you want it, than you can have it. In life we can float through on a raft being tossed by the waves of this turbulent fast paced system. Some have become lulled into a deep sleep and have not realized that time and life just passes by. We think about how we should have done this and that and not ever really reaching out for that goal. Avriel Epps is young and talented and has decided to not float through life but is acting now to achieve all that she desires. Tell us who is Avriel Epps? Still figuring that out… Things I know so far: 1. She likes music. 2. She likes fashion. It’s not much, but I figure I’m further along than most people. Your take on fashion is? I’m a snob when it comes to fashion. I like to challenge the inaccessible. I like to take risks and I like to wear things that nobody else thinks they can pull off. Granted I’m 5’10 and a size 2, so that gives me a little extra playing room. But trust me; you will never see me wearing something that someone on the same street as me is wearing… unless of course we’re all standing on a street on the set of some fabulous movie that Nicola Formichetti is the costume designer of. Pinch me if that ever happens. Who influences your style? As far as fashion goes, I draw 6
COVER inspiration from everything that is surreal. My life is a fantasy; I believe I should dress accordingly. As far as music goes, I only write about what is going on my life. I write lyrics as a story first, and then set music to the story like I would a score to a film. (I’m a music composition major) Some of your current projects are? An album. You won’t get anything more out of me. Is there an artist that you would love to collaborate with? Fiona Apple, Andre 3000, or Jimi Hendrix. Anyone who knows anything about me knows I worship these musicians. What are some things that you do in your free time? Obviously I shop; I write poetry – I’ve been published in a few small literary magazines and have won some poetry awards; I am an anonymous fashion editor of an amazing blog; and I play dress up with my little sister. Favorite designer? The late McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Rick Owens, Damir Doma is one of my new favorites (so happy he created a women’s collection). What made you want to get into music? My dad is a musician. He’s my idol. It’s just something that comes naturally to me, so I do it. I’ve never really asked too many questions as to why I’m drawn to it, I’ve just accepted it. Myspace.com/Avriel lsmag/may
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THE FASHIONISTO
By Marcus D. Christmas
A look from Matthew Williamson’s spring/summer 2010 menswear collection.
THE NEW GUY The year 2010 is becoming the in for men’s fashion, and Matthew Williamson’s new collection from it seems the year can only get better. Women have flocked to the Manchester native in the past, but now it’s time for fashionable blokes all over to experience some of his greatness because this designer is bringing some of his expertise in his new Capsule collection. Williamson is a graduate of Central St. Martins College and debuted his women’s collection, ‘Electric Angels’, in September of 1997 during London’s Fashion Week. Recently during London’s Fashion Week Williamson launched his first ever Men’s Wear Capsule collection for spring 2010. Williamson is one of UK’s leading designers and has received numer-
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ous awards from his peers, including Elle Designer of the Year 2004 and British Fashion Awards Red Carpet Designer of the Year 2008. The new collection features colorful cashmere jumpers, printed T-Shirts and scarves. Some of my favorites are; paisley print scarf with a blue print and a Thorn print scarf with an olive print and pink background (men should never run away from the color of pink). When it comes to Williamson’s cashmere jumpers men can decide whether they would like to wear a plain or printed design. I suggest that fashionisto’s pick up a plain light v –neck blue jumper and for those that would like to take a risk you should get the pink shark-palm v-neck printed jumper. I encourage all fashionisto’s to support Matthew Williamson’s new men’s line because this is just the beginning for us to take part in his effort to transform the fashion world. Visit this designer at: matthewwilliamson.com
Looks from Matthew Williamson’s spring/summer 2010 menswear Capsule collection. Photo credit: Vogue.com
FASHION
A WARREN WEDDING By Alexandra Charboneau/ Photos by Brandon Herman
When it comes to making a bride’s dreams come true, designer and pastry chef, Ashton Warren is there to make those dreams a reality. With an education from both the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Institute of Culinary Education, she makes custom-made, one-ofa kind wedding gowns and cakes in New York City. Ashton Warren works with the bride every step of the way in designing the bride’s perfect dress and cake. Warren’s classic and vintage inspired looks allow any bride to stand out and shine on the day she will always remember.
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You design both cakes and wedding gowns, you are so fortunate do two of your passions together. Has this always been a dream of yours? Since I can remember I have always been making some sort of clothing. Whether it is on Barbie, stapling scrap fabric together to make bathing suits, or designing and making my own prom dress. I have always loved baking as well, from sitting on the counter watching my mom bake to always insisting that I make the cake for everyone’s birthday. I always said that I wanted to be a pastry chef but never went to school for it. Following my first passion I went to FIT for fashion design, graduating with a specialization in eveningwear. Like most graduates I had no idea where to go from there, so went with my idea of bridal clothing and enrolled in the Institute of Culinary Education for Pastry Arts. I interned for a wedding cake designer and a cake maker, and knew the beauty of wedding cakes was what I truly loved, and here I am. How does it feel when a bride wears one of your gowns on one of her most unforgettable and special days? Nerve-wracking. I don’t think I could actually take a breath of relief until I heard that everything was beautiful. I described it best as dropping off your child for their first day of preschool or kindergarten. You’ve done everything you can do to make sure they
are perfect little angels and that everything works out, but you cant be there to actually see it happen. I will tell you though, when she came in for her final fitting and I zipped the zipper with ease, and heard her say “oh wow, it really could not fit me more perfectly, I love it!” it was one of the best things I could ever hear, and made me realize that this is something I am meant to do. What style of bridal gowns do you usually create? Ball gowns? Mermaid? A-line? My personal design aesthetic strays away from the big princess gowns, but range from all styles. When designing my dresses I like to create a simple silhouette, go a little less traditional while still maintaining a classic look, and adding slight vintage inspiration.
samples and work from there? Or does the bride have total control over how her dress is going to look? Its important to me that the bride is just as much as
When making both the dress and the cake for a wedding, do you usually have them complement one another? I think unless the bride was stuck on the dress and cake matching I would try and stray them away from it. I think that the cake and the dress are the two things (besides the bride) that people remember from a wedding, I believe they should compliment to an extent but stand alone in design.
Did attending and learning at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City prove to be a beneficial and important step to get to where you are now? FIT was a very trying experience. I will be honest, if I had to do it all over I definitely CAKE BOSS: would. Being self-taught in design Along with the dresses she makes Ashton also designs cakes for weddings. and sewing, I learned the very important fundamentals of design. designer as I am. I encourage them I always say that I’m not a fashion to look through bridal magazine designer’s fashion designer. When and find dresses they love. They Where do you find inspiration for your I started at FIT I had never looked may love the train of one dress and at a Vogue and could barely name designs? History. The seam lines the neckline of another. I remind and simplicity of vintage dresses any designers on the spot, let alone them that I am not in the business a favorite, I just knew I had ideas are always very beautiful to me. Like any designer, inspirations can of copying other designers, but I and liked to make clothes. come from anywhere. I’ve been on would be happy to recreate something perfect just for you. a plane or the gym and instantly I started with my associate’s had to grab a pen and paper. I take degree, I excelled in draping and Then we sit down and pick and design but had trouble trying to fit note of every gown and dress I choose and I add a little touch here into the perfect designer mold to see, and the parts that I like and where I would take it and go from an there according to body types get ready for “industry” that they and designer point of view and there. put me in. After 2 years of ups sketch for them until its something and downs and finishing with my You make custom gowns. So explain how they have always dreamed of. dress not only being accepted into that works? Do you show the bride some the end of the year show but on lsmag/may
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display at the school, I decided not to continue with my bachelors. I don’t think I would be at the level I am if I didn’t go, but I wouldn’t be the designer I am if I stayed. Breaking into the fashion industry can be tough, what obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are now? I am still in the process; being 22 doesn’t help in the mix of things either. I knew what I wanted to do and I knew that it was a great idea that would catch on. I bought business books and asked around but realized I wouldn’t be able to get true experience without actually doing it. I met with one potential client, things went really well, I drew up some designs, we were going to meet a second time, and suddenly I never heard from her again.
respond to names, and mine isn’t household yet. I go through a lot of potential clients that back down, and some that are willing to take a chance and couldn’t be more pleased with their final result. I recently had an ad launched on TheKnot.com, so here’s to crossing my fingers.
Who are some bridal designers that you look up to and admire? With the hundreds of bridal magazines I take the time to look through and tear out my favorites the designer who has really been catching my eye is Monique Lhuillier. Everything she designs is so classic and beautiful and lace. AmMy first client I found on sale, another craigslist, she posted an ad about cutom wedhaving a budget and a dress in ding dress mind that she wanted recreated. designer She got about 20 responses and is really chose 3 to meet with. I had the startconfidence and the “spunk” as she ing put it, and knew she was taking to a big chance on a young up and coming designer, but liked that I A sketch by Asthon Warren knew exactly what she had in mind and could show her on paper. break the box by designing “the litBefore I even finished her wedding tle white dress”. I love for a gown dress she asked me to design her a to be a “gown”, but every bride is reception dress. different and every wedding is different and its nice to see wedding Unfortunately, I haven’t been dresses in a different light. able to make a dress since, but I’m keeping the faith. In this indusWhat is some advice you could give a try you have to compete. People bride that is searching for the perfect wed-
ding dress, because the process of finding “the” dress can be both exhilarating and frustrating? Definitely look around; even if you decide to go with a custom made dress, you need to have an idea of what dresses you are drawn to and where to start. Try them on too, it’s all about what you are comfortable in and what makes you feel like a dream. Once you know a style or concept go from there, and know that if you go custom it will be one of a kind and have every idea and style you want but may not be able to find in a dress off the rack (which can frustrate a bride). Can you offer any advice for new designers trying to establish their line? Don’t give up. The only way to keep your head up in this industry is to believe that you belong. One thing I’ve been learning myself is that it takes time. I want everything to happen now. It’s been almost a year since I got my first client for a dress and cakes are slowing coming along, it’s hard, but I know I am on to something. Confidence is key, if you believe in yourself how can others not to give you a chance. 2birdsonestone.com
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FASHION By Alexis J
T A WH : E V O L WE
The off the shoulder dress is perfect for summer. As the winters slowly roll out and we push our faux fur coats and thigh high boots to the back of our closets, the little skirts and dresses, short shorts and tank tops come out. And this coming summer season, along with them come the off-the-shoulder dresses. These darling dresses are finally getting the much-needed attention that they deserve.
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ength, color, style, cut – none of this matters more than the bra you wear with these dresses. It can be long or short, blue or white, poufy or skin-tight – no matter what kind of off-the-shoulder-dress you chose; you MUST wear a strapless bra underneath it. Clear plastic straps are a HUGE no-no and yes, so are normal bra straps. These should be no undergarments peeking out from the sides of your dress.
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ou need to have the right type of body to be able to look fashionable in one of these dresses. Toned arms are a must have for those looking to slip into one of these trendy dresses. If you have even the smallest hint of flab on your arms, my advice would be to stay away from one of these dresses and go for something that will help disguise them. If you really do want to wear one of these dresses, covering up with a cropped jacket or a cardigan would a good option.
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on’t be afraid to jazz your off-the-shoulder dress up. Sequins and Swarovski can either make or break these dresses so choose wisely. As long as you don’t go overboard, there is nothing stopping you from looking fabulous and beyond.
or the younger set of women out there, a short offthe-shoulder dress is ideal for both formal and casual events. You can play ’em up with an embellished clutch or go slightly less formal with a pair of summery wedges. For slightly older women a longer off-theshoulder dress like the ones seen on the Elie Saab Couture Spring Summer 2010 runway is just what you need to show off your body without looking like Stella McCartney you are trying too hard. If you are comfortable with your body then a silk, body skimming gown in rich jewel tones is what you should opt for but those looking for a something a little less out-there could go for a flowing, chiffon gown.
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re you addicted to your daily dose of bling? Does the thought of leaving that choker and stack of bangles bring tears to your eyes? No worries. The most chic way to add a little bling to an off-the-shoulder dress is to wear a broach! It can be simple with Swarovski’s or be more on the superstar side with lots of colorful precious/semiprecious stones; all you have to do is make sure it doesn’t clash with your dress.
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p the glam quotient of these dresses by wearing them in a solid color. And if it still isn’t diva enough for you, go for a deep purple, an emerald green and the likes. To keep things a little bit more on the playful side, go for soft lilacs, pinks, purples and blues. Floral prints are ideal for the girly girls who don’t want to stick to a single color but still want to look fun and flirty.
So go grab an off-the-shoulder dress for the next party or function you need to attend, stick to these few simple rules and you will, without any doubt, look tres magnifique! Like stylist Philip Bloch once said “By baring a shoulder, you can be attractive without being tawdry or cheap.” You heard the man; do you still have any doubts about this fantastic dress? We didn’t think so.
LS RADAR
By Marcus Christmas
A look from a JohnPaul Pirre collection.
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8 QUESTIONS FOR:
JOHNPAUL PIERRE DESIGNER
If you are into new designers then this article is for you. JohnPaul Pierre is a fresh new designer out of NYC. Hailed from the island of Jamaica John Paul Pierre is looking to bring a new innovative look to the fashion scene.
February was the debut of John’s 1st fashion collection. This designer is coming to the scene with determination that is full of excitement. His design style isn’t just for the petite but also for the everyday women.
How did you start the house of JohnPaul Pierre? I’ve been in the U.S. for six years. I moved here with my parents when I was sixteen years-old. I’ve always had a love for fashion…I wanted to make the everyday woman feel like a star or celebrity. I started designing for women in NY, who are part of the Jamaican Dance Hall scene. These ladies take fashion very serious. I made my mother a dress for a party and everyone loved it. So I started making dresses for the women who went to the dance hall. A year ago I decided to take it mainstream. Can you tell readers who has influenced you as a designer? Michael Korrs and Gucci…I like Michael because he has an all American style. I like Gucci because of their style edge. My style is a mixture of both designers. What types of women are you looking to appeal to? Why? I don’t’ want to be put in a box. I want to design for every woman. There is a piece in my collection that fits every woman. How does your design style feel this void? Most designers only make clothes for a certain type of person. I design clothes for everyone. A plus size woman will be able to find something in my collection. What is the theme of your Fall 2010 collection? I am a big fan of James Bond so the collection is telling a story of what he would wear from day to night. What bothers you the most with the realm of current trend? I don’t think that there is anything that I don’t like. We are all creative people and we all tell our story in a different type of way. What are some staples a woman should have in her closet? Every woman should have a little black dress, red pumps and an oversized cardigan. In your debut fashion show what is your favorite piece? My favorite piece is my twist on a little black dress. My collection is timeless, fresh and innovative. Facebook.com/JOHNPAULPIERRE
ASK WENDY
SUMMER READY By Wendy Poindexter
Summer is one it’s way and this month readers are asking Wendy what they should make sure to have along with them as they head out.
Amanda – 24, N. J. Q: I know that flower prints are huge for spring, but how can I wear them without looking child-like?
A: I am truly in love with the sweet flower prints of spring 2010, it takes me back to the 90s when I wore flower leggings and baby doll tops *I will stop there as I am dating myself*. However as in fashion everything old is new again. If the thought of full on flower power scares you then try it in small doses, such as a handbag, shoes, or hair accessories. Designers like Tory Burch used a lot flower prints in her spring line but if you want a more budget friendly option then check out the designer line Liberty of London debuting at Target on March 14. My favorite item that I may have to splurge on is the Floral Lace up Boot at Free People for $129.95. These boots can be worn all spring and summer long with dresses and shorts! lsmag/may
FLOWER POWER: Betsey Johnson Archives flower covered dress from Opening Ceremony.
Kelly – 19, R. I. Q: What are some easy items to take on a Spring Break? I want to pack light but still have some variety to go from daytime at the beach to nightlife at the club.
Mod Cloth
Emmanuelle Khanh
Bernardo Fringe Gladiator
Zappos Dorothy Perkins Max and Chloe
Michal Negrin
A: Start off with the basics like flop flips/ sandals, sunglasses, straw hat, swimsuit (of your preference) and don’t forget the sun block. All of these items are essential for relaxing on the beach all day. After soaking up the sun reach for either a maxi dress or a sarong, both are easy ways to cover up and can carry you into the evening. Check out asos.com for a wide variety of maxis in several colors and patterns. When you are ready to the hit the town try out a cute romper (yes they are still on trend); the updated versions this season are strapless and cropped in a cool pattern. Visit the site style. pronto.com for a wide variety of rompers to choose from. All of the items here are interchangeable so you will have enough room in your suitcase to bring back lots of souvenirs—enjoy!
TREND TIP!
Since the spring season is all about girly sweetness try adding your own personal style in the mix on the cheap with accessories. This is the perfect way to dabble in the fashion trends but not be a fashion victim. Check out shops like Forever 21 for satin bow headbands for $4 and Charlotte Russe for a multi-color metal bangle set for $5. Of course with all the prints and patterns flowing around this season swing by your local vintage boutique for scarves, hats, and handbags.
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he summer calls for dressing that does a balancing act between playing up the trends and not your temperate, and that is one of summer’s few issues. The great thing about clothing, though, is that it’s possible to dress for the runway and for the street at that’s exactly why we love Charquetta N. Hudson’s line Cha Cha N’Kole. Based out of Philadelphia, the line is all about celebrating fashion’s flirty side. The fashion staple that is the mini dress is Charquetta’s main silhouette and from there she designs bold and playful looks that just about anyone can pull off. Our editor Angela Clay as lucky enough to sneak a peak at the latest line, “Lost”.
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We can’t wait for summer, but the thought of what to wear is always something we stress over. We were lucky to find Charquetta N. Hudson and Cha Cha N’Kole, her line of youthful looks for summer dressing. By Angela Clay and Joseph M. Young
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What is your newest collection all about? My newest collection, titled “Lost”, reflects me during my preparation for fashion week. I chose a theme and did my sketches, but once I got into the fabric store I was completely lost. I was torn between my initial ideas and the other ideas that came to me once I saw the massive fabric selection filled with beautiful prints and colors. I was trying to find the balance between the new and the old. My collection ended up going into a completely different direction than intended and my little sister,
Charleah, started calling it “lost” while I was still in the production stage. For some reason the name just stuck. Everything came out wonderful and it was lost in the best possible way .
“It’s amazing to see my designs go from sketches to patterns to muslins to finished garments that are seen by hundreds on the runway.” -Charquetta N. Hudson
Can you tell us of some of the trends that we will be seeing a great deal of? I would have to say that “emphasis” is starting to dominate fashion. Right now it’s the emphasis on shoulders, example: large shoulder pads, jeweled shoulder embellishments, color blocking at the shoulder. I believe this trend will stay around for a while and soon emphasis will be put on the neckline, breast, wrist, and other parts of the body that can be virtually shown by anyone and still look fabulous. Tell us what is like to have your designs go from the sketch pad to run way. It’s amazing to see my designs go from sketches to patterns to muslins to finished garments that are seen by hundreds on the runway. That’s what makes the hard work all worthwhile (seeing the finished look). The best feeling is when I finish a garment and people see it and say “Wow…How did you come up with that?” and my response is usually “I don’t know”…sometimes the creative process is like a blur to me after its completely done. Future goals for your fashion collections?
I want my collections to always reflect my personal style. I am anxious to see my designs mature as I get older, experience more and see more. Your opinion on fashion is? Fashion and style is the only form of art that everyone is forced to participate in every day by law. It’s the greatest form of self expression and communication. What are some up and coming events that our readers should schedule in? Philadelphia Fashion Week Fall 2010. This event will be held from August 28th to September 3rd at the Crane Arts Building, 1400 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122.
THE RUNWAY MINI: Short and to the point, the looks from Cha Cha N’Koler show are must haves for summer. The line was shown at this years Philadelphia Fashion Week.
Designers that inspired you are…. R.I.P Alexander McQueen. He is my greatest inspiration. His creativity inspires me to push boundaries, dream big and to appreciate fashion as an art form. I also admire the simplicity of Mike and Chris. myspace.comchachankole
g n i l e v a r T The
FASHION
JEWEL By Shane Couch/ Photos by Caramiaphotography.com
Bronwen Lodato talks with writer Shane Couch about her unique line of adventurous jewelry. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend who has turned her passion for travel, adventure and design in to her dream career. Bronwen Lodato is a jewelry designer who captures her love for the adventurous lifestyle in each of her creations. Bronwen shared “I wanted my work to be (creative, authentic, social, active, intimate, involving international travel and adventure and challenging as hell!). I was already making jewelry but hadn’t captured a brand identity yet so I decided to take my authentic lifestyle and try to connect to all the people out there that share the spirit of the adventure lifestyle and speak to them through beautiful adornment. I wrote a business plan reflecting these core values and made specific goals to reach them-- then mustered up as much self reliance, confidence, humility, optimism and enthusiasm as I could---and launched the Bronwen brand in 2008.” When asked how do you balance lsmag/may
Angels Landing Earrings from the Bronwen collection.
your artistic self with the entrepreneurial side of your business? She responded “Balance, in general, is the ultimate quest for me and I’m constantly aware of the rhythm of my life and if it feels too heavy in one aspect or too light in another. Then I work like a dog to equalize. I’m a naturally creative person so I feel like my creative self is always with me--but my creative voice certainly speaks louder at some times than other. Because I am such a small brand, I am responsible for most aspects of the success of my brand and if I let the entrepreneurial side of me slip, I am keenly aware that I will no longer have the privilege of living my dream.
Urban Cowgirl Necklace
That is pretty strong motivation! That said, to be successful in a business where you are essentially promoting yourself and your art, you have NO CHOICE but to be innovative and entrepreneurial at all times. Thankfully my entrepreneurial spirit is very strong and comes very naturally. In practical terms, I use exercise, play and travel as my
primary means to find balance.” Bronwen finds her inspiration from the world around her she blends the physical beauty of nature with the intimacy of human nature in terms of spirituality and relationships to create of her art and design. “I’m constantly sketching ideas and talking about color and shapes etc. My husband is so patient with me examining at length tiny leaves, shells, reefs and fish and exotic people! But also when I’m in a period of intense emotion--no matter what the emotion seems to be (glee, longing, sadness, deep love) I’m inspired to create and these tend to be especially productive times for me. My pieces end up being more of a “feeling”. The adventurous lifestyle began early for Bronwen she remembers as a child her father calling out “22 Romeo Echo” over the radio to an air traffic control tower from the family Cessna. For as long as she can remember travel has been a part of her life. She explains “Some people spend their money on houses and clothes and cars and other material goods. I spend my money on airline tickets.” I asked when did she become interested in art and design and she told me “I was a kid who would take all of her “back to school” clothing allowance and buy one expensive pair of Esprit pants then immediately take scissors and needle and thread and turn them into a mini-skirt. I don’t consider myself an artist who creates origi-
FASHION
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nal art from nothing. I’m truly a designer at heart...I take things that already exist in the world and pair them with other existing things to make something entirely new. I take themes and shapes from other pieces and recreate them as jewelry.”
“I’m truly a designer at heart...I take things that already exist in the world and pair them with other existing things to make something entirely new” -Bronwen Lodato
free-spirited and sexy. My house is full of color and artful objects from around the world that tend to be folky in nature. I love wood and shell and natural materials and my artistic style is to favor all things natural. There is lightheartedness to my style without being whimsical. My style is gypsy--but When asked about formal in a modern sense--not in the true training in the area of design or sense of gypsy as the Romani How separate are you from your from art she explained “I’ve had a small your designs? There is virtually no people but still embodying the amount of silversmithing training separation between me and my wandering, nomadic and nonconbut I am largely self-taught. I pret- designs. That said, I’ve become forming happy spirit. I try to make ty much just let my passion guide much less emotionally attached to pieces that are simple enough to me and I keep learning/developing whether someone digs my style not be distracting but interesting my skills every day! I do, however, or not. When I first started selling enough to add depth and light to dream of one day taking a year jewelry (seven years ago) I was so the person wearing it. I work to and living in Florence, Italy and emotionally attached to my designs highlight the natural beauty of the studying goldsmithing just for fun. that if someone didn’t love a piece person wearing it, whether this be With no business pressure weigh- or didn’t buy it, I would take it lighting up her eyes or bringing ing on me but simply learning a a giant smile to her face. Natural very personally and it ultimately new craft (while simultaneously beauty radiated from within...that’s inhibited my ability to succeed. enjoying much delicious wine!).” my style. What new projects are you working on? The following Q & A captures I’m about to take my Fall 2010 col- What are your plans for future lines? the rest of our conversation: I’m always dreaming! When I lection to market and I’ve already got prototype pieces in the works wrote my business plan I thought Where can people purchase your jewelry for Spring/Summer 2011. In this I’d first diversify into T-shirts line, do you have a store online? seasonal business you are generally and home decor. But after beThe best place to shop for Brona year ahead---which really flies in ing in business for two years I’m wen is on my website www. the face of my desire to live more looking more at a bikini line and Bronwenonline.com as it is the a dress line. Of course there will in the moment---but that is how most well rounded collection and be additional accessories such as it works. I’ve just returned from many special one-of-a-kind or bags and perhaps scarves but I’m a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand limited edition pieces that retailers where I’ve met with my silver deal- already beginning my research for won’t have. The Athleta Catalog, a super-functional, super-comfy, ers and artists and they are helpSundance Catalog and stores, Title ing bring to life some of my new super-sexy and flattering bikini and Nine stores and Catalog and many design ideas. dress line and you have no idea boutique retailers across the nation how excited I am to branch into carry Bronwen assortments. Many Describe your artistic style. other markets! There is also talk of of my retailers are listed on my a future Bronwen retail store. My style is natural, simple, clean, website but the list is constantly rustic, bohemian (for lack of a betgrowing, which is a beautiful thing! ter word), color and texture-full, Bronwenonline.com
BEAUTY
By Sareta Gabriel
Name:
Bianca Occupation: Singer/Student
Age: 22
on the street
Who is your top make-up brand? I simply love MAC!
What’s your favorite blush? RAIZIN by MAC because it
highlights my cheekbones and I can use it for a natural day look or build it up for a night out. Either way, it looks amazing on!
20
BEAUTY
By Sareta Gabriel
sareta’s quick tip When it comes to make-up that has the nautral look our in house Beauty Editor knows just what to pick for every shade. Light skin tones: CoverGirl’s Classic Colour Blush covergirl.com Medium skin tones: Mac’s Ambering Rose Powder Blush MAC.com Dark Skin tones: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics’ Cranberry Bobbi’s Blush BobbiBrownCosmectics.com lsmag/may