Style Bust
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Posts by Style Bust
Consuming the news
14 years ago
A news story, a piece of art, a conversation starter, all in one wearable package. I’m talking about T-Post, the Swedish based company that has created the world’s first wearable magazine.
T Post is a subscription based t-shirt shop. You basically sign up like a magazine subscription, but instead of magazines, you’ll get a t-shirt every 5-6 weeks (t-shirts cost about $26 per month).
Each issue features a news story on the inside, with an artists interpretation on the front. The artwork is produced by different artists each month, with a short bio, giving readers the ability to look into their work.
And lets not forget about the packaging!
Not only is T Post making the news more interesting (and possibly less depressing), they only make what is ordered (however many subscribers there are each month is how many t-shirts they print). Which means less environmental waste and makes for a very unique t-shirt.
Interview with Indu Arora of RockChiq
14 years ago
Indu Arora is an established designer in South Bay who makes very high quality, tailored women’s clothing under the label RockChiq. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her during this year’s Give Back Gala, which will be held on April 2nd at the J.W. Marriott in San Francisco.
I spent some time with Indu for an interview, enjoy!
Style Bust: How did you get into fashion design?
I was artistic and sketchy form young age, that’s when my mother taught me how to sew. My elementary/middle school back in India had students from almost all parts of world. I remember a student named Uday from Africa, Arman from Iran, Urmi from London. At this school we had a global fashion scene in one place. My Passion for fashion developed at young age.
Style Bust: Where and what did you study in college?
I am self-taught in this discipline. Back in India; where I come from, I was majoring in medicine. I went through a career change into fashion when I came to USA.
Style Bust: Are you working on RockChiq full-time?
Yes I am working full-time for fashion although this line is financially supported by my parent company Indu Fashion Services Inc. A California corporation providing designing and production services to other start-ups.
Style Bust: How long have you been designing as an independent fashion designer?
I have designed for the past 3 years.
Style Bust: You are an established Bay Area designer, tell us about your journey.
I migrated to USA in 1998 after getting married. As I mentioned earlier, I was majoring in medicine back in India. That same year, the HBO show Sex and the City aired its first season, and I instantly fell in love with the fashion scene of the sitcom. It was so inspiring I made up my mind to chase my passion for fashion and take it to next level.
I started freelancing my designs to independent clients. One day a client on the East Coast called and asked me to handle their denim line. I accepted the project. By this time, I had made few connections back in India with manufacturers and such. That started my parent company Indu Fashion Services Inc. Today I have 8-10 steady clients whose entire line of clothing from sampling to production is handled by me.
That became the base of financing for my Ready to Wear line for women under the brand name RockChiq which launched in year 2008. I roll out two collections annually during the Summer and Fall. I am placing myself in Boutiques in and around Bay area since last year . The response has been good and I am getting buyers attention. I’ve recently been invited to take part in the FOCUS Apparel & Accessories Show as an emerging brand. This show goes hand in hand with LA Fashion Week.
Style Bust: Why should people come out and see your work at this show?
This collection is all about high end evening dresses and gowns.
Style Bust: What inspired this collection?
The inspiration for this collection is basically San Francisco fashion crowd. We see such crowds in many small and big fashion shows all around SF Bay area. High end social events and parties such as those hosted by Trendy Lime are good examples of my inspiration. In a timely fashion some of the very high-end parties and events. I always add to my clients list every time I have attended their parties.
Style Bust: Style Bust: Why should people come out and see your work at this show?
My designs are very tailored high-end look .I put my passion into it. If any one is looking for high end sophisticated, colorful eclectic evening dresses and gowns; this is the collection to see as you will find something for yourself.
Style Bust: Where can people find your clothing?
My collection sis visible online at www.rockchiq.com. On my ecommerce site: Pink Weave. They can buy it at four stores where I am retailing from RAGS CO-OP and LOFT in SF, Isabellas’s boutique in Sunnyvale, Ayurvastram in Los Altos.
Check out Indu’s interview on Joonbug Glam Damn It!
No More Jean Blues
14 years ago
Finding jeans has never been a fun, easy, or painless task for me. I’m not sure what or who’s to blame, but regardless, there is always too much and too little material in the wrong places. I’ve spent hours in a single store trying on countless jeans and at the end of the laborious event, I’m back where I started, with nothing! Sure, there will be a pair or two that fit fairly well, but truly, I find myself resorting to that pair or two only out of sheer desperation. In fact, the pursuit for the perfect pair of jeans –in terms of fit, style, and price– became such a hopeless pursuit, I vetoed jeans from high school to the middle of college, devoting myself solely to dresses, leggings, tights, and skirts. When I was ready to revisit (just recently) the dreadful idea of finding a pair of flattering AND comfortable jeans, I decided to try a brand that wasn’t exactly known for its denim line: American Apparel. While I’ve only purchases tanks, sweatshirts, undergarments, and tights from AA, I decided –while in the store last weekend– that I would look at the jeans. I had also noticed a sales associate wearing a pair from the store, and the jeans looked incredible. Per her recommendation and with my newly possessed flexibility and optimism, I tried on the Four-Way Stretch High-Waist Side Zipper Pant in black. Much to my surprise, the pants fit amazingly. While I tend to keep it conservative with regards to pants, the high waist didn’t bother me at all. These pants hug your body in all the right places, they are soft and comfortable, and they don’t break the bank at $78. There’s also a plethora of fun colors, for those of you with more courage than I have.
Let’s just say, I bought the pair immediately and walked out of AA feeling denim-rejuvenated.
Henna Tattoos Review
14 years ago
I have several tattoos and can’t wait to get a few more, but they’re all pretty much concealed for work purposes. Once in a while I wish I had a bold tattoo out in full view, but shrink away when I realize how permanent that would be. So in comes the Henna Tattoo, which can last up to two weeks and I can put it anywhere I want.
Henna tattoos are made from a paste applied directly in your body and its a natural way to apply pigment to it.
I got mine from a shop at the mall, if you see on the photos below when you leave the shop you will have a paste in your skin in the form of the tattoo design you selected. I noticed there are two pigment colors, I got the lighter one.
The instructions I received were to let it dry for an hour or so until it easily flaked off, apply oil to moisturize the skin and don’t let water touch it for at least 12 hours. When the Henna dried out I was disappointed because you could barely see it, yet I followed the instructions. Turns out it needs time for the pigment to oxidize and you can see the result below.
With that said, I realized it’s not that hard to get a simple design like the one I got. Even I can do it, since some imperfections actually add a charm to it. So I plan to buy a kit online and try it myself; I’ll let you know how it went.
Henna Tattoos will normally be done in the same place where you can get your eyebrows done with threading, like in the Brows Shaping Salon. If you decide to have someone do it for you, I suggest you get a small and inexpensive one first so you can make sure you are satisfied with the results before committing your time and money on a more elaborate one. If you notice on the pictures above, my hand looked sloppy while the photo I found with the tattoo on the ankle looked much cleaner. Once you decide how and where to get it, go ahead and enjoy your cool new Tattoo!
Street Home Chicago
14 years ago
One of the best things about Chicago is the fabulous street performers. You can find them sharing the gift of music all year long but there is an excitement in the air as the weather warms up and they come out of the train stations and spill onto the streets. It’s truly the music in the summer that I believe electrifies the city.
There are many days that I will leave for work early or walk out of my way to see if my favorite guitar player or drummer is playing in their usual spot. I love taking time out to show my appreciation for their gift. I stumbled upon an amazing article in the Chicago Reader last week that introduced me to a not for profit organization supporting the street performers in the city. The website www.chicagostreetmusicians.org launched a year and half ago and is gaining recognition quickly. It is run by commuter, Gabriel Chapman, a musician himself, who started CSM to raise awareness of the performers talent and get them some club gigs. Chapman’s story alone has been inspirational to me but the message he is trying to spread is larger than life. This campaign launched with a showcase video featuring 16 musicians, most notably is likely to be singer Crystal Bowersox (prior to her audition at American Idol she was sharing her talent freely on our city streets). This video shows everything that is unique and beautiful about this city.
Watching the street performers as a kid is one of my first memories of the big city and it is such a big part of how I fell in love with Chicago and why I live here today. Tonight many dreams are coming true at House of Blues Chicago. You can catch the talented street performers playing on stage live at their first ever “Street Home Chicago” concert. Tickets are 10 bucks and the show starts at 9:30. This is a great organization to support, hopefully they get a good crowd, they deserve it.
Interview With The Designers Of Kajan Padraig
14 years ago
Cake Carlos and Patrick Steber, the designers behind Kajan Padraig are probably the most professional designers I’ve ever worked with. They come to models calls and fashion production meetings extremely prepared and always have a handful of great questions to ask. It’s been a lot of fun to get to know both Cake and Patrick better of the past couple of months and I look forward to seeing their show at the Give Back Gala on April 2nd, 2011.
Cake and Patrick took some time out of their busy schedule to answer a couple of questions for our readers, here goes.
Style Bust: How did you get into fashion design?
Cake Carlos: Looking at how my life came together, it just made sense. I have a talent and passion for sketching that really came to life when I moved to America from Thailand. As a child and adolescent, I would help my mother sew piece goods. I have always loved clothing and had an eye for design. With skills and passion in these areas, I moved confidently in the direction of fashion and enrolled myself at FIDM.
Patrick Steber: My first love is fabric. I remember walking through department stores with my mother, arms outstretched, feeling all the fabrics that I could get my hands on. As I grew older, I would
pull out vintage clothes of my mother’s and dress my sister in them. I would then create elaborate runway shows the length of my parent’s hallway. It did not dawn on me until I was twenty that I could do more than just imagine these shows. With that realization, I submitted my application to design school and never looked back.
Style Bust: How did the two of you form your design partnership?
Patrick Steber: Cake and I worked together at a very talented San Francisco designer for three years before setting off on our own. We both wanted our own design house some day and talked about it often. We worked extremely well together and had the same passion and energy to succeed. Our strengths complimented each other. What sealed the deal for our partnership was that we could actually enjoy each other’s company even after ten hours of working side-by-side, six days a week.
Style Bust: How long have you been designing together?
Cake Carols: We have been designing together as Kajan Padraig since December of 2009.
Style Bust: Were you designing independently before you teamed up?
Patrick Steber: Yes, but both on a much smaller scale. Cake was making dresses for herself and her sister for weddings and other events. I designed and presented for a few indie fashion shows in San Francisco. Both of us have continually re-purposed our own clothes to keep them fresh and exciting. We draw on these past experiences and designs in our work together.
Style Bust: What would you say are some of the benefits to designing with a partner?
Cake Carols: Someone to share the stress!! In all seriousness, it is extremely beneficial to have another pair of eyes and another creative viewpoint. As designers, we tend to get stuck in our own heads. It is nice to have someone help you continue in a positive direction, or to help you rethink something you have stared at for too long. We help each other grow as designers and as entrepreneurs. It is very easy to spread yourself too thin and we both feel very lucky to be able to focus on our strengths, knowing that the other is there to help carry the load.
Style Bust: Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion.
Patrick Steber: Our philosophy of the art of fashion follows that of the philosophy of all art. The new is created in response to the old. Either building upon or reacting against. Fashion is ever changing and, for us, it is anything we want it to be. Our aim is to design beautiful clothes that make women feel confident, regardless of trend.
Style Bust: Describe the collection you will be showing at the Give Back Gala.
Cake Carlos: We are showing a full collection from shorts and tank tops to full length evening gowns. Our collection is bright and optimistic, while drawing it’s strengths from the solid foundations of design. Our color choices evolved from this philosophy. We started with solid, sensible neutrals then introduced chartreuse, lavender and watercolor prints to infuse optimism and hope. Nothing is so over the top that you can’t see yourself wearing it right off the runway.
Style Bust: What inspired this collection?
Patrick Steber: In a word, Lines. More specifically, the shapes and emotions they create. We played with soft, draped lines to tailored and architectural lines and then the occasional manipulation of those lines. The beauty of the female back also inspired us. A lot of the designs have the focus on the back.
Style Bust: Why should people come out to see your work at this show?
Cake Carlos: We are creating a full experience for the audience. We are putting on a show, of course, but more importantly, we are showcasing the beauty of our aesthetic. We want women to see that beauty, relate to it and want to be a part of it.
Style Bust: If you could do anything else (professionally) what would it be?
Cake Carlos: I don’t see myself doing anything else.
Patrick Steber: Designing runway shows and making innovative textiles.
Style Bust: How can people get in touch with you?
Spring favorites
14 years ago
This Spring, fashion is all about comfort and versatility, but ladies, that doesn’t mean you can go ahead and wear leggings and a tunic all spring long! Designers are encouraging fashion confidence and freedom; and this season’s collections make it quite easy.
One of the greatest aspects of a personal style blog is that you can see how “real” people translate runway trends into their everyday wear.
Below are some of my favorite Spring trends, worn by “real” women!
Crochet
With the re-rise of 70’s fashion, crochet had to return to the fashion scene! Pair a crochet tunic with flare leg denim for an all-out 70’s look or wear with a blazer for a modern look.
Maxi skirt
A floral maxi skirt is perfect for a spring day, it’s comfortable and can be dressed up or dressed down. Wear a maxi with boots, t-shirt and a denim jacket for a casual daytime look and for night, slip on a silk button-up top and some heels.
Bright colors
Bright citrus colors are in for Spring! Pair a bright top with a structured pencil skirt and heels for a classic lady-like look. I love how the woman above spiced things up a bit, by adding chunky lace-up boots.
1970’s chic
The easiest and probably the most classic outfit ever! High waist, flare leg denim can be worn with all sorts of tops – cropped sweater, silk tunic, fitted henley, white t-shirt ,and of course, a button-up top.
Biker accents
Adding a little toughness to a mini dress is just what’s in store for Spring. Wear biker/motorcycle boots, jackets or accessories with your girliest dresses for an on-trend and updated version of the military trend.
Military inspired
I know I just said that the “biker” trend is an updated version of the military trend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear your army jacket this season. Pair military inspired pieces with ethnic pieces for a modern and unexpected twist. And save those combat boots and cargo pants for another day!
If you’re wardrobe seems uninspiring and you can’t find anything to wear, check out some of my favorite street style blogs – I promise you’ll be inspired!
Vanessa Jackman, The Sartorialist, Face Hunter, Trendy Crew, and Mr. Newton.
Interview with Wink Artisans
14 years ago
I discovered Wink Artisans while I was browsing through Etsy.com some years ago and since then I’ve been a fan. Their pieces are not only beautiful, but they call to me. The pieces are a combination of Feminine Latina Bad-Ass.
This is my first interview and I’m very glad Wink agreed to talk to me.
Who are Wink Artisans?
Originally it was 3 of us; we started at the end of 2007. Eventually one of the artisans had a baby and couldn’t do this anymore; then the other artisan stopped working on this, so now it’s only me. Some of my customers know me as Wink.
Diabla Heart
The pieces are very unique and can’t be easily replicated by an amateur crafter. How do you make them?
I’m a metalsmith, all my pieces are hand-made; I use hammers, saws, punches and torches in order to forge the metal. It’s a very manual process but I love it. My jewelry helps me combine my photography and graphic design backgrounds.
What type of metals do you use?
I use mainly sterling silver and copper; sometimes brass and gold, but very rarely. The metals will tell you what they want to become. For example as I was working on the Diabla Heart, it just told me it wanted to be saturated with color.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From many different places, I often take walks in order to see the colors of nature. I look at the leaves, branches and flowers around me. Sometimes I’m stuck trying to figure out color combinations and all I have to do is look at what nature has already done. I tend to gravitate towards sacred hearts, Frida Kahlo, religious icons and skulls.
I have a core group of clients who also give me ideas and whom I can use for feedback on certain pieces. Sometimes I’m reading a book, magazine or article and picture what would the woman be wearing. But overall most of my inspiration comes from trying to fill a need for beauty.
Who are the types of women who normally buy your jewelry?
Funny enough, guys love my jewelry. They love buying it for their friends, girlfriends and wives. It takes a special kind of strong and bold woman to wear my jewelry; my pieces will draw attention and will be conversation starters. I would proudly wear every piece I make.
When I first met you, I remember you mentioned how much it takes to make a name for yourself at Etsy. Can you tell me more about that?
My Etsy store has prospered thanks to all the work I do promoting it. Some of it is by word of mouth thanks to the work I do reaching out to my customers. Social media is a must; I spend at least two hours a day on Facebook and Twitter. I also buy online ads, printed material that I pass around in stores. I go to seasonal craft shows and am currently selling some of my jewelry on consignment in two San Diego stores.
What type of craft shows do you do?
After some trial and error on the craft shows I now only focus on the ones around the Day of the Dead as well as Holidays. You have to experiment and see what works and what doesn’t.
I’ve won some awards for my jewelry. I entered five pieces to the San Diego County Fair Gems and Minerals Competition and won First, Second and Third place on different categories.
I want to thank Wink Artisans for taking her time to answer my questions and making me an even bigger fan. You can my personal experience from using her jewelry at Date & Tell. Here are some examples of the amazing pieces you can find in their Etsy Store.
Heart Me Necklace
Hand-Colored Copper Sugar Skull Necklace
Red Flower Necklace
Connect with Wink Artisans at: