October 23, 2013

GUCCI Artisans & the Bamboo Bag

October 23, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

Old world craftsmanship and tradition in Atlanta, grazie a GUCCI. Florentine artisans are at the Phipps Plaza Gucci location for a three-day workshop. To watch this process is something out-of-this world! You will see first-hand how these skilled and talented artisans hand-dye python, emboss on leather goods, sew & stitch bags and watch how they stain bamboo, grown specifically for the popular 'bamboo bags.'

Place your orders!

Simply amazing.

Visit the Gucci Artisans Corner through October 24th.

fashionado

October 18, 2013

PROJECT RUNWAY SEASON 12 WINNER!

October 18, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

tim-gunn-dom-project-runway-winner-fashionado

Dom Streater wins season 12 of Project Runway [my pick!] in what had to be one of the strongest runway finale shows ever and undoubtedly one of the toughest for the judges. The boys, Bradon and Justin presented good collections but the judges felt they weren't "ready" just yet. Alexandria also had an amazing collection and could have won Project Runway just as well. But at the end, and much to my happiness, Dom took the top prize! Let's have a look at her collection:

She made her own prints, isn't afraid of color and used innovative textiles. Dom brings a youthful, edgy and sophisticated point of view to the table. I agree with Zac Posen when he said that Dom doesn't even realize it. A strong statement because it implies that her talent is pure.

Project Runway, you guys got it right! I'm a happy blogger this morning.

*TUNE in next Thursday for the Season 12 reunion show and hold on for an all new season of Project Runway ALL STARS!

Let the fashion continue...

fashionado

October 17, 2013

Project Runway Finale Pt. 1

October 17, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

Most of us would love a home visit from Tim Gunn. However, most of us aren't competing for insane cash prizes and more on Project Runway. Father Gunn did his traditional jet-setting designer critiques. Alexandria, Helen and Justin had the most at stake since they were still fighting for a spot in Fashion Week.

Alexandria's monochromatic collection was fantastic. It was modern, effortless and chic. You know its a good collection when the judges say bullshit stuff like there's "no color."

There were aesthetic similarities between Justin and Alexandria's collections. Justin pulled from his architectural background and pushed forward with modernity. The judges agreed the hair had to

GO!

In Helen's case, the judges agreed

she

had to GO! Helen handled being

aufed

quite well. I believe she knew [deep down] that she was out of her league at this point of the competition. Helen's going to be just fine!

Tune in tonight to see who wins Season 12 of Project Runway. The guest judge to help determine everyone's fate is the fabulous

Kerry Washington

fashionado

October 16, 2013

GUCCI BRINGS FLORENTINE CRAFTSMANSHIP TO ATLANTA

October 16, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

Gucci will host the “Handbag Artisan Corner” in the house’s Atlanta store.

The exclusive event will bring the craftsmanship of Gucci’s Florentine leather goods factory directly to its clientele, allowing guests to view skilled artisans assembling some of the House’s most iconic handbags. The Gucci artisans will focus on assembling the House's signature New Bamboo, New Jackie, Soft Stirrup and Soho bags. The hand-crafted products will be available in exotic skins and exclusive colors and can be personalized with hand-embossed monogramming. The Artisan Corner display will include custom work tables, a sewing machine, a leather stand and metal tools, as well as additional background materials which illustrate the evolution of the products, from mood board to sketches.

The original Gucci Bamboo bag was created in 1947 and was reintroduced in the Spring Summer 2010 collection.

The New Bamboo is comprised of 130 separate pieces and is crafted the same way as the original, requiring two days of work to ensure its perfect details. Meanwhile, the New

Jackie takes its cue from a 1960s style that became the preferred accessory for Jacqueline Onassis, who was photographed toting numerous versions. America’s former First Lady was so devoted to the style that the bag soon assumed the moniker ‘The Jackie.’ Featuring a spur closure and echoing the House’s equestrian heritage, the Soft Stirrup bag boasts unparalleled craftsmanship and draws inspiration from an iconic model from 1975. The

Soho bag is distinguished by the interlocking G that appears embossed and stitched for a discreet, iconic style.

The Gucci artisans and Handbag Artisan Corner display will be in the Atlanta store in Phipps Plaza for public viewing October 22 - 24.

fashionado

October 07, 2013

Project Runway: the Avant-Garde Challenge

October 07, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

Bradon is off to Fashion Week. (Which of course was a month ago, LOL) He was the clear winner of the avant-garde challenge. His dress (pictured above) made the judges drool. And rightfully so. It's one of the best avant-garde looks to come out of

Project Runway

. The designers sought their inspiration at the Sweetbriar Nature Center, where the sketched. BUT, since this is Project Runway, the designers would get off so easy this late in the game. Halfway through the challenge, they are thrown a curve ball - a second look! The five designers had to choose an "aufed" look and re-work it. In other words, they had to take a losing design and "make it work." They did. Quite well.

Halle Berry X-Men realness from Alexandria. I like the dress but really don't care for the dead cat on her head. Bad wig.

And the hair get worse with Helen. This is a beautiful dress, but I am partial to orange. Is it avant-garde? No fucking way!

This one isn't too avant-garde either but I am partial to Justin. He was inspired by albino butterflies. I see it. And created a very sophisticated look.

Ahhh and then we have my favorite designer, Dom. The judges loved her look very much. I really want to see her win Project Runway but Bradon is going to give her a real challenge. And as we've learned from history, anyone can win Project Runway, so I don't bother guessing anymore.

Dom and Bradon were on top which guaranteed their spot in Fashion Week. As for, Helen, Alexandria and Justin, the were safe, sort of... they'll be battling it out next week. Stay tuned!

fashionado

October 03, 2013

Alexander McQueen | Women's Spring/Summer 2014 | Runway Show

October 03, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

fashionado

October 02, 2013

Embracing Style & Size

October 02, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

Fashion is universal. A global force.

Yet style seems to be limited to size.

There is an absence of choices in style the higher you go up in size.

Now, there are plenty of naturally smaller women, sizes 4,6,8 and their clothing selection is infinite.

However, walk through any department store and good luck finding those same styles in larger sizes.

ALL women want to be on trend. And look their best. [So]

where

do 12-26 plus-sized ladies shop for stylish tops, bottoms, dresses, blazers, activewear and

plus size bathing suits?

Designers are beginning to take notice of the fact that the size of your wallet has nothing to do with your figure. Again, all women, of every size, want to be on trend and look their best.

Ashley Stewart

clothing is leading the designer trend dedicated to making the full-figured women chic, sophisticated and runway ready.

Current fashion trends, straight from New York Fashion Week, such as black & white, large bold pattern and leather detailing can all be found at Ashley Stewart.

In a society that has 12+ sizes believing they can't wear stripes, color, form-fitted clothing or prints & patterns, Ashley Stewart is proving them wrong! It's how you wear them that makes the difference. AND clever tailoring. [Very important]

Sometimes we need to accentuate an area to make another appear smaller. Which goes against everything we've ever been told... BUT everyone has shape. You've got hips? Flaunt them ladies! Cinch the waist with a belt OR just wear a dress like the one pictured above and you'll turn heads ... in a good way! Fabulous! Effortless! And very Chic!

More great looks from Ashley Stewart

fashionado