ESCADA OPENS ATLANTA BOUTIQUE AT LENOX SQUARE

ESCADA opened its very first boutique in Atlanta at Lenox Square in Buckhead.  

A new store concept has been put into place for the first time at this location with a softer color palette and gold accents. The design is sleek and modern, giving the entire shopping experience a more elevated feel.

Also making its debut is the new ESCADA signature bag, the ML40. This name honors house founder Margaretha Ley, while commemorating the upcoming 40th anniversary of ESCADA.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our boutique at Lenox Square and to join the Atlanta community,” says Suzanne Humbert, President of Retail at ESCADA of the Americas. “Atlanta is a key market for ESCADA and we see this as a great opportunity for the ongoing growth of the brand.” 

ESCADA also has boutiques in the following cities: Bal Harbour, Beverly Hills, Boston, Chicago, Costa Mesa, Dallas, Honolulu, New York, Palm Beach, Palm Desert, and Phoenix.

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Cityzen by Azin's Down to Earth Fashion

When genius meets style, the results can be beautiful as in the Citizen by Azin "Down to Earth Fashion" collection. 

Many air passengers gain a new appreciation of the world when viewed from 30,000 feet in the sky. Cityzen by Azin designer Azin Valy uses NASA satellite imagery of cities from around the world printed on the finest fabrics and materials to create women’s and men’s apparel and accessories. The process merges art, culture, geography, fashion and photography into high concept global style.

New York City-based Azin utilizes her award-winning architectural expertise from her previous career to match topographical details in the NASA imagery to specific details on her designs.  The Tiber River curves and forms the neckline of the “Rome” dress. The Zagros mountain range becomes the gathered neckline of the “Teheran” dress. Closer to home, the George Washington Bridge straddles the left and right side of the “New York” dress connecting the New York and New Jersey sides. Other locations include Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Los Angeles. International travelers can experience Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Rio di Janeiro, Cairo, Dhaka, London, Istanbul and many others from an entirely new perspective.

According to Azin, “Cityzen blends the human form with the urban landscape to link people to the places they love the most.” Each item includes a hangtag with a mini-map and travel guide to the hippest places and events in the city represented in the design. In Paris, as an example, the tag recommends visiting the Maison de Verre, one of Corbusier’s greatest houses and hearing Django’s music played at La Chope des Puces.

Cityzen by Azin is available from the Cityzen online shop at www.cityzenbyazin.com and at select specialty stores in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, New York, New Jersey and around the country.

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George Takei, Lea Salonga, and Telly Leung Go Glam for November's Vanity Fair, Wearing Malan Breton

To celebrate the opening of the Broadway show "Allegiance", starring George Takei, Lea Salonga, and Telly Leung, Vanity Fair will feature a high fashion spread photographed by Luke Fontana, and styled by George Brescia, showcasing each actor wearing internationally acclaimed fashion designer Malan Breton. Shot at New York's YouTube studios the editorial exhibits a classic Hollywood look with art direction by Mitch Dean.

When Mr. Breton was asked how he felt learning these lifelong icons would be gracing the magazine in his designs, he simply bowed his head in gratitude, smiled, and said with a tear in his eye, he wished them success on Allegiance, and the Broadway opening.

"Allegiance" the musical is "Inspired by the true-life experience of its star George Takei ("Star Trek," "Heroes"), Allegiance follows one family's extraordinary journey in this untold American story.

A mysterious envelope leads Sam Kimura (Takei) back 60 years to a time when he (played as a young man by Telly Leung - Godspell, "Glee") and his sister Kei (Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga - Miss Saigon, Mulan) strive to save their family from the wrongful imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Sam enlists in the army to prove the Kimuras' loyalty, but Kei joins draft resisters fighting for the rights of their people.

Their paths take them from the lush farmlands of California to the wastelands of Wyoming to the battlefields of Europe, and their divided loyalties threaten to tear them apart forever. But as long-lost memories are unlocked, Sam finds that it is never too late to forgive and to recognize the redemptive power of love.

The garments much like the musical are rooted in rich history, each hand constructed garment is made of hand woven material. Mr Breton, mentored by the late Arnold Scaasi, crafts his gowns using old world techniques taught to the couturiers of the past century. This careful construction gives a perfect fit each time, as witnessed in the image of Ms. Salonga in his papillon gown. Each of the menswear pieces are crafted with the philosophy of fit, quality, and construction, Mr. Breton learned from Paul Cuss at a British heritage brand famous for shirting the Prince of Wales.

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RAGTRADE ATLANTA 2015 RECAP

Zachary/Nathaniel

Andre Bryson

Andre Bryson

Andre Bryson

Zonia Santander

Zonia Santander

Brendan M Combs

Brendan M Combs

Brendan M Combs

Bello Sanchez

walking for Brendan M Combs

Sylvia Mollie

Sylvia Mollie

Sylvia Mollie

Sylvia Mollie

Natt Taylor

Natt Taylor

Natt Taylor

Zachary/Nathaniel

Zachary/Nathaniel

Zachary/Nathaniel

Edmond Newton

Edmond Newton

Edmond Newton

The Designers:

Zachary/Nathaniel, Sylvia Mollie, Brendan Combs, Natt Taylor, Edmond Newton.

PHOTOS: Kennyatta Collins. Fashion Photographer for Premier XI Photography

The Atlanta fashion scene exploded at last week's second annual RAGTRADE ATLANTA fashion event. Five emerging designers, accompanied by two student designers from the Art Institute of Atlanta, a Ragtrade partner, presented impressive and exciting runway collections. Art Institute designers, Zonia Santander and Andre Bryson gave us a glimpse of the talent within the Art Institute of Atlanta with a mini-collection of five sensational looks each. Brendan M Combs opened the designer showcase with an edgy and futuristic collection, followed by the chic and sophisticated style of Sylvia Mollie. Returning Ragtrade designer, Natt Taylor wowed the audience with her asymmetrical peplums and Zachary/Nathaniel took us to a place of dark glamour and haunted beauty. Closing the runway, Edmond Newton, who is killing it on the current season of Project Runway, gave us one sleeved looks, sheers and flowing dresses. America's Next Top Model, Bello Sanchez and his baby blues, graced the runway for both Brendan M Combs and Zachary/Nathaniel.

Ragtrade Atlanta is leaving its mark on the city and earning its place as a valuable resource for emerging design talent through a series of year-round industry events. The Ragtrade Atlanta showcase on October 14th held at the Georgia Freight Depot was a sold-out event. It brought together a diverse group of designers, sponsors, partners and guests, proving that fashion is global, transcending boundaries, unifying lives and embracing differences. Ragtrade Atlanta was a celebration of fashion, art and culture. Keep an eye on them as they continue to grow and evolve, Ragtrade Atlanta may very well be "Fashion's Next Voice."

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SUE WONG: Los Angeles Fashion Week LAFW

Sue Wong delivered a jaw-dropping collection of excessive and exquisite beauty and glamour at Los Angeles Fashion Week at the Art Hearts Fashion event. Alchemy & Masquerade, as she titled the show, featured a showcase of mesmerizing, theatrical drama as one showstopper after another graced the runway. The hand-beaded and embroidered gowns, along with the presentation, epitomized the mystique and intoxicating power of all that is feminine. Sue Wong refers to herself as a "maximalist" and we get to enjoy and reap the benefits of her beautifully creative mind and vision. Photo Credit Jeff Linett

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Where to Find Fashion Inspiration Like a Designer

Fashion, like any art form, requires a constantly evolving flow of inspiration and innovation to stay fresh. Designers are always citing unique life experiences, interesting cultures, a point in history or even natural elements as their sources of inspiration. You can find inspiration for your wardrobe in every aspect of life. Instead of simply wearing what you are told to by a magazine or television ad, find your own fashion inspiration to create a unique look that is personal to you through sources like those that designers themselves use.

Nature

Fashion designers have been turning to natural elements of every kind to influence their work for a long time. Many designers even mix natural elements with synthetics. However, there are many different ways to use nature in fashion design. A new trend is eco-friendly designs, actually using the inspiration from nature to protect it. Mother Nature Network featured some of the designers who are using environmentally friendly materials and production. Some eco-designers, such as John Patrick Organic and Costello Tagliapietra have even gained mainstream praise for their smart and chic designs.

Stage and Screen

It’s no secret that stage and film productions are always one of the first places to showcase unique style and design. Both designers and fashion followers have taken influence from movies and plays, and vice versa. The recent Broadway production of “An American in Paris” received acclaim for its impeccable costume design taken from vintage Christian Dior collections. Another example of fashion meets theater is the revival of 1960s fashion that has been sparked by television shows like “Mad Men” and Broadway performances like “Jersey Boys,” as The Chic Spy points out.

Travel

According to FindFashion.com, travel is a common source of inspiration for many designers. Exploring the world, or even just a town you’ve never been to, enables you to experience another culture, a new style and a different way of life that can influence your own unique looks. For example, designer Sonia Rykiel credits a classic U.S. road trip as inspiration for some of her work. Alan Bedwell traveled around looking at architecture, especially that of Frank Lloyd Wright, to motivate his sleek designs. Mimi Plange said she went back to her birthplace of Ghana to draw inspiration from the culture of her own past. No matter where you go, there will be something new to spark an idea.

History

When all else fails, look to the fashion favorites of the past. You can put a modern twist on a classic look to make something entirely new and impressive. Last year’s Paris Fashion Week was awestruck by Dame Vivienne Westwood’s 17th century-inspired collection.

The jewels, lace and intricate design were classically presented, while the shimmery colors and fresh textiles gave a bright modern look that was romantic and edgy at the same time.

Westwood isn’t the only designer to mix decades, either. Boston.com featured a look by designer Charlotte Ronson who blended a World War II-era bomber jacket with an art-deco skirt reminiscent of the 1970s or '80s. Celebrating iconic fashion looks from all decades is always in style.

 

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Recap: Los Angeles Fashion Week #LAFW

This season, Art Hearts Fashion transformed the landscape of fashion week in Los Angeles with over 30 designers, 7 visual artists, and 1 very excited 11 year-old from Make-A-Wish. Embracing the power of art, fashion, and charity, Art Hearts Fashion sets itself apart as the fashion week that redefines what the runway can do for designers, brands, and the community. During the epic 4 day event, charity shows, couture collections, kids shows, celebrities, and performers had Los Angeles on her toes. Fashion icon Sue Wong set the tone on opening night with her monumental, "Carnevale" 78 piece collection. Brands including Mister Triple X, Levitation Activewear, Koco Blaq, Lolly clothing, Aussie Gear, and Nicole Miller got the energy pumping throughout the week as bold patterns, shorts and swimsuits stole the shows. The fan favorite kids shows opened with 11-year-old designer Noa Sorrell from Make-A-Wish. The colorful and patterned collection, designed by Noa while she underwent her treatment for cancer, elicited cheers from the audience. A Betsey Johnson 6 piece installation from the celebrated designer's 50th Anniversary Collection stood tall on Tuesday, representing over a decade of fashion magic. Stello Official took to the runway Wednesday night with an awe inspiring collection of sexiness that is everything guests love about the brand's dark and playful edge. Art Hearts Fashion bid adieu to SS'16 with a closing night of couture this Thursday, October 8th. Celebrity designer Amato Haute Couture by Furne One had all eyes on the runway as french laces & tulle paired with stretch & acid washed denims made their way down a smoke layered runway. [Photos: Jeff Linett]

Art Hearts Fashion is proud to partner with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation on shows in LA, NYC and Miami. Next stop is Art Basel!

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