DANIEL LISMORE: Be Yourself; Everyone Else Is Already Taken

SCAD FASH, the Savannah College of Art and Design’s museum celebrating fashion and film, presents “DANIEL LISMORE. Be Yourself; Everyone Else Is Already Taken” — the first U.S. exhibition featuring the work of artist, stylist and designer Daniel Lismore — from Jan. 22–May 1, 2016.

Curated by Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions at SCAD, “Be Yourself; Everyone Else Is Already Taken” features 30 ensembles styled by Lismore exclusively for SCAD FASH and includes hundreds of items on loan from Lismore’s extensive personal wardrobe. Lismore is known for his distinctive ensembles that brilliantly combine couture garments with myriad found objects — from vintage fabrics and accessories to ethnic jewelry and millinery — to form an expression of eccentric, creative energy that reflects his unique sartorial point of view. The core of Lismore’s artistic practice is sustainable fashion, a growing design philosophy that espouses creative reuse, upcycling of materials and reduction of impact on the environment. In recognition of his efforts on this front, retail clothing company H&M selected Lismore in September 2015 to be a face of its “Close the Loop” campaign promoting recycling in the fashion industry.

Exhibit extended through May 1st...

Daniel Lismore

Scad Fash

A prominent fixture in the London fashion circuit, Lismore has been the subject of exhibitions at the prestigious TateModern, London in 2013 and TateBritain, London in 2014. He studied photography and fashion design before beginning a career as a model. He was photographed by Mario Testino, Phil Poynter, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, and Ellen von Unwerth, landing him on the pages of Vogue UK, i-D magazine and L’Uomo Vogue. He progressed from modeling into editorial work, contributing to and illuminating the wardrobes of various European magazines. Lismore has collaborated with American rapper Azealia Banks to concept shows and the artwork of her first album, “Broke with Expensive Taste,” and he was the inspiration behind pop artist Iggy Azalea’s “Glory” EP cover.Additionally,Lismore has been featured in the music videos of Boy George, George Michael and Alexandra Burke, and he has appeared in “Made in Chelsea,” “Britain’s Next Top Model,” “Denmark’s Next Top Model,” “The Kylie Show,” “Styled to Rock” and the upcoming 2016 feature film “Absolutely Fabulous.” Since 2012 Lismore has been the creative director of Sorapol, a luxury womenswear label worn by fashion influencers such as Naomi Campbell, Kylie Minogue, Nicki Minaj, Paloma Faith, Cara Delevingne and Debbie Harry. In recent years he has supported organizations such as Vivienne Westwood’s Climate Revolution, climate change charity Cool Earth and New World International Kenya. Lismore also lends his support to the LGBT community, human rights issues and free speech movements.  

This show runs concurrent to “A Fashionable Mind: Photographs by Jonathan Becker”.

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Sylvia Tosun: From the Opera to the Top of the Dance Charts

SYLVIA TOSUN / Photos by Hyuna Shin, styled by Carlos Davis, makeup by Jasmine Lee

She has an angelic voice and a golden touch. When Sylvia Tosun isn't making home at the top of the dance music charts - #1 to be precise - she's gracing the NYFW runways. The musical genre-crossing singer/songwriter has talents the rest of us only dream about. From opera to trance, her voice will captivate and mesmerize. The vocalist is in high demand by some of the world's biggest DJs but she's also leaving a mark in the world of fashion, which is one of her other loves. 

This classically trained opera singer has a golden heart too, as beautiful as her voice. Sylvia Tosun uses her public platform to fight for human rights, specifically for the LGBT community. I was fortunate to ask Sylvia questions about her music, fashion and life. Her responses make you love her even more.

You recently performed and walked-the-walk at Malan Breton's NYFW show. How did this come about? Describe the experience. Also, how much did you love that dress?! It was gorgeous on you.

Sylvia Tosun: Thank you! Malan is such a delightful and talented friend.  We were introduced a few years ago through our mutual friend and fashion stylist, Carlos Davis. I have always admired Malan’s work and he has been very generous to me with his creations. I wore his designs in a few of my videos and photoshoots including an image that was featured in a recent issue of British Vogue. In that image, photographer Barry Hollywood captured me wearing an intricate brocade Malan couture gown as I held an antique pruning saw in front of a 300-year-old red barn. We loved the contrast of high fashion and rustic farm life. Regarding this recent NY fashion week, Malan totally surprised me with a phone call while I was on my way to the airport to catch a flight to Toronto for Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance (ASOT) 750 event. I was heading there to join Andrew Rayel onstage for the finale of his set when he closed with our collaboration, “Winterburn.” Coincidentally, Malan was calling me because he had just heard “Winterburn” and said he loved it and had an inspiration for it to be the musical theme for his upcoming show! He wanted to know if I would be willing to do a special performance at his event. Of course, I was thrilled and honored so I said, “Yes!” The experience of the show was memorable: The event was held at Gotham Hall, which is an impressive and grand space, replete with its gorgeous and ornate cathedral ceiling, classic columns, and so on. Showtime was exhilarating! The venue was absolutely packed with reporters, cameras, celebrities and fashionistas. Suddenly, the room went dark and silent as the music began. The musical director for the show, Anton Bass, began the show’s sound by playing the orchestral version of “Winterburn” over the PA; that version was arranged by composer Geert Huinink. This was the very first time anyone would be hearing this version so it was extra special and dramatic.  As the orchestral track swelled, I entered stage-right, illuminated by a spotlight and, wearing Malan’s magnificently hand-stitched white winter gown. I focused on hitting my notes. Internally, I channeled the character of a lovestruck, heart-broken ice queen. The show felt quite theatric. Without missing a beat, the song completed by slamming into the high-energy original version, which was produced by Andrew Rayel & Digital X. The room erupted with energy as the lights flashed brightly and the first model stepped onto the runway! The rest of the show was as dynamic and spirited, musically, thanks to Anton. The show’s director, Luis Villabon, told all of us to have a good time up there and to act as if it was a dance party and that is exactly the type of fun it was.

In your music videos, your style seems to be a balance of glamour meets edgy. How true to life is that? Do you have favorite designers? Who are your go-to’s?

Sylvia Tosun: That is an accurate description and intentional. In real life, I am a tomboy and I love gardening. I’m a do-it-yourself builder by day, however, I love playing dress-up and being styled in cool fashion at night or when hitting the town, be it New York City or wherever/whenever I’m traveling. I am lucky enough to have my friend and fashion-stylist, Carlos, set me up for any public appearances or photoshoots. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of wearing edgy couture fashion designs of designers like The Blonds and Michael Bevins, and my all-time favorite designer is Alexander McQueen! I have always loved the art of “de-constructed glamour.” It’s certainly an expression of art imitating life. Creation and survival, to me, go hand-in-hand.

Can we talk about your vocals? Such an angelic yet powerful voice... How much of an influence is your classical training within the world of EDM?

Sylvia Tosun: My classical training certainly comes into play as far as technique.  However, a lot of what brings out the results in my EDM/trance music recordings is the approach taken during the studio sessions. My vocal producer and collaborator, Anton [Bass], has a knack for knowing which buttons to push, both literally in the recording studio and figuratively in helping me use my voice as an instrument in order to create different textures and sounds. I think the training definitely helps with endurance and overall vocal stability but I also believe that singing is a feeling and not necessarily something one has learned. On that level, when I am singing, I am feeling, and that is my influence.

Your latest song, “Winterburn" with Andrew Rayel & Digital X is so beautiful, soothing and poetic.  What can you say about it?

Sylvia Tosun: Thank you! I love that you think it is soothing. “Winterburn” symbolizes a deep, nurturing mother spirit who can be both soft and blanketing like a gentle snowfall or as harsh as an arctic blast that even the mighty sun cannot thwart. The phrase, “I am your Winter,” is an expression of a woman who is confident, nurturing and resilient in the face of adversity.

You've worked with so many amazing artists, including Armin van Buuren. Will you talk about the process of collaboration? Does it differ from artist to artist?

Sylvia Tosun: Well, I haven’t had the pleasure of directly working with Armin yet, but I am so grateful that he has taken an interest and been a supporter of some of my songs, most notably “An Angel’s Love.” It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Andrew Rayel on few songs recently. He is supremely talented and I think we have made a good team with our collaborations because of our shared appreciation for the classical element in the music. The song that I did with Aly & Fila and Roger Shah, “Eye2Eye” was a joy to help create, and as well, having it chosen as the official anthem for their Future Sound of Egypt 350 world tour.  It was a fantastic experience to perform the song, live, at Hammerstein Ballroom, opening Aly & Fila’s set in NYC!  

It makes me happy when people use their public platforms to do good. Please talk about Love Is Love.

Sylvia Tosun: Love is Love was inspired by the moment we were living in. There was this underlying tension in the world with Russia’s intolerant and abhorrent public mistreatment of the LGBT community, while the political debate in the U.S. was showing uncertainty and strong pushback against our social progress. French producer David Vendetta and I were already working on a musical project together known as VenSun at the time and he sent me the track that became “Love is Love.” It’s a universal concept that love should be a freedom which is honored and respected for all.  Coincidentally, the Supreme Court made its ruling on DOMA the exact same month that we began to promote the song.  What are the chances of that? We had no idea that that was coming, and even more serendipitously, President Obama sent out a tweet following that decision using the hashtag #LoveIsLove !  "Today’s DOMA ruling is a historic step forward for #MarriageEquality. #LoveIsLove." It was such a happy moment to be in NYC during gay pride festivities that year.

What's in your fashion and musical future?

Sylvia Tosun: I have been preparing and rehearsing to perform live shows where I play piano and sing my EDM/trance songs acoustically (in the form that I write them). I will have special guest musicians joining me onstage as well. We’re planning to announce some dates starting in the early summer and hopefully, my friends in the fashion industry will help me out with my look.  Trance in fashion, anyone?

Can't get enough?! For more information on Sylvia Tosun, visit: http://sylviatosun.com/

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Steve Hightower's Thriving Children Gala at the FOX

I've had the pleasure of attending Steve Hightower's Thriving Children Gala event in the past so I can attest that this is one night of fashion and philanthropy not to be missed! The Fox Theater is fabulous enough, but on this night, it's over-the-top. The silent auction offers a wide selection of the most desirable products and exclusive packages. The fashion show is truly a SHOW! It goes beyond clothes, at times pulls at your heart strings and always entertaining, exceeding the boundaries of creativity.

I must say a few words about Steve Hightower. Steve is one of the kindest people I know. He's a sweet, compassionate and generous man with a heart of gold. Guests of the Thriving Children Gala are there to support Steve as much as they're there to support the cause. He's a good man doing great things.

2015 Highlights

from Thriving Children Gala

Karyn Greer & Steve Hightower

Join the festivities on Friday, April 29th at the Fox Theatre for another wonderful night of entertainment and giving back! The event will begin at 7 p.m. with a silent auction along with music played by Sentimental Journey Orchestra followed by the fashion and hair show. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Thriving Children Gala benefits Lost n Found Youth - Purchase Tickets HERE!

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Featured Designers: Charleston Fashion Week 2016

CADET

photos: Side Yard Studios

CADET's Raul & Brad

presenting to an esteemed fashion panel at CFDA's Vogue Fashion Fund.

CREATURES OF THE WIND

TRACY REESE

Charleston Fashion Week got a heavy dose of New York runway chic through designers Cadet, Creatures of the Wind, and Tracy Reese. The three "featured designers" rocked the fashion week tents with modern, elegant and sophisticated collections.

Tracy Reese brought "A Detroit Love Song" to Charleston. This collection was an homage to her hometown of Detroit. Lively colors and prints provided a fluidity that was balanced off with structured coats and the casual chic of slacks and dresses. There was a slight nostalgic quality to the collection which was no accident. 

Creatures of the Wind blew the crowd away, no pun intended! A series of jaw-dropping A-line top coats came down the runway leaving everyone mesmerized. Creatures of the Wind are all about textiles and it was evident. Furs, wools, silks, chiffons - all so rich and beautiful. The collection left me wanting more. Everything moved so well. It was feminine and powerful at the same time.

Cadet presented an impressive collection of menswear and womenswear looks. Cadet epitomizes what I consider to be a modern-chic approach to fashion and style. This is how I want to dress. Crisp. Sharp. And even though Cadet looks to the past, they offer a fresh perspective and sensibility to design. They have achieved a near seamless aesthetic (and balance) to menswear and womenswear.

Cadet designers, Raul Arevalo and Brad Schmidt, who I met a couple of times while at Charleston Fashion Week - they travelled with their precious doggie, so you know they're good guys - are currently on a TV show. Cadet is a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist and right now, you can catch them on The Fashion Fund airing on Amazon.

Charleston Fashion Week celebrated their 10th anniversary. It was my first but certainly not my last. It was a truly spectacular week. I looked over from my runway seat and sitting across from me every night were Ayoka Lucas- CFW founder, Fern Mallis!!, Tracy Reese and Cadet... not too shabby - at all. Rock on Charleston Fashion Week!

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Emerging Designers Ruled the Charleston Fashion Week Runway

JESSICA LACHE FULKS

Photos: Jason Benjamin & Matt Daniels / Charleston Fashion Week

JON MILLNER

JON MILLNER

JON MILLNER

SAMANTHA DE LA FUENTE

SAMANTHA DE LA FUENTE

SAMANTHA DE LA FUENTE

DESTANI HOFFMAN

DESTANI HOFFMAN

DESTANI HOFFMAN

DESTANI HOFFMAN

DESTANI HOFFMAN

DESTANI HOFFMAN

EMILY SEIFERT

EMILY SEIFERT

EMILY SEIFERT

JD NOBLE

JD NOBLE

JD NOBLE

ELIAS GURROLA

ELIAS GURROLA

ELIAS GURROLA

ELIAS GURROLA

RICKY LINDSEY

RICKY LINDSEY

RICKY LINDSEY

RICKY LINDSEY

RICKY LINDSEY

MICHAEL MACK

MICHAEL MACK

MICHAEL MACK

BRENDAN COMBS

BRENDAN COMBS

BRENDAN COMBS

JAMIE MORRISON

JAMIE MORRISON

JAMIE MORRISON

KELSEY KAWAMOTO

KELSEY KAWAMOTO

KELSEY KAWAMOTO

STORM DORRIS

STORM DORRIS

STORM DORRIS

LAUREN STILWELL

LAUREN STILWELL

LAUREN STILWELL

LISA N. HOANG

LISA N. HOANG

LISA N. HOANG

MORGAN COOK

MORGAN COOK

MORGAN COOK

I lived for the Emerging Designer collections at Charleston Fashion Week. They are undeniably a major component to the DNA of the event. Charleston Fashion Week only showcases the best. The Emerging Designers are a lively, bold and daring crop of young designers who are bringing innovation, a fresh perspective and/or pushing the limits of fashion design. They are the ones to look out for. They are the ones who are taking fashion to new levels and shaping the industry.

The Emerging Designers ruled the Charleston Fashion Week runway with creative ideas, avant-garde concepts and ready-to-wear looks with a vision. Men, womenswear and kidswear were treated and showcased with artistic integrity and visionary style. Some designers had statements to make and used their platform to voice opinions while others created looks that could walk right off the runway an onto your back. They were dynamic, chic and sophisticated.

Some say that youth is wasted on the young... well they obviously never attended Charleston Fashion Week. As a blogger I've seen many things and as an educator, I can attest, that if you let it - them, the young with keep you young. 

Congratulations to all the Emerging Designers, many whom are still in college and kudos to Charleston Fashion Week for showcasing such talent.

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Art Hearts Fashion VH1 Save the Music with JoJo & Day 3 Recap

Walter Mendez

Art Hearts Fashion

Walter Mendez

Walter Mendez

Walter Mendez

Merline Labissiere

Merline Labissiere

Merline Labissiere

House of CCUOCO

House of CCUOCO

House of CCUOCO

C Zarina

C Zarina

C Zarina

Joey Galon Atelier

Joey Galon Atelier

Joey Galon Atelier

Joey Galon Pool Couture

Joey Galon Pool Couture

Hollywood Doll

Hollywood Doll

Victoria Atelier

Victoria Atelier

Victoria Atelier

Shout Out

Shout Out

JoJo

Lil Jewels

Lil Jewels

Lil Jewels

Colony Boys

The runway of Art Hearts Fashion was thriving last night with the high energy kids shows kicking off the day in partnership with VH1 Save The Music Foundation. Sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Art Hearts Fashion debuted the kid's collections of Lil Jewels, Shout Out! Clothing, Victoria Atelier and Hollywood Doll by Kaya Jones. Celebrity VH1 Save the Music Alumni Ambassador JoJo captured all eyes with a closing performance on the runway. JoJo sang her breakout hit "Get Out" as well as some of her soulful new material. The evening shows featured Joey Galon Atelier, Czarina, and House of Ccuoco with a closing show by Merline Labissiere and celebrity favorite Walter Mendez. Photographers flooded the red carpet taking photos of the Hollywood stars who came out to celebrate the talented artists and designers including Jon Lovitz, NFL Player James Anderson, Cory Feldman, Peter Madrigal, Jessica Parido, Phoebe Price, Michael Kuluva, Hazel-E of Love and Hip Hop, Chiqui Rivera, Cynthia Basinet, and many more!

The kid's shows kicked off with VH1 Save The Music Opening Performance by Colony Boys. Lil Jewels released their F/W 2016 "Spread your Wings" high end ready-to-wear collection by Yana Rostomyan. The vibrant collection featured velour, lace, tulle, silk, feathers, pearls and, of course, the bling bling. Shout Out! Clothing returned to the AHF runway this season with their line of customizable t-shirts that allow kids ages 4-10 to create completely customizable messages on the front and back with the included detachable Velcro® letters, numbers and symbols. Shout Out! Clothing is designed by actor Colin Egglesfield. Victoria Atelier debuted "The Pearl Collection". Delightful designs made their way down the runway in pieces decked out in pearls and lace. Hollywood Doll Fall/Winter Collection launched a European inspired back to school collection. The bright and lively pieces designed by Kaya Jones were a smash hit on the runway.

Joey Galon ATELIER Reality TV Personality, Joey Galon launched for his is very first time at fashion week. The "Once Upon a Dream" themed collection of regal evening gowns and swimsuit wraps made their way down the runway to cheers and excitement. Czarina collection of jewel encrusted silk resort wear burst with color. Animal prints came alive as the models flowed down the runway. Headpieces by What a Betty accessorized the collection. House of Ccuoco's impeccable construction and colored detailing brought pieces to life with fierce and raw emotional energy. Pops of color and innovative lines set the silhouettes apart in this memorable and captivating collection.

Merline Labissiere opened the evening show with a collection inspired by the traveled roads in Haiti. Each architectural detail and geographic image inspired the new silhouettes and shapes that both accent and contour the female form appropriately for both work and play. Walter Mendez closed the show with an epic collection transitioning from deep reds to dark navy hues and finally culminating in romantic golds. The stunning collection remained darkly seductive yet youthful with impeccable embellishment and lace detailing. The collection debuted never before seen bridal looks from Mendez eliciting cheers, emotion and a standing ovation.

FHI Brands returned as Official Hair Sponsor of Art Hearts Fashion, working behind the scenes to create the diverse and innovative looks seen on the runway. Cadillac Concierge joins Art Hearts Fashion this season as Official Car Sponsor. A special thanks to AIDS Healthcare Foundation, April Love Pro Makeup Academy, SoyJoy, Monster Energy, FHI Brands, Lunabar, Whole Foods Market, Nescafe, Hint Water, Cadillac Concierge, Fotopod, Mosaic floral.event.design, Portraits of Hope, Make a Wish, The Daily Front Row, Illy Issimo, Skinny Pop, Santa Monica Healing, Skintech Studios, Jessie Liu, Exhale Spa, For the Stars Showroom, Creativ PR Showroom and VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

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The Art Institutes Rocked the Runway at Charleston Fashion Week!

The Art Institute of Atlanta

Charleston Fashion Week / Photos by Side Yard Studios Photography.

The Art Institute of Charleston

Ayoka Lucas

and the President of Ai Charleston.

When Charleston Fashion Week founder, Ayoka Lucas, introduced the Art Institute show, she said that this was the "future of fashion." Well, I couldn't agree with her more. These talented student designers will become emerging designers and move on to be featured designers. The caliber of the work on the runway was skillfully produced but equally important was the plethora of ideas presented. There was vision and thought, manipulated through textiles and fitted to the body.

The runway show opened with four looks from Art Institute of Atlanta students, Karimah Ali and Zuri Zander (first four looks in slideshow above). Zuri worked with chiffon and an African print, layering the two and creating structure with horsehair. Karimah delivered a modern and youthful twist to classic styles. Ai Atlanta Director of Fashion, Dr. Hammonds and President Myvett were gleaming with pride, as was Ms. English and myself who worked closely with Karimah and Zuri. 

Allow me to explain something - the process. Atlanta / Charleston student designers presented sketches which were created in muslin and fit to the models of their choice. Later, the looks were made in their respective fabrics. Students also worked independently with members of the hair and make-up teams to create the overall looks of their collections. Students were responsible for every detail and decision-making aspect throughout this entire process. It's these "real-world" experiences that are so crucial and instrumental to success and I commend all the parties involved for providing them to our young designers.

The Charleston students gave an impressive runway as well. From ready-to-wear to conceptual and sculptural looks, Ai Charleston rocked the runway with a dynamic level of modernity and sophistication. The fashion faculty, led by Ms. Dominca Baird, is as supportive and vested as we are. Two teams working for the same cause is a winning combination!

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