Dirty Little SKYN Cosmetics Bags ($25)

You’re about to get lucky: Are you covered? The approach of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 serves as a reminder that carrying–and, of course, using–condoms can be a life saving decision. Fashion designer Maggie Kervick and LifeStyles condoms want to show you that being protected can be fashionable, too.

Kervick and LifeStyles have teamed up for a line of  vinyl bags made to look like SKYN condom wrappers, part of the “I’m Covered Campaign.” One dollar from each purchase will benefit Answer, a national sex education organization associated with Rutgers University.

“I’m hoping to break down the stereotype that if a guy has a condom he is considered ‘prepared,’ but if a girl has a condom she is considered a ‘tramp,’” says Kervick. “The bag is a great conversational piece that will relay a message to onlookers about the woman carrying the bag–how she is confident, responsible, and protected.  The ‘I’m Covered Campaign’ reinforces the need for self-respect and a proactive approach in regards to protecting oneself from STIs and unwanted pregnancies.”

The bags come in three styles, the Living in SKYN Tote ($55), the Dirty Little SKYN Cosmetics Bags ($25) and the I’m a Slave for SKYN Wristlet ($20). Bonus: Get a free pack of LifeStyles condoms and information on how to use them with each purchase!

To learn more or to buy a bag, go to bagsbymags.com.

Living in SKYN Tote ($55)

I'm a Slave for SKYN Wristlet ($20)

Bob C., a protestor who prefers a degree of anonymity, wears a shirt with a message, uses a red bandana as a mask, and carries a “don't tread on me” flag designed in the 1770s. (Blast Staff photo/John Stephen Dwyer)

Photographers encountering Occupy Boston and similar occupations gravitate towards folks dressed or coiffed distinctively. Unusual looking people make photos more interesting. But the truth is, most people in the Occupy Boston community dress pretty boring without much hint of a hippie, hipster, or any of the other cultural stereotypes being associated with the movement. Visually, the most noticeable thing about many Occupy Boston protestors is the gear and accessories they carry.

These can jokingly be called “protest-ssories” but they have more serious uses than fashion. Just five days before Occupy Boston took Dewey Square, Deputy Inspector Anthony Bologna used his pepper spray on protestors in New York, and that image is still strong in people’s minds. Police haven’t used pepper spray on Occupy Boston, but much of the gear carried by local occupiers is designed to protect against it. While none of the items listed here are just for show, if enough are worn properly at the same time, even a devotedly non-violent occupier can look like a total bad-ass.

Eyewash: These look like small plastic water bottles full of milk, but it’s really a mixture of Maalox and water designed to lessen the effects of pepper spray. It’s mostly carried by occupation medics as well as by members of Direct Action, the group within Occupy Boston most likely to clash with the police over acts of civil disobedience. Eyewash needs to be readily available in an emergency, so it’s typically hung from the belt or worn in some sort of bandolier.

The Guy Fawkes mask, worn here with a red bandana, indicates a connection to the Internet hacker group “Anonymous” (except when it doesn't, which is often). (Blast Staff photo/John Stephen Dwyer)

Bandana: Paisley patterned and otherwise, bandanas and scarfs are a popular accessory among Boston’s protestors. Their most important use would be to deter breathing pepper spray from entering the lungs, but in the meantime they mostly get used to wipe sweat off peoples faces when Occupy Boston goes marching around the city for four or five hours.

Mask: A bandana works, but other kinds of masks are worn too. The creepy mustache face (actually a mask representing Guy Fawkes, a terrorist who plotted to blow up the House of Lords in 1605) is associated with the hacker group “Anonymous,” but some wear this mask without any sympathies for that group. Other protestors wear half-masks of the kind popular with skiers, and a some young men in Direct Action have adopted these as part of a ninja-like costume. Some people wear masks for anonymity as well as protection against the threat of pepper spray. In contrast to this, one curly-haired young man in a Grateful Dead t-shirt explained that he goes masked “to emphasize that I’m the everyman, I’m representing more than me out here.”

Glasses: While wearing contact lenses is supposed to make getting hit by pepper spray worse, eyeglasses offer some protection from it. Sunglasses offer an equal amount of protection, and they also help conceal one’s identity. When combined with sunblock available for free from the medic tent, sunglasses are useful protection against the autumn sun at long rallies and marches.

Masks help conceal the wear's identity, but their most important use is to prevent the inhalation of pepper spray should it be used. (Blast Staff photo/John Stephen Dwyer)

Ink: The scribbles on protestors’ arms aren’t tribal tattoos (mostly). It’s the phone number of the National Lawyers Guild, written on the skin in case of arrest. Some also write these digits hidden beneath their clothes where it’s less likely to get washed away by perspiration or rain. Besides having this number handy, people engaging in civil disobedience as part of Occupy Boston have a network of supporters behind them, including lawyers who will work pro bono and people willing to donate bail money.

Camera: Many protestors, perhaps even a majority, carry a camera or some device to record images. It’s no secret that they are especially interested in capturing images of police misbehavior that will rally more people to their cause; more remarkable is the fact that Occupy Boston protestors seem unanimously uninterested in goading the police to violence. While some photographers are consciously saving space on their memory cards in case of confrontation, lighter subjects abound. Last Saturday, for example, featured a visit from Governor Deval Patrick, a performance by Native American dancers, a colorful rally, and a march that took a twisted route to Back Bay and back.

Flashlight: These help a bit when trying to shoot photos or video in the dark. In the closing hours before the 141 arrests on October 11, a savvy person from the Occupy Boston media team distributed cheap flashlights to those hoping to photograph whatever might take place. Some of the images from that night – especially that of Veterans for Peace members getting arrested – are said to have brought new people into the movement.

Sign: Often there are just a handful of people holding signs along Atlantic Ave. But when Occupy Boston goes on a major march, thousands of people take to the streets and they take hundreds (if not thousands) of signs with them. Occupy Boston has a whole tent devoted to signs and sign-making supplies. Some people are eager to make their own while others help themselves to the considerable “library” of messages the sign booth has collected over the past three weeks. Some are serious, some are funny, and a few of the most popular signs have been seen at numerous marches, each time carried by a different person.

Rainbow pride flags, anarchist flags and many other banners have been displayed at Occupy Boston protests but Old Glory remains a potent (and very photogenic) symbol of what occupiers are fighting for. Note also the bandana worn as a headband. (Blast Staff photo/John Stephen Dwyer)

Flag: Signs are easy to make and easy to read, but flags are more romantic. The American flag is a popular emblem to carry into a protest; Veterans for Peace fly this and their own flag at rallies. The rattlesnake “don’t tread on me” flag from the 1700s was recently popular with the Tea Party, but at Occupy Boston it has been carried for several weeks by a young man called Bob C. who explains, “this flag has many different iterations, and I feel it’s a strong part of our American history and we need to preserve that. It has been tarnished by several groups, and we need to reclaim it.”

Graphic-T: Some people are writing directly on their t-shirts or other garment so as to broadcast a message even when when they aren’t lugging a sign around. Last weekend, hundreds of people – from preschoolers to octogenarians – got the words “Occupy Boston” emblazoned on their clothes (for free, of course) by volunteers working outside the sign tent with stencils and cans of spray paint.

Rechargers: Responding to the needs of occupiers, the Dewey Square shantytown now has a “recharge tent” where one can power up phones, laptops and other devices. Here, electrical power doesn’t come off the local grid but is instead generated by peddling one of two mounted bicycle generators created by people with experience at MIT and Burning Man.

Armbands: Interestingly, these were used at Occupy Boston at one time and then abandoned. Green represented members of the legal team, logistics used blue, and both the medic team and Direct Action used red arm bands. There may have been others in use as well. Armbands’ popularity peaked the morning of the October 11 arrests and they pretty much disappeared from camp immediately after. While color-coded armbands are gone, legal observers still use green hats and the medic team still identifies themselves with red crosses. Members of the camp’s security team – better know as the “safety team” – never used armbands but do tend to employ reflective safety vests that make them easy to locate.

Shoes: The camp gets muddy. The marches go on for hours. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are one of the most important things a protestor needs.

For the fourth year in a row, Boston’s Emerging Trends fashion event will showcase some of the world’s most talented up-and-coming designers. To be held on Sept. 24, the Emerging Trends is Boston Fashion Week’s biggest show. Past featured designers have included Keith Lissner of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show” and “Project Runway” contestants Jerry Tam and Maya Luz. Attendees will also have the opportunity to browse upscale merchandise from venders selling jewelry, handbags and more.

This year’s designers include:

• Linda Rowe Thomas (USA)
• !Nu.I (Canada)
• Rana Al Soliman (Saudi Arabia/Lebanon)
• KALB&ETIW (Australia)
• Ashley Zaba (Canada)
• Halldora Eydis Jonsdottir (Iceland)
• Lindsay Lee (USA)
• Garde Del Avante (Canada)
• TrashGlam (Australia)
• Andy Jacques (USA)
• Lady Baptiste (Canada)
• WallacePlayford (Canada)
• Maleku Jewelry (USA)
• Ruby Johnson (Canada)

Details

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. 

Where: Boston Center for the Arts (Cyclorama), 539 Tremont St., Boston

For tickets, go here. A portion of the VIP tickets will benefit the American Heart Association.

For more information, go to www.theemergingtrends.com.

NEW YORK — Your eyes smolder from behind the black birdcage veil that wraps the brim of your hat. I know it’s you purely by the style and way you hold yourself, if nothing more. You and those damn hats and how they get me every time. I pretend like my heart doesn’t skip when I see a woman walk past with one of your unique style hats on, but I am only lying to myself. A week ago a woman, elegantly dressed with a Parisian accent was walking down the street, a green hat upon her finely groomed tresses. It was green felt, delicately folded together by a single golden button, complimented by a contrast flume of feathers. It reminded me of the hat you have, almost identical in every way. So badly I want those feathers to brush my cheek as I hold pull you closer to me, away from the noisy traffic on the street, which you migrate to, distracted as you look up at me, excitedly telling me a story. A story about a hat. The grey straw one with the three black progressing circles. The one you said you stumbled upon at a small shop in Greenwich, but you swore you’d never buy because you were embarrassed over all the hats you already owned. Your obsession was always so quirky and loveable to me, though maybe to others compulsive and irresponsible. But you love them. And when buying one you are always wearing one, which always creates a beautiful web when you tell me about them. The simple blue sailor piece you wear almost everyday, being a catalyst to all the others you buy. It almost seems maybe too small atop your already small head, making one wonder if it is for comedic effect or fashion. Some would argue both. But while some might call it comedic, or maybe even tragic, I find it all so beautiful. Like the day I first met you…walking slowly towards me, eyes looking right past me, your hair tucked sweetly underneath the beautiful velvet number that made you seem so utterly sexy and demure at the same time. I wasn’t sure how to react. Should I aggressively pull you close and show you the passion that dwelled inside me when seeing you for the first time, proud and confident? Or did I want to softly pull you closer to me, away from the traffic bustling by in a hurry, unlike you, who slowly seeped into my heart and now stood before me with smoldering eyes beneath another beautiful obsession…

Team:
Photographer: Christopher Helmut Grosser
Model: Carley Beck
Stylist: Ximena Garcia De Onrubia
Hair: James P. Moore
Makeup: Nichole Heid

A Muslim woman who was fired from a Hollister clothing store for refusing to remove her religious headscarf, or hijab, filed a lawsuit Monday against her former employer, Abercrombie & Fitch.

Hani Khan, 20, of San Mateo, Calif., had worked at the store for four months before she was fired in February 2010. She had been told that wearing her hijab would be permitted, and would not conflict with the company “look policy,” if the scarf were in the company colors. But in February, company managers asked her to remove the hijab while she worked. When she refused, she was fired.

“When I was asked to remove my scarf after being hired with it on, I was demoralized and felt unwanted,” said Khan. “Growing up in this country where the Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of religion, I have felt let down.”

After being fired, Khan filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which determined that Khan had been wrongfully fired.

Khan filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, citing religious discrimination and asserting that Hollister’s parent company, Abercrombie & Fitch, did not comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Khan is seeking to make it mandatory for Abercrombie & Fitch to allow employees to wear religious scarves, along with unspecified damages. The EEOC has also filed a lawsuit, coming after attempts at a settlement between the parties earlier this year failed.

Zahra Billoo, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the parties representing Khan, said, “When we first received Ms. Khan’s complaint, it was the explicitness of Abercrombie & Fitch’s discriminatory demands which concerned us. They were both egregious and illegal. For an employer to, point-blank, require an employee to relinquish their religious practice is a violation of our cherished civil rights laws.”

Araceli Martinez-Olguin, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center, which is also representing Khan, said, ”Abercrombie & Fitch cannot hide behind a ‘Look Policy’ to justify violating Ms. Khan’s civil rights. Their refusal to accommodate her wearing her hijab is not only unlawful, but un-American.”

In a statement made to the Associated Press, Abercrombie & Fitch stood by its diversity, saying that diversity in its stores “far exceeds the diversity in the population of the United States.”

“We comply with the law regarding reasonable religious accommodation, and we will continue to do so,” said Rocky Robbins, Abercrombie & Fitch’s general counsel. “We are confident that when this matter is tried, a jury will find that we have fully complied with the law.”

Fashionistas on a budget have a new reason to update their wardrobes this summer. Andover’s First Date Boutique has moved to a new, larger space downtown–and still has chic clothes at affordable prices. Whether you’re searching for that cute and casual summer dress or that sexy stunner for a party, First Date has it all, and most of it’s priced at under $100. Nothing in the store is over $260, so even that fancy prom dress won’t break the bank.

First Date, owned by sisters Brianne and Keri Barrett since 2007, is a sophisticated girly-girl’s haven with the goal of answering the question, “What am I going to wear?” in an easy, affordable way. Frustrated with having to go from shop to shop trying to piece fun, flirty and unique outfits together, the sisters came up with the idea of a one-stop-shop where women can find everything they need for a trip, party or event. The sisters wanted to create a boutique where women could “enjoy a shopping experience that enabled them to find an outfit that guaranteed a multitude of compliments.”

First Date displays its merchandise from brands such as Max and Cleo, Hanky Panky and Alexia Admor by themed sections, displaying a mix of dresses, tops, skirts, jeans, jewelry, accessories, undergarments and gifts: Soirée, which features semi-formal and formal options, is where you’ll find that elegant dress for your work’s holiday party or for that super fancy wedding; Just Cocktails has what you need when you’re craving a new look for a girls’ night on the town; Getaway is where you’ll find the perfect flowy maxi dress and that sexy new bikini for your summer vacation or stay at the beach; and Hitched is the section for gals who are (you guessed it!) getting hitched or have a friend who is, and offers the perfect pretty outfits for bridal showers and engagement parties, along with cute “I do” accessories for the bride-to-be.

Inside the shop’s pink-walled dressing rooms, notes on the mirrors remind shoppers that “First impressions are everything,” boost their confidence that “He’ll love that!” and exclaim what savvy First Date shoppers already know: “You are one stylish gal.”

First Date Boutique
One Main St.
Andover, MA
978-247-8999

Summer hours:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.  to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.ShopFirstDate.com

Rihanna's bright red 'do makes a statement. (Media Credit/J. Strauss, WireImage)

There’s a hot new look for the hottest season: red hair. Although just two percent of the population are said to be natural redheads, one look at the TV and the latest magazine covers proves that many more want to be!

Some celebrities, such as Rihanna and Paramore’s Haley Williams, are choosing very bright “look at me!” shades of red that add extra oomph to their larger-than-life rock star attitudes. More recently, we’ve also seen “Gossip Girl’s” Blake Lively and aptly-named Scarlett Johansson take on subtler red shades in preparation for upcoming roles. Natural blonde Drew Barrymore also recently went red.

Yahoo.com reports that many of the most recognizable fiery-haired celebrities are not natural redheads, citing Lucille Ball, “Mad Men’s” Christina Hendricks, “Sex and the City’s” Cynthia Nixon, and “Will & Grace’s” Debra Messing; they’ve all been faking it for years, and many of us couldn’t picture them in any other shade. Blast spoke with in-home beautician Arielle Ferguson from Salem, Mass., for tips on how the everyday woman can successfully pull off the trend.

Blake Lively looks sultry and smokin' hot with red hair. (Media Credit/Mazur, WireImage)

First, consider your skin tone. “If you have a golden tone, try a deep auburn red to make you hair really stand out,” says Ferguson.  “An olive complexion works well with a darker shade like a burgundy. If you have a pale skin tone, stay away from bright reds, instead opting for a coppery shade.”

Different hair colors will absorb the red tint differently, so it’s best to ask your stylist how to get your desired look. For instance, naturally lighter hair may turn orange if handled aggressively, and naturally darker shades may first need to be chemically lightened to achieve the right look.

Ferguson advises, “Bring pictures of the color you want to help your stylist get a sense of what you’re looking for in terms of the brightness or intensity of the color.”

If you have to do it at home, start with a semi-permanent shade until you’re sure you’ve gotten it right; red is the hardest color to apply and hardest to remove, celebrity stylist Tracey Cunningham told Yahoo.com. You should also use a shampoo and conditioner formulated to preserve your color and prevent fading. Root touch-ups will likely need to be done every several weeks, but lighter shades may need the entire head recolored every couple of months, Cunningham adds.

Drew Barrymore's dark locks are sophisticated. (Media Credit/David Livingston, WireImage)

So what makeup goes with your new shade and what color clothes should you wear?  ”Try earthy colors on your eyes,” says Ferguson. “Or, for a nighttime look, use red lipstick to make your mouth pop and swipe a brown or black liner on your eyes.”

Beauty and fashion advice website Greatest Look suggests avoiding purples or pinks in your wardrobe that can clash with your hair, but it’s a matter of personal preference. If you really love a clashing color, Greatest Look suggests accessorizing in that color or simply wearing it as far away from your face as possible. Green also offsets red in the color wheel, so search for a shade of green that works; the lighter your hair, the lighter the green in your clothing should be. Knowing your color “season” can also point you in the right direction.

But when it comes to red hair, the most important accessory is you! Work your confidence to show off your bold new look, because blondes don’t have all the fun anymore!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only limited say in what cosmetics manufacturers can and cannot put into their products. And the cosmetics industry has essentially been regulating itself for some three decades. But critics argue that self-regulation isn't appropriate for an industry trading in potentially carcinogenic products. (Media credit/Jupter Images via Thinkstock)

The Safe Cosmetics Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2010 by Democrats Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. But it never got past committee reviews and thus never came up for a vote.

The proposed bill aimed to ensure that all personal care products for sale in the U.S. would be free of harmful ingredients and that all ingredients would be fully disclosed. The bill would’ve given the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to prohibit the use of certain ingredients, including carcinogens and reproductive and developmental toxins, to recall products that fail to meet safety standards, and to require product labels to name each ingredient.

The FDA has only limited say in what cosmetics manufacturers can and cannot put into their products. And the cosmetics industry has essentially been regulating itself for some three decades, and would like to keep it that way. In response to failed efforts in the 1970s to force the FDA to regulate cosmetics more like drugs—with required pre-market safety assessments—the industry decided to take matters into its own hands, creating the Cosmetics Industry Review Panel to judge the safety of various ingredients.

Critics argue that self-regulation isn’t appropriate for an industry trading in potentially carcinogenic products. “It’s a panel funded by the trade association,” Stacy Malkan of the non-profit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics told the Washington, DC-based Corporate Crime Reporter. “For 30 years that they have been in operation, they have only looked at about 13 percent of the chemicals in cosmetics. They do cursory reviews. They look mostly for short term health effects. It’s a panel of mostly dermatologists, not toxicologists. So, they don’t have the expertise to be looking at long-term health effects like cancer.”

Another non-profit, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), has identified upwards of 100 different products that passed Cosmetics Industry Review Panel safety assessments despite obvious violations of that body’s own guidelines. According to EWG’s research, 22 percent of all personal care products on store shelves today—including children’s products—may contain a cancer-causing ingredient (1,4-Dioxane), while some 60 percent of sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a potential hormone disruptor.

In response to the government not requiring cosmetics manufacturers to be more responsible, EWG launched the Skin Deep website, an easy-to-use, keyword-searchable database of cosmetics and their health risks and environmental footprints. The idea behind the website is to let users decide for themselves which cosmetics to purchase; EWG hopes that making this information freely available and easy-to-access will help drive demand for safer products.

Supporters of the Safe Cosmetics Act were hopeful that passage of their bill would usher in a new era of more rigorous mandatory screening of cosmetics here at home, and leadership in a global marketplace hungry for safer, greener products. Advocates for safe cosmetics hope that lawmakers will muster the resolve to reintroduce the bill, or another like it, in the current or some future session of Congress.

CONTACTS: FDA, www.fda.gov; Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, www.safecosmetics.org; Corporate Crime Reporter, www.corporatecrimereporter.com; Skin Deep, www.ewg.org/skindeep/.

Santi Deoleo once an intern for Jam’n 94.5, now the Producer of the station’s Ramiro and Pebbles Morning Show, has started his own clothing line called Modus and will be releasing his second collection, complete with women’s clothing, by the end of this month.

Deoleo describes his whole experience with working his way up the ladder with Jam’n and finally fulfilling his passion for fashion, as “living the American dream”. Deoleo told his story of how his parents came here from the Dominican Republic and made a living. He feels he must follow suit.

“My parents worked their butts off to get where they are,” Deoleo said. “I have to do something.”

That something had to be fashion.

“I go home in the afternoon and work on clothing,” he said.

The designer wants to create clothes with meaning and Modus was born with its unique incorporation of chess pieces into each t-shirt. Deoleo told of his long time hobby of playing chess, thus making its appearance a personal one.

The t-shirts that make up Modus have a vintage feel as Deoleo describes.

He said, “I don’t only just want to have a cool design. I want them to be comfortable.”

Modus Girl, Deoleo’s women’s collection, is more along the lines of the kind of shirts that can be worn out to the bar, as opposed to beach day apparel. In the future Deoleo hopes to take his clothing line overseas.

“I would love nothing more than to fly to Japan and show people my clothes,” he continued.

The morning show host at Jamn doesn’t hesitate to wear something of Deoleo’s at least twice a week, but the designer hasn’t been wearing his clothing for very long.

“I don’t feel like I’m worthy of wearing them yet,” Deoleo admitted. He claims to be a t-shirt and jeans type of guy, but he wants to emphasize that this clothing line is an example of setting out behind a passion and making it happen.

Deoleo stands behind his saying, “A prodigy is something unique, even exceptional. Modus Collection wants to help individuals express themselves and celebrate their inner prodigy.”

This and more should be anticipated in Deoleo’s prospective clothing lines.

Christian Dior silk and satin weave cocktail dress, 1954. (Photo courtesy of RISD Museum)

PROVIDENCE — Like a stiff vodka martini, taking the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum’s “Cocktail Culture: Ritual and Invention in American Fashion, 1920-1980″ exhibit all in one gulp may result in lush fashion intoxication.

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted by classic black Christian Dior, as ready-to-wear today as when it debuted in the fall of 1954. Beyond the timeless silk and satin-weave masterpiece are seven decades, and more than 220 examples, of vintage decor and party-wear.

“‘Cocktail Culture’ traces the influence of the cocktail hour on fashion and design in the 20th century, from the flapper of Prohibition to the ultra feminine dresses of post-World War II to the spangled pantsuit of the disco era, and the accompanying designs for shakers and glasses,” said Interim Director Ann Woolsey in a press release.

The cocktail fashion of the 1920s and 1930s begins with the section “Mixed Company,” which addresses the mixing of both drinks and the genders behind closed doors. “The making of the modern drinker occurred during Prohibition, when those who enjoyed spirits gathered in private homes by necessity,” the wall label reads. “Shifted to a domestic setting, drinking, formerly the domain of men, became a pastime shared by women as well.”

The above looks from the "Day for Night" section have simple silhouettes with fun embellishments. (Photo courtesy of RISD Museum)

Among several items, a silk evening dress with olive with red accents by Elizabeth Hawes, 1939, stands out boldly in this section.

While “Mixed Company” deals primarily with the cocktail party, “Urban Nightlife,” which also focuses on the ’20s and ’30s, is primarily devoted to the iconic flapper style. One item featured in “Urban Nightlife” is a silk beaded flapper dress with glass bugle beads, stamped metal sequins and rhinestones from 1925.

The cocktail style then focuses on travel-wear from the 1920s to the 1940s in the “Travel” section. “The luxury ocean liner emerged as a stage not only for introducing new drinks, but for acting out new attitudes and style of dress,” the wall label reads.

One featured item in this section is Russian designer Magda Polivanov’s green and yellow Mardi Gras ensemble from 1936.

Then comes “New Materials, A New Purpose,” which is devoted to the wartime styling of the 1940s and early 1950s. Rationing restrictions and more women in the workplace may be responsible for a movement away from “made embellishment,” such as embroidery, and toward the women’s suit. Featured here is a black acetate women’s suit by Jennifer, 1945.

Dresses in "The Rules" section blend eveningwear with daywear. (Photo courtesy of RISD Museum)

The rest of the ’50s, represented in “The Rules,” reflects the upsurge of wealth resulting from World War II and the American desire for Parisian fashion. The mission was to blend the extravagance of eveningwear with the casual comfort of daywear to create an ideal cocktail party dress. The cut and style of the ’50s cocktail dress continue to influence designers to this day. Here, a Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel strapless cocktail dress, black lace with a velvet sash from 1858, stands out among several others.

Fashion from “Day for Night,” spanning from the late 1950s through the early 1960s, is simpler in design and leaves room for “over the top” accessories. This combination demonstrates the necessity of the little black dress in every fashionable woman’s wardrobe. Here, a bold 1969 Norman Norell variant on the little black dress, a wool mini dress with a vast rhinestone Maltese cross, is featured.

Next, from the 1960s to the 1970s, came the “New Casual,” a reflection of the general movement toward informality in fashion. “The enthusiasm for outdoor entertaining inspired the imaginations of designers of furniture, clothing and barware,” the wall card reads. “Men’s and women’s garments worn in this milieu are aptly casual and often take inspiration from ethnic and folk dress.”

This sleek Charter Company cocktail shaker is from 1928. (Photo courtesy of Dallas Museum of Art)

A 1950s floral cotton halter dress with rhinestone embellishment by Yvette is featured among others in this section.

The final sub-section of “Cocktail Culture” explores the “International Set/Club Culture” of the late ’60s through the ’70s, where bold, polyester prints reign supreme. A multi-colored silk knit dress by Emilio Pucci, 1970, is featured.

“I never would’ve thought there would be so many high-end names,” said Isabel Westfield, of Providence, a viewer of the exhibit. “Valentino, Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel…I don’t know about you, but I’ve died and gone to vintage heaven.”

If you, too, seek heavenly solace in draping Valentino rhinestone chokers and Balenciaga feathered headdresses, RISD Museum’s “Cocktail Culture” is awaiting your first sip. The exhibition will run through July 31. Visit the museum at 224 Benefit St., Providence to see the exhibit. Call 401-454-6500 or visit the RISD Museum’s website for more information.

John Galliano in NYC in 2010 (Media Credit/Kambouris, WireImage)

John Galliano has been the creative director for Christian Dior since 1996 — until today. March 1 marks the end of his career as the mind behind Dior, which fired the 50-year-old designer after his Feb. 24 arrest in Paris and after a video of the designer allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks surfaced on the Internet.

Sidney Toledano, Christian Dior Couture’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement, “We unequivocally condemn the statements made by John Galliano which are in total contradiction to the longstanding core values of Christian Dior.” In an earlier statement, Toledano said that Dior has a “zero-tolerance policy regarding anti-Semitism and racism.”

This leaves the fashion world wondering, “Who will be able to fill his shoes?”

Mila Kunis looked gorgeous in this Elie Saab gown (Media Credit/Mazur, WireImage)

As awards season comes to a close, I was prepared last night with popcorn in one hand and my picks for the office Oscar pool in the other. Next to winning the pool, the best part of the awards show is the red carpet fashion, for better or for worse.

Looks I love

Mila Kunis wore a beautiful light lavender dress with a plunging neckline and lace detailing by the Elie Saab Spring 2011 Collection. Jennifer Lawrence was the first on the red carpet and set everyone up for great fashion choices throughout the evening. Her red, fitted Calvin Klein dress showed off her amazing figure. I was impressed with and am obsessed with Giuliana Rancic’s bold print, dramatic gown that was designed by none other than “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano. Wearing a maroon, backless, lace Dolce & Gabbana gown, Scarlett Johansson made quite the impression on the red carpet.

Notable looks

These fashion icons are getting mixed fashion reviews around the globe. All of the dresses are fabulous, but their stylists could have done a little more to make these looks really work. Gwyneth Paltrow wore a modern silver metallic Calvin Klein gown. The dress is gorgeous, but the shiny color would have been more age appropriate for a younger starlet. Halle Berry looked amazing, as usual, in a nude, jewel-encrusted Marchesa gown, but this dress would have popped more against her skin if it were a different color. Cate Blanchett wore a unique lilac and mustard colored piece by Givenchy. I appreciate Cate’s choice for something different, but the jury is still out as to whether the front of the dress was a bib made for my four-year-old cousin. Jennifer Hudson’s dress last night was the best PR move Weight Watchers could ever have. She looked absolutely breathtaking (and thinner than ever) in Versace, but she could have used a little more coverage in the cleavage area.

Marisa Tomei's gown was a prom nightmare (Media Credit/A. Rodriguez, WireImage)

They could’ve done better

Nicole Kidman’s Christian Dior gown from the Spring 2009 Collection was too structured, too white, too detailed, too much! Reese Witherspoon always looks beautiful, but her black and white Armani Prive gown and Barbie-inspired high ponytail may not have been her best choice; we all know she can do better. Marisa Tomei’s prom nightmare, a vintage gown by Charles James, should have stayed in the closet. Not only was the dress ill-fitting, but the color was far from flattering and the poofy taffeta bottom was, well, taffeta. After all of the build-up, I found the awards show less than exciting, and some of the fashion followed suit, including Amy Adams’ deep navy gown (again). Even with seven costume changes, Anne Hathaway’s surprise singing was more of a standout than her fashion picks.

Best accessories

I can’t possibly write about the Oscars without noting Natalie Portman. She looked amazing last night  in a Rodarte violet silk chiffon dress. She again chose to wear stunning accessories from Tiffany & Co., which turned out to be quite the good luck charm! Speaking of hot mamas, the hottest accessory for a man to have last night was undoubtedly his mother. Russell Brand opted for the non-traditional dark blue suit with his mother by his side (wife Katy Perry was on her world tour). Mama Timberlake by son Justin’s side has this girl dreaming that Justin’s relationship with Jessica Biel will soon be over. He looked amazing in his Tom Ford tailored tuxedo; so ladies, if you need a date to next year’s Oscars, maybe he’s your ticket — fingers crossed. Until next awards season!

Soyon An, an up and coming fashion designer, is breaking into the limelight as she designs the entire costume wardrobe for “Dangerous Beauty,” a play featured at the Pasadena Playhouse through March 13.

Producer Tara Smith, an avid fan of An’s styling, reached out to the designer with the opportunity to tackle her first attempt at dressing an entire theater show.

Last April, the two spoke the details.

“At that point I decided I would want to be a part of this project,” An said.

The gowns that An is designing are a mix of old and new silhouettes that date back to the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.

“I took in the fashion and gave it a modern twist,” An exclaimed.

The play is loosely based around characters called courtesans, which are similar to geishas. An described how these women were the only female figures of their time period who were allowed an education, could earn money, and be among political men.

An dresses the courtesans in a combination of drapery and upholstery. She said there’s going to be a lot of chiffon, tulle, and netting.

Veronica Franco, the main character in “Dangerous Beauty,” played by Jenny Powers, is going to be decked out in an “amazing wardrobe” consisting of chiffon and Swarovski crystals.

An gets her inspiration from the contemporary and modern silhouettes that fashion designers Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Christian Lacroix send down the runways.

She said, “I draw inspiration not just from other designers, but from the current trends that are happening right now in the world around me.”

Although An says she wouldn’t mind doing another theater production, she continues to design the wardrobes for the male and female contestants on American Idol.

Along with her work on television and on the stage, An is in the process of developing an interactive fashion website and her own personal clothing line anticipated to be called “Soyon”.

An has come a long way from her starting point at Forever 21 and continues to spread fashion that encompasses her own personal style and taste.

Be sure to keep an eye out for An’s display of costumes for “Dangerous Beauty” and follow her trends on Twitter and her Facebook page.

Hoffman recommends gowns made of heavier fabrics, such as this Justina McCaffrey silk satin gown.

When we think of weddings, we often picture warm weather and spring flowers. Winter weddings, however, are growing in popularity, says Kimberly Hoffman, bridal expert and owner of the online bridal boutique Your Dream Dress. Breaking from tradition and opting for a wedding during the colder months may seem daunting — How can you elegantly cover up to stay warm? What gowns are appropriate for the season? — but Hoffman is here to help. Here’s what to look for when choosing a gown for your winter wonderland wedding.

Heavier fabrics

Not only are they warmer, but heavier, richer fabrics, such as silk satin and silk Mikado, are appropriate for the winter season. Popular dress styles in these fabrics are ball gowns and trumpet mermaids. Cashmere wraps are also great ways to stay warm and look stylish and sophisticated.

Stay warm and look sophisticated with a bolero jacket like this Justina McCaffrey one made with Chantilly lace.

Bolero jackets and wraps

Long-sleeved dresses are prime for seasonal appropriateness and also will keep you warm, but Hoffman recommends that brides opting for a strapless dress cover up with a bolero jacket or a cashmere wrap. Hoffman especially likes the sophistication and luxury of an Alencon lace or Chantilly lace bolero.

Beadwork and embellishments

A wedding dress with beading will complement the winter landscape. “The crystals will sparkle against the glistening snow and the evening candlelight,” Hoffman says.

Color

Blush pink and ice blue gowns are growing in popularity, says Hoffman, as they are unique, elegant and glamorous. Brides in these colors will stand out from the white of winter. Hoffman recommends that brides with fair skin “Look for a subtle, soft blush gown that will bring warmth to a lighter skin tone, especially in the winter months.”

The beading on this Reem Acra silk tulle and silk satin gown complements the sparkling snow.

A blush pink gown, such as this one by Monique Lhuillier, is a glamorous alternative to a traditional white dress.

SOMERVILLE — As a college student, I don’t have a lot in the way of “stuff.”

Between frequent moves, the confusion of multiple female roommates and my own uncontrollable urge to lend books out, ownership has become a mutable thing — a shirt that is underfoot one weekday morning is noticeably absent when I want it for a Friday night out. With no overflowing closets or boxes of unwanted clothes gathering dust under my bed, I consider myself something of a minimalist.

For that reason, I find the idea of a “swap” so intriguing, a sort of “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Instead of relegating my unwanted things to the trashcan or the racks of a consignment store, I can trade them for someone else’s discarded items. It’s sustainable living at its finest: prioritizing what is new to me over that which is merely new.

Such is the prevailing logic behind the Boston-based Swapaholics, Amy Chase and Melissa Massell, who boast a philosophy of creating an environment where “retail therapy meets recycling.” The Swapaholics have hosted clothing swaps all over the Boston and Worchester area, encouraging men and women alike to treat fashion in a new, collaborative way.

With the first annual National Swap Day coming up on January 22, last night’s event, dubbed “Exchange Your Ways,” kicked off a frenzy of sartorial trading that saw over 200 eager participants. Though the Swapaholics promised a family-friendly, controlled event, I remained trepidatious, for hell hath no fury like a fashionista denied the perfect skirt. I feared the hair-pulling, sharp elbows, and ripped clothes that accompany most events where things are basically given away for free.

For the record, this is not your grandmother’s swap meet. Held in the spacious Center for Arts at the Armory in Somerville, the swap was carefully organized: hordes of smartly dressed volunteers carefully sorted and folded the swappable merchandise by style as the waiting swappers enjoyed snacks in the upstairs lounge from event sponsors Vita Coco and Pretzel Crisps.

From this vantage point, eager swappers eyed up the items, waiting for the doors to open at 8 p.m. Veterans regaled each other with tales of plum items scored at previous swaps as first-timers debated whether any of the cute heels lined up on the stage would fit. The attendees were almost exclusively women in their 20s to 30s, though a couple weary-looking men filled out the crowd, presumably accompanying their significant others.

Like me, Natasha Mogilevskaya was a newcomer to the world of swap. A Mass Art student, Natasha had trekked from Allston with several bags of clothes for the event; “I didn’t want to take the clothes to Goodwill. I’d rather get something for them,” she said. Unlike some of the girls around her, who were organizing elaborate plans of attack, Natasha felt she didn’t need a strategy. “That’s one of the advantages of being small,” she explained. “I can easily squeeze through the crowds.”

And crowds there were. With a mere 20 minutes remaining until the swap, the line to get onto the floor had already wound up two flights of stairs and through the lounge area. The anxiety was visible – tapping toes, double-checking of watches, and repeated furtive glances at the veritable treasure trove of fashionable items laid out on the tables below.

At 8 p.m. sharp, a high-pitched roar went up from the crowd, and the air exploded with the thunder of heels and boots on wood floors. Though my fears of trampling and elbowing had been mildly soothed by a veteran swapper, who informed me, “nobody’s mean, it’s just chaos,” I was pleasantly surprised by my fellow swappers’ politeness and restraint. Women expertly weaved around tables, passing clothes to each other for the seemingly standard examination of fabric quality, size, and designer.

Within 30 minutes, the racks were picked clean and the swappers had retreated to the edges of the room, comparing scores and stripping down to undershirts to try on some of their finds. Rejected items were returned to the tables, where they were immediately snatched up by some of the more patient shoppers. In addition to clothes and shoes, swappers eagerly pawed through the collection of donated CDs, DVDs, books, and video games.

Mildly shell-shocked from the rush, I found myself at The Weekly Dig-sponsored music table, browsing through strangers’ mix CDs from 2002, which my curiosity would not allow me to pass up. My provided shopping bag was full to the bursting with cute plaid tops, a couple v-neck sweaters and the piece de resistance – a beautifully structured grey dress that fit me perfectly – all for the price of a ticket and the donation of a couple excess bits of my admittedly modest wardrobe. I was, for lack of a better word, addicted to the swap.

“There’s kind of a cult following,” explained Adam Towner, who was photographing the event at the behest of the Swapaholics. At this point, Towner is a old hand at the swap events. According to him, the chaos that overwhelmed me this evening was nothing compared to the event the ladies hosted for Swap.com during Boston Fashion week, where 450 swappers cleared out the clothes in 15 minutes flat. For some, this is more than just a shopping excursion: “There are girls who change their whole wardrobes with each swap,” Towner said.

Though I lack that sort of commitment, my interest in attending another swap is certainly piqued. Hell, even this self-proclaimed minimalist has a few old DVDs and shoes I’d be willing to trade away for some new summer clothes.

Instead of flying all the way to Hollywood for the Golden Globes last night (just assuming the invitation was lost in the mail) we watched the celebrity red carpet arrivals in high-definition last night, taking notes on the best and worst dressed:

Trends We Love: Nude & Backless

Light Pinks, Peaches and Nudes were shining on the red carpet. My favorites included the girls from Glee: Dianna Agron, Heather Morris and Naya Rivera, Helen Mirren, Sarah Hyland and Sandra Bullock. Scarlett Johansen’s dress was to die for – but Sandra Bullock will win every time on the best dressed list every time, due to ScarJo’s what-was-she-thinking hair. Also in the peach-pink color was a newly blonde Emma Stone, who is in the running for best backless with Anne Hathaway.

Trends We Love to Hate: Ultra Red-Lips, Emerald, Careless Hair

Christina Aguilera, January Jones, Jayma Mays and Christina Hendricks all puckered-up with Ultra-Red Lips attempting to evoke old Hollywood Style. Attempting is the key word, as they all looked washed out and trying too hard to be sexy. It’s time for this trend to go away and come back again another day. The daring, deep emerald green color didn’t turn out to be show-stopping because it kept popping up all over the red carpet – on celebs including Mila Kunis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Elizabeth Moss and Angelina Jolie. Johnny Depp, we get it. Get a haircut. ScarJo is ending up on all the worst-dressed lists due to her eclectic Cruella-De-Ville inspired hair style. This “I’m-so-cool-I-don’t-care-what-people-think-if-I-don’t-do-my-hair” trend has got to go.

What Were They Thinking??

Helena Bonham Carter wearing a Vivienne Westwood looked like a cross between how my second grade art teacher dressed and the Cyndi Lauper collection circa 1985. Julianne Moore was glowing last night but that pepto-bismol pink asymmetrical puff-sleeve Lanvin gown was something out of a Pretty-in-Pink Nightmare. Olivia Wilde- looked like a prom queen’s dream in that glittery chocolate cupcake explosion Marchesa – but the gold sparkly stilettos were far from complimenting. Would not have been an issue except that she made it a point to show them off repeatedly. Sophia Vergara’s Va-Va-Voom Red Vera Wang is popping up on best dressed lists everywhere. I think those people forgot to check out the back! Leighton Meester, Nicole Kidman, Carrie Underwood and Vanessa Williams all made my most boring list. Yawn.

Men’s Style

Jake Gyllenhaal’s easy, classic style wins him best in bow-tie for his Burberry tux. My absolute favorite menswear look was Robert Downey Jr. for his splash of color – going for a red-tie in a sea of black tuxedos. Although some unique and interesting fashion choices were made with unconventional jackets, Chris Hemsworth in Giorgio Armani and Chris Colfer both looked Hollywood handsome. Robert Pattinson and Zac Efron both went for a more mature look with new hair styles. On the worst-dressed side, Justin Beiber yet again proved he’s too young to be famous – sneakers and 3D glasses dressed down his D&G three-piece suit and no-bow-tie.

NOT

Michelle Williams flower-power dress was a disaster in all areas: style, fit, embellishment and color. Fashionista Heidi Klum is OUT and can leave the red carpet – the dress would be great for a tropical vacation and her make-up artist went way too heavy on the eye make-up. The ladies of Mad Men – Christina Hendricks and January Jones both were a disappointment in red. January mentioned that she requested the stylists on the show make her this dress in the red color – and they should have said no. Christina was a total disappointment. Christina Aguilera chose an ill-fitting, black lace over nude dress – that was as bad as her acting in Burlesque. Note to Xtina -stick to singing.

Notably Bad

We’re still contemplating if Halle Berry, Mandy Moore and Jennifer Love Hewitt checked the mirror before they left. Halle’s black and Mandy blue dresses have both have different personalities above the knee and below – they should have cut them off. I forgot why Jennifer Love Hewitt’s was invited or why her performance in a Made for TV Lifetime movie was nominated, but her dress needed to be tamed at the chest and was just an awful color for her. There’s always next year ladies!

Hot Red Carpet Styles

Mila Kunis wearing a dramatic Vera Wang one-shoulder gown was the envy in emerald. Eva Longoria was the essence of Hollywood glamour in a black, backless, bold and beautiful gown by Zac Posen. Kaley Cuoco pulled off the best of the nude dresses and looked young and fresh in a fitted bodice and tulip-tiered skirt nude dress. And I hate to say it, but a Lea Michele looked so pretty-in-pink with an avant-garde Oscar De La Renta pink princess dress that any Barbie would die to wear.

Honorable Mentions include: Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway in Armani and Jane Lynch for their elegant red carpet styles.

Rachael Zoe, a star of Bravo’s “The Rachel Zoe Project,” tweeted Wednesday, “Hey everyone! I want to officially confirm to my loyal friends and followers that I am pregnant!….”

She finally admitted that she was pregnant although she had denied the rumor until she tweeted. Also, she said on Twitter, “I feel great, Rodger and I are beyond excited and so thankful for all of your love and support. xoRZ & RB”

Local Collection, a retail boutique, opened over the summer in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace (South Market Building, #2135, Boston, 617-722-4310 Facebook page). This eclectic shop features an array of 30 different designers and artists of apparel, accessories and jewelry, home decor, beauty products and more.

All of the designers or artists are local to the Boston area. Local Collection features about 30 different vendors and artists. The Arts and Business Council had sent out an email invitation to local merchants in the area, as well as scoutings that took place at the SOWA markets and Downtown Crossing Art Fridays. In February 2009, there was an open-house informational session, followed by an application process and juried selection process.

The artists sign a year-long contract with the venue, and at the end of the term, receive an evaluation. Katie Kurtz, director of Local Collection, is hoping to rotate the artists and vendors; however, by no means does she want to “turn people away” that are doing well at the venue. She hopes what Local Collection will do is support the artist until they grow enough outside the store to support themselves and their brand. The company is always looking for new talent.

While Kurtz is based in Chicago, she felt even with its supportive art community, there just was not a venue to feature artists in the way she envisioned. She liked Faneuil Hall originally, but opened the first store in more of a mall setting in Glensdale, Calif. (near L.A.). Business there has since been successful, that the Boston location soon followed.

Kurtz feels that so many artists “have a great line, but no funds to get their product out.” Local Collection provides the venue and space, as well as staff and “day-to-day operations” of running a store, to allow artists/designers to feature their products and get their names out there.”

This return to supporting local artists is also a celebration for some green practices. A beauty-product line by Tseh-Hwon Yong, Threla infuses science, beauty, and eco-friendly ingredients. While working as a MIT researcher, Yong—a beauty-product devotee—discovered that a lot of the same ingredients she was working with could be found in beauty products. Wanting to create a beauty product that was not only safe and effective, but also included meaningful ingredients, she set off to create a line of lotions, soaps, candles, and other products (all vegan-friendly, except for the lip-balm which contains beeswax). Prices are reasonable for a local merchant ($3.50 for lip-balms to $20 for a facial set).

Since being featured at Local Collection, this beauty guru has found the experience to be “better than expected,” especially at a location which is just too hard to beat.

“For someone just starting off, this is a great opportunity,” Yong said. “I feel that people do appreciate locally made things—not just tourists— [Boston is] starting to support homegrown businesses and artists.”

Dina Carducci of Dina Designs, heartily agrees, saying the experience has been “hugely beneficial and very successful.” She acknowledged that when she was doing shows at either Downtown Crossing Art Fridays or at the SOWA markets, there would be times when her inventory would be packed away in boxes for weeks or even months. However, at Local Collection, her work is “on display, seven days a week,” and that she can now get her work out there.

Dina Designs is some womenswear, but mostly accessory designs. Carducci started two years ago, and her head pieces can range from simple, everyday wear ($20-35), to very elaborate, 1940s-inspired head pieces ($120).

Carducci points out the support the artists and designers are given by the company.

“They’re such a great company, such huge supporters.”

Jennifer Sheehan, designer of the handbag line called Genevieve Boston finds the support from the company reassuring and encouraging. “They are working to sell the goods for me; my success is also their success.” The company, Sheehan states, is working intensely to get the artist and designers the exposure, and their interests lie in promoting the designers as individuals, not as a business.

Genevieve Boston handbags range from $60-245, for both everyday and special occasion. “For me,” Sheehan said, “It has always been about the individual consumer, whether selling to a bridal party, a birthday, or any special occasion. I mean, I use my bags everyday, so they can be for everyday situations, too and not just luxury, but just a fun accessory.”

She thinks local Bostonians will be receptive of the boutique if they are aware of it, especially acknowledging the trend towards supporting local designers and artists, and that in the past, these grass-roots markets have been successful.

For Ideologie Organic take sustainability to another level. Developed two years ago by a group of Suffolk entrepreneurs, the idea to create an organic T-shirt company originated from a social movement about spreading “positive messages of education, philosophy, art, love and poetry,” as founder Mark Grignon described. They have already started their second collection, which features hoodies, tanks, and t-shirts ($40).

The company is already sold nationwide from Miami to NYC, however, breaking into the Boston fashion industry has been “tough for us.” Being featured at a downtown location has been, as Grignon said, “big for us,” especially since all their artists, friends, and supporters are Boston-based “we now have a place to send them to.”

Grignon also points out that one of the best aspects of Local Collection is that it’s not just a clothing store. Local Collection has an upstairs space that will be opened for art shows or future workshops and classes. On May 13, Ideologie Organic promoted an art show of some of their artists.

Kurtz says that the idea to feature classes and workshops at the store has received great responses, “Like, ‘How exciting! It would be really fun and different to really involve the store with its customers!’”

“This was huge for us. And it went really well,” Grignon said. “These students or interns as art students have a hart time getting noticed, or getting their artwork out there, and here they were featured at Faneiul Hall. It was great exposure, it was free exposure for them, and it was our way of giving back to them.”

Iris Sonnenschein of Iris Quilts enjoys the exposure that she is getting from being one of the vendors at Local Collection.

“It gives an opportunity to show my work to a wide range of people. Tourists, but not just from the New England area, but from around the world,” she said.

The experience for her has been really fun and she has since received more hits on her website as well as good responses.

“And it’s such an eclectic collection, a little bit of everything,” Sonnenschein said of Local Collection’s array of merchandise and products. Her own works include wall quilts ($200-2,000) and silk scarves. Her interest in quilting began twenty years ago with a traditional quilting class that met every single month. Since then, the group of women still meets for monthly sessions.

Jennaca Davies of Jennaca Davies Design Studio, loves how original the concept of the shop is, and the way that they promote themselves.

“For me, this is something new and an interesting way to market my jewelry to a broader audience. And is especially exciting because Faneuil Hall is such a busy marketplace…I thought it would be an unique opportunity for me to show my handmade work in a midst of a marketplace where many items are manufactured overseas in mass-production—All of my work is handmade by me in my studio in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.”

Davies jewelry includes silver pieces ($50-150), and one-of-the-kind pieces (like intricate and exquisite paper and enamel designs) at $200-500.

“The store only recently opened on May first, so I am not exactly sure how sales are going, but I do hear that my work is getting great responses and compliments—so that is really great!” Davies admits. However, “I’m optimistic that this is going to be a great thing for me as an artist!”

Because Local Collection in Boston is so new, artists have not yet had time to gauge how business will go for them. The Local Collection in California opened only last fall, so the concept of bringing local merchants and designers into a space like the boutique is still in its early stages.

Maggie Carberry, a jewelry designer and painter had found out about the “Call for Artists” through an email invitation from the Arts and Business Council about an information session on Local Collection.

“I attended the session, liked what I heard, and decided to go for it,” she said. “So far the experience has been wonderful. I haven’t made enough sales to quit my day job,” Carberry also works as a teacher, “but traffic to my website has increased exponentially. It’s really hard to judge because the store is so new and the tourist season has barely started,” however, “One reason it is great for me as an artist is that I have control over my prices and inventory. I can experiment with the market without investing too much financially.”

Maggie Carberry features a variety of work in the store, such as note-cards ($7), jewelry ($40-140), and her mixed-media paintings ($700).

One of the best aspects Carberry finds in Local Collection is that, “Someone is there selling my work seven days a week, which allows me more time to create it.”

Artists and designers pay a nominal rental fee for the space, and after a certain dollar amount that sells, they get a percentage back. Since online selling is difficult, as Mark Grignon of Ideologie Organic explains, working through Local Collection, who sells it and the artists or designers get “one-hundred percent back, it’s a unique arrangement,” that seems to be working.

Dina Carducci of Ducci Designs admits that it was a risk, but to have her work on display seven days a week like Carberry pointed out, made it a very sensible gamble. And with the idea of buying local becoming trendier (and not to mention the great Faneuil Hall location), Local Collection works, and will continue to work.

Sally Vetstein of Sweet Tots is happy with the success and sales so far, but says, “It’s a new store, so you don’t really know what’s coming. But the trial month has been definitely good.”

Vetstein sells childrenswear ($20-45), like infant sun-protective clothes, “which block out one-hundred percent of UV light;” a very popular seller for the Sweet Tots line.

The artist began two years ago by creating clothes for her first granddaughter. Dissatisfied with the patterns that did not have the right sizes or finishes that were not-ready-to-wear, Vetstein wanted to have a line of infant and children’s clothes that looked like they came from a fine children’s clothing store, but not at the price. Since then, the company has taken on a life of its own.

She finds the setting at Faneul Hall great “because you have a lot of tourists,” as well as local Bostonians. She feels having such a diverse group of customers will allow her to feel out better designs for clothing styles and get a better marketing sense of what is selling as an impulse purchase verses a gift purchase.”

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is located near the historic Faneuil Hall, financial district, the waterfront, the North End, Government Center and Haymarket, and only a five-minute walk to the New England Aquarium, The Children’s Museum, The Old State House, and Paul Revere’s House. And only ten-fifteen The New State House, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Public Garden, Old North Church, The USS Constitution, and Fenway Park.

The Faneuil Hall Marketplace features more than 75 shops, and a variety of food venues. Street parking is available, as well as public transportation (Blue line to Aquarium/Faneuil Hall, Green line to Government Center, or Orange line to State Street).

Local Collection is open from Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

MIAMI — For the past couple of years, the city has been garnering a reputation for becoming a major player in the art and fashion world. Pioneers have been taking notice of Miami’s endless opportunities and are starting to capitalize on it. Tobi Salver, 26, is one of the entrepreneurs who see the potential this city offers for the world of art and fashion.

“Miami seems to be growing everyday with people who have a unique style. I feel there is a huge market to cater to.” Salver points out, well aware of her niche in styling, and, in turn, has launched her latest entrepreneurial endeavor: Fox House/Myfoxhouse.com, a website specializing in selling clothing pieces and accessories whose broad range appeals from budding fashionistas to the everyday working girl, and everything in between.   Prices are solely based on: designer, rarity, condition and quality, even so, Myfoxhouse.com still manages lean on the more affordable side of the spectrum.  Salver also wants to make it a point to showcase talent from the local designers along with the ‘fresh out of fashion school’ designers on her web site.

Salver, a local Florida girl who was raised in Fort Lauderdale, has always had her finger on the pulse when it comes to clothing and personal styling. With her particularly keen eye for bold, yet approachable fashion sense, Salver launched Myfoxhouse.com.

It’s no surprise that MyFoxhouse.com has been garnering a lot of buzz recently.  Salver’s eccentric and unique personality can be seen through the beautiful pieces of clothing and accessories she carefully selects for Myfoxhouse. com, mainly focusing on unique patterns, colors, cuts and silhouettes. “But the most important key factors I focus on, go to the classic, timeless pieces. Clothing fabulous forty years ago, and still relevant today.” Salver stresses. “When it comes to vintage, everything stands out”.  Really, the only blueprint formula that Salver follows for the vintage selection is just taking the time to search through hundreds of pieces, in order to find the classic, ‘diamond in the rough’.

When it comes to the process of selecting the latest items, Salver makes it a point to not follow the current trends. She rather, wisely focuses on pieces that turn heads, the ones that make woman feel confident and comfortable, and most importantly, compliment figures.

Salvers eye for style and art didn’t start with her; in fact, she has a rather fascinating history with fashion that is as unique and intriguing as her vintage finds.

Salver’s heritage of fashion and strong pedigree for styling and designing stems from her grandmother, Joanne Alterman, a well-known and respected fashion and interior designer in Miami Beach. Alterman studied at the prestigious Parson’s School in New York City, and went on to carry a line at Bendel‘s, the upscale department store there. Initially, she specialized in long evening patchwork skirts before moving on to coats and jackets. Alterman also became one of the first designers to use authentic textiles from the Seminole Indian tribe in Florida. At that time, the Seminoles were the only Indian tribe to sign a peace treaty with the United States. Alterman, just like her granddaughter Salver, saw incredible opportunity and approached the Seminoles, working out a fair deal with them, using their materials for her clothing line. All sorts of individuals owned Alterman’s creations, from Luciana Pignatelli, all the way to Christina Ford, wife of the auto magnate. Christina Ford even made it on to ‘Vanity Fair’ magazines list of ‘International Best Dressed Hall of Fame’ in a velvet Alterman skirt.

Alterman’s heavy influence on Salver started at a very young age. She taught her granddaughter how to skillfully paint and dressed her in hand made clothing. “I share an almost haunting similarity of style and eye as my grandmother. No doubt, she has inspired and shaped my style.” Salver sings her praises, and it’s easy to see why she credits all of her artistic and designing talents to her grandmother. To this day, Salver still goes to her grandmother for advice on running her online store.

It wasn’t until Salver was 24 that she became involved with  the fashion and art scene. Before then, she had attended the University of Central Florida, where Salver did a ‘Semester at Sea,’ that whisked her around the globe to different countries such as: Thailand, Africa, Brazil, etc. exposing her to various cultures, rich in colors, styles, and tradition. The semester at sea ended, and Salver found herself back at home, bored, and in desperate need of creativity. She transferred to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and got a degree in Graphic Design. The same month Salver graduated, her lease of her apartment was up and she moved out west to Los Angeles. Salver’s depiction of Hollywood is that it was a “strange, but insanely creative place.”

It was in Los Angeles, where Salver became immersed in the fashion and art scene. After relentless networking and sending many emails to studios, Salver eventually landed a job working on several film sets in the art and wardrobe department. “I had no idea the title of set designer, wardrobe stylist, and prop master even existed. It was through meeting people in these fields, that I realized I had a calling for everything to do with styling.” This opportunity led Salver to style sets, people, photo shoots, and even go back to her roots of some graphic design for production as well.

“I had to work miracles with low budgets”.  Salver says of her job experience. But it was exactly the type of experience and crash course training needed to give Salver the proper confidence in her styling abilities. “It was then, I realized I had a knack for finding gems in thrift stores, antique markets, estate sales, etc.”

After a couple years in Los Angeles, Salver made her way back home to Fort Lauderdale where she launched her website.

“The name ‘Fox’ stems from the idea that foxes, by nature, are not pack animals. They’re opportunistic feeders which translates into what I want my clothes to represent an individuality and uniqueness for the women who wear them. For them to feel confident and ready to conquer the day.” Salver’s goals for the women who shop at her web site are simple: “ I want women who shop at

Myfoxhouse.com to feel as if they put on an article of clothing, and are ready to go out there and ‘get it.’”

With the success of Myfoxhouse.com, talks of expansion are natural. Salver already has future plans to eventually open up a local storefront along with putting together a launch/fashion show. She also plans to add her own personal touch of hand made designs of hair accessories on her site.

I highly recommend Myfoxhouse.com to any girl that even has the slightest interest in fashion. I wouldn’t steer you wrong on this, it’s a great find.

Designers: if you’re interested in contacting Tobi Salver, please do so at: info@myfoxhouse.com.

You could win this Jockey No Panty Line Promise Luxe set (in your size, of course!)

Jockey has spent the past few weeks surprising 250 lucky ladies at 13 spas in six cities across the country as part of their Random Acts of Luxe campaign. Winners were given free spa and salon treatments, free beauty products, and Jockey Luxe gift bags.

Now, Jockey wants to give one of our Blast readers a Jockey No Panty Line Promise Luxe gift set! 

Mo Moorman, director of public relations at Jockey International, said that the idea for the campaign came from a survey conducted by Jockey earlier this year. The survey found that 57 percent of American women have been struggling financially to purchase new apparel items, and that 40 percent of American women admit that the economy has made it more difficult for them to get their favorite beauty treatments.

“With so many women cutting back on life’s little luxuries, the survey also showed us that most would like to be surprised with a pampering gift,” said Moorman. “At Jockey, we understand that every woman deserves to be pampered but can’t always afford to do so.”

How to enter

Become a registered Blast user (it’s free!) and leave a comment below about how the economy has affected your beauty routine.

Comments must be posted by Nov. 18. A winner will be chosen on Nov. 19.

Tattoo artist Jamie Clinton gives 22-year-old Danielle Rondeau a tattoo of a blue bird on her ribcage at Stingray Body Art in Allston.

Danielle Rondeau, 22, a senior sociology major at Northeastern University, calmly lies on her side on top of a black, padded table. She sighs quietly, her body relaxed. “Ready?” asks her aunt Marie. Rondeau lifts up her black V-neck T-shirt, revealing her midriff and a small metal post through her bellybutton.

Rondeau remains still and collected, seemingly unaffected by the constant sound of needles buzzing in the narrow cubicles surrounding her. “Good to go,” she says. The small, silver tattoo gun meets her pale flesh, and the buzzing becomes louder. But Rondeau doesn’t flinch; she nonchalantly continues her conversation about her upcoming college graduation and post-graduation plans with tattoo artist Jamie Clinton of Stingray Body Art, in Allston.

“You’re doing great,” says Marie.

“It’s my fourth one, so I’d hope so,” says Rondeau, still ignoring the humming needle penetrating her ribcage. “I have one on my hip that’s a crest with a star and my mother’s initials. She passed away when I was 15, so that’s a tribute to her. Another one is a butterfly with a breast cancer ribbon as the body, and I got that because my mother loved butterflies. The third one says ‘Always the Optimistic’ in French, and that’s for me. It’s a constant reminder of where my head should be.”

The outline of a small blue bird is now complete on Rondeau’s side, anticipating the detailing of Clinton’s steady hand. “The blue bird is kind of a family tradition,” explains Rondeau over the harmonious sound of buzzing. “My grandmother gave all of her children blue bird figurines when they moved in with their boyfriends or husbands as a housewarming gift. It represents eternal love and happiness in relationships. And this tattoo is a reminder of permanent happiness.”

Today, Rondeau is not alone in getting permanent ink. “My 78-year-old grandma is getting one, too,” she says. “I’m also here with my three aunts, who are in their late 40s and early 50s, and my godmother, who’s in her 60s. We’re doing this together because it’s such an important part of our family. We’ve got our blue birds in our homes and now we have them on ourselves forever.”

***

For Rondeau and many of her contemporaries, tattoos, piercings and body modifications are standard, even a staple in one’s appearance. Their evolution from a deviant art form to a widely accepted part of pop culture  has progressed immensely within the past five years.

From A-list celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp to rap stars like Lil Wayne and 50 Cent, body art is anything but unusual, and for some, it’s a way of life. Television shows such as “Miami Ink” and “LA Ink,” and their respective characters like Kat Von D, as well as Internet celebrities like the inked-up indie icons the Suicide Girls, have made body modification their trademark look.

These public figures have provided most of the population with the notion that constant body alternations are not only normal, but necessary. Tattoos and piercings have moved so far into mainstream culture that their “taboo” appeal is lost, leaving the shock-loving society of America begging for more.

“As it becomes more popular and less annoying to normal people, it loses its power,” said Clinton Sanders, a sociology professor at the University of Connecticut. “The issue then becomes, ‘What new things do you find and how do you make this more extreme?’ It’s very clear that there are attempts to modify one’s body in ways that are more extreme than just tattoos. People have implanted bladders into their foreheads, added horns, had digits removed, split their tongues. It’s only progressing,” he said. Sanders is also the author of “Customizing the Body: The Art and Culture of Tattooing.”

According to a 2006 study conducted by Northwestern University that was published in the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,” nearly a quarter of men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 have tattoos, and nearly 15 percent have at least one body piercing.

Tattoos and other forms of body modification serve the purpose of recorded human expression, according to Shannon Larratt, creator and former editor and publisher of BMEzine.com, the oldest and largest body modification site on the Internet, and the companion of the online community site, IAM.BMEzine.com. Larratt is also the author of “ModCon: The Secret World of Extreme Body Modification” and “Opening Up: Body Modification Interviews.”

The earliest known tattoos were found on Otzi the Iceman, whose mummified body, which dates back to about 3300 B.C., was discovered in October of 1991 somewhere between Italy and Austria, according to Margo DeMello, author of “Bodies of Inscription,” and a sociology, cultural studies and anthropology professor at Central New Mexico Community College.

According to an article in “Smithsonian Magazine” by Cate Lineberry, the Iceman bore tattoos of dots and small crosses on his right knee, ankle joints and lower spine. The symbols “may have been applied to alleviate joint pain and were therefore essentially therapeutic.”

Tattoos were also a prevalent part of Egyptian culture in 2000 B.C., especially among women. “The Egyptians really helped spread tattooing throughout the world,” said DeMello. As the Egyptians expanded their empire, their ritual of body art spread, too. In Africa, however, the popular mode of body modification was scarification.

Though each culture had its own reason for body art, the connotation was generally negative, explained Sanders. For example, the Greeks used tattooing as a means of communication among spies. The markings were also used as an indication of ranking and skill. Similarly, the Romans used tattoos to mark and differentiate citizens, specifically criminals and slaves.

These, Sanders said, are significant reasons why tattooing had negative associations when it finally entered America in the late 1800s, early 1900s. “It’s an interesting time period, because people in the military would go overseas and return with tattoos, either of anchors or another symbol to represent their service. And because they were not upper class, tattooing became perceived as lower class,” he said.

The trend of tattooing came in waves, said DeMello. “The sailors brought it back from Polynesia first, so at that time it was really popular. And then like any trend, it died out only to be brought back again. But because the trend was never permanent, tattooing was never able to become a mainstream part of society,” she explained.

During this time period, tattoos also acted as a way to identify with a group or disaffiliate with another, said Sanders. “In all cultures, body modification of all forms is a way for people to say, ‘I am part of this group,’” he said. “It’s a way of saying, ‘I’m not with these people who are normal or conventional.’”

But as time progressed, tattoos and other types of body modification began to rise into the realm of “normal.” “At the same time that American tattoo artists were becoming popular, America was in the mist of the gay and lesbian movement and the women’s movement,” said DeMello. “Post 1960s, everyone was more introspective and trying to find themselves.”

Because self-discovery was a prominent part of society during the ’60s and ’70s, said DeMello, people felt it necessary to express their “personal narratives.” And what better way to do so than with permanent pictures and inscriptions?

“There are as many different kinds of tattoos as there are young people with their own stories,” said Paul Robertson, a Youth Culture Specialist for Youth Unlimited, a non-profit organization that helps connect adults and adolescents. Robertson has done extensive research and lectures on explaining tattoo culture to adults in a positive light.

Tattoo culture continued to expand yet still remained on the outskirts of pop culture throughout the ’80s, said Sanders. “I started studying it during the ’80s because it still wasn’t terribly popular and I was interested in it as a kind of rebellious art form.”

It wasn’t until the mid to late ’90s that tattooing finally departed from its “on the fringe” reputation and into a more accepted part of life. “In 1994, tattoos were definitely starting to become more popular,” said Larratt. “If you had them, you weren’t deemed ‘obscene’ anymore. In the past you’d never get a normal job if you had a tattoo on your neck, but by this time you weren’t being pushed out of society because of body art.”

Today, society seeks for the ultimate “something new” with a wow-factor that outweighs its predecessors. So what is the future for body art and modification?

“I have magnetic implants, very small magnets implanted in my fingertips,” said Larratt. “They vibrate in electromagnetic fields. I can feel power running through power cords; I can feel the frequency. I imagine it in my head as a separate sense. That’s why I did it, to give myself a sixth sense,” he said.

But how far will body modification will go before half of the population looks like a character from “Avatar”? Larratt doesn’t think that will happen any time soon.

“I feel like body modification is at a pretty stable point right now,” he added.

DeMello agrees. She explained a similar trend in the late 1800s, when it was fairly common to be tattooed, and then it started to die out again. Similarly, there was a piercing trend in the late 1600s, which, according to DeMello, is noticeable in paintings from that era. But like any trend, that eventually ended, too.

According to tattoo artist Jamie Clinton, 31, of Stingray Body Art, nothing is too extreme for modern culture. “I only do tattoos,” he said. “But just from working in a body art shop, I’ve seen people come in to get surface piercings, metal spikes in their heads, gauged ears, you name it.”

Chris Richards, a sophomore at Massachusetts College of Art, is more than familiar with these types of drastic modifications. His array of silver studded earrings on both ears compliment the two metal bars he has pierced through the skin directly above his hipbones. Parallel to his hip piercings are two life-size handgun tattoos, with the barrels pointed towards his inner thighs.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t about the look,” laughed Richards. “I like being different and I don’t mind if people think it’s strange. But I don’t usually get weird looks, and nobody gives me a hard time at work, so it’s a good balance of individuality while not looking like a freak in public. I think it’s just accepted.”

The workplace, as Richards mentioned, used to be a problematic place for young adults with visible tattoos and piercings, which were seen as inappropriate and unprofessional.

But Samantha Guertin, a sophomore economics major at Northeastern University, said that her body modification has yet to cause a problem at work, a financial analysis company. “I have four big tattoos and I have my tongue and bellybutton pierced, and someone has yet to say something negative to me about it,” she said. “My tattooed ‘sleeve’ takes up half of my upper arm, but nobody seems to care.”

Guertin recalled a time when an elderly co-worker commented on her tattoo of Holden and Phoebe Caulfield, characters in J.D. Salinger’s ” Catcher and the Rye.” “She said to me, ‘That’s beautiful.’ I was so surprised to hear that from somebody her age; I figured she thought I was some ‘bad ass’ kid, so it was really nice to hear that she actually liked it,” said Guertin.

“Generally speaking, because it’s a personal medium, a lot of people who get  tattoos are looking for someone to take an interest in them. One way for people to engage in a conversation, especially between adults and kids, is to ask for them to tell the story of their tattoo, and I think that’s the motivation to get tattoos where people can see them,” said Robertson.

But besides the personal yearning for attention, there are several other motivations to get body art.

“My ‘Catcher and the Rye’ tattoo is obviously about the book, but a lot of it is also about my family,” explained Guertin. “The flowers over here are for my mom, because they’re her favorite. The Jameson bottle is for my older brother, because that’s his favorite alcohol,” she laughed. “The neon signs are to represent New York City, which is part of the book, but inside the signs are my brothers initials. “And this,” she said, pointing to the small stars running underneath her arm, “is for my dad. It’s his favorite constellation.”

“I think for a lot of young people,” said Richards, “wanting to pay a tribute to their family or loved ones is a huge driving factor in getting a tattoo. It’s permanent, like family. It’s a constant reminder of those important people in your life.”

***

Back in Allston, Rondeau’s tattoo, a bright blue bird with a burnt orange underbelly, is finished. Clinton wipes away the excess ink with a paper towel. “Who’s next?” he asks the group of women surrounding Rondeau.

“That’s me,” says Rondeau’s grandmother. Rondeau rises from the table and allows her grandmother to sit down. Clinton starts up the gun and the sound of buzzing fills the room once again.

“You sure you’re alright with this?” Rondeau asks her grandmother. “Only for you,” she says.

“ooo” boutique wants you to do it with style — literally. The Los Angeles-based company has launched FDA-approved condoms with stylish, tongue-in-cheek packaging that will make you the most fashionable sexpot in town.

Three different types of condoms — ultra thins dubbed feel me, “pleasure-shaped” rubbers called rock me, and flavored condoms called savor me — are available in six varieties of packaging. Photographs of an elevator, a pile of hay, and other places to get it on are featured on the take me packaging; Kung Fu Sutra features naughty pen-and-ink art; work from up-and-coming artists is featured on art of lust; and the try me set will give you ideas when you’re bored with yawn-inducing missionary. Less exciting but equally as fashionable are the handy tryst boxes, which are complete with lusty words of longing, and the passion packs, which look like chic, romantic goody bags complete with silver ribbons.

Adam Glickman, president and CEO of Condomania, an “ooo” boutique partner, said that these condoms “underscore safer sex, while never taking an eye off the importance of having fun. They make a bold, stylish statement…and should be a part of every young person’s wardrobe.”

Retail prices for “ooo” boutique condoms range from $1.99 for singles to $24.95 for gift sets. For more information, visit www.oooboutique.com.

It’s Boston Fashion Week and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is extending the celebration throughout October with two relevant exhibits, a party on the first of the month, an appearance by Don Ed Hardy on October 6, and a robust list of fashion-related events.

Avedon and Scaasi Exhibits

“Avedon Fashion: 1944-2000″ has been, probably, the MFA’s most-publicized exhibit this past year. The theme might seem like a light one, but this is a collection with an enormous sense of place and time that makes it highly engaging. Many of Avedon’s photos are technically astounding as well, and that counts for a lot.

Arranged chronically, it’s a big exhibit, and the first comprehensive survey of Avedon’s fashion photography since 1978. “Avedon Fashion: 1944-2000″ got lots of attention when it opened back in August, but you have until Jan 17, 2011 to see it.

Across the hall, and even scattered up and down the MFA’s marble stairways, is the exhibit “Scaasi: American Couturier.” Like the Avedon exhibit, you don’t have to be into dresses and girly stuff to appreciate it. There’s some truly iconic 20th century clothing here and its presentation continues the MFA’s good track record when it comes to showcasing textile art.

The opulent clothes are, as the previously discussed Avedon photos, obviously the work of a technical master. With outfits worn by Arlene Francis, Natalie Wood, Barbra Streisand and other stars of yesteryear (sorry still-alive Streisand), the Scaasi exhibit has a fun Planet Hollywood element too. Newly opened as a tie-in with Boston Fashion Week, “Scaasi: American Couturier” runs until January 19.

Special Events

A willingness to punctuate the traditional exhibit calender with light-hearted events has breathed new life into American museums this past decade, and the MFA hasn’t fallen behind.

By now well-experienced at throwing successful and always-classy parties, the MFA is calling October 1 “Fashion First Friday” and, starting at 5:30 p.m., they’ll be models from Saks Fifth Avenue, mini-makeovers, and more in-theme fun to accompany cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music.

Don Ed Hardy, whose eponymous clothing line is inspired by tattoo art and graffiti, will be among those participating in “Under the Skin: Tattoos in Japanese Prints” on October 6 at 7 p.m. Among other things, the panel will talk about differences between traditional Japanese tattoos and contemporary American versions. With scholarly events like this, and the appearance of Mexican tattoo artist Dr. Lakra at Institute of Contemporary Art last April, it’s easy to forget that it only a few years ago it was a crime to get a tattoo in Massachusetts.

Jay Calderin, founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week, will be appearing at the MFA on October 26 and 28 to talk about fashion trends. The museum is even offering a five-week course, “The Look: Fashion, Photography, and Film,” which explores fashion from the 1950s to today.

Gallery talks, film showings and the list of fashion-related activities the MFA has planned for October goes on and is worth checking out. Likewise, the list of times when one can get into the MFA for free is long and seems to be ever-expanding, so check that out as well (mfa.org).

Like sweet confectionery desserts, Splash Couture — by designer Kelly Dempsey — is a creative, retro line brimming with spunk and girly charm. And just in time for spring, Dempsey unveils her new collection, a must-have to wear to celebrate the bright sunshine and warm weather.

Just as her collection is unique, so is Dempsey’s career as a designer. Raised in Boston, at the age of 9 she started sewing and re-styling thrift-store clothes.

“I got teased when I was young about wearing second hand clothes,” the designer admitted. “That gave me the push to take matters into my own hands. Sewing became therapy for me.”

From there, Dempsey continued sewing and making her own patterns, yet she never went to fashion school.

“This is what makes me different from most of the other designers,” Dempsey said. “I was never formally trained. I am completely self taught and have a good eye for fashion.” The pieces are each made free-hand, without the use of patterns.

This free-styling is what gives Kelly its distinctive fun and wild feel. The bright colors, reminiscent of the ’80s bright neons, are sugary and delectable like cupcake icing. She mixes vintage with cocktail dresses, tea-party with glamor.

“I am a very outgoing bold person, and I believe what you wear directly represents that,” she said, explaining where the inspiration for her clothes comes from. Her line tempts recklessness and fun, excites possibilities with its eccentric cuts and blends of colors and fabrics. They declare boldly, “don’t be afraid to take risks; usually the outcome is not what you expect!”

Last February, the designer had the opportunity to show her collection at a show during NYC Fashion Week. Out of hundreds of applications, she was chosen as one of seven up-and-coming designers.

Dempsey remembered, “When I walked in fitting and a rehearsal for my first time with my dresses wrapped in a plastic bag, I got looks from all the designers like, ‘What is she doing here?’” Of the other designers showing, three were from Parsons, one from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

“I was completely out of my element.”

But when other designers with similar backgrounds may have felt the task daunting and overwhelming, Dempsey with her care-free spirit, fearlessly took on the challenge.

“There was no turning back and I can’t wait to do it again!”

After the show, the designer admits that the other designers were asking questions about her styling and technique. They couldn’t believe she had done everything start to finish and free-handed.

Dempsey’s designs have been featured on the cover for Modeling the Right Way, a DVD that Elle Girl magazine put out with Ikon Models, an agency in NYC. Currently, a potential photo spread with Elle Girl is in the works for the future.

At the moment, though, Dempsey has been featured in magazines like Merrimack Valley Magazine, Dirty Water News, and perhaps a spread with Stuff at Night.

In Boston, she has had shows during Boston Fashion Week, at clubs like Mantra, Pearl, District, Rumor, Glam Slam at the Estate, and the Underbar. She has also done two charity fashion shows for Dana Farber.

Outside of Boston, she has shown her looks on the runways of New York Fashion Week (2009), Brooklyn Fashion Festival Slam, Nikki Beach in Manhattan, and a show during Providence Fashion Week.

The collection features, besides the rainbow spectrum of colors, a lot of sweater, tulle and silk material. The new line is best described as innovative and re-creating and hashing the old into the new.

“I love mixing different patterns to make my own. I love hearing people say, ‘Wow, I would never try this, but it works!’” she said.

The collection requires one to take a second look to see what it’s made of. For Dempsey, her pieces are all about pushing the envelope and seeing how far, how imaginative she can go.

“I would love to have a celebrity clientele someday. My dresses are very young and fresh, and I would love to see them worn on young Hollywood,” she said. “The dresses are like scenes a Technicolor movie, the pieces advertise a confidence only a girl with that certain cool could possess. She flirts, she parties, she dances all night and into the dawn, yawns, and parties some more.”

Because fashion should be both fun and wearable. Kelly accomplishes style and function by using sweater, tulle, and very comfortable material like Lycra and silks. And it’s the tulle (“Tulle, tulle and more tulle!”) that gives the pieces their delightful pluckiness and sweet allure. “It’s so fun and you can make it look like anything.”

Dempsey concludes with some final thoughts about her collection and its future: “I submerged myself in anything I can do to always be progressing. I want to be in the fashion industry for a long time.”

CHESTNUT HILL — Nirva Derbekyan entered Stil Inc. Boutique at the Mall at Chestnut Hill wearing a white-gray Russian fur hat on her head, burden down with layers and her collection tucked away in dry-cleaning bags. She doffs the cap, smiles sweetly and genuinely as she unveils her Spring 2010 collection.

Nirva previewed the collection at Mizu Salon at the Prudential Center. The immaculate white walls, the white chairs and salon stations, gave the illusion of length to the narrow corridor which acted as the runway. Against this, the peacock blues bloomed, peached pinks blushed, and grays warmed. Each piece in her collection, as Nirva explained, are cohesively connected to one another by common themes or details, and yet, each are unique, each stand alone. The setting of Mizu Salon emphasized this distinctness from each piece as each claimed focus as they came down the runway.

Born in Armenia, Nirva lived for a time in Canada before coming to Boston. She attended Massachusetts College of Art before attending a few classes at the University of the Arts in London. She became interested in fashion at the young age of 10 from the encouragement of an art teacher. She also became involved by reading Archie comic books, regularly submitting her sketches in their contests for fashion.

Nirva described her spring collection as "feminine, with a little edge." This collection was inspired by a trip she took last spring to her home country, Armenia.

"Different aspects of the country were inspiring, from street sculpture n the city, the snow covered mountains in the country, the bright blue skies, to the orange hued carved stones on the monasteries. The joy I felt and the sadness of the history of my culture had a part in the inspiration as well."

One can sense the allusions to Armenia: from the rich hues of blue that remind of a beachy sky over the Black Sea, oranges and whites, or even the gold. Much of the line features knotting, draping and embroidery, which Nirva reflected, reminded her of the crocheting that her grandmother did.

The 24-piece line includes dresses: short and long, as well as a few tunics, like the silk white or red pieces that could be cinched in with a belt, worn over leggings or jeans for a more casual light-hearted look. With every Nirva collection, color is essential to threading the pieces together. "Color sets the mood," says the designer, "and makes a collection cohesive."

Although each piece is singular and pronounced from one another by the intensity of color, each retains a likeness which binds the collection strongly together. The designs by Nirva integrate the use of drapery, hand-beading, and a certain subtle degree of couture. The designer is more attracted to blending together hues and shades of a color, rather than matching. Such is the case with a short sea-blue dress with light green and lavender patterns. To contrast the richness of the blue, Nirva mix-ed in a dull gray piece which wraps around the waist, artfully blossoming in the center with gold dazzling gems.

"This collection is vibrant and romantic, mostly with interesting belts," Nirva described, "A confident woman who wants a unique quality designed item would wear these pieces to galas, cocktail parties, house parties or even work…I hope my designs make her feel elegant and magical, exuding happiness!"

While the designer prefers an overall clean, perfected look, some pieces, she felt however, worked better looking a little rough. On the short sea-blue dress, the hem of the gray was left unfinished, adding to the texture of its draping affect. Another dress, a gold silk mini, also came across "a little dirty" as Nirva said, and unstructured. The gold silk overlays atop another piece of material to give a shifting illusion and "dirtying" affect. The dress was hand-draped ("which was so fun to do), and streams down the dress like a river Nirva saw on her trip in Armenia. The piece very much embodies both elegance and freedom, as glittering white beads cluster off-center and fade out across the dress like stars.

The line will appear in the Fashionably Late series at the Liberty Hotel on March 11.

Designs by Nirva are tailored for women ages 20, 30, "even 50," Nirva suggested. They are touched by high-end details, yet are refined and casual. The pieces concentrate on individual styles, individual tastes, so that one wearing a Nirva dress would certainly know they are wearing a one-of-a-kind and very special dress. She even offers services to have one her designs custom-made to the fit the wearer’s body, and some designs may be ordered in different colors.

Currently, Designs by Nirva are available at Stil Inc. Boutique at the Chestnut Hill Mall, Matsu on Newbury St. and from Nirva’s own studio in Lexington.

Start this fall season off with burst of fashion while also showing your green side towards helping the environment with Xoopi’s, RPET and Yorki reusable style bags. These bags are designed for pretty much any occasion and feature an urban art twist made from used plastic bottles.

Choose from one of two art enriched style bags — The RPET bag, which features a flat fold design, strong versatility, interior pocket, side mounted water bottle holder and has the ability to stand when filled. Or consider the more compact Yorkii style bag, featuring everything mentioned above, along with a much more compact design that folds down into about the size of a guys wallet and can easily be stowed away in a pocket, purse, glove box or elsewhere.

Xoopi’s collection of reusable bags range in price from $17.99-$19.99 and are sure to fit pretty much anyone’s budget, especially those of environmental enthusiasts. Browse though many of the designs and pick up your own at xoopii.com.

Fashionistas rejoice: Boston Fashion Week is almost here! The Emerging Trends 2010 event, hosted by The SYNERGY Events, will feature a runway show, a cocktail reception, and the chance to browse and buy from high-end vendors.

"Emerging Trends is not only an incredible opportunity for designers to showcase their work to a community known for its innovation and creativity,” said Reaz Hoque, CEO of The SYNERGY Events, “but also for Boston fashion enthusiasts to gain firsthand exposure to fashion from around the world.”

This year’s designers hail from all over, from the Virgin Islands to Florida to, of course, Boston. And if you thought the fashion will be enough eye candy, think again! The event’s host is beauty queen Lacey Wilson, Miss Massachusetts 2010.

Blast is sponsoring this event! Don’t miss it!

Details

What: Boston Fashion Week, The Emerging Trends 2010
Where: The Castle by the Boston Park Plaza Hotel
When: Sept. 25, 2010, 8:00 p.m. to midnight

Can’t make it to the fashion show? Don’t worry; you can still get a taste of the luxury at the Emerging Trends celebration party, to be held on October 2 at 10:30 p.m. at the Terrace Room at the Park Plaza Hotel.

For more information and for tickets, visit theemergingtrends.com.

Ladies, put on your walking shoes and leave your men at home; it’s time to party Shecky’s style.

Girl’s Night Out came and left Boston, leaving a trail of happy, shopped out women along the way.

“It’s a great excuse to go out on a Wednesday night, shop, and hang out with girlfriends,” exclaimed shopper Heather Cloran, gesturing to her other girlfriends. “The drinks are good and the food is great!”

The Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out has been founded by a young entrepreneur named Claudia Chan. She’s been keeping Girl’s Night Out going for the past eight years. She went to all-girl schools her entire life, including Smith College. She is considered the ultimate girlfriend.

“Being culturally surrounded by diverse women my whole life has allowed me to understand the unique strengths, needs and challenges of the women in my own life and inspired me to dedicate a career toward empowering and entertaining women,” said Chan.

And with that title she has designed this event to be for girls to inspire the ultimate girlfriend experience with shopping deals and free products from big sponsors. Shecky’s is known for organizing the largest girlfriend targeted events in the entire country, involving what Claudia likes to call “350,000+ highly engaged and targeted 21-39 year old fashionable, female consumers.” These are consumer that big and small sponsors alike want to reach. Sponsors for Shecky’s include: Lean Cuisine, Veet, Bath and Body Works, EMD Serono Fertility Lifelines, and several others.

EMD Serono, the only non-frivolous booth at the event, probably had the most valuable information to offer women of all ages regarding infertility. There were pamphlets of info, and they even quizzed women on their knowledge of infertility which I completely failed.

“There is a strong lack of awareness surrounding infertility and women here at Shecky’s are very responsive,” said Executive Vice President David Stern. “And being in this type of environment makes this topic less of a stigma.”

And while women were becoming more informed, they enjoyed fruity cocktails, dishes from Lean Cuisine, and girlfriends Katherine Street and Tammy Lambert really enjoyed the free cupcakes.

“This was way better than we expected,” said Lambert. “It’s lower key and there aren’t many big name vendors, so it’s unique.”

Some ladies were even reunited with long lost girlfriends from their childhood.

“We came for the drinks and the goodies, but we also came to see old girlfriends and network and socialize,” laughed girlfriend Kim Ross. “And we got to get away from the kids and the husbands.

The ad for this event said suggested the men be left home, but there were a few working gentlemen who really had some fun in an all-girl atmosphere.

“It’s awkward with a bunch of women,” said photographer John Tomadakis, “but I love it. It’s magnificent fun and it’s totally nonthreatening here. We even get a couple looks and smiles.”

Take it from me, the girl looking for ultimate experiences: Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out should definitely be on your list of things to do in your lifetime. And don’t worry, if you missed this event in Boston, there are plenty more happening every month all over the country. Just check out http://www.sheckys.com/events/ to learn about when and where the next Girl’s Night Out is. There are never enough opportunities for you to be pampered and to purchase one-of-a-kind clothing right from the designer. Have a great girl’s night out.

See below for our interview with Claudia Chan.

BLAST: How did you get into the business of girly things?

CLAUDIA CHAN: I went to an all girls’ high school in Manhattan, followed by Smith, an all women’s college, and grew up in a family where women simply dominated. Being culturally surrounded by diverse women my whole life has allowed me to understand the unique strengths, needs and challenges of the women in my own life and inspired me to dedicate a career toward empowering and entertaining women.

BLAST: What did you study as an undergrad?

CC: I majored in Government and minored in International Relations (the 5-college certificate that allowed me to experience many good classes at UMass & Amherst)

BLAST: What did it take to begin this business?

CC: Every entrepreneur has their own unique start-up situation. In my case, I had no start-up capital. Looking back on my own experiences, I honed in on a few key elements to get my business a float — relentless passion and drive, prioritizing your energy towards making your product or service great, and the sales and marketing necessary to get it to the next level, then the next level and the next level, looking forward more than looking back, and remembering to take care of yourself while building the foundation of the business.

BLAST: What makes you the perfect girlfriend?

CC: Women are emotional and extraordinary. It’s amazing how much we can accomplish and multi-task, yet also sometimes get held back and stuck. I think being a great girlfriend means always being there to provide your friend with confidence, inspiration and empowerment to live the best life they can. The most worthwhile friends are those that return the favor.

BLAST: Have you ever considered marketing to gay or metro men?

CC: No. Women influence over 85 percent of all purchasing decisions. We know women, it’s our strength. If anything, we’re continuing to expand our national female reach with the new Shecky’s brand launch as the leading girlfriend community and lifestyle company.

BLAST: How did you organize this Girl’s Night out event?

CC: After 9/11, my partner Chris Hoffman published a Girl’s Guide to NY Nightlife to raise the city’s spirits. A big Girls Night Out party is what we felt the book and New York City needed. The 1st Girls Night Out event & book launch immediately took off and the Girls Night Out series thus began, spreading to more markets as its popularity with consumers and brands continued to grow. Nine years later, Girls Night Out is still the largest consumer shopping event in the nation.

BLAST: How often does it occur? Where do you host it?

CC: Shecky’s hosts up to 80 days of girlfriend-fun events across America in up to 20 cities, depending on the market interest from our national brand partners. Girls Night Out is our signature event series, but we host other events like Beauty Night Out, Holiday Night Out and a new food & wine event called Toasts & Tastings.

BLAST: How do you know the vendors you have featured? How did you convince them to join you?

CC: Shecky’s has been around for many years and we offer the largest girlfriend experience events in America, reaching 350,000+ highly engaged and targeted 21-39 year old fashionable, female consumers. We are considered to be a very unique marketing and sales opportunity for small businesses (designers, artisans, local boutiques, etc.) and big Fortune 500 brands who want to reach and speak to women consumers. With the recent launch of the new Sheckys.com, we are hoping to grow to an audience of millions over the next few years.

BLAST: What would you tell other young women trying to start out in this world?

CC: Stay tuned for that answer. I’ve got a book with pages of advice that I’ve been brewing for a while.

Boston fashion designer David Chum sat back in his chair outside the coffee shop, over-sized turquoise headphones on his head. He had an air of aloof coolness and composition which is reflected in his designs.

Chum did not go to school for fashion. Rather, he originally went to the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University in 2003 for painting. Only two years ago did Chum — a self-taught designer — start his line Selah D’or.

"I was like, screw it. I bought some textbooks. I figured if I can teach myself to draft my own patterns, then I’m going to do it. Because I didn’t want to go out and buy other people’s patterns. I figured, if you were going to do it, learn it. Learn it so you can really manipulate the medium. So…here we are."

The artist, however, always had an interest in fashion. As a child, he would always draw great and elaborate ballgowns, "very Disney inspired." In middle school, he took a home economics class which was his first and only exposure to sewing and construction. Later in high school, while he was part of the theater company, the director saw Chum’s knack for costume design.

"He was just like, ‘You’re designing costumes, you’re going to do it.’ So I did. And I did very well."

By the time college came around, Chum was divided about whether to go to school for fashion design, or to pursue painting.

"By the time I realized I wanted to go into fashion, it was already too late. I had already been accepted to all these art schools. I had all these scholarships. I was like, ‘Whatever, I’ll put it off.’"

So Chum did. In the art world, he did brilliantly, showing in Italy, showing in New York, showing in L.A. and around the Boston area. Even in his works, there was a draw to fashion, or it was very much inspired by.

"For my final piece exhibit, I did this huge painting installation where I made a costume, dressing a woman, painting her in it…"

The human figure had always been a muse for Chum and in his works; he would incorporate fashion design "in every way possible…I’ve always worked with the figure. First in my artwork, now with my design is. The thing I love about fashion is that it’s not complete until the garment is on a body and it reacts to gravity. Then the person steps out into the world, and it relates to the environment. I love that."

His transition into fashion design has been "a headache. But I’m learning," he adds with a small smile. His reception by the public has been warm and inviting. His work is featured online with Not Just a Label, a website that features a lot of independent and up-and-coming designers. He was featured in this magazine in later 2009, and did a show during Providence’s Fashion Week. His work is also sold at Calico in New Bedford (173 Union Street) and Suneri on Newbury Street.

"It’s been two years, and it’s been this really steady uphill climb. It’s been very positive," Chum said of his work and with regards to his inexperience as a designer. "It’s been very good. And it’s something that I’m not used to…I feel like I’ve always had to fight for things."

Perhaps the absence of difficulty in Chum’s new career suggests that it was something meant to be. "It’s been very easy—besides all the work I’ve had to do—and the reception has been very easy."

Chum paused. "Which I’m grateful for."

As he begins to develop and refine his styles and designs, he hopes that people will start to notice the character of each collection contributes something different to each season, yet, carries a distinctiveness signature to Selah D’or.

"There’s a line there. But my work…it’s very much like when I was painting: everything exists kind of like this gray area—between a hard and a soft place—these two extremes, and I think I will always do it."

The designer went on to add: I always get told I sit in this place between retro and vintage and futuristic, and they [people] don’t get how I do it."

He lists favorite designers to Christopher Kane, Louise Goldin, Alber Ebaz for Lanvin, Azzedrine Alaia, Prada, and Alexander McQueen ("Obviously.").

The designer referenced books and literature which has inspired him. Authors like Haruki Murakami, Jose Saramago, Miranda July, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and J.R.R. Tolkien (from which the name of his line, Selah D’or originates from. It is a play on the phrase "cellar door," that Tolkien once said to have an especially beautiful sound).

"If you read the right book and they have the right character in it—like Tolstoy or Dostoevsky—where they describe the dresses forever," is particularly stirring for the designer’s imagination.

But much of Chum’s inspiration is drawn from films.

"Films! Films are a big one," Chum admits. "My first collection was all Marilyn Monroe-inspired from her movies. I’ve always been obsessed with her, especially her more serious roles that no one knows about. I love the costuming."

His first collection for Fall/Winter 2009 was very "feminine and classic." The pieces emphasized timelessness "for women of all ages who seek pieces that…will turn heads."

The structure and the silhouette appear very fifties inspired, which Chum—when asked which time period in fashion he loves the most—confessed, "I don’t want to say the fifties, because everyone loves the fifties. But I love the fifties. I also love the sixties, the twenties—all those periods because it was so ladylike. Women were so demure, so put together—constantly. I mean, the little jewelry, the hat, everything. It was so refreshing!"

He went on to add, "And you don’t see that anymore…And now, when they [women] go out, they have this beautiful dress on, then they throw on this wool coat! It’s like, ‘Couldn’t you have bought a coat to go with the dress?’ It’s like, c’mon, do it up!"

For his new collection, Chum is heading in a new direction and new territory with design and construction. The Fall/Winter 2010 collection incorporates a lot of silks, sheers, organza materials, and charmeuse fabrics. He is also using gold hardware, such as chains and punk studs on top of the sheer fabrics so that "it looks like the jewelry is hanging on the skin."

While Audrey Hepburn would have us "Think pink," like in the movie Funny Face, Chum would rather think black for his up-coming collection.

"It started off with the color black because I avoid black. I always avoid it. It’s hard to see the details, and I think it’s so clich©. Chanel was the first one to use it, and now it’s like this fashion chic clich© now. I never wanted an all black collection, but I was like, ‘Oh, well, you know what: I want to challenge myself.’"

He also cites the resurgence of the goth scene as something which intrigued and fascinated him. "It’s gone from counter-culture to pop culture," he said. "I kind of wanted to take something that reflected that, but wasn’t gothic, per se."

The movie Dazed and Confused, oddly enough, also began to be integrated into his ideas for the new collection.

"So I started sketching and started looking at things…pulling images from the seventies and different movies, [looking at how] the draping of the dresses looked like nightgowns."

And then, "Parker Posey…Dazed and Confused. It’s such, like a classic seventies—not over-glamorized, but such great silhouettes. It’s taking stuff like that and transforming it into a more lux fabric."

The color scheme was also something he admired. "The seventies," Chum noted, "Was very feminine. But the seventies are hard. I know when I decided to do some seventies stuff, people were like, ‘What? Are you crazy?’ I was like, but I want to do it: maybe some flared pants, the dresses, the blouses I liked."

The designer smiles, "But they used too many patterns! I felt like if you looked at the sheets, they are very structured but then you look and they have these crazy patterns; it destroyed the sculpture that was happening. It was like overload. Drug overload."

Furthermore, the designer looked to the "destructive side of nature" for the lines and figure. Tornadoes, hurricane formations, clouds, manna trees ("how they are just eating temples"), and lines from spider webs—all motivated the new collection’s mood and construction.

Part of the collection making process that Chum loves the most is the look books. "I love doing the look books—that’s where it’ at for me. I think because of my painting background…these narratives…"

But the designer always likes to infuse "some humor in the look books or the videos because I feel that so much fashion is so serious. It’s like these bored girls walking down the runway. Which I like, but it is like, ‘Really, does it have to be so damn serious all the time? Lighten up a little!’"

He will be preparing for the Fall/Winter 2010 look-book in June, drawing motifs from the 1956 film The Red Balloon.

From there, the prospects for Selah D’or look great and promising. Chum is considering Project Runway ("I want to and I don’t…") as well as collaborating with Style Boston TV.

Already completed with his Spring/Summer collection, his thoughts are already compelled towards next year’s season.

"I’m thinking I might go more casual…"

Chum paused, and then added as he thought about the possible collection, "It’s funny, because you start out with all these ideas, and then you look at your sketches and they’re always between your last collection and your new one, and then gradually, they move into a new one on their own."

It’s a progression most artists make as they transition through their career.

"I think the thing that most people forget about fashion is that all the designers are artists. It’s just art that turns into a business, too, and the great thing about it, too, is that it is art that people can wear. I mean," the designer said, pointing out McQueen, "if you look at the great artists, there’s no question…of all the skill and vision."

Chum considered how the fashion industry takes a beating for its vain-er aspects with regards to the average person’s ideals.

But then he acknowledged, again, that fashion was art, "Fashion is fantasy, for a designer."

Johnny Cupcakes announced fresh baked treats for the summer this week. The t-shirt guru will be making new styles available online and in his three stores every five weeks over the summer.

The first batch looked awful delicious with his typical cupcake and crossbones design in plaid with a white t-shirt and white on a purple t-shirt. He also made a Boston-centric design with a crab wearing a hat with the cupcake and crossbone insignia. But my personal favorite of the new batch was the t-shirt with a shark wearing a red napkin. The cupcake and crossbones on the back of that t-shirt had a bite taken out of them.

Johnny Cupcake t-shirts sell for $40-$70 a piece and hardly spend much time on the cooling racks at the stores or online. Many are made in limited editions, making these delicious finds something you might have to wake up early to enjoy.

The itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikini is keeping its place in backs of closets and bottoms of drawers this summer season as the 1950s Hollywood glamor becomes the style investment. The full-coverage, high-waisted, "sturdier" bathing suit is a must have as this year’s top beach look. It democratizes beauty, looking chic and flirty on any body type or any woman.

The flattering fifties silhouette encompasses high-waisted bottoms, skirted-briefs or halter neck types, or as one-pieces, which are great to accentuate the length of legs. Body types that are heavy about the waist and thighs should go with simpler styles, rather than giddy frills or lace, while those who are shorter should co with high-leg cut styles.

This season, designs are mad for fifties inspired designs, such as classical polka-dots or gingham prints in reds, blacks or whites. Ruffles, frills and fringes in subtle touches are coquettish and add to the feminine hour-glass form the bathing suits emphasize.

But the style is wide-ranging: from simply cut and demure, to single block bold colors, or delicate prints. The Marilyn Monroe look is catching eyes and starting trends because gone are the days when women felt the need to look sexy in something skimpy. Women today are sexy; and they are savvy, too. They are jet-setting, company-owning, ambitious and fearless. Why attract with skin, when smarts are just as alluring? The figure of the fifties-style bathing suit is a stunning and powerful statement, while the prints, the details, the embellishments (and of course, a smile), add only charm.

The retro look may be a throw-back to your mother or grandmother’s beach bunny days, but this season’s twists and turns on the style have it completely updated for the modern-day Gidget. All she needs is a set of pearls around her neck and a bottle of sunscreen.

Students in fashion design schools around the Boston area are already ahead of everyone else in catching onto this trend. From MassArt, come three graduating seniors: Janet Khuu, Alex Palmisanoa, and Rain Delisle.

Janet Khuu

Janet Khuu describes the fifties-style bathing suits as "cute, fun, form-fitting." She constructed the bathing suit over a series of days, taking inspirations from Lolita. The red and lime-green apple-print dress is a lower-cut leg one-piece, with frills at the bottom, a large bow tied across the front. She was attracted to the close-fitting and full-coverage style because of her own personal philosophy of mixing and matching.

Currently at MassArt, the future for Khuu is unclear, "but I don want to sell my designs and someday own my own boutique," she said. Her muses include anime, Asian and British-punk fashions from designers like Anne Sui, h.Naoto, Vivienee Westwood, and Rei Kawakubo (who she would someday like to work with).

In her own designs, Khuu utilizes a lot of cottons, wools, and lace, again, mixing and matching and just having "fun with it."

Her answer to how she finds the fashion industry? "Busy, but not as bad as people make it to be."

Alex Palmisanoa

Alex Palmisanoa tends to like the more retro-looking. Her favorite models include celebrities like Gwen Stefani or Marilyn Monroe types who have the classic blonde bombshell beauty. So the Hollywood glamour look which is hitting the beaches this summer was a perfect match for this designer’s style.

"The shapes and colors are really cute and just a lot of fun," Palmisanoa described the current trend. "It can be a flattering look for a lot of women, as a lot of us are on the curvy side. I also think that women like to bring a little fantasy into their lives."

The bathing suit is a red and black one-piece with leopard print accents (a print which is popular this season, especially over in Europe). "I thought the colors and the leopard pattern would be great for a more vixen-looking pin up," the designer said.

The bathing suit took two to three weeks of construction. Lining up the color-blocking became a challenge for Palmisanoa because "the smallest mistake could really interfere with its symmetry." The bust area also took the most construction as Palmisanoa tried to place where the bra cups would lie and how to shape the neckline correctly.

In her usual fashion designs, Palmisanoa is attracted to denim and wools because of their versatility, drawing much of her inspiration from fine art and historical costumes. She has interned in several Boston-area costume shops, including the Boston Ballet, CostumeWorks, Inc., Plimoth Plantation, as well as working as an assistant for the production of Voyeurs de Venus at the BCA, TJX, and Elie Tahari in New York.

Rain Delisle

"It’s titled When I was your age…" designer Rain Delisle said, describing her 50s-inspired bathing suit, "Because I want it to feel like a memory from the past by a woman who still lives today, but is made for a modern woman."

The wine and gold lycra suit has a detachable skirt "which makes it feel a little more modern," and is worn with a hand-dyed, vintage lace cover-up.

The piece took a week of construction: from original design to fabric shopping to finished product. It was inspired by fifties nostalgia, but also of the retrospective of women then and where they are now. The pin-up style initially got Delisle interested in fashion when she was younger. "The pin-up woman is fearless and totally comfortable with herself. She expresses herself through fashion," the designer said, "and isn’t that the kind of woman any designer would want to dress?"

The style is coming back, because in Delisle’s opinion, it has a sense of playfulness and humor that has been lacking in the fashion industry lately. The retro-style bathing suit uses a variety of rusching, paneling, and longer lines with lower-cut legs to be universally flattering. It’s an easy adoptable look to fit as a key in any wardrobe.

In her own fashions, Delisle is attracted to voluminous shapes, curved lines, asymmetrical closures, pattern-mixing, and brass hardware. She’s attracted to fabrics like thin wale corduroy and playing with the directions of stripes, plaids and cotton velveteen. Denims and twills make for heavier-weight fabrics, but Delisle also likes to use leather if it is recycled from another garment.

She draws from muses like photographs of bands and women from the sixties and seventies. "Everyone had such a definite sense of personal style then," the designer noted, especially in menswear.

Reconstruction and recycling is also motivates the designer, who likes to take new twists on vintage-inspired ideas. "I like to take something old and irrelevant and change it to make it new and relevant again. I think that’s an important factor in design today."

Fashion and music are huge to Delisle, who loves designers like Postlapsaria, Stormcloud brings Rainbows and I’m Your Present (who do handmade and recycled/upcylced pieces), Walter Van Beirendonk, Christian Joy and musicians from the Gorillaz to Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head to the Velvet Underground.

She had interned with Christian Joy last summer in Brooklyn, making stage costumes for Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. "Seeing Karen performing on stage wearing what you worked on and saw in the process of being designed and handmade was the most indescribable and rewarding experience." The intern is what led her to be interested in independent fashion and one-of-the-kind, handmade clothing. She wants to combine her first two loves: music and fashion, together, dressing musicians and performers.

Sammi Yang

For Lasell College fashion designer, Sammi Yang, the fifties-cut bathing exudes elegance and class. As she mentioned, "delicate details are particularly what attracts when I’m designing." She typically uses chiffon and cotton fabric, fragile laces and beads, and classic, cute buttons.

Yang did not always think she would be a designer, although she always dreamed of doing something in the fashion industry. "I didn’t realize that I like designing and creating fashion until I set foot in Lasell."

Yang is originally from China and may go back when she graduates in four years. "Shanghai is said to be the most fashionable city in China. Most fashion brands are scoped out there."

To create the fifties-styled swimsuit, she created the pattern baised on the Maillot sloper. She spent only two days making the tailored black and white suit with gold button detail "because my schedule is really tight!"

She channeled inspiration from Vera Wang and the classic little black dress, as well as the fifties idea of detachable straps. "I think the fifties pin-up style is very sexy and classic style in my eyes." She envisioned, "the pin-up vintage girl in some caf© in a 1950′s movie," much in tune with icons like Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face or Jean-Luc Godard.

In Yang’s opinion, the bathing suit shape accentuates the body to show their curves in a more flattering light. More and more designers chose this style, Yang points out, because it fits the more natural and normal shapely body instead of an idealistically skinny one.

"Fashion is attitude and class," Yang said, "so I think the style will come back."

Do you aspire for your own fashion line or for your designs to become more than just a drawing on a piece of paper? If you’ve spent all of your time and money trying to create and promote your clothing line, but have been unsuccessful, this may be the answer you’re looking for.

In 2008, CEO and Founder Sam Sisakhti, created UsTrendy.

"I want to help indie designers break through the barriers in the industry and pursue their dreams. There are so many talented designers and artists in the world who do not have a platform to be discovered," said Sisakhti. "I want consumers to play a part in the discovery process. Democracy was something that I’ve always wanted to introduce into any business I created … The people’s voice should determine things rather than the voice of a select few."

The Boston-based company has just moved back to Boston and is ready to "get involved heavily in Boston’s fashion scene as well as help local designers," said Sisakhti.

So what exactly is UsTrendy?

USTrendy allows fashion designers to have their designs produced and promoted. Designers will obtain funding and gain other assistance to launch and grow their clothing lines. It also allows consumers to decide which trends and styles should be produced for the masses to wear instead of leaving that decision up to the fashion industry.

"I thought that it was vital to allow people the opportunity to have a say because, at the end of the day, we are the ones who spend so much of our time and money on the products", said Sisakhti.

Designers create a profile where they will upload their designs; think virtual shop. Users vote on the designs they like best and would like to see produced. The top rated designs will be produced and promoted by UsTrendy.

"In two years, UsTrendy has grown to become one of the largest fashion design websites on the web with almost half a million designs uploaded. We have provided independent fashion designers with thousands of dollars of funding towards the production of their clothing lines, and provided designers with their own runway shows in major fashion weeks such as London Fashion week where they were able to capture main stream exposure," said Sisakhti.

USTrendy will be sending another designer to London Fashion Week for Fall 2010; that designer could be you.

For more information check out www.ustrendy.com or shop at www.store.ustrendy.com

A few months ago, top-fashion model Rie Rasmussen came out against fashion photographer Terry Richardson, alleging Richardson abused his position to exploit the women he shoots. Rasmussen’s claims have caused a slew of anti-Terry Richardson stories, by both professional and non-professional models.

Richardson’s photos have been published in outlets including Purple Magazine, Vogue, GQ and Harper’s Bazaar; among his subjects are Kate Moss, Leonardo DiCaprio, Karl Lagerfeld and President Obama. Several figures in the fashion industry have rushed to defend him against Rasmussen’s allegations.

One is Marc Jacobs. In the Wall Street Journal, Jacob  said, "I’ve worked with Terry and Terry has asked me to do some crazy things. I know that those pictures will exist if I do them. But I’m a big boy and I can say no." He went on to add, "If a girl is underage, maybe the girl’s agent or chaperon should be present on the shoot. That’s the hard part. Who’s to blame or who’s to watch."

The sad aspect of the Richardson scandal is that he will be protected by the fashion industry. He will continue shooting for high fashion magazines, despite his reputation, and he more than likely will continue his behavior. Models’ outcries against him have unfortunately seemed to bring him more prestige and attention. Models continue to contact him for photos, despite being familiar with the stories against him.

Richardson’s reaction to all this attention has included an announcement in The Journal that he is now looking to shoot male nudes, rather than female nudes. Advertisements to shoot with him have been appearing on his website and other model networking websites.

In an interview with The Journal’s Amy Odell, Richardson was quoted as saying, "I love shooting guys. Some of my favorite pictures over the years have been the things I’ve done with guys. In a commercial context too, there’s no hair or makeup with guys, which is great. I love shooting nudes of guys, but it’s harder to get guys to do full nudes, I don’t know why, but they don’t want to show their junk. I love doing guys. If there are any guys out there that want to get naked you can email: model@terryrichardson.com."

But while Richardson complains that it has been difficult in the past to get males to pose nude for him, the number of published images of female nudes testifies that he had no problem in that domain of the fashion photography industry. He’s allegedly been able to convince young models to perform sexual acts either on themselves or with him (and in most cases, with assistants present).

As Ramussen remarked to the New York Post’s Page Six, Richardson "takes girls who are young, manipulates them to take their clothes off and takes pictures of them they will be ashamed of. They are too afraid to say no because their agency booked them on the job and are too young to stand up for themselves … I don’t understand how anyone works with him. … I told him, ‘what you do is completely degrading to women. I hop you know you only fuck girls because you have a camera, lots of fashion contacts and get your pictures in Vogue.’"

Richardson’s photography, both personal and hired-work, tends to be suggestive. Shoots usually feature a scene that may be homoerotic or contain group couplings. They are starkly-lit, similar to a lot of soft-porn photography, and contain content which could appear innocent, but are highly suggestive, like an April 2009 Rolling Stone cover featuring Gossip Girl actresses Leighton Meester and Blake Lively.

It is that style which attracts some of the industry greats. Doug Lloyd, the art director for a Gucci campaign, told New York Magazine, "We wanted a rawer energy and more sex appeal and that’s what you find in Terry’s work."

As one fashion world insider told The Daily Beast, "This is an industry filled with crazy people and big personalities. The boundaries are different than they are in a purely corporate enterprise. It’s not IBM. It’s a business with beautiful girls, sex, and malfeasance. To single out one person as some sort of ringleader is absurd. We traffic women’s bodies."

But Cyan Banister, CEO of the modeling networking website Zivity.com, proposes that no, modeling is just like any other business and it should maintain the same standard of professionalism that would be expected.

"I don’t understand why the fashion industry is not condoning this kind of behavior,” Banister said. “It wouldn’t be tolerated in any other industry … so why so much tolerance in the modeling industry?"

Banister noted that this sort of behavior is typical for any kind job that would offer the opportunity to fame. She noted its similarity to Hollywood, citing an agency which requires actors to strip naked for photographs. When she inquired why they would do such a thing, Banister said, a representative from the agency explained that if they would have their talents do sex scenes, they needed to know how their bodies looked.

Banister was unconvinced. "Mixing sex with business is not a good idea,” she said.

On Zivity.com, Banister questioned some of the models about whether given the reputation that Richardson has, would they still pose for him. She was surprised at some of the responses, with many still saying "absolutely yes."

However, Banister is most concerned about how cases in which the models might not really know or understand the release form that they have to sign and the consequences that may occur from it.

"The model is asked to sign a release as soon as she steps in the door. Rarely is it sent to the model days or even hours in advance," Banister noted, adding that these girls often sign the document after looking at if for maybe 15 to 20 minutes, without the guidance of an agent, attorney, or even a friend. "If they’re not super savvy, the photographer owns the image for life and can do whatever they want.”

However, models have the right to many additional protections they might not know about. There are few resources in the model community (unless the model is protected by an agency) to find out about such information.

With Zivity.com, Banister said, the models are given a lot more power with regards to photos. Zivity has its own contract that the models sign which will allow them to give the final approval before the images appear online. The photographer may have his or her own release forms in addition to the Zivity contracts, and Banister hopes that having the models sign two release forms will get them thinking about what they are getting themselves into.

It all comes down to the contract, according to Banister. "These photographers hold this power," Banister noted, and these models want to work with famous photographers like Richardson, who could help their career. The pressure to do something that they wouldn’t necessarily do is hard to resist when they have "these stars in their eyes. (But) you have to think about what you are giving up in exchange."

In the case of Richardson, Banister said it’s “sad” that his popularity has actually increased because of this controversy. She pointed out that Richardson may not be completely responsible for the popular "sickly" look among young female models, but he is definitely a photographer that promotes it, and it is the people who hire him that want this sort of imagery.

"A lot of his women don’t come off looking powerful," Banister said, noting a recent shoot for New York Magazine in which the men from the MTV show Jersey Shore posed with a long sandwich sub, model Bar Refaeli eating the end of it. The image was obviously intended to suggest a phallic image.

"I understand that its artsy, but it’s a little bit explosive," Banister said.

Have you ever noticed half way through the day or even at the end of the day that your feet are not only sore, but swollen? Whether you have tried several different regimens or have only begun to ponder how to fix this troublesome problem, there may be an answer for you.

Equmen is a Sydney-based company that specializes in high-performance compression undergarments. They have recently developed socks for men that will provide the health benefits of compression technology. The developers at Equmen have discovered that daily compression products can be beneficial for men from torso to toe which led them to develop the Precision Socks. These stylish, health-improving socks are designed to provide energy to the most tiresome of legs.

"Whether you are sitting at a desk all day, out on the golf course, traveling or simply on the go, often times your feet will feel achy or even swollen," said Equmen MD, Gavin Jones. "There is an easy solution: compression socks. Wearing compression socks on a daily basis can help increase blood flow, more evenly distribute muscle strain and help legs feel less fatigued."

Equmen Precision Socks sport a classic look, but they are infused with benefits that ordinary socks lack. Precision Socks feature cushioned support that "incorporate the company’s proprietary Helix-Mapping System," said Corie Chung, Marketing Director at Equmen. "The athletic-inspired technology wraps around the arch for extra support while precision fit fabric applies therapeutic pressure to help improve the flow of oxygen in the blood and remove toxins from the muscles, thereby relieving fatigue and cramping. The sock also channels air, wicks moisture and boasts a reinforced construction designed to stay put."

Research shows the impact of compression socks on leg health during lengthy flights which makes Precision Socks ideal for travelers.

"In men’s fashion, socks are a key accessory to any look," said Jones. "We want to take it up a notch and make socks that are not just about looking good, but feeling good. Sport socks are infused with advanced performance technologies — Equmen makes such technologies available to wear all the time, without ruining your style."

Precision Socks are sold in solid black as well as solid gray for $48 a pair. For more information on Equmen, their products, and where you can buy Precision Socks check them out online at equmen.com.

Tatiana Von Furstenberg, daughter of the fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, has co-directed/wrote a coming of age film with friend Francesca Gregorini. The film is loosely based on their experiences in boarding school.

Tanner Hall takes a look inside the world of an all girl boarding school which is located in a run down, but cozy New England town. The film focuses on the stories of four teenage girls whose friendship is jeopardized by the arrival of a new girl. The protagonist finds love in her secret world of after school dates with a married man. All of the girls embark on life altering journeys which will eventually define who they become. The adults in their lives struggle with the equally challenging struggles of middle age.

Furstenberg and Gregorini wanted to create a timeless piece; one that isn’t bound to any specific decade. They wanted the film to remind people of a time in their life where everything was new and anything was possible. The music, furniture, cars, costumes, and hairstyles were all influenced by different decades in order to create a world that is essentially suspended in time. Diane von Furstenberg designed all of the costumes for the film.

Tanner Hall received great reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival. It is currently being shown at the 15th Anniversary of the Gen Art Film Festival through today.

The backpack isn’t just for students anymore. According to Teen Vogue, the backpack is a "Spring Fashion Top 10." With so many companies that manufacture backpacks it can be confusing when trying to select which brand to purchase. I’m here to solve that problem for you.

One brand that sticks out for us is Yak Pak, which has been creating durable and water resistant bags for 20 years. But the best part is that they offer a lifetime warranty on all of their bags. Every backpack also features an easy access zippered front pocket, Yak Pak logo zipper pulls, reinforced straps and seams, and a padded back panel. Yak Pak backpacks are sold at boutiques and popular retailers around the country including Journeys, Hot Topic, and Spencer Gifts. The backpacks allow you to be fashion forward without breaking the bank; the bags retail between $25 and $45.

"At Yak Pak, backpacks just happen to be our specialty. We’ve pioneered the trend in bringing fashionable prints to the backpack market, thus transforming these bags that were once simply schoolyard staples into a fashion accessory that’s meant to be more than carried…it’s meant to be worn!" said Yak Pak spokesman Katie Murphy. "Yak Pak has consistently provided stylish and savvy consumers with innovative items to simplify the chaos of daily life, including purses, messenger bags, diaper bags, backpacks, laptop sleeves, and accessories.”

So last month, Yak Pak launched a new line that includes soft-sided coolers, lunch bags, reusable hydration bottles, insulated hydration bottle sleeves, and market and beach umbrellas. The new line will be available as soon as the warm weather arrives — so very soon, we hope.

For their 20th anniversary, Yak Pak put out a collection of “upcycled” bags are environmentally friendly, long-lasting, and affordable. Most of the bags in this collection retail for less than $35.

"Upcycling is the practice of transforming disposable materials and giving that material new, more meaningful life,” said Murphy. "This imaginative and eco-friendly achievement launches Yak Pak into its third decade, where it will continue to push the artistic boundary of bag design and strive to create a wealth of environmental and social opportunity to help solve serious problems."

Stephen Holt, founder and president of Yak Pak, came up with the idea of starting his own business while hiking in Lake Nam Co, Tibet; the term "yak" comes from the herd of yak that graze Lake Nam Co. "Our logo was actually inspired by the imprint that a yak’s hoof leaves," explains Murphy.

Currently, Yak Pak offers 57 swatches for all of their bags. Check them out online.

Young designers Meghan Lavery and J’aime Lizotte met on a beach in Maine 11 years ago. Dissatisfied by current trends and fashions, they set to work creating their own clothes. This friendship was only interrupted by their departures to different colleges.

Lizotte went to Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston for her BFA in fashion design. Her style is greatly influenced by her love of clean lines, menswear, and particularly silhouettes.

Despite the wet snow that spun its way down outside, Lizotte, one of the designers of ShapeShiftRNYC, braved the Boston weather for an interview with Blast. She drank a cup of jasmine tea in the cafe, wearing ShapeShiftR’s leather and powernet bodycon dress from its fall 2009 collection and a long-sleeve black shirt (her mother’s) which she cropped mid-asymmetrically mid-waist. Dangling from her ears were her favorite earrings by Pretty Young Thing: a gold triangle on a gunmetal chain.

An internship with Armani Exchange in men’s knits and sweaters helped strengthen her skill in detail and color-blocking.

It also "definitely gave me an idea of what the industry is like," Lizotte acknowledged, "working for a corporate company."

Lavery specialized in tailoring at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. She had studied jewelry design and metals in Maine, which developed her interest in form. She received her BFA in 2005 and went on to an apprenticeship with AsFour (now threeASFOUR).

ShapeShiftRNYC came to creation when Lizotte moved to New York last May and happened to catch up with Lavery. As soon as Lizotte arrived, she contacted Lavery.

"I was like ‘Hey, I’m in New York,’ and she was like, ‘Well, I’m in Brooklyn!’ We were showing each other clothes, bouncing ideas," she said. The two soon found that they had a lot of the same thoughts and similar styles. They meshed perfectly, and a partnership was born.

The line originally started out from a fashion blog. "We were on the same page as far as concepts, inspirations," Lizotte said. "We just decided to go for it and start a line."

The blog has since helped ease the strain of working both in Boston and NYC.

Last summer, the two created ShapeShiftR. The line is, as Lizotte noted, "motivated by changing form" and constant motion and change in silhouette. Geometry greatly inspires the collection, as do shapes (especially triangles and prisms) and scene-themed imagery.

"Layering is big for us, and texture. We like to use different materials. We like to make our textures," Lizotte said. The line also features knits, but focuses more on tailored pieces mixed with softer pieces. This blending and conversion and juxtaposition of textures and styles are what define the label.

For being fairly new, ShapeShiftR’s already has two collections finished. A few looks were featured during Boston Fashion Week last fall. When their first collection came out last summer, they showed their work to Pixie Market (1000 Stanton Street, New York), who picked up two of their looks for fall.

ShapeShiftR’s doesn’t have any upcoming shows since the designers are primarily focused on working on their spring and summer lookbook, as well as their fall and winter collection which are soon to follow. Their spring and summer lookbook is out now and can be viewed online.

The line became something very personal to both of them: "We make things we want to wear," Lizotte said. "We like pieces that are easy to wear, very edgy and black."

The presence of black is also strong in the label, as well as a few nudes. "We don’t use a lot of color," Lizotte explained, "because it’s really about the silhouette."

ShapeShiftRNYC is very professional cool, for the twenty-something to the forty-something. But as Lizotte affirms, the line is more about "taste" than demographic. They are inspired by such designers as Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Preen and threeASFOUR.

Music also helps the inspiration process. Lizotte noted that as she is working in her studio, "I’ve been listening to a lot of Italo-disco and Twilight Ritual." Iconic figures like Klaus Nomi also motivate ideas and styles

However, the line comes together, not through these external inspirations, but by how well the two designers work together and how well their designs fuel each other.

"We use ourselves as inspiration," Lizotte said.

The partnership has been a bit like a marriage, she said.

"It just happens — it’s so — I don’t know how to explain it, it’s just this thing that works, and we just love it so much. We do so much together. It’s not like one person does this and another person does this. It just works."

Then Lizotte added, "I’m glad I’m doing a partnership. It makes it so much fun."

Their next collection for fall and winter is coming out very soon (Lizotte — as excited as she was — could not reveal when). But she did divulge that the new line would have curved seams and they would be using a lot of piecing styles. Shapes and proportions were also going to be played with.

Starting their own label has been hard, they admitted, including lots of work and a lot of time. "I don’t sleep much," Lizotte laughed, and then pointed out how in both her and Lavery’s life things had to be sacrificed or prioritized.

Their line, Lizotte started, then paused before declaring, is like "their baby."

As for what’s upcoming for ShapeShiftR, the designers acknowledged that the fashion industry is struggling. Which means for them, things may be, well, a bit a little rough for awhile. However, Lizotte is optimistic about where ShapeShiftR is at now and where it is headed, as well as the fashion industry.

"I think right now is a good time for new things — like this — it’s a struggle coming up with the means to get things going," yet they are determined to stubbornly stick it through. Working on ShapeShiftRNYC is "doing what we love, making clothes we love."

Cold slush rained down outside, and the caf© chatter intensified as the afternoon carried on. The designer took a sip of her tea.

"You’ll see more of us," she said, but refrained from going into detail. "There’s things that’ll be happening soon."

She smiled and added, "I’m excited about it … You know when you love something that it just comes together?"

Lizotte paused, trying to find the words to express just how much both she and Lavery have invested in their line.

Finally, Lizotte smiled and said, "It’s just happening that way."

International fashion designer Alexander McQueen, whose real name is Lee, was found dead in his London home just days after his mother’s death.  He was 40 years old.  It is reported that his death is an apparent suicide.

According to Sky News, a UK media organization, McQueen was found hanged in his London flat.

Police arrived at the designer’s home at 10:20 am where he was found dead at the scene.  His body was removed from his home at 4:46 pm on a stretcher, covered in a red blanket, and loaded into a private ambulance.

His death is not being treated as suspicious.

McQueen was known for being a "bad boy designer;” he built his reputation on his outrageous creations.  He was the creative director of his own label which was bought out by Gucci.

The designer had an A-list clientele including Lady Gaga, Prince Charles and Kate Winslet.

He was one of the youngest designers to achieve the title "British Designer of the Year" which he won four times between 1996 and 2003.

Alexandermcqueen.com reads, "At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family."

His family has asked for privacy “in order to come to terms with this terrible news and we hope the media will respect this.”

Charles David Salon of Hanover owner, Charles "Buddy" Dudley has been asked to do hair coloring for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York.

“Dudley will be using his expertise to color models for celebrity designer, Donna Karan’s DKNY fashion show,” the Middleboro publicity firm Grassroots Marketing said in a statement monday. “The three time Redken Elite Salon of the Year in Hanover is no stranger to glitz and glamor. Many national and local celebrities are frequent guests at Charles David Salon.”

The hot button annual fashion event showing off major spring 2010 collections takes place Feb. 11 to 18 at Bryant Park.