Hand-draped Metal & Crystals
We first met Katy Kippen back in August at POOLTRADESHOW. It took several attempts to connect with the delightful and down to earth designer of grayling jewelry. And for good reason! Every time we did a walk-by she was engaging with someone in her booth! Read more…
House of Versatile Styles to Showcase at The Rise of Fashion
Bukola Are, head designer of The House of Versatile Styles, will be showcasing at Fashion Exposé: The Rise of Fashion, this Saturday October 2nd.
With the goal of providing a forum for young upcoming designers in the Boston area to gain exposure for their fashion lines, designer Jay Calderin founded Boston Fashion Week in 1995. Fashion Exposé, a part of Fashion Week since 2008, is a collective show of seven emerging designers which will serve as the finale to Boston Fashion Week. Featuring Project Runway fan favorite Korto Momolu, the premiere of Prajje’s new collection, Payizan, inspired by his native Haiti; the work of South African fashion star David Tlale, and our very own favorite Bukola Are, the show is expected to be an exciting close to a fun-filled week!
Inspired by various cities and travels, Bukola Are’s chic HVS Collection includes the finest fabrics from around the globe influenced by American, African and European culture. The line – tailored and sexy with high street flair – is characterized by her attention to detail.
We first saw HVS at Seattle Fashion Week (May 2010). Her show was outstanding and we’re sure Boston’s show will not disappoint! (Check out SFW show on our YouTube channel here.)
Find House of Versatile Styles: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Smashing Darling
The lineup will include:
*Sara Marhamo, Boston
*Solome Katongole, Washington DC
*Mataano, New York
*Korto Momolu, Project Runway
*David Tlale, South Africa
*Prajje 1983, Boston
*House of Versatile Styles, Washington, DC
Fashion Exposé, with its commitment to great design and enthusiasm for promoting local rising-star designers, will be held in a specially created venue under the colonnade at the World Trade Center, offering patrons an opportunity to visit an appealing and unique happening that is here today, gone tomorrow.
For tickets visit Boston Fashion Expose.
Jessica Matrasko Rocks
We caught up with another of our favorite jewelry designers, Jessica Matrasko, at POOLTRADESHOW. 
This year for fall Jessica went with bright colors and drusy (also called druse or druzy), which are stunning gemstones covered by a layer of tiny quartz crystals, giving them a striking sparkly appearance. Using platinum and gold platings, her collection of pendants, rings, studs, and bracelets make for the perfect holiday gift. Oh…and putting my money where my mouth is, I purchased one myself! Love it!
Meet Movoc 16:3
MEET MADISON BUYER DESIGNER: Chris Pease – Movoc 16:3
What inspired you to jump into fashion?
I decided to fill a void within the motorcycle industry. The motorcycle community didn’t, at least in my opinion, have an apparel company that tastefully produced a product that truly draws its roots from the motorcycle history and culture. I wasn’t a fashion major or anything of the sort, I had to educate myself as much as possible over about a year to bring my vision to fruition. It wasn’t and still isn’t easy!
What makes Movoc 16:3 different from other collections?
I won’t necessarily say it’s different from other collections within the motorcycle inspired casual wear, but I will say that we pay more attention to quality and creating designs that can become conversation pieces. We aren’t trying to grow overnight, we want our concept to grow slowly and steadily. 
As a designer, what are your most difficult challenges?
Honestly, finding reputable and skilled graphic artists and apparel designers who are willing to work with smaller, start up companies. You’ll see that larger apparel companies have more leverage in getting the product they need. Smaller companies have difficulty competing with that. Another challenge is capital, this business works off of well executed marketing efforts and distribution-a challenge for many start up apparel companies.
What do you find most rewarding?
Seeing customers actually see the effort put into the designs. We also like seeing those few that understand our concept and become supporters and advocates for Movoc 16:3.
Who is your primary target audience?
Primarily motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. There are other audiences, but I feel that we need to establish our validity within the motorcycle community first.
What’s in store for Movoc 16:3 customers in the near future?
I pray that we can expand into more apparel and accessory offerings within 5 years, but I have to ensure that the company is more established within its distribution and knowledge/demand for the product before moving into new territory. There’s a great deal more in terms of those “right” people and resources that I think we haven’t found to successfully expand. I do have faith, which has helped me tremendously in making this company become what it has so far!
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