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…
PFW Emerging Designer: Nelli Millard
Describe your line. Who is your ideal customer?
I’m bringing my line named “From Russia With Fashion” to Portland Fashion Week. It is a well supported combination of East and West Fashion styles. My ideal customers are women from 20 to 50 years old, who recognize and appreciate well constructed and designed cloth.
How long have you been designing apparel?
I grew up in the fashion and sewing atmosphere, because my Mom was working in the sewing studio, and later I graduated from college (Stavropol Tech. College – Russia), with a degree in designing and technology of custom clothing (1990). Since then I gained experience working with customers and created a few lines of clothing for stores in Russia. Here in the U.S., I mostly worked with my clients, and now this is the first time I’m showcasing my design publicly.
What motivated you to choose a career in fashion?
Since my Mom was a professional in sewing industry, I was ”spoiled” and wore very nice fitted garments. There was no doubt in my mind I would take the same path in my life. Back then, I thought I’d be working as a custom clothing professional, but when I came to US in 2002, I spent more and more time doing some art (now it’s my hobby), and I decided to combine my experience with my hobby.
What is your inspiration for your line?
This collection is inspired by classic Russian literature “Master & Margarita” by Bulgakov. It is both an old world sophisticated line and a modern line at the same time. My line represents the opportunity for women to express both their grace and strength in a defined way.
East meets West with ”From Russia With Fashion”.
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.
What is Es N Yaa?
In a word, UNIQUE. Es N Yaa is a bright and vibrant collection of hand-made, socially-conscious accessories, all of which are created out of limited edition “Made in Ghana” fabrics. These fabrics are culturally taboo to duplicate, which keeps their collection fresh and exciting with new fabrics and styles being introduced each season.
Es lives in the U.S. while her mother Yaa (who speaks 5 different languages!) resides in Ghana. Taking social responsibility head on, they assist underprivileged communities in West Africa by finding families in need, handicapped individuals, students struggling to pay their tuition, and orphans living in West Africa. They inspire hope and promote social change by supporting these Ghanaian families’ living with their collection.
The pair hand-makes all of their fabrics first, then they create amazing accessories, leading the production process from concept to completion. From New York to LA, Tokyo to UK, you can find Es N Yaa’s belts, clips, and bags at various locations including select Anthropologie locations, their most recent retail addition, Driftwood in LA, or direct at EsNYaa.com.
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