Norisol Ferrari - Bespoke Punk Couture

 I met my new fashion heroine last week.  Her name is Norisol Ferrari.  She is a strong, Amazonian woman who makes no excuses for her super luxurious sable coats and makes no compromises in her quality and fit. She is often compared to Alexander McQueen, which she does not agree with, except to say they both are inspired by mens' tailoring and military uniforms.  Instead, she cites more historical references like Dior's New Look that she finds to be a muse, except she updates it with modern materials and some edgier gang references.  

She has very strong opinions on how many designers try to infantilize women.  She builds clothes for a woman's shape with an almost warrior-like passion.  Norisol has images of Frida Kahlo and Louise Brooks on her office wall.  She has trinkets and carved skulls from her travels and a wall of taxidermy to show her darker muses. 

Norisol proudly produces her collection with trusted artisans in New York.  She refuses to sell out or tailor her label to anything less than what truly inspires her, regardless of cost.  In this day of outsourcing and penny counting, her fashion manifesto is an career to look up to.

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American-Made Designers

Happy Fourth of July! That's American Independence Day to everyone overseas.  While foodies are flocking to the "locavore" movement of consuming locally produced goods, I think it is important to do the same for fashion.

Here is a spotlight to some of my favorite labels produced in New York:

Nanette Lepore is a perfect duo of artist and entrepreneur.  Together with her husband/business partner Robert Savage, she counts poets, painters, celebs and fashion editors as fans.  She is one of the most vocal and visible designers in the mission to keep NYC's Garment Center thriving.

Jennifer Chun designs a polished collection of tailored pieces with a relaxed chic attitude.  She honed her design skills at Derek Lam and Michael Kors before branching out on her own.

Yeohlee Teng's architectural approach to fashion has made her work sought-after subject at many museums for design and fashion.  She brings philosophy to her designs and popularized the look of the "urban nomad".

If you want to learn more about producing a great clothing line in NYC, check out Save the Garment Center .  It is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness about keeping clothing manufacturing in New York City.

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