Carolina Herrera Spring 2014

original photos by Mariana Leung

It's amazing how effective good old optical illusions can be.  The simple techniques of Carolina Herrera's Spring 2014 collection wowed the guests and photographer's  pit at NY Fashion Week.  The effect was layering graphic prints on sheer fabrics on top of each other so that the patterns looked like they were moving as the models walked down the catwalk.

The geometric patterns and graphic lines looked very high-tech but it was such a great, easy look.  The designer also used embroidery design sparingly.  There were cut circles and flat jewels that just added a dimensional effect to complement the existing patterns.  There was one neckline of built up floral and jewel embroidery that was more classic Herrera to please the red carpet queens.  Otherwise, these great moving stripes might be a problem on television, despite how nice they look in person.

A few looks carried huge, long statement necklaces that had a row of pendants.  They featured unrefined stones for an artsy ethnic vibe.  Shoes were two-toned satin stilettos that complemented the colors of the fabrics.

The dresses of this show were delightfully unexpected.  Now I am inspired to go out and find my childhood brainteaser books to see what else can be designed this way...

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DIY Master Class - Fall Statement Necklace

Fall jewelry time!  For this statement necklace, I was inspired by the chunky beaded sleeve of this Prada jacket from their Fall 2012 collection.  I love purple, silver and black so I kept the same color palette but different materials.

Prada used long bugle beads, opaque "cosmic" stones, smaller rosemonte crystals sewn on top of the holes along with round cabochons and ring shaped stones.  The final effect is a chunky, but contemporary organic look.  The fall 2012 collection itself had a futuristic, Blade Runner effect while they projected "digital princesses" on the runway.

My seasonal dinner with the Glam Network is like New Year's Eve for me during NY Fashion Week.  I wanted to make sure I had something fabulous and on trend to wear to look good for my fellow Glam bloggers.  I drew upon my embroidery design and crafting skills to make a necklace that would be on-trend, but totally my own.

Materials :

-large "cosmic" shaped crystal stones in a a black diamond color.  Swarovski Elements are stunning, but if you can't swing it, you can also substitute similar glass versions. (I like Beads World , Harman or Ebay)
-leatherette covered cabochons at M and J trimming
-extra long silver bugle beads in different lengths
-small sew on crystal stones   (I like Beads World or Ebay)
- purple leather (Leather Impact)
-black silk satin
-embroidery frame (Any craft store)
-black grosgrain ribbon (I buy ribbons from Paper Mart)

You can begin by embroidering the basic motifs with your bigger stones on satin.  Start with the large leather cabochon, then the side 'cosmic' stones.  Top the holes of the cosmic stones with the smaller crystal sew-on stones.  Then use your long bugle beads with stones or beads in between.  I like to make things asymmetrical, so I fill in jewels or beads in odd places for a richer, dimensional look.  Freestyle it!

When you are done with the embroidered motifs, trim around them.  Use some fabric and leather glue just to take the beaded pieces onto the leather, then stitch tack them in place as well.  Trim the leather a little bit past the edges of the satin.  Stitch the finished piece to grosgrain ribbon.

Voila!

Prada runway photo by Monica Feudi of feudiguenari.com

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Spring Bling from Stella and Dot - Social Selling for 2012

 Remember Mary Kay? Tupperware? Avon? Grandmothers peddling face creams from neighbor to neighbor, so quaint, almost antiquated?  Stella and Dot makes that model of “social selling” relevant for today’s entrepreneur.  

First, their accessories collections are designed with an edgy, but affordable chic.  Slick leather handbags are clearly aimed at a younger, contemporary customer.  Second, the success of their business model is one that succeeds on the social networking and social lives of today’s girls on the go.

               

What once seemed like a hook for housewives with no professional skills, Stella and Dot actually leverages the skills of the modern working woman’s lifestyle of multi-tasking and multi-title careers.  Sales agents for Stella and Dot are referred to as stylists, as their primary function is to act as brand ambassadors.  The flexible schedule works for women who already have full time jobs, or are juggling family or supplementing income between opportunities.  For some women, being an accessories stylist can be the perfect complement to existing businesses they own, such as wedding planner or personal shopper.  

Instead of going door to door, women can throw home “trunk shows” as part of ladies’ night, then follow through with the collection via their own websites, Facebook pages or Twitter.   

The Spring 2012 collection was shown at the Stella and Dot offices in Soho last week.  I was pleasantly surprised to find how accessible the pieces actually were.  Huge, elegantly crafted statement necklaces came in under a friendly $200.  My favorite serpent ring was $60.  My favorite necklace from the season was a gold-plated piece that was cast from a long natural, crystal shard (wearing) for $79.   The design team behind the collection honed their chops from companies like Marc Jacobs, Coach and Banana Republic.  

The Stella and Dot collection is not available in retail stores.  This helps the stylists offer an air of exclusivity to their product. 

Are you ready to join their revolution?  Call it Bling for Spring 2.0. 

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2-Hour Statement Necklace

The hottest trend this year in jewelry has undoubtedly been the “statement necklace” or bib necklace. Every upscale jewelry and fashion house has produced some form of this with escalated price points. I originally had a few made in India based on some of my favorite embroidery designs, but realized you can easily make your own ‘couture’ creation whenever you need an accessory fix.



To start, grab some ribbon pieces, (the standard is satin or grosgrain ribbon, but anything that won’t scratch your neck will do). Next, find some fabric scraps and start cutting out flowers, shapes, obscene motifs, whatever you wish. Then, embellish them with  jewels, buttons or trims that you have on hand.  Stitch them together or thread them like beads and add a side of ribbon to each end… Voila!  I made the necklace above as a gift to my Mom.  I cut some tulle into tiny squares and threaded them with loose pearls and glass leaves.



Not a fabric flower type? If you have a pile of beads, you can string them together between the ribbons for another variation. Old chains from belts, ribbons made into bows, all work as well. Just stagger the lengths of each strand for the 'bib' effect.  The necklace above was made from different lengths of chain samples I had on hand attached to grosgrain ribbon.  I used two loose, Swarovski crystals to attach the bows where the chains connect to the ribbons.

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