Friday, June 17, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Dressmaker's Dream (Megan Huntz Dresses)
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| www.meganhuntz.com |
American fashion designer Megan Huntz has previously lived and worked for seven years in Italy and Barcelona, Spain. Graduate studies at Domus Academy took Megan to Milan in 2003, where she worked on projects in collaboration with prestigious designers and brands: Antonio Berardi, Neil Barrett, Victor Victoria, Frankie Morello and Meltin’ Pot. At the end of her Master Program at Domus, Megan was awarded an internship with Meltin’ Pot, which then resulted in a full time position as design and research assistant for the company’s creative director and Italian denim guru, Dario Marangon. After working for Meltin’ Pot, collaborating on the first four seasons of their women’s denim and fashion collections, she continued on working as a fashion designer, researcher, and consultant for one of Italy's most important concept stores, Spazio Lazzari of Treviso, and for Max&Co and New Penny, brands of the Manifatture del Nord, among the strongest, internationally recognized, Italian clothing companies.
Megan’s bachelor degree in Industrial Design, from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, has given her a basis to explore design through fashion, as well as cross over into other types of work such as retail design and fashion communication and brand identities. Her background in painting and love for art has also translated into and enriched her design work, and also tied in closely to the development of her signature aesthetic.
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| Megan Huntz |
Megan is the sole creative voice of her brand, controlling everything from the design and production of her line to the graphics and communication. Since the launch the brand, she has been invited to participate in several prestigious events, on an international level, celebrated for her excellence in design. In April of 2008, MHD was one of 6 young designers selected for Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion annual fashion show in Miami, and has since gained much interest from buyers and fashion followers in the US. Having proven to be a successful launch pad for notable designers, Fresh Faces in Fashion has become Gen Art's largest and most important fashion program, created to propel the careers of up-and-coming fashion designers. In June of 2008Megan Huntz Dresses participated in Changing Room, a one-day event held once per season, in the heart of Barcelona. 25 designers each take over a room and open to the public for a shopping extravaganza of the most cutting edge fashion from Barcelona. And since her first appearance there, she has continually been invited to participate twice a year. Megan Huntz Dresses was also selected for ModaFad- a 2 day event to showcase new designers in Barcelona including a fashion show and an open market. FAD is a prestigious organization of design in Barcelona that has been in existence for over 100 years. In July of 2009, MHD launched Bridal, inaugurating this new part of the brand, including wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. In the US on June 4th, 2010, MHD participated in an exclusive designer showcase, presenting the dresses along side a video performance dedicated to the creative process in the dress making, at Modern Atlanta “Paris”, MA’s annual Fashion Cares event in association with Jeffrey.
After reading through many articles about fashion designers in Atlanta, I stopped in my tracks when I got to www.meganhuntz.com. In addition to being intriguing, the dresses were sexy,flirty,and feminine. This very creative soul gives us some insight on her line and what inspires her creativity:
- KN: How old are you??
- MH: 34.
- KN: At what age did you discover your talent for designing?
- MH: I was the first in my pre-school group to learn how to tie and un-tie, button and un-button, zip and un-zip, because I was determined to change my clothes all the time and put my own outfits together. I guess you could say that I have always have a pretty decisive view on style. I didn’t necessarily recognize an artistic or design talent in myself until I started painting in high school. From that moment in my life, I knew I had to create something, however, It wasn’t until years down the road that I really found what I really wanted to do, which is dress making.
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| Megan Huntz Dress Photo courtesy of achiclife.com |
- KN: Do you construct the clothing or is it just sketching that u do?
- MH: I do every step of the entire creative process. I usually cryptically sketch or conceive and idea loosely on paper then jump into draping . Usually I will make a 3 dimensional “sketch” and then cut a pattern from that. I choose all of my fabrics carefully and develop a series of washing and dyeing techniques for each fabric, so that each dress that I make is unique.
- KN: What inspires your creativity?
- MH: Eccentric women, Roisin Murphy, Italian cinema from the 50’s and 60’s, the Futurist movement, Hitchcock, Almodovar. I have a lot of varied references which change quite often, but a strong reoccurring theme is an iconic image of a powerful female protagonist.
- KN: In one word describe Megan Huntz designs?
- MH: Empowering.
- KN: What is your next POWER move for your line???
- MH: Ha ha, see my answer above! Power move is a powerful word! I prefer to think of myself doing 2 things parallel to one another. One is making a commercial line that I can mass produce sell and still maintain my original creative intent; the other is to do limited edition projects which blur the line of fashion and art and are presented in a more artistic context, not following typical fashion cycles.
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| Megan Huntz Dress photo courtesy esposay.com |
- KN: Do you make your own day to day clothes?
- MH: I wear all of my own dresses. If I can’t wear and enjoy them, how can I expect anyone else to? A huge aspect of getting the fit right on a garment is being able to feel how something moves with you. I believe that when a woman is comfortable and they like the way they look, a sense of inner beauty comes out and there’s nothing more attractive or beautiful than that.
- KN: Describe your experiences in Spain and Italy.
- MH: Where to begin... It was 7 years of big adventures and lots of learning. I think the most important thing that I took away from my experiences abroad is just being able to adapt to new circumstances and staying open to other points of view. It is very humbling being a foreigner, at times, because you realize that the entire world doesn’t revolve around you and your culture.
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| www.meganhuntz.com |
- KN: How do you think living there affected your work as a designer?
- MH: It completely formed my sense of style and way of life.
- KN: Any advise for fashion design students???
- MH: The best advice I can give to anyone beginning in any creative field is to relentlessly find and follow your own voice, learn how to take criticism and be discerning of that criticism. Did I mention that I will be teaching introduction to fashion design at SCAD starting this summer quarter? I enjoy being involved with young people. God knows that I have had lots of mentors and helping hands along the way, and I am really excited about sharing my experience with others.
Checkout http://meganhuntz.com for a rewarding fashion experience!!!! Kela Norman
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Baby Doll Face
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| Cover shoot done by Muthoni Njoba |
Muthoni Njoba- Kenyan make-up artist
When I received the assignment from Editor in Chief Robert Ganzaroli
that I would be interviewing Muthoni Njoba,a professional make-up artist
from Kenya,I was estatic. I am totally in love with fashion and the perfect
make-up job really makes an out fit look glamourous. Hastily I contacted Muthoni
to set the time for the interview. Turns out Georgia is exactly 8 hours behind
Kenyan time so we had to compromise our schedules. I must say Muthoni was a sweetheart
and allowed me to get the better time. 3PM Eastern time was 11PM Kenyan time.
I must admit that I was really anxious because I always love to pick up new tricks of
the trade from professionals that love what they do.So let's proceed with the journey through the mind
of this True artist.
As an infant,watching her mom prepare for work manifested the beginning thought of her current
profession.
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| Muthoni Njoba |
Seeing her mom glammed up,in perfect make-up and hair she was destined to love everything about make-up and what magic it can work on a woman's face.To Muthoni,the best aspect of being a MUA is the opportunity to get creative on the canvas(face).The beauty of the art comes
from creating new looks by accentuating natural beautiful features.Make -up has always been
apart of history.She has seen women cry tears of joy when they see themselves in the mirror after being
glamed up. Its like they never believed they were beautiful until that very moment.Being a professional
make up artist comes with a few surprises. Bridezillas are very shocking. It is ironic for someone getting dolled up to become so ugly.Some of them turn into monsters.
Muthoni advises that one should be a trendsetter and translate a look into their own.Everybody should have something to make them beautiful.Standing out as an individual defines classic beauty.
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| Make-up by Muthoni Njoba |
Just like clothes we wear make up shouldn't be over the top.If M A C was a man he would be her Prince Charming. She has been in love with M A Csince she was a teen. When she was 16,Muthoni was sent to Somerset in England for A - levels.Every school holiday before returning to Kenya,she would go to London and spend hours at the M A C counters in Selfridges.Why was she crazy in love with MAC? From foundation to brushes, It’s perfection! The variety MAC offers makes it a playground everyone wants to play in. It’s a great innovative and dynamic brand that never rests. MAC has something new every blink of the eye, you will never get bored of what this brand has to offer.
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| Make-up by Muthoni Njoba |
In her mind MAC is the charming Prince who knows what she wants before she asks for it. He never fails to deliver ‘blush’… and not the product.Working as a professional make-up artist there are many other great Make-up brands around the world but just for the record MAC still has the major soft spot in her heart.
Bobbi Brown promotes natural beauty at all ages and she has done a great job giving us a variety of natural tones to choose from. This cosmetic line offers an amazing range of unique Make-up products infused with all kinds of skin care, glow-enhancing ingredients. Even when Bobbi Brown has stepped
out of the natural box for example with the Mettalic range, it’s great fun and still in line with what her brand is known for…flawless radiant Make-up.
Nightly make up removal, using moisturizer with spf, and wearing sun protection are the most effective skin care tips given by Muthoni. None of her clients have ever a skin reaction because she invest in the best products.But she on the other hand had a minor reaction due to changes in weather.
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| Make-up by Muthoni Njoba |
Too much of anything and not properly caring for the skin are two of the most common mistakes women make when dealing with Make-up. So take these tips to help improve your skin care routine so that your skin will look and feel its best.
www.muthoninjoba.com to contact Muthoni Njoba
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
How to dress for a Summer Barbecue
So you have been invited to a Summer Barbecue yet the first thing that comes to your mind is "What am I going to wear?" . I have comprised a few looks to have you hotter than the grill! :))))))
LOOK#1
LOOK #2
LOOK#1
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| Denim Tube dress w/Belt Forever 21 |
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| Louis Vatton Spring Bag |
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| Nine West Funnycat(Shoe name) |
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| Queen Diamond www.exclusivelykela.bigcartel.com |
LOOK #2
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| Pleated shoulder Romper The Limited |
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| BCBGirls Lex |
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| Marni Balloon Tote www.pursepage.com |
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| Wood Knock Earrings www.exclusivelykela.bigcartel.com |
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Break Fit
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Dagmar With the Band dress |
OMG So you have caught you boyfriend cheating, he isn't the man you expected him to be, or you are just plain sick of his ways and now you are ready to dump him. The best way to break up is to break up in style so that he really feels dumb about messing up a great thing!!! I know I just discussed the importance of adding color to your wardrobe, but the break up dress should be black since the relationship is now DEAD!!!!
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Dagmar With the Band dress http://sundaybrunchdress.bigcartel.com
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Fortune Cookie-Liquorice Allsort |
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| Gucci Envy http://www.shop00.com |
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| Pearl Hoops www.exclusivelykela.bigcartel.com |
Natashab1980
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| Chic in Pink Laced Pearl Bracelet |
Although I am an accessory designer, I love to support other business professionals. Recently I was tweeted to check out natashab1980. When I went the site the style of the jewelry was impressive.
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| Audra the rapper |
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| Sand & Seas Precious Bracelet |
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| Mohican Fringe Necklace |
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| Brandy Bacote |
From now until Labor Day, all items
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| Sweeping Feather Earrings |
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| Multi Strand Necklace on the site www.natashab1980.com are only $10 (plus tax and shipping)! This is their way of kicking off the re-launch of their new website and thanking their customers for supporting them. natashab1980 will soon be a one-stop-shop for women. In addition to carrying fashion jewelry and accessories, they will soon carry shoes, tops, and cocktail dresses. Stick around to find out what more they have in store for you. Add some color to your wardrobe today by supporting natashab1980. |
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
A Splash of Color
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| Wet Seal |
"A Splash of Color"
Black and white is quite conservative but can become a bit boring when you wear it everyday. So if you are ready to venture off into uncharted areas,fret no more! I have comprised some tips to help you add class,color, and flare to your wardrobe.
Pink is the ultimate fountain of youth: it adds a fresh glow to any woman who wears it. Pink is best worn head-to-toe if you love a feminine vibe or in small doses (tie a pink scarf close to your face) for a less girly look. Pink mixes great with neutrals and denim; it even translates perfectly to cocktail dressing.
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| Forever 21 |
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| Raquel by Lakedra Reed www.couturestatis.com |
Bronze looks better on most women because of its warm undertones. Best Worn: A bit of bronze goes a long way, so save it for accent pieces (a cami or a skirt) or wear it close to your face as a scarf.
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| Alexander Wang |
As I embark on this journey to stray away from basic colors, I challenge you to spice up your style this year!!!! Kela
Reference www.about.com
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