Monday, August 31, 2009

TONIGHT!


The Campbell Wagner Agency Announces August Runway Monday Event Featuring Local Designers The House of Dang and Photographer Jeremy Shelby

The Campbell Agency’s August installment of Runway Monday will feature The House of Dang, Jeremy Shelby Photography held at The Mitchell Lofts on August 31.

The fashionable set at The Campbell Agency will host its second installment of its Runway Monday series on August 31st at The Mitchell Lofts. The event features local design and photo talents to be showcased. This month hosts design duo The House of Dang and photographer Jeremy Shelby.

The historic Mitchell building, a Dallas landmark that was once a cotton gin manufacturing plant, now upscale lofts will be the backdrop for the fashion show with bites and sips courtesy of Vapiano and Absolut Vodka. Cocktail hour starts at 6pm. Fashion show begins at 7. Mingle until 9 and then join the after-party hosted at Vapiano in Mockingbird Station.

The Campbell Agency is recognized as a leading agency nationwide in virtually all media and is at the forefront of balancing personal attention while providing clients state of the art support in all their casting needs.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Donna Karan - HERE TODAY!

Thank you, Christopher Wynn (F!D Luxe) for reminding us that Donna Karan will be in Dallas THIS AFTERNOON!

Neiman Marcus at NorthPark. 3rd Level. 2:00pm

TODAY!
(Bonus: See Ken Downing, Fashion Director at Neiman Marcus, who is hosting the event).

Monday, August 24, 2009

DRESSED: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design Lecture - THIS THURSDAY!


Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design

With author and Academy Award-nominated costume designer Deborah Landis
ORDER TICKETS

From the lavish productions of Hollywood’s Golden Age through the high-tech blockbusters of today, the most memorable movies all have one thing in common: they rely on the magical transformations rendered by the costume designer to communicate mood, personality, and setting.

Using examples from her book Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design, Academy Award-nominated costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis shares the inside scoop about Hollywood’s most tantalizing costumes and the characters they helped bring to life. Drawing on years of research, Landis has uncovered both a treasure trove of costume sketches and photographs—many of them previously unpublished—and a dazzling array of first-person anecdotes that inform the images. Dressed is one book no film and fashion lover should be without. Landis counts among her film credits for costume design: Animal House, The Blues Brothers, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and Coming to America, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award.

Air transportation provided by American Airlines. Hotel accommodations provided in part by The Adolphus.

The Dallas Museum of Art is supported in part by the generosity of Museum members and by the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas/Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts.All contents © 2009 Dallas Museum of Art. All rights reserved.



Saturday, August 22, 2009

Tim Gunn's Favorite Fashion Photos...

With the return of Project Runway to a new network (Lifetime), Tim Gunn has selected his favorite fashion photos ever published by Life Magazine. Check out the slideshow (with Tim's commentary) HERE.

Enjoy!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Graduate Spotlight: Blaire Rabenorst Receives Attention from NYC Bloggers for Vintage Style

The Art Institute of Dallas Graduate, Blaire Rabenhorst, was recently featured on a New York City Style/Social Website Under the Arch. In order to read the site, you will need to subscribe, and obtaining a user name/password takes about a day. In the meantime, we've reprinted the post here:




Fri, 8.07.09
StylEnvy: Blaire Rabenhorst
The All Points West music festival last weekend in Jersey City will be remembered for many things, with music quite possibly being the last. We're not saying we didn't rock out to Coldplay, but braving the elements, in this case, mud up to your knickers, was less than pleasant and left many people with stained skin and probably a few diseases.

Needless to say, a select few concert-goers managed to maintain their fashion savvy amidst the sludge, booze and hula-hoopers entertaining the back rows with their belly dancer-like hip sways. Stylist and sales rep for Vintage Clothing in Brooklyn, Blaire Rabenhorst, was one such specimen. We met, oohed and aahed over her effortlessly eclectic ensemble, then dissected her style (and secretly wished we had VIP access to her closet).

Name: Blaire Rabenhorst

Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Job: Freelance Sales Representative and Stylist for Vintage Clothing Companies in NYC, Dallas and Louisiana

UTA: What is it like to work in vintage?

BR: When working with vintage pieces, one has to love, care, and appreciate it as if it were your pet or Blackberry! My experience with vintage has taught me that every piece has a story and that's what makes me value and treasure vintage clothing compared to your everyday ready-to-wear lines out there.

UTA: What are your favorite vintage pieces?

BR: I'm loving old hair net pieces and hats right now. They are such a great additional piece to an outfit besides your jewelry and purses.

UTA: How has working in vintage influenced your style?

BR: I no longer shop in commercial stores anymore because it's mass produced. Vintage clothing, jewelry, purses, belts and shoes are all one of a kind. You and only you have it!

UTA: What inspired your looks for All Points West?

BR: They were really last minute decisions! I feel that when I have time to think about an outfit, I will sit there and reevaluate every little detail – switching out the belt or necklace, changing the skirt, tying up the shirt in some different way, and in the end it just looks stupid. So I based my music festival outfits with what I felt comfortable in while also making a statement with my taste in style for concert gear.

UTA: Tell us what you're wearing. (See photo below.)

BR: I'm wearing cut up, washed out Levi's jeans, an Urban Outfitters twisted onesie, vintage sheer flower print robe, a flower hair accessory (made by me!), old school black Doc Martin boots and lots of fun costume jewelry.

UTA: What was your strategy for dressing fashionably considering the muddy terrain?

BR: My style strategy for APW considering the mud was to be prepared to get dirty, but also look fab at the same time. I knew there was tons of mud and water, so I was definitely going to wear boots that I could truck through the icky mud in. Even if it still had been raining, my clothes were totally going to be okay. I love making statements with my clothes. My body is a canvas, and I like to paint it everyday with crazy and unique clothing.
- uta




Thursday, August 20, 2009

Kim Dawson Model Search



Fashion!Dallas / Kim Dawson Model Search
August 22, 2009

Now in its 13th year, the Fashion!Dallas / Kim Dawson Model Search has launched the careers of dozens of successful models, including Maybelline face Erin Wasson (the first winner), runway star Mimi Roche, Abercrombie & Fitch model Chaise Mooty, and Teen Vogue stars Ali Michael and Jessica Cline. Each year more than 1,500 hopefuls apply at NorthPark Center to be part of Dallas' most successful model search with the hopes of being discovered.

The competition is open to girls ages 14-22 years, 5'7" to 6' in height and to boys ages 16-24 years, 5'11" to 6'3" in height. Applications are accepted via mail through August 24 with information and applications available at dallasnews.com/modelsearch.

Do you think you have what it takes? Join The Dallas Morning News, CW33, Kim Dawson Agency and NorthPark Center from 1pm to 4pm in NorthCourt located between Nordstrom and Macy's for a FREE one-day open-call event. Hopefuls will submit their applications and have their head shots taken by fashion photographer Larry Travis, then walk the runway in front of fashion experts and scouts from the Kim Dawson Agency with coaching from runway diva Jan Strimple. All the head shots will appear on CW33’s website, where the public will vote and choose one lucky semi-finalist! Click here to vote!

The 2009 winner will receive a one-year contract with Kim Dawson Agency and prize package from NorthPark Center including $1,000 in NorthPark Gold. He/she will also appear in a commercial promoting CW33.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DALLAS URBAN FASHION WEEK HAS PARTNERED WITH COVERGIRL, MILLENIUM JAGUAR, G STAR RAW AND TOP DESIGNERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO BRING A WEEK OF BEAUTY, STYLE, CELEBRITIES AND ART TO THE DALLAS METROPLEX. THE WEEK OF EVENTS WILL BE HELD SEPT. 16-20 FEATURING RUNWAY SHOWS, RED CARPET EVENTS AND CELEBRITY APPEARANCES WITH A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS BENEFITTING LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.

DALLAS, TX AUGUST 20- Urban Fashion Week is coming to Dallas following 10 years of paramount success in Paris, New York, Miami and many other major metropolitan areas. The five-day event, September 16-20, 2009 will serve as a platform for the style savvy elite of the city including designers, models, artist, performers and more to present their talent and creativity. Events will be held at various locations throughout the city showcasing the diversity of Dallas. Dallas Urban Fashion Week will be featuring Troop Clothing and Footwear by Nelly, Fumi Designs from New York D Boy Solider from Harlem and partnering with the FAME Festival sponsored by the City of Dallas and Eva Pigford of America’s Next Top Model, making Dallas Urban Fashion Week an event you will not want to miss.

The week of events will kickoff with Flashing Lights at Millennium Jaguar on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6pm. This industry only event will be open to media, designers, hair and makeup artists and other fashion forward professionals.

The ultimate look good, feel good event, The Vanity Beauty Expo will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17th at The Power Station (1723 Kelly Ln) benefitting the Speak Life Foundation. An abundance of beauty experts and professionals will be on hand for Makeup & Martinis, Miracle Makeovers, a live taping of “Girls Do Talk”, live photo shoots as well as a Hair & Makeup show. Prepare to be primped, pampered, tapered and polished by the top makeup artists, barbers, and hair stylists in the city. Guest are invited to flaunt their new look at our follow-up event that evening, Lights, Camera, Fashion at Buddha 9 presented by Goree Entertainment.

The Art of Fashion on Friday Sept. 18st will present a creative collaboration of art and fashion. Sponsored by G Star Raw and Nostic Apparel, this evening of fine art and fabulous fashion will benefit the FYIA Foundation

The City of Dallas, Dallas Urban Fashion Week and The Paragon Group will collaborate on Sat. Sept, 19 to present the FAME Festival at the Superpages.com Center The FAME Festival will serve as Dallas’s own Fashion, Art, Entertainment and Music Festival focused on total economic development. This green carpet event will be co-hosted by Eva Pigford of America’s Next Top Model and include opportunities for members of the community to partake in a job fair, blood drive and more while enjoying fashion and live music. Following the FAME Festival a VIP reception with Eva Pigford and after party will be held at Chaucer’s of Dallas hosted by The Foundation.

The FAME Festival will continue on Sunday, Sept. 20th at Rochester Park from 12pm-8pm with sponsorships including Krave Magazine, The Fashion Lounge and Brooklyn’s Jazz CafĂ©. The entire week of events will be conclude with an appreciation party presented by Goree Entertainment at Fuse.

For more information Urban Fashion Week, visit http://www.ufwglobalnetwork.com/. All-access passes and tickets will be available August 24th.

FOR TICKETS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING:
Erica Hoff of B.Love Productions; http://us.mc596.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ericahoff@yahoo.com, 817-403-1297.
Sabeina Williams of Unik Marketing, http://us.mc815.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=unik.marketing@yahoo.com, 214-507-2010.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hello! I'm Dallas! Pleased to Make Your Acquaintance!

Some of you are new to Dallas, and some of you have lived in Big-D your whole life. All of you love fashion. In case you need an introduction, we wanted to highlight two high-end retailers for you. Perhaps you would like to attend a trunk show? Maybe you are seeking a tailoring apprenticeship or a part-time retail sales position?


Stanley Korshak located in The Crescent Court Hotel is known for impeccable service and incredibly tasteful clothing, fresh off the runways. Stanley Korshak also houses a Bridal Salon (full service, dresses AND a bridal registry) The Anderson, Cox, & Company Hair Salon, and The Shak (for a slightly younger generation of loyal customers).

Location:
500 Crescent Court, Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75201
Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm
For internship and employment opportunities, contact szetley@stanleykorshak.com.
Lots of great trunk shows are coming up at SK. Make plans to attend, or, better yet, contact the store to find out if you can work or volunteer at the shows:

Vera Wang Trunk Show
September 3, 4, & 5
Vera Wang Bridesmaids Trunk Show


Badgley Mischka Bridal Trunk Show
September 18 & 19

Peter Langner Bridal Trunk Show
October 2 & 3

Rivini Bridal Trunk Show
October 9 & 10

Romona Keveza Bridal Trunk Show
October 30 & 31



Tootsies is widely recognized as one of the finest shopping experiences in the nation. A pioneer in specialty store retailing, Tootsies carries a vast array of American and elite European designers, contemporary and classic collections, denim, accessories and shoes. Located in Houston, Dallas and Atlanta, Tootsies offers exclusive fashions, intimate attention to detail and incomparable customer service.

Location:
8300 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75225
Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00am to 7:00pm
Manager is Julie Morant.

You might consider contacting Julie Morant to find out if she needs volunteer/interns for the August 27 Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2009 Trunk Show!

Top 10 Portfolio Faux Pas

Whether you are a student or graduate, you should be building a portfolio and continually updating it. Here are some tips:

Top 10 Portfolio Faux Pas
by The Creative Group

A well-crafted portfolio can open doors to new jobs and clients. But if you submit a sub-par book, you'll likely find "no entry" signs at just about every door you knock on. Following are some mistakes that can drive hiring managers a little crazy, especially when they need to find a talented designer quickly. These 10 portfolio faux pas can cause employers to pass on your book and move onto the next one. Avoid these errors, and you'll have an immediate advantage over the competition.

Faux Pas #10: Providing "over the hill" examples. Don't include dated items in your portfolio, unless they're from a particularly high-profile assignment. No hiring manager wants to see a logo from a college project you created 15 years ago. Instead, include only pieces from within the last three years.

Faux Pas #9: Not bringing a leave-behind. Sixty-four percent of executives surveyed by The Creative Group said it's important to leave a work sample behind after an employment interview. You might want to develop a piece to use specifically for this purpose, such as a stand-out postcard that contains all of your contact information.

Faux Pas #8: Only having an online portfolio. The good news is that you have a visually stunning and well-organized online portfolio. The bad news is that this is the only way a hiring manager can see your work. Most design firms want evidence of your ability to produce excellent work online—in addition to a book you can show them in person. How you present that portfolio is important, too: In a survey by our firm, 65 percent of advertising and marketing executives said they preferred a bound book or separate container with loose pieces inside.

Faux Pas #7: Not customizing your portfolio to the client's needs. When preparing your book, make the samples specific to the project type, industry and client. If you'll be working on direct-mail pieces, for instance, be sure to provide samples of that type of work at the beginning of your portfolio. There are three common ways to organize your book: by industry, media specialty or chronologically. Most corporate clients will be interested in an industry-specific portfolio with examples that relate to their lines of business. If you're just beginning your career, however, arranging it chronologically may be preferable so you can highlight your career growth.

Faux Pas #6: Not telling a "story." The way you arrange your portfolio and present it is just as important as the pieces you include. Your samples should spark conversation about your contributions to previous employers. Ultimately, your book should tell a story about the value you provided clients over the years. Always be sure to strike a balance between showing any challenges you overcame and not coming across as a prima donna. When describing a piece in an interview, for example, you might talk about how a redesigned website increased traffic by 20 percent or how an award you won helped improve the firm's brand recognition. Essentially, you want to demonstrate what changed as a result of your work on a project. Companies want to know that they'll make a good investment in hiring you.

Faux Pas #5: An online portfolio that takes forever to download. David Langton, a principal graphic designer at Langton Cherubino Group, says it best: "Don't make me wait for your portfolio to download. I won't." Hiring managers are short on time and none of them wants to waste it waiting to see your work. Likewise, skip the musical introductions. Depending on your musical tastes, it can be jarring to go to a website and be greeted by Beethoven's Fifth Symphony or Michael Jackson's "Thriller." If you must have a fancy introduction for your site, be sure to include a prominent "skip introduction" button.

Faux Pas #4: Creating an unsolved mystery. Be sure to clearly identify each piece in your book by including the name of the client for which you produced the piece, your role in the project, the software you used and a sentence or two describing why it's important.

Faux Pas #3: Leaving no piece behind. You might be able to assemble enough material in your book to rival "War and Peace," but resist the temptation to show the hiring manager all your work. When it comes to portfolios, less is definitely more. A survey by The Creative Group shows that prospective employers feel the ideal portfolio should include about a dozen items.

Faux Pas #2: A sloppy book. Thirty-one percent of advertising and marketing executives polled by The Creative Group said unorganized samples bothered them most when reviewing portfolios. Your book should be neat and clean. If you're including bulky items, carry them separately. Along these same lines, don't give too much information about a particular example. Displaying numerous versions of the same piece, for instance, can be confusing to the person reviewing it. Generally, it's best to include only one final version.

Faux Pas #1: Not having an online portfolio. You must have an online portfolio; because all companies have a web presence today, few hiring managers will consider you for a job if you don't. And keep in mind that 22 percent of advertising and marketing executives surveyed by our firm said they preferred an online portfolio when viewing a creative's book. Cover all of your bases and have both an online and hard-copy portfolio available for hiring managers to review.

Remember that your book is never a finished project: You will constantly need to update and revamp it to reflect the job market and your skill set. While it's true that developing an online and hard copy of your portfolio requires significant time and effort, consider it a long-term career investment.

Used by Permission from The Creative Group.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Designer Spotlight: James Martinez



Today, one of our Own is being featured on Thrillist.com (the most influential trend-blog for men in the U.S.).
Dallas editor, Mike Daniel, writes, "Just launched out of Garland by an Art Institute grad & former Nordstrom tailor/Henry III Generation designer, Barron's handmade men's line seeks to “create a contemporary style that augments technology and fashion" -- a goal helped improbably by covering you in flys."

Check out the full article HERE, and subscribe to Thrillist.com!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Fashion Industry Gallery

Hopefully, some of you are working at Market this week. Below is information from the Fashion Industry Gallery. If you aren't working market, then go to Finale! Buy some stuff on-the-cheap, and more importantly, make some connections while you are there.




Internships

Internship Experience is REALLY important. Trust us on this. With a little bit of research, you can find rewarding internships, whether you are pursuing a degree in Fashion Design or Fashion & Retail Management.

We found information on the D Magazine website for Fashion Interns and Marketing Interns.

Here are the descriptions:

Fashion Intern
The fashion stylists for D Magazine Partners are seeking smart, personable, hard-working, organized interns to assist with fashion research, correspond with press contacts, pick up/return items for photo shoots, and help at photo shoots. Interns must be open to staying late on photo shoot days, driving around town researching products, and helping to pack cars and carry all necessities into photo shoots, including clothes and equipment. Knowledge of the fashion industry is helpful but not required.

Marketing Intern
The Marketing department is looking for interns interested in event planning, promotions, and media marketing. An ideal applicant will be hard working, detail-oriented, and eager to learn. As a marketing intern, you will observe, plan, and execute internal/external events, assist the marketing team with data entry, research, and mailings, attend planning meetings, and other tasks as needed.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Ready to Start Selling Your Wares?

If you are ready to start selling your designs, Etsy might be the place for you. Etsy.com bills itself as "Your Place to Buy & Sell All Things Handmade." Truthfully, the sky's the limit on what you can design and sell through Etsy.

A Graphic Design Instructor from The Art Institute of Dallas, Jodi Von Rotten, has received media exposure for her Etsy store, Binge and Purge and caters to a clientele that loves funky, retro accessories with a darker side.


Other Dallas designers who found their start on Etsy include Megan Mucci, whose Harrilu silk-screened apparel is sold nationally and was carried locally at House of Dang. Harrilu not only maintains an Etsy site but also now has a standard eCommerce site.


Not sure how to get started or how to find support? Etsy has an established community, where designers can partner with others to share ideas and learn more about building a stronger business.
Etsy even has an established EtsyDallas Group: The Original Dallas Craft Collective.

Remember to think outside-of-the-box. Your product does not need to be terribly complicated. You simply need to find something you are passionate about, determine if there is a market, and make sure to deliver GREAT customer service.

Have fun exploring Etsy! We always enjoy a little Etsy-time.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Designer Spotlight: Billie Jo Retro

Jody Sims, an accomplished patternmaker, is also a designer/owner of Billie Jo Retro. We love the Apron Play Suit and Cloud Bolero!

Jody Sims is a regular evaluator/juror at AiD Fashion Design events, and she serves on our Professional Advisory Committee. Thanks, Jody, for all you do!

Billie Jo Retro Cigarette Pant

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Guest Blogger Jennifer Rodgers: Working Behind the Scenes

Jennifer Rodgers, Fashion and Events Coordinator for NorthPark Center, shared the following information with us:

What does your job entail?

- On the events side of my job I work on coordinating events within the center such as Fashion at the Park and Model Search, and I also get to work with the tenants on their in-store events.

- On the fashion side of my job I get to dress with anchors, Paige, Robert, and Amy, of Good Morning Texas on a daily basis, their clothing is provided exclusively by NorthPark. Also, I get to plan and pull clothing, gifts, and accessories for any news segments that we do throughout the year.

Can you recall a particularly interesting or fun event?

- A fun memory from my job would have to be when I got to plan my very 1st event for NorthPark all on my own. It was a bridal event that I had to make a budget figure out rental, model costs, hire and fashion show producer, and make my vision for this event a reality. Well, of course everything that could go wrong did, including busting my butt while getting one of the male models from the dressing room, but I did do one thing right… I hired my previous boss, Jan Strimple, to produce the fashion show. She did such a great job, as always, and had also had a amazing ability to keep me calm. In the end the event turned out beautifully and everyone was happy!

What advice would you give to a student or graduate who wants a job like yours?

- The biggest piece of advice I can give to student who want to get into the fashion industry is to go to as many fashion events and parties you can, whether you are a volunteer or some ones plus one, you must network! I would not be where I am today with out the great people in my life pointing me in the right direction and opening up all the right doors. I am truly blessed!


Below: Jennifer working backstage at a runway show, completing last-minute alterations to a very full skirt!

Anthropologie Carries Dallas Designer

Today, as I perused the Anthropologie website, I ran across an adorable dress from Cooper by Courtney - a Dallas house (started by Tyler native, Courtney Warren)!

Check out the Texture Pairing Dress now, because once quantities are gone, the link will likely disappear!

Then, check out the Cooper by Courtney website!

Are your sights set on StyleSight?

If you are not using StyleSight, you are asleep at the wheel! Visit the library to learn more about this amazing database.

Stylesight is an image library that contains over two million images of Women's, Men's & Children's fashion as well as Interiors, including coverage of all Designer Collections from New York, Paris, London, Milan, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and more. It includes fashion buzz on the streets and store windows of key fashion & interior design stores of all of these major cities as well as Tokyo, Hong Kong and the South of France. Vintage, Denim, Color, Trade Shows, Celebrity Fashion, Flats Sketches, original Graphic Design, and Mood Images are some of the topics covered. New content is uploaded daily.

Our favorite new feature? Trend Watch...

Monday, August 3, 2009

Trunk Show! August 7th












Elli Grace Willow Bend
tel. 214-793-7890

About Us
Elli Grace woman is fun, whimsical, feminine and easy going. A woman in love with fashion and in search of a value. She is confident in her style and mixes labels to achieve her own personal look. She is both feminine and sexy and unmistakable in her look. Elli Grace is an artist, a lover, a daughter, a friend, she is you.

Sojung “Sue” Yang


Born in Seoul Korea , Sue graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2001. She worked for Donna Karan and later for Manuel. In 2005 she was appointed Director of Women’s Design for Manuel. She launched the Manuel collection in New York Fashion Week to great reviews and positioned the brand for celebrity use and magazine editorials. In 2008 she left Manuel to launch the label, Elli Grace.


Lamarr Nanton

Born in St.Croix USVI, Lamarr attended Florida State University. He worked for Giorgio Armani where he pursued his passion for garment construction. At Armani, Lamarr learned hand tailoring techniques and worked with exquisite fabrics and gowns. In 2005 he was appointed Director of Men’s Design for Manuel. He launched the collection in New York Fashion Week. In 2008 he left Manuel along with Sojung Yang to launch a new label and return to his passion for couture and women’s wear.