What Does the CIT Bankruptcy Mean for Indie Designers?

The short answer is…it depends.
If your business has been fortunate enough to do a 1/2 million dollars in sales each year, then you may want to consider another factor for financing your accounts receivables. However, if your line is relatively new and working with smaller accounts, then financing could be a little harder to find.
However, there may still be resources available to help you. Here are some tips:
1) Start Local! Check into an SBA chapter in your local community. These offices are 50% funded by the federal government and 50% funded by the local governments to help stimulate economic growth. [...]

Wyatt Orr: A New Runway Favorite

by Andrea Pohlot
Photos by Aundrea Harrell

We recently found Wyatt Orr on the Portland runway and they blew us away!  Their sculpted jackets were so well done. These recent design school graduates have launched with an already strong portfolio! Crosby Noricks, of PR Couture was sitting next to me. I kept elbowing her throughout the show to say, “I want that…and that too…and I must have that piece now!”
Liise Wyatt and Karly Orr are the minds behind Wyatt Orr. They combined efforts for Spring ‘10 to show both their individual design talent in women’s ready-to-wear, as well as their combined venture [...]

Vert Couture Eco-Fashion as Fashion Focus Finale

by Rachel Yeomans
Photos by Abigail Harenberg

I remember when being “green” accompanied the chime “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. Over the past few years it has become much more. The building industry brought forth LEED certification, cars are going hybrid, and the term “organic” has gone from food to fashion.
When eco-fashion was first introduced, it caused some skepticism that it may tout the description of “granola” versus “grandeur”. However, throughout the years and through the efforts of some passionate designers, the skepticism can now be happily disregarded. And Sunday’s Vert Couture “Springtime in Chicago” runway show was a fantastic reminder that green [...]

Nicholas Clements-Lindsey brings Texas to LA

By Andrea Pohlot
Nicholas Clements-Lindsey recently took the stage in Los Angeles. This Dallas-Fort Worth native showed a Spring ‘10 collection that was larger than life! Think bows, trains, satin, raw silk, faux buttons and COLOR!  This is exactly what you’ll get with a NCL design. Nicholas Clement-Lindsey has been described as a “dark horse designer”. His Criminal collection, is inspired by the minds of Christian Dior and Edith Head. This collection is a cross-blend of the films The Great Gatsby and To Catch A Thief, where the fashion-forward characters set the tone of what fashion should be during the roaring [...]

Gen Art Shows off Fresh Faces in Chicago Fashion

by Rachel Yeomans
Photos by: Stefan Klapko and Collin Pierson of Collin Pierson Photography
The bars, clubs and restaurants were shockingly scant of crowds this past Saturday evening. That probably was because all of Chicago was crammed into the fashion tent that was about to showcase the final runway to strut Millennium Park during this year’s Fashion Focus Chicago.
For the seventh year, Gen Art Chicago hosted its annual “Fresh Faces in Fashion” runway show. But before the six designers showcased their collections, an accessory designer reception distracted show-goers attentions. An hour before the models [...]

Great Find! Alizabeth O Designs

If delicate, feminine jewelry is your style, you’re going to love this new designer! Elizabeth is the design mind behind Alizabeth O Designs, a fun and flirty line of jewelry made from high quality materials including semi-precious and precious gemstones. What struck me about Elizabeth was that her personality comes through so clearly in her designs. She describes herself as liking to “stand out without really standing out”. ..which is exactly what I think her designs do. They have a splash of color that draws your attention, but still maintains an impression of class and quality.
Here’s what Elizabeth says about [...]

Students’ Designs Hit The Runway At Fashion Focus Chicago

by Rachel Yeomans
Photos taken by: Stefan Klapko

Fashion-followers love knowing what the newest trend is, where the hottest runway show is, and of course who the “it” designer is. Chicagoaons were able to get a preview of some hot designer potentials even before they received their college diplomas.
Friday evening during Fashion Focus Chicago, 20 design students from four Chicago colleges strutted their stuff by showcasing collections worthy of cum laude during the runway show, Dress Code.
Each college featured five design students showcasing their collections. Columbia College Chicago paraded cinched waists, muted [...]

Angelica Grace Designs: Sweet and Sassy!

Stacy Herb, our style editor, has gotten us all excited about this new designer. We really can’t get enough of these girls’ outfits with flair! It’s like cotton candy and bubble gum at the carnival with a slight hint of a 1970’s flavor. Have you ever seen bell bottoms so cute?! Angie Seaman began her business nearly six years ago. While struggling to care for her infant daughter who had a chronic health condition, Angie found an outlet to escape to…her sewing machine! And she says that although she never imagined that she would be a seamstress, she is enjoying [...]

A New Fall Collection: Beso Handbags

Have you ever seen the Showtime hit show Weeds? One of my favorites! But I also live in that same suburban town. I’ve always loved surrounding myself with creative people. I think inside a creative mind is a straight shot to their soul. No fakiness…only real thoughts and feelings. Which for me, living in “Stepford” suburbia is a breath of fresh air!(and maybe one of the reasons I LOVE writing this blog).  Johanna Penagos is one of these old friends and a very talented artist. I feel so privileged to share her story with you.
Johanna recently started Beso Handbags and [...]

Kanchi: A New Collection and a New Magazine

We’ve been traveling the virtual world looking for the best of the best and this time, we landed in Australia! This isn’t the first Aussie designer we’ve had the pleasure of talking to and hopefully it won’t be the last. Australian Fashion Week is turning out real talent known worldwide.
Sydney-based designer Kanchi Williams is the creative force behind the brand, Kanchi®. Kanchi® has created a brand that stands for luxury, wearability and sophistication. Recently featured in publications like Vogue, CREAM and RUSSH Kanchi® is quickly developing a fan base all over the world.
But in addition to their captivating designs, I [...]