One of our favorite sites is at it again! US Trendy brings us the most popular names in indie fashion voted on by their readers. But now they are offering readers access to these coveted names everyday! Readers get a one-of-a-kind look while designers are given another venue to sell their lines. It looks a bit like etsy…just for indie fashion lovers!

I just spent about an hour browsing all of the looks available and I don’t think I came close to seeing the whole store. For such a new online boutique, I’m shocked at the variety that’s available. No matter your personal taste or price point, there seems to be something for everyone.

BLOOM handbag- $40.00

Some of our favorites are this Love Belle dress by Sara Mena, Blouse by Julie and BLOOM handbag by Mamsirati Irm/-e .

Check it out and tell them LDB sent you! Happy Shopping!

Every Little Counts is an L.A.-based graphic T-shirt company that launched their business for Valentine’s Day 2008. Founder and designer Amy Snider says, “The aim is to connect with the closet romantic; girls and women who secretly believe in a hidden world of romance and drama.”

Although Amy’s company began in 2008, she was hardly new to the business of fashion & design. As a child, she grew up in Massachusetts with an eclectic style and a love for vintage treasures. Amy went on to study fashion at various schools including London College of Fashion. From Europe, she landed in New York and eventually her career brought her to L.A. for even more opportunities.

Now, ELC is enjoying a growing cult following as each collection reveals new treasures unlike the season before. See what other voices in fashion have had to say about Every Little Counts.

And now, Amy’s brand new fall line has just been introduced. Click here to pre-order these pieces!

by Andrea Pohlot

I can’t believe I just learned about this online boutique! ARE YOU KIDDING? Indie Designs for less than retail? Well, it’s true. I recently learned about badjoan.com from Seattle designer Lizzie Parker who sells her overstock and last season items on the popular website at huge discounts. I was not only thrilled to know that I could buy Lizzie Parker online at a discount…but was also excited to learn about new indie names.  So we recently caught up with Owner and Founder of BadJoan.com, Brooke Wilen for the full scoop.

Brooke started her career in fashion as a designer herself. But after several seasons of being stuck with units of overstock, she wanted to create an opportunity for indie designers (who may not produce large quantities) to move these items at the end of the season and make room for new designs.

So badjoan.com was born in April ‘08 on a whim, using a small mailing list and a simple e-commerce site. But the word is spreading quickly! Brooke offers a service to designers and great deals to consumers. Everybody wins! …Particularly good news during the holiday shopping launch. In fact, starting on November 2nd, every weekday you’ll have the chance to win $10 toward a shopping spree at badjoan.com by participating on her blog. Click here for details!

In addition to Lizzie Parker, you can also find names like Mike & Chris, ecoSkin and Jenny Han. If you’re an avid shopper of indie designers, make sure to visit badjoan.com for your favorite names at 80% off retail! If you’re a designer and would like to talk to Brooke about selling your overstock on her website, click here to contact her directly.

The distinction between Zebra Collection and other fall collections is that this is an entire brand (not just a collection) inspired by animal print. Unique, classic black and white styles, these designs are timeless with a definite luxury feel. Perfect for the jet-setter’s lifestyle, Zebra Collection offers designs in shoes, handbags, eyewear and  activewear. I could just picture myself staying at a high-end resort with several pieces packed in my suitcase. I would look amazing!!

In our conversation, Bruce told me, “I’m creating a classic brand that isn’t super trendy. Instead, I think it takes more patience to create something that is longer-lasting…I’m not obsessed with zebra pattern, I just like to accent clothing with touches of it…sometimes it’s what you don’t put in that makes the design classic.”

I couldn’t agree more. I happen to LOVE simple designs with a splash of fun! Our favorite Zebra Collection pieces are the sexy Zanzibar sport top, Antigua leather handbag and the zebra print heels with hand painted bottom.

The retail prices in Bruce’s collection range from $65-$400. If you would like information on carrying Zebra Collection in your boutique, click here. Upscale boutique shops, they are also booking high profile fashion events in major markets. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Bruce!

Looking forward to seeing more from Zebra Collection!

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 in outerwear.

I recently spoke with them after the show to find out more about their line(s). I learned Liise and Karly met in fashion design school. Their recent completion at New York Fashion Academy in Seattle, WA left them with little time to complete their collections. I was shocked to hear that in just weeks they pulled together fifteen looks! And you wouldn’t know it.

Compared to many other lines we saw, Wyatt Orr appeared to be one of the best constructed. Clean lines, careful stitching and a beautiful blend of different textures and bright color kept the pieces interesting, but not over-the-top. Classic and wearable, but also fresh! A difficult balance. But these days, it’s a critical one.

I can’t wait to see more from these two young designers. They are on the move and no doubt will grace the pages of many high-fashion magazines and well-attended fashion weeks in the years to come!

Thanks for sharing your stories with us, Liise and Karly! Best of luck to each of you and to Wyatt Orr! …

We sincerely enjoyed seeing Lizzie Parker’s new collection recently at Portland Fashion Week. Her designs are high-class and exceptionally made…not to mention, she is super sweet and so fun to talk to. Unlike the other designers that week, Lizzie revealed her “Holiday 2009″ collection instead of Spring ‘10. We were curious why…so we asked her.

We learned that although Lizzie’s designs used to be available for wholesale, she made a calculated business decision that changed her focus. Upon recently opening her own store in downtown Seattle, she moved her studio to the back of the store and focuses her designs on serving the Seattle clientele. So, if you’re lucky enough to live in or around the Seattle area, be sure to visit Eco-Atelier & Boutique. Grab these gorgeous designs for an upcoming holiday party. You’ll turn a few heads! The best part about her store…she tells us that she keeps her prices at $100 and UNDER! Unbelievable for designer pieces made right on site!

Of course, I made sure to place my vote for an LA Lizzie Parker location! We’ll see if she listens to me. But even if you don’t live in Seattle, we have just learned that there is ONE place outside of Lizzie Parker where you can find last season’s favorites. Check out BadJoan.com for deals on Lizzie Parker pieces, as well as other independent brands. We love BadJoan.com so much, that you’ll hear more about them in a separate post. Who doesn’t want new fashion for less?

In case you missed the Portland show, we’ve included it in full for you here! Enjoy! …And tell us which one is your favorite.

Tony Dimitri- Portland Fashion Week 2009

Last night kicked off the first night of Portland Fashion Week 2009! Names like Gersemi, Icebreaker, Defyance and NelliDru Design strutted their spring collections down the catwalk. But we were especially blown away by Tony Dimitri.

Tony’s designs are hip and edgy with a modest sex appeal. Think lots of black and gray with zippers, fur and stretch!

Tony is a Portland designer and was certainly among friends last night. He got the biggest applause and was shaking hands with most of the front row. Portland loves him! And we think, for good reason.

This collection was not a surprise to us. Clearly he has developed a brand around a personality and attitude that he sticks to. Although his designs are new and fresh this time around, they are also

Tony Dimitri- Mohawk Vest

part of a cohesive style that Tony Dimitri is becoming known for: Edgy, sexy, comfortable. After the show, we caught up with him to get more of the story behind his new collection. Tony told us that he “really wanted it to be high fashion and edgy but not too loud and over the top.” Many of Tony’s pieces are classic with an element of “WOW” in the detailing. Take a look at this Mohawk Vest…one of the most attention-grabbing moments of the night!

And although we are familiar with Tony’s menswear collection, he also showed off some sexy women’s wear pieces, which was a pleasant surprise. The piece you see above we saw on the runway twice: once in black…and again in gray. Come to find out, after talking to Tony, it is the same dress! A hot reversible option for more versatility. He plans to slowly roll out a few women’s pieces for now and hopes to eventually have a full line for both men and women.

We’ll keep you posted on more from this Oregon up-and-comer!

LDB: I love the vintage, old-Hollywood feel I get when I browse through your collection. Where, specifically, do you find your inspiration and how would you define your brand?

ISMM: For this collection I started with looking at Images from the 20ties and fashion illustrations from Harper’s Bazaar which inspired tops like the “Art Deco Halter Top”. The suspender shorts are inspired by the “Gangster” image of the 20ties. Dresses where added later and where inspired by later periods like the 60ties shown in the “Twiggy Dress”.

We define ISM as “sophisticated Street wear” casual comfort paired with sophistication in style and detail.

Our Mission is to provide Comfort, Fit, Style, Social Consciousness and Environmental Concern.

More detail (Comfort and fit is something that I look for in clothes for myself. I make all patterns myself and we use natural fibers in jersey for the comfort.

Style I believe should be simplicity enriched by detail.

Social Consciousness is a personal concern of ours and magnified since Justin, my partner and boyfriend is an anthropology graduate student who is always looking for programs to support. This is something we want to strengthen as our company grows and we have more resources to support those causes.

Environmental Concern is something that has to be considered as one is using resources. This part of our company also will further develop as we grow.)

LDB: When did you know that fashion design was the career for you?

ISMM: I grew up in an artist commune in Austria where I started live drawing when I was four; we made movies and artists such as Joseph Beuys and Nam June Paik where regular guests so art was always something I was part of.

After High School I hesitated choosing “art ” as a career so I got my bachelor in economics but after a semester was so bored with the subject I decided to study fashion design at FHTW-Berlin since I was already sewing my clothes since high school.

LDB: Tell us more about your company’s commitment to social activism.

ISMM: I feel strongly about a lot of issues facing the world today, and I surround myself with people who feel the same, and it only seems fitting to make that part of my business.  We are working on developing a business that can produce locally (while trying to keep our prices low), use sustainable material (e.g. recycled fabrics) and give to a sector that is not directly related to the fashion industry, which is why we donate to the Urban Environment Policy Institute at Occidental College (a local program serving the Los Angeles community).

LDB: Even your photography settings seem to tell a story. Tell us what you are hoping to communicate about your collection through the images you use.

ISMM: With my background of being involved in conceptual art, photography is just another medium of expression for me. The location we choose to do the photo shoot in (an antique store) reflects the inspiration for designing my collection.  These photos express the versatility and playfulness of the collection. The different settings like the circus, old furniture, bookshelves and a dinosaur represent the adventure of life which provides the context for wearing ISM clothes.

LDB: What advice would you give to a designer who is just beginning their career in fashion design?

ISMM: Be patient. Do internships and explore the field of fashion. Don’t be to concerned with what other people do, find what it is that you like and if doesn’t make you money right away, start small and work your way up.

LDB: Which piece are you the most proud of?

ISMM: The “suspender shorts” and the “daisy dress” are probably my favorites. The shorts because of the versatility, without the suspenders they are cute shorts and with the suspenders they have a different style. Add some tights and boots and you have the perfect winter outfit. The same is true for the dress. Buttoned up all the way it can be worn very innocent but a few buttons open and a belt you have a very different feel. And for the winter, layer it with a long sleeve shirt and some leggings and again a new outfit.

LDB: Where might we find you when you aren’t at the sewing machine?

ISMM: As a member of the Costume Designer Guild I also work on movies and as a stylist so you might find me on set, at a photo shoot, hanging out with friends playing Pictionary, talking with my good friends in Berlin in the middle of the night, and taking in the last chances I have to be in the pool before it’s too cold.

And, speaking of the pool, check out this video of Inka’s designs in motion. See how it showcases the wearability and comfort of the designs.

And the best news of all! Inka is offering LDB readers a special on all pieces purchased through her website. Use coupon code littledesignerbook at checkout to get $10 off your order with ISM Mode. But hurry! Offer ends October 25, 2009.

We’ve been really inspired by ISM Mode and all that Inka Sherman has accomplished. We hope you are too!

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Inka. Please keep us posted on your success!

]]> http://littledesignerbook.com/index.php/ism-mode-los-angeles/feed/ http://littledesignerbook.com/index.php/kanchi-a-new-collection-and-a-new-magazine/ http://littledesignerbook.com/index.php/kanchi-a-new-collection-and-a-new-magazine/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:43:12 +0000 Andrea http://littledesignerbook.com/?p=2341 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 [...]]]> 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 was also intrigued by Kanchi’s® philanthropic mission and a new business venture. Here is what Kanchi Williams had to say to LDB when we recently caught up with her:

LDB: Tell us about your background in fashion design. At what point did you decide that this was the right career for you?

Fashion and all things beautiful and glamorous is what I love and am passionate about.

It’s a career that found me; via the organic process of me working in lots of creative marketing roles for various companies.

LDB: What has been the most exciting experience since launching Kanchi®?

It’s been really rewarding to see how the designs and garments empower our clients to look and feel fabulous about their appearance.

Also the launch of the Kanchi® Magazine, has allowed other designers from around the world to collaborate with our brand. It  now showcases so many amazing brands to a global audience.

LDB: Is there a piece you are the most proud of?

I love all the pieces, as they each carry a lot of thought and are filled with fabulous memories of the inspiration behind them and their creation.

LDB: Tell us more about your latest endeavor: the recent launch of an online magazine. What do you want fans to know about it?

The Kanchi® Magazine is an Online Publication for the luxury product & service for the savvy reader.

It was launched to provide a glamorous, creative & interactive vehicle to showcase unique, inspiring and talented individuals, businesses, products, services and places globally.

It is sought-after internationally as a vehicle for branding by businesses and as a tool of inspiration and empowerment by its readers.

The aim of each edition of the Kanchi® Magazine is three-fold:

(1) To increase the brand awareness internationally of all featured businesses.

(2) To introduce inspiring and empowering stories, products, services and places to our audience of global readers.

(3) To increase the awareness of projects that educate, empower and inspire children in developing countries; plus global environmental conservation and humanitarian projects.

LDB: Tell us more about your company’s commitment to philanthropy.

We work with many humanitarian organizations from around the world, to promote awareness of those less fortunate.

Inspiring and empowering children is a mission close to our heart and one that we are extremely proud of. We believe children in every corner of the world deserve the right to an education and the freedom to express their talents, pursue their dreams and make the world a better place.

It is for this reason that we aim to use a percentage of funds generated from the Kanchi® Magazine to aid projects that help educate children in developing countries, so they too can be inspired and empowered to reach for their dreams.

LDB: Where can people go to purchase pieces from your collection?

From the Kanchi® online boutique at www.Kanchi.com.au, our Sydney showroom or from our Pop-Up stores that appear for a limited time in various locations.

LDB: Do you have a favorite boutique shop?

I love boutiques online and offline that are unique and follow their own path…those that offer a memorable shopping experience.

I’m so excited to share this new find with you. M641: Memorable High Fashion is one of my new favorites. Subu and Ina are the co-founders behind this collection and have drummed up quite a bit of buzz in fashion circles…and for good reason. Their Spring 2010 looks showcase comfort and class with also adding details that brighten the looks and keep them fresh.

Inspired by a certain sense of utopia, the newest collection brings out the hippy in all of us on the heels of the recent anniversary of Woodstock. Subu, the creative director, outdid herself for the Spring with not one but TWO collections. The largest collection they’ve offered thus far!

Spring 2010 1- The Memorable Escape Collection includes one of their signature tunics, this time “Jasmine’s Flight” as well as many other tops and a couple of shorts designs for a real chic look and feel.

Spring 2010 2- The Ornamental Reverie Collection includes four Partywear pieces. These are dresses and tops with signature M641 luxe trims and sequins work.

What attracted me to this label was that I found M641 to be a beautiful blend of “wearable” without begin “typical”…if you know what I mean. The trimming you buy from an M641 design is not something you could find at a discount store. You can tell that Subu has spent a lot of time on the intricacies of each piece. I’m smelling real talent here!

And I’m so excited to be the first to tell you that M641’s Summer 2010 collection is also complete and will be revealed to market later this year. You will be interested to know that it supplements the current Spring Collections with 10 new designs!

You can see more of M641 on their website or shop for these looks online at Smashing Darling.