My Internship With D2G Apparel

About a month ago I began my internship with D2G Apparel and I couldn't be happier. Although I am already in school full time and barely have time to keep my life on track as it is, I love every second of it. D2G is a fashion and illustration website that features up and coming artists, from research to interviews and events. I am currently just writing articles and trying to get in touch with artists. It takes so much research, but none of it seems like a job to me.

In order to get this internship I had just emailed the right person at the right time. I was looking at other internships where I would be doing the usual jobs of fetching coffee and filing papers. First day on the job at D2G I was researching and posting my own articles with minimal supervision. Two amazing women, Brynn and Emiah, are running this website and I couldn't be happier to work with both of them, whether it's side by side or across the bay. 

Here are a few of the illustrations by artists I have done articles on so far. I am thoroughly impressed by every single one of them and can't wait to keep up with their work to see where they go in the future. 

Illustration By Luis Tinoco

Illustrator Jeff Koons Collaborates with Designer Lisa Perry

Illustrations By Laura Laine

Illustrations By Sarah Larnach

Illustrations By Alexis Marcou

Illustrations By Yayoi Kusama

Illustrations By Crajes

Illustrations By Abbey Watkins

Illustrations By Cate Parr

Illustrations By Kelly Smith

Coachella: A Weekend of Fashion with a Side of Music

Over the past few years Coachella has begin to grow and expand more and more. This year it seemed to have reached its peak, with two weekends in a row of the most popular names in music and thousands of the most crazed fans. With all of these fans looking to be the most on trend and catch the eye of all the photographers and media, it is necessary to wear your best desert attire.

            The outfit choices that people make are different than you might see anywhere else. Swimsuit tops, daisy dukes, architectural flip flops,  and any other of the tiniest tank tops one can find. The 115 degree weather was definitely taken note of.  Crop tops and floral prints were so overly present; from some pictures you wouldn’t know the difference between Woodstock or Coachella.

            Of course the celebrities also take notice of this, and the photographers take notice of them. One of my favorite looks was worn by model, Dree Hemingway, in her Chloe shoes and Dolce & Gabbana bag, her accessories were to die for. Actress Denise Vasi who took a bit of a cheaper route, but still looked just as daring and gorgeous wearing H&M, Joe’s Jeans and BLK DNM. Every person had their own style and fashion companies took note of this weeks prior.

            Knowing that Coachella was just around the corner, department stores of both higher and lower end were stocked with garments that had that desert chic style.  This style that Coachella has taken on has everyone looking youthful and fun, each person being creative in his or her own way.

            Karlie Kloss and Cara Delevingne are some of fashion weeks favorite models, so everyone knows they were going to dress to impress. Because they have seemed to have already conquered the fashion world they seemed to have a bit more fun with it.  One who wore a colorful hat with a slightly flipped up bill sideways and big glasses, the other a red white and blue poncho over her denim shorts. Kate Bosworth was a favorite of most, as I saw her popping up over and over on fashion sites everywhere. She took a risk and wore her huge military style jacket over some mudslinging Hunters rain boots. She had gone for a more comfortable look, but still looked amazing and very Coachella-worthy. I have already heard the talk of people planning their outfits for next year, are you ready yet?  

Photographs Courtesy of Mark Iantosca

From Day to Night: Red Spring Skirt

Since I have been trying to add more color to my wardrobe and get myself out of winter mode, I decided a red skirt is something that can easily transition from day into night. A red skirt can be dressed down with a button up and wedges for a day at the park, or dressed up with leather and black pumps for going out on the town. Whichever you prefer they are both an acceptable way of putting together your warm weathered wardrobe. Happy Spring! 

My Coffee Table Book Obsession

I have always had a slight addiction to coffee table books, so I thought I would share a few that I have purchased recently. Each one was totally worth it, I suggest you check them out. 

Chanel: Collections and Creations  

 Cecil Beaton: The New York Years

 Daphne Guinness

 Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

In Vogue

Mad Men Trends are Taking Over

In my fashion editing class I have been slowly creating a magazine, which I have chose to base off of the 50s fashion. Of course, in the current trend Mad Men has been blowing up everywhere. From the ad campaign for Banana Republic, to H&M belting everything and creating those vintage patterns. For my magazine I created spreads that might inspire you to dress like Betty, Joan and Peggy. Depending on which character you wake up feeling like that day. 

Betty the gorgeous, feminine housewife.

Joan the flirty secretary, whom leaves little to the imagination.

Or Peggy, a conservative business woman who has confidence in being "one of the guys".

It Has Been Far Too Long

I realize I haven't been posting as much recently. Midterms and projects had gotten me all caught up in the life of fashion and school. So many things have been going on. Jean Paul Gaultier came and visited my school and spoke with us, it was beyond amazing. He was the sweetest man, giggling and making little jokes the whole time. His personality is no where near serious, yet he has the passion of a thousand artists. Also, he spoke about the fact that he has never had any professional training in art or design. It is just a lot of hard work. Here is a silly video he created for his Diet Coke campaign, I believe they truly capture his personality. Hope you enjoy and look into it a bit more.

Academy of Art University: Fall 2012 Collections at NYFW

Students at the Academy of Art University thunderstruck observers at New York Fashion Week this past Friday as models marched down the runway in the Fall 2012 collections created. From the structured looks of Wu Di and Farida Khan to the easy going creations of Xiang Zhang and Jade Juanyu Liu.  High standards are held for the Academy of Art University, being that they are the only students that shows yearly at New York Fashion Week. It’s safe to say those expectations were met.

A soundtrack of upbeat, contemporary drums broke the silence as models wearing Wu Di’s designs began the show. Di’s symmetrical patterns, mixed with the soft tones were a perfect balance of art and wear-ability.  Xiang Zhang kept the energy in Lincoln Center’s Theater flowing as her light-hearted collection, consisting of off-white and beige garments were topped with matching trucker hats. There was a quick change of pace as the collections by Deanna Pei-Ju Lo and Kate Y. K. Lee took over with attitude. The all black color palates and futuristic silhouettes gave off the impression that these models were taken from the Matrix or worn by a slightly more conservative Laura Croft.

Not all students were looking ahead in fashion and predicting what is in the future for their designs, Donghyuk Dan Kim was dwelling upon on the past. His vintage inspired menswear harmonized long coats with fur collars, matched with distinguished plaids. The deep browns and forest green gave the appearance of men in uniform, in which one can never go wrong. Ballet Russe inspired knitwear designer, Jeanette Au, incorporated mohair wool and metallic fabrics to give the knit garments a lustrous effect. The warm color scheme made the thick pieces seem a little less substantial and much more feminine, the intricate detailing also added a soft, sweet result.

The Academy of Art University was able to show the eclectic style of San Francisco in New York Fashion Week, providing their audience with a wide variety of indisputably breathtaking clothing. By creating pieces that are extremely wearable and still showing their artistic abilities these student designers put on successful performance.  These students may have raised the bar for what is expected of the Academy of Art University in their shows following, let us hope these collections will set off a spark of enthusiasm and dedication to prospective students hoping to be in their positions next season.

Photographs by Bob Toy

Thom Browne's Fall 2012 Mens RTW Collection

Thom Browne proved himself to be anything but ordinary in Paris this January with his Fall 2012 Ready-To-Wear collection. Being fairly new to the fashion scene, the American designer took the utmost risk in his menswear collection by creating an Adam’s Family likeness mixed in with clear representations of nautical-prep and dominatrix-punk.

Browne has always looked to please the audience with a show, but this time the runway illustrated an obvious exhibition, the classic face off between jocks and punks. Incorporating pink and green plaid with studs and safety pins in one look, to the overbearing shoulder pads and the reference to bondage facemasks in another. Browne was able to capture the best of both worlds.

Browne not only magnified the rival-stereotypes style choices, but his silhouettes reflected that of an ample football player or lean punk rocker. Shoulders, knees and elbows were padded giving the models a lifeless and unrealistic body type, which Tim Blanks from style.com said to be like that of Frankenstein. Those without pads were wearing almost-too-tight pants, kilts and closely fit blazers, to expose their extremely slender figures; some were even midriff bearing.

Browne’s collection was such a reminiscence of high school; gossip and school bells nearly lingered in the air. A statement was definitely made for this fall with Browne’s collection, whether it was to intimidate, shock, or merely tell a story, he left little to the imagination and a lot to be discussed. 

Photos Courtesy of Yannis Vlamos 

Any thoughts? Hit or miss?

Mila Kunis is the New Face of Dior

Mila Kunis takes a big leap from That 70s show to becoming the new face of Christian Dior.

Photo Courtesy of Dior

Mila has come a long way in the past few years from the Black Swan craze to co-starring with one of the most dreamy men alive, Justin Timberlake. I think she is going to be the perfect fit. A new, young face that flatters the classic beauty that Dior clothing always has. I definitely agree with the choice that was made. How about you?

Just When You Didn't Want To Take Off Your Fabulous Shoes To Ice Skate

They come out with the DSQUARED2 SKATE MOSS SHOE! 

Most people fear ice skating because they are going to come out of it bruised and with broken ankles by  simply skating on some old fashion rental skates... Now, ice skates are being modeled after heels that the average American probably couldn't even walk in. Being priced at $1,500 I'm not sure most could afford them either. 

Regardless I want them ALL.  

Holiday DIY Sparkle Shoes

When you the toes of your shoes are horribly scuffed and you are ready to throw them away... Recreate them into something even better and they are good as new! 

This simple Do-It-Yourself project made my shoes worth wearing again. And a perfect idea for the holidays! 

And it was so quick and easy. All you need is regular craft glue that will dry clear, and old paint brush of some sort, and what ever color sparkles you prefer... And shoes of course!

Mix the glue and the sparkles to the density you would like, then quickly before it dries begin to paint it right on. Remember to keep stirring the mixture so it does not begin to harden. I went over mine three or four times to make sure I covered all the spots. 

After wearing these a few times none of the sparkles have come off or cracked. I am surprised at how well the mixture actually holds to the shoes. So, next time you scuff up a shoe, just cover it up in 20 minutes. Good as new. 

When in Finals

During finals there are a lot of things I wish I knew before coming to college. A list of items to have and things to remember.

• Always wear comfortable shoes! I have been running around the city all week getting things for projects or going to the library and there is so much to be done, but very little time to do it. The last thing you want is your feet hurting. 
• A totally awesome playlist, you don't want to spend your study/project time flipping through your itunes on shuffle for hours. Or even worse, resorting to the Television. Pandora gets the job done. 
• Lots of green tea! Coffee always makes me feel sick in the end, so I try and stick to tea. Also, healthy snacks! 
• Even when you hear "but, everyone is going". DO NOT give in! You have stuff to do. Little did you know that all those peer pressure posters around high school were not for keeping drug free, but to keep you on track for finals. 
• If you begin to stress out or lose track, go for a walk. Naps NEVER work. And taking a break to watch TV will turn in to some 90's show marathon. That is where DVR comes in handy. 
• Delete Facebook from your bookmark bar, I know how hard it is to avoid clicking on it. I promise nothing important will happen in the next few hours. And if something does, someone will call you. 
• Avoid the Billy Madison studying style, I promise strip studying won't last very long. It won't even help from the beginning. 
• If you get distracted playing dress up, cleaning, or eating all the food you have to procrastinate... Go to the library, or a coffee shop, or anywhere else to work. 
• If you are going to an art school, do not procrastinate at all. You can not bullshit a project the way you did with all those papers at state school. 
• Stop stressing out and just do it! 

As fun as finals are... I can't wait for this week to be over. 

Nine Items Santa Wouldn't Dare Leave Me Without

As it nears the holiday's everyone is asking "who are you waiting for under the mistletoe"? Well, forget that... I am dreaming of accessories under the tree! Here are nine items that Santa wouldn't dare to leave me without this holiday season.

P.S. You are never 'too old' to go to Macy's and write Santa a letter, hop up on his lap, take pictures, beg for things you will never get... He answers your letters, too! It's great. 

Rebecca Minkoff bowling bag, £490
Green jewelry, 99 SEK
Marc by marc jacobs jewelry, $175
Cartier green jewelry
Miss Selfridge umbrella, £10
Twist Tango hat
Monsoon wool hat, £30
MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors glove, $80

DIY Holiday Necklace Scarf

I went into a skate shop recently and they were selling these awesome fabric necklace/scarf things, $25? I think I will try and make some of my own... This is my first try, I'm sure it will come out much better next time. All you need is an old T-shirt, scissors, and some type of ribbon or string. One of the most simple DIY projects ever. ( sorry for all the weird images, my brother showed me this new app on my phone that randomized all the effects, thought I would try it out). 

In spirit of the holidays I decided to take an old green shirt and some red ribbon and make this warm necklace for myself. sorry again if the pictures are a bit blurry.

1. Grab an old T-shirt, the softer ones always feel much nicer. 

2. Cut up the old T into little strips (don't spend too much time doing this, it won't make a difference in the end).

3. pile up those strips and grab the ends and start stretching and pulling them. Pretty simple. 

4. Grab the ends where there are usually seams and cover them with some ribbon. 

5. And the other side, too!

Take each end and and tie them together! Easy as that. You can use whatever you want, string, rope, ribbon. Also adjusting the length by how you tie it and the length of the shirt. 

Easy as that! More holiday DIY projects to come.