Designer Interviews
Style Studio – Designer Interview Melissa Baswell
In 2010, we will be getting down to business….And that’s the business of designers. Our next chat session is with Chicago Designer, Melissa Baswell who dishes on her inspirations, the world as an eco-focused designer and what she is doing for Spring…
Ava Cami paired with Chloe Pants - Spring 2010
Who are you as a designer?
Well first and foremost I’m a woman who appreciates chic, timeless style. Since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to classic fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn. She wore clothing with simple lines, but she always stood out because she had an eye for what worked for her body and the female form in general. I think that as a designer, my particular design aesthetic is a result of this admiration for simple but striking beauty in fashion. I find myself creating garments with clean, graceful lines that complement the body. I want the woman who wears my designs to feel effortless and elegant. Sustainable design is also very important to me. From my start as a designer, I have only used eco-friendly fabrics and materials, and have always produced locally in sweatshop-free environments.
Morgan Dress - Spring 2010
What is your inspiration for your current/upcoming line?I named my Spring 2010 collection “Etendue Sauvage dans la Grande Ville” which translates to “Wilderness in the City” or “Urban Wilderness.” My line in general has always drawn inspiration from the concept of discovering nature in urban environments, and I really wanted to touch on that for this collection. The designs are elegant and slightly romantic, but with an edge. Fields of wildflowers and ocean waves are represented through draping , ruffled detailing and floral prints, and are contrasted with symbols of urban landscapes, represented through tiered detailing and sharp lines.
Who is your design muse?
Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve always been incredibly inspired by Audrey Hepburn. This goes beyond just the way she dressed and her role as a style icon. She was smart and graceful, had a very care-free, undemanding demeanor, and managed to make simple feel glamorous in everything from the way she spoke to the way she moved. These are the kind of qualities I want to convey through my designs.
How can customers find your line?
Online at www.mountainsofthemoon.com, and at select boutiques throughout the country, as well as in Canada, Australia, Sweden and Japan.
Style Studio – Designer Interview Brynn Capella
In 2010, we will be getting down to business….And that’s the business of designers. Our next chat session is with Chicago Designer, Brynn Capella who dishes on her inspirations, Fall 2010 show plans and what she thinks will be hot this year…
Who are you as a designer?
I am a Southern California native, who now makes the windy city of Chicago
my home. I like mixing my laid-back Southern California attitude with my
new urban Chicago lifestyle. The result is a line that embodies the spirit
of individuality, while combining classic elegance with everyday casual.
Brynn Capella Heather Clutch - Metallic
My love of pop and modern rock music, understated color hues, nature,
architecture and geometric shapes all influence my designs.
I am in love with simple, clean lines that still make a statement, just
not over the top. I have a philosophy that less will always be more. And I
feel that my collection is a welcome break from this trend of super-styled
(and often over-styled) handbags.
I simply don’t believe in mass-production. Every design is produced in limited quantities to keep each piece personal and unique.
Brynn Capella Eddie Tote - Magano Varu Leather
What is your inspiration for your current/upcoming line?
I am inspired by simplicity. My desire is to create collections that
could have come out 10 years ago or 10 years from now. I love mixing
genres as well; for example, a hard edge leather in a clean classic style
mixed with beautiful colored linings.
My inspiration for Spring 2010, came from my love of rock ‘n roll
(I worked in the industry for almost 10 years), my upbringing in California
(for the colors), my girly-girl nature and my sense of sophistication.
Who is your design muse?
hmmm that is a good question. I like to think I am. But I guess if I had
to name someone famous, I would say Jennifer Aniston. I love her sense of
laid back sophistication. Otherwise, it’s my friends, I name all of my
styles after the friend who inspired it.
What are your upcoming events?
Battle of the Boutiques @ Lumen on February 26th and One of a Kind Show in December
(I don’t do a lot of Spring events…)
How can customers find your line?
brynncapella.com, Studio-808.com, ebags.com,
fine boutiques and trunk shows/events
THANK YOU BRYNN!
-STUDIO-808
Style Studio – Designer interview with Horacio Nieto
In 2010, we will be getting down to business….And that’s the business of designers. We started our first chat session with Chicago Designer, Horacio Nieto who dishes on his inspirations, Fall 2010 show plans and what he thinks will be hot this year…
Horacio Nieto - Viviana Dress
Who are you as a designer?
I am just a designer that loves what he does and wants to make pieces that men and women will want to wear and express their personalities.
What is your inspiration for your line?
I have two fall collections. The womenswear is inspired by a futuristic,chic look.
I wanted to keep the collection simple but yet with much design and thought into each piece. We are using style lines, strong shoulders and the fabrics to portray the look and feel. the menswear is inspired by American revolution. we are making the pieces very strong and manly with very rich, vibrant war colors.
Who is your design muse?
My muse is the personality of a strong woman who loves to express herself with her clothing and has the confidence in herself to make her stand out.
What are your Fall 2010 trend predictions?
I think we will see great military inspired pieces for the men in many different colors, but the strong silhouettes will be apparent.
What are your upcoming events?
I am having my fall/winter 2010 fashion show on April 10th. I will be debuting both the womenswear and menswear collections. guests can purchase their tickets and get more details at www.horacionieto.com
Horacio Nieto - Fashion Week 2009
How can customers find your line?
Along with studio-808.com, Customers can go to either of my web sites and make their purchases. www.horacionieto.com www.arlomenswear.com
THANKS AND ALL THE BEST!
-STUDIO-808
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Studio-808, Inc. is the brainchild of Erin Creaney, a PR executive with a near-athletic enthusiasm for emerging designers. Finding herself searching the city for great designers with new and different looks, she knew a larger operation was in order. What's more, she felt the world needed to know about the fashion percolating in the Windy City. Thus was born Studio-808.com.
