Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

Inspired by Wildlife & (wild) Life

May 10th, 2010

Like many successful fashion designers, Janine Garcia initially started out in a different direction – going to college for business. But since fashion was what she loved, she took the leap and changed majors.

The Muse Entry

The Muse Entry

It was a good call to make the switch. Her entry in The Muse competition (sponsored by IADT alum Tennille White) earned her one of the 5 finalists’ spots and was on display at the Imagine 2010 Fashion Show. For the contest, Janine created a flowing gown with spectacular details. She drew her inspiration from her muse – an exotic woman – and combined that with her love of animals. She paired zebra stripes with the bright colors from Wilson’s warbler bird. A pairing you might see briefly in nature and long for another glimpse.

During the runway show at Imagine 2010, Janine showed a tremendous range with her designs – from casual to whimsical (Simply Sweet) to sophisticated (Champagne Toast). Her theory as a designer is that there is inspiration everywhere, so she tries to remain open to it from any source and uses all her senses.

Looks for the Champagne Toast segment

Looks for the Champagne Toast segment


In the Champagne Toast
segment of the show, Janine drew her inspiration from two loves – animals and Paris. Working the animal print against the shimmer fabric, these pieces are meant for the sophisticated woman with a wild side. (I can almost see Montmartre in this trio of looks).

Simply Sweet segment

Simply Sweet segment


For the Simply Sweet segment of the show, Janine chose to go with a layered palette of pale mint, beige and a floral printed chiffon. The combination reflects the complicated and layered aspects of a woman’s life.

Having just graduated from IADT Chicago, Janine Garcia is ready to see what her future in fashion has in store for her. The business direction that she started in will serve her nicely as she starts to develop her line. We look forward to seeing Janine’s work in local boutiques.

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Honoring her Heritage

May 5th, 2010
Renee Denomme Street Savvy

Renee Denomme Street Savvy

With a name like Renee Denomme, you are almost obligated to your French heritage. And what better way of honoring French roots than translating that family background into this kind of style?

At the IADT Chicago’s Imagine 2010 Fashion Show, I got to take a look at a few of Renee Denomme’s designs. In the French tradition of pushing the fashion envelope while remaining feminine, Renee mixes surprising color and fabric combinations with classic silhouettes.

Here in the Street Savvy segment of the Imagine 2010 IADT Fashion Show, Renee pairs electric blue with fuchsia. It could have been an overwhelming color pairing, but when Renee adds the layer of white eyelet, the look is transformed to restrained elegance.
Opting for a flirty skirt against the punk-ish color combination creates an impression that there is more-than-meets-the-eye.

In the Social Soiree segment of the show, Renee showcases her ability to design perfectly tailored looks. Her inspiration came from the 20s and the Gatsby flapper-esque time when romanticism ruled. Pitting the delicate lace against the strong colors reminds us that behind every sign of femininity there is also strength.

Renee Denomme

Social Soiree Look in Amethyst, Model Chelsie Hart

Social Soiree Look in Gunmetal, Model Chelsie Hart

Social Soiree Look in Gunmetal, Model Chelsie Hart


Graduating this July
, Renee is already interning with two Chicago designers – Anna Fong and Christina Fan of C/FAN. She is working on getting as much as experience in the garment industry as possible.
School, two internship and a job on the side…With this kind of drive and talent, success is a given.

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Ms. Mary Mac is More Than A Nursery Rhyme

May 3rd, 2010
Janis Middleton

Janis Middleton


Huge thank you to Janis Middleton for today’s post on Atlanta shoe designer Ms. Mary Mac. Follow her on Twitter @CaMillionShoes all the latest in shoes.

Most women can relate to not having or finding the right shoes to go with that certain outfit or dress. What lengths have you gone to have the perfect shoes? An Atlanta shoe designer ran into that same problem before her senior prom. She designed and created her own shoes for the special occasion and her life has never been the same.

Ms. Mary Mac

Ms. Mary Mac Rose and Gray

Ms. Mary Mac, Maryetta Finkley, has been designing shoes ever since she was 17 years old. The self-taught seamstress strayed away from the idea when she decided to attend college at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. Not until she was about to receive her B.A. in Psychology did the idea resurface. She was interning and really needed to make ends meet. She never gave up on her passion for sewing and making shoes. She sold 2 pairs of shoes at $150 each and realized her potential and how much money she could really be making. It was then in 2007 when Ms. Mary Mac, the business, was born.

Finkley’s designs
are innovative and one of a kind. Most of her creations are original, but if she does make a replica of another shoe she usually limits it to two. Some customers come to her and want exactly what they saw on her Facebook page, but the majority of her customers trust her natural instinct for fashion and allow her to create from her heart. She loves to see the smiles on their faces when she reveals the shoe that she has created for them.
Ms Mary Mac

Pairing Fushia and Green

Ms Mary Mac

Working with Florals

Ms Mary Mac

Purple and Green

Ms Mary Mac

Ms Mary Mac

If you look around your house, you probably see a few pieces of fabric, scissors, glue, and maybe some pearls and ribbons. Those are the main ingredients that go into her creations. After the order is placed, it takes only three to five hours for the shoes to be created and ready for shipping. Prices start at $120 with shipping and handling. She carries many sizes and all you have to do to order is log onto Facebook or email her.
She uses a high quality manufactured shoe that comes with a built-in platform, so you don’t have to worry about using your own. Just place the order, give your vision and size, and she will bring a smile to your face and style to your feet. It doesn’t take much to see that Finkley puts her all into each and every creation. She still amazes herself with some of the shoes she has designed.
As her slogan states, “you’re not a simple, so why wear simple shoes.”


ms.marymacshoes@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/ms.marymacshoes?ref=ts

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