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I'm obsessed lately with cocktail rings, probably from watching too much of the Rachel Zoe Project on TV. I love the dramatic look they can give to any dressy outfit. I love the vintage styles (and affordable prices) available now at JCrew. Here are my favorites (clockwise): Golden Flower Ring ($65), Sparkle Cocktail Ring ($75 ), Desert Floral Cocktail Ring ($55), Round Orbit Ring ($68).
Fashion:
Beauty:
Congratulations to Leanne who won Season 5 of Project Runway! After watching the show last night and seeing her collection stroll fluidly down the runway, she definitely was the obvious choice. Even though I really did love Korto's collection and thought she was going to win based off the photos. Leanne's detailed work really couldn't be missed and each piece fit into her concept. I also agree with Nina in that she designed different pieces from a gown, to a skirt, short, and pants. She showed variety of what she could do. You can watch the recap photos and videos for the finale part 2 on the Bravo site.
This was my favorite dress from Leanne's collection. The chiffon moved in soft waves as the model walked and I liked the subtle effect.
You can see all of her collection here.
Here's a recap video of the finale show.
Also check out the Etsy's Spotlight with Leanne and her Etsy picks.
Coquette Related Posts:
Leanimal's Spring Collection
Gold Box Dress ($310) from Liza's Fall 08 Collection. (Photographed by: Alicia J. Rose)
Liza Rietz
Web Site: lizarietz.com
Etsy Shop: www.lizarietz.etsy.com
Fashion designer Liza Rietz (Photographed by: Alicia J. Rose)
This is reposted from my post on Craftzine.com.
In the current issue of CRAFT: 08, I helped start a new fashion feature showcasing the latest DIY and Indie fashion designers called CRAFT: Collection. One of the featured fashion designers in this spread centered on the theme of "dresses" is Portland, OR based, Liza Rietz. (I featured her Ruffle Dress.) Liza's modern silhouettes and designs literally caught my eye and I've been in love with her work ever since. I got a chance to talk more with Liza about her fashions work, design inspirations, and how the craft of sewing is so important to fashion design.
Natalie: How did you first get interested in becoming a fashion designer? What is your background?
Liza: I have always had a interest in clothing design starting when I made my Barbies' new outfits out of cutting up old socks. I decided to seriously pursue design in 2001 when i taught myself to sew (after getting my BA in Sociology and Anthropologoy!!). I showed my first collection in 2002 and started selling my designs in a local design collective "Seaplane".
Natalie: How would you describe your style of fashion?
Liza: My designs are modern yet elegant and have both architectural and sculptural elements. I am satisfied when i know a design will flatter the body while challenging typical silhouettes.
Natalie:Tell me about your fall collection -- What was the design inspiration?
Liza: My fall collection was influenced by japanese design, cowls, batwing and dolman sleeves, the color gold, and how a shape drapes on the body.
Natalie: How far in advance do you work on your collections and what is the process?
Liza: As soon as an idea comes to mind, i like to sketch it out. These sketches happen randomly months and months before i start designing a collection. I like to add as much as possible to my sketch book and then edit and consolidate ideas, trying to make sure i have a similar theme lacing through each piece - whether than be with shape, texture, or fabrics. I also like to go to fabric stores early on to get inspired. Fabric choice ultimately influences my designs. The drape, texture, color - these are all helpful in molding my ideas. I then usually draft patterns from my sketches to get a basic template. Then the designs are generally altered and manipulated by additional draping. Of course I would like to say the final piece comes to fruition in plenty of time before presenting it on the runway, but i seem to be stitching until 3 am the night before...
Natalie: Do you think having a strong sense of sewing skills is important in fashion design? (Are there any other important skills to add?)
Liza: Definitely. Considering I am completely self taught in all aspects (from design to final garment construction), I can attest that sewing and designing go hand and hand, if not to say they are in a way symbiotic. I only understand how to design a garment because i know how garments are technically put together. And in turn, it is when i am physically sewing a garment that i learn more about design. Each fabric works differently under the needle, each pleat or ruffle falls a certain way depending on how you drape it on the dress form. I am still baffled by the apparel design interns I have had that come straight out of school, proficient in computer programs and full of technical terms, but can barely sew on a button. Like any creative field, one has to find a balance of hands on and technical experience. I started out manipulating fabric and draping it on dress forms to achieve a certain shape or silhouette, almost like a sculptor would. But in apparel design, this is not enough. You have to be able to make sure the sculpture you are creating fits the moving structure that supports it.
Natalie: What are you working on now?
Liza: I just showcased my fall/winter line on the runway last week. And, considering I sew most all of my designs, I am currently in production mode, filling orders.....one dress at a time.
Here are some of my favorites from Liza Rietz's Fall 08 Collection:
Goldenrod Cowl Skirt ($235) with Dolman Top ($115)
Half Circle Herringbone Tunic with Stand Up Collar ($375)
Origami Top with Four Panel Skirt
Faux Fur Rectangle Jacket
Drop Waist Dress with Pleated Runner ($190)
Scoop Cowl Knit Gown ($228) with Goldenrod Dolman Top ($115)
(All photos above photographed by: Alicia J. Rose)
"Craft: Collection - Dress Up", Preview the fashion spread here in the Digital Edition.
Visit my Flickr set to see some behind the scenes photos from the fashion photo shoot.
Last week, I mentioned in this post that Gwyneth Paltrow started her own lifestyle web site called GOOP. The second newsletter just came and features a fashion 101 piece on how Gwynnie puts together her style. I love the simple, put together look of her trenchcoat and the white blazer below. Classic colors of black, white, and grey make everything polished along with a bold jewelry statement. I wish they would start archiving these newsletters on the site. For now, sign up via email in the top right corner of the site. Also, I'm still trying to figure out what the "OO" in GOOP stands for, if anything, or if it's a play on the word GOOD but then using her initials.
I'm looking foward to wearing boots this winter especially these Kenneth Cole Reaction Bard Tender Boots ($159 at Piperlime). These suede boots look just like the pair I got in Paris 3 years ago but had to throw them out because I wore them out so badly. Plus, they are a Rachel Zoe pick too. (I loved how in one episode of The Rachel Zoe Project, she's on a conference call going through her picks with Piperlime.)
The Anya Hindmarch for Target collection is now available online for pre-order (bags are said to arrive in 2-6 weeks). You can get a classic Anya Hindmarch designed handbag like this Small Python bag for just $34.98.
Here are more picks from the collection:
Large Shoulder Bag in Gold/ Cream ($49.98)
Small Shoulder Bag in Navy/ Black ($29.98)
Medium Python Satchel in Black ($44.98)
Python Clutch in Black/ Chocolate ($19.98)
Fashion:
Beauty:
The Heidi Merrick Fall 08 Collection is pure romance featuring soft chiffon tops with ruffles paired with ladylike skirts. I love all the detailing that goes into each piece. Each one of my favorites above are available in her online store. So inspirational!
I came across the Luv Charlie boutique from the Kris Nations blog. Now I'm in love with this Prairie NY Herringbone Wool Jacket ($345). The wood button details are just too cute and the empire / bubble shape works for me later on when I'm post-pregnancy.
Here are more stylish jackets and wraps from Luv Charlie:
Chulo Pony Brindle Heidi Jacket ($368)
Line Caviar Magdalene Ruffle Cardi ($308)
