LA Market Week (Oct. 2011 edition)

Whew, it’s been quite a whirlwind of adventures and this past LA Market Week was just one of them. There was the usual tradeshows, like FOCUS, SELECT, Designers & Agents and Transit, but I was also introduced to the latest edition to the montage of shows- COEUR, which I will discuss a little later. But first, I’d like to introduce some new brands I discovered while hanging out at the California Market Center.

Moda Revise and Wave (LA Unlimited Apparel Group)

I e-met Moda Revise’s (pronounced reveesee) designer- Stella Chang a few weeks before the show and got somewhat acquainted with the line of handbags. I enjoyed seeing the line in person and loved that not only is she the designer, but her artwork is also featured on the bags. The art work is very Japanese and Manga inspired. I really admire the amount of detail that she put in the artwork and designing the bags. For more information, check out Moda Revise here. I also wanted to mention that I saw a beautiful floral jumpsuit in the same booth (both repped by LA Unlimited Apparel Group) designed by the German brand- Wave.

Costella Handbags

I was browsing the booths when I spotted shapes in gleams of metallic bronze and gold. Then I randomly spotted my friend, Isabelle (designer of IDNYC), who introduced me to Luciana Ellington- owner of Costella Handbags. She founded Costella in 2007 and using the sewing skills she learned from her Grandmother, creates exquisite unique handbags styles that are also presented in a limited quantities. My faves are the metallic ‘Gold Croco’ and ‘Spring Wood’ clutches. What’s also neat about the clutches is that they also expand. This is such a unique collection and a lot of hard work goes into making each bag. Check out more Costella here.

Sendra Boots/2568

Spanish brand-Sendra Boots has been around for awhile, since 1913. They are known for their edgy, western styles; as well as their equestrian, biker and fashion boots. Check out the Sendra Boots website here. Sendra also has a sister brand called 2568. 2568 was created after a trip down to Guatemala, where the designers discovered a village full of artisans creative beautiful and colorful textiles. The line uses only fair-trade materials and retails from $50-200.

Mellie J Showroom

I was browsing SELECT when a friendly “Hello!” caught me sort of off-guard. I returned the greeting and walked over to the booth. The woman introduced herself as Melanie Flood, owner of Mellie J Showroom in London. She reps several lines, two of which I was drawn to- Laga from Spain and London-based brand, Tofu. Each brand had interesting characteristics that I loved. For example, Laga was very girly with vintage-inspired prints. Tofu offered 60s mod-inspired baby doll dresses that Twiggy would fall head-over-heels in love with (cause I know I sure did)! Melanie also offers a sample-sale site, which you can check out here. I just wanted to personally say thank you to Melanie and Johanna for your hospitality and kindness and for gifting me the GORGEOUS Laga floral maxi dress and Laga vintage-inspired locket necklace!

Henri Lou Jewelry/Handbags

I spotted this jewelry line at SELECT as well and thought their bracelets would make great options for the “armparty craze” that is currently trending. The bracelets are handmade from the best suede and leather that come in a variety of colors and adorned with a brass or sterling silver ring. Designer-Reagan Rowland drew her inspiration while at a saddle shop during a trip to the ghost town of Calico (off the 15 between Barstow and Vegas). To shop the line and get more information on Henri Lou Jewelry, check out the website.

What Goes Around Comes Around

What Goes Around Comes Around is a prestigious vintage boutique based in NYC, but also has a shop here in LA on La Brea. They carry high-end vintage, as well as contemporary brands that complement the vintage. They also have their own WGACA brand of vintage-inspired pieces (which they showed at the Designers & Agents show). I fell in love with every piece. The prints were rich in color and texture. Everything is versatile and can be mixed ‘n matched to create the perfect day-at-the-office look or a show-stopping red-carpet ready outfit. Check out the WGACA site here.

Bella Luxx

I don’t know why I didn’t discover this lux t-shirt brand sooner! Can we say, “hello new daytime uniform!” Bella Luxx is based in LA and offers high-quality tees, dresses and jumpsuits. The design team- Danny, Harris and Marco DeGeorge base their brand off of the laid back yet chic California lifestyle where “less is more”. When I browsed the racks at the booth, I was able to feel the fabric, which is called ‘Tissue Jersey’ and comprised of 90% Modal and 10% Silk… it literally felt like tissue. It was so soft and delicate (definitely handle with care when cleaning the garment). I wanted the tees in every cut and color, as well as the maxi dresses and jumpsuits. You can easily dress every style up or down. Definitely check out Bella Luxx, you’ll thank me later!

Now, let me present COEUR- a premiere women’s home, gift and accessories show that debuted this past LA Market Week. COEUR means “heart” in French and offers more sophisticated, timeless, avant-garde collections for the discriminating consumer. The show boasted a lounge by Matters of Space, an installation by Society for Rational Dress and a Cash & Carry Pop-Up by A Current Affair and a coffee bar by Fix Coffee. So, without further ado, here are some brands I discovered at COEUR.

Marie Turnor Handbags

I adored the sleek envelope clutches that came in solid and color-blocked hues. If you’ve ever been stumped on what to wear (handbag-wise) to a picnic…then I think I have your answer- The Picnic Clutches that are inspired by the paper lunch sack that is typically rolled up at the top. Such a cute idea, right?! The designer-Miss Beth Goodman, also is a firm believer that “less is more,” which is true in the case of her brand. I think that the simplicity of the brand is what makes it stand out in lux minimalism. Check out Marie Turnor Accessories here.

Ona Chan Jewelry

I had pleasure of meeting designer Ona Chan and her assistant-Elena during the show. I loved how Ona presented one collection of her line in glass vases filled with water, greenery and rocks. That collection is aptly named “Water” and is inspired by the flowing water of rivers, oceans and relaxing baths. Her other collections include: “Bark”-which is a 100% organic line that reflects growth, change and life that centers around colorful gems. “Facets”- simple yet sexy and modern. “Mimi Too”- Inspired by Ona’s daughter’s drawings of her friends. “Love” and lastly, “Virtues”- which is inspired by Ona’s Chinese background. Such a great line! Please go here for more information on Ona Chan Jewelry! I also want to thank Ona for gifting me a lovely bracelet from her “Virtues” line.

Bliss Lau

I met the talented designer behind the NYC-based Bliss Lau jewelry line- Bliss while at COEUR. The Parsons grad has been designing her signature body chains for six years now. Her body chains are stunning and are draped to resemble the shape of different parts of the body. She also gets her inspiration from the New York architecture, especially the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building. Loved every piece! Check out Bliss Lau here.

Corina Haywood~ Modern Millinery

As a fellow head piece maker, it excited me to stumble across Corina Haywood’s booth. I just LOVED her collection of sculpted avant-garde works-of-art! She launched her line in 2001 and along with hat-making, she also teaches workshops at various locations around LA. More more information, check out her website!

Other notable booths I checked out include MAL jewelry. I loved the “Crocodile Skin” cuff and necklace, “Leather Collar” necklace and the “Pyramid” pieces. Such beautiful work by this NYC designer. There were also two more jewelry designers: LA-based Gilda Grey, known for colorful, bohemian designs; and Gabriela Artigas, another LA-based designer. I loved her simple, geometric shapes on necklaces and rings. My dear designer friend- Jenny Dayco showed me some new pieces to her collection. I LOVE the tribal-inspired bracelets! She also launched cute turban headbands and scarves. Ladies, I would highly recommend checking out Commandos by Her Look. They produce quality seamless undies, slips, strong panty hose that won’t run and other ‘ladies-only’ accessories. Since I’m a huge fan of sunglasses, I checked out the Thierry Lasry booth. LOVE all the styles! Very vintage-y and are a celebrity favorite. Can’t do an island getaway this year, well, why not bring a little island to your feet? Bali Soles is a chic brand of sandals that is not only great for the beach, but great to spice up any outfit for just about any occasion. Lastly, for all you vintage lovers out there, I’m sure you’ve heard of the handbag brand- Whiting & Davis?! They are still around (since 1876) and still making gorgeous Art Deco and Victorian-inspired metal mesh handbags, clutches and even iPad cases. They also offer modern and contemporary designs as well and are a huge celebrity favorite (and this blogger’s too)!

I want to thank the folks at California Market Center, Alyson Bender (PR), Gregory for redoing my hair at the pop-up salon by Oliver Ifergan Atelier, DJ Kiino Villand the brands and designers.