Rumple Munkeh Archives - LAFashionsnob.com

Taylrz Joynt Holiday Party & Toy Drive

Dec 24 2009

In the true spirit of Christmas, I think it fitting that I mention that the BF and I went to the Holiday Party and Toy Drive at Taylrz Joynt Boutique on Ventura Blvd. The event featured Lousine Karibian as event producer and artist and DJ Tesslove spinning tunes in the back of the store. At the front of the store was a bin that was filled to the brim with new toys to be donated to the Bresee Community Center. It was a small festive gathering which featured shopping (at reasonable discounts), light appetizers and catching up with old friends (like owner Mary Taylor, Lousine, actress Jamie McCall and photographer Nelson Shen.)
Lousine had some of her paintings displayed on the surrounding walls of the store. She took me aside and told me a little about the two canvases that stood out the most: ‘Mother’s Flowers’ and ‘Tears of Happiness.’
‘Mother’s Flowers’ is available on a 30X40 acrylic on canvas. According to Lousine, it was “originally bright flowers in a blue vase because my Mother loves flowers in a cobalt blue vase, but I’ve retired from realism…so I completed the piece with some abstraction-ism.” Her other piece, entitled, ‘Tears of Happiness’ is her favorite and most valuable painting. “Originally, I was painting a forest in red and black colors but my Mother explained it seemed too dark and depression-like. I brightened it up with the color of light ‘yellow’ and the finished product is a face of a mother holding a newborn baby. Hence, tears of happiness for the mother has lost it’s youth and entering a new realm of motherhood,” Lousine explained.
Lousine is a dedicated artist. It shows in her work and as a successful event producer as well. Her paintings have been shown in the NoHo Arts District, along within private homes, galleries, boutiques, etc. She offers first time free consultation (local) in producing custom made art work for homes and offices. Since she has an extensive background in interior decorating, she provides her clients with design, color and texture theory in producing original contemporary and abstract art with all budgets in mind. She believes that ‘everyone should be able to afford original art work. Art is one of the essentials of culture should belong in everyone’s home whether you live in a mansion in Beverly Hills or a small apartment by Echo Park or a dorm at your college.” To find out more about this artistic prodigy, go to www.lousinekaribian.com.

SPECIAL THANKS: the crew at Taylrz Joynt, located at 13549 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. Phone: (818)907-7818; J; Lousine Karibian; Nelson Shen; Rochelle Carino of Rumple Munkeh, www.rumplemunkeh.com,*who provided me with a fab dress to wear to the occasion*; Bresee Community Center *www.bresee.org*, Julia LoVan, Jamie McCall and DJ Tesslove.

Falling Whistles Installation @ Fred Segal

Oct 29 2009

I had mentioned in my article about Falling Whistles (spotlight on…) that they were going to be selling the whistles at Fred Segal. Well, last Thursday (10/22), it finally happened. Falling Whistles had their pop-up installation at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. I got there early and there was already a good group of people there and buying the whistles.

The installation was somewhat small and narrow, but it worked for the purpose it was serving. Silver whistles hung from tree branches and there were pictures of the people of Congo and of course, the story behind Falling Whistles. Also on display were whistles from the collaboration of Lizzie Fortunato and FW. The chains were elaborately decorated with Acholi beads and Fortunato jewels and ranged from $80- 200.

I spoke briefly with Sean and asked what the next step for FW was. There were going to be more installations in Portland, New York and so on… As well as continuing the effort to raise money for the people of Congo. (After the event, Sean told me that 179 whistles were sold, which is quite impressive and I only hope that that number continues to grow as more and more people are becoming aware or as FW would say, “becoming whistle-blowers for peace”.)

Special Thanks: Falling Whistles, Fred Segal-Santa Monica, J, Rochelle Carino of Rumple Munkeh for lending me the fabulous kimono-inspired dress from her “Geisha” collection for the event and my co-worker, Noellia for styling my hair.

Fashion Week @ the Palooza

Oct 19 2009

What better way to kick off the start of LA Fashion Week than an exclusive fashion show featuring Cowgirl Heaven, Lola Summers, Rumple Munkeh and Leondra Renee. The event kicked off with a red carpet and some light refreshments (the fashion theme was in play for the gingerbread cookies and the mini shrimp were simply delicious). The actual presentation started PROMPTLY at 9pm and this is a rare moment in the fashion industry…. the shows never start on time! But Houstina Summers, who put the show together, along with her hubby, Michael Wellington and assistant Richauna Colston managed to pull it off on time without a hitch! And I applaud her for that! First off, there was a musical performance by country singer, Amanda Marsh and her brother, Travis and then the fashion festivities began…

First, a collection of classic dresses by Trail Angel walked the runway. The designer, Lola Summers (mother of Houstina) has been designing for 25 years. After re-starting her fashion career from being on hiatus, she was inspired by Houstina to be in the show. Her theme for her collection was “Classic Couture” and is based on the look of Old Hollywood and the feel of the ‘modern woman’. You can contact Lola at www.trailangel.etsy.com.

Japan decided to invade Santa Monica with the kimono inspired looks by Rumple Munkeh. Rochelle Carino paired her love of the Asian culture with “Memoirs of a Geisha” to create beautiful dresses and rompers in bold solids and prints. As an added bonus, the models even carried Asian fans and parasols. For more info, check out www.rumplemunkeh.com.

The city of Santa Barbara was the inspiration of Leondra Renee’s collection of shirts, skirts and dresses. She credits the city with its ocean views and the splashes of blues, greens and purples she saw and how windy it was during her visit, that helped her come up with the theme “Beauty in the Breeze”. Leondra Renee hopes to continue to provide draped, stylish and sometimes one-of-a-kind pieces to young professional women. For more info, check out www.leondrarenee.com!

There was a intermission between collections. Singer Destenee performed a few singles from her album. She has worn CG Heaven in her past music videos and it was only appropriate that she wore a dress from Houstina’s collection that evening.

Which brings me to the last collection by Cowgirl Heaven. Love was in the air when Houstina Summers designed her collection, ironically themed, “Pure Love.” I recognized most of the pieces from previous shows, but the head pieces worn on the models were new, along with some long dresses, which caught my attention right away. When asked what her inspiration was involving the line, Houstina gave me these words, “I just love being in love and I just wanted to show that through my designs.” And yes, her love and passion has indeed shined through her designs. After her initial presentation, models from Runway Rhythm took center stage and performed their dance routines for the audience.

It was certainly an evening filled with friends, red carpets, fashion, music and dance and an excellent start to LA Fashion Week!!!

SPECIAL THANKS: Houstina Summers (www.cowgirlheaven.blogspot.com & Etsy), Michael Wellington, Richauna Colston, realTVfilms, Lousine Karibian, Parris Harris, Aspic Studio, Taylr’z Joynt, Brittany Dixon Photography, Beauty Tech Studios, biatta intimates, Krystle PR Company, J, Runway Rhythm (www.runwayrhythm.com), designers and the models…

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