Tag - Sonas Denim

I attended WWDMagic again this past February, only for two days, instead of the full three days. Folks, I HIGHLY recommend spreading it out over all three days. This time, I invited my dear friend and fellow creative- Rebekka along for the adventure. We stayed at the newly renovated Tropicana. I would definitely recommend this hotel the next time you’re in town. The front desk people were friendly and the room was clean and modern. The show this time around was big, but not quite as crowded as the show last August. I met some familiar faces and brands, such as Alejandra G shoes and See You Monday. Alejandra showcased her trendy Spring/Summer 2012 collection, featuring color-blocked styles and the signature striped black and white soles. I loved the solid heels with contrasting fringe! See You Monday’s Annabelle Lee should win an award for ‘best visuals’ in her booth. Bright, fun, vibrant are creativity just ooze LA-based See You Monday. You can have a lot of fun mixing and playing with textures and prints with the numerous styles of tops, dresses, pants, leggings and skirts that make up the brand! The show had a special section called Emerging Designer Launch Pad, featuring emerging labels: Carrie Parry (Loved previewing the S/S 2012 line! Full of amazing prints!), Sonas Denim (Fab patchwork denim!), Shop Gia, Unspoken Lingerie, Zone 6 USA, me2Roo, Kuero, Danilo Gabrielli, Astrid Land, Divine Inspiration, Blanc Blouse, Flow by Tara Davis, Lizzie Parker and JOLYNN by Joanne Hong (Fun and ultrafeminine blouses and skirts!). Along with viewing the many booths, I also had the chance to meet-n-greet briefly with THE Betsey Johnson! She was so adorable and quirky! Definitely worth the two-hour wait in line. I also had the chance to make a pair of DIY feather earrings with the lovely Alicia DiRago of Dismount Creative, Kristen Turner of Glitter n’ Glue and Jenni Radosevich of I Spy DIY. I also hung out at the Teen Vogue blogger lounge and met up with some of this show’s official bloggers: The Curvy Fashionista, FashionIndie, Styleline, Wendy’s Look Book, Audrey Kitching, Lust For Life and Wendy Bendoni. I also met Charlotte Smith, the author behind Dreaming of Chanel . She had inherited a massive collection of (some designer) vintage dating back from 1790-1995 from her godmother. [Can we say OMG! Dream come true!] She also inherited the stories about the women who wore the clothes, thus, turning them into a small series of books. It was great hearing her talk and then she gifted the audience a copy of the book and signed them as well. To be as obsessed with vintage as I am, it was such a treat meeting her and viewing some of her magnificent collection.

I tried my hardest to cover a lot of square footage the two days I was there, but alas…. there just wasn’t enough time and energy. But here are some brands I discovered while browsing the floor at WWDMagic, Project and POOL.

*Kyboe USA*

I was contacted by Kyboe USA days before the show, asking to come to their booth. I did and found some pretty cool watches for both men and women. The watches come in 55 and 48 mm faces and not for the dainty-at-heart. I loved the variety of colors that were provided and especially fond of the camo collection. The camouflage design is not the ugly generic design you see everywhere, rather, it’s more subdued and works well with both sexes. Check out more Kyboe USA here.

*Bri Seeley Designs*

Seattle-based designer- Bri Seeley also contacted me before the show and told me that she was taking part in POOL Tradeshow. I was excited to meet her at her booth and she showed me some pieces from her “Illumination” collection. Bri explained that the collection “plays on contrast – masculine vs. feminine, light vs. dark, and structure vs. flow.” Her favorite pieces from the collection are the ‘Bea’ dress and ‘Leticia’ coat. Prices range from $140 to $250. I’m definitely a fan of Bri Seeley Designs…fun, sassy, simple yet feminine. Go here for more information!

*Tatty Devine*

While browsing through the dozens of unique booths at POOL, I came across a giant lobster, multi-colored circle and zipper necklaces made of perspex. I surveyed the rest of the quirky pieces and it was love-at-first-sight! The cult British company was launched in 1999 by Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine. They continue to make the jewelry in their workshop in London. For further information and to shop the line, go here.

*Motel*

I’ve heard of the British brand- Motel via several bloggers and was truly excited when I found out they were showing at POOL. I was finally able to see the clothing in person and learn more about the brand. I fell in love with the fun and edgy prints, especially the ‘Jordan’ jean and a floral romper. The designers of Motel envisioned the niche of the brand during a 1999 trip to thrift shops along the California Coast. They are also well-known for their signature body-conscious silhouettes. Celebrity fans include Vanessa Hudgens and Kendall Jenner. Check out Motel here.

*Chocolate Handbags*
It was such a pleasure finally meeting the designer of New York-based Chocolate Handbags- Stella Chang during MAGIC. We had previously worked together via email, but to actually meet the person and check out the line in person is a whole other ballgame. She introduced the line, explaining the different styles of the bags and that the trends for this Summer include: color blocking in patent and mix-media such as polka dot chiffon and raffia with faux leather trim. I thought that every bag had its own unique and girly personality. Chocolate’s motto is Wear your Addiction and is priced affordably below $100. Check out Chocolate Handbags here.

*Luichiny Shoes*

One of the brand’s outrageously hot platforms, the “Eyedoll” is being sold at Bakers and I about died when I saw it. When I posted it on Facebook, the lovely ladies at my fave LA style house, Chic Little Devil, informed me that they were repping the brand….and that Luichiny was going to be at FN Platform. Small world, eh? Luichiny started distributing the shoes in 2006. The brand’s designers base their inspiration on the latest European trends and are sold in high-end boutiques in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, etc. This is now my favorite brand of shoes, as the silhouettes and platform heights are amazing and the colors are vibrant! I also had the opportunity to meet the Cope twins (and Nascar drivers)- Angela and Amber, who are the face of the brand. They were gorgeous and extremely sweet. I also want to personally thank CLD and Luichiny for inviting us to the viewing party at The Deuce Lounge at the Aria Hotel. The party was roped off in the back of the lounge and the shoes rested in little cases on the tables. Such an incredible event! For more information on Luichiny, go here or to your local Bakers.

*80%20 Shoes*

Popular shoe brand, 80%20 shoes showcased their latest collection at FN Platform. Yet, they have become another of my favorite brands…80%20 is everything I need in a everyday, chic and on-the-go shoe- boho and tribal prints, comfortable, available in a variety of styles and the hidden platform. According to the creative director- Ce Ce Chin, “It’s about the 20 percent of your life that makes 80 percent of the difference”. She loves to ask her customers, “What is the 20% that makes you, 100% you?”. This concept is derived from her theory that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. She created this line of shoes to help bridge the gap and balance personality and wearability. 80%20 perfected the ‘Original Hidden Wedge’, elevating your traditional flat, boot or sandal two to four inches. For inspiration, Ce Ce traveled to textile villages in China, the jungle in the Mexican Yucatan and mambo dance halls in Havana; in search of the fun tribal and jungle prints that dominate this season’s popular trends. Look for a relaunch of the website mid-March with new Spring 2012 product and site-exclusives in May! All orders placed for US delivery will receive complimentary ground shipping. Boutiques that carry the brand include: American Rag Cie and Novecento Boutique.

*Melie Bianco*

I’ve again, read about LA-based handbag brand- Melie Bianco through various blogs and was glad that they were showing during MAGIC. I had the pleasure of meeting the designer- Melissa Song, who was exceptionally sweet. I also can’t stress enough how much I enjoy seeing the actual products in person. I loved the line, especially the neon collection (hello structured satchels)! She also has cute clutches, ranging from the wood frame crochet to belted straw. Other fun prints that I loved include the multi-colored zig-zag, geometric, and chevron. The line was launched in 2003 by Melissa and her husband and now offer affordable, chic handbags for the everyday fashionista. Check out Melie Bianco’s site here.

*SKOW Shoes*

I was introduced to this other great shoe line by the Chic Little Devil ladies. This Miami-based brand is called- S.K.O.W. and stands for “something kind of wonderful” and founded by Isabella Velez. She studied in Miami, Milan and London before launching the line in 2011 She definitely chose the right name her line of sexy pumps, with heels reaching at least six inches high and constructed with quality fabrics and exotic skins. These shoes are made to make the wear confidant and they will turn heads. My faves are the “Eva,” “Lia” and “Sofia.” For more information, check out S.K.O.W here.

Other brands that I would like to briefly mention are Belle Style, Butter London, Volley, Buffalo David Bitton and This Shirt Helps. Belle Style was launched in 2003 by Heather Korn. She makes beautiful necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc., that are influenced by photography, art and vintage pieces that were apart of her Grandmother’s collection. Look for her signature keys, coins, angels wings here. I am officially swearing by popular nail polish brand- Butter London. Not only are there hundreds of colors to choose from, but the polish is chemical-free. Butter London has been a staple of Fashion Week, because the designers and manicurists get together and create a signature color for the brand. For more fun-facts and to shop the brand, go here. I stopped by the Buffalo David Bitton booth at Project. Loved one of their high-low tops in pink and would look great layered. I also saw a deep turquoise and green tye-dye maxi dress with deconstructed neckline and crocheted detail on the back. I definitely want that in my life for Spring/Summer 2012! Australian sneaker brand- Volley, recently launched stateside. Volley is known as the “sole of Australia” and is as iconic as Sydney’s Harbor Bridge. The laid-back sneakers are available in mens, womens and childrens; and some in a wide range of colors and styles. Check out more Volley here. The last brand I’m going to mention is called This Shirt Helps. Basically, you buy a tee (eco-friendly of course). The proceeds from purchased tee goes to a charity partner of your choice (categories are: people, planet, disaster relief or animals). The brand and the new wearer can keep track of the impact of buying the shirt with a “help tracker.” When I saw this brand in person and felt the fabric, it felt comfortable and good-quality. I also thought the hang tags were unique as well. It’s part hang tag, and part bracelet (armparty anyone?). Find out more information and shop the line here.

And there you have it! I really enjoyed attending the show and building lasting memories and relationships. For more information on WWDMagic, go here. Next show is August 20-23, 2012. Til next time………