Tuesday, August 31, 2010

FARM


KITTY PLAYING


Interpret This - August Result

"Under the Bridge" 13" x 17"

Fabric, tulle, mono filament thread,
oil stick pastels, inkjet printing

Even though my life has been hectically full for the last two months, this challenge piece had been in my mind often.  It was physically begun and finished in one day.  Go here to read about the process to create it, as well as to see all the other interpretations of this photograph submitted by Beverly of "Fiberhart"

New online magazine UpStyler.co.uk launches mid-September

UpStyler.co.uk is a new ‘e-tail magazine’ that mixes current made-to-last fashion with love for unique charity shop finds, car boot sales, one-off designers, boutiques and vintage shopping. The new online publication, launching in mid-September, aims to open eyes beyond the mass produced high street. UpStyler has 100 one-of-a-kind products added every two weeks, mixed in with clever high-street and designer buys. A monthly limited edition printed newspaper will be sent out to the UpStyler mailing list. The website and newspaper will feature editorial content, style advice, style watching and our unique one off pieces with a next day delivery option. UpStyler.co.uk has been setup by a group of fashion insiders: Photographer Lee Jenkins (Italian Vogue, The Face, Grazia etc); art directors Susanne James (Grazia and Yellow Door), Ben Lewin (Household Design and Yellow Door) and Dawn East (Grazia and Household); with contributions from photographers: Kevin Foord (Condé Nast Traveller, Marie Claire, Stella Magazine) and Kate Plumb (Tank Magazine, Grazia) and writer: Clare Coulson (Harper’s Bazaar). 20% of all profit from the magazine goes to charity.

New British brand Cocoa Cashmere launches debut collection

The launch collection from new British brand Cocoa Cashmere offers luxurious quality complemented with contemporary design. The Autumn/Winter 2010 collection features uniquely designed and highly wearable key pieces including sweaters, cardigans, coats, loungewear and luxury travel accessories - all featuring a subtle design detail, accent or embellishment. Price points start at £35.00 for accessories, rising to £525.00 for a full-length cashmere coat. Every item will be individually wrapped, presented as a gift with a specially designed cashmere comb for the knitted items, in order to prolong longevity. Cocoa Cashmere also offers free postage, packaging and returns. The Autumn/Winter 2010 collection is available to buy online from September 2010 at www.cocoacashmere.com and from key stockists.

Jessica McCormack designs trophy for Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden

London-based jewellery designer Jessica McCormack has created the 2010 Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden trophy that 2010 Chairman John Galliano will present to the chosen winner at the catwalk show at London Fashion Week on 18 September. Jessica McCormack has created a trophy depicting a golden arrow that represents the winner, flanked by two silver arrowheads depicting the two finalists. The three spokes represent three outlooks – the past, the present and the future as well as expression, versatility and the pure joy of creativity. The golden arrowhead is emblematic of the world of possibilities awaiting the winner – pointing them towards future success. The stem of endeavour is a diamond trail leading to the arrowheads, symbolising the obstacles to overcome and victories to be savoured on the journey to success. The completed trophy is valued at over £10,000. Jessica has recently launched her latest collection named ‘XIV’ and her jewellery is available in Dover Street Market, Pollyanna and Luisa Via Roma.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Oh SHOOT

We need a photographer for a shoot we are doing in Eastlake this Wednesday morning. To be considered please send your information along with a small sample of your photos to trenducsd@gmail.com.

Thank you kindly!

-Bridgétt
TREND Staff Writer

Fashion film: Eniko's Diamond Dip


Eniko Mihalik stars in this short film by renowned fashion photographer, KT Auleta, who brought one of her images to life. Collaborating with Makeup artist Aaron de Mey's, she transformed one of our favourite models into something out of every girl's dream, with the use of excessive sparkly make up which was complemented by some stunning pieces of jewelery by Bulgari.

Even better, if you fall in love with the black eyeliner, De Mey shared his secrets for this look:
"The black, liquid-lined feline eye was achieved using Lancôme Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner in Black. I drew the shape upward and outward to make Enikő's eyes look dynamic and slightly punk. Two sets of false lashes were applied to the top lash line and coated with Lancôme Hypnose Waterproof Custom Volume Mascara in Black to define and enhance the eye shape created with the eyeliner. For the lips I applied Swarovski crystals individually to a light layer of Shu Uemura eyelash glue. I used Lancôme Teint Miracle Natural Skin Perfection foundation to perfect and even the skin tone. The eyebrows were bleached to erase them so that the focus was shifted to the eyes." 
  
I watched this twice in a row and can't get enough of how both relaxing and glamorous it is.
(via / Nowness)

COLORFUL SKULL

Sit. Stay. Heel!


Petros Chrisostomu thinks BIG...literally. The photographs above are of oversized sculptures of heels! Although you can't wear these, you can admire adoringly. Imagine owning one of these pieces in homage to the shoe  (a love we all share). If you had one of these, nobody would doubt your love of shoes...but where would you put it? :P

"Shoes are the first adult machines we are given to master. "
-Nicholson Baker

 -Bridgétt  
TREND Staff Writer

Label spotlight: NYNE... fashion from the heart of New Zealand

Although the last time i lived in New Zealand was 4 years ago, it's still home and i always feel so proud of the designers emerging from down under.

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I stumbled upon this gem of a look-book by NZ label NYNE, which was established back in 2004 by Hamilton based designers Tina Patrick, Miranda Dawson and Jacob Scott- Simmonds. Their designs, which epitomise the androgynous concept hail in a mix of dark and white fabrics that are used in a wide range of asymmetrical pieces which incorporate leather and knitwear effortlessly with flowy materials.

If you've ever been to Hamilton, you'll know exactly why i'm in love with this trio, being one of the smaller towns in the country, you'd hardly expect such great talent to rise through.

Check out the lookbook
and their website here

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Sunday, August 29, 2010

TREE OF LIFE

My Emmy winner..

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I love true blood, i love Sookie Stackhouse and i adore Anna Paquin!!
So it's no surprise that of all the pretty glam dolled up celebs, she's my favourite from the Emmy's.

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Wearing an absolute stunner of a dress by the late Alexander McQueen, Anna paid tribute to Lee one more time (She wore MCQ to the SAG awards in Jan) with this dress from his resort 2011 collection.
 There is so much i can say about this dress, but almost everyone knows how obsessed i am with McQueen. The overly worked shoulders and bust truly portray a werable piece of art, and it makes me smile deep down to know his ingenious work has still been unmatched.

Who do you think was best dressed?

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Good Mail Day


Isn't it great to go out to the mailbox and find not one, but TWO wonderful goodies?

Today my new business cards arrived and also the much anticipated September/October issue of Somerset Studio magazine.


My Halloween artwork was accepted for this publication, which is always a thrill. Many thanks to Nancy Baumiller for the inspiration for "She Loved the Ghost"...it was my entry in her Collage Play with Crowabout last year.

This issue of Somerset Studio also contains a wonderful article by my friend Pam Carriker and a great deal more of glorious artwork by the best in the mixed media field.

Images © Stampington, Inc. and Nancy Lefko

Friday, August 27, 2010

"Art Is...You" Art Auction


Art Is...You -- The East Coast Art Retreat will be holding an art auction during the retreat this October. The money raised will directly benefit the work of Dr. Thomas Romo III, and the Little Baby Face Foundation.

I have been working on my donation and believe that it is ready to send.

I am honored to be teaching at the retreat next year with such wonderfully generous artists.

© Nancy Lefko

BLOSSOM I

House of Fraser unveils new beauty emporium and first own-brand beauty range

House of Fraser is set to launch Apothecary - an area of the store solely dedicated to new and niche brands this October. Launching in to Glasgow followed by Manchester, Birmingham and London afterwards, House of Fraser hopes to have Apothecary available in all 61 stores across the country by Christmas. Exclusives to House of Fraser Apothecary is candle company Cereria Terenzi, Deborah Lipmann’s self-entitled range of nail polishes, New Zealand beauty brand Electric Body and MOR, created between Australian designers Dianna Burmas and Seon St. Mor. Other brands showcasing their lines include: 3Lab, Ark, Berkley Square, Body America, Crabtree & Evelyn, Eylure, Fake Bake, Gentry Grooming, He-Shi, Hissyfit, Jane Packer, Lab Series, La-Tweez, Laura Mercier, Lancaster, Perricone MD, Per-fékt, Révive, Rodial, Rosebud, St Tropez, Trilogy, Vita Liverata and Xen-Tan. House of Fraser is also launching its first own-brand beauty range Apothecary. Created with fourth generation perfumer Francois Robert, this range includes Apothecary Body Collection, Hand Collection and Travel Collection, priced at £20.00 each.

Harrods announces graduate competition winners

Harrods are delighted to announce that two winners have been selected for the Harrods Graduate Competition in partnership with the British Fashion Council (BFC) Colleges Council. Amelia Chester from Northumbria University and Jessica Madden from the University of Westminster have both won a year’s paid internship working alongside the Harrods own label Buying Team on design, development and the retail experience. Course tutors from many of the UK’s leading design courses, who are members of the BFC’s Colleges Council, nominated the strongest portfolios from this graduating year for consideration. Amelia and Jessica were both chosen to undertake a one month training placement, learning different aspects of the Harrods business. A senior panel of judges (pictured above) including Anne Tyrrell, Chair of the BFC Colleges Council, Caroline Rush, CEO BFC and Marigay McKee, Fashion and Beauty Director, Harrods chose the winning graduates based on their portfolio, written case study and final presentation that not only shows exceptional design ability but also encapsulates the Harrods customer and illustrates product styling that meets the customer's needs.

Haute Texture

                                                          http://www.ericraisina.com



 I can just feel the texture!

-Bridgett-TREND Staff Writer

InStyle and L.K. Bennett partner for workwear supplement


InStyle magazine is partnering with L.K. Bennett to publish a guide to everything readers need to know about looking great at work. In 24 large format pages, the ‘Get Smart – Workwear made chic and simple’ supplement features more than 150 workwear buys and explains the best office-friendly catwalk trends. Get Smart talks to professional women about their go-to workwear and accessories, showcases the modern capsule wardrobe and gives readers the rundown on how to achieve 5-minute morning make-up. To publicise the partnership between L.K. Bennett and InStyle, copies of the Get Smart supplement will be handed out to female workers at seven London locations including Canary Wharf, Bond Street and London Bridge. In addition, InStyle and L.K. Bennett will be running a Twitter competition with luxury goodies for readers to win in L.K. Bennett stores. Readers will discover details of the store taking part each day by visiting www.instyle.co.uk Get Smart will be published with InStyle’s October issue, which goes on sale from 2 September.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Exclusive Behind the Scenes Photo

We had an oh so successful photo-shoot for our September issue yesterday. Are you excited for our first issue? Because we are! We put a lot of hard work into it and we know it will show! Stay tuned!

-Bridgétt
Trend Staff Writer

Premium womenswear brand DESA to launch in Covent Garden

Premium womenswear brand, DESA, has secured a key site in the new St Martin’s Courtyard development in Covent Garden, enabling the whole range to be presented together for the first time in the UK. The store is due to open in mid-October 2010 and will have approximately 1,500 square ft of retail space. From their beginnings in 1972 as leather good specialists, DESA has evolved into an extensive line of ready-to-wear, handbags, small leather goods and shoes for women and now have over 70 outlets outside of the UK. Further London stores are planned for 2011, as well as retail outlets in New York and Paris.

Goodone announces Topshop and Tesco projects

Goodone is an award-winning fashion label that designs and produces innovative structured knitwear. Using reclaimed fabrics, the label has made a deliberate choice to source sustainably since its inception in 2006. Having exhibited at Esthetica as part of London Fashion Week for the past three seasons, Goodone has gained increasing recognition Including having been handpicked by Yasmin Sewell to receive BFC sponsorship. Yasmin chose to mentor Goodone, leading to the preparation of the Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. This collection has been bought outright by TopShop and will debut in September, coinciding with London Fashion Week. The collection will be sold online as well as in the Oxford Circus flagship store. The same collection was also bought by Yoox.com, an online boutique selling exclusive collections by prestigious designers, further highlighting the success of these current designs. This Autumn/Winter 2010 collection includes body-hugging dresses with quilted hips and shaping side panels, and a bomber in chunky Aran knit. Crocheted cutouts reveal flashes of skin, setting off the layered quilting of cropped, sports-inspired hoodies. In contrast, knitted peg trousers and a backless hoody are easy to wear while being innately contemporary. Denim-effect knits lift a monochrome palette of varying shades of black, grey, cream and taupe. Clothes retail between £70.00 for cashmere mix jumpers to £225.00 for a statement crochet dress. Another venture surrounding the brand is collaboration with Tesco, which will see an online diffusion line available in October. The collection will incorporate key looks from the Goodone signature style including panelled and wrap dresses, leggings and skirts. This upcycled collection will be made entirely from ends of rolls and factory waste from a green factory in Sri Lanka.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Little Monster Accessory





Lady Gag's new line of headphones called "Monster Heartbeats" come in three colors: black, white, and magenta. What sets apart these buds are the blocky simplified diamond shape and diamond pattern. Also, the cord is not your typical round wire. It is as flat as a shoelace. This is a trend you will absolutely go gaga for.

-Bridgétt
TREND Staff Writer

Melvita flagship UK store is opening in Covent Garden this November

French organic cosmetics brand Melvita is continuing its global expansion by opening its first UK store in November 2010. Following the successful UK launch online in January 2010, Melvita has expanded to offer an assortment of products in Whole Foods Stores, Harrods and selected John Lewis’. Melvita has secured a site for the stand-alone store in the new St Martin’s Courtyard development in Covent Garden, enabling the whole range to be presented together for the first time in the UK. With the expertise to deliver skincare products targeted to individual skin needs – hydration, anti-ageing or radiance – as well as everyday key personal care products including Shower, Haircare and Mother & Baby, customers can shop across each of the Melvita product areas for all of their personal care. A Consultation Island in the centre of the store will enable customers to have personalised consultations with the trained Melvita staff, with an integral sink unit to be used for demonstrating and fully experiencing the products before making decisions. Encompassing nature and the local community is important for Melvita, so a community area with a chalk board, books and events table will encourage the local community to interact in-store and enable the store to host events, workshops and promotional activities. The St Martin’s Courtyard store is expected to open mid-November 2010.

Beauty Speed PR Events for mainstream press and online media


Beauty Test & Perfect, an advisory and research company which specialises in identifying the most beneficial avenues to present beauty brands to media and consumers, has launched a Beauty Speed PR Event taking place monthly held monthly at private members club, Mortons in Berkeley Square, London W1. Now on it's third event, the Beauty Speed PR Events are a fresh and invaluable route for beauty writers to discover and access unknown, niche, exclusive and established beauty brands all in one location, at the same time. There are two events on the day; the first is for mainstream press from 3pm - 5.30pm and then there is an event for bloggers & online media from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Each day will see seven beauty brands or PR representatives presenting to seven top beauty journalists, with an opportunity to network afterwards covering all areas of beauty. The next Beauty Speed PR Event is taking place today with brands including: Revitalash, Susan Posnick, Medik8, Prior Coffeeberry Natureceuticals, Pepperfit and Clive Christian.

"It was such a good use of time, and not only that, on the whole it was the brand owners presenting so you didn't get any diluted effect in the presentation - it was full-on enthusiasm and I found myself viewing one brand - Murad - so differently than I had in the past, I wished I'd had a chance to talk one on one with them years ago."
Jane Cunningham, British Beauty Blogger

"You have found a great formula, it is just right... in 3 hours I get to talk to all bloggers (who are really nice ladies), in a quiet environment with the waiter taking care of the drinks!"
Dr Barbara Olioso, Forest Secrets Skincare founder

If you are a brand or PR and would like to be apart of this monthly event or a journalist who would like to attend then please contact Nicki or Jenny at Beauty Test & Perfect. e-mail: nicki@beautytesting.co.uk e-mail: jenny@beautytesting.co.uk.
The next events are scheduled for 22 September, 27 October and 24 November 2010.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

CUSTOM-MADE ART BY PRISTINE CARTERA-TURKUS


You can have a painting just the way YOU want it. Maybe it is from an old picture or a memory you have of something. You always wanted it on a painting, but could never find something like it. Could it be animals,mermaids,angels, Day of the Dead, nature, your beautiful Home, or your fantasy. I can specialize a Folk Art Painting for you!

100% Hand Painted



Make the perfect gift for a special occasion, or just to show someone you care!

Send me a message so I can give you a quotation per canvas size.



Be Creative


"Please do not have a fit in the fitting room. Your fashion life begins there."
-Florence Eiseman

Retro-inspired leather bag designs from London-based designer

Natthakur is an emerging fine leather designer based in London. Using the highest quality leathers, Nat designs and currently handcrafts an array of gifts and accessories, from purses and wallets through to bags. Natthakur, offering unique leather gifts and accessories with an eclectic take on leather design, has previous experience working on bespoke furnishings and accessories for companies such as Ghost and Mulberry, began designing her own line of leather gifts under in 2005. Her take on retro objects such as old British coins and traditional sweet shop bags results in functional, durable gifts such as the Half Crown coin purse. In addition, with an ethical policy to only use leather that is a bi-product of meat, Nat’s eco-awareness has also been reflected in the ‘Reusable Range’ in which her take on throw away ‘paper’ and ‘grocery’ bags highlights the disparity between disposability and longevity by recreating these designs in leather. Prices start from £15.00 and all products are available online at www.natthakur.co.uk

Vivienne Westwood and Lee Jeans launch new online art installation

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and Lee Jeans are launching an online installation entitled ‘100 Days of Active Resistance’. The brands are encouraging communication and individuality through an online installation sharing interpretations of Vivienne Westwood’s Active Resistance. Every day for one hundred days one image will be selected from submissions and shared online on www.ar100days.com. At the close of 100 days, the 100 chosen images will become a part of a London exhibition dedicated to the project. “It is not enough to follow world politics, see films and read the prize-winning best seller. This is superficial, you need to go deep in order to understand who you are, what the world is and how things could be better. This involves culture which can only be acquired by self-education: human beings should mirror the world.” – Vivienne Westwood. Vivienne Westwood will celebrate the launch of the website and its collaboration with Lee at the London W1 stores with an exhibition of Vivienne Westwood denim pieces from past to present on the 8 of September coinciding with Vogue’s Fashion Night Out. For more information on Active Resistance please visit www.ar100days.com

Monday, August 23, 2010

WINGED MUERTOS II

Color Me Wonderful


Thomas Klementsson brings not only color to your world, but fashion photos like you have only dreamed of. He is a prolific Swedish fashion photographer who in 2002, won Photographer of the Year at the Ellen Awards. What I find particularly daring about these two shots are the slashes of color that he allowed to come across the face so distinctly. The women appear as fashion warriors in their dynamic poses.  Don't be fooled though. Klementsson's black and white photography is equally bold and also definitely worth looking at.


-Bridgétt  
TREND Staff Writer

Angel Grace with the Camachos

I was so thrilled to receive a photo of Angel Grace from Vancouver, Canada. A dear and beautiful friend Grace Darvin-Camacho has commissioned me to make an Angel for their new home.
ANGEL GRACE WITH MARC AND GRACE CAMACHO

ANGEL GRACE WITH DANI, AMARA AND GRACE

Regent Street Festival - A Mile of Style taking place on 26 September

The annual Regent Street Festival - A Mile of Style will take place on Sunday 26 September from 12noon to 7pm. This year will be dedicated to fashion, lifestyle and the ‘Mile of Style’ fashion catwalk will feature models wearing collections from Regent Street brands including Aquascutum, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, L K Bennett, GAP, Levis and Brooks Brothers and others. Living fashion statues, elegant stilt walkers and a traditional carousel will all add to the entertainment. The Regent Street stores will join in the festivities with a host of special in-store activities including champagne, refreshments, style advice, live music, theatre performances, competitions, gifts with purchase and more. Fashion inspired menus and live entertainment will be on offer in Regent Street’s food quarters, Heddon Street and Swallow Street. The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood (whiteribbonalliance.org) has been selected as the charity for this year’s Regent Street Festival – A Mile of Style. The Regent Street retailers and restaurateurs are donating prizes for a competition give away which already includes an Apple iPhone and a children's party from Hamleys. Entry to the competition will be by text with all proceeds going to the White Ribbon Alliance. The Regent Street Festival is the finale event for the New West End Company's “West End September Showcase” which runs from 1 – 26 September 2010.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Interview at JoyfulArts Studio


Thanks to Jeniffer Hutchins of JoyfulArts Studio for the wonderful interview at her website. I am truly grateful for the "kindness of strangers," and their willingness to take the time to promote my art.

The online art community is filled with generous souls. Thank you Jeniffer, for your generosity.

© Nancy Lefko

Blue Day


Changes are on the horizon...changes for which I'm not quite ready. Today those changes loomed large and the thought of them changed my mood for the worse. The rain and chill in the air seemed to sink deep into my soul and bring me down even more.

In an effort to snap myself out of this mood, I turned to my journal. I'd like to say the artwork was cathartic and changed my mood for the better. It did not, but at least I felt as if I'd accomplished something.

I suppose some days are just meant to be blue.

© Nancy Lefko

Alexander Wang F/W 2010 Campaign

Alexander Wang, who sprung out a few seasons ago, has been and continues to be the designer with relentlessly artful pieces that can not go unnoticed.
For his first video campaign, he places model Abby Lee Kershaw in an abstracted view of Wall Street. Despite the many distractions, including excessive wind, flying newspapers and body movements, one can't help but notice the attention to details in his designs or his choice of fabrics.

Alexander Wang F/W 2010 Campaign
Featuring Model Abby Lee Kershaw
Shot by Craig McDean


The collection, which was noticeably more fine tuned than his previous collections, still gave way to his signature cutout designs, while incorporating them with fine suit detailing and a lot of pinstripes. His choice of fabrics wins my heart for the extreme use of black velvet, lace and sheer materials.
With this young designer's influence clearly prevalent from previous collections, you know we all fell in love with the "Trackie" style pants and dresses from last season, there will be no surprise when velvet creeps its way back into our closets this fall.

That said, the addition of cranberry velvet guaranteed that this was definitely my favourite dress from the collection he showed at NY Fashion Week early this year.

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Saturday, August 21, 2010

New Notecards


Thanks to the lovely Valerie Walsh and a giveaway at her blog, I was the winner of 50 free notecards from UPrinting.

It's always great fun to take an image of my own making and see it transformed into a notecard, postcard, business card, etc. I enjoy the process on the computer (most of the time :) and when the finished product arrives in the mail...well, I LOVE that! (I secretly dream of having my artwork licensed for greeting cards, so I suppose I get a chance to pretend when the cards arrive.)

Thank you, Valerie and thank you, UPrinting!!

© Nancy Lefko

Adorkable



Following the Del Mar horse races today, alternative rock band Weezer will be performing! Wondering what to wear? No worries. You do have something in that closet of yours. Weezer is quirky, retro and laid back. All you need m'dear is a vintage tee for a touch of nostalgia, shorts to match the hot weather, a pair of toms for comfort and classic ray bans. You simply can't go wrong. 

-Bridgétt
TREND Staff Writer