Author: archive

They’re Making It Here, Not Just Anywhere – New York, New York

Johnny Wu, as it turned out, is a master pattern maker who helps a lot of emerging and established designers bring their rough ideas to life, and he does it right in the middle of Manhattan, as one of the many small businesses still holding on in shadow of what was once New York’s largest industry, the garment business.

story by Charles Beckwith
photos by Bill Wang

While visiting the Garment Industry Development Corporation’s Showroom New York during New York Fashion Week, I met Bill Wang, marketing manager for Johnny Wu Designs, who invited me to a Chinese New Year celebration at their factory showroom on 38th Street. Johnny Wu, as it turned out, is a master pattern maker who helps a lot of emerging and established designers bring their rough ideas to life, and he does it right in the middle of Manhattan, as one of the many small businesses still holding on in the shadow of what was once New York’s largest industry, the garment business. Continue reading “They’re Making It Here, Not Just Anywhere – New York, New York”

Helen Yarmak – Fall 2010 Collection – New York

Known for producing luxury outerwear, Yarmak gives traditional luxury pieces a modern edge by adding cosmetic distractions such as crystal embellishments on a capped sleeve coat or an exaggerated pink zipper on an orange dyed cropped fur coat. The result is a fun cotton candy vibe for otherwise antiquated garments.

story by Rachel Francois and Charles Beckwith
photos by Sandy Ramirez
photo editing by Tatyana Bevs

Put simply, the inspiration for Helen Yarmak’s latest collection was, as the designer said, “happy people.” Known for producing luxury outerwear, Yarmak gives traditional luxury pieces a modern edge by adding cosmetic distractions such as crystal embellishments on a capped sleeve coat or an exaggerated pink zipper on an orange dyed cropped fur coat. The result is a fun cotton candy vibe for otherwise antiquated garments. Continue reading “Helen Yarmak – Fall 2010 Collection – New York”

Dutch Fashion (R)Evolution

In this article, guest writer Karine Bloem from TheDigitalistas.com explains the past and present of Dutch fashion, and gives insight into what is happening with Amsterdam International Fashion Week.

story by Karine Bloem
photos by Ralph Lemarechal

In this article, guest writer Karine Bloem from TheDigitalistas.com explains the past and present of Dutch fashion, and gives insight into what is happening with Amsterdam International Fashion Week. Continue reading “Dutch Fashion (R)Evolution”

Chaya – Fall 2010 Collection – Berlin

The collection is extremely sex-appeal driven, yet still quite wearable. Revealing a bit of leg here, a shoulder there, and punctuated with strong red lips gave the models a vintage pin-up look, but with a modern edge.

story by Boris Marberg with contributions by Peter Becher and Michael Fragoso
photos by Boris Marberg, Wolfgang Wöhrle, Pete Cameron Dominkovits, Peter Becher

Chaya is a new brand founded by designer Jill Asemota in 2009, supported by veteran designers Nina Maurach and Eric de Bastos, which recently had its tent debut at Mercedes-Benz Berlin Fashion Week. They presented two lines, Chaya Doll and Chaya Shirts. There were figure-hugging cuts in the dresses and skirts, all very feminine, but some of the models had problems with skirts and dresses riding up during the show. It is all supposed to tie back to a 1950s pin-up aesthetic with references to Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page. Continue reading “Chaya – Fall 2010 Collection – Berlin”

Antonio Azzuolo – Fall 2010 Collection – New York

The sartorial cowboy, on whom slim fitting cashmere pants and tailored suiting mesh well with an invented subculture aesthetic, complete with hats and horse accented wool sweaters.

story by Michael Fragoso
photos and photo editing by Freda Henry

Discussing his inspiration for his fall 2010 collection, Antonio Azzuolo said, “it started when I watched Midnight Cowboy one night. I got the idea to create my own interpretation of the Wild West.” Continue reading “Antonio Azzuolo – Fall 2010 Collection – New York”

Andy & Debb – Fall 2010 Collection – New York

Andy Kim and Debbie Yoon, husband and wife designers of Andy & Debb, presented a mixture of textured, sequined, and metallic garments as their fall 2010 collection.

story by Rachel Francois
photos and photo editing by Freda Henry

Andy Kim and Debbie Yoon, husband and wife designers of Andy & Debb,  presented a mixture of textured, sequined, and metallic garments as their fall 2010 collection. Continue reading “Andy & Debb – Fall 2010 Collection – New York”

Jsong – Fall 2010 Collection – New York

Way’s influence can clearly be seen in her designs, featuring throwback patterns to ’40s Art Deco in Manhattan and Chinese motifs of good luck koi fish and even a dragonfly. The clothes themselves were intensely wearable and all featured hand-treated fabrics.

story by Michael Fragoso
photos by Freda Henry
photo editing by Katie Piper

Demure in a floor length black brocade gown, designer Way Zen pours Ti Kuan Yin tea for herself in preparation for her show. “I don’t care about any of the trends of today, I just worry about what I like,” she says. Way’s homeland of China is what she calls her “roots,” but her main inspiration for the line is a merging of Ancient Chinese and Old New York. “However, I prefer to use a blend of New York and Chinese heritage, since I’ve lived here for so long.” Continue reading “Jsong – Fall 2010 Collection – New York”

Araks – Fall 2010 Collection – New York

Araks Yermyan may be well known for her lingerie, but this beautiful ready to wear presentation was a heavily edited exercise in Russian Constructivism.

story by Michael Fragoso
photos by Martin Bielecki
photo editing by Tatyana Bevs

Araks Yeramyan may be well known for her lingerie, but this beautiful ready to wear presentation was a heavily edited exercise in Russian Constructivism. Continue reading “Araks – Fall 2010 Collection – New York”

Lovely London Lovely Lovely

Here is a preview of some of the shows we are covering in London. Lovely.

photos by Boris Marberg, Freda Henry, and Wolfgang Wöhrle

Here is a preview of some of the shows we are covering in London. Lovely. Continue reading “Lovely London Lovely Lovely”