Archive for September, 2007
Distinction in Design Competition
Sunday, September 30th, 2007Thursday, October 4, Macy’s Minneapolis, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 3rd floor, Oval Room
Macy’s will be holding its annual Distinction in Design Competition this week! This is a great opportunity for established and emerging designers to get feedback from Macy’s North Buyers and trend experts. This year I am honored to serve on the judges panel and can not wait to see the work of some of Minneapolis’s innovative designers. The winner will receive $1,000 and all participants will receive valuable advice about their product in terms of how it relates to the current market place. If you have the time make a point to stop in with your goods. I hope to be able to show a few of my favorites by the end of this week.
MN Fashion Weekend
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007It’s been a while since I have been able to get a chance to blog, many thanks for your patience! Besides Nelle I work in PR and the last few weeks have been nutz! Never fear though, the 2008 collection is coming right along and will be launched with in the next few weeks.
Anywho, last week was Minnesota Fashion Weekend and though I did not have a chance to get to the events I made a point to catch the local designers new collections on line. This jacket is by Kjurek Couture and I have to say that I am smitten for it. You can check out more on MN Fashion Weekend and get caught up to speed on the Minneapolis design scene by gong to mnfashion.org.
Spring Fashion Week 2008- Is Nelle on Trend?
Saturday, September 8th, 2007
I generally start designing each new collection 9 months out from January 1 of the following year, example: my upcoming 2008 collection I started sketching out in March of 2007. I truly enjoy determining what my new line will be and use a series of “scientific” methods to establish the tone of each collection. These scientific methods include paying close attention to the under currents of the fashion world/independent design, new innovations, and following the general sources of fashion information. I also track a great deal of interior design/decorating as it is amazing how closely the two areas are linked.
What I have noticed is that there are usually 2 general themes running in fashion - right now it happens to be and eighties revival (ugh) and a focus on natural fibers juxtaposed with some opulence. My upcoming Nelle collection is the later and I will be using some similar techniques that are used through out these photos.
Some believe that there is no correlation between accessory design and runway -but I like to use the shows as a way to check my upcoming collection and make sure that it is on trend as well as complimentary of the season’s most exciting fashions. So, is Nelle 2008 on trend? It depends - mass market stores will snap up the 80’s trend because they can reproduce knock-offs at a low cost, however designer boutiques will carry through the looks presented by other designers that focus on the juxtaposition of natural fibers and opulence. Designer boutiques our my customers, therefore Nelle is on trend.
Simple Pleasures for Your Inner Goddess
Thursday, September 6th, 2007
I have two long chain link gold and silver necklaces that I wear with almost everything, these pieces are from my go to Minneapolis jewelry designer Stacey Johnson. Using precious metals and gemstones Stacey creates pieces that are a break from the ordinary. A majority of her work focuses on creating subtly stunning pieces that even the most cautious women adore. Stacey develops wonderful palettes using a variety of different gemstones. I recently bumped into Stacey at a local show and was able to grab a few shots and pick up another little something for myself.
She just launch a new website that tells a bit more about her and offers a way to contact her if you are interested in ordering a few pieces. www.staceyjohnsonjewelry.com
MN Monthly Mentions Nelle
Wednesday, September 5th, 2007
Minnesota Monthly, a great Midwest publication, gave notice to my handbags in their September 2007 issue. I get filled with excitement each time a publication gives mention of my work, no mater how large or small the bit is. Every bit of press helps introduce my design’s to new audiences. This helps my business continue to grow and flourish as well as my client’s businesses, which is great for everyone! I can’t express enough to independent designers how important it is to gain exposure for your business, it really can make quit the difference during the slow months. More to come on this subject at a later date.
Night Owl at Patina
Tuesday, September 4th, 2007
This weekend I dropped into Patina to pick up some odds and ends and came across these great little wooden postcards. I remember seeing these as a child with a wood burning effect, but these beauties are silk screened with great owls etc.. At $5.50 a pop I can’t say that I am going to buy up the whole set and send them to every dear friend but they would fill a small frame up nicely. Night Owl is the mastermind behind these great little postcards which have been blowing up in the design blogosphere ever since they showed at market.
Handbag Hardware - the quest for the Hex Flex Frame
Sunday, September 2nd, 2007Due to the fact that I am self taught, one of my greatest challenges is figuring out the structural supports needed to create durable handbags. This little Hex Flex frame was quite the discovery for me. I knew that it existed but did not know the name, sometimes knowing the name is the battle. The frame reminds me of the old snap bracelets, put the two metal pieces together using a bolt- pull to open and snap to close. The Hex flex is nice option for handbag closures, I prefer it over zippers. You can find them at www.ghees.com or www.uhandbag.com, as well as Ebay and by using Google.
Here is a How to from www.uhandbag.com that will help you install the Hes Flex frame.
How to use Internal Hex Open Frames (not to be confused with ‘Flex’ frames)
Making a purse with a Hex Opening frame is much like making a bag with an elasticated or drawstring opening. Drawstring bags have a casing (fabric tube) sewn into the opening of the bag through which the cord or elastic is threaded though; for Hex Opening frame purses/bags we just substitute the cord for a Hex Frame - easy!
• Sew the purse exterior and purse lining to your desired size ensuring that the width of the purse will be at least 1.5″ (4cm) wider, than the frame itself (it can be even wider if you wish).
• Place the lining bag into the exterior and sew a casing (fabric tube) large enough to accommodate the flex frame by folding down the top edges of the entire purse down (just as if you were making a drawstring bag) except we are going to leave both sides of the casing open.
• The Hex frame comes in 4 parts; 2 frame halves, and 2 hinge pins. Assemble one of the hinges of the frame by bringing the two frame halves together (pliers make this bit easier) to bring the hinges together and inserting one of the pins into the hinge.
• Insert the frame into the casing (so that the unhinged ends go in first) through one of the open sides. Push the frame through until the unhinged ends are exposed at the other side.
• Make up the hinge on the other end of the frame as before.
• Sew both of the open edges of the casing closed.