Olivier Theyskens Fall 2017

click for photo credits

Fashion Paradise...

Sometimes my job feels more like fashion paradise.... What I've been doing lately, and will soon be sharing with all of you:

Actually you can just read this one here ;)

But here are some more pictures from Black Halo 

^^^ FYI she is Laurel Berman^^^ designer  of Black Halo!!

One of my favorite dresses--I love a sleeve and that print is amaze.

Lauren Conrad wore this dress, which means we all need one right? 

And then....

This might be in the Neiman Marcus Couture Salon.

And that might be Ken Downing strutting his stuff behind that model...

But More on that later...

EK Style: An International Interview

One of my favorite things in life is the chance to get to meet new people and connect on something we both love. Such is the case with Esther Kwanga, founder and owner of EK Style. I had the pleasure of getting to know her lovely sisters Becky and Sharon in college where we lived in the same dorm. When I saw that they had started modeling for their sister's company (thank you Facebook) I had to get the scoop! They were so sweet as to connect me with Esther via email; so here you go a fabulous and truly inspirational and international interview all the way from Nairobi, Kenya:

Esther Kwanga

FR-  Tell me a little bit about why you decided to start EK Style

Ever since I moved back to Kenya I have been aggravated by the fashion scene here. I can't tell you how many times I shake my head in utter disappointment when I walk the streets of Nairobi. I believe this aggravation has partly contributed to the drive I have developed for this industry. I have also shopped for my friends in the past as a hobby. I love it because I know how to find nice clothes at a great bargain. I get annoyed when I see people spending lots of money on ugly clothing. I truly want to help such people. My sister, Debbie Hockley, told me that I should become a stylist as I complained to her about the fashion scene in Kenya (she lives in Oxford, England). In addition, my sister Sharon Kwanga really challenged me to step out and put my thoughts into action. Becky Kwanga, my other sister and my mother also supported the idea. And so, EK STYLE begun.     

FR-  What is EK Style? 

EK STYLE is a styling service and is in the process of starting it's own clothing line.

FR- Have you always been interested in the fashion industry? 

Ever since I was in high school, Ive always liked fashion. I never liked looking like everyone else. I always liked to dress like my own person. During my teen years I remember adding a little bit of my own style to certain clothes. For example, I re-vamped a jacket by adding lots of buttons to it. The Jacket still exists and we still wear it. In fact, it is one of the jackets being modeled by Rebecca Kwanga on the EK STYLE page. 

FR- What inspires your designs?

a) God, some of my ideas have unfolded as I spend time with God. I know for sure they did not come from my own head. I know this because a) My mind was no where near thinking about fashion b) my own mind was shocked/awed by the design and c) my mind did not understand how the design would function. However, after I asked God to show me how the design/s would function, He showed me and my mind understood the concept behind the design/s).  International fashion shows and my in built creativity 

FR- Do you sew all of your designs?

I do not sew my designs. I have employed workers who do that.

The Sisters! Beautiful aren't they?

FR- Who does EK Style serve? 

Although the EK STLYE profile currently focuses on serving young women, EK STYLE is gradually expanding to serve both men and women of all ages.

FR- Your sisters model for many of your photos... how is it being able to work with family?

I love working with my sisters. They make the photo sessions FUN! They have been very supportive to me and I appreciate them from the bottom of my heart. I also appreciate the advice they give me now and again. It is very helpful to my business.

FR- What are your future goals for EK Style?

The future goals for EK STYLE are:
a) To have an entire collection for each season, every year
b) To own an EK STYLE store
c) To ship EK STYLE clothing internationally
d) To style Kenyan public figures
e) To be in international fashion runaways
f) Sponsor unfortunate children in Kenya in the area of education. EK STYLE donates a certain percentage of its profit towards educating children who cannot afford to go to school.

FR- Where can people purchase your products?

At the moment, people can order any of my products by sending a message on the EK STYLE page on Facebook. 

FR- Where online can people find you? (Facebook, Twitter, email, website ? etc.)

At the moment, Facebook and Twitter and at ekstyle-ekstyle@hotmail.com

Blogger Questions

1. Favorite Designer?
I can't pick just one. I have a few: Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith and Chanel. There are many more but I'll keep it short.

2. Favorite clothing stores/brands?
Stores: Primark (in the UK), Dorothy Perkins (UK), Name Brand Clothing (U.S). Every time I went to NBC, I always got something that no one else was wearing and how I love looking different. Forever21 (U.S.), H&M (UK) etc.
Brands: Ralph Lauren

3. Do you use Pinterest?

I've signed up but I am not yet active. 

4. How would you define your personal style?

Retro, Preppy and classic

Invite: Hester Street Fair

I got a little email update from our fave LA designer yesterday... She will be a vendor at the debut of the  Hester Street Fair in Hollywood!

Founder SuChin Pak gives a shout out to Jill on Racked.

If you will be in the area or can make it out to LA this weekend or any of the 4 weekends please support Jill Aiko Yee and all of the fantastic vendors!

HERE for more info.

Designer Spotlight: Jill Aiko Yee

Photo: Hollywood Style Scene

I just love the Internet and blogging community! Why you ask? Because I get to meet fabulous people like Jill Aiko Yee, a Los Angeles based designer who contacted me after coming across the blog. In her email she sent me a few pictures of her most recent designs and I was immediately a fan! Her aesthetic is what you would expect of any West Coast designer--ease, comfort, fun and flowy. Yet, what I think sets Jill apart is her more sophisticated take on these aspects...dare I say there is a hint of East Coast?

Jill was kind of enough to do an interview via email, but we plan to get together in L.A. for some shopping and a visit to her studio next month... So stay tuned for part two. Until then enjoy getting to know more about my new friend Jill Aiko Yee!

FR: You recently started your clothing line, how did you know that creating a clothing line and designing is what you wanted to do? How has the journey/experience been so far?

Jill: Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to have my own company.  My dad did, and so did his dad.  But it wasnt until I graduated Otis College of Art and Design, and worked for Rozae Nichols that I knew I would stick with fashion.  I had an amazing experience there that opened my eyes to all of design, and its possibilities.  The journey so far has been challenging in every aspect, but so satisfactory because of that. 

 FR:You have the Jill Aiko Yee Label as well as ITtERATIONS Workwear can you tell me a little bit about each one and what kind of women you see wearing your designs?

Jill: The two labels together can make up a creative woman's wardrobe from morn to evening.  ITtERATIONS Workwear is all about being comfortable for long hours while still expressing personality and creativity.  My namesake label is for AfterWork - wherever a woman may go, be it dinner, gallery, or theater it's chic, and unrestrictive.  While working with CFDA award nominee Gregory Parkinson, I saw that color, and fabric choice go a long way in defining a collection.  I take that philosophy with to my collections.  The women that wear my designs are creative, positive, and socially conscious.  These women pave their own paths.

Photos: ITtERATIONS

FR: How do you like having your studio in LA's fashion district? Does it help keep you motivated and inspired?

Jill: I've been in the fashion district of downtown for nearly 10 years now, and consider it my second neighborhood.  I love that my studio is in a historic building of the fashion district, surrounded by showrooms, and fabric stores.  There is so much history and glamour in this area, I think people overlook that because many of the storefronts are cluttered.   All of the fabric, and notions stores inspire me... my fave place to go get lost is the cavernous 3 story warehouse of Ragfinders. 

FR: You are currently producing all of your designs yourself, how has that been? Do you enjoy being able to design and create personally for your customer?

Jill: Doing my own production is quite a challenge, but all worth it because it allows me to do what I love.  It's so special for me to be able to work directly with customers in my design space.  I love customizing garments so they fit each individual perfectly, and hearing what they have to say.  Most designers don't have the opportunity to meet the individuals that wear their clothing, let alone being able to share some champagne, and great conversation.  

FR: Why did you decide to take personal shopping appointments instead of selling to stores? Can you purchase your designs online?

Jill: The only places I sell are my own website, and at my shop by appointment studio. I decided to do this because having appointments with customers is the most rewarding part of my job. Its a great experience to help people find what looks good on them, and what expresses their personality.  

FR: Your Ombre silk designs are gorgeous, ombre is obviously a big trend right now, but yours tend toward a more sophisticated palette and style. What was your inspiration?

Jill: Thanks!  Ombre is certainly a trend right now, but is also a classic look that can always be worn.  The inspiration for the ombre group is watercolor painting, and the beauty of transitions.  Transitions are the often over looked experiences and times that are the binder to life's great moments.   We should cherish them.  

Photo: Compliments of Jill Aiko Yee

FR: What has been your favorite or most memorable moment as a designer?

Jill: I love being able to make clothes for my mom.  She's worn everything starting with my school projects, and approaches fashion with a purely experimental attitude, and is never held back by convention.  

FR: What advice would you give to those who are considering becoming designers?

Jill: For those getting into design, I would encourage them to take note that design is all around us in life.  Make your decisions regarding design carefully, hone your eye.  It will guide you, and help establish your own style. Be persistent!

Compliments of Jill Aiko Yee

 A few blogger questions:

1. Favorite designer?

Marni - but the clothes don't fit me! 

2. Favorite stores to shop at?

Creatures of Comfort on Melrose, OK on 3rd st, and Plastica on 3rd st (all in LA, but have stores online), Myrtle in Echo Park. 

3. Favorite blogs to read?

Daily Candy, Tomboy Style, http://cloudcloudny.tumblr.com/, http://twentytwoblog.wordpress.com/

4. Favorite magazines?

National Geographic (love the photographs), Elle, and Summary Magazine (new to LA) 

5. Do you use pinterest?

Yes!  http://pinterest.com/jillaikoyee/ 

6. Favorite Twitter account to follow?

@suchinpak 

Where to find Jill:   jillaikoyee.com , @jillaikoyee , 
Jill on Facebook