Nori's Feelings

This pretty necklace is an intricate crocheted work by Aly Hymel,owner of www.daintycrochetbyaly.etsy.com , accented with a red poppy flower that I handpainted on denim fabric . She sold it yesterday and I want to promote her store thankful to her creativity and because she trust another artisans and designers to match her creations.

The necklace is great to match your jeans or a summer dress to create a casual look with one of a kind accesory. Beads are lapislazuli and wood, closed with a button. Just stunning!

10 TIMES UNGARO

I'm always inspired by great designers, and as Michael Kors said, if you are a designer and you say that you don't know the great ones or you don't care, you are lying. Straight. Emmanuel Ungaro(what a beautiful name!) has being one of my favorites in floral print designs, like Roberto Cavalli is for printed and painted. So ,without further addo ,here goes my inspiration of the day, a dress that can be worn in many ways,for many occasion and style.Don't look for it in my web site.Is not ready to the public.It will be out in the catwalk soon.Leave your feedback.I'm open minded.

This is what I call FASHION

Designer iPhones, move over. For the ultimate fashion-meets-technology accessory, be on the lookout for Vivienne Tam’s Digital Clutch by HP in her 2009 Summer collection. The first of its kind.
At first glance, it’s a chic red peony design clutch that matches beautifully with dresses in Tam’s summer line and could be paired with jeans for a flirty day look or a cocktail dress for an elegant evening look. But on the inside you find the latest in HP’s mini-notebook technology with a 10-inch LCD screen and bright red keyboard that includes the Chinese symbol for “double happiness” on the enter button.
In an interview with GeekSugar Tam explains she chose the peony design for the computer because of the flower’s beauty and the person who carries the computer should feel a sense of peace, lightness and beauty like being in a garden surrounded by flowers. Her goal was to combat the sense of being “boxed in” that technology sometimes makes people feel by adding an element of nature.
No word yet on the sticker price for such a chic way of getting peace and technology, but the digital clutch is set to be available next year and will probably find its way into the arms of many fashionistas come next spring.
Now, if only it could hold a tube of lipgloss and a set car keys.

Fashion, Design and Lifestyle (FDL) Team Contest

Fashion, Design and Lifestyle (FDL) Team Contest
The Fashion, Design and Lifestyle (FDL) Team on Etsy is running a September contest! The team's September challenge was to create pieces using a song title. If you can guess the correct song title, you can win one of three lovely prizes from our team's giveaway sponsors:
A crocheted necklace from daintycrochetbyaly.
A pair of Simply Silver earrings from capitolagirl.A handmade brooch from happiknits.
For complete details about how to enter, please visit the FDL Team Blog at:http://fashiondesignandlifestyle.blogspot.com/2008/09/september-contest.html

The art of fashion

I found this collection of fashion pictures,captured by the photographer Raymond Meier for Neiman Marcus fall collection and I loved it and wanted to share.

New canvas art

I have hand painted this stunning peacock on an ivory canvas Tote. The hand screening was first in black ink and then I painted all the details by hand in blue sparkly,green turquoise ,light blue silver sparkly, gold in the centers,details and even for the crown. This tote bag is a really great size and super stylish for any place to go: from the beach to a night out!It is a lovely brand new bag made out of a Heavy Duty Canvas material with the Most Gorgeous Sparkley Fabric Paint.I really hope you enjoy it! Please note: All my pieces are one of a kind individually painted. It is a very nice bag that measures approximately 18 1/2 inches tall (from the top of the handles to the bottom of the tote--the body of the purse is 13 inches tall) and 13 inches wide. If you want enjoy too any other of the 3 color options.

The berry grey season of fall is just here

We’ve seen the jewel-toned colours for a couple seasons now, but this autumn, berry colours are back and in full fledge.
Some of the most gorgeous deep rich vibrant colours and equally fabulous fabrics can be seen all over this season. Berry tones in purple, aubergine, navy, midnight blue, hyacinth, ultra violet, rose raspberry red to rich ruby wine, cranberry, scarlet, rich coral red, deep violet purples, wine reds, strawberry pink, burnt cherry will define your fall winter colour palette.

Saying colour is in this season is an understatement! Bold is back, and has no intention of fading out for the fall either! Hot colours making a splash on runways include Canary Yellow, Pea Green, Electric Blue, Hot Pink, Salmon, Green and Orange, yes orange- probably making its biggest comeback this season.

Featured at THE EXPRESSIONIST magazine

Here I copy the interview.Thanks so much Jason for this opportunity.
http://www.theexpressionist.com/category/fashion_design/clothing_designers/

Nora Gonzalez - Customized Clothing
September 4, 2008
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Have you ever worked in the clothing design industry before setting out on your own?
Yes, I did work for a fashion designer from Dominican Republic. She had a brand new Fashion company in Boca Raton, Florida and I was in charge of sketching and designing her whole fall collection for the Montreal Runway, Canada in 2001.
What gave you the idea to make clothing like you do?While working for the above mentioned brand, I was hired to design a commemorative items for the events of September 11th. We discussed the possibility of translating those images to jeans, that is when I started hand painting on denim. After this event I fell in love with denim and the hand painting technique, and right away focused on clothing in this new area of expertise. How long have you been doing this art?
I have been a designer/painter/graphic designer since 1990 but I gave impulse to hand painting after 2001 Has it been a rewarding journey thus far? If so what’s one of your fondest memories on the journey?
It has been a very rewarding experience in terms of creation and new techniques; and also it was very exciting having the chance to meet artists and designers from all over the world. My fondest memory and more recent, has been a trip that I made with my pregnant sister to a show hosted in Tampa. We drove for four hours at night, crossing Florida from east to west, sharing all kinds of experiences, and enjoying the landscape, fauna, birds and wildlife so attractive and typical of our state. I had one of the best weekends ever full of fun, sun and new people, with a touch of support given by my sister that made it a perfect weekend. What kind of clothes do you do the art on? Is it just for women?In the beginning I worked only on women’s clothes, mostly youth and teen styles; jeans and jackets are my first chosen products. After a while I incorporated graphic tees for woman and men. I then turned to baby clothing, printed and painted onesies, toddlers shirts; today I’m featuring my new line of bigger and plus sizes. I also work on accesories such as purses, wrist-lets and canvas tote bags, I also paint denim earrings with paisley adornments. I have a small art gallery using the same technique on fabric for canvas. What is your take on art today, how has it impacted your life.Art is in my daily routine. Sometimes we categorize art as an expression of the artist translated on paper, canvas or clothes, but I believe art is in all we do and there are times when managing certain situations requires a lot of art. How do you keep up with the trends to keep your art fresh and stylish for those who love your work.I spend hours getting feedback and information of todays fashion trends from online websites, magazines, shows and conventions. I keep my eyes open on other designers who inspire me and I learn everyday a little bit more. Knowing where you are now, and how you got here, would you change anything or do anything different?I have more than I expected, I learned more than I expected, and I suffered more too; but I say it with a lot of enthusiasm and thankful for all that I received and done. I wish I had chosen to study fashion design first, before graphic design, because it took me longer to do what I love doing now. Honestly though, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do for sometime after graduating. What is the most satisfying thing for you when you finish a piece of clothing?When I look at my creations after finishing my pieces I feel proud; mostly I love what I see, and I dream of the person wearing it. Another feeling that blows my mind is knowing that the new owner of my piece could be in any other part of the globe. I felt that with the first t-shirt I sold to a customer in Greece and still gives me the chills! Another interesting story, when I designed a peacock dress for a girl who intended to wear it at her Bridal Shower. She bought a skirt too with the same motif because she loved the design; to me this was a wonderful feeling, knowing that my dress was going to be in that very important day of her life. What has been your biggest challenge to date?My biggest challenge has two sides: Budgeting and re-investing money in one side and the distribution of time in the other side. Advertising and marketing, how important are they to your line of work?Very important topic. Since January 2008 I spent many hours and resources getting my name out there and I mean through cyber-space. I advertise in at least 10 websites, forums, fashion pages, shows and events. What’s your view on the appreciation people have with art today, as opposed to when you were younger?



When I was younger I lived in South America, more specifically Argentina, where people love art. Besides the timing, location also makes a big difference. Globally speaking, art after the 70s legacy was very strong in our minds and cultures and now I see it more relaxed, like a light culture of art. On the good side, art now is everywhere, thanks to the Internet; but also due to new disciplines, like art painted or printed on clothing. One of my favorite designers, Roberto Cavalli, makes a piece of art in every outfit. That wasn’t seen in my youngest years, not that I can remember. Your clothing can be done 1 time, for 1 person, that’s it…. who would you choose to have it…. can be anyone?This is a good question. In our culture today we have many stereo-types, like you have to be a supermodel to wear this or that. Happily that doesn’t happen with my clothes, you can have any type of body or any measurement as long as you want to wear my pieces. Another good reason is that I work on custom orders too so you will have what you want, no impositions, just the way you like it. Who inspires you do to what you do?God is my inspiration. He is the first and best designer ever.
If you would like to see Nora’s work, please see any of the links listed below, and feel free to contact her with any idea you would like for a custom piece of clothing.
You can check more pictures of my collection atwww.norakaren.etsy.comwww.nora-handpainted.blogspot.comhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/24119923@N04/
Filed Under Clothing Designers, Cover Stories · Leave a Comment

Painted clothes for Vivianne Westwood

Karl Lagerfeld, who was wedged somewhere between Lohan and The Kinks. At the time I was surprised, even shocked, to see a designer’s name on an album because the man may be a connoisseur of fashion, but music? Karl’s taste in music, though I am slightly reluctant to admit this, is awesome. He had chosen bands like The Pipettes, LCD Sound system and Siouxsie & The Banshees, which caused me to contemplate buying his CD until I realized the guy was charging over $40 for “some of his favorite songs.” Thanks, but no thanks.
This year Vivienne Westwood has jumped on the proverbial bandwagon and has released a CD that she has conceptualized, curated, and art-directed and, similar to Lagerfeld, is a compilation of some of her favorite songs like “Last Night Was Made for Love,” by Billy Fury, and Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers. Westwood told British Vogue:
“My clothes always tell a story. It may refer to the past, but it’s always projected into this heroic future. And I choose the music accordingly … Sometimes the music can just be sexy, it can let you relax, look at the clothes, put people into a fantastic mood. Then it might just have to swing back and lift you up to the final triumph of the fashion show.”

A flower with my name

Last night I was following the threads on the community forum of etsy ,when I noticed I was 45 pages behind in my redaing since sunday night....This girls communicate a lot! So rather than keeping with every post I jumped into the names of any one of the member of the ONEADAYCHALLENGE team and checked their shops. That is when I found that beadflora created a flower named after every team member's name. That is so neat and wonderful, and right there I found my flower that is off course sorrounded by peacock feathers, in a black and white beading theme(very me,and actually my favorite combination) and I went to bed happy that the days wasn't only for work but for art and for people who still think of others and create thinking on them . Congrats, you made my day!

Take a chance to visit BeadFloraJewels.etsy.com , the shop devoted to doing beaded flowers with the French technique. Each flower is made with great attention to detail. She creates flowers made of beads for any ocassion. Check out her wedding bouquet showpieces, they are stunning!

Meet Margarida from the FDL Team

Margarida is the owner of the etsy store http://www.eikumpel.etsy.com/ learn a little bit more about her:

Who are you? (Any information you would like to include is great!) I’m Margarida, 29 years old, Portuguese living in England.What do you create? Handmade and original design crafts, such as brooches, bookmarks, puppets, plush dolls and others.How long have you been doing your craft? I learned a lot of crafty techniques when I was very young, because my grandmother was a professional sewer and taught me a lot! But I only started to craft on a regular basis around 2 years ago.
What is your inspiration? Life, music, colours, nature, museums, happiness, music… and so many others!

What do you like about creating? I like the creative process, to imagine a piece in my mind and then to put it on felt… it’s wonderful!What do you like about your business? I love to think that someone is using one of my creations… makes me happy!How did you find out about Etsy? I don’t really remember… sorry!Do you sell your products anywhere other than Etsy? Yes, in my website, http://www.eikumpel.com

What do you think sets you apart from other designers? My designs and my use of colour!What do you do when you’re not creating products for your shop? I’m an Environmental Toxicologist and I’m currently finishing my PhD.What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create? (Blog, Flikr, MySpace, etc.) http://www.eikumpel.com/ ; http://www.flickr.com/photos/eikumpel/


What would you love to be doing in ten years? I would love to be a Science Communicator and still make and sell my beloved crafts!