Category: southern fashion designer

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amber guidry jewelry new orleans southern fashion designer

Unearth NOLA With Brandi Couvillon From Waregarden Studio

Text and collage by Amber Guidry

Art can sometimes inspire motivation, excitement, even happiness in my personal life.  Sometimes it makes me wonder…who gave the three year old a paintbrush?? Either way my mind can get lost imagining how the creation of each piece unfolds. Usually it intrigues me to question the journey that inspires each artist “to create”.

The journey of Waregarden Studio’s Brandi Couvillion has led her to dig tunnels that could possibly cave in around her, to un-nest a flying New Orleanian roach colony, to scale the mountains of Peru in hopes of uncovering a remnant from the past. Ok so maybe not Peru but who’s to say its not on her bucket list of exploratory sites.


In Brandi’s own words, “Wrenching up history from the ground and reassembling it into something expressing the decaying grandeur and melancholy of New Orleans is what I strive for…” Read on below for the personal inspiring journey of the artist and owner of Waregarden Studio.

The mixed media artwork and jewelry lines of New Orleans local, Brandi Couvillion is currently available at various galleries and museums, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, as well as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s Southern Craft and Design later this month.


“My adventure of delving into the past, into the privies/outhouses of our ancestors, technically begins with a 5-6 foot metal probe, testing the ground below to determine what may lie there. I often can’t help myself but to just start digging the hard, impacted earth recklessly with the most fervent passion.  It is one of the only times when I feel at one with the universe and in deep meditation.

Obviously, the closer to the historic neighborhoods of New Orleans, the more likely you are to find objects of desire. Being practically on the Saulet Plantation grounds, I thought I might have some good fortune for my interests, which are vast. In my own expansive backyard (in a historic district) we probed the majority of it. My hard-core diggers (who have done it for 40+ years) didn’t think we’d find anything of the pre-Civil War. They are mostly interested in old bottles, which I love, but I find excitement in old ceramic pipes, hand painted ceramic marbles, porcelain doll parts – really anything that will tell a tale of that land and its previous inhabitants.

We had come across three layers of courtyards in digging the pond – old, soft red brick, then flagstone and finally new brick from all over the country. I continued to dig a few feet down and started pulling up more flagstone (which had initials carved into it – how romantic!) and, of course, brick.  Soon, I had burrowed a tunnel about a yard wide and several yards long, maybe about 3 feet down. We called it the tiger trap because it was right by the shed and quite a dangerous location with only my handmade bamboo covering on top of the initial hole.  Soon, the pond was threatening to collapse, so I started burrowing in the other direction.  Unfortunately, there are some frightening things down there – being trapped in a hole that could collapse as you freak out from the huge cockroach nest you just disturbed!

During my digging, I eventually fell into a time where I was literally fingering through every handful of dirt – every single piece of the past would be felt.  Most of the time people sift through this, but it was more personal to me.  I wanted to see every hand cut nail tossed out, each piece of decorative ceramic tile that once adorned the fireplaces, indications of when they restored the plaster (large lumps poured into the earth as if it was a mold), or when they removed the coved ceilings in certain rooms.  

In the harshest of summer weeks, I would take a break from digging and it was then that I noticed the beautiful fern that grew in the moist, cooler burrow. I’ve saved some of it to dry and I use it now on my new line, Ephemera, which embosses antique laces from items worn to shreds and botanicals from special places in my life and in the world. The most unusual thing I found in my own backyard was a bone toothbrush (without bristles, of course) that has “France” engraved on it!  

But my all time biggest find, in my nostalgic mind, was what ultimately turned out to be 100 Pre and Victorian shoes/boots.  They were mostly shoe soles, as the leather is quickly eaten away, but I still found the harder leather soles and wooden heels intact. I did, however, find a few baby “boots” with the amazing Victorian design and buttons up the side. Among this, I’ve found the most elegant porcelain plates/basins, etc., a New Orleans luxury tax token, tiny porcelain tea sets and numerous doll parts, to only name a few. The privies were very caustic when they were active, some 100-200 years ago, so things broken down very quickly, but these musty, insect ridden shoe soles are probably some of the most meaningful to me.  Was it a cobbler who just threw the shoes he couldn’t repair in the back?  How have some of them remained intact? I actively use them in my Assemblages, as to me the Soles represent the Souls before us…

I am ecstatic to be unveiling a brand new jewelry line using the porcelain shards – Privy’s Porcelain – which incorporates the most elegant 1800’s patterns into my designs from some of the most stunning china manufacturing companies. Interestingly, a large amount seem to be traced back to England. And I have found some of the same patterns in completely different neighborhoods!

It is compelling to look at the translucency, design detail and accuracy of these pieces – scenes of the most exotic countrysides filled with animals and even people in 1800’s dress adorn these precious pieces of the past.

I believe The Past is Present….in every way you can interpret it… I am tremendously excited to be able to share these experiences with everyone.”


Brandi Couvillion
The Waregarden Studio
1221 Annunciation St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 717-1433
waregarden@gmail.com
www.waregardenstudio.com


Be sure to sign up for Brandi’s blog updates and gallery showings on her website at http://www.waregardenstudio.com/contact.html

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children's clothing events new orleans southern fashion designer

Kids Fashion Camp at the Ogden Museum

One of my fondest memories growing up was going to summer camp. I played flute from 4th grade through college, and had considered pursuing it professionally, but majoring in English won. Summers spent at band camp were the best, and doing drill downs in a gym devoid of air conditioning in the dead of August was strangely enjoyable. I lived for band, and I was damned good at it. I heartily believe kids need a creative outlet, no matter what the medium is.

photo c/o Sue Strachan

For two weeks in July, the Ogden Museum is hosting its 2nd Fashion Camp for teenagers ages 13-16. One of last year’s participants, Grayson Gold, presented his work at Fashion Week New Orleans in March and also sent a model down the runway at the Ogden’s Haute and Handmade this past December. Campers will learn fashion illustration, practice hand and machine stitching, discover secrets of the trade, and receive coaching from Veronica Cho, a former Seventh Avenue designer and Parsons School of Design graduate. The camp will wrap with a fashion show, highlighting the teen’s hard work.




Fashion Camp at the O!
July 9, 2012 – July 20, 2012
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
For ages 13 to 16
$250 museum members; $275 non-members

For more info or to register contact Ellen Balkin at: 504.539.9608; ebalkin@ogdenmuseum.org

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Sponsored: Vernon Trunk Show

Text and photos by Brooke Larsen

The people who make up the New Orleans fashion industry have to be some of the nicest on Earth. I’ve seen examples of this many times before, and it was clear to me once more at Vernon Clothing’s Happy Hour on Thursday night. As I entered the store I was unsure what to expect because I had never been to such an event before. Vernon’s Happy Hour showcases the work of local designers while also serving drinks and hours d’ouvres. Food and fashion under one roof? Yes, please! I was excited but still a little apprehensive. Surely this event was way too cool for me! However, any insecurities I had were soon dashed when I stepped inside.  

The first thing I noticed is how lovely the store itself is. I had never entered Vernon before, but as soon as I did I wanted to learn everything I could about the Magazine Street boutique. This is my kinda store, y’all. There are early James Bond movie posters hanging on the walls, a display of ties and bowties (just because I’m a lady doesn’t mean I don’t adore men’s fashion), and vintage cameras and typewriters as décor. I quickly met Laura Keith, Manager and Creative Director at Vernon, who was glad to dish about the store. She was very friendly, chatting with me like an old friend, and told me that the store’s name comes from the name of founder and owner Chris Galliano’s late grandfather. A photo of Vernon himself hangs in the back of the store presiding over it from beyond. Vernon is a store all about promoting all kinds of fashion -especially if it comes from the South – while making the buyer feel at home while shopping. Vernon carries both local and national designers, and Laura herself is in the process of designing Vernon’s own line of clothing. When she told me that the store has only been open for less than a year I was shocked. It’s hard to believe they’ve already accomplished so much!

The Happy Hour that I attended was Vernon’s first to feature designers whose work they do not carry (at least not yet). Stay by Mar is a jewelry line designed by Marianne Rodriguez right here in New Orleans. When I saw her work I was quite impressed and (as a girly girl) giddy. Not only is her jewelry gorgeous, but it’s practical as well. I’m not usually fond of bracelets because they can be difficult to close, but her’s had magnet closures! Sold! I didn’t think it was possible for me to be more obsessed after that, but then I met Mar herself and she described the design process to me. Mar designs the beads, they are handmade in Kenya, shipped here, and she assembles the jewelry herself. She described it as being a “group effort.” Mar was also selling some clutches, which she told me were made by hand by women who have AIDS in Kenya. I was impressed by her global approach and that she was employing women in need.

Velvet pants. Floral pants. Pant suits! These are a few of the things that made me excited as I glanced through the Iacono collection on display at Vernon. I wanted it all. Iacono is designed by Lisa Iacono and manufactured on the Westbank (making a case for it to be “Bestbank” perhaps!?). I quickly found out Lisa’s story – a designer who worked in New York for years, she only moved to New Orleans last May and began her own line shortly after. Realizing that it wasn’t easy to manufacture clothing here in the city, she partnered with Tam Huynh, who had worked in manufacturing and management for years in New Orleans, and created NOLA Sewn.  At first NOLA Sewn was located in a garage and created Lisa’s line of clothing; now they have around 20 clients and their own space and offices. “All this after only a year?!” I exclaimed. Lisa herself was very humble and seemed quite thrilled and shocked herself that she’s had so much success already. Is there a single fashion designer who hasn’t had their dreams realized in New Orleans? I have yet to meet someone who isn’t a success story.

Vernon’s Happy Hour takes place weekly and they always provide drinks, food, and shoe shining courtesy of Patina Parlor, Not only was my experience aesthetically satisfying, but I got to meet incredibly creative people who are trying to make a difference by helping out those around them. It was certainly a rewarding experience. I will definitely be at Vernon’s next Happy Hour, this time with some money in my wallet. Join me!

Check out more photos on the Slow Southern Style Facebook page.

Slow Southern Style was compensated for this post.

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alabama fashion week southern fashion designer

Tallulah Faire

In case you missed her at New Orleans Fashion Week, Birmingham, Alabama based designer Heather Williams is the creator of Tallulah Faire, a clothing and accessories line that embraces bold prints and color. Slow Southern Style was able to chat with her about her work, who the Tallulah Faire woman is, and to hear about her experience as a fashion week participant. 

1.       What was your experience with NOLA Fashion Week like?

Fabulous, as always! This was my second season with NOLAFW, so it was great to see “old” friends from October and meet new designers this go ’round. It was especially wonderful to see designers who showed last season show again because I can see the growth that has taken place in their vision and perspective. NOLAFW has also grown; new ideas were introduced, new venues were used, etc. I’m glad that they’re trying new things and seeing what fits and what doesn’t. I’m so proud to be a part of a group of people who want to support artists and encourage fashion in the Big Easy. 

2.       What was your main reason for participating? What were you hoping to gain, and was it a success?

 I participate every season because NOLAFW is one of the few Fashion Weeks where designers are chosen not based on commercial potential but on point-of-view and creativity. Most are very sellable and have created quite a following, but that’s more of an effect of showing, not a prerequisite. I participate because I believe in supporting artists and cultivating talent, which I think is the platform of the week-long event. I also participate in the Fashion Market so that commerce is achieved. Every designer wants a customer to not only love their work, but take it home as well. Fashion Market provides shoppers with the opportunity to purchase apparel and accessories that may not be available in New Orleans at any other time. I’m hoping that my partnership with NOLAFW is a long and successful one!

3.       Given the amount of press of more established brands (Billy Reid, Alabama Chanin) where do you think the future of Southern fashion designers lies?

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: fashion is becoming regionalized, tailored to local flavor and expression. I believe that we’ll see a major progression in the next five years of major cities all hosting their own successful, large-scale Fashion Weeks. Nashville has been doing it for years, Austin for a while now, and Birmingham for two seasons. And I’m so excited! I would argue that the South has the most culture, the most tradition, the deepest roots to turn out designers who are uniquely regional and capture the essence of who their clients are. Both Billy Reid (who is not from Florence, but hey, he gets us) and Alabama Chanin are always my go-to names when I’m proving this point. And the best part? They do very well nationwide, which shows that Southern designers create pieces that fit the Southern woman but are not limited to the Southern woman. Forget New York… Southern designers need to build where they are, pour into their hometowns and heritage.

4.       If you could define the quintessential Southern aesthetic and attitude, what would it be?

Well I think it’s evident from my previous answer that our attitude is pride in where we’re from, but in a nice way. I think we are doing a great job of holding the past in one hand and honoring our families and traditions, while looking forward to the future and holding progressivism and change in the other. And I believe that our aesthetic embodies this. We still love our seersucker and sun dresses, but can put on a pair of Jimmy Choo platforms and a high-low hemline skirt in a hot minute. The Southern woman isn’t limited to just one archetypal “look” anymore. We get to be a different person every day of the week if we choose.

5.       What’s the Talluah girl like? Where would she wear a dress, for example? And can you describe the inspiration behind the two collections?

“Tallulah” is Native American and means ‘leaping waters’, which is the best way to describe a Tallulah girl. She’s natural but fierce and beautiful in a timeless way. Her energy is refreshing and she’s every girl’s best friend. I really try to design pieces that reflect these images; that’s why there will be a few very sweet sun dresses mixed with structured pieces with more powerful hues. 
A Tallulah girl wears a dress every day! Both collections have casual looks that are great for day, as well as snappier dresses that are perfect for a night on the town. Looks from the Tallulah line are meant to be closet pieces that you live your life in, not pieces that are only pulled out for one event. The inspiration for the Spring ’12 collection came from playing with the idea of being both bold and bashful. We all have our sweet ‘ballet flats and nude lipstick’ days, but we also have our ‘I could conquer the world today!’ days. You should have apparel for both! The Fall ’12 collection inspiration came from my obsession with rich fabrics. In the summers I prefer light cottons and easy silks, but my true joy – my favorite textiles- are luxurious leathers and wools and suedes. The hand is heavier and allows for superb structure and subtle details. I am so excited to share the full Fall Collection in the months ahead. 

For more information on Tallulah’s Designs, please visit the website: http://www.tallulahfaire.com
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TallulahsDesigns& Twitter: @TallulahFaire
The Tallulah S/S ‘12 line is currently carried at the following retailers:
Birmingham:
    City Arts Boutique – http://www.cityartsboutique.com/  
  Molly Green – http://www.mollygreenboutique.com/
New Orleans:
        Hattie Sparks – www.hattiesparks.com   
 Abeille NOLA – http://www.abeillenola.com/
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amber guidry georgia southern fashion designer

STORYLAND DRESSING! An Interview with Threadbeat




Hey there Slow Southern Style readers! The weather in New Orleans has been crazy… “Hey, it’s nice outside.”
“OMG! When did it get so cold?”  
“It’s raining now?”
“What? It’s only 3PM!”
I’m wishing for those sunny Saturday trips to City Park to run around like a kid again. So what if I’m a grown up without any kids. I’ll borrow my nieces for the day and play dress up! Don’t you remember the feelings of freedom and carefree joy when walking into the Storyland Village in City Park? 
Threadbeat brings back those memories of a time where peter pan collars and ruffled slips where for every girl. She recreates the idea of Storyland dressing for the modern wardrobe. Great fitting garments and girlie charm in all the pieces she creates.
If you have a chance today go outside and smell the crisp fresh air, the nice breeze. Hey, why not go ahead and climb a tree or enjoy a picnic. If you’re stuck to a computer like “moi”self, read this interview with Rebecca from Threadbeat and check out her Etsy store for some Storyland dressing inspiration!
Shop Threadbeat now!
QnA with Rebecca at Threadbeat
What does Threadbeat do?
Threadbeat is a line of custom clothing that is made specific to an individual’s measurements. I try to take into consideration what areas of the body they feel most confident about, adjusting the design slightly to highlight that area, or to downplay another.
What’s your fashion/design philosophy? 
Keep things simple, and wear something that fits you.  If you dress the body that you have right now appropriately, versus dressing for the body that you would prefer or that you covet, you will ultimately feel the most confident, and project that confidence. 
How did you develop your design skills and personal style? 
I am basically self-taught as far as skills go, I grew up with my mom sewing quite a bit, but I don’t remember being taught. I must have just absorbed it somehow.  Growing up, I was raised on a really tight budget- every year we were allotted 2 pairs of pants and maybe a few shirts. I started thrift shopping when I was in 6th grade at ‘Keenagers’, an elderly run volunteer thrift shop on my walk home from school- this blew my mind right open- I was able to have things that nobody else had, for next to nothing- when I really liked something, I would make it fit.
 After I graduated college, I worked at a huge costume shop for a couple of years that mainly catered to theatrical productions, initially I worked the make up counter- then I moved on to costume rentals, alterations, and finally to pulling costumes for theater companies. This is where I really learned what sizes looked like- I became really adept at looking at a garment and generating the measurements within an inch- same goes with looking at a person.
When I moved to Savannah a little over 2 years ago, my friend taught me how to construct the basic pattern set, from there- I made it a point to make one thing per day- so I practiced a lot, now I can work really fast, without having to think about what I am doing- which helps.
What’s your go to outfit when you don’t know what else to wear?
I pretty much have 2 seasonal uniforms- this winter it has been straight cut jeans, red gingham cowboy shirt, with a light-weight wool Pendalton work shirt for warmth. I have worn a version of this all winter. As far as the lovely warm months, I have about 60 dresses all of a very similar cut that I will wear everyday. That is the beauty of having clothes that fit you; I never am at a loss for something to wear.
I read you live on a farm in Savannah, GA? Your sundresses seem perfect for the steamy summer days we have in the south. How does your style and clothing line reflect your life or your clients’ life?
I live on a small hobby farm about 10 minutes outside of downtown Savannah. My clothing is directly related to the steamy weather- I use a lot of classic cuts and styles that promote airflow, and breath-ability within garments. Natural fibers like cotton and linen help to wick away the sweat. I don’t think my clothing is weather specific, though- I am from Wisconsin originally, so if I have a client asking about a fall or winter dress, and they are from Maine- I will know to adjust things accordingly with a flannel lining and so forth.
Who or what do you draw your inspiration from when creating new patterns, picking fabrics, etc.?
I am still really inspired by my intensely beautiful, feminine surroundings; the wonder has not worn off yet.
What’s your hands down favorite thing you’ve ever made?
A really good sturdy beautiful wool backpack. 
What’s your favorite dress cut or design features?
Well, as you can probably tell by my shop- I really like a scoop neck and a fitted waistline- pockets on a dress are always good, too.
What do customers love most about your garments?
Probably my willingness to heed requests and listen to the customers input, after all they are the one who will wear the clothes.
I see a bunch of vintage fabrics, eco-friendly cottons and floral prints. Can you describe your ideal client or whom you design for? 
My ideal business situation would be a client base of 30 regular or bi-monthly customers that I am able to get to know, work with and exchange ideas with- if I have the confidence that I understand someone’s taste, my job and their shopping experience is so much easier. Right now I have a small group of regulars that I am getting to know, and if I see a fabric that one of my clients would love, I will buy it- usually my instinct is right, and they are happy to know that someone in the world that they only know through a computer was thinking about them.
These are just for fun…
What’s one item you owned as a kid you wish you could have now?
A yellow goggle flipper and snorkel set, just because I am not sure if I had dreamed that I owned it when I was little, or that I actually did. I just want to know the truth.
What movie would your wardrobe fit in best?
I immediately thought the ‘Sound of Music’, which is funny because I am positive that I have never seen it. I must have heard people say that somewhere down the line. I am going to put that on my Netflix queue right now.
Shop Threadbeat now!
Thanks Rebecca for showing us your inner workings and inspiration for your line Threadbeat! Hope you enjoy the Sound of Music!
All photos courtesy of Threadbeat. Words by Amber Guidry.

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events fashion week meghan wright new orleans southern fashion designer

NOLA Fashion Week Recap

Much thanks to Meghan for covering most of fashion week while I was out of town. She took a ton of photos, check them out on the Slow Southern Style Facebook page.
-Christy

Let me just start by saying, as a first time NOLA Fashion Week-er, that it was fantastic. It’s great to see so much local talent, and witness the best of New Orleans’ fashion scene. I was able to attend 7 of the presentations, and have a little recap of each.

Libellule – Libellule was short, sweet, and very chic. There were lovely gold, champagne and pewter shades throughout with details like sequins and leaf appliques that gave it all extra polish. The whole feel to me was “modern goddess.”

bySmith – Vibrant, shiny color was prominent at bySmith. Jewel tones and fantastic patterns helped bring out a psychadelic 70’s feel. The tailoring and style of the garments were very young and up-to-date. I’m a huge fan of an old meets new kind of style. 

Loretta Jane – Loretta Jane was sweet and pretty, easy to wear, and another throwback to a more retro style. New Orleans loves its 50’s Pinup fashion; the high-waisted crop pants, telephone prints, and button-front dresses did not disappoint. 

 

Andrea Loest – Andrea Loest definitely let her creative side take over with her newest collection. The colors were classic pinks, black, and nudes. The construction was the main feature with allover stitching and patchwork fabrics. 


Amanda deLeon – Amanda deLeon drew inspiration from the darker side of New Orleans culture. Blood red leather and studs, giant mausoleum prints, and plenty of crosses made up the gorgeously dark collection.


Matthew Arthur – Matthew Arthur’s collection was all about modern simplicity and texture. There were muted shades of black, grey and white. All of the pieces were classic pieces, somewhat re-imagined.


Cavortress – We can’t forget about swimwear and Julie Wheat certainly has not. The entire collection was fun, as swimwear should be. The colors were bright and the prints were perfect. There were also some pleated cover-ups reminiscent of those popular in the ’70s.



All photos and text by Meghan Wright

 

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events fashion week new orleans southern fashion designer

NOLA Fashion Week Schedule

It’s March which means it is fashion season in New Orleans. Are you ready? NOLA Fashion Week kicks things off on Saturday, March 3rd and runs through the 10th.  Packed with parties, educational workshops, and of course fashion, there are plenty of activities to pencil in on your calender- or add to your phone, whatever you do. Last season proved to be a polished, well executed string of events and this season will be no exception.

Designers Showing at NOLA Fashion Week
• Jolie & Elizabeth by Jolie Bensen and Sarah Elizabeth Dewey, New Orleans, LA
• Amanda deLeon Clothing, New Orleans, LA
• dope Clothing, Baton Rouge, LA
• Cavortress by Julie Wheat, Charleston, SC
• BySMITH by Smith Sinrod, New York, NY
• Libellule, New Orleans, LA
• Matthew Arthur Apparel Architecture by Matthew Arthur, New Orleans, LA
• Andrea Loest, New Orleans, LA
• blackout. by Ashlie Ming, Jackson, MS

Saturday, March 3rd
Photography w/ Robby Klein & Thom Bennett
Suzanne Perrone Book Launch: “Designing in Ivory and White”
The Elizabeth Chronicles Launch Party

Sunday, March 4th
NOLAFC Advisory Board, Designer, & Sponsor Brunch
Street Style Brunch hosted by Invade NOLA

Monday, March 5th
 Kids Fashion DayOgden Museum
The Life Cycle of a Style w/ Lisa Locono
 Organizing Your Life Fashionably w/ Skye Truax

Tuesday, March 6th
What 7th Ave Taught Me That I Did Not Learn in School w/ Suzanne Perrone
Libellule Presentation 
Martine Chaisson Gallery
By Smith Presentation 
Martine Chaisson Gallery
Material Girl Lounge

Wednesday, March 7th
MASHUP: Vitamin Water Presents Where Fashion meets Music
Feat. Jolie & Elizabeth ft Royal Teeth; Blackout by Ashlie Ming ft Big History;  Dope Clothing ft Baby Bee
Material Girl Lounge

Thursday, March 8th
Fashion in the Arts District featuring:
Andrea Loest Presentation 
Amanda DeLeon Presentation
Mat Arthur Presentation
Cavortress Presentation 
Material Girl Lounge

Friday, March 9th
Branding w/ Julie Wheat of Cavortress
Fashion Market

Green Gala

Saturday, March 10th
Fashion Market
AVEDA’s Eco Fashion Day featuring shows by Hip Vintage, Stay by Mar, etc


For details of each day’s events be sure to check the NOLA Fashion Week website for the complete schedule, including times and locations.

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jellyn morvant jewelry lafayette louisiana southern fashion designer

Made By Hand In Lafayette

I am blessed to be surrounded by creative ladies that inspire and push me to further height,s creatively. They give me confidence to express myself with my personal style.  I would like to begin to share their beauty with you and introduce you to Lafayette’s style more and more over the next few months.Beauty resonates with the individual,  personal truth of each of us. It’s the practice of being ourselves.  I came across a quote many months back that says it quite well I think.

 “I wanted only to live in accord with the promptings which came from my true self. Why was that so very difficult?” -Hermann Hesse. 

 While this certainly says a lot for just being alive, I believe it is fitting for fashion and style as well.  Of course some of us may have more trouble with embracing our individuality than others, but the freedom that comes with that, I sincerely hope to understand.

I think the expression of true style shines through your own individuality. It is how you express yourself through color, pattern, texture, accessories, and adornment.  I think we all take  risks just by being  a little bit different.  Decorate yourself with individuality and express who you are, who you want to be- without reservation or fear of judgement.  Are you comfortable? That’s all that matters!  Find your comfort in wearing you.

ROZ is wearing a vintage coat from bayou bohemian over a borrowed dress that fits her nearly full-grown baby belly. With a beautiful necklace of her own making from her Second Line label which consists of broken cymbal pieces incorporated into each eclectic creation. You can find more about Roz and her handmade works at gyspyrig.com

Lacey is wearing an embroidered peasant top with fuchsia skinny jeans, ankle lace-up boots
and the native patterns infinity scarf handmade by bayou bohemian.  Lacey is no new-bee to Slow Southern Style as she has been featured here before. You can find more on Lacey and her own handcrafted adornments at laceydu.com
You can find us all at our monthly Bayou Bazaar and at bohomercantile.com.  I will tell you all about that project real soon.
See you again soon!
From one southern gal to another,
JeLlyn @bayoubohemian.com
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costumes elizabeth mcnair etsy halloween interviews mardi gras new orleans southern fashion designer

Gator Heads and Oyster Shells courtesy of Half Shell Productions

If you’re still looking for something to complete your Mardi Gras costume (or perhaps you haven’t even started on it yet), Halfshell Productions may have your solution.  Tracy Hamlin in NOLA offers a selection of appropriately quirky Mardi Gras headdresses and bustiers.  Like all good Mardi Gras costumes, Tracy’s designs feature plenty of feathers and beads as well as some more unconventional materials.
Photo courtesy of Half Shell Productions
Here’s a bit from Tracy herself about her unique offerings.
You mentioned in your Etsy shop profile that you started making headdresses for the 2011 Mardi Gras season.  What prompted this?
Costuming is a New Orleans tradition. Sometimes it only takes one item:  a bustier, headdress or top hat, to begin the whole look and feel of a costume. That’s how it was for me. I made a Cajun Carmen Headdress, and then a feathered bustier, to march with Mondo Kayo on Fat Tuesday of 2011. I had so much fun wearing the outfit that I wanted to offer that one piece of “the look” that fires one’s creative process. 
 
Where does your inspiration for your designs come from?
 
My designs use local items like preserved alligator heads, feathers, king cake babies and nutria pelts because people in Louisiana have a connection to them.  I designed and wore the nutria skirt and Gator Bustier to the Righteous Fur Fashion Show in Lafayette in October. Nutria pelts are so lovely to work with. The fur is extremely soft, and I try to incorporate it into my designs as much as possible
Photo courtesy of Half Shell Productions


You use so many different elements in your creations.  How do you choose the materials for each design?
 I sold a Gator Headdress to someone in Bulgaria.  Through etsy.com, I have sold nationally and internationally, so obviously other cultures have connections to the designs, as well. I also like the look of layers: feathers in background and alligator heads and other items in the foreground. I do have some standard designs, but sometimes, I start with a number of items and put them together in a totally different pattern which creates a new design. At times, I have no idea how a piece is going to end up. Adding and subtracting items until it feels just right. I have to keep materials on hand so they can be incorporated into designs. That means that I have to keep collecting and upgrading the materials that I work with.

 
What are your plans for Halfshell Productions after the 2012 Mardis Gras season ends?  
I love what I am doing right now.  My 2012 plans include creating new designs, working with new materials, and going to more markets to expand my client base.
If you need still some unique Mardi Gras attire or if you’re just interested in taking a look at some of her designs, be sure to check out Tracy Hamlin at Halfshell Productions on etsy.
Photo courtesy of Half Shell Productions


Elizabeth McNair

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brandy gaspard etsy internship lafayette louisiana southern fashion designer

Such A Doll

Do you love bold accessories? Have a love of feathers?  Then I have an Etsy shop you have to check out.  I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Reeves Tullos of Automatic Doll. Automatic Doll is an Etsy shop that sells unique hand-made accessories that are made in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Jessica’s accessories are absolutely adorable and will have you feeling like a doll!  Check out her interview below and then go to her Etsy shop by clicking here.
Tell us how you got into designing your unique accessories.

It all started with my desire to have beautiful accessories to wear, even though I could not afford to buy them in stores. I started making myself flower crowns resembling the ones I loved at Rouge Pony, an Etsy store owned by the beautiful and talented Karin Kirsten. When I wore them to festivals or outdoor events, people loved them. It got to the point where every time I wore any of my handmade pieces, I would find myself explaining to people that I only made it for myself and that they were not sold in stores. So, finally, I decided to create my own Etsy store.
  
You feature a lot of feathers in your pieces, what type of feathers do you use?

I use mainly rooster tail feathers in my neck pieces and epaulettes, but in my headdresses I use pheasant, peacock, or ostrich feathers as well. The pheasant feathers have beautiful stripes in them, and of course there is nothing as beautiful as a peacock tail feather!


What are your most popular items?

My most popular items are definitely the feather epaulettes. They are meant to be worn either as a pair, or as a single piece worn on one shoulder. They are bright, large, and have a tendency to become the focal point of any outfit. People love them because it instantly transforms the article of clothing you are wearing into a bold, and dare I say, costume piece for the everyday!
Since you are an Etsy shop and you don’t mass-produce your items do you sometimes tweak the colors if the customer request certain colors?

Absolutely! The beauty of hand-making everything by myself lets me give each person who buys a piece from Automatic Doll a unique and distinct wearable work of art. Since it is Mardi Gras season right now in Louisiana, I get special requests from buyers who want feather pieces in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. I love to think I was able to help some one to create her own one of a kind Mardi Gras costume!


Describe the woman that would wear your accessories.

The woman who wears Automatic Doll  is an individual who likes to stand apart from everyone else in a crowd. She is bold, yet whimsical, and wants her look to make that statement. She approaches her personal style with a sense of adventure – ultimately, she is the girl who asks herself before dressing for any occasion, “What costume will I wear today?” 


Since your pieces are so unique do you have any muses?

Yes, I have so many! I have always been in awe of the designs of indigenous cultures. I love the color palettes, patterns, and jewelry made by Mesoamerican, Native American, and African cultures. I love the idea of ritual and ceremonial objects. These sacred objects are aesthetically beautiful, and though the pieces I create are by no means sacred in any way, they are inspired by such objects. Also, Karin Kirsten, the designer behind Rouge Pony, is a huge inspiration to me in terms of my floral headpieces. Her work is effervescent! Lastly, but perhaps in the largest sense, my work is a product of the sort of women Tennessee Williams wrote about. They are women who are full of passion and color, beauty and spunk, innocence and rage. They are the essence of what it means to be an Automatic Doll, and I imagine many of those women would have worn such accessories.
What is your future plans for Automatic Doll?

At this time, I am in the process of making lots of pieces in order to have a portfolio to show to local boutiques and merchants in the hopes of putting my accessories into actual stores. I will be selling Automatic Doll pieces at bazaars and festivals in the upcoming months, and I am excited to see how my work is received. For now I will keep blogging and selling on Esty. 
-Brandy Gaspard
All images via Automatic Doll


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