Titillating Tribal Painting and Nicki Minaj

I’m super excited for my 48 hours of off time this weekend. Last weekend, I got to enjoy the sensation and experience of paddle boarding in Kahala. From a surfer’s perspective, it definitely was not what I thought it would be like but I enjoyed it nonetheless and plan on embracing it between future surf and outdoor play. I also got to see Lil Wayne and Birdman and Lil Wayne put on a great but slightly random show. The dancers, their performances, costumes and a strange power point presentation going on in the background filled with phallic images was non-stop amusement. It seems that the Young Money trio is not only successful, having fun and creatively progressing but also embracing trends that could inspire the make-up and costume departments of the show right now. I’m surprised at these recent photos of Nicki Minaj for V Magazine. They are shockingly polished and high fashion. I love the tribal stained look and remind me of this mystery shoot that I’ve mentioned earlier.  What more could an unstoppable force be capable of….. decidedly everything.

 

Andre Judd the Artistic Giant and Stylist Extraordinaire

There are few people as artists who stop me in my tracks and Andre Judd is just one of those people. Andre Judd is someone who fascinates me with both his visual stylist and designer abilities but also on a very intellectual level with his inspiration sources and creative process. Judd has a look that both captures interest and immediately draws you in on an addictive level, his blonde hair seems like the golden filament from angel’s wings because it glows like a halo around his head simultaneously his chiseled features and distinguished jaw line draw one’s attention to his piercing eyes that are framed by his intensely dark eyebrows that seem both suggestive and powerful. However, what captivates me more are his immense artistic abilities, which seem to overflow with ideas and contrasts so intricate and unique that each one of his looks and images is absolutely beautiful.

Judd sources inspiration from an array of places including psychology, movies, and various Asian cultures. With so many sources of inspiration, Judd has a beautiful ability to blend many of them into a cohesive look that often time reveals something surprising. It is Judd’s sense of structure and taking things apart that also creates dynamic looks incomparable to anything I’ve seen. He seeks to deconstruct the norm and put things into an unconventional new paradigm that breathes new synthesis for all. Often times, music and lyrics pull him into moods and places he builds off of lending the viewer a window to his thoughts in a way that dressing no longer becomes a necessity or a trend/fad, but it becomes a canvas on which he successfully builds on by incorporating bits of texture, complexity, diversity, culture and color all into one stunning look.  What I love the most about Andre Judd is his talent to intellectualize something as different as art periods, various moments in history, the psychological makeup of human nature, pop music, pastries, sweets, religious traditions and various movies all with a dramatic flair.

As Judd explains himself in the following interview, inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere and he is unbounded by conventional limitations which makes him an artist/designer/stylist to keep your eyes out for because Andre Judd exudes the type of creative genius that is explosive, stimulating and at the same time destroys taboos about artistic mediums and conventional ways to use them.

Fashion ReWork: Tell us a little bit about yourself, where you live and what you do.
Andre Judd: Hi! I’m Andre Judd. I’m from Manila, Philippines and I’m an accessories designer/stylist.

Fashion ReWork: Describe your style.
Andre Judd: I consider myself a postmodernist:)

Fashion ReWork: What role do you identify with the most? Artist, designer, stylist or something else?
Andre Judd: That’s a good question. Because I love fashion and art, these titles are mere extensions of my personality. So from time to time I switch roles and I love doing them equally.

Fashion ReWork: What inspires you? What inspires your looks and designs?
Andre Judd: From people, places, music, art, fashion, emotion, a letter, a book, a film, a conversation, beaches, sunsets, etc. I find something inspiringly beautiful in everything:)

Fashion ReWork: How did you get into styling or Lookbook? Why did you get into styling or fashion (design)?
Andre Judd: I was not really keen in joining lookbook back in 2010 because I’m stubborn when it comes to new technology. But in the back of my mind I couldn’t resist the idea that you can post your looks online and share it to a global audience. My good friend Rafi invited me to join because she knew this was a good platform for me. And she was right.I love fashion (as cliché as it may sound) ever since I was young. Fashion designing was my goal back then but as I worked in the industry I realized I love styling too. I didn’t know it was something you can work on as a profession. I like both these professions because I like the idea of creating imagery/designs.

Fashion ReWork: What is it about Lookbook that you like and are there other forums that you use to promote yourself? Do you have a site or blog?
Andre Judd: I meet a lot of amazing people in lookbook so it is a good social networking site🙂 Currently it is one of the sites I put my focus on but I have other plans this year like open a blog so I can put my works there.

Fashion ReWork: Who takes your photos? What do they shoot with?
Andre Judd: Most of the time my product development officer, Cheka. She’s good at taking my best angles haha.:) She uses my dependable Canon ixus.

Fashion ReWork: Where do you like to shop? What designers and brands do you like the most?
Andre Judd: I’m an avid supporter of local design talent and most of my clothes are from their collections. Some pieces I have them custom made. Our country still has this amazing custom-made culture where designers sketch their designs for their clients and the clients would have them made. It’s a very personalized service, which you rarely find anywhere else except couture houses in Europe or in the Middle East.

Fashion ReWork: Describe a typical day.

Andre Judd:

7:00 am: wake up, take shower, go to the office

8:00 am: Have a pow wow session with my team. Discuss the schedules for the day e.g.appointment with suppliers, etc.

8:30-12 noon: discuss samples and revisions with my team and with the suppliers

12:00noon – 1:00pm: lunch

1:00 pm – 6:00pm: corporate meetings, presentations, supplier meetings, research at my desk, creating new designs, etc.

6:00 pm: head home

Above is like a typical day at work but on certain occasions my schedule changes if I am doing a shoot on the weekends:) When I get home I usually work on my lookbook and watch films. But I love watching new films when they’re shown in cinemas so I go out with my friends.

Fashion ReWork: Any tips for fashion students?
Andre Judd: Always believe in yourself.

Fashion ReWork: What would you say to someone seeking fashion advice?
Andre Judd: Keep an open mind.

Fashion ReWork: What is your creative process when piecing together one of your looks?
Andre Judd: It’s never been a formula for me so I stick to my instinct. Some days I build a look on color, other days on an accessory I just purchased, another day on an artwork I’ve seen. Usually the things that inspire me end up in my looks.

FW: Where do you feel art is going? Where do you think fashion is going?
Andre Judd: Art will be more interactive. As new artists emerge from the scene, many will be exploring new materials, more complex or more reduced/simplified structures and explore a new range of topics to push a new idea.

With fashion I think, youth will still have a huge impact with how designers conceive their collections and the younger generation of designers will have a new way of appreciating heritage brands. With the Internet it has allowed the democratization of fashion so there is more accessibility to collections and a convenient way to get your works across a global audience.

Fashion ReWork: What are your passions?
Andre Judd: Traveling, embracing new cultures, meeting new friends, watching films, etc.

Fashion ReWork: How would you describe the fashion scene where you live?
Andre Judd: It is dynamic. There are so many talented people here from designers, to artists, to performers, etc.

Fashion ReWork: Do you have any fashion rules you adhere by?
Andre Judd: There is just one. Never say never. 🙂 It’s an old adage but it works really well for someone who works in fashion. I realized too it is a very important rule so you can keep a youthful spirit.

Fashion ReWork: What would you say are your wardrobe basics?
Andre Judd: Hmm Id say my favorite trousers, a crisp white button down shirt, a dependable pair of sunnies and the rest it’s all just styling

To learn more about Andre Judd visit his lookbook page at http://lookbook.nu/user/66083-Andre-J

Styling Reform with Teressa Nicole, the Fashion Stylist

Teressa style is simply a reflection of who she is, which is a mix of feminine, classic pieces with fierce accessories and a big dash of confidence. As a fashion stylist, she is constantly reinventing herself and as a result her looks are always different, never predictable and always fresh and exciting . Teressa is able to create eclectic looks by having fun with fashion. By being resourceful, Teressa has been able to create a look that is all her own. She strives to think outside the box by using her budget as a challenge and means to her look and does not look at a budget as limiting her look. Thrift shops are her go to source for great finds and often those one-of-a-kind items that take her look to the next level. Classic pieces she uses to create her go to looks include the tailored blue denim jacket, a neutral color blazer and a few pairs of nice denim with a relaxed fit in a darker wash. She never uses trends for a head to toe look but carefully chooses aspect of a trend in a great printed scarf or costumer jewelry.  For more on her style inspirations visit her site at

http://www.teressanicolestyling.com/

Fashion ReWork Trending Series: Head Trip Accessories

One of my major fashion and styling philosophies is centered around simple yet well designed pieces. Many of the quality pieces that I look for either contain an element of classic design with a slight edgy twist or contemporary feel. The simplicity of well designed clothing that does not drown out the individual’s beauty and unique style is what I love most. Sophisticated, sexy and clean designed clothing is the frame which surrounds and exemplifies the person’s natural beauty. With that being said, sometimes paired down and casual does not satisfy my fix and I desire to break away from my style philosophy and delve straight first into the theatrics of wild design with dramatic flairs. I yearn for crazy head gear, the crowning collars of Elizabethan era clothing and the playful derelict nature of an oversized hoodie. This Fashion ReWorking Series is devoted to the strange and dramatic Hoods, Hats and Head Hoovering Accessories. Enjoy!

Recently Published Book that Lists 100 Influential Fashion Designers Finds that Pencil Skirts, the LBD and Jeans Never Go Out of Style and Remain Fashion Staples

 

Women’s Wear Daily, a fashion publication that has become an industry standard when it comes to pertinent business and fashion-related news, celebrated and marked its 100 year anniversary with a commemorative issue on a century of fashion by recapping trends and the most influential designers. Foley, the executive editor of WWD stressed that the book is a representation of key issues and motifs in the industry, but not a history book. The book celebrates 100 designers who have had a powerful impact on fashion.

 

 

Women’s Wear Daily published book is called “100 Years, 100 Designers”. The book is filled with lavish illustrations, stunning photographs and informative article excerpts taken directly from WWD archives. The book also chronicles trends and culture of the past century along with the muses who served as inspiration such as models, actresses, socialites and global jet setters who helped to influence style.

 

 

In researching and interviewing the different designers, one notable constant is that garments like pencil skirts, LBD and jeans are available every year despite whatever current trends, silhouette and hemline that may be in.

 

Insert EGO here

Haley Byrd Fashion Stylist

The attached is my stylist marketing material pdf. I did it last spring. I like the concept, but its a little too cute for my taste. Perhaps a more paired down color palette and just the signature font and bird logo would be nice to use. I’m trying to get myself motivated for starting AND finishing my personal resume and portfolio site. It is much overdue. Any suggestions on easy to use sites/programs would be amazing and perhaps life-altering for a gal like me.

Final Daze: Looking For Fashion Inspiration For Indian Summer

While some people are ready to embrace a new year of fashion trends, others are looking towards those last days to squeeze out their favorite dresses while transitioning into a new fall wardrobe. With that being said, I’d like to salute the fashionable women of the world who inspired resident in house photographer of GQ, Gordon Von Steiner with their spontaneous, carefree and chic spirits igniting a summer that everyone will remember.  Photographer, Gordon Von Steiner is apart of a working series called “Wandering Eye Spies” and with his distinct knack to capture street style has also managed to capture these ladies and trends that I’ll be looking back to come next summer.

I dissected all my favorite images from each area hoping to encapsulate the essence of these stylish women and the places they hail from. You can sense themes or even commonalities. I love how this photographer was able to highlight the individual beauty of women all over the world. He does such a great job with these images and is very talented. If I had to pick an area that I gravitated towards the most, I’d pick Montreal. The women there are one of a kind. When traveling there often, you can help but to envy each woman who walks past. Their individual sense of style and beauty never mimic others. This is rare for other places where beauty and individuality come off as contrived formulations.  I don’t know what attributes to the value of individuality more in Montreal than other areas but whatever it is I absolutely love it.  Paris, NYC and crisp-ness of the Hamptons all inspire me as well. I love all the images. Hope you enjoy it too!Summer/Fashion Inspiration From NYC

More Fashion Inspiration/Summer Time Lovin’ From NYC

Inspiration From Paris

Fashion Inspiration From San Francisco

Fashion Inspiration from Copenhagen

Fashion Inspiration from the Hamptons

Fashion Inspiration from Balenciaga

Summer Fashion Inspiration from Coachella Music Festival

Summer Fashion Inspiration from L.A

Fashion Inspiration from London

Summer Inspiration from Wimbledon

Fashion Inspiration from Montreal

Fashion Inspiration from Montreal

Fashion Inspiration from Montreal

Montreal Fashion Mix Inspiration