Mochilas for Sunshine, relief effort for Colombian artisans

As you know, I am a huge supporter of Calamarie - a DC-based fashion house working with Colombian artisans to produce handcrafted jewelry and handbags. This past month, El Nina is drenching Colombia, leaving devastating results. In an effort to provide economic relief to the artisans living in these affected areas, Catalina Lemaitre, founder of Calamarie, has created Mochila for Sunshine. The following is a letter she sent her colleagues that I would like to share with you with hope that you support this very worthy cause. I plan to spend three weeks in Colombia with Catalina and her husband (Dec. 28 - Jan. 17) meeting the artisans and surveying the devastation. Stay tuned for an account of our travels.

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you all this holiday season, at a time of joy and celebration, to ask you to help us make a small difference in the lives of the thousands of victims of Colombia’s worst natural disaster in recorded history. Looking at the images of my country, under water is so reminiscent of Katrina, and I can’t believe this is happening again, to so many, and that it is happening right now. It has been raining for weeks and no end is in sight. Forecasters predict it will continue to rain until February—it’s just so hard to believe. (Video of the unimaginable devastation from the air: http://www.semana.com/wf_multimedia.aspx?idmlt=3641)

For weeks now I have been feeling powerless to help and have been racking my brain thinking about ways Calamarie can be used as a vehicle to raise funds for the victims of this terrible disaster. A few days ago the answer came to me in a dream, I immediately went into action and started making calls to Colombia and the Mochila for Sunshine was born. The Mochila, a crossover traditional handwoven bag, and one of colombia’s most recognized cultural symbols was the answer. Artisans are now busy weaving a custom limited edition mochila similar to the one shown below but with the addition of a few simple words: Cuando salga el sol…(when the sun shines through). With your support, when the rains cease, and the sun shines through again people will have the help they will need to rebuild their homes and lives.
Starting now, you can reserve your own Mochila for Sunshine, which we will ship to you or whomever you designate on January 20th here:

To Order: http://www.calamarie.com/pb/wp_2adc48f0/wp_2adc48f0.html
If this is a gift, I am happy to email the recipient an email post card on Christmas Eve, letting them know their gift has been purchased, the story behind it and delivery date. Each Mochila is unisex, will be handwoven in cotton in unique combinations of gray, black and/or white and will showcase different designs, reflecting the inspiration of each individual artisan. These are really fun and comfortable bags and cool enough to have been profiled in Vogue this past June. All proceeds from your $50 contribution will be channeled to the Colombian Red Cross by our good friends at Caring for Colombia, a New York based foundation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities in Colombia.

We will have 150 Mochilas available so please share with your friends and family and help us raise close to $7500 by December 31st. Every dollar counts.
I thank each and every one of you for your support. A special thanks to my husband Juan, my aunt and godmother Vivian and my mom and dad, without whose help, we couldn’t have started to produce these mochilas in such a short time frame.

With gratitude,
Catalina

MSL Hosts Trunk Shows at Carbon

My Signature Look is teaming up with Carbon boutique to host a series of trunk shows featuring local independent designers - clothing, handbags, and accessories.

Stop by and meet the designers!

Sunday, Dec. 5, 2011; 1 - 4 p.m.
Calamarie - Colombian handcrafted jewelry

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2011; 1 - 4 p.m.
Diamantina leather handbags and jackets produced in Argentina.

Kim Schalk clothing - re-purposed and vintage-inspired chic womenswear.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 2011; 1 - 4 p.m.
Nora Fischer Designs - the local jewelry designer creates contemporary but timeless pieces for that special occasion and/or just to feel glam for the day!

Save the Date: Es Lo Mio! (It's My Style) Fashion Eventl

I'm proud to announce the formation of Five4Fashion, a consortium of fashion stylists and designers (including yours truly) created to inspire, motivate, and propel our fashion careers. This endeavor includes bringing quality fashions and fashion services to the greater Washington area.

What: Our first collaborative event-- Es Lo Mio! It's My Style - 10 hours of styling, shopping, and wine tasting
Where: beautifully renovated Argentine Embassy (1600 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 Metro: Red Line (Dupont Circle)
When: Thursday, December 2, 2010
Time: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (evening shopping, wine tasting, and informal modeling - 5 - 8 p.m.)
RSVP: space is limited, five4fashiondc@gmail.com (name must be on list for entry) - last call Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST.
Description:

Celebrate Argentina’s bicentennial with a fashionable focus on Argentine leather!

The centerpiece of the day: Diamantina gives you the first look at its latest collection of handmade, Argentine leather handbags. Diamantina’s showcase will teach you about the luxury of Argentine leather, its quality and care. The production of cattle for leather exports has greatly contributed to the development of “the Pampas”—one of the most important commercial centers since the country’s origins. Leather sustains a key part of Argentina’s economy.

To complement Diamantina handbags, the hip, new fashion consortium Five4Fashion will jointly sponsor informal modeling, shopping, a fashion salon, and wine-tasting at the newly renovated Argentine Embassy!

Taste rich, full-bodied Argentine wines.

Shop exotic and sophisticated new jewelry designs and accessories by Nora Fischer Designs and Calamarie: Traditional Art Reinterpreted.

Need holiday outfits? Bring clothes from your closet to our Fashion Salon: Bayou Muse and My Signature Look will help you build chic ensembles around them.

Schedule of Events:
Retailers have a daytime preview from 10 a.m.–noon; appointments available all day
Schedule your appointment at the Fashion Salon beginning at 11 a.m.
Informal modeling at 6:30 p.m.
Holiday shopping open from 5–8:00 p.m.

See you there!

Designer Spotlight: Kim Schalk

Kim Schalk is at peace. The creator of the whimsical line “God Help Miss Agnes” has quietly retired her label after eight years to launch a new label simply called, Kim Schalk. But there is nothing simple about her new direction—edge is the new Kim Schalk.

Endearingly referenced as a “fierce designer” from the “fiercest” designer to grace Project Runway, Schalk has taken Christian Siriano’s words to heart and channeled them into body-con silhouettes such as her signature wrap skirt engineered for a universal fit. A piece of leather in unexpected places is an extension of her experimentation with combining fabrics akin to her God Help Miss Agnes line which featured reclaimed materials and reworked vintage.

The day we meet, the mother of three had just finished a photo shoot. “I don’t normally have this much make-up on,” she says candidly. “But it’s fun.” She could have easily built a career in modeling, but you instantly feel the presence of a fashion designer. Upon entering her modest family home in Alexandria, Virginia, a dress form showcasing a reworked dress greets you to the left – standing guard over a kitchen table that serves sketches and fabric swatches. Kim disappears for a moment to remind her children in the next room that it is “mommy time” and returns eagerly to talk about her upcoming collection. The self-taught pattern maker-turned-designer is excited to expand upon her DC-success.

MSL: When did you know you wanted to become a fashion designer?

KS: In the early 90s, I was working at Barneys New York and was doing pattern-making on the side and all of a sudden, I found myself creating pieces for some of our customers. I knew then that that is what I wanted to do.

MSL: How do you approach your design-work?

KS: The design has to meet four needs: innovation, high quality, affordably priced, and great fit. I don’t want to produce something that doesn’t meet all four elements.

MSL: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

KS: It could be a photograph or an image I’ve come across and where someone may see one think, I immediately think “there is a garment there.” Right now, I’m loving the fashion Faye Dunaway wore in her 1970 cult films and of course, Mad Men. I like to take references from the past and introduce them in a new, progressive way.

MSL: You launched your label, “God Help Miss Agnes” following the closure of your boutique store, Betty in Adams Morgan. Who is Miss Agnes?

KS: Miss Agnes is actually a metaphor. My design partner at that time suggested the name after her grandmother, who was quite the character. Tennessee born and bred, Mama Helen would say such expressions as “God Help Miss Agnes” in place of saying “Oh My God!” She evoked so much passion into her words and we are passionate about our designs.

MSL: I must admit--I’m the proud owner of several God Help Miss Agnes pieces that I bought at Nana. I love them for their innovation, but more so, their eco-factor. Do you consider yourself an eco-designer?

KS: I do use eco-friendly materials when I can such as recycled and vintage fabrics. I am conscious about the amount of waste that is often associated with fashion design and production so I am precise in my yardage and choice of materials. One thing to note is that eco-fabrics such as hemp, bamboo, and 100% organic cotton are still very expensive and as a small-independent designer, it becomes a bottom-line issue.

MSL: You produce in the U.S., is that important to you?

KS: Yes! I produce here locally and in Los Angeles. The manufacturers are good guys and they are willing to produce in small quantities, which is huge for small-independent designers like me.

MSL: How would you describe your new line?

KS: It’s definitely cutting-edge. I’m ready to take my design work to the next level.

Herban Lifestyle unveils Naked

On the eve of the DC Green Festival, the eco-minded flocked to One Lounge to get Naked.

Mary Kearns, creator of Herban Lifestyle, unveiled her new line of all-natural, certified-organic bath and body products aptly titled, Naked. The line includes lip balms, soaps, and essentials oils free of fragrance and other harmful chemicals. Proceeds from the sales benefited Miriam’s Kitchen.

Kearns teamed with Ferragut Event Group, an eco-event planning firm, to launch the line two years in the making. To take “green to the next level” she stripped the essential oils into a user-friendlier product for consumers with allergies and in doing so restored the oils natural medicinal properties. “Naked is very much gentle for the earth and people,” she says. The final green stamp of approval is in the packaging. Products are sealed in recyclable containers with 100% recycled paper labels - a huge plus for Sarah Matheson, an attendee at the launch.

Kearns connection to Miriam’s Kitchen began with a request for soap.

Her initial donation of body soaps five years ago quickly followed with serving breakfast along with other volunteers on a regular basis. Ashley Lawson, development and volunteer manager of Miriam’s, thanks Kearns for the “best-smelling soup kitchen in DC.”

The organization feeds nearly 350 homeless men and women nutritious meals daily afforded by donations from Whole Foods and locally grown produce. The volunteer-run organization also offers its guests counseling, haircuts, postal service, and art and yoga classes.

One Lounge, a newbie to Dupont Circle’s eatery and bar scene, has played host to numerous event of late. According to PR Director Daniel Kramer, the restaurant not only wants to offer its patrons libations but draw their attention to local causes. Next Tuesday, October 26, the restaurant partners with Style Exchange of DC to host a clothing exchange to benefit Doorways for Women and Families.

Kearns, a seasoned health and wellness professional, prescribes to what festival-goers will experience this weekend: a sustainable lifestyle requires respect for all things pure.

Fashion for Hope 2010 shines bright on Women for Women International

The second annual Fashion for Hope 2010 gala raised more than hope for its benefactor, Women for Women International; it solidified support. Fashionistas and philanthropists gathered in the Renaissance Hotel ballroom Sunday night to pledge their commitment to “Change the World: One Woman at a Time.”

As the evening’s emcee, WUSA9’s Anita Brikman set the tone with one simple statement: “We [Americans] take for granted the tenets of our freedoms.” Those freedoms compromised in time of conflict. Organizations such as Women for Women International restore lives.

From its DC-office, the organization collaborates with in-country specialists to operate its 12-week job-training program for women living in conflict and post-conflict zones. In Bosnia, women cooperatives turn their skill in knitting into a business and in Africa, the women apply modern techniques to dying fabrics. To reach these women, however, organizers must go through the men first.

“Many of these villages where we work are run by male tribal leaders and we have to ask their permission and/or convince them to offer the training to the women in their community,” says Dieu Tran, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. “We are working with women who have to overcome much adversity.”

How can a fashion show support such cause?

“Tonight’s event is very much a cultural exchange,” Tran said. “We are here to learn about each other.”

If 80s ruled the fall 2010 shows, then House of Kas dominated the 70s. The local fashion house showcased ready-to-wear and cocktail hour ensembles in tradition of wide-leg trousers, lots of satin and sheen, and Italian-cut suits anchored by floral wide-ties. One Lenny Kravitz-look alike modeled a cream trench coat worn over cream wide-legged trousers and paisley button-down top with confidence and cool.

MinnaK, a New York designer, wooed the audience with airy cocktail and bride dresses. Several models floated down the runway in floor-length 40’s glam bridal gowns – white accented with black beading or belts - while her counterpart walked steadily not to be missed in her jewel-tone thigh-grazing cocktail dress.

The remaining four emerging designers drew inspiration from their contemporaries that included rocker chic, hip-hop, and the power suit.

“This is more than a fashion show,” says Denita Austin, of Inner Expressions. “This is about supporting women all over the world. It’s really a beautiful moment.”

Fashion Designer Aysha Saeed Visits DC 85 Broads

New York fashioner designer Aysha Saeed is a real broad. In fact, she is among 25,000 professional 85 Broads across the United States and last night, she stopped by One Lounge to visit members of the DC Chapter.

The 85 Broads, founded by women who worked in investment firms on 85 Broad Street in New York, operates in 82 countries connecting women in a variety of careers from the for-profit to non-profit organizations. Saeed is a member of the Broads’ Power Circle.

Saeed traded her lucrative career as a financial banker on Wall Street for the fashion industry more than a decade ago. She moved to Milan to consult on embroidery design and production sourcing, working with fashion houses such as Dolce Gabbana, John Galliano and La Perla. Upon returning to New York in 2005, Saeed honed her design craft and launched her label, Signette. In 2008, she renamed the label, Aysha Saeed.

“I always loved fashion design,” said the New Jersey via Pakistan native. “Everything I have learned in financing has helped to make a great product.”

That product is a collection of coveted ready-to-wear and cocktail dresses for professional women.

“I design for real women who want clothes that are practical, well-priced, and have real value,” Saeed said. “My personal style is reflected in my collection, timeless and perfectly chic.”

For the fall 2010 collection, Saeed channels Chanel in her suiting options – bolero jackets and above the knee straight skirts in rich fabrics. Her interpretation of the little black dress also comes in chocolate brown and magenta: slimming silhouette with cutout cap sleeve on the right, creating an exaggerated asymmetrical shoulder.

Members noshed on chicken skewers and veggies while perusing Saeed’s fall collection. Several guests stepped into the 8-foot portable pink tent to try on one of her designs, emerging in awe of the figure-flattering silhouettes. At a special 40% discount, guests walked away with more than a new garment, they just bought empowerment.

Photo: Aysha Saeed, in red dress, flanked by members of DC Chapter of 85 Broads