Washingtonians have reason to suffer. Not only are they conformists to the navy suit and tie, but they are nonexempt from such attire even in the hottest of all months, August.
Well, take your cues from the lighter side of fabrics and opt for natural fabrics like soy, hemp, and bamboo. And yes, you can find stylish clothes made from these "green" fabrics.
For the busy woman, try the wide leg sailor pant which can be worn in the work place and happy hour after work. For day, pair it with a loose fitting blouse - retro style adds character, and close-toed heels (avoid slingback as the back of the pant will most likely get caught in between the heel and the shoe). For evening, pair with a boat-neck fitted tee and dangly earrings and bangles.
For a casual afternoon, straight khakis is the perfect alternative for both men and women. For her, pair with Benetton vertical striped button-down in hot pink or purple and wedges. And for him, a polo shirt tucked in with bright colored belt and canvas shoes.
For the young hipster, the cropped skinny pant is the answer. The pant can take you in any direction your mood dictates: (1) rebellious when paired with converse hightops, metallic belt, tee with graphic, (2) preppy when paired with fitted waist-length pinstriped jacket and polo shirt with collar up and Toms canvas shoes, or (2) sweet when paired with low pointy heels, soft bamboo or jersey hip-length tank.
And don't stray too far from the pool!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
China's Top Designers Scoring Gold
Next month the international community will descend upon mainland China to cheer their compatriots to victory. Representing our fearless shoes, jackets, and gear are the ambassadors of sportswear labels, Adidas and Puma. However, beyond the track and field, pools, and gymnasiums, there are emerging designers in China that are striking gold in the competition for trendsetter.
Rated favorably among their peers in China’s fashion industry, the following designers have become serious contenders for creating luxury in the form of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and sportswear. Equally, each outshine in their interpretation of East meets West. My Signature Look has been tallying their stats:
At the ripe age of 22, Cho Cheng has captured the attention of China and now New York’s elite with his glamorous red carpet gowns. After honing his craft at Parson’s School of Design, he became the creative director for Maggie Norris Couture. His most prominent benefactor, and muse (as featured on his anticipated Web site), is Carmen Dell' Orifice – who will surely launch his career into household stardom. Points: Technique and creativity
When not acting on the small screen, Liu Yang, 34, designs. His collection of dresses have generated excitement among China’s young fashionistas who are breaking from tradition and incorporating other elements of their culture into their wardrobe. In Yang’s 2007 collection, for example, he chose black over red to emphasize a new cultural identity, citing “black is mysterious, sexy, and charismatic."
Points: Innovation and elegance
Noted as the first designer to participate in New York Fashion Week, menswear designer Danny Yang, has bridged nations with his familiar-friendly label, Cabbeen. Unlike his contemporaries, the line caters more to Western influences with cargo pants, jersey knit tops and caps akin to Abercrombie & Finch, but the difference being higher quality material and shapes.
Points: Inclusiveness and tailored
Ji Wenbo may not only be known for his fantastical designs but now known as the designer who could. Ji conquered the European fashion industry by being the first Asian brand represented at Milan Fashion Week last year. His determination won the admiration of the president of the Italy National Garment Association who welcomed Ji to the runway. The show proved Ji’s talent for complex silhouettes and flare for creating drama.
Points: Technique and eccentric
Rated favorably among their peers in China’s fashion industry, the following designers have become serious contenders for creating luxury in the form of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and sportswear. Equally, each outshine in their interpretation of East meets West. My Signature Look has been tallying their stats:
At the ripe age of 22, Cho Cheng has captured the attention of China and now New York’s elite with his glamorous red carpet gowns. After honing his craft at Parson’s School of Design, he became the creative director for Maggie Norris Couture. His most prominent benefactor, and muse (as featured on his anticipated Web site), is Carmen Dell' Orifice – who will surely launch his career into household stardom. Points: Technique and creativityWhen not acting on the small screen, Liu Yang, 34, designs. His collection of dresses have generated excitement among China’s young fashionistas who are breaking from tradition and incorporating other elements of their culture into their wardrobe. In Yang’s 2007 collection, for example, he chose black over red to emphasize a new cultural identity, citing “black is mysterious, sexy, and charismatic."
Points: Innovation and elegance
Noted as the first designer to participate in New York Fashion Week, menswear designer Danny Yang, has bridged nations with his familiar-friendly label, Cabbeen. Unlike his contemporaries, the line caters more to Western influences with cargo pants, jersey knit tops and caps akin to Abercrombie & Finch, but the difference being higher quality material and shapes.
Points: Inclusiveness and tailored
Ji Wenbo may not only be known for his fantastical designs but now known as the designer who could. Ji conquered the European fashion industry by being the first Asian brand represented at Milan Fashion Week last year. His determination won the admiration of the president of the Italy National Garment Association who welcomed Ji to the runway. The show proved Ji’s talent for complex silhouettes and flare for creating drama.Points: Technique and eccentric
Where Benetton and Nascar meet is where you’ll find Chaoyue Liu Lin-Jin Hui Sportswear. The collection of fitted leather jackets, multi-colored striped jerseys and down vests ignite heat when wore separately or together. The men who wear them evoke a bit of edge tempered with layers of approachable coolness.
Points: Originality and fun
Earning the Asahi Kasei Chinese Prize for fashion design last year has catapulted Liu Wei to the next level. Her ode to impressionism finds its focus in a colorful ready-to-wear collection. To her, beautiful dresses can, and should, be worn at the office.
Points: Cohesion and relevant
Points: Originality and fun
Earning the Asahi Kasei Chinese Prize for fashion design last year has catapulted Liu Wei to the next level. Her ode to impressionism finds its focus in a colorful ready-to-wear collection. To her, beautiful dresses can, and should, be worn at the office.Points: Cohesion and relevant
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Fashion Shifts Spotlight from Runway to Charity
Forget about September and February as the designated months for fashion shows, in D.C. almost every month there are two to three to choose from. This month alone, there are four shows that My Signature Look is thrilled to be part of in some capacity whether coordinating and dressing models, doing a little PR, and/or simply being in the audience.
So, I must take a moment from these duties to draw your attention to two of them.
When Evelyn Brooks, a local Peruvian jewelry designer, asked if I would coordinate her fashion show, I was honored. To know Evelyn is to witness a master storyteller communicate in precious stones, metal, and indigenous seeds. Her connection to the past, informed by a family of jewelers, dictates her vision for the future – hope and beauty. Her latest collection, aptly named Moschik after the Mosche culture whose craftsmanship included complex geometric designs in pottery and metal work, will accessorize designer suits and casual wear.
The show is an example of a growing trend in uniting fashion with charitable giving. Evelyn pays tribute to the “men in our lives” (perfect timing for Father’s Day, I may add) through the recognition of a program that instills values in our young adults. Proceeds from the silent auction will go to the Sew-N-Know Program. I had the pleasure of interviewing Janice Rankins, the creator and director of the program, for the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter a few months ago. Her career as a costume designer landed her in D.C. several years ago where she traded in dressing celebrities for teaching our inner-city youth fashion design. Twelve years later, the program has produced college-bound students and entrepreneurs who learned how to invest in themselves and in others.
Evelyn’s commitment to social change evolved after discovering her purpose in life, she says. She found her answer through her jewelry making and the life form it took. Her mission is simple: to bring light and beauty into the world and help others do the same.
Margo Schlossberg is on mission of her own. She is taking her success as a handbag designer (KuraDesign) to draw attention to human rights issues. Of greatest concern is human trafficking. As a witness to this issue that affects 1.2 million children worldwide, she was stunned to learn that victims of trafficking reside in the greater Washington area. On June 25th, Margo and four other local designers in collaboration with local business leaders and activists have staged a fashion event called Stop Traffick with Fashion to raise awareness. Sharing the spotlight will be the event’s benefactor, Charity Networks, Inc., a humanitarian initiative that works to prevent the trafficking of children. According to CNI, human trafficking crosses all borders, the United States being no exception. “For example, Latvian girls trafficked into sexual slavery in Chicago, or Ukrainian girls trafficked in Los Angeles, and Maryland, or Thai, Korean, Malaysian and Vietnamese girls trafficked in Georgia, or and Mexican girls trafficked in California, New Jersey and Florida,” the organization reports.
As noted in previous blogs, fashion is more than what you wear - it inspires change and recognizes the beauty in everyone.
And come Tuesday, June 17th, I will honor one of the most important individuals in my life: my dad.
For more information and to RSVP:
Art in Fashion – Saturday, June 14th
Moschik Men’s Jewelry Fashion Show – Tuesday, June 17th
Stop Traffick with Fashion – Wednesday, June 25th
Fashion Fusion – Saturday, June 28th
So, I must take a moment from these duties to draw your attention to two of them.
When Evelyn Brooks, a local Peruvian jewelry designer, asked if I would coordinate her fashion show, I was honored. To know Evelyn is to witness a master storyteller communicate in precious stones, metal, and indigenous seeds. Her connection to the past, informed by a family of jewelers, dictates her vision for the future – hope and beauty. Her latest collection, aptly named Moschik after the Mosche culture whose craftsmanship included complex geometric designs in pottery and metal work, will accessorize designer suits and casual wear.
The show is an example of a growing trend in uniting fashion with charitable giving. Evelyn pays tribute to the “men in our lives” (perfect timing for Father’s Day, I may add) through the recognition of a program that instills values in our young adults. Proceeds from the silent auction will go to the Sew-N-Know Program. I had the pleasure of interviewing Janice Rankins, the creator and director of the program, for the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter a few months ago. Her career as a costume designer landed her in D.C. several years ago where she traded in dressing celebrities for teaching our inner-city youth fashion design. Twelve years later, the program has produced college-bound students and entrepreneurs who learned how to invest in themselves and in others.
Evelyn’s commitment to social change evolved after discovering her purpose in life, she says. She found her answer through her jewelry making and the life form it took. Her mission is simple: to bring light and beauty into the world and help others do the same.
Margo Schlossberg is on mission of her own. She is taking her success as a handbag designer (KuraDesign) to draw attention to human rights issues. Of greatest concern is human trafficking. As a witness to this issue that affects 1.2 million children worldwide, she was stunned to learn that victims of trafficking reside in the greater Washington area. On June 25th, Margo and four other local designers in collaboration with local business leaders and activists have staged a fashion event called Stop Traffick with Fashion to raise awareness. Sharing the spotlight will be the event’s benefactor, Charity Networks, Inc., a humanitarian initiative that works to prevent the trafficking of children. According to CNI, human trafficking crosses all borders, the United States being no exception. “For example, Latvian girls trafficked into sexual slavery in Chicago, or Ukrainian girls trafficked in Los Angeles, and Maryland, or Thai, Korean, Malaysian and Vietnamese girls trafficked in Georgia, or and Mexican girls trafficked in California, New Jersey and Florida,” the organization reports.
As noted in previous blogs, fashion is more than what you wear - it inspires change and recognizes the beauty in everyone.
And come Tuesday, June 17th, I will honor one of the most important individuals in my life: my dad.
For more information and to RSVP:
Art in Fashion – Saturday, June 14th
Moschik Men’s Jewelry Fashion Show – Tuesday, June 17th
Stop Traffick with Fashion – Wednesday, June 25th
Fashion Fusion – Saturday, June 28th
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
A Mother's Lasting Impression, Her Sense of Style
This Sunday marks the 94th year since becoming a national holiday we celebrate our mothers. Granted its original purpose to celebrate mothers who had dedicated themselves to peace probably didn’t include offerings of cards, flowers, and breakfast-in-bed, but it does require a note of thanks.
The last time I saw my mother was in December. After an all day flight from the West coast, she unloaded her impressively packed suitcase containing 6 - 8 outfits and 4 pairs of shoes to stretch a three-week visit.
Her mastery of packing is a result of having raised ten children who all demanded a bit of organization collectively and individually. Food and toys were rationed carefully just as our wardrobe options. We shared clothes for sleepovers, camping trips, and family visits, amounting to a few duffle bags amongst us. The parents were no exception. Presentable? Always. Designer label-wearers? Not so much.
Mom dressed herself in trends fitting of the era, mostly in flowing long dresses if memory serves. She would deny claims as ever being a trendsetter, but has recalled fondly images of a more fashionable young adult before entering motherhood. She hailed from a family of socialites who entertained regularly, where the ladies adorned themselves in costume jewelry and form-fitting cocktail dresses all appropriate of course by Texas standards. My grandmother - a wife, mother, and businesswoman - dressed my mom and her sisters in petticoats and delicate laced gloves for Sunday Mass. Mom once confided in me she dreamed of being Rosalind Russell's version of Auntie Mame – always coiffed and dressed for a party.
That dream may not have been realized but mom can hardly fault herself. As with all mothers of the world, investing in clothes – and just the act of shopping for herself – becomes less a priority. The stress of finding time and the finances to keep current gives new meaning to the word "comfortable." Mothers find comfort in a tracksuit because it requires no dry cleaning. Why button when you can slip on elastic waist jeans? Saturday Night Live immortalized the "Mommy Jeans" and fashion designers responded feverishly by introducing hip designer options at more affordable prices (thank you, GAP).
Regardless of our family's meager means, mom always evoked elegance. Sure, she may have felt crazy on in the inside (did I mention that she raised ten kids?!), but her appearance signaled a different message. Her slender silhouette akin to Katharine Hepburn accommodated a classic look of tailored blouses and trousers and dresses on special occasions. Even her yoga uniform of leotard and tights and a turban-like head wrap oozed chic. We knew we were in the presence of someone grand, confident, and strong. It was in those early years that I learned the difference between fashion and style.
Now that her children are leading adult lives, she has resurrected the image of a modern-day Auntie Mame. Albeit resigned to a palette of black, grey and white, she sports designer jeans, heels, and the occasional bold-colored blouse. Her signature look; however, is jewelry. Each piece – ring, necklace or bracelet – draws you into her world to discover a woman who constantly gives and produces life. Just the way Auntie Mame lived (life is truly a banquet).
Mom and I braved the cold weather that December to participate in a shared favorite activity: shopping. She was my Fashion Guru. I sounded like a client questioning colors, prints, and shapes. "Perhaps, you may want to try a bolder shade to enhance your coloring," she would respond with diplomacy. In between changing rooms, we exchanged views on what constituted as age-appropriate clothing, the demand for green production in the fashion industry, and if yellow was going to be the new black this spring season.
We had a wonderful visit, as to be expected. However, our goodbye brought a sense of comfort. My mom left proud of my success to date and from her, I realized that I still had lots to learn about style and grace.
Happy Mother's Day, mom.
The last time I saw my mother was in December. After an all day flight from the West coast, she unloaded her impressively packed suitcase containing 6 - 8 outfits and 4 pairs of shoes to stretch a three-week visit.
Her mastery of packing is a result of having raised ten children who all demanded a bit of organization collectively and individually. Food and toys were rationed carefully just as our wardrobe options. We shared clothes for sleepovers, camping trips, and family visits, amounting to a few duffle bags amongst us. The parents were no exception. Presentable? Always. Designer label-wearers? Not so much.
Mom dressed herself in trends fitting of the era, mostly in flowing long dresses if memory serves. She would deny claims as ever being a trendsetter, but has recalled fondly images of a more fashionable young adult before entering motherhood. She hailed from a family of socialites who entertained regularly, where the ladies adorned themselves in costume jewelry and form-fitting cocktail dresses all appropriate of course by Texas standards. My grandmother - a wife, mother, and businesswoman - dressed my mom and her sisters in petticoats and delicate laced gloves for Sunday Mass. Mom once confided in me she dreamed of being Rosalind Russell's version of Auntie Mame – always coiffed and dressed for a party.
That dream may not have been realized but mom can hardly fault herself. As with all mothers of the world, investing in clothes – and just the act of shopping for herself – becomes less a priority. The stress of finding time and the finances to keep current gives new meaning to the word "comfortable." Mothers find comfort in a tracksuit because it requires no dry cleaning. Why button when you can slip on elastic waist jeans? Saturday Night Live immortalized the "Mommy Jeans" and fashion designers responded feverishly by introducing hip designer options at more affordable prices (thank you, GAP).
Regardless of our family's meager means, mom always evoked elegance. Sure, she may have felt crazy on in the inside (did I mention that she raised ten kids?!), but her appearance signaled a different message. Her slender silhouette akin to Katharine Hepburn accommodated a classic look of tailored blouses and trousers and dresses on special occasions. Even her yoga uniform of leotard and tights and a turban-like head wrap oozed chic. We knew we were in the presence of someone grand, confident, and strong. It was in those early years that I learned the difference between fashion and style.
Now that her children are leading adult lives, she has resurrected the image of a modern-day Auntie Mame. Albeit resigned to a palette of black, grey and white, she sports designer jeans, heels, and the occasional bold-colored blouse. Her signature look; however, is jewelry. Each piece – ring, necklace or bracelet – draws you into her world to discover a woman who constantly gives and produces life. Just the way Auntie Mame lived (life is truly a banquet).
Mom and I braved the cold weather that December to participate in a shared favorite activity: shopping. She was my Fashion Guru. I sounded like a client questioning colors, prints, and shapes. "Perhaps, you may want to try a bolder shade to enhance your coloring," she would respond with diplomacy. In between changing rooms, we exchanged views on what constituted as age-appropriate clothing, the demand for green production in the fashion industry, and if yellow was going to be the new black this spring season.
We had a wonderful visit, as to be expected. However, our goodbye brought a sense of comfort. My mom left proud of my success to date and from her, I realized that I still had lots to learn about style and grace.
Happy Mother's Day, mom.
Monday, May 5, 2008
CROW Opens for (Online) Business
As some of you know, I've been working with CROW Clothing, a new kind of clothing company that creates eco-friendly fashion and offers its customers incredible resources on social justice and health and fitness. My role has been as an Advisory Bird, offering my expert advice to it's fearless CEO damali ayo. You can find my picture and bio on our "team" page. We began this exciting and daring new venture in November of last year and it's been a really inspiring few months leading to our grand opening, today.
Please join us in our debut by visiting crow-clothing.com <http://www.crow-clothing.com/>.
Here are a few things that make CROW a unique "evolutionary" company that I am proud to be a part of (you can find this and more on our 'about' page):
* We make our clothes with eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics that are made in harmony with the environment. We use a diversity of fibers, which is key to avoiding the "replace and drain" phenomenon that plagues many "green" practices.
* Our sliding-scale pricing means that a wide variety of people can afford to wear. We may be the first retail clothing company to attempt this fresh approach to sales.
* We donate 1% of all sales to Now Art Grants, a program started by damali ayo that funds artists creating work that engages social change.
* Visit our learn page and our links section for resources and inspiration. Find everything from 10 ways to combat racism to 163 things you can compost.
* Physical well-being is part of building a strong community. You can find resources on health, fitness, and nutrition on our site.
* Our designers, advisors, models, and partners work as a team. We all contribute to the resources on the site and share our expertise on our blog. When you step out on a limb to interrupt racism, help the environment, or create a healthy life for yourself you can feel the support of the Crow Clothing team through the soft fibers of our clothing. (Check out my blog "Change Begins with CROW")
* We believe in "co-opetition" - adding the spirit of cooperation to a competitive marketplace. On our Web site you'll find links aplenty including to other designers and products that we love.
*...AND the clothes are hot.
What else is there to say? It's time to get your CROW on! Visit http://crow-clothing.com
Monday, April 21, 2008
When Green Means More than a Look
In full disclosure, I am a green follower for all the wrong reasons. My initiation into the environmental social club was in my sophomore year in high school when my “hippy” phase was blessed by a pair of Birkenstocks paid with my first check from Cinnamon Sams. My ankle-length peasant skirts circa 1986 and handmade hemp bracelets secured my spot amongst classmates who passed out flyers about recycling around campus. [At this time, I was also actively involved in Amnesty International so the image of an activist defined my choice of attire.] Sure, I believed in the importance of saving the planet but it was more about looking the part than really comprehending the impact of my actions.
Eco-fashion is finally getting the attention it deserves with help from big-name designers such as Calvin Klein and Marni commissioned by Barney’s New York to design limited eco-garments. Phillip Lim started his eco line, Go Green Go, as a result of watching a National Geographic special on the impact of global warming on polar bears. Their visibility leads consumers to research and discover other designers who have pioneered the green market or in the process of building eco clothing.
They are all leaders in every right – taking the initiative to produce earth-friendly products that consumers – whether environmental conscious or not – would buy.
The admirability falls short though when a collection remains a limited edition. For eco-fashion to be truly sustainable, a fashion house must implement sound environmental policies. It must be part of the core mission that dictates how the company – big or small – operates.
One such company is Patagonia. Its 30+ year trademark represents the success a social responsible business model can achieve. Its commitment to the environment frames every aspect of the company from product development to the workplace. The company is also a member of the Fair Labor Association, which ensure compliance of a code of conduct in facilities used by Patagonia.
Patagonia’s preservation of the environment begins with education. Employees are granted sabbaticals to exotic destinations to learn and work with local artisans, activists, scientists, and educators. Their knowledge is then transferred to product development and field reports describing accounts of their experience.
And of course, the clothing is pesticide-free cotton and recycled polyester and 1% of sales is donated to national and international grassroots environmental groups.
Similarly in its approach to the environment is Loomstate. The four-year-old label has captured the nation’s youth with stylish jeans and thought-provoking tees and the heart of the environmental movement. The design team oversees the manufacturing process from beginning to end to ensure integrity of the materials and labor conditions.
What gives a social responsible model credibility is transparency. While it is wonderful to see the explosion of “organic” materials surface in big box department stores to independent labels, it must be an institutional change. Green promotes life and the life of a business should be fruitful without depleting the source.
Tomorrow we give thanks to the Earth for giving us the resources to live. How we choose to celebrate depends on our conscience. Do we watch a program on global warming and then throw away our soda cans in the garbage can? Or do we make a commitment to conserve and invest in sustainable products – which includes clothes? For the latter, simplify your closet by investing in pieces of the highest quality fabric for longevity of wear, vintage/reclaimed materials and of course, natural organic materials. It’s the least we can do.
So, dress up for the party in your sustainable-best and remember to say thank you.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
The Power of YOSOY
When Luciana Tiktin arrived in D.C. last summer she came with a dream to start her own fashion co-operative, she just didn’t realize it would happen so fast.
Yesterday, Saturday, April 5, D.C. welcomed its first designer showroom featuring local fashion and jewelry designers as well as oeuvres by musicians and artists. DEKKA, which stands for DC Area Fashion Art Music, is Titkin’s love child, second of course to her toddler son. The location’s second floor space on 13th and U Street features nine designers who pay a monthly rental fee. Nearly 90 designers applied within the first month of Tiktin’s advertisement.
“DEKKA is about working with creative minds and to help ignite that creative process,” Tiktin says.
Tiktin’s own creative process began after working for retail giant Stone Island in her native Buenos Aires, Argentina. Luciana left her home for Miami where she studied Fashion Design at the International Fine Arts College. From, she traveled the globe and ultimately returned to Miami to work as a professional wardrobe stylist for Eduardo Berastegui and agency photographers. Her experiences culiminated in the creation of her own label, YOSOY, in 2001.
YOSOY embodies the nature of movement – propelling you in the future with a bit of edge. One must be bold to wear YOSOY, the label means I AM after all. Making a presence or rather acknowledging your power exudes from the sultry dresses and tops not to be worn at home on a Saturday night.
And D.C. women are all about the power of I AM.
“I have women buying my dresses to wear out to the clubs who you never thought would wear them from by looking at their day clothes,” Tiktin says. “D.C. does have a reputation for being conservative, but that is not true for an evening look.”
While the D.C. market is still playing catch up to YOSOY, other major cities such as Miami, New York and Buenos Aires have embraced the label.
Tiktin is optimistic about her future in D.C., citing the environmental perspective of buy local as the key to keeping her business, as well as other local designers.
“Some bridges need to be built to bring local buyers and local designers together,” Tiktin says. “But most importantly, local designers need to network within the fashion community.”
It was evident that Tiktin’s wish came true.
Yesterday, Saturday, April 5, D.C. welcomed its first designer showroom featuring local fashion and jewelry designers as well as oeuvres by musicians and artists. DEKKA, which stands for DC Area Fashion Art Music, is Titkin’s love child, second of course to her toddler son. The location’s second floor space on 13th and U Street features nine designers who pay a monthly rental fee. Nearly 90 designers applied within the first month of Tiktin’s advertisement.
“DEKKA is about working with creative minds and to help ignite that creative process,” Tiktin says.
Tiktin’s own creative process began after working for retail giant Stone Island in her native Buenos Aires, Argentina. Luciana left her home for Miami where she studied Fashion Design at the International Fine Arts College. From, she traveled the globe and ultimately returned to Miami to work as a professional wardrobe stylist for Eduardo Berastegui and agency photographers. Her experiences culiminated in the creation of her own label, YOSOY, in 2001.
YOSOY embodies the nature of movement – propelling you in the future with a bit of edge. One must be bold to wear YOSOY, the label means I AM after all. Making a presence or rather acknowledging your power exudes from the sultry dresses and tops not to be worn at home on a Saturday night.
And D.C. women are all about the power of I AM.
“I have women buying my dresses to wear out to the clubs who you never thought would wear them from by looking at their day clothes,” Tiktin says. “D.C. does have a reputation for being conservative, but that is not true for an evening look.”
While the D.C. market is still playing catch up to YOSOY, other major cities such as Miami, New York and Buenos Aires have embraced the label.
Tiktin is optimistic about her future in D.C., citing the environmental perspective of buy local as the key to keeping her business, as well as other local designers.
“Some bridges need to be built to bring local buyers and local designers together,” Tiktin says. “But most importantly, local designers need to network within the fashion community.”
It was evident that Tiktin’s wish came true.
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