All the Looks Insider

Designer Q&A: Doo-Ri Chung

Posted by kgranero 3:16pm GMT

Designer Doo-Ri Chung sat down with All the Looks Insider at the Doo.Ri for Macy’s preview to talk about her jersey-chic collaboration, the allure of trench coats and what it’s really like to dress the First Lady.

Q: What was most important to you when it came to the aesthetics of the collection?
A: As far as the designs went, I really wanted to stay true to my own design aesthetic and to offer that to the Macy’s customer. The real beauty and luxury of doing this is that I design it, but somebody else really makes it come alive and at a price point I could never achieve. That’s what’s been so exciting for me. I also got to work with their [Macy’s] fabric library, and that was the most time-consuming part, because they have millions of fabrics.

Q: Any pieces that stand out as personal favorites?
A: I have a lot. I mean, I think they did a fantastic job! And I love the trench coat and, you know, when we did fittings we would try on some of the dresses. Everything is so easy and effortless, but it makes you feel and look great. So, yes, a lot of the dresses are fantastic, but my personal favorite is the trench. I’ve always been a big fan of trench coats.

Q: One of the things your brand is really known for is jersey-style dresses. What bulk of the Doo.Ri for Macy’s collection reflects that?
A: The majority of the pieces. I mean, it’s something you can wear for evening or day, or can be worn with an outerwear piece or with boots. And even the knits kind of fall the way jersey does.

Q: You received a lot of media attention after Michelle Obama wore one of your dresses to the state dinner honoring South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and wife Kim Yoon-ok this past October. What went into that, and how did it feel seeing her in your design?
A: I definitely have to give a lot of credit to Emma, who handles our PR. She’s been wanting Mrs. Obama for a long time, as have I, and, you know, they’d been in talks for a while and it just so happened that the Korean president was coming to the state dinner and was being honored. Being that I’m a Korean designer, we felt like if there was ever going to be an opportunity, this might be it, and it ended up working out really well. We were just so excited. Plus, I’m a big fan of [Michelle Obama’s]. I think she’s such an intelligent, beautiful woman, and to be able to dress her was a dream come true.

Q: Your spring collection is characterized by a lot of neutrals with fresh twists. What was the thought process behind it?
A: I think I’ve always gone for this sort of effortless elegance, and I think a woman who doesn’t look like she’s trying is something I always gravitate toward. I’ve never really been about loud, so I love the nudes and the whites, but we did a lot of prints for that season as well and some of that violet color, which was so beautiful and was, in fact, the color Michelle Obama chose to wear. Any color that flatters a complexion is a color I always gravitate toward. I always keep in mind the woman I’m dressing, first and foremost. I mean, my job is to make [women] look beautiful.

The limited-edition, thirty-piece Doo.Ri for Macy's Impulse collection will be sold at an est. 185 Macy's stores and macys.com on Feb. 15 (pictures to come!).

Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Posted in: designer..., doo-ri chung, doo.ri for macy's, expert advice
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Three Handbags Every Girl Should Own (and More From Lauren Merkin)

Posted by kgranero 5:54pm GMT

All the Looks Insider caught up with handbag designer Lauren Merkin at an exclusive DailyCandy Deals party to talk about her latest collaboration with the brand, the stars of her spring collection and more.

Q: Can you start off by telling us about your collaboration with DailyCandy and how it came to be?
A: DailyCandy came to us because they wanted to create something special for MasterCard – a priceless opportunity – so we were trying to think of something we could do that couldn’t be recreated and that we don't offer our regular customers.

We took one of our best-selling shapes, the "Caroline," and we created a special lining that features all of the DailyCandy illustrations and also says DailyCandy. Not only did we offer the bag, but customers were able to customize it by both picking the color of the exterior and monogramming it with their names. They had up to 12 characters (I think it was) and they could choose gold or silver thread.

And then, of course, coming to this showroom party was part of the exclusive experience that we offered those purchasers, along with the chance to see and buy bags from our spring collection before anyone else.

Q: How much did the customized bag cost and is it still available?
A: It was $295 and, while it was within the DailyCandy Deals umbrella, it wasn't a discount, but a special, limited-edition "priceless" opportunity [that has since ended].

Q: Can you offer some insight into your spring collection? Is there anything you're trying for the first time or particularly excited about?
A: This is definitely our best collection ever. We have a lot of really fun materials and new shapes. We’ve done some with a heritage look using really classic leathers in cognacs and reds, so they're a little more old-school looking, and we did a cork with a funky sort of 70s feel to it. We have a bunch of new day bags and some clutches, as well.

On the very small, extreme side we have a new minaudiere called the "Lucca," which we're really excited about and is something that's been in development for a really long time.

Q: Would you consider that your favorite piece if you had to choose just one from the entire collection?
A: Probably, because it's been a labor of love. The "Lucca" is something I've wanted to make for many seasons and we finally found a way to make it in a level of quality that we think fits our brand and our customer. It's very evening, but I'm excited because I just think it's a cool object even beyond just being a handbag.

Q: What would you consider some of the biggest handbag trends for spring?
A: There's been a trend toward a little more structure and more classic, ladylike kinds of bags. We definitely have some of that, and the satchels. I think women are just looking for real function. We have a lot of bags that offer a cross-body option, so that's something we definitely try to embrace and make sure we're offering our customers.

Q: What would you consider your go-to bag, either Lauren Merkin or otherwise?
A: [She laughs] Well, I only carry Lauren Merkin. For daytime, I carry the "Marlow," which was new for fall and is one [bag] that we carried through because it's a really great style.

Q: When you do that, do you typically carry a bag through as-is?
A: The colors and leathers always change, but the silhouettes stay the same, and it's a great silhouette. It's easy, and can be carried as a short-handle or a cross-body.

Two other bags that were in prior collections and have been updated are the "Iris" (for spring) and the "Tatum," which is my favorite clutch for sure. I go back to it again and again, but I can't help it [she laughs].

Q: What are three handbag styles every woman should own?
A: Ooh, that's a good one. I would probably say a great day bag that lets you can kind of walk in anywhere and feel stylish, then a larger clutch that's more casual, maybe you can wear it to lunch or even when you're going out.

And then a smaller evening bag, whether it be black or neutral, to balance out your collection and wear for a wedding or a black tie event. Sometimes it's chic to wear a larger clutch for a wedding, but in your closet you should have at least one larger clutch and one smaller.

Check out the Lauren Merkin for DailyCandy bag below, and find more styles at laurenmerkin.com.

Photo: Lauren Merkin/DailyCandy

Posted in: baby-g, expert advice, rebecca minkoff
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Rebecca Minkoff Reveals Her New Watch for Baby-G

Posted by kgranero 4:55pm GMT

Rebecca Minkoff caught her big break in 2005 when the Morning After Bag was born. Fast-forward to 2011 and the woman behind the edgy-chic accessories collection and ready-to-wear fashion line bearing her name is adding “watch designer” to her resume.

After waiting my turn at a tiny table across from The Little Black List blogger (and star of the steamy Rebecca Minkoff for Baby-G commercial titled “The Morning After”) Tess, I was swept into the back room of the Lower East Side speakeasy referred to as none other than The Back Room (can we say “hipster chic”?) to talk with Rebecca about her newest collaboration.

Q: This is your first time ever designing a watch. Why Baby-G, and why now?
A: I used to wear Casio all of the time (the calculator watches), so I approached him [Tadashi Shibuya, General Manager of Timepiece Division Casio America, Inc.] and I said, “I see what you’re doing with your collaborations, and I’d be really excited to do one.” It was a great opportunity to try my hand at designing a watch.

Q: What was most important to you when it came to the designing process?
A: The color. I’m obsessed with rose gold, so I wanted to do something with that, but then to also make it cool with the matte black accents.

Q: How does the overall design reflect the Rebecca Minkoff aesthetic?
A: What the Rebecca Minkoff brand is known for is elements of hardware, so the little studs that are on the dial of the watch are reminiscent of the studs that are on my bags. I really wanted to tie it back to that, and I wanted it to be girly with an edge.

Q: You switched from designing apparel to accessories in 2005. What motivated you to revisit apparel in 2009?
A: We were getting calls from old retailers asking us if we were ever going to do clothing again and, eventually, we’d had enough of that happen that I felt like it was a sign we should bring it back.

Q: Your Spring 2012 collection was characterized by a lot of breezy fabrics, sorbet shades and flirty prints. What was the inspiration behind it?
A: The desert, and this architect Luis Barragon who has a beautiful use of color and had used this bright poppy color [in his work]. I combined those two elements when imagining our girl traveling through the desert in style.

Q: What can consumers expect from your spring accessories collection?
A: A lot of great exotics and faux exotics, a lot of color and more hardware details — not more studs per se, but just interesting hardware treatments.

Q: Do you have a preference when it comes to designing apparel vs. accessories?
A: I like them differently but equally. Apparel is still a great challenge, because you’re fitting it on a human body and women have very different bodies, and accessories are just really fun.

Q: Is there a specific handbag or accessory in your collection that you would consider your go-to?
A: I would say this little guy [pointing to her handbag]. This is from my Collection line, which is sold at a higher price point. It’s called the Lexington Clutch.

Q: You have a substantial gift section on your website. What’s on your holiday wish list this year?
A: Sleep. I have a new baby, so that’s honestly all I want.

Get a closer look at the Rebecca Minkoff for Baby-G Watch, available in select stores this month, at baby-g.com.

Photo: Baby-G

Posted in: baby-g, expert advice, rebecca minkoff
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Fashion Fix with Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi

Posted by kgranero 11:52am GMT

“Jersey Shore’s” resident animal-print lover weighs in on her favorite mall stores, her ideal date outfit and more.

Q: What are some of your go-to stores for budget-friendly shopping?
A: Forever 21, Mandee, Wet Seal and Charlotte Russe.

Q: What is your ideal dinner date outfit?
A: I would wear a tight dress and amazing heels to show off your calves, or you could do like a cute skirt and a cute shirt.

Q: Leopard or zebra print?
A: You can’t ask me that. [Long pause] Leopard.

Q: So there is a true favorite?
A: But Zebra is close behind.

Affordable Style Alert! Score Snooki’s leopard pants, $65, at obeyclothing.com. Plus, don't forget to check out Snooki’s beauty tips!

Photo: ABPR

Posted in: affordable style..., expert advice, nicole, snooki fashion
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Stylist Q&A: Rachel Zoe

Posted by kgranero 3:30pm GMT

I caught up with fashion stylist Rachel Zoe today at Piperlime's Piping Hot Pop-Up Lounge in Soho, New York to get the scoop on what motherhood has meant for her style mojo, the most memorable piece she's ever worn and more (holiday party style tips included).



Q: How has having a baby affected your style routine?
A: I wear black almost every day. I do. I wear it almost every day because inevitably he's going to spit up on me or something like that, and black is always a good way to look dressier than you actually are. I have to find a way to look decent, but also be very functional and practical.

Q: Are there any everyday staples that you've had to give up all together?
A: I don't wear things with a lot of hardware or anything sharp. I also don’t wear anything he [Skylar] can pull on because he’s at a stage right now where he's grabbing everything! So, yeah, it's definitely changed the way I dress, especially for day—not as much by night because he's not always with me then.

Q: Do you have any style advice for new moms?
A: I think you need to buy things that are go-tos. You need to have your basic, sort of sure-thing looks, whether it means your favorite jeans or favorite leggings, a great pair of black trousers or a leather jacket – things with durability.

Q: What is the most memorable fashion piece you've ever worn?
A: The most memorable piece I've worn in my whole life? Oh god. You know what? I actually had the honor of wearing a Valentino Couture piece when I was in Rome for the Weekend in Rome with Mr. Valentino with Giancarlo [Giammetti], and that was a dream.

Q: Do you have any wardrobe standbys?
A: My vintage Chanel jackets, for sure. I've worn them a lot. A lot.

Q: What has been your favorite styling assignment thus far?
A: You know, there have definitely been too many to name. Dressing all of my clients excites me. Working with Annie [Hathaway] for the Oscars last year was a pretty big undertaking and that was really fun. Really fun!

Q: What would you consider basic holiday party style essentials?
A: I'd say you have to have a great little black dress for sure. You need to have great pumps, I would say in black, nude and a metallic (T-strap, ankle-strap, classic pump—whatever you want). Also, endless amounts of cocktail dresses and maybe a sequined little jacket or cardigan for holiday.

Photo: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images

Posted in: events, expert advice, piperlime, rachel zoe, shopping
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Bloggers We Love: Jessica Quirk of What I Wore

Posted by kgranero 5:34pm GMT

Every month, more than 100,000 people (presumably women) "tumble" upon What I Wore to see what blog founder, and now author, Jessica Quirk is wearing.

Here, the 5'9" personal style force to be reckoned with (who's very likely headed to a fashion magazine near you) dishes on running her own business, tackling stylist's block, finding quality clothes on a budget and more.



Q: You worked as a fashion designer for four years before starting What I Wore. Can you tell us a little bit about your former gig and what inspired you to pursue the blog full-time?
A: My job in the industry was far from glamorous — I designed everyday, private-label sportswear for missy and juniors, sold at a mass merchant near you. My job was to interpret trends and make them available at an affordable price. I did everything from shopping the market (London, Paris, Cologne and Amsterdam) to sourcing fabrics in Hong Kong. So much of design is in the nitty-gritty bottom line, and we could spend hours analyzing button sizes and colors.

I am so grateful to have traveled around the world, and to have learned so much about production within the fashion industry, but I love blogging, so when my site because profitable enough to quit the day job, I was out of there! I feel so lucky to get to do something I love each and every day, full-time!

Q: What were some of your biggest challenges starting out? Now?
A: For someone who’s self-employed, the challenge is always how to grow your business. With blogging being a relatively new industry, it took a lot of convincing to find companies that saw the value in a partnership on a blog in the early days. Now that more companies and brands are on board with working with bloggers, it’s about narrowing down the right fit for both What I Wore and my readers.

Q: It can be hard finding something to wear for one night out, let alone day upon
(documented) day. What are some of your methods for getting through everyday stylist's block?
A: It can be hard, especially when [my] mood (or the weather) isn’t right for whatever I’ve picked out for that day. Ultimately, I go for color or comfort when in doubt. I edit my closet every season, so I’m only working with clothes I absolutely love. I’ve also honed in on the basics that work for me, which are a great starting point for any outfit.

The little things can make up for a so-so outfit, as well — a pair of heels, a great lipstick, a watch and a necklace pull together any look for me.

Q: How has your style evolved from when you first started the blog in 2007 and now?
A: I was a single gal in my mid twenties, living alone in Brooklyn, when I started What I Wore. I had a super limited budget and went for bold vintage pieces. I wore a lot of colored tights. My style was super retro and super loud. Now that I’m married and living in Indiana, I’ve toned things down a bit. I’m investing in better-quality clothing that I think I'll wear a lot longer. I still love color, but I’m rocking it in a little more moderation than I did at the start of the blog. I love looking back at the old days (and still re-wear many of those outfits), but I also like where I’m headed, sartorially speaking.

Q: It's not uncommon for you to wear a foundation piece more than once. What are some of your tricks for reinventing wardrobe staples?
A: As I mentioned above, I’m a huge fan of color. Lately, I’ve been buying skinny belts in every color under the sun, which look so pretty paired with navy, black and gray. I also love this time of year, because layering on gauzy (or warmer, pashmina-style) scarves is a great way to pull an outfit together.

Q: You’re 5’9”. What, if any, are the obstacles that come with finding clothes when you’re so tall?
A: With me, the taller the better! My only issues with height were in my middle-school days, when I grew six inches in one year. Cropped pants were not the thing back then. Luckily, now everything comes in tall inseams, and cropped skinnies are equally cute!

Q: What are your go-to sources for high-quality clothing on a budget?
A: Lately, I’ve been all about J. Crew. I spent my entire fall allowance there! The No. 2 pencil skirt is so flattering and comes in a lot of different colors. It just looks so polished; I can see myself wearing it forever!

Q: In your book, “What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style,” you touch on cost per wear. Can you offer readers some insight into wardrobe investing?
A: In short, would you rather wear a pair of $300 boots 300 times (thus, $1 per wear) or buy a pair of junky $30 boots that you wear twice? Go with the investment! I’m all about value clothing in fun prints that work for a season, but when you’re putting together a serious wardrobe, go with quality over quantity. Get the fully lined wool skirt instead of the poly-blend, scratchy number. Splurge on the tailored blazer over the lightweight style.

Q: You recently attended Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for the eighth season in a row. Which trends do you foresee carrying over from Fall 2011 to Spring 2012?
A: Bright color continues on from Fall to Spring ... especially with safety colors like hot pink, bright orange and neon yellow.

Q: You run your own blog, have participated in several brand partnerships, and have even written your own book. What’s next?
A: I'm very proud of my recent design collaboration with LOFT. I've designed a grown up version of a friendship bracelet and $5 from every bracelet sold will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The bracelet is available in stores and online all October long!

OK, now the lightning round …

Favorite color? Crimson.
Favorite fabric? Silk.
Biggest style peeve? Flip-flops.
Favorite midnight snack? Popcorn.
Person you’d most like to meet — past or present? This answer could change on a daily basis! I'm in the middle of an amazing biography of Cleopatra, so I'd love to meet her!
Guilty pleasure? Twitter?
Qualities you most admire in a person? Honesty, humility, wonder.
Favorite getaway? Lake cottage in Michigan.
Favorite place to shop? Vintage stores.
Hardest thing to pull off? Harem pants. In fact, I won’t even try!


Follow Jessica's personal style journey at whatiwore.tumblr.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Quirk

Posted in: bloggers we love, bloggers we love:..., celebrity stylist, expert advice, jessica quirk, what i wore
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Bloggers We Love: The Possessionista Q&A

Posted by babu 10:00am GMT

When she’s not busy taking care of her two children, The Possessionista (a.k.a. Dana Weiss) spends her days getting to the bottom of who wore what on your favorite TV shows so you don’t have to.

Here, the “fashionably compulsive” Chicago-based blogger who’s never missed an episode of “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “Gossip Girl” (the list goes on) talks about style stalking, her appreciation of Jillian Harris, and what makes a true possessionista.

Q: The tagline for your blog is “For the fashionably compulsive.” What qualifies someone as being fashionably compulsive, and in which ways do you fit the crime?

A: Anyone can be fashionable, but to be fashionably compulsive means it occupies your every thought, and you feel the need to act on it. If you find yourself watching a show and then Googling what the characters wore, or making phone calls to stores and trying to special-order something out of stock, or if you ever tried applying for a wholesaler’s license because the manufacturer doesn’t sell to the public, then you’re fashionably compulsive. And, for the record, I have done all of these things.

Q: A large portion of your blog is dedicated to finding out where to find what a specific TV star is wearing. Can you recall your most challenging “style stalk” session to date?

A: Yes. There is this black dolman sweater that Kristin Cavallari wore on “The Hills.” Tons of people were looking for it, and, to this day, it’s never been identified. Kristin apparently cut the tags out of it, so we may never know. It’s like the Stonehenge of reality-TV fashion.

Q: Is there one item in particular that received an overwhelming amount of requests from your readers?

A: “The Bachelorette” Jillian Harris’ Forever 21 denim romper. Another site dubbed it “Rompergate.” It was the first time I really realized the power of the Internet and how bloggers could work together. It was also the first time I realized the power of Forever 21.

Q: Your blog is perhaps best known for exploring the wardrobes behind hit shows like “The Bachelor,” “Real Housewives,” “Glee,” “Gossip Girl,” “90210” and even “The Office.” Which show has been your favorite to follow, both personally and for the love of fashion?

A: The only thing I love more than clothes is TV, so I’m really living the dream. I adore “Glee” for the music, and Lou Eyrich is a genius when it comes to dressing Emma Pillsbury and Rachel. I appreciate “Gossip Girl” because Eric Daman has created characters with the clothes the way Patricia Field did for “Sex and the City.” But I love reporting on “The Bachelorette” fashion, because the stars are real people, so readers, even on a college student budget, can actually go out and buy what they see.

Q: Which shows would you consider reader favorites?

A: “Glee” and “The Bachelor” both have seriously committed followings. I get e-mails at all hours of the day, sometimes months after an episode airs. Jillian Harris’ fans are by far the most dedicated. I probably get about 10 e-mails a week about her gold watch. (It’s Michael Kors. Stop asking me.)

Q: If you could get your hands on one piece of clothing or accessory that you’ve covered, what would it be and why?

A: That’s like asking me to choose between my children.

Q: While much of your blog focuses on where to find the clothes worn on your favorite shows, you also offer celeb style steals and style advice. How have the franchises on your blog evolved over the years, and what’s next?

A: World domination? I don’t know. The whole process has been so organic. I never expected to have this kind of response. If you’d told me two years ago that I’d still be doing this, I’d have asked you for your pharmacist’s phone number. I’d love to collaborate with a retailer or designer. Or, you know, world domination.

Q:What are five fashion items every possessionista should own?

A: A bag that was more expensive than it should have been, but that you’ll covet forever; A pair of shoes that make you feel tall and thin, even if you’re not; A pair of jeans that will make your ex-boyfriend regret his current status; A piece of jewelry that belonged to someone who loved you; The perfect white T-shirt. (I haven’t found one, not yet).

OK, now the lightning round …

Favorite color? Yes.
Favorite fabric? Is sequin considered a fabric?
Favorite midnight snack? Breadsticks. How do people live without carbs?
Person you’d most like to meet — past or present? This is the part where I’m supposed to say Barack Obama or Gandhi, right? Cary Fetman at “The Bachelor” or Lou Eyrich at “Glee.” They both helped me out from the beginning for no discernible reason. I really owe the success of the blog to them. And Jillian Harris.
Guilty pleasure? Watching shows on the CW and telling my husband I’m “working.” Oh, and Cheetos.
Qualities you most admire in a person? Humor. Kindness. Good shoes.
Favorite getaway? I really love Seattle. The food is great, and the people are really fond of flannel, so I’m always the best dressed wherever I go.
Favorite place to shop? For shoes? Nordstrom. For jeans? ShopBop. For instant gratification? Forever21. With someone else’s credit card? Barney’s.
Hardest thing to pull off? One of those big faux-fur vests that Rachel Zoe has everyone dying over. I have yet to see someone wear it and not look like a Muppet. If you can prove me wrong, e-mail me at danaweiss1@me.com. If you pull it off, I’ll buy you a venti nonfat latte.

Head to The Possessionista for the latest fashion highlights from “The Bachelor” and more, and new giveaways every day throughout the month of January.

Photo: Courtesy of Dana Weiss

Posted in: bloggers we love, bloggers we love:..., celebrity stylist, dana weiss, expert advice
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Win a Maidenform Shapewear Wardrobe!

Posted by babu 1:02pm GMT

Want to know the secret behind scoring a "Mad Men"–worthy silhouette? According to "Mad Men" costume designer and Maidenform wardrobe expert Janie Bryant, it's building a strong foundation.

Watch this video for Janie's top styling tips and go-to shapewear picks, and leave a comment anywhere on this blog through December 10, 2010 to be entered for a chance to win a Janie-approved Maidenform shapewear wardrobe valued at over $200, including:
-Flexees Take Inches Off Wear Your Own Bra Slip
-Flexees Fat Free Dressing Slip Dress
-Flexees Fat Free Dressing Legging
-Maidenform Ultimate Push-Up Bra
-Custom-Lift Strapless Longline Bra

See official Maidenform Giveaway rules.

Check out more shapewear styles at Maidenform.com.

Posted in: expert advice, giveaways, janie bryant, maidenform..., style giveaways
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Mondo Guerra and Piperlime Collaborate for World AIDS Day

Posted by babu 2:38pm GMT

"Project Runway" finalist Mondo Guerra gives us the scoop on his new T-shirt collaboration with Piperlime for World AIDS Day (on sale today), what it's like to live HIV-positive, and more.

Q: You had an exciting run on the eighth season of Lifetime's "Project Runway." Can you share some of your most memorable moments in the competition?

A: The most memorable moments from "Project Runway" Season 8 for me were the first and last days. The first day I had no idea of what I was getting into; I knew it was going to be tough, but WOW! It was a big deal to meet all of the other designers and make some great friends. The last day was bittersweet. While it was all coming to an end, I was so excited to show at Fashion Week (truly a dream come true!).
I never thought that I would make it so far in the competition (my goal was to make it to the top eight), so I exceeded my own expectations and learn so much about myself in the process; I am very grateful for the opportunity.

Q: You’ve mentioned that your work has been deeply inspired by friends and family. In which ways?

A: I am very deeply connected to "mi familia." Spiritually, they have provided me with the tools to be the creative individual that I am. I pull a lot of my inspiration from happy memories, childhood, my Grandmother Betty's house, holidays and my Catholic upbringing. I do what I know, and that tends to be joyous.

Q: Is there one person or life experience in particular that inspired you to pursue your passion for designing?

A: When I was growing up, I was heavily involved in playing the piano. It was my dream to write scores for films. In my later years of high school, I started to express myself through fashion. I remember being in a production of “West Side Story” as a senior at The Denver School of the Arts. My grandmother gave me an old record of the soundtrack from "West Side Story" and told me that I could do anything I put my mind to. That was when I knew that with the love and support from my family, especially Grandmother Betty, I could explore and fall in love with many creative outlets. Fashion turned out to be my favorite.

Q: It's no secret that you had a huge fan following. What role did your fans play in your success?

A: My fans! Ahh geez ... They kept me on my toes. Going into the "Project Runway" finale at Lincoln Center, I didn't want to drop the ball and disappoint them. I really put my heart and soul into the final collection, and the fans kept me going.

Q: You announced while on “Project Runway” that you are HIV-positive. Can you tell us a little bit about how you came to collaborate with Piperlime for the cause, and what it means to you?

A: After the show, Piperlime was very interested in doing an exclusive project with me. They thought up the idea of doing a basic T-shirt, and I started to brainstorm as to how I could make this collaboration not just wearable, but for a good cause. I knew World AIDS Day was around the corner and wanted to team up with a foundation to contribute money to support AIDS research. Then amfAR got involved, and the rest is history.

Q: What message were you trying to get across when designing the two limited-edition tees for Piperlime to benefit amfAR?

A: I wanted to pull from my experience on "Project Runway," and one thing that came to mind instantly was LOVE. The sugar skull [above right] celebrates our loved ones who have passed. The tree with one single heart hanging [below right] is an expression of allowing love to grow, to allow people to love you, to allow yourself to love back, but to start by loving yourself first.

Q: Besides purchasing the exclusive Piperlime tees, are there any other ways in which people can join you in the fight against HIV and AIDS?

A: Find out about your local HIV/AIDS charities. Attend a benefit, or volunteer your time. Or simply reach out to someone you know who may be fighting the disease, and let them know you love them.

Purchase Mondo's exclusive designs (Piperlime will donate $20 from each T-shirt sale to amfAR AIDS Research) starting today at Piperlime.com (while supplies last). Plus, find out how Heidi Klum came to give his much-discussed polka-dot dress the red-carpet treatment on Lifetime's "Project Runway" blog.

Photos: Lifetime (left); Piperlime (right)

Posted in: expert advice, fashion news, mondo guerra, piperlime, project runway, world aids day
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Don't Forget to Enter!

Posted by babu 10:31am GMT

Want to know the secret behind scoring a "Mad Men"–worthy silhouette? According to "Mad Men" costume designer and Maidenform wardrobe expert Janie Bryant, it's building a strong foundation.

Watch this video for Janie's top styling tips and go-to shapewear picks, and leave a comment anywhere on this blog through December 10, 2010 to be entered for a chance to win a Janie-approved Maidenform shapewear wardrobe valued at over $200, including:
-Flexees Take Inches Off Wear Your Own Bra Slip
-Flexees Fat Free Dressing Slip Dress
-Flexees Fat Free Dressing Legging
-Maidenform Ultimate Push-Up Bra
-Custom-Lift Strapless Longline Bra

See official Maidenform Giveaway rules.

Check out more shapewear styles at Maidenform.com.

Posted in: expert advice, janie bryant, maidenform..., style giveaways
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