As we're about to end the year, I decided to do some hunting for some more inspiration, other than the usual staples for me (magazines, streets, nightclubs, bars). I got on line and started checking out a few different fashion blogs. I also did it, so I can get myself on a schedule to put up a new post more often. I found a lot of inspiration from the three blogs that I'm gonna discuss this time around. In each of these blogs, it was either the dialogue or the pictures that moved me.
The first one that completely rocks my world is "Individuality" by Joey Ma (www.Joey-Ma.com). He chronicles his everyday looks and his looks when he goes out (which are wild and AMAZING). There's an interview there done by another fashion blogger which fills you in a little more about him. He's from Hong Kong (a place I would love to go to so I can check out the fashion). He's very soft spoken and he seems pretty cool. I would love to meet him and create something for him.
The second one that blows my mind is "NewMaleFashion". This blogger has a lot of interest and he showcases interesting things about menswear. It's far from conventional, but it's all amazing. This is where I wanna go with my menswear. I wanna do some drapey things, with high heels, skirts, kilts, everything totally avant garde (well, not everything but quite a bit). I go to these two sites to really get my creative juices flowing.
The third one is "Lookbook.Nu". This one is mostly pictures of guys and girls all over the world in different types of clothes. I mostly look at this site to see how people wear things. No one wears certain things the same way, so it's always interesting to see how they put a spin on something. This site has given me ideas, even for my own wardrobe.
My goal now, after 2 years living in Berlin (my German is still horrible, but I'm learning) is to really start injecting my avant garde and club kid ideas into my fashion for men and women. My photo albums on Facebook (Eric Farr is the name, My Clothes & My Clothes 2 are the albums) show what I can do. Now, I'm gonna take it a step further. I'm also gonna start creating some avant garde pieces for myself. Those will be here and on Facebook, so watch this space; It's about to get crazy.
Stay fashionable and sexy!!!!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Friday, 26 November 2010
On To The New Things
As I congratulate Gretchen for winning "Project Runway-Season 8", I shed a tear for Mondo, who I thought would win and notice that there is a new season of "The Fashion Show" with Isaac Mizrahi and Iman (last season it was Kelly Rowland).
I watch the first two episodes of "The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection" (that's the new name with a new concept) and was blown away. The first season followed the steps of "Project Runway" ("The Fashion Show" was created because they lost "Project Runway" to Lifetime). This season they flipped the concept and turned it into group challenges. The 12 designers are broken up into two teams of six (two houses: House Of Emerald and House of Nami). Each house must create a collection based on a challenge. The winning house will be safe from elimination. The winning look from the winning house, the designer will get an extra hour of work time and 500 dollars to go towards fabrics and notions for his/her final collection. The losing house would have each look judged by the judges and one designer is eliminated.
Each designer I have seen is a working designer, either working for their own labels or for other companies. There is a lot of amazing talent on the show and there are some standout personalities and a couple of divas, so this makes for an interesting mix. The concept showcases what goes into creating a fashion line and the fashion show to present that line. It's interesting to pull back the curtain and see how the magic happens.
Watching "Project Runway", "Launch My Line" and "The Fashion Show" has given me all sorts of ideas and I've even used some of the challenges as springboards to test out my skills. I've been doing a lot of sketching and sewing and most of the stuff I've done is posted on my Facebook page. Ive also been doing a lot of sketching and I hope to include some of these things soon on my blog.
Until next time, stay fashionable and sexy!!!!
I watch the first two episodes of "The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection" (that's the new name with a new concept) and was blown away. The first season followed the steps of "Project Runway" ("The Fashion Show" was created because they lost "Project Runway" to Lifetime). This season they flipped the concept and turned it into group challenges. The 12 designers are broken up into two teams of six (two houses: House Of Emerald and House of Nami). Each house must create a collection based on a challenge. The winning house will be safe from elimination. The winning look from the winning house, the designer will get an extra hour of work time and 500 dollars to go towards fabrics and notions for his/her final collection. The losing house would have each look judged by the judges and one designer is eliminated.
Each designer I have seen is a working designer, either working for their own labels or for other companies. There is a lot of amazing talent on the show and there are some standout personalities and a couple of divas, so this makes for an interesting mix. The concept showcases what goes into creating a fashion line and the fashion show to present that line. It's interesting to pull back the curtain and see how the magic happens.
Watching "Project Runway", "Launch My Line" and "The Fashion Show" has given me all sorts of ideas and I've even used some of the challenges as springboards to test out my skills. I've been doing a lot of sketching and sewing and most of the stuff I've done is posted on my Facebook page. Ive also been doing a lot of sketching and I hope to include some of these things soon on my blog.
Until next time, stay fashionable and sexy!!!!
Monday, 18 October 2010
Old Ending - New Beginnings
I just got through watching the recent episode of "Project Runway" and we're down to the Final 4 (April was eliminated). The Final 4 are Mondo, Michael C., Gretchen, and Andy. The challenge was all about New York City. They had to create a garment using New York City as an influence. The challenge was introduced by the Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg.
As they let the designers loose in my hometown, I felt the memories of being on those streets rush back like a tidal wave. Andy goes to Central Park and as the cameras showcase the view, I think back to all the times I've gone there with friends to hang out. Mondo and April go to the Brooklyn Bridge and I think back to the many times I've crossed the bridge on foot, when I didn't have money to get the train to get to Manhattan to see my friends, or to check out all the interesting places I loved to see, armed with my walkman and tons of cassettes. Michael C. goes to the Statue Of Liberty and I remember the first time I went there in third or fourth grade. I loved seeing the statue and every time I'm in New York, I go there. I love what she represents to so many people from anywhere in the world. Gretchen goes to the Lower East Side and it takes me back to my teens and early twenties, going through those streets enjoying the funky looks of of all the artists in the area mixing it up with the streetwise Puerto Rican, Asian and black teenagers. The challenge was a loaded one for me, because it hit me on an emotional level. I love living and being from New York. It will always have a special place in my heart.
Now, I'm living in Berlin, Germany and loving it. I'm loving all of the history here. In some ways it also feels like New York to me. Berlin is a place for me to begin again.
I recently took a workshop at ESMOD (one of the fashion schools here) with Fashion Patrons on how to set up a fashion business in Berlin. The workshop was intense and it went for two weeks. It was the best two weeks in my life. I got a hell of a lot of information (setting up a business plan, creating a look book, getting publicity, etc.) and met some amazing people from all over the place like Denmark, Amsterdam, Austria, Holland, Russia, Israel, and Greece. it was exhausting at times, but I know more now than ever and I'm ready to put all I've learned into action. I also hope to collaborate with some of my fellow designers in the future. I thank all of my seminar instructors for passing on their knowledge of Berlin and the Berlin business and fashion scene to me. I'll be emailing you all with questions as they come up. I also thank the coordinator for putting me on to this and making it available to me. I needed this so bad, you have no idea.
As I bring this entry to a close, I hope I touched upon my old endings and my new beginnings. Let me know what you think. I'll keep you posted on all the goings on in my fashion world.
Stay fashionable and sexy!!!!
As they let the designers loose in my hometown, I felt the memories of being on those streets rush back like a tidal wave. Andy goes to Central Park and as the cameras showcase the view, I think back to all the times I've gone there with friends to hang out. Mondo and April go to the Brooklyn Bridge and I think back to the many times I've crossed the bridge on foot, when I didn't have money to get the train to get to Manhattan to see my friends, or to check out all the interesting places I loved to see, armed with my walkman and tons of cassettes. Michael C. goes to the Statue Of Liberty and I remember the first time I went there in third or fourth grade. I loved seeing the statue and every time I'm in New York, I go there. I love what she represents to so many people from anywhere in the world. Gretchen goes to the Lower East Side and it takes me back to my teens and early twenties, going through those streets enjoying the funky looks of of all the artists in the area mixing it up with the streetwise Puerto Rican, Asian and black teenagers. The challenge was a loaded one for me, because it hit me on an emotional level. I love living and being from New York. It will always have a special place in my heart.
Now, I'm living in Berlin, Germany and loving it. I'm loving all of the history here. In some ways it also feels like New York to me. Berlin is a place for me to begin again.
I recently took a workshop at ESMOD (one of the fashion schools here) with Fashion Patrons on how to set up a fashion business in Berlin. The workshop was intense and it went for two weeks. It was the best two weeks in my life. I got a hell of a lot of information (setting up a business plan, creating a look book, getting publicity, etc.) and met some amazing people from all over the place like Denmark, Amsterdam, Austria, Holland, Russia, Israel, and Greece. it was exhausting at times, but I know more now than ever and I'm ready to put all I've learned into action. I also hope to collaborate with some of my fellow designers in the future. I thank all of my seminar instructors for passing on their knowledge of Berlin and the Berlin business and fashion scene to me. I'll be emailing you all with questions as they come up. I also thank the coordinator for putting me on to this and making it available to me. I needed this so bad, you have no idea.
As I bring this entry to a close, I hope I touched upon my old endings and my new beginnings. Let me know what you think. I'll keep you posted on all the goings on in my fashion world.
Stay fashionable and sexy!!!!
Monday, 4 October 2010
Project Runway - The Halfway Point (or a little further than that)
As I edit down some sketches and prepare to do some more, I want to take a moment to write about my favorite show, "Project Runway".
As season 8 reaches the halfway point, the challenges are becoming more interesting and for some of the designers, a little more difficult. They are (the designers) are really starting to pull out the big guns with their creativity. The challenges where they are pulling out all the stops are also some of my favorites. They are:
The Unconventional Challenge- Create a garment using supplies from a party store.
The Sportswear Challenge- Create a sportswear look inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy.
The High Fashion Challenge- Create a high fashion or avant garde look and its ready to wear counterpart.
The Group Challenges- Create a resort line (Groups of 6), Be the others sample maker (Groups of 2).
The HP Touch Challenge- Create a print based on your memories from your family photos.
At this point in the show, you usually can see who will make the final three, but it's anybody's game at this point. Some of the designers who came in with a lot of big talk and trashing some of the other designers have been eliminated and the underdogs that are not as skilled are stepping up their game. One thing I do know is, I'll be watching along with you. If I had to choose who I think the final three will be, I believe they will be Mondo, Gretchen, and Christopher. Either way, I wish all of the designers luck and I hope for all the best to those that are eliminated.
Stay fabulous and glamorous!!!
As season 8 reaches the halfway point, the challenges are becoming more interesting and for some of the designers, a little more difficult. They are (the designers) are really starting to pull out the big guns with their creativity. The challenges where they are pulling out all the stops are also some of my favorites. They are:
The Unconventional Challenge- Create a garment using supplies from a party store.
The Sportswear Challenge- Create a sportswear look inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy.
The High Fashion Challenge- Create a high fashion or avant garde look and its ready to wear counterpart.
The Group Challenges- Create a resort line (Groups of 6), Be the others sample maker (Groups of 2).
The HP Touch Challenge- Create a print based on your memories from your family photos.
At this point in the show, you usually can see who will make the final three, but it's anybody's game at this point. Some of the designers who came in with a lot of big talk and trashing some of the other designers have been eliminated and the underdogs that are not as skilled are stepping up their game. One thing I do know is, I'll be watching along with you. If I had to choose who I think the final three will be, I believe they will be Mondo, Gretchen, and Christopher. Either way, I wish all of the designers luck and I hope for all the best to those that are eliminated.
Stay fabulous and glamorous!!!
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Project Runway- My Favorite Show With A Twist
Today, I went on Lifetime's website to check out my favorite show, "Project Runway". It premieres tonight in the States at 9pm. I started checking out all of the designers and there were quite a few that I liked, but the thing that I liked most were the 50 or so questions that they asked them. I thought it would be a fun entry to answer the questions myself:
1- What was the first garment you ever made?
The first garment I ever made was a white stretch gown for a drag show when I was a teenager. Everyone loved it, but the gown was pretty simple.
2-What is your music of choice when designing?
It usually depends on what I'm making but usually it's any glam rock (David Bowie, Gary Glitter, Poison, Motley Crue) or house music (Peter Rauhofer, Junior Vasquez, Hex hector, Victor Calderone).
3-When did you realize that you had designer potential?
When I made a jacket after that without any formal training and it fit and held up well.
4-Favorite designers?
I have quite a few favorite designers for different reasons:
Halston and Yves Saint Laurent because they made glamour simple and workable, yet kept a high fashion edge.
John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier because they inspire the fantasy in fashion that I love.
Valentino and Giorgio Armani because they were all about clean lines and classic tailoring.
5-Current Occupation?
Fashion Designer/Costume Designer
6-Can you describe past jobs you've had?
Fashion Retail Sales Associate, Visual Merchandiser, Dance Music Buyer for Virgin Megastore and other jobs that i prefer not to comment on.
7-What is a fashion must?
A great jacket that works with everything, a great skirt that fits, a great pant that fits and an amazing shoe that stands out. Keep it simple and turn it out with attitude, because that the first thing we notice, before we see what you're wearing. Own and be comfortable in what you wear.
8-What is your design training?
I did some design school training as well as learning how to sew from my godmother.
9-What are your strengths as a designer?
If left to my own devices, I can get crazy and pull in different influences.
10-What are your weaknesses as a designer?
Depends on the situation, but usually editing down the ideas. I'm also not the best sketch artist in the world.
11-What's influenced your designs over the years?
Lots of things, like what the trends are, what I've seen from the past and what interests me now.
12-What's your favorite material or fabric to work with?
Cottons and satins. I like a little structure sometimes...lol.
13-What's the item you're most proud of designing?
I would say that white stretch gown because it got me started on this path.
14-Do you prefer sketching or draping?
I'm not the best sketch artist, but I prefer sketching, because I can see what it will look like and I can translate that to the draping.
15-Do you prefer patterns or solids?
It usually depends on what I'm making, but I won't shy away from a pattern.
16-What are your favorite colors?
Anything wild, like pinks, reds, blues and greens. I like colors that pop.
17-What is your biggest fear as a designer?
That my clothes can be too wild for some people.
18-What fashion faux pas drive you crazy?
Socks with sandals, pants hanging off the ass, not knowing the concept of fit on your body type.... Those just come to mind at the moment. I'm sure there are more.
19-What is the ugliest thing you have ever worn?
I try not to wear ugly things, but one thing comes to mind is these brown suede shoes my mom bought me in junior high school. I hated them.
20-Who are your favorite style icons?
I love people who take chances with fashion like Lady Gaga, Grace Jones, Rupaul and Bjork. You sometimes don't love everything they wear, but you see that they think outside the box.
21-How would you dress First Lady Michelle Obama?
I would do everything very classic with clean lines for her, but give her a bold color to work with. The dress would be without sleeves, fitted and to the knee with a short sleeve bolero in a bold print and a fierce heel. Gotta get her out of those Granny heels she wears.
22-What celebrity would you like to design for?
I would like to design for someone with a bold personality and is willing to have fun with what she wears like Lil Kim, Nikki Minaj, Christina Aguilera, Jody Watley or Lady Gaga. If Grace Jones called right now, she would have me for life!!!!
23-Who is your supermodel muse?
Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Karen Elson, Alex Wek, Chanel Iman, Iman, Kate Moss, Stacy McKenzie. I'm all about a model with personality and an interesting look.
24-What do you look for in a model?
Refer to Question 23.
25-If you had to name your label, you'd call it.....
Eric Farr Inc.
26-If you weren't designing, you'd be....
Designing costumes, acting, singing or writing.
27-Dream place to set up your design business?
Berlin, Germany or New York, New York.
28-Websites that feature your work, including your own site?
Right now, it's just Facebook, but keep your eyes open, I'm working on creating a site.
29-Any other cultures or places you wish you could design for?
Tokyo, Japan or London, England.
30-How were you described as a kid?
Creative, colorful, crazy.
31-How are you described now?
The same, but crazier!!
32-Can you describe your family?
Black, Southern Baptist and conservative. I'm the only oddball in the family.
33-Do you have any pets?
None at the moment.
34-Do you have any nicknames?
E-Boogie, E-Dawg, or E-Man. I have others, but they're all person specific.
35-Why are you (or aren't you) easy to live with?
I'm pretty cool to live with, but I can be too specific in how I want things done.
36-What's your favorite hangout back home?
Either my old bedroom in my family's place or The Eagle.
37-What are your hobbies besides designing?
I read and i draw. I also watch a lot of TV.
38-What are your favorite movies?
The Fifth Element, Velvet Goldmine, Tropic Thunder, Zoolander.
39-What are your favorite TV shows?
Project Runway, The Fashion Show, anything on the BBC.
40-What are your favorite books and authors?
Anything by Bret Easton Ellis, Chuck Palahniuk, or John Grisham.
41-Iphone, Android, or Blackberry?
I have a Blackberry, but I wanna try out an Android.
42-Fast food or Gourmet?
Fast Food. I'm not the best cook.
43-Cooking or Take Out?
Take Out. Again, I'm not the best cook.
44-Favorite food?
In Germany, it's currywurst and fries. In Finland, it's Hess Burger. In New York, it's a bacon cheeseburger deluxe from a diner or Ray Pizza!!
45-Beer or Wine?
Depends on what I'm eating, but I'm all about a good beer.
46-Biggest Pet Peeve?
People who complain about a situation, but do not do anything to change it or work with it.
47-Who was you favorite past Project Runway designer?
Santino, Jeffrey, Seth, Suede and Emilio because they spoke their minds and did their own thing.
48-Project Runway challenge you hope they bring back for your season?
Definetely the drag queen challenge or the avant garde challenge.
49-Project Runway Challenge you hope they don't bring back?
The produce or food challenge.
50-Your take on team challenges?
They're pretty cool, cause you see how your competition works and you can get the jump on what skills they don't have, but they can get the jump on what skills you don't have.
51-How did you end up auditioning for Project Runway?
I saw an ad on one of the many bus stations in New York and finally got to it. Also, my friends wouldn't let me sleep unless I did it.
52-Why are you gonna win?
I'll win because I'll take every challenge with an even head and use it as a learning experience. Also because, I'll never let them see me sweat.
These questions are interesting, but looking at some of the answers from a lot of the contestants, I would have pushed the envelope a little more. I'm sure I could have pushed the envelope as well. We'll see what the season holds. I'll be watching, like all of you and seeing what works and what doesn't. Maybe I'll make a trip to New York and audition again. Who knows?
Stay fashionable!!!!
1- What was the first garment you ever made?
The first garment I ever made was a white stretch gown for a drag show when I was a teenager. Everyone loved it, but the gown was pretty simple.
2-What is your music of choice when designing?
It usually depends on what I'm making but usually it's any glam rock (David Bowie, Gary Glitter, Poison, Motley Crue) or house music (Peter Rauhofer, Junior Vasquez, Hex hector, Victor Calderone).
3-When did you realize that you had designer potential?
When I made a jacket after that without any formal training and it fit and held up well.
4-Favorite designers?
I have quite a few favorite designers for different reasons:
Halston and Yves Saint Laurent because they made glamour simple and workable, yet kept a high fashion edge.
John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier because they inspire the fantasy in fashion that I love.
Valentino and Giorgio Armani because they were all about clean lines and classic tailoring.
5-Current Occupation?
Fashion Designer/Costume Designer
6-Can you describe past jobs you've had?
Fashion Retail Sales Associate, Visual Merchandiser, Dance Music Buyer for Virgin Megastore and other jobs that i prefer not to comment on.
7-What is a fashion must?
A great jacket that works with everything, a great skirt that fits, a great pant that fits and an amazing shoe that stands out. Keep it simple and turn it out with attitude, because that the first thing we notice, before we see what you're wearing. Own and be comfortable in what you wear.
8-What is your design training?
I did some design school training as well as learning how to sew from my godmother.
9-What are your strengths as a designer?
If left to my own devices, I can get crazy and pull in different influences.
10-What are your weaknesses as a designer?
Depends on the situation, but usually editing down the ideas. I'm also not the best sketch artist in the world.
11-What's influenced your designs over the years?
Lots of things, like what the trends are, what I've seen from the past and what interests me now.
12-What's your favorite material or fabric to work with?
Cottons and satins. I like a little structure sometimes...lol.
13-What's the item you're most proud of designing?
I would say that white stretch gown because it got me started on this path.
14-Do you prefer sketching or draping?
I'm not the best sketch artist, but I prefer sketching, because I can see what it will look like and I can translate that to the draping.
15-Do you prefer patterns or solids?
It usually depends on what I'm making, but I won't shy away from a pattern.
16-What are your favorite colors?
Anything wild, like pinks, reds, blues and greens. I like colors that pop.
17-What is your biggest fear as a designer?
That my clothes can be too wild for some people.
18-What fashion faux pas drive you crazy?
Socks with sandals, pants hanging off the ass, not knowing the concept of fit on your body type.... Those just come to mind at the moment. I'm sure there are more.
19-What is the ugliest thing you have ever worn?
I try not to wear ugly things, but one thing comes to mind is these brown suede shoes my mom bought me in junior high school. I hated them.
20-Who are your favorite style icons?
I love people who take chances with fashion like Lady Gaga, Grace Jones, Rupaul and Bjork. You sometimes don't love everything they wear, but you see that they think outside the box.
21-How would you dress First Lady Michelle Obama?
I would do everything very classic with clean lines for her, but give her a bold color to work with. The dress would be without sleeves, fitted and to the knee with a short sleeve bolero in a bold print and a fierce heel. Gotta get her out of those Granny heels she wears.
22-What celebrity would you like to design for?
I would like to design for someone with a bold personality and is willing to have fun with what she wears like Lil Kim, Nikki Minaj, Christina Aguilera, Jody Watley or Lady Gaga. If Grace Jones called right now, she would have me for life!!!!
23-Who is your supermodel muse?
Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Karen Elson, Alex Wek, Chanel Iman, Iman, Kate Moss, Stacy McKenzie. I'm all about a model with personality and an interesting look.
24-What do you look for in a model?
Refer to Question 23.
25-If you had to name your label, you'd call it.....
Eric Farr Inc.
26-If you weren't designing, you'd be....
Designing costumes, acting, singing or writing.
27-Dream place to set up your design business?
Berlin, Germany or New York, New York.
28-Websites that feature your work, including your own site?
Right now, it's just Facebook, but keep your eyes open, I'm working on creating a site.
29-Any other cultures or places you wish you could design for?
Tokyo, Japan or London, England.
30-How were you described as a kid?
Creative, colorful, crazy.
31-How are you described now?
The same, but crazier!!
32-Can you describe your family?
Black, Southern Baptist and conservative. I'm the only oddball in the family.
33-Do you have any pets?
None at the moment.
34-Do you have any nicknames?
E-Boogie, E-Dawg, or E-Man. I have others, but they're all person specific.
35-Why are you (or aren't you) easy to live with?
I'm pretty cool to live with, but I can be too specific in how I want things done.
36-What's your favorite hangout back home?
Either my old bedroom in my family's place or The Eagle.
37-What are your hobbies besides designing?
I read and i draw. I also watch a lot of TV.
38-What are your favorite movies?
The Fifth Element, Velvet Goldmine, Tropic Thunder, Zoolander.
39-What are your favorite TV shows?
Project Runway, The Fashion Show, anything on the BBC.
40-What are your favorite books and authors?
Anything by Bret Easton Ellis, Chuck Palahniuk, or John Grisham.
41-Iphone, Android, or Blackberry?
I have a Blackberry, but I wanna try out an Android.
42-Fast food or Gourmet?
Fast Food. I'm not the best cook.
43-Cooking or Take Out?
Take Out. Again, I'm not the best cook.
44-Favorite food?
In Germany, it's currywurst and fries. In Finland, it's Hess Burger. In New York, it's a bacon cheeseburger deluxe from a diner or Ray Pizza!!
45-Beer or Wine?
Depends on what I'm eating, but I'm all about a good beer.
46-Biggest Pet Peeve?
People who complain about a situation, but do not do anything to change it or work with it.
47-Who was you favorite past Project Runway designer?
Santino, Jeffrey, Seth, Suede and Emilio because they spoke their minds and did their own thing.
48-Project Runway challenge you hope they bring back for your season?
Definetely the drag queen challenge or the avant garde challenge.
49-Project Runway Challenge you hope they don't bring back?
The produce or food challenge.
50-Your take on team challenges?
They're pretty cool, cause you see how your competition works and you can get the jump on what skills they don't have, but they can get the jump on what skills you don't have.
51-How did you end up auditioning for Project Runway?
I saw an ad on one of the many bus stations in New York and finally got to it. Also, my friends wouldn't let me sleep unless I did it.
52-Why are you gonna win?
I'll win because I'll take every challenge with an even head and use it as a learning experience. Also because, I'll never let them see me sweat.
These questions are interesting, but looking at some of the answers from a lot of the contestants, I would have pushed the envelope a little more. I'm sure I could have pushed the envelope as well. We'll see what the season holds. I'll be watching, like all of you and seeing what works and what doesn't. Maybe I'll make a trip to New York and audition again. Who knows?
Stay fashionable!!!!
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Berlin Fashion Week 7-10-10- An Experience
As I relax at my desk listening to music, I reflect on this year's Berlin Fashion Week. It was my first one where I got to see a lot of different things. I got to see what the German designers are doing in terms of high fashion, ecological (green) fashion and how their trade shows work.
I registered to every single event I can get information for and planned each day down to the minute.
The first event I went to was the Bright Tradeshow for Streetwear and Skaterwear. I was totally overwhelmed by all of the different sneaker companies (I have a sneaker fetish of the worst kind), but loved every minute of it. It gave me some ideas for some streetwear inspired pieces (slim fitting casual button down shirts in interesting colors and prints). The trade show went on for three days and I checked out two of them. I will include some sketches for my streetwear inspired pieces soon. I also got a ton of reading material (different magazines devoted to skateboarding and streetwear)which may inspire more designs. A lot of the streetwear companies featured a lot of green or enviormentally friendly fashion. There were lots of shirts made out of hemp or natural fibers as well as all kinds of cottons. I'm not sure where I can find those fabrics here, but I am looking for them.
The next event I went to was in Kreuzberg at Catwalk Enterprises. I saw a few really interesting fashion shows there. My favorite designer from the shows I saw is Anett Rostel from Berlin. Her clothes bridges the gap between ready to wear and avant garde. Everything was mostly black, but it can work with whatever you already have in your closet. Her show also gave me some ideas and I will create some sketches for those as well.
The other designers that I saw there also had some interesting designs. One was Stefan Reinberger, His collection was very Indian inspired. I didn't love everything, but there were pieces that I thought were beautiful. It looked more like bridal wear, but it was gorgeous. I had some styling issues with Stefan, though. On one particular model, she was wearing a beautiful lace gown with a low back and a lot of detailing there and she had long hair. If the detailing of the gown is on the back, then put her hair in a bun so you can show it.
The designer that came after him was Andreas Trommler. His style was very rock and roll, which I love!!!!! His collection inspired the glam rock star within me and I'm sure that those things will show in another bunch of sketches soon. There were things like sequin shin guards, sequin knee pads, sharp shouldered jackets (they reminded me of Bryan Ferry and David Bowie), leggings and tapered pants. I went crazy for a lot of the looks because I'm all about the glam rock theme.
I also had an opportunity to check out the Premium trade show. It was huge!!!! I was surrounded by all types of luxury goods and high end fashion. I loved it!!! I got a ton of ideas from a lot of the things there, mostly when it came to accessories. I also loved a lot of the menswear there. European men are not afraid of color, because all of the menswear like blazers, shorts, jeans, and shirts came in interesting shades of yellow, red, electric blue and interesting shades of green. A lot of it was very glam, but very luxurious.
My experience with Berlin Fashion Week 7/5 - 7/11 2010 has been quite interesting and inspiring. I came away with a lot of great ideas to put into my own line. I will put up the sketches as i do them and I will also make it my business to make it cohesive.
Until the next time, stay fashionable and sexy!!!!
I registered to every single event I can get information for and planned each day down to the minute.
The first event I went to was the Bright Tradeshow for Streetwear and Skaterwear. I was totally overwhelmed by all of the different sneaker companies (I have a sneaker fetish of the worst kind), but loved every minute of it. It gave me some ideas for some streetwear inspired pieces (slim fitting casual button down shirts in interesting colors and prints). The trade show went on for three days and I checked out two of them. I will include some sketches for my streetwear inspired pieces soon. I also got a ton of reading material (different magazines devoted to skateboarding and streetwear)which may inspire more designs. A lot of the streetwear companies featured a lot of green or enviormentally friendly fashion. There were lots of shirts made out of hemp or natural fibers as well as all kinds of cottons. I'm not sure where I can find those fabrics here, but I am looking for them.
The next event I went to was in Kreuzberg at Catwalk Enterprises. I saw a few really interesting fashion shows there. My favorite designer from the shows I saw is Anett Rostel from Berlin. Her clothes bridges the gap between ready to wear and avant garde. Everything was mostly black, but it can work with whatever you already have in your closet. Her show also gave me some ideas and I will create some sketches for those as well.
The other designers that I saw there also had some interesting designs. One was Stefan Reinberger, His collection was very Indian inspired. I didn't love everything, but there were pieces that I thought were beautiful. It looked more like bridal wear, but it was gorgeous. I had some styling issues with Stefan, though. On one particular model, she was wearing a beautiful lace gown with a low back and a lot of detailing there and she had long hair. If the detailing of the gown is on the back, then put her hair in a bun so you can show it.
The designer that came after him was Andreas Trommler. His style was very rock and roll, which I love!!!!! His collection inspired the glam rock star within me and I'm sure that those things will show in another bunch of sketches soon. There were things like sequin shin guards, sequin knee pads, sharp shouldered jackets (they reminded me of Bryan Ferry and David Bowie), leggings and tapered pants. I went crazy for a lot of the looks because I'm all about the glam rock theme.
I also had an opportunity to check out the Premium trade show. It was huge!!!! I was surrounded by all types of luxury goods and high end fashion. I loved it!!! I got a ton of ideas from a lot of the things there, mostly when it came to accessories. I also loved a lot of the menswear there. European men are not afraid of color, because all of the menswear like blazers, shorts, jeans, and shirts came in interesting shades of yellow, red, electric blue and interesting shades of green. A lot of it was very glam, but very luxurious.
My experience with Berlin Fashion Week 7/5 - 7/11 2010 has been quite interesting and inspiring. I came away with a lot of great ideas to put into my own line. I will put up the sketches as i do them and I will also make it my business to make it cohesive.
Until the next time, stay fashionable and sexy!!!!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Getting A Good Picture Of German Fashion- Part Two
Picking up where I left off, I realized that I haven't told you what inspired me. It wasn't one thing or another, it was an overall visual thing.
One of the things that inspired me was seeing many different types of men, dressed very practical but fashionable. All of them had worn something with color or print to it. Most New York men live in black, brown, or navy. The fashionable men will experiment with color, but will sometimes go overboard. German men will use the right amount of color to make the whole look work. They may not experiment as much, but when they do, they know that it works for them. What also inspired me is that the men here know their sizes and dress accordingly. The guys here wear things that are fitted to their body, not tight and not oversized. Their look is cleaner and leaner. I like that!!
It has got the picture in my mind of a more British styled kind of look. A very mod styled kind of look with nice clean lines that can be casual or dressy, but always in great taste and workable with practically everything. I will be trying to incorporate crazy prints and stripes into all of this, as most mod looks are very structured around black, brown or navy. I will also incorporate two of my many style influences, David Bowie and Bryan Ferry. The looks of both of these men are always sharp, but with a twist.
I wish I had pictures of both of them, so you can see what I mean, but alas, I couldn't find any at this time. I will try to describe how they dressed which will influence my first set of sketches for my menswear line.
Bryan Ferry and David Bowie really kicked things off for me when it came to fashion. Their look was always sharp, classy and cutting edge. They always managed to meld the classic with the contemporary styles. In the book "One Hundred Years Of Menswear" (page 251)there is a picture of David Bowie in a yellow suit and a yellow and white striped shirt. The pic was taken in 1974, but he looked amazing in the suit. He was wearing a color that most pimps would wear, but doing it in a classy way. He wasn't wearing a tie, but the suit still looked elegant. In the same book (page 253), Bryan Ferry was wearing a tailored suit by a London designer named Antony Price. Antony's signature was sharp, padded shoulders and a sharp, sleek cut. It was an ode to the way suits were done in the 1940's (wide in the shoulder, fitted to the body, sharp cuts and clean lines). These two pics are the inspirations for my first set of sketches for my menswear line.
Right now I'm looking through a few other books and seeing what jumps out at me. I'm also hitting the streets and looking at what everyone is wearing. Who knows? Something that you may be wearing, or buying may inspire one of my designs.
One of the things that inspired me was seeing many different types of men, dressed very practical but fashionable. All of them had worn something with color or print to it. Most New York men live in black, brown, or navy. The fashionable men will experiment with color, but will sometimes go overboard. German men will use the right amount of color to make the whole look work. They may not experiment as much, but when they do, they know that it works for them. What also inspired me is that the men here know their sizes and dress accordingly. The guys here wear things that are fitted to their body, not tight and not oversized. Their look is cleaner and leaner. I like that!!
It has got the picture in my mind of a more British styled kind of look. A very mod styled kind of look with nice clean lines that can be casual or dressy, but always in great taste and workable with practically everything. I will be trying to incorporate crazy prints and stripes into all of this, as most mod looks are very structured around black, brown or navy. I will also incorporate two of my many style influences, David Bowie and Bryan Ferry. The looks of both of these men are always sharp, but with a twist.
I wish I had pictures of both of them, so you can see what I mean, but alas, I couldn't find any at this time. I will try to describe how they dressed which will influence my first set of sketches for my menswear line.
Bryan Ferry and David Bowie really kicked things off for me when it came to fashion. Their look was always sharp, classy and cutting edge. They always managed to meld the classic with the contemporary styles. In the book "One Hundred Years Of Menswear" (page 251)there is a picture of David Bowie in a yellow suit and a yellow and white striped shirt. The pic was taken in 1974, but he looked amazing in the suit. He was wearing a color that most pimps would wear, but doing it in a classy way. He wasn't wearing a tie, but the suit still looked elegant. In the same book (page 253), Bryan Ferry was wearing a tailored suit by a London designer named Antony Price. Antony's signature was sharp, padded shoulders and a sharp, sleek cut. It was an ode to the way suits were done in the 1940's (wide in the shoulder, fitted to the body, sharp cuts and clean lines). These two pics are the inspirations for my first set of sketches for my menswear line.
Right now I'm looking through a few other books and seeing what jumps out at me. I'm also hitting the streets and looking at what everyone is wearing. Who knows? Something that you may be wearing, or buying may inspire one of my designs.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Getting A Good Picture of German Fashion
Hey there, everyone!!!!
I'm the kind of designer who gets inspiration from many things, so to get some inspiration for my first set of designs for my line, I decided to hit the streets of Berlin. I'm also making a big leap from doing womenswear to menswear, even though my line will consist of womenswear and menswear. I got some pretty good inspirations to start my sketches.
I was walking around Wittenberg Platz earlier and I looked at all the different store windows (KaDaWe, Puma, Adidas, H&M, Desigual, and others). I started things off by looking in the windows, seeing what was in there that could jump out at me. Being that I used to do visual merchandising (that's another story for another entry), I was always looking for something that I can work another way, like seeing something (like a top) in an interesting color and deciding to create something totally left of center(like furry legwarmers, for instance) but workable with what I saw in the window. A lot of the stuff in those windows were pretty safe, but they were looks that you would always see. I started looking for some interesting stores (H&M can be pretty interesting sometimes) and checked out what was there. I liked what I saw there and got inspired with a few different color combinations. The one thing that I would say about some of the windows I saw is that men will wear it the way they see it in the window. I want to inspire men to take a chance on something crazy and making it work in his everyday wardrobe.
I got on the bus to make my way home and as I was riding along, I checked out the guys on the bus, checked out what they were wearing and how they were wearing it. I also checked out guys out the windows, walking the street. Most of the guys were either dressed in work clothes (very blue collar and sexy) or very dressy (office workers or sales associates from KaDaWe). There were even guys that were very casual in jeans and sneakers. Everyone looked amazing, with really hot, trendy haircuts. That got me started in sketching out a few things once I got home. Hopefully, one of the sketches will start the process of shaping the line.
It was a pretty interesting ride today. Let's see what happens tomorrow.
I'm the kind of designer who gets inspiration from many things, so to get some inspiration for my first set of designs for my line, I decided to hit the streets of Berlin. I'm also making a big leap from doing womenswear to menswear, even though my line will consist of womenswear and menswear. I got some pretty good inspirations to start my sketches.
I was walking around Wittenberg Platz earlier and I looked at all the different store windows (KaDaWe, Puma, Adidas, H&M, Desigual, and others). I started things off by looking in the windows, seeing what was in there that could jump out at me. Being that I used to do visual merchandising (that's another story for another entry), I was always looking for something that I can work another way, like seeing something (like a top) in an interesting color and deciding to create something totally left of center(like furry legwarmers, for instance) but workable with what I saw in the window. A lot of the stuff in those windows were pretty safe, but they were looks that you would always see. I started looking for some interesting stores (H&M can be pretty interesting sometimes) and checked out what was there. I liked what I saw there and got inspired with a few different color combinations. The one thing that I would say about some of the windows I saw is that men will wear it the way they see it in the window. I want to inspire men to take a chance on something crazy and making it work in his everyday wardrobe.
I got on the bus to make my way home and as I was riding along, I checked out the guys on the bus, checked out what they were wearing and how they were wearing it. I also checked out guys out the windows, walking the street. Most of the guys were either dressed in work clothes (very blue collar and sexy) or very dressy (office workers or sales associates from KaDaWe). There were even guys that were very casual in jeans and sneakers. Everyone looked amazing, with really hot, trendy haircuts. That got me started in sketching out a few things once I got home. Hopefully, one of the sketches will start the process of shaping the line.
It was a pretty interesting ride today. Let's see what happens tomorrow.
Hey there, everyone!!!
Hey there, everyone!!!!
Thanks for checking out my blog!!!
I'm posting this to let you know that I'm always checking here and updating things as they go along. I'll be on the streets, in the stores, in the clubs and bars and all throughout different parts of Germany, checking out the fashion here. Some of the things I see will influence some of my designs, others I will think about in terms of styling. I'm also gonna be putting my New York club kid spin on all of the things I do. Either way, I'm gonna have fun with it. If you see something that I haven't saw and you think that I should give it a spin, just let me know by posting it.
I'm heading out the door now to see what Berlin's got for me. Chat with you all soon!!!!
Eric
Thanks for checking out my blog!!!
I'm posting this to let you know that I'm always checking here and updating things as they go along. I'll be on the streets, in the stores, in the clubs and bars and all throughout different parts of Germany, checking out the fashion here. Some of the things I see will influence some of my designs, others I will think about in terms of styling. I'm also gonna be putting my New York club kid spin on all of the things I do. Either way, I'm gonna have fun with it. If you see something that I haven't saw and you think that I should give it a spin, just let me know by posting it.
I'm heading out the door now to see what Berlin's got for me. Chat with you all soon!!!!
Eric
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Greetings To All Fashion Lovers!!
Hi there!!! My name is Eric Farr and I am a fashion designer from New York. I moved here to Berlin a year ago to focus on being a designer. As much as I love designing fashion, I love to read about it and talk about it. This blog will be the sounding board of what I see in German fashion, what I like and don't like and what may be completely missing from fashion on this side of the world.
I don't want to only push my view of fashion, but I also want to hear what the other lovers of fashion think of what they see or don't see in Berlin. I also want to use this blog to answer any questions that you may have about fashion.
This blog is gonna be all about fun, so let's have a blast!! Grab a cocktail and take a seat. We're gonna make fashion fun.
Eric Farr
I don't want to only push my view of fashion, but I also want to hear what the other lovers of fashion think of what they see or don't see in Berlin. I also want to use this blog to answer any questions that you may have about fashion.
This blog is gonna be all about fun, so let's have a blast!! Grab a cocktail and take a seat. We're gonna make fashion fun.
Eric Farr
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