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Showing posts with label Fashion Spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion Spotlight. Show all posts

January 16, 2014

Fashion Spotlight: Pure + Privé Spring/Summer 2014 Leather Collection


I had the pleasure of interviewing Newton'Enis Henry Swader IV, Founder/Designer of Pure + Privé (pronounced Pree-vay), a jewelry and lifestyle brand company that was launched in 2012.  Hearing Newton'Enis' story about how his business got started was so inspiring.  As he explained the scenario of using his last $20 to put gas in his car in order to meet up with a denim distributor in downtown Los Angeles, who ultimately never showed up, it was quite evident that fate had its own plan in mind.  Just as he was coming to grips with his inability to draw a profit from his first fashion endeavor (Faith Works Clothing Co.), he literally stumbled upon his next endeavor that day when something told him to take a stroll through the garment district instead of going back to his car and heading back home. Feeling disappointed, and literally penniless, he tried to walk it off and came upon a store that carried beads.  He entered the store thinking he could find some beads for a prayer bead bracelet design he had come up with, but instead, met the owner and spoke to him in depth about making jewelry with beads and how he too had spent his life savings on his business.

The rest was history because shortly after meeting that man, Newton'Enis was being asked about the beautifully handcrafted pieces that he was wearing.  After a 'Point of Display' deal with Bloomingdale's fell through, he was approached by a Bebe clothing representative who wanted to purchase earrings from him, but wanted to put their name on it.  He knew in his heart that he wanted his craft to reflect his name and brand so he ended up declining that offer.  Still, God kept opening doors and Pure + Privé was born with a clear vision, trademark and identity all its own.  Newton'Enis explained that he "always wanted to stay a step ahead of everyone else, create classic pieces and never wanted to do what everyone else was doing."

The line currently features fine, handcrafted jewelry and more recently, he is in the development phases of adding optical (eyeglass frames), home and fragrance lines to his growing lifestyle brand. He has also  already introduced leather handbags for women and backpacks for men via his Privé Collection that boasts plush leather materials accompanied by fine hardware details and design. 

When asked about his creative process he admits that when he sits down to create, the environment can be hectic, yet he seeks to make an, "art piece", instead of just jewelry and "lets each collection take its own shape and theme".  He and I have very similar tastes as we both love David Yurman (one of his style inspirations) along with Ralph Lauren and Armani.  Although the attitude changes from collection to collection, the common theme between them all is that they are fueled by pure passion, inspiration and a keen thirst to make his brand legendary.  He explained to me that, "If you're going to do something, pick someone who does it best and come for their throat."

Pure + Privé has a total of 5 collections (City, Nights, Vintage, Lifestyle, Leather) and will soon include home, optical and fragrance in 2015.  Pure + Privé's Spring/Summer collection will officially launch on February 7th and will host a release party and birthday celebration for Newton'Enis at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.

He expressed how proud he was to be one of the few young, urban heterosexual males making waves in the fashion industry and noted, "there's not enough of us".  I asked him what he would tell his younger self if he had the chance to go back in time and he said he would stress, "no matter what, believe in you right now, pay more attention in school and don't dim your light to fit in, because in the end you gone be alright."

Although things are really picking up he confesses that he is still continually amazed at himself and his accomplishments thus far.  Swader IV told me a story about how he almost broke down in tears while shopping at the mall, walking around in his own brand.  His personal mantras for success are "Dream, believe, do" and "Be legendary".  The brand now has celebrity clients as diverse as Joey Lawrence, Charlie Wilson and model Mamadou Sall, just to name a few, and will soon be featured in choice high-end  department stores in Los Angeles.

Below are a few of his ads for previous collections:





His website is currently under construction, but you can take a peek at the new leather collection and also keep up with him on Instagram and Facebook:

Instagram: @PurePrive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PURE+PRIVE

Share your thoughts about his inspiring story below in our comment section.

March 7, 2012

Fashion Spotlight: Something Old, Something New Boutique Spring 2012 Fashion Show

I recently did an Entrepreneurial Spotlight on Something Old, Something New in January of this year (http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/entrepreneurial-spotlight.html). Now I'm back with a Fashion Spotlight featuring Spring 2012 looks fresh off the runway. 

My good friend Kenya Kirkland - @SugarScoutC has totally outdone herself with her Spring 2012 fashion show styled by Ashley Branagh @AshleyRamona, stylist extraordinaire.  I must say that Something Old, Something New brought the runways of Paris to the streets with their sexy and classy interpretation of Spring Chic, yet promise not to break your pockets with trendy designs for the Fashionista on a budget.  The beautiful color palette that graced the runway was inspiring and they even featured a Size Sexy (plus size) model to rock the looks made especially for the thick girls.  @SugarScoutC also featured her custom-made jewelry designs on all of the models, as well as her custom jean short creations.  But there is no need for a grand introduction.  The pictures speak volumes.

Check out the pictorial below:
















 


Kenya Kirkland aka Sugar Scout Couture and her mother
I don't know about you, but this fashion show has me excited for Spring.  There were plenty of pieces that I can rock straight off the runway, but the first piece of business will be to get my tail down to Something Old, Something New and cop them before the fashionistas grab them all up at 7525 S. Western Ave B, Los Angeles, CA 90047.

Styling by: Ashley Branagh
Photos:  Mike Melendy Photography
Makeup: Jessica Matlock, Tira Dale and Brandy Allen
Hair: Ashley Alexandria

To check out more fashions and purchase some of these looks online visit: http://www.officialsugarscoutcouture.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SugarScoutC
Sugar Scout Couture Blog: http://sugarscoutcouture.blogspot.com/

March 2, 2012

Fashion Spotlight: Jeffrey Campbell Shoes

I must admit that I missed the style train as I was seemingly late in hearing about Jeffrey Campbell and his shoe line early last year.  I was introduced to his line by a follower on Twitter and have been in love ever since.  Many fashionistas are probably already hip to him and have a few of his shoes in their closets, but I was pretty sure that if I just recently heard about him early last year, that there were probably others who had yet to be graced by his funky flare.

Jeffrey Campbell started its fashionable journey in 2001 based out of Los Angeles and contributes the success of the brand to keeping a small team and business environment.   In the last 11 years the company has experienced exponential success as they continue to fuse street and vintage chic ideals and energy into each and every design.  Whether its a girly hipster floral print or boasts a dominatrix, black patent leather with spikes type of feel, there is something for everyone.

I snagged a few pictures of some of my favorite designs.  CHECK IT OUT:













So as you see from the pictorial above, there is something for everyone.  Whether you're a hippie/retro chick or a slick fashionista, Jeffrey Campbell has something energetic and fly to fit every mood.  And this line is not your typical celebrity line.  To quote the man himself, “Our end line consumers have a strong sense of style... and do not need some celebrity or a magazine to teach them how to dress.”  A shoe line after my own heart.  Check out the website for their blog, collections and more on the company at http://www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com/.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!!

January 17, 2012

Fashion Spotlight: A-List Celebrity Kids Style

Now that your favorite celeb fashionistas are all grown up and starting families, we have more celebrity style to look forward to in their offspring.  Celebs like Gwen Stefani, Jada Pinkett Smith, Kourtney Kardashian and Madonna are all A-List celebs that are well known for their daring and dashing style, but one would wonder, will this stylish flare carry on to their children.  Below BornTooBlog has featured a fashion pictorial on just that; the A-List Style of some of your favorite celebrity kids...CHECK IT OUT:

Kingston Stefani Rossdale
Mother: Gwen Stefani




The offspring of Pop-Rock royalty Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale spawned stylish Kingston Stefani Rossdale.  1 of 2 of Gwen's young boys.  Kingston is known for his colorful fashion palette and carefree style that mixes fashion genres and aesthetics.  Kingston seems to love utility pockets where he can store his toys and check the new bleach blonde do!  Look familiar?

Lourdes Ciccone
Mother: Madonna




Lourdes Ciccone is Madonna's only biological daughter, whom she had with fitness trainer Carlos Leon in 1994.  Although the courtship was short lived, it produced Lourdes, the spitting image of Madonna, blessed with an eye for fashion just like her mother.  I predict that she will soon be the talk of the town a la Nicole Ritchie and Paris Hilton.  Just give her a few years.

Mason Kardashian
Mother: Kourtney Kardashian




Mason Kardashian is the newest edition to the Kardashian Clan and his parents Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick are quite the stylish couple.  They love to dress Mase in mature stripes, with black, white and grey hues in his play time.  When its time to dress up, Mason is all about the glamour and prestige as he dons suits and sports coats much like his father Scott wears on a daily basis.  This kid definitely has inherited the style gene on both sides.

Suri Cruise
Mother: Kati Holmes




Suri is the resident DIVA of all celebrity offspring.  And with a father like Tom Cruise, one of the most wealthy actors in Hollywood, why wouldnt she be?  It has been said that Suri loves to dress herself, loves high heels, makeup and girly clothing and loves to tote a big girl purse/bag wherever she goes.  Suri loves colorful print dresses, fancy heels with embellishments and flashy accessories that make her look like a little Hollywood princess.

Willow Smith
Mother: Jada Pinkett Smith




Willow busted onto the scene at a very young age with a rock star attitude and a Pop hit to boot (with her hit single "Whip My Hair").  Fashion is at the forefront of her image and she has been spotted sitting front row with her mother at fashions shows in Paris and London.  Already known as the daughter of Hollywood royalty, Jada Pinkett and Will Smith, Willow has crawled from beneath the shadows of her talented actor brother Jaden, and has carved her own niche in fashion and music.  Her style would be described as punker/rock/pop diva meets couture fashionista, always keeping it lively and fun with her plethora of hues, patters and textures.

On A Side Note: The sad thing is that these kids throw away more clothes than I purchase in a year.  Still looking to see if the Smith's or Kardashian's would like to adopt a 31 year old African American Fashionista to add to their brood...LOL!

WEIGH IN
Which A-List celebrity kid fashion do you like most?
Who do you think is too over the top?
Would you dress your children like this and why?  If not, why not?