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Summer Fashion Events--Vegas, Fashion Week, Parsons Show

by on ‎09-20-2013 10:57 AM

I can’t believe the summer is already over! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. As some of you know, I was one of three designers sponsored by American Express to compete in the Rising Stars of Fashion handbag competition. The event took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, one of the most fun-filled cities in America! The moment the plane touched ground I was in competition mode. As we drove into the city I was inspired by all the lights and flashing illuminated signs. Having come from a small city in Australia, Vegas was definitely an eye opener!


Palazzo in Las Vegas


Once I arrived at the MAGIC tradeshow I was given very interesting guidelines for the challenge, to design and hand-make a handbag in the two and a half day period of the show inspired by “RETRO PROVEN NEWNESS”.  I sat there thinking what does this theme mean to me? How can I take that and turn it into something really fun, inspiring and creative… I had it! I have always loved Pop Art and a whole lot of bling! So I put together an inspiration board of some of my favorite style icons from the 60’s, Diana Ross, Cher, and Audrey Hepburn combining that with artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring. In order to add the “Newness” element of the theme, I decided to hand work with Swarovski crystal elements.


my inspiration board


at my booth in Vegas


 


After two and a half days working tirelessly to finish my creation I was finally complete! A touch of rock and roll retro with a splash of sparkle and voila! My competition piece said “I’m in Vegas baby”!


hard at work on my bag :)


the finished product


here's the back of the bag


 


After the competition it was time to get back to New York and onto Fashion Week! My excitement was bubbling the whole way home. I couldn’t wait to see the latest styles and trends walk down the runway translated uniquely by each designer. I’m always so inspired by fashion week and all the fabulous styles of everyone around me.


I was most excited to head off to The Parsons New School for Design runway show, “Phase 2”, because I love to support other young designers with a dream and vision, especially those fresh creative minds that come out of the very place that taught me how to get to where I am today. These aspiring designers made a big statement with their finest works of fashion. From color blocking with felts to white embroidery on white linen, the Parson’s students blew me away. It was hard to believe, from witnessing the incredible quality of work walk down the runway that these designers just recently graduated! The work was exceptional! I am so proud of them.


a look from the runway at Parsons


another look from the runway show at Parsons


me with one of the designers at Parsons


 


After an eventful few weeks I’m off again to launch my brand in Canada! I have just arrived in Toronto and I can’t wait to explore all the stores and sights. I’ve heard so much about the St. Lawrence Market and the beautiful fashion boutiques that the Yorkville area has to offer! Traveling in style of course with my Lucy satchel, a must have for women on the go!


with my Lucy satchel


 


Check back in soon for the next part of my journey!


xoxo,


Aimee