Yoga Army

 

Yoga Army is a fun fusion of sexy and classic chic fashion line created by Sandy Wee and Sebastian. The dream duo partnered after Sandy was designing for 10 years for other major brands and after Sebastian left  the music, film, and yoga biz. In this interview Sandy Wee tells the Yoga Army story and how it is destined to set fashion trends.
When did your fascination with fashion design begin and how did you get involve with Yoga army?
My fascination began as a tweenager growing up in the San Fernando valley during the 80’s – I learned how to sew in order to peg down the legs of my corduroys and jeans before there were leggings, then we got into fluorescent harem pants a la MC Hammer, and then we graduated to the cool Mod looks with fur lined parkas, peacoats, and bommer jackets.  We used to go thrift shopping and alter these shifts from the 60’s and make them shorter to wear over white tights and Mary Jane flats.  People used to look at us strangely, but my friends and I loved to stand out and make a fashion statement in a cool, classy way.Yoga Army began when we partnered up after my 10 plus years of designing for other major brands and after Sebastian left the music, film and yoga biz.

How would you describe the Yoga Army fashion line?
Yoga Army is a fun fusion of sexy and classic chic. .  I love working with leathers and soft jerseys, or cool fluid silks with a touch of flowery lace – it makes a dress a lot more interesting.

What does the name Yoga Army mean?
Actually Sebastian my partner came up with that name, it’s basically our own version of the yin and yang – yoga meaning tranquility and union of the self and Army which for us stands for strength and the  resolve to stand by your beliefs.  This is basically the design concept behind the line – finding the balance between two dichotamies, speaking in the design sense, the hard and soft aspects.

What is the inspiration behind the Yoga Army clothes?
The primary inspiration was to have both a seductive style and comfort simultaneously.  Most often men can attend any events wearing comfortable shirts and jackets to keep them warm while women are usually freezing in barely there clothing and high heels. We wanted to keep the silhouettes sexy but tried to keep the waists from being too tight, and if short, keeping the body very drapey and fluid so that the focus is not only on the exposed legs but on the movement above.  Balancing the two concepts is what keeps Yoga Army dresses a great staple to have.

“I think the absolute best thing about being an independent fashion designer is the ability to set the trends and make a statement that you believe in and not always follow what the entire market declares is trendy and IN.”

Who do you see wearing Yoga Army fashions from everyday women to celebrities?
Today’s woman, on the go, from business meetings in the daytime to the cocktail party at night, and on the plane for a relaxing trip to Dubai.  Celebrities? Lindsay Price, April Scott, Jaime Presley, Jenny McCarthy, Donna D’Errico & Holly Robinson are just a few

We would love to dress Zooey Deschanel, Milla Jovovich & Kate Beckinsale.

Yoga Army

 

 

April Scott - Yoga Army

What would be one of your most memorable Yoga Army garments you’ve ever designed?
Definitely the kimono with the leather obo waists.  We embroidered my artwork of a stork in a flowery pond and it came out beautifully.

Can you tell us more about the Yoga Army collection for this season, and for the upcoming season?
This season was very influenced by the Gilded Age – the turn of the century Victorian America.  Corsets, as you know were made with whalebones and were very stiff and restrictive, sometimes cinching women’s waists down to 13.”  We have updated the corset idea using soft leathers with jersey, thereby giving the appearance of a small cinched in waist while having the stretch and comfort of the jersey back.  The final effects are extremely modern and sexy at the same time!

For Spring the collection, we call it Lawrence of Arabia meets The Fifth Element – lots of drapey silks trimmed with soft leather straps and exaggerated, sculpted shoulders with bandaged leather mitered fronts – concepts that offer new silhouettes – if you are daring enough to wear them!

Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
I’m inspired by Lanvin – for Elbaz’s gorgeous sense of classic elegance (he knows what looks good on a woman), Stella McCartney – always ever so modern and sportswear driven, and John Galliano – for his dramatic playfulness and attention to detail – all of these designers I ultimately respect for being masters of the technical side of designing as well as their vision.

Where can we shop for Yoga Army clothes?
Nikabutik.com (847) 696-1700, Pulse in Stl Louis – Pulsestl.com (636) 519-4022, Southmoonunder.com, Fred Segal Emphatic (310)394-1208 and about 300+ more stores in the US.

What do you love most about being a fashion designer?
I think the absolute best thing about being an independent fashion designer is the ability to set the trends and make a statement that you believe in and not always follow what the entire market declares is trendy and “IN.”

How would you describe your own style?
I’m a mixture of Rocker Chic and Relaxed Chic.  I always want to be comfortable so mostly I’m strolling around in flat knee high boots with leggings or skinny jeans and one of my silk tops or dresses.  Sebastian is very rock’n roll – all jeans and chunky heavy silver jewelry!

What’s next for Yoga Army?
Always something new and exciting

Style Interviews would like to thank Sandy for sharing her love of fashion with us and please check out Yoga Army’s official home online at www.yogaarmy.com

Mont Charles de Monaco-Monaco’s New High Fashion Label Unveils Sensual Handbag Collection

Mont Charles de Monaco, one of the first high fashion labels to originate from the prosperous Principality, has revealed its signature collection of sensual handbags, as part of a coordinated plan to revive Monaco’s glamorous identity.


Mont Charles de Monaco Lady Eve and First Lady Limited Edition handbag.

Monaco Represents Glamour, Luxury and Exclusivity:


Prince Albert II of Monaco With Safia Al Rachid. Safia is wearing a Mont Charles de Monaco handbag in Lady Rose.

Continue reading Mont Charles de Monaco-Monaco’s New High Fashion Label Unveils Sensual Handbag Collection

British Celebrity Designer Matthew Williamson to Design for H&M

British celebrity designer Matthew Williamson is teaming up with Swedish retailer H&M to do a capsule collection.

“I love the fact that H&M have created a new phenomenon in fashion through the pioneering concept of collaborating with high-end designers to create one-off limited edition capsule collections. I am thrilled that my creations for H&M will be accessible to and hopefully enjoyed by so many people around the world” Williamson said.

A favorite of stars like Rihanna, Thandie Newton, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan and more, Williamson will bring his bright prints to H&M by April 23rd. A second collection, to be released in mid-May, will include both men’s and women’s clothing.

A few weeks ago, H&M had joint collaboration with Japan’s Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons.

via: Just Jared.

Gwyneth Paltrow and her New Website GOOP!

Gwyneth Paltrow, one of the most classic actresses in Hollywood, has recently launched a new lifestyle website: GOOP. If you haven’t yet visited the site, you must, at least I think so:)

Gwyneth Paltrow is sharing with us through GOOP her experience with spirituality, style, cooking, healthy eating and fitness tips, her favorite places to eat and dine and even her favorite hotels.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s real balance in life is very inspiring!

And by the way, have you seen Gwyneth Paltrow’s cooking show with Mario Batali, Mark Bittman, and Claudia Bassols on PBS: Spain: On The Road Again (on Thursday night?). Well, she impressed me with her fluent Spanish! ‘Astonishing’, as Gwyneth says. 

Fashion Designer Vera Wang Talks About Look Her New Perfume- Video Clip

Fashion designer Vera Wang has recently launched a new perfume to add to her repertoire of beautiful fragrances: Look.

Here is a video clip of Vera Wang talking about the inspiration and meaning behind her new fragrance, Look.

Joan Hornig

Joan Hornig is a talented jewelry designer who has developed a way to encourage others to join her in support of educational and other philanthropic initiatives. Joan Hornig is doing so by giving 100% of the profits on each jewelry sold to the purchaser’s charity of choice.  In this interview Joan Hornig talks about her fascination with jewelry which began in early childhood, defines the Joan Hornig jewelry line philosophy, describes her first ever jewelry piece she designed, explains her desire to give back, and even talks about her own personal style.

When did your fascination with jewelry design begin?
My fascination with jewelry began in early childhood.   We know that small children are attracted to shiny, moving things like metals and gems. I guess I never got over it!  I cannot remember a time when I didn’t want to wear jewelry. However, my intellectually based interest probably formed in middle school while visiting museums. I began studying the jewelry worn and made by all cultures and peoples around the world.What is Joan Hornig jewelry’s philosophy?
The Joan Hornig jewelry philosophy is that jewelry is intensively personal, must compliment not overpower a wearer and must be distinctive. – like the woman herself!   It should be easy for the woman to put on herself, look good from all angles and sides (back as well as front).  It must be recognizable as a Joan Hornig design because of it’s practicality – day to evening versatility, choice of materials and balance and harmo ny in design.  It is not mass-produced and should be obvious as hand crafted and finely made. Joan Hornig jewelry is meant to communicate that the wearer understands that the jewelry is a good investment and has lasting value on multiple levels.  This comes from the materials, the design, and the donations from sales driven to the non-profit world.

“What I love most about being a jewelry designer is seeing someone put on my jewelry, walk over to a mirror, smile at herself and feel delighted with her reflection.  When a woman is drawn to my jewelry, I know she is secure and passionate and understands how much impact fashion has.”

How would you describe the Joan Hornig jewelry?
Jewelry should be fluid and move with the wearer.  The earrings I design whether highly feminine, i.e. flowers, art nouveau motifs, pearls, diamonds, or more architectural and reflective of  a strong mid 20th century aesthetic and today’s fashion, all incorporate some of my basic principles. They catch the light when they move, there is an obvious  contrast between textures and materials further highlighting the excitement of sparkle and glow; they cover the torn earholes that so many women experience, and they can be worn comfortably when talking on the phone.   The necklaces also incorporate this philosophy.  They are feminine and soft, caressing a woman’s neck or they are dramatically long and layerable making them double/tripleable.  There is always a sparkle and they too are sculptural.  Bracelets are substantial, wearab le and relate to nature.

What was the first jewelry piece you designed?
The first piece I designed for the Joan Hornig line was a watermelon tourmaline and gold necklace.  However, I always designed jewelry even using seeds, wood, leather and found objects and beads as a teenager.  I also designed statement diamond jewelry, reworking antique pieces into personal pieces for myself during the ’80’s.

Where do you draw the inspiration for your designs?
Everything inspires me – travel, the grocery store, the economy, the stones and materials themselves.   Nature and the history of art are very much in my design vocabulary so I suppose I take many of my inspirations from them whether consciously or not.  A texture or a fabric or pattern can set me spinning with excitement to try something new.

Who do you see wearing your jewelry?
I see everyone wearing my jewelry!  That is why I design things that can be worn as t-shirt treats, business meeting accessories or  black tie gala designs. Price is always a factor so I design strong message pieces in both sterling and gold.  Women and men from around the world are attracted to the jewelry. It’s meant to be seductive on many levels.

What is your own personal favorite jewelry piece from the Joan Hornig collections?
I always have 2 favorite pieces – the one I just sold and the one I am making. I have a special fondness for the Georgette’s  (named after my husband, George), the classic diamond and pearl together earrings (as you know- when a person buys my jewelry I give all the profits on the piece to the charity of his/her choice.)

What styles are you working on for the upcoming seasons?
I am working on a lot of different designs that are dramatic, architectural and inspired by my travels abroad.

What do you love most about being a jewelry designer?
What I love most about being a jewelry designer is seeing someone put on my jewelry, walk over to a mirror, smile at herself and feel delighted with her reflection.  When a woman is drawn to my jewelry, I know she is secure and passionate and understands how much impact fashion has.  I know that wearer will get noticed and talk about not only the jewelry but also the charity aspect of my collection.  The ability to spur conversation and inspire is awesome.  Women will only wear and buy jewelry they like.  What could be a greater validation for me as a designer and philanthropist than to have that kind of validation while making a difference in the future through charitable giving?

Where does your passion for philanthropy come from?
My passion for giving back comes from my family. I have personally been so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be well loved, well educated and brave enough to take risks.  I believe that education is the key to a great many things.  Having gotten one of the finest educations available, my world and thus my responsibility to be a citizen of it became quite clear to me.

How would you describe your own style?
My own style while not flamboyant is one that says “notice me”.  I am not afraid to wear color or mix old and new things in a very personal, unexpected way.  I mix modern and tradition like sumptuous things, but believe in being comfortable and relaxed.  I am, however, always seen in jewelry and would feel naked without it.

What’s next for Joan Hornig?
I am hoping to expand my Philanthropy is Beautiful line into other areas which can be part of everyday life.

It was a pleasure to interview Joan you can find out more about her jewelry at her official website: www.joanhornig.com

Lana Fuchs

Lana Fuchs is a Russian born fashion designer and the designer of Lana Fuchs Couture, the lifestyle brand Billionaire Mafia and the founder of Emerald Dream foundations, a charitable non-profit  organization. In this interview, Lana Fuchs chats with Marta Walsh about her trip to India and how it drove her to finally pursue her dream to become a fashion designer, her inspiration behind the Lana Fuchs Couture Spring/Summer 2009 Collection “Rhapsody In Boom” presented at LA Fashion Week, her dreams to dress Middle America and help women to feel good about themselves, how she would love to dress Cindy McCain, and her fascination with legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel.

When did you fascination with fashion begin?
My fascination with fashion began probably when I was eight years old, when I moved to the US with my parents from Russia. We settled in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn New York. We moved into a terrible studio apartment. It was the classic immigrant story, we all have them. I was an overweight child and didn’t speak English which led to a somewhat hard time in school. My uncle bought me a Barbie Doll for my ninth birthday. My life has changed. I began living my life vicariously through Barbie. I felt that Barbie’s clothes were not good enough for her. I use to cut my mom’s curtains and her vinyl table cloths and turn them into pretty clothes which I sewed by hand.  This is when I decided that when I grow up I want to be in fashion.  But when I grew up I wasn’t allowed to go to school to study fashion because it wasn’t considered a real education by my parents. They wanted me to be stable and have a steady profession.  I ended doing everything they wanted me to do. To make long story short, when I turned 33 I went on a trip to India for a month. I was at a good place financially and with my family but I didn’t feel I was fulfilled. When I came back from India I knew what I had to do. I quit everything and I told my family I was planning to do what I love, which is fashion. I never wanted to live with the notion’ I should have could have.’ I never looked back!What was the first garment you have ever designed as the Lana Fuchs Couture?
I first began making clothes for myself. Everywhere I went people used to compliment me for what I wore and asked where they can buy it. I ended up making one of a kind gowns and various outfits for others.  I have pictures of every garment I have ever designed. The first gown I designed was a beautiful ball gown in black and burgundy for a friend of mine. We were going to the same party in Europe through an organization called YPO, which my husband and I belong to.  It is a group of about 11,000 or 12,000 members worldwide. As a member of YPO we travel to various countries with educational programs during the day, and amazing and fabulous parties and formal balls at night. The fist dress I’ve designed was for a YPO woman.

“I would like to dress Middle America. There is a great need for affordable yet nice clothes. With just a few great pieces of clothes women everywhere can feel so much better about themselves.”

How would you describe the Lana Fuchs fashion line?
The Lana Fuchs fashion line is timely and timeless for the woman who has arrived.

Where do you draw the inspiration from for your designs?
I love to travel and I travel a lot. I have a fascination for exploring new courtiers and new cultures. Every time I leave a country I take something from it. What I have learned is that there are different standards for beauty in every single country.  But the most amazing thing I’ve discovered is that one common denominator for all these women around the world is their femininity. This is why many of the Lana Fuchs dresses are very feminine. For example my latest collection for spring 2009 “The Rhapsody in Bloom” was inspired by the sites of Giverny France from the gardens of Monet mixed with colors of Indian women working in the field. I observe and study how women are and what they wear to different occasions all around the world. Every woman is an inspiration to me.

 

Who do you see wearing the Lana Fuchs clothes?
The Lana Fuchs fashion line is for women from age 20 to 60 who are interested in wearing classic and elegant clothes as opposed to following trends. These are women who have developed their own sense of style, and know what they like and what looks best on them. She could be a woman from all walks of life: a homemaker, an attorney, or a doctor. In Hollywood, I would love to see Sophia Loren, Angelina Jolie, and Nicole Kidman wearing the Lana Fuchs Couture. I also would have loved to see Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in one of my dresses. And, Cindy McCain would be perfect. Cindy is so classy and elegant, always well put together.

What would be your biggest achievement as a fashion designer?
I would like to dress Middle America. There is a great need for affordable yet nice clothes. With just a few great pieces of clothes women everywhere can feel so much better about themselves. That confidence in women comes across and it is so evident.

Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?
My personal favorite fashion designer is Coco Chanel, I always used to look up to her even as a child. Coco Chanel has managed to achieve international recognition through so much adversity and obstacles. She left an important mark in the world which doesn’t end in just fashion. Coco taught women how to be independent and to think outside the box. She also taught women around the world to wear clothes that are comfortable and not fit into what is expected of them to wear.  I also like Armani, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior.

How would you describe your own personal style?
I describe my personal style as timely and timeless pieces with an attitude.

What’s next for Lana Fuchs?
I would like my clothes to be available at department stores and specialty boutiques. And, hopefully next season I would like to show my collection in New York Fashion Week.

It was a pleasure to interview Lana you can find out more about her fashion line at her official website: www.lanafuchs.com/ and her other sites: Billionaire Mafia and Emerald Dream Foundation

Lana Fuchs Couture Spring 2009 Collection at LA Fashion Week

I just got back from LA Fashion Week and remember the Lana Fuchs Couture Spring 2009 Fashion Collection as one of my favorite ones.

Among celebrity guests attending the Lana Fuchs Couture fashion show was Lamar Odom, a professional basketball player who currently starts at power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association.

I loved 3 dresses from the Lana Fuchs Couture fashion show: Chloe which is a sequined mesh and lace once shoulder dress in ivory/gold (#28 in photos). Blaque which is a satin and embellished lace strapless bustier petal dress in black (#45 in photos). And the last dress (#49 in photos), Flora which is a silk chiffon, mesh and organza embellished petal bridal gown. I definitely can see myself wearing Lana Fuchs dresses!

Continue reading Lana Fuchs Couture Spring 2009 Collection at LA Fashion Week