wordsfromtherunway

| Blaque Label | Be Beautiful In - Blaque |

Wed, 30 May 2012 11:19:00 -0700

Creating beautiful collections since 2009, Blaque Label has designed luxurious silhouettes with the cosmo-girl in mind. The team at Blaque Label translates the top runway styles from around the world and turns them into fashion forward collections. Designing body conscious silhouettes at affordable prices for the everyday woman is what makes Blaque Label, a force to be reckoned with.

This spring Blaque label has designed a collection that exudes elegance. A colorful collection, that truly offers a little something for everyone. The Spring/Summer 2012 collection is full of amazing maxi dresses, blue and coral shades make for an easy day to night piece. The adorable sundresses and jumpsuits are perfect for an afternoon lunch or early evening soiree. The inspiration for the collection came from the glamour of the 1970’s. It’s a fusion of the 70’s with a modern twist. With so many silhouettes and colors to choose from Blaque Label is the go to company for everywoman, everywhere.

Blaque Label retails for around $250 dollars but you can get your very own “Little Blaque Dress” so-to-speak, right here on wordsfromtherunway. How? Just enter our giveaway at the top of the page and make sure to follow the directions closely. Be beautiful in Blaque this summer in this chic dress in coral.

Blaque Label retails at better boutiques nationwide along with a host of e-retailers like Singer 22, KarmaLoop, and Boutique To You.com. Celebrity fans include Naomi Watts, Guilana Rancic, and Kourtney Kardashian among others. And as always remember to keep it here for more: wordsfromtherunway

*Be sure to look for Blaque Label in our Summer Must-Haves Guide out June 15th

http://www.blaquelabel.com

https://twitter.com/#!/BlaqueLabel

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blaque-Label/171256192950625

| Bright Bold And Beautiful | ZAMRIE | By Ashley Zygmunt|

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:10:52 -0700

| BRIGHT BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL | ZAMRIE | BY ASHLEY ZYGMUNT |

Ashley Zygmunt, Head designer and founder of ZAMRIE the Chicago based clothing line. Zygmunt, started her career working under fashion design greats, Zac Posen and Peter Som in New York City. In 2009 Ashley, returned to the Windy City, and was selected as one of six designers to participate in the Chicago Fashion Incubator. The CFI, event was sponsored by the City of Chicago, and Macy’s and was said to have launched Zygmunt’s career. The program was credited as the jumping off point for, ZAMRIE. The collection is a mix and match versatile one, not only is it extremely stylish, but the pieces are very wearable. ZAMRIE is known for their bold prints, sophisticated silhouettes, and feminine detailing. The collection is built around various separates, including everything from tunics, and tank tops to skirts, jackets and easy to wear blouses that can take you from work to night.

| ZAMRIE | Louise May Kimono Top | Shop Zamrie.com|

With summer right around the corner we at WFTR know how important it is for you to kick-off summer in style. That’s why we are partnering with ZAMRIE this JUNE to give one lucky reader a chance to win her very own piece of style right from the ZAMRIE collection. Now’s your chance to get your hands on a stylish top just in time for the beach bonfires, and summer parties we know you’ll be attending. What better way to have fun and look fabulous then sipping on your favorite cocktail while wearing a beautiful, top by ZAMRIE.

Zygmunt, designed ZAMRIE with the budget conscious woman in mind. Stating that, “if you invest in a few key pieces and then mix-and-match them with what you already own, it’s the perfect way to perk up your wardrobe without breaking the bank.” We couldn’t agree more and with the bright and bold colors that ZAMRIE offers we know if any of our readers shop ZAMRIE, you’ll be the stand out fashionista of any party.

| ZAMRIE | Tank Top | Shop www.Zamrie.com|

So now you are probably wondering, how can I win a ZAMRIE top? Simply head over to our giveaway tab at the top of our page to enter for you chance to win. Please share WFTR and ZAMRIE with friends.

For more information or to shop the ZAMRIE collection, visit: www.zamrie.com follow Zamrie on Facebook: facebook.com/zamrie and Twitter: @atozamrie

And as always, Keep it here for more: wordsfromtherunway

-Dana Elizabeth

Fall In Love With Graphics All Over Again. Fall In love With, Ivana Helsinki |Rakastua kaikki grafiikka yhä uudelleen. Rakastua, Ivana Helsinki

Mon, 21 May 2012 18:18:00 -0700

This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of being invited to preview the Fall 2012 collection of Finland’s own Paola Suhonen, designer and founder of Ivana Helsinki. For more then fifteen years, Paola has been creating works of art. She’s collaborated with iconic brands, such as: Coca-cola, TopShop, Swarovski, Volvo, and Google, The multi-talented artist is known for her graphic work and exquisite detailing.

(Above is a collage WFTR created to showcase the wide range of work by, Ivana Helsinki.)

Although all the knit pieces are made in downtown Helsinki, and sewn pieces are made in Estonia, and Lithuania, Paola herself lives in Los Angeles. Her designs have graced the runway in New York fashion week as recently as this past season. The Fall 12 Tapiola-Kauniainen collection showed at NYFW on February 10th, at the Metropolitan Pavilion and now the cult-followed brand, quoted for being:

” ...For the ones whom love moonlit fields, pirates, and dark forests…”

Is now breaking-ground and was recently named, the only scandinavian womenswear brand to be accepted into the official, Paris Fashion Week “IN” show. Suhonen, who knows no artistic limits graduated recently from the American Film Institute. Paola, not only designs all of her textiles, but all of the background films that have added that special whimsical touch to her runway shows.

(Pictured above The Maija dress. Available online.)

The Tapiola-Kauniainen collection, “tells a strong story from the designer’s childhood weekends, which were spent with family and friends near Helsinki in beautiful 70’s style homes.” It was in these homes where color dripped from wallpaper in an array of orange, and greens, sad yellows intertwined with pure white creating an escape. Where backyards gave way to turquoise tranquil pools.

(Part of the Tapiola-Kauniainen collection. Property of Bollare -West Hollwood)

“I spent my childhood weekends under the dark wooden table, listening to my mom and dad being part of those passionate conversations. The mysterious scent of French wine, smoking inside, the soft woollen carpet underneath me…All this, my family and relatives.”

Are what Suhonen used as inspiration. Paola, pulled from her childhood to deliver a collection that would allow others a glimpse into her past, and perhaps a glimpse into our own past, or the past of someone else we may know.

(Part of the Tapiola-Kauniainen collection. Property of Bollare -West Hollwood)

The Tapiola-Kauniainen collection is one with roots so deep, that it reaches into the depths of our own past, to deliver a dream-like escape. Transporting us to a time where we once lived, or for some a place and time only ever dreamed.

(Part of the Tapiola-Kauniainen collection. Property of Bollare -West Hollwood)

Reasons why I loved the collection are obvious, the rich colors, the beautiful textiles, and vintage silhouettes had me transfixed. Sure, this collection might not be for everyone. It takes a certain type of woman and person, one who embodies, as quoted from the designer herself:

” Charismatic drummer girls, and women with beautiful souls. They are the girls who love crummy motels, a champagne state of drunkenness, fragile butterflies, lullabies and guardian angels..”

This collection pretty much sums up WFTR And if you know me at all, that’s pretty much the story of my life. Sans the cheap crummy motels. The collection is slowly permeating the West Coast. If you are interested in pulling for shoots you can contact: Bollare in West Hollywood. To shop the collection visit Ivana Helsinki and we might have a special something for one very lucky WFTR reader. So check back in this week.

As always, keep it here for more: wordsfromtherunway

Ivana Helsinki - Fall 2012 Preview by wordsfromtherunway...

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:41:00 -0700

Ivana Helsinki - Fall 2012 Preview by wordsfromtherunway featuring scarves

Indian summer Collection -Postcards by Ivana Helsinki (Taken...

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:14:53 -0700

Indian summer Collection -Postcards by Ivana Helsinki (Taken with instagram)

Ivana Helsinki Tote bag - gifted to WFTR

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:07:03 -0700

Ivana Helsinki Tote bag - gifted to WFTR

Napkins by Ivana Helsinki

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:34 -0700

Napkins by Ivana Helsinki

Ivana Helsinki Silk Scarf

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:52:23 -0700

Ivana Helsinki Silk Scarf

Received* an amazing Ivana Helsinki Silk scarf. @bollare...

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:48:00 -0700

Received* an amazing Ivana Helsinki Silk scarf. @bollare #ivanahelsinki Fell in love (Taken with instagram)

Ivana Helsinki Sweater Fall 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:43:00 -0700

Ivana Helsinki Sweater Fall 2012

Ivana Helsinki Napkins

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:42:00 -0700

Ivana Helsinki Napkins

Favorite red dress from Ivana Helsinki Fall 2012 collection...

Tue, 15 May 2012 22:25:19 -0700

Favorite red dress from Ivana Helsinki Fall 2012 collection #Chic and #Classic #wordsfromterunway #style (Taken with instagram)

#IvanaHelsinki #Bollare #Style #Fashion #wordsfromterunway ...

Tue, 15 May 2012 22:13:48 -0700

#IvanaHelsinki #Bollare #Style #Fashion #wordsfromterunway (Taken with instagram)

DC Shoes | Not Just Your Brother's Skate Shoe Anymore | Women's Fall 2012 Collection

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:32:00 -0700

For as long as I’ve lived in the Valley, (which has been almost my entire life) Skateboarding has been a way of life. Growing up with boys donning shoes by the popular companies Etnies and AirWalks, there wasn’t much competition. 1993, enter DC Shoes, since its inception it has been synonymous with the Skating community and in the valley. The Huntington Beach born empire built its following with its endorsements of popular skaters in the early 90’s. DC Shoes burst onto the skating scene and hasn’t backed down since. In fact it’s dominated the Skate shoe industry for the last decade. As a young girl with two older brothers it was only fitting that I modeled their example. But DC Shoes was primarily a company catering to the male market. So what was a girl to do? Buy boy shoes and rock them like no other. Which is exactly what I and so many other girls did. The chunky and rather over-sized silhouette of the original DC Shoes had me, and so many other females walking around like we had pillows on our feet. Don’t get me wrong, they were comfortable as sh*t but if we are being honest, they weren’t the most attractive shoe. That is until last night.

DC Shoes, has launched its first full Women’s collection and WFTR was there to catch all the highlights. Held at the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the event was, as you may have guessed heavily female populated and with good reason. Not only were we greeted with amazing gift bags but we were pampered with manicures by, Chinaglaze and were treated to up-do’s by UNITEHAIR. I opted for a braided bun, and it turned out amazing!

|Photo by: Giaonthemove.com| Thanks Tracey|

We were also able to get our make-up done thanks to the amazing artists at Blushington. But the real treat was getting to preview the collection. I will post some images of the line a bit later but for now, let me tell you—they aren’t just your brother’s skate shoe anymore. The line has branched out to include more then just shoes. They’ve launched a full line of women’s apparel as well. It’s sophisticated with a laid back California feel. It isn’t just sweatshirts and jeans, they have designed a collection that can stand next to some of the best. My favorite piece has to be this simple white button up. You can purchase the Olsson Shirt online.

|Photo above: from the DC Women’s Collection|Site|$48|Olsson Shirt

I also fell completely madly in love with these two-tone pseudo-riding boots. Its as if DC has finally tapped into the California girl. They covered all the bases. Literally there is a shoe for everyone. The only type of shoe not in the collection was a heel, or a wedge. But they did throw in the gift bags these adorable sandals, the Elana Sandal. Here’s an image up close of their new DC logo. It’s super sleek and feminine. Love it!

I also received this amazing summer wrap dress. It’s perfect for a day at the beach or wear it to hangout and watch your boyfriend skate, at the skate park. I can totally see myself wearing it down to Venice beach. The Gunther dress is totally affordable and right on target for summer. I’m wearing it this weekend for sure.

|Photo property of DC SHOES| Gunther Dress | Shop Online |

Another stand out piece in the collection was: The Central Dress, it was really chic looking and for a skate shoe company that used to be strictly for men that’s saying a lot. I’ll definitely post some more images soon but for now get your shop on and head over to DC Shoes. Remember to check back later for images from the full collection and perhaps your chance to win some DC apparel.

Keep it here for more: wordsfromtherunway

- Dana Elizabeth

DCShoes gave us some adorable sandals (Taken with instagram)

Wed, 09 May 2012 22:16:36 -0700

DCShoes gave us some adorable sandals (Taken with instagram)

@dcshoes @UNITEHAIR turned everyone into a braided princess! So...

Wed, 09 May 2012 22:00:44 -0700

@dcshoes @UNITEHAIR turned everyone into a braided princess! So fun! (Taken with instagram)

@dcshoes event in Hollywood. Had a fabulous time (Taken with...

Wed, 09 May 2012 21:58:48 -0700

@dcshoes event in Hollywood. Had a fabulous time (Taken with instagram)

Behind The Dream With Della LA

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:50:10 -0700

Behind The Dream

WFTR Interviews Tina Tangalakis of DellaLA

This past week I had the privilege of interviewing Tina Tangalakis, founder and head designer of Della LA. Della is an amazing company with a wonderful story. In brief, Della was started in late 2009 in a small village in Ghana, (Hohoe) pronounced, (Ho-Way.) The company makes beautifully simple handbags from gorgeous textiles sourced in Ghana. The village of Hohoe, is largely benefitting from one woman’s vision. Under the over cast sky at Akasha, a local restaurant in Culver City, we chatted and talked all things, Della and a few other things. (Off the record) sorry fashionistas, some things are not for the runway. However here is what was said:

Dana Elizabeth: First, if you could just tell me a little bit about yourself. How did you decide to volunteer in Ghana?

Tina Tangalakis: Well, I was born and raised here in Culver City. I am a native of Los Angeles. I come from a big Greek and Italian family. I was raised going to Catholic school; we did a lot of volunteering. In college, I went and volunteered in Mexico and that really sparked my interest. I studied costume design, and I became pretty successful but I got a bit burnt out on the industry and decided to start freelancing for other companies. I did design for a belt company in China, and decided I wanted to get into design more so.

D.E: When did you start Della?

T.T: It was November 2009; we haven’t hit our third year yet. It’s almost our birthday!

D:Happy almost, birthday! (laughing) so, you went to Ghana and you Volunteered at Happy Kids Orphanage, where you met your first seamstress for Della, Beatrice? How did you two get involved really?

T: She was a seamstress who volunteered near the organization. I kind of reached out to her, to design a bag that I originally was going to bring back to the U.S. as a present for one of my sisters. Then after seeing how great it was, with the more American design it all clicked. I was like wait a minute they need jobs and I want a career in design. I just kind of ran with it.

(Left: Tina Tangalakis, Dana Elizabeth @ Akasha restaurant April, 23 2012)

D: How are the fabrics and textiles sourced?

T: Its from the capitol city, we go to the capitol city and find the fabrics we want. It is a one print run so once it sells out its gone. So lately we’ve had to buy huge bulks of fabric.

D: I read that you just launched in Nordstroms? How is that going?

T: We just launched. (Smiling) Yes, I think it went well. We’re actually just looking at sales reports right now. It’s fun to look at the regions that are responding well to our bags. Its actually nationwide, we are in 36 stores. It’s kind of crazy like, wow I think we are doing this. I think we are in business. (laughing) I know we are not in all doors yet but in 36 stores and that feels pretty amazing.

D:Any stores in LA?

T: They are more in the South Bay, or in the Valley. Like Irvine spectrum, Brea Mall, The Topanaga Mall.

D:Are they on some sort of a display? Is it a pop-up shop?

T: They are. I have photos that people have taken for me. Things are on display pretty prominently. Locally we have been making sure that all the sales people really know our story so that they know how to talk to the customer and really talk about the history of our company and what we do.

(Della, in the early beginning some of the woman learning how to sew.)

D:At what point did you branch out to do the Ipad cases and the Mac book cases?

T: we started it pretty early on. I had bought my first Macbook, which I needed for the company and I was like I need a case for this. At the time at the Apple store they only had like, black or pink cases and so when I was out in Ghana I had them make me a case. I thought, that’s something that people genuinely need. Its like, people need something to protect there computers and it’s something they look at and use everyday. So I thought it would be a good combo.

D:Are those also being sold in Nordstroms?

T: No, it’s just the hobos and headbands.

D:You also sell jewelry, and make jewelry for the line as well?

T: Yes. We, I mean, when I was freelancing for the belt company I was also selling and designing my own jewelry. I became really good friends with the town jeweler in Ghana. He makes every single piece by hand. He refines all the silver himself by hand. It’s so ancient and primitive and rustic. We have a very nice relationship with him.

D:Are you wearing any of the pieces right now?

T: (Looks down, laughs) Ummm, just these. (Pointing to three beautifully simple rings on her ring finger.)

D: Those are beautiful! I love them, love em! (Laughing) So can you tell us how you came up with the name, Della?

T: I volunteered with a volunteer organization, and when choosing the name for the business, Della, I wanted something that would connect us with Ghana but that wouldn’t sound too ethnic that it would pigeonhole the business. So um, Della is the first person I met off the plan in Ghana. He was the driver for the volunteer organization. He is the sweetest soul, with the kindest smile. The energy you feel from him, it was like just being a good open warm person. It was like oh; I want my brand to have the essence of him. His name is Della, I felt even though it was a man’s name it sounded still feminine and thought it would resonate with the fashion community.

(Left: Tina Tangalakis and Dana Elizabeth, enjoying a small reprieve from the interview)

To read more of the interview click below:

and as always, keep it here for more: WORDSFROMTHERUNWAY

xo- Dana Elizabeth

D:Do you sell to any other smaller boutiques?

T: We have a list online we are in about 30 boutiques around the nation we sell to Free People Online and Mod Cloth online. Free people and Mod Cloth were our first two kind of like, Oh yay! (laughing) huge online boutiques. Ya know? Alos there are a few other shops in New York as well.

D:So you are doing extremely well then…(laughing)

T: For how young the company is, yes. It’s really exciting. (smiling)

D:Where do you see the company going, where do you want to take it next?

T: We are starting to design clothing that we hope to launch small pieces around the holiday season. Small seeds have been planted with Mod Cloth and Nordstrom. We are currently in talks. Ultimately my goal with Della is to have it known as a fashionable responsible brand. I feel like that’s how consumerism should be. It’s exciting to be a part of it and to have that direction with our team in Ghana.

(Above is the Pink Guava Hobo Bag won by Mollie Holman our May giveaway winner.)

D:How often to you travel back to Ghana?

T: So in two and half years I’ve been there six times. So I’m currently planning my seventh trip back there right now.

D: Wow, that’s really exciting!Are you going to document the trip?

T: Yeah, I hope so. We are starting to have U.S. residents that are our production managers there. They are starting to videotape everything we have a couple rough things going on right now. And we hope to put that up on the website soon.

D:If there was one quote or sayingthat would describe the company what quote, or saying would that be?

T: Our biggest achievement, I believe besides our partnership with the various stores is really how we have things in place to be a responsible company. We have our employees on national security benefits, health care and we now have weekly courses in literacy and money saving. In Hohoe, (Ho-Way) that we are giving to our team right now every week we wanted to introduce courses to them and the top two that our employees wanted was literacy and how to manage there money. They willingly stay after work two nights a week and we hire retired professors in the town to teach them.

D:How many employees to do you have currently?

T: Full time we have 16 but during production it can go up to 30. We are currently in the hiring process to hire more full time employees.

D: Andjust so we are clear, everything is made in Ghana? –Right?

T: Yes, everything is made in Ghana we source everything right there everything is 100% handmade in Ghana. (laughing)

D:(Laughing) Good! I also know that the person who made it signs each one of the bags. Correct?

T: Yes, that is correct. Each one of the bags is signed. Unfortunately none of the Ipad cases or the headbands are signed because they are too small but all of the handbags come with the tag stitched in there and are signed by the one woman who made the bag.

D:Well Tina, we can’t thank you enough. This was really very interesting and we wish you and Della much success in the future.

T: Thank you, and I look forward to reading a great article.

Songbird Bag! @DellaLosAngeles (Taken with instagram)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:35:28 -0700

Songbird Bag! @DellaLosAngeles (Taken with instagram)

Della Song Bird Bag (Taken with instagram)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:33:45 -0700

Della Song Bird Bag (Taken with instagram)