Bowtie & Update.

So the photo for the designers in this year's student fashion show/exhibition was this week. For some reason, I've wanted it to be done with a bowtie. So I searched for a pattern and found a free one here.

 

Snazzy eh?

It definitely turned out much better than I expected and I finally got to use my favorite green dress shirt for something. Poor thing got bleach on it when I worked in a Salon (I have my license still, just do it as a side job) so I saved it for use one day. Sooo it got reincarnated as a bowtie.

  

And this cute guy taught me how to tie one. 

Still preparing for the show. My pattern from Canadia came in today. It's a Paul Poiret bat-winged cocoon coat (Purchased from here!). It's going to be the start of my collection. I have some alterations I need to do to it but I'm excited.

Meanwhile other pieces from the show are coming together very nicely.When my inspiration board is done, I'll post it on here.

I'm currently debating over song choices. My choices are the following:

1.) Roisin Murphy - Movie Star ( Listen Here )

2.) Ladyhawke - Another Runaway ( Listen Here )

Both give a good sense of my musical tastes and would be fun to see models walking to.

Well, it's time to eat something and get back to work.

Ciao,

Jason

Golden Globes: What the Heckfire

I was looking over all the pictures from the Golden Globes and was very shocked at what I saw. So many great people had so many flubs and there were a few surprises with some people. There was a lot of vintage going on as well as "On Trend Jewel Tones" (I'm not a big fan of jewel tones).

The winners of the night:

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggJi78LAUusI4T6ABbmuMlOw---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/92/e6/2034354563_2790591723.jpg

Christina Hendricks/Mad Men: Wowza! I love the hair, the color and cut of the dress. My all time favorite from the night for sure (And I'm biased when it comes to redheads).

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggbJ_221o8L2JyRYLlI4v3ag---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/90/a7/2005610561_9460226421.jpg

Chloe Sevigny/Big Love: Ok, I'm not a fan of this very strange lady. However, I do like the color of this dress and the ruffles don't actually bother me. Someone needs to slap that look off her face though.

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggzr4vbOQKjpkLvrp7PH9GYw---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/e6/d2/1915720302_4587990525.jpg

Julia Roberts: There has been some irritation from the media/fashionistas/etc about Julia wearing this vintage YSL cocktail frock to such a formal event. I disagree because I feel it carries a youthful vibe for some reason. Maybe it's the hair, the jewelry, and/or Julia's winning smile but it really works for me. It's fun.

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_sigg0HaIHRWSyHn1eBJRnK9SrQ---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/45/c5/1365016215_13804212055.jpg

Marion Cotillard/Nine: I love the "Dark Oil Green" color of this delightful French actress' dress. I love the design, the lingerie feel, her make-up, etc. The overall styling is sexy and fun.

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_sigg4nOA9ra72mpPMC9.GA3Otw---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/8c/e3/1659172718_9082316527.jpg

Ginnifer Goodwin/Big Love: I love love love the Vionnet dress. Yes, it's a jewel tone but that tone happens to make Ms. Goodwin shine very nicely. Her pixie cut is perfect. Love this overall look!

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggPNJcnlwnko.L2iOU63pLpw---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/41/8c/1494596293_11670310583.jpg

Lauren Graham: Now this does have a "Prom" feel to it but I see some positives to this ensemble. First of all, that color just makes her glow. Her hair looks beautiful, the jewelry is on target, and her makeup (Check out those eyes) looks fantastic. The bodice of the dress is "fine" while the lower part just hangs. This could of been a pretty amazing display with some fine tuning of the dress.

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggxk4vVBcJ.S8n_CzeYlwrIw---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/a8/62/1456984433_3034696298.jpg

Toni Collette/United States of Tara: I love the hair, the dress design and embellishments. This picture is also nominated for "Weirdest Background People" as "Captain Calves" in the blue dress is seen fumbling around behind Toni.

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggqarfT6Qy.B0MJfHdwODDkA---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/45/58/1672257170_5979204204.jpg

Jane Krakowski/30 Rock: I love the color on her, the hair, and the dress' overall design. Very flattering!

Other Nominations for "Weirdest Background People"/What the heckfire 

happened to so and so:

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggCQs1oT0.4vGgAt2X.9DEkA---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/a0/df/1319399815_3417751097.jpg

Jane Adams/Hung: Hahaha. Haha. Ha. Hahahhaha.

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggVmtSZXo_hSbbLFomaCAS1g---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/0a/6b/1945211820_3214787881.jpg

Glen Close/Damages: There is so many juicy things happening in this photo...

A.) Worst spray tan ever.. Check out the middle of her arm and down. I also hate when people are tan and then they use lighter foundation on their faces. It really weirds me out for some reason.

B.) The strange lady in the background with the BRIGHT blue shoes, weird expression on her face, and scrunched up body positioning. She looks like a creepy gnome.

C.) The hoodie guy. Who wears a hoodie to the Golden Globes? Seriously?? Even if I was a camera guy I wouldn't wear a hoodie.

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggoAbfveTfHRo5aOHgaT17DQ---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/1f/67/2059198667_8251058288.jpg

Tracy Morgan/30 Rock: What is that lady doing in the background? What a creeper...

Slowly Improving Nomination:

http://l.yimg.com/k/im_siggBr78rwWPfHt12_hRGCjkHA---y626-x495-q75-n1/omg/us/img/f5/e0/2222263974_3155582376.jpg

Nicole Kidman: I put her in this category because I would like to say thank you to whoever is up there for telling Nicole to strop bleaching her hair into that strange shade of "Icy Vanilla Golden Ash Apricot Blonde" that she had been doing for the last couple of years. I'm glad to see her returning to her red hair. Now, I like the color of the dress, it doesn't do much for her coloring. Not the most horrible combination but not the best by far. She does look classy. However I'm sure that Nicole could wear a dress made out of condoms and still appear sophisticated.

If you would like to check out more of the photos from the red carpet, Click Here. I had some other favorites and dislikes, but I felt like sharing the major ones.

~Jason

Winter Break Projects

I finished some of the winter projects that I have been working on which two of my best friends modeled for me recently. I also finished some things for myself (A cardigan/vest and an ivory colored cowl neck sweater) which I will upload in another blog.

Cowl Neck Sweater:

Dan is seen here wearing a turquoise knit cowl that I made from a homemade shirt pattern.

Button Down Shirt:

Justin and I wanted a shirt with contrast so we did a rich blue with white trim, collar, cuff, and plackets. It was must first time doing a men's button down, but I'm happy with the results.

So we had a mini/carazy photo shoot that our friend Rob assisted me on (Thanks!).
Music that we listened to during the photoshoot can be viewed here. (Lol)

~Jason

Dagger Pleated Tunic

First off - Happy Holidays! Hope everyone is doing fantastic and enjoying this holiday season.

I know I have been enjoying it! I've had TONS of free time to sew and work on all these projects in my head. Some projects have been geared towards the fashion show in April while others have been more personal...

One of my recent personal sewing projects has been to use this odd fabric I have laying around. I originally intended to use it for a cloak for Samhain/Halloween, but that got scrapped. So I decided to play around with a shirt pattern I made myself. The end result is a nice fitting "Tunic" with a deep cut neckline (I intended this because I love things that are different than the average for mens clothing).

It's definitely a different looking top but I enjoy wearing it. It definitely makes it look reversible, or if your head was on backwards the garment would still look "normal."

 

I pleated the arms to form this "Triangle Pleat" which I "heat set" aka finding out that this fabric basically melts when ironed, hahahaha.

 

 

It definitely does not have a lot of stretch so moving around in it can get a bit uncomfortable at times. Constructing it was fun and definitely has me thinking about future options.
~Jason

Alexander Wang Pre-Fall 2010

While prowling the pages of Style.Com (<3) I encountered Alexander Wang's Pre-Fall 2010 collection. I am in love with so many of the pieces. I feel like sharing a couple of them that I particularly enjoyed:

http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/2010PF/AWANG/RUNWAY/03m.jpg

 I love love LOVEEE this outfit. I love the proportions, color choice, and the harmony of it all. It's just fabulous and it inspires me for an outfit for the Spring show.

http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/2010PF/AWANG/RUNWAY/13m.jpg

I love the structural effects caused by this cardigan/sweater garment. The pants are fantastic and I love the little vent down at the bottom.

http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/2010PF/AWANG/RUNWAY/27m.jpg

I love the shiny top. It looks like metallic waves/ripples.

http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/2010PF/AWANG/RUNWAY/19m.jpg

I love the way this garment creates an interesting "Wish Bone" silhouette.

So overall, I think it's a pretty strong collection. Wang works with a primarily white, grey, and black palette which I don't mind at all. I love the pants/trousers/jeans displayed in his collection. They all have interesting detailing and there is a heavy usage of line. 

I love the little details Wang does that work together to create a final project. However, if you wear pieces separately, they harmonize with whatever you are wearing. That is the kind of design that I enjoy.

I've looked at Wang's work in the past and he's always delivered.

To view his collection click here.

~Jason

I heart Costello Tagliapietra.

       I have a lot of designers that I love but recently I've grown very fond of the Brooklyn-based design duo and cuddly bears of Costello Tagliapietra. Not only do they NOT resemble what one thinks a fashion designer looks like but they have a different flavor when it comes to design.

http://buffawhat.com/wp-content/uploads/stolen/Costello_Tagliapietra_pulse.jpg

http://thefashioninformer.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b3d969e200e553761e448834-320pi

      I'm also a sucker for a Bear/Cub (Especially those with artistic ability of some sorts). For those that don't understand - The Bear community is a subset of the GLBT world (Click here for Wikipedia-related deliciousness).

Bear Pride Flag (I have one on my car)

http://www.ieweekly.com/site_images_upload/story/2008/02/07/10/Bear-Community-flag-FEATURE_.jpg

      Anywhoo, Costello Tagliapietra are known for structural lady-like effects with their garments. Their silhouettes are very flattering for a woman's body. One of their shows involved color that seemed to pop out from various locations. I loved the shades of blue-rose, soft violet mixed with shades like a camel/khaki color.

Examples of their work:

http://genechelle.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/costello-tagliapietra1.jpg

Spring/Summer 2009 Collection.

I love the softness and illuminating quality of the fabrics used here. The cool toned color palette is very pleasing to the eyes. The shape of the skirt is delicious.

http://www.elle.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/elle/runway/ready-to-wear/spring-2010-rtw/costello-tagliapietra/costello-tagliapietra/costello-tagliapietra-spring-2010-ready-to-wear-collection/costello-tagliapietra-podium-spring-fashion-2010-001/3613734-1-eng-US/Costello-Tagliapietra-Podium-spring-fashion-2010-001_runway.jpg

Spring 2010 Collection.

Another example of why I enjoy their work - I love the structural effects mixed with color. I love the palette used and the general feminine vibe it sends. The shape is flattering while holding an artistic edge.

http://www.elle.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/elle/runway/ready-to-wear/fall-2009-rtw/costello-tagliapietra/costello-tagliapietra/costello-tagliapietra-fall-2009-ready-to-wear-collection/img016/3056289-1-eng-US/Img016_runway.jpg

Fall 2009 Collection.

I love orange (And other warm colors) so of course I was automatically attracted to this garment. It also displays their apparent love of movement in fabric.

      They are definitely the kind of designers I would love to score an internship with when I have to look for one in a couple of years. I feel like I could learn a lot from them.

~Jason

Does your crotch hang low? (Does it wooble to and fro?)

Drop Crotch Pants. Love them. I saw them at the student fashion show last year and then started seeing the trend pop up in pictures and in shopping searches. I like the effect it has on proportion. It's always fun to play around with proportion and see people's reactions.

So I decided to make a pair but out of something interesting. I was staying at a friend's house when I spied the bag of sweaters I had brought over for them to rummage through. For some reason, I decided to put my legs through the sleeves. Weird yes, but I wanted to see what it would look like after.

The result was something close to drop crotch pants. I got excited and started playing with the sweater.

It was especially amusing if I stood on one leg it looked like a headless handstand. ;)

My inspiration:

And my final results:

I had a lot of fun making them and people's reactions? Hysterical. I was walking on my way to one of my classes down a very long hall. Everyone who was talking as I passed by stopped so they could stare at me. It was pretty ridiculous but I don't care. The sweater material definitely makes them very comfortable.

Peace Out.
~Jason

P.S.
Another person I found on the net is making his own garments as well. He made a cool pair of very low drop crotch pants out of some great fabric - Check it out here.

Single Man

I'm rather excited to see Tom Ford's latest project about a woman falling in love with a gay man. Who better than Julianne Moore (She was amazing in the movie, "Far From Heaven") who is absolutely GORGEOUS!

Julianne is very stunning here and Tom Ford is just delicious.

More stunning photos of these two.

I love the color of Julianne's dress. It's very minty and fresh looking against her skin tone.

Love it... Just as much as I'm loving being almost done with Finals weeks. Upcoming blog - Making Drop Crotch Pants from an old sweater.

~Jason

Jump!

After a trip to an antique store in my town, I discovered a jumpsuit for men. The fabric choice denoted that it was probably for practical work like mechanics or yard work. However, the idea sparked something inside - I want a Jumpsuit.

So I've done some searching around the interwebz and uncovered some interesting photos:

I love this! It looks casual but has a different kind of
look to it. I could wear a fun printed tshirt underneath it.

Yes, these are actually guys. It was a poll to see if men in heels

was a good idea. I just like the grey jumpsuit on the right.

I laughed when I found this. The guy looks like a 70s porn star.

I like the shape but I'm not a fan of this material. It

looks like plasticized raincoat/Trash bag material.

Now I like this more shiny material. It looks fun, youthful,

and sophisticated all in one. The shoes are seeexy.

Apparently they were popular in the 70s. I just love that they put

these very butch looking bears into their advertising campaign.
Epic fail.

I definitely want a jumpsuit and I feel like making one out of a comfortable fabric like a knit (Jersey??). Then I discovered they are also selling one for men on TopMan (Linkie!).

Stay tuned, I will have a jumpsuit. I've already begun a search for patterns.
Bwahahaha.
~Jason

Project Wayside

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures about a recent competition I was in for FAMD. It was a fundraiser for our charity this year (We're helping fund well building in Africa), for our organization, and for our student fashion show in the Spring called Threads. It was held at our local "Club" called Wayside.

If you've ever been to the Wayside, it's interesting to say the least. Well interesting for a 99.9% straight bar where sorority girls dance and macho men play pool and drool. I'm mostly kidding but it's not really the ideal place for a 'mo to dancing with his girls without getting mauled outside in the parking lot later (It's happened before).

The competition was based on creating a garment from a men's large or larger sized t-shirt. We had an rough to construct this garment after 15 minutes of sketching.

I knew my model was going to be on the very petite side (I heart Steph). I consulted with her the night before to get some ideas. We knew it was at least going to be off the shoulder. So I took one of my old pajamma shirts (From my fatter days) and tested out some ideas:

 

I knew I wanted a draped effect and then I had an idea - I wanted to incorporate dyeing to my garment. I knew I would DEFINITELY not have enough time for dyeing. Not to mention I have barely any experience with dyeing fabric. Then while going back into my room to get something I saw something that I do know how to use - Watercolor paint. I just didn't know how it would take to paint so I tried it out (See the pictures above, I played with brush strokes and a stencil). Then I developed an idea for the final product.

My friends and I arrived at the Wayside a bit early. I was glad to have them for support during this competition. They're fabulous peeps and I appreciate them a lot.

Upon setting up, I discovered that I was given a male's 3XL white tshirt to convert into my garment. I knew I had my work cut out for me because of the size of my model. I'm glad I did her hair and makeup before going to the event. Cosmetology School was definitely a great investment and I'm glad I graduated from a great program. It pays for itself ALL the time.

Note the size of the shirt and my model (She has her arms folded inside the shirt), hahaha:

I did a quick sketch of what I was planning to do during the fifteen minutes given to us for it:

(Not a great sketch but I only had so much time :P)

Then we were finally given the green flag to start creating our garment. I started first with my painting. I had decided on doing a rainbow coming out of a dark cloud. This was mostly because my designer number was #6 and there are six colors in the rainbow. Plus I thought the Wayside could use some fabulous. However, I was told that my number was now #2 so that sort of blew my plans.

Step 1: Painting

I had decided on doing a rainbow coming out of a dark cloud. This was mostly because my designer number was #6 and there are six colors in the rainbow. Plus I thought the Wayside could use some fabulous. However, I was told that my number was now #2 so that sort of blew my plans. I had to write my number on the side instead.

I painted the inside of the shirt as well because I wanted some of the inside seams to be used to create an unfinished look.

Step 2: Drying

I had my blow dryer packed but there proved to be a lack of plug ins to use. I decided to use the hand dryers in the men's bathroom.. Only to find out that it was broken which is pretty disgusting to know that none of them dry their hands (Much less wash them). My model and I proceed to go into the girls' bathroom to use the one in there. I asked the girls standing in there if it was alright and they were all about having me in there with them. It was hysterical and turned into a big social gathering as 20 girls stood around talking to me while I dried my garment.

Step 3: Construction

I cut all the edges of the garment with pinking shears to ensure a rough but finished edge, which is what I wanted anyways. I wanted a little bit of a punk vibe. After the garment was dried, I turned right side out and began working. I cut the angle from the shoulder point and to the back. A few of my friends helped me by holding stuff while I ran around getting things I needed from my "Tool Bag."

I remember at one point I was getting towards the bottom of my new side seam when my friend, Alissa, walked by to announce we had about five minutes. I kicked it into high gear after hearing her because I still had to go back into the bathroom with Step, flip the shirt back out, and then put it on her before the runway.

I definitely felt some Project Runway pressure going on at that point. I managed to finish sewing, get Steph changed, and back on time.

Step 4: Runway and Coin Collecting

I was pretty proud of the finished product and my model (She's not shy but she was nervous). After the runway show, we had to go around and collect coins in our coin jug. The more coins we collected the better since it would determine who would win. We collected quite a bit of money. Some loved what I did and some guys said it wasn't "Slutty enough." Pssh. After collecting coins, Steph and I took some photos of the finished product.

Step 5: Photoshoot

I love how the black and grey tones made a smokey image on the fabric. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. I got #2 place and that's fine because I like that I displayed who I am as a designer. Plus it fit Steph rather nicely for handsewing and basic construction. I just wanted something that did not look like a tshirt by the time I was done. I feel I accomplished this goal.

We ended up raising $430 for our Charity and that is also a bonus for having participated in the event.

~Jason