TFW Style Blog

Shop TFW: Recycled Booty Bags

2011-04-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Albert

Meet Christine, the clever and resourceful creator of Recycled Booty Bags. Along with a background in graphic art, this local accessories designer has been sewing since She was 8 years old. A big thrift store fanatic, she was shopping one day and found a really loud pair of pants. She thought to herself " Why would anyone ever buy them? They were neon orange!"

Purchase this item on ETSY by clicking here

Despite their hideous color she felt a bit sad for the once loved (maybe in the 70s) and now discarded pair of pants. She knew they would never find a home. She describes it as "kinda like the Humane Society meets the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." This is when it dawned on her-- the inspiration for her bags! She bought the homeless neon orange pants and experimented with them and created her first booty bag.

Christine says she now regularly "adopts the un-adoptable" of the horrible pants world and turns them into rad bags!

For you super stylish but eco friendly fashion forward gals-- every thing she uses is made from 100 percent recycled materials!

Come shop Recycled Booty Bags cute accessories and meet Christine on April 30, at Tucson Fashion Week's Main Runway Event.

Check out Recycled Booty Bags on ETSY at http://www.recycledbootybags.etsy.com/
Purchase tickets for Tucson Fashion Week at www.tucsonfashionweek.net/Tickets.html

Q&A with Zandra Ashley of The Minerva Collection

2011-04-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Age: 21

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Tell us about your line:

The Minerva Collection is about being completely original in the sense that one single outfit is never replicated. Made by goddess hands, these clothes provide the simplicity and beauty of every day clothes-but they can become as exaggerated and complex as they want. The style of Minerva incorperates a more artistic style to making her clothes. Bringing all the goddesses attributes such as poetry, wisdom, magic and music and having them all intertwine together or focusing on one of them making it more customized to the customer.

How did you get started in fashion?

In high school I was known as this chick who use to wear the craziest outfits and could actually pull them off well. I was obsessed with 80s hair, metal style and music. It influenced me a lot and I used to love to mix it up all the time-- from the sex hair to, make up to leather pants. Everyone said I should get into fashion design because I was creative and probably could make something out of it. By my senior year of high school I was helping throw a Fashion show at the school and it just grew from there!

What was the first piece of clothing you made?

Wow! I believe the first piece I officially ever made was a cloak for my winter formal. The theme was "Phantom of the Opera." I had fallen in love with the movie and the clothing, so I decided I really had to represent it. I am pretty sure I was the only one at that formal who had an actual cloak, it was awesome!

What do you think has been the worst trend?

Hawaiian shirts! Most men I've seen wearing them look ridiculous. The colors and design make men and women look bad.

Who is your favorite designer?

Through out high school I looked up to Sharon Toxic from Toxic Vision and Betsy Johnson. I think Sharon's heavy metal leather clothing is amazing. The way she has made sleeze rock and 80s hair metal clothing into something better is just simply amazing-- total rock star status! Betsy is from the generation I wish I could have lived through and to see her become a success and the wide variety of clothes she has made has had a great impact on me!

Who is your favorite model?

I prefer models that are full in shape and carry a kick ass attitude!

What is a staple item of clothing every guy must own?

Guys just need to learn how to dress better now a days. I'm sick of just seeing the plain t-shirts and shorts...come on guys being fashionable isn't just for girls. If you dressed sexier in your own style, you'll probably have a better chance at getting a girl.

Do you have any interests aside from fashion?

I have too many interests! I like doing photography and playing musical instruments such as the guitar, piano and flute and singing. I hope to one day have my own secret garden as well! I want to always have new interests...you just never know what's out there till you go discover it yourself!

What are your future goals?

I hope to keep doing "The Minerva Collection" and having a collection to each season. I have a high interest in fashion illustration and I hope that can take me somewhere as well. Besides just making clothes, I also want to keep BöGÐárε alive and growing as an art gallery and have it expand with my awesome partner and co-owner of Bogdare Jay williams!

Where can your line be purchased?

Soon after the Tucson Fashion Week, I will be making a website for "The Minerva Collection" at www.theminervacollection.com

Artists of Fashion: Meet George Chi

2011-04-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Albert

George Chi, was born in February in Chicago. He began drawing at the age of five and it immediately became a passion. Art was always a way he could express emotions or thoughts instead of using words. He won his first art contest in fifth grade and his success as an artist began to rise from there.

When he entered High school, his work began to get recognized more; art shows/galleries, designing logos for local companies, illustrating for children's novels. He even started his own tee shirt business called ‘Imagin8ion’. If that's not enough, George stays busy designing tattoos for friends, as well as designs for t-shirts for school clubs and churches.

George has experience in graphic design, and will be in the upcoming AZteen magazine for his work. Did we mention George is still in high school? That's right, this high achieving artist hasn't even graduated yet!

George plans on attending art school, majoring in Graphic design, and pursuing his dreams of having his own clothing line or graphic design business.

Go George!
Come out and meet him at Tucson Fashion Week's Main Runway Event!

Get your tickets at www.tucsonfashionweek.net/tickets.html

Jade Minor of Legendary Style

2011-04-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Samantha “Jade” Minor
Age: 30
Hometown: Long Island, NY

Describe your line:
My line is sexy, feminine and fun! There is something for every woman.

How did you get started in fashion?
I started out as a model, then became friends with an amazing Phoenix designer. I started helping him with his line and admired how he could just make whatever he wanted to wear and didn’t have to worry about going out and finding something. It didn’t take long for me to decide that I wanted to be on the other side of the runway as well as on it.

What was the first piece of clothing you made?
A silver cocktail dress that ended up horribly.

What do you think has been the worst trend?
Guys in skinny jeans

Who is your favorite designer?
Coco Chanel

Who is your favorite model?
Naomi Campbell

What is a beauty product you can’t live without?
Lip gloss, it doesn’t matter what brand, I can’t leave home without it.

What is a staple item of clothing every girl must own?
There are two; A little black dress and VERY high heels. (They don’t need to be worn together but are must haves.)

What is a staple item of clothing every guy must own?
A nice pair of kicks. NO SCUFFS!

Do you have any interests aside from fashion?
Traveling, other than that I live and breathe modeling and designing.

What are your future goals?
My future goals are to open a few Legendary Style boutiques. Starting with LA and NY.

Where can your line be purchased?
As of May 1st 2011 at www.mylegendarystyle.com

Shop TFW: Qtee Jewelry Co.

2011-04-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Meet JoD owner of Qtee Jewelry Co and shop her collection at Tucson Fashion Week April 30th.

I started Qtee Jewelry Co. because I love being a young female Hispanic business owner doing what I enjoy, which is selling beautiful things and making people happy! I try my hardest to please my customers by offering super cute and unique quality items, such as lips, skulls, hearts, fleur-de-lis, crosses and my favorite, bows! For an added touch style, all the beautiful items you buy from Qtee Jewelry Co. come in my signature cheetah print bag. I also feel the young "Qtee Pies" in our lives need a little sparkle, that's why I offer not only unique women's items but also little girl items at a great price!

Who inspires you?
I have so many different fashion icons that inspire me, but I would have to say my top three are; Miranda Lambert for her edgy western style, Jennifer Lopez for her large bling hoop earrings and Katy Messersmith for her awesome clothing design skills in her Katydid Collection that I carry.

Where's your hometown?
I am a Tucson native and try to give back to the community by showing my items at events that support local and worldwide charities such as, Women Unite, The MS foundation and The Humane Society of Southern Arizona. In my free time I also help my husband coach our son's soccer and tee-ball teams and I sell AVON.

Shop Qtee online: http://www.qteejewelry.webs.com
Be friends with Qtee on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/qteejewelryco
Buy tickets for Tucson Fashion Week:
www.tucsonfashionweek.net/Tickets.html

Everyone is a Fashion Icon Part 1: Free Garb at the Adult Swim Carnival

2011-04-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Albert

Last night one of my best friends, Annie (who also happens to be my assistant with Siobhan) and I were sitting tiredly at my studio planning the details of Tucson Fashion Week when we received a text from a friend saying "FREE T-SHIRTS!" We were mildly aware that there was an Adult Swim pop-up carnival over by Fourth Avenue, after all-- we could hear it! We tinkered with the idea of attending, but with the mountain of work ahead, we decided to ignore all the fun that was happening less than two blocks away from us... until, the text and promise of free clothing!

I grabbed my little dinky camera and we proceeded to a much needed break down the road. This is what I love about downtown and Fourth Ave., one minute you're walking and then-- BAM you're right in the middle of a carnival! To Tucsonans who continually complain there's nothing to do in this city, I say- you just aren't looking hard enough.

I had been explaining to Annie about how much style Tucson actually has-- whether it's the fabulously dressed ladies of the Foothills Galas or the cheeky hipsters of downtown, we at TFW want our city to embrace it's unique style. Even our casual wear has some serious flare. As a designer I truly appreciate all the wonderful variations of style our city has to offer. It gives me inspiration. As the producer of TFW I'm excited that our big four-day fashion fest coming just three weeks away, and as the founder of the Tucson Fashion Collective it continually gives me hope of building a viable fashion district right in the heart of our city. Tucson truly is more than just a "flip-flops and jeans city."

When we arrived, I was not disappointed. Adult Swim draws a broad crowd, from rockabillys, to street wear, to cute hipster girls in floral dresses and leather jackets-- I saw it all. We were impressed to find that not only were we getting free shirts, but that they were being screened right in front of us!

I picked out a Venture Bros. print for my boyfriend and quickly started snapping pictures. Here are some more pictures of people who caught my eye last night and the great carnival games they had.

Baby vs Old Man Segway Game.

The giant Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force greets you at the front gate.

The hottie Lauren of Razorz Edge (one of our sponsors, so check 'em out!) took a break from her busy shop to come down and see what the fuss was all about. I love that she always looks good even when her hair's wrapped in a bandana and eating a healthy snack!

We ran into Tony and Jacqui, wonderful make up artists- as if you couldn't guess from the picture. So want Jacqui's hair!

Look who stopped in-- Ian and Leesa. Ian is a fantastic silk screener and owns YeahRight silk screening. Leesa is a kick-butt photographer for Metromix! Is that a Siobhan tee you're wearing Leesa?

We were super stoked to see our featured designer Zandra of Minerva, taking a much needed sewing break. Why does she looks so cute all the time?

Ok, I can't rock a visor but leave it to Aimee C. to pull it off with a casual "girl next door" look. Aimee is a fantastic model who can stomp a runway like nobodies business!

Check out this crazy awesome bias cut t-shirt dress! Guess what? She made it herself! Tucson you've got skills!

Super cute couple with super awesome hair. I was really digging her cute ruffled summer mini dress with a bright yellow purse-- adorable!

Speaking of models, Miss Katy Awful with her boyfriend Shawn Awful stopped in for their free tees and to play some wacky games. I wanted to steal her red cardigan and striped top. Not like it would fit me, she's 6'1 and loads of fun! Watch for her on our Morning Blend segment on April 13th.

Love Love LOVE this gorgeous gals top, make up and hair!
Every lady needs a good red lipstick!

Street wear meets forest creature. I really don't know how to tag this, all I can say is that these guys were cracking me up!

We here at TFW want thank you all for your enthusiasm with your personal style. Tucson is in our hearts! We'd like to invite you out to take part in making Tucson Fashion Week your own with a series of events which will have a photo booth set up where Leesa from Metromix will take shots of you in your cutest, sassiest, craziest outfits! We're starting this weekend at 2nd Saturdays downtown! Come out and see us! We will have tickets for sale, cupcakes, and be snapping away at all of you because we believe that everyone is a fashion icon. So own it!

See you soon!

Artist of Fashion: Meet Tanina Jackson of Babe & Butter

2011-04-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Albert

This year at Tucson Fashion Week we have incorporated accomplished artists into our Main Runway Event, giving them a chance to dazzle Tucson with their talent! Most of the art, as well as prints, will be for sale at the event.

One of this year's featured artists is Tanina Jackson. Although Tanina was born in Culver City, Calif., she was raised in Mesa, Ariz. After graduation, she studied Fashion Design at the Dubai International Art Centre.
Tanina's body of work entitled "Babe & Butter" is dedicated to showcasing uplifting images of women and fashion. Her bright images of women in action sporting fabulous heels and stylish outfits delight the eyes. Often her compositions are playful and sometimes wonderfully subversive, yet often leave the viewer room to imagine their own storyline.

Come shop Babe & Butter's adorable, original handbags and meet Tanina on April 30, at Tucson Fashion Week's Main Runway Event.

View Babe & Butter online at www.babeandbutter.com
Purchase tickets for Tucson Fashion Week at www.tucsonfashionweek.net/Tickets.html

Christopher Russell of The Boys and Co.

2011-04-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Age: 23

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Describe your line:
The Boys and Co. is a line of tees I created. I used to be a big shopper, a retailers dream. While at one of my favorite stores I came across this shirt with a saying that I always used. It was then that it struck me that my ideas were marketable. People would take things I would say all the time and use them regularly in their own conversations, even making them permanent parts of their vocabulary.

Two of my shirts have the same exact statements as two number one hit singles! Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and Adele's "Rumor Has It." Both shirts were on my website before the singles were released!

How did you get started in fashion?
It’s not a matter of when I particularly got started in fashion. Fashion and I go way back to when I was merely a child. My mother would have most of her outfits custom made. This inspired me to see that fashion was what you thought of it, not just what stores wanted you to conform to.

What was the first piece of clothing you made?
The first piece of clothing I made was a custom Chanel embroidered T-shirt; I saw it on the runway and mimicked it for myself. It was a success as I turned heads everywhere I went.

What do you think has been the worst trend?
Jeggings!!!

Who is your favorite designer?
Christophe Decarnin

Who is your favorite model?
Lara Stone

What is a beauty product you can’t live without?
Mac Strobe Cream

What is a staple item of clothing every girl must own?
A luxuriously casual over-sized Tee-- it goes with every and anything. Boys and Co. carries quite a few!

What is a staple item of clothing every guy must own?
A pair of black skinny jeans.

Do you have any interests aside from fashion?
Yes and no. Business is important to me, but fashion is my business.

What are your future goals?
To become an international brand. The line of statement tees is only the beginning; I want to expand our line to include jeans, button-ups, jackets, party dresses and the jewels. With an underwear campaign in the works. I'm so excited, get on this ride with us and never get off.

Boys & Co. can be purchased on the following websites:

http://boysandco.bigcartel.com/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70993910/nothing-left-to-lose-raglan?ref=pr_shop

Make-up and Trend.

2011-03-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

By Tony Kougar.

We all know that seasons influence fashion trends: Spring/Summer sees pastels, floral and denim. Fall/Winter gets furs, military influences and coats.

But does makeup also change through the seasons?

Yes. Trends in makeup follow a very specific pattern.

For example, Spring/Summer collections focus on color, luminescence, and freshness. Fluorescent
neon and pastels appear on the runways. Soft shades frame the eye or fill out the cheeks and lips.

For fall, vampy, sculpted and bold makeup shows up, complementing the season's shift in clothing style. Red lips and smoky eyes dominate runways. Eye shadows, lipsticks and blushes darken with the change in weather. The intense colors of the Fall are noticeable, where even small changes in foundation and application become apparent.

But does this mean that you need to trash your current makeup and get a new look every six months?

No. Just like with your wardrobe, use the seasons to add one or two new statement pieces. something to jazz up your current look. If pink is in this season, try a new shade of pink. If it's red eyeliner, try one on. Expand your look without abandoning your "tried and true" makeup ways

(Photos by Joe Ancona for Siobhan Clothing; Model: La Avery; Hair Sandra Pope and Jamie Jameson; Makeup Tony Kougar.)

The Best Job Ever, Part 1

2011-03-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Albert

With only 40 days until the big show, nothing puts the TFW staff in the mood for fashion like perusing the colorful estate sales and vintage goodies this city has to offer.

Tucked away in the Historical Barrio we found the eponymous Ozma's Trunk Show, filled with amazing historical pieces gathered up by fashionista de vintage, Ozma. (I bought three breath-taking and mint-condition pouf dresses, Kristin got a pair of wooden wedges, and Sandra fell in love with a blue, summery-printed jumper.)

The brilliant collector herself. Isn't she amazing?

Way to spot those cute golden purses, little Rachel Zoe!

As we headed downtown, bags overflowing from the car (roll those windows up!), we stumbled upon a sale at that pink mansion on the corner of Stone and Toole (anyone remember the name?). Estate sale heaven! More shopping; my credit card's on fire!

Heaven. Sigh!

Like my new style?

Want a spot of tea?

Is that a self-portrait in that box?

At this point, we could barely move from shopping-induced ecstasy. But, like little style troopers, we trucked on, joining the lovely ladies and gentlemen from the Rock the Runway Fashion Show. Nothing like closing the day with a spectacular runway show (and, for good-people points: it benefited the Diamond's Children Center). Paula Taylor did such an amazing job! We can't wait to work with her in the future.

Paula & Sandra looking fierce!

Well, off to the sewing factory called "my studio." Talk to you kiddies later!

Black Swan Accessories

2011-02-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

By Alexa Miller

Long before Natalie Portman, a very different kind of black swan pirouetted through Tucson.

Created by Lauren Valenzuela in January of 2010, Black Swan Accessories has whirled its way through local shops such as Razorz Edge, Bohemia and Zoe Boutique.

“In March I will be expanding to Phoenix,” said Valenzuela. “Black Swan Accessories will be available at Evermore Nevermore as well as Red Hot Threads.”

Also available on Etsy, her line truly embodies the femme fatale. Her headbands, earrings, necklaces and rings are adorned not only with lace, feathers and bows— they also flaunt the occasional skull and crossbones.

“I love a mix of bold and soft, basically feminine but tough,” said Valenzuela.

Her displays show her talent for mixing the sweet with the wicked. Her Beatrice Birdcage Veil Headband sits atop a skull for presentation.

“There are some edgy pieces and kitsch inspirations that are a little bit dark,” said Valenzuela. “And I love the classic pinup vibe.”

Born and raised in Tucson, Valenzuela draws most of her inspirations from her mother.

“She was a crazy-hippy-watercolor artist who raised me to be open-minded and taught me to appreciate diversity and to love all types of art,” said Valenzuela.

As an avid lover of Tucson, Valenzuela hopes that its fashion scene will stick to its roots.

“Let’s face it, we’re not like anyone else,” said Valenzuela.

And neither is Black Swan Accessories— who ever said sinister couldn’t be playful?

TFW Fundraiser Fashion Show at the Surly Wench Pub

2011-02-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

Models, cupcakes and booze? Sign us up!

This Friday, Feb. 18 Tucson Fashion Week Collective is hosting the first ever Tucson Fashion Week Fundraiser Show at the Surly Wench Pub.

The runway show will feature Backstitch Betty, Razorz Edge, Sass Knuckles and Siobhan and will start at 10 p.m.

Treats will be sold by models to raise funds for Tucson Fashion Week—support never tasted so delicious! Also, enter for a chance to win front row tickets to the Main Event on April 30.

Stay for the dance party hosted by Tucson's DJ Matt McCoy and Dewtron!

Dirty Brides, T-Shirt Bags and Hair Poetry

2011-02-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

By Alexa Miller

Some may call her a triple threat— but Erin Durband sees her three business ventures, E-Kah-D Photography, Laundry Bags art-packaging bags and Contextomy statement hairpieces, as outlets for her overflowing creativity.

“What doesn’t inspire me?” said Durband. “I love anything unique, quirky and non-traditional.”

When it comes to her wedding portraits, Durband takes a different approach.

“I specialize in the type of photography popularly known as ‘trash-the-dress,’ or as I call it 'dirty laundry,’” said Durband. “You definitely won't find any pretty-princess brides with pasted-on smiles in my portfolio.”

Instead, you see blushing brides waist-deep in ponds and having risqué encounters in train stations— yes, in their gowns. Durband refers to these photos as the ones you actually want, now that the wedding is over.

Thinking outside of the box is definitely her strong suit.

“I am simply amazed by people who can cleverly repurpose things and make them into something entirely different, beautiful and functional,” said Durband.

Along with her photography, her two product lines do just that.

Durband uses deconstructed T-shirts to create affordable art-packaging bags in many different colors and patterns.

“I got frustrated by not being able to find any cute and affordable bags to package my canvas prints,” said Durband. “As if those two businesses don't keep me busy enough, I still wanted to create something that would appeal to a broader audience.”

Inspired by classic novels, Durband created her hairpiece line, Contextomy, which means “the art of taking things out of context.”

“I thought it would be fun to take little snippets out of vintage romance novels and affix them to hairclips,” said Durband. “They can be worn one at a time as a statement piece or you can combine two or three and create a bit of poetry for your hair.”

Our First Blog!

2011-01-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

New year, new fashion week in the "Old Pueblo!"
Are you getting excited? Because we are!

We started this blog to further educate our city on all the wonderful local fashion, accessory and retail businesses our state has to offer.

We also want to make sure you're updated on all the events we're planning this spring and all the other fashion events going on in our fine city.

Check out : www.tucsonfashionweek.net