Trendspotting: Rein ‘Em In
Naughty harnesses are sure to keep the fashion folks in line.
Monday October 1st, 2012
Monday February 6th, 2012
How I’m Making It: Designer Mandy Coon
Mandy Coon has the innate ability to mix things that are cute (bunnies) and things that are badass (leather) with ease. From diaphanous dresses to body-conscious jumpsuits, Mandy Coon knows what a woman wants. The eloquent and meticulously organized Texan invited me into her studio to get a peek at the behind-the-scenes life of her young fashion brand. Let me tell you, it’s quite amazing.
What was the inspiration for you to start your own label?
I always wanted to do it, but I was unsure of myself for a long time. Growing up in Texas being a fashion designer wasn’t a thing you could be. I went to college for computer science, if that gives you any idea. Then I ended up in the fashion industry and knew I wanted to design, but I was kind of unsure of myself, so I went back to school at FIT and learned everything technical I could possibly learn. Afterwards I started working for Camilla Staerk, and I knew I wanted to start my own thing, but I was being hesitant. Camilla was the one who really pushed me to start. She was like, “You’re ready. You’re going to do this.” Her believing in me that much was what pushed me to actually do it.
Wednesday November 17th, 2010
11 Questions for Of a Kind Founders Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo
We are super excited about Of a Kind, a new fashion site that launched today, which seamlessly blends retail and editorial content in a way that we’ve never seen before. What we think makes Of a Kind really amazing is that the product is comprised solely of limited-edition one-offs exclusive to the site (Very limited edition–like 30 units). And, they make a point of featuring emerging designers, allowing accompanying exclusive editorial content to introduce shoppers to new brands. They’re also the first shopping site on Tumblr.
For their initial sale, Mandy Coon created a special version of her adorable bunny bag.
We’ll let the site’s founders Claire and Erica tell you more. Thankfully, despite launch day nerves and sleep deprivation, they answered all of our questions.
Fashionista: What is the main idea behind Of a Kind and why is it unique?
Tuesday November 9th, 2010
Adventures In Copyright: The Bunny Bag Edition
Reader Angie tipped us off to his rather upsetting Adventures In Copyright.
It seems that See by Chloe has blatantly ripped off Mandy Coon’s “Ginny Bunny Bag.” Both bags are black leather, and in the shape of bunny. We wonder though, how the quality of the leather compares among the two bags. The only noticeable difference between the two is that the original bag has a gold chain while the See by Chloe bag has a wrist band.
Either way, it’s always disappointing to see big labels rip off smaller, independently-owned labels. Especially when the knocked-off piece looks exactly the same as the original. Then again, both bags kind of remind us of those coveted Giles dinosaurs bags.
Saturday September 11th, 2010
A Night at Milk Studios: Jen Kao, Mandy Coon, Kimberly Ovitz and LnA
Jen Kao
Sure there was sand on the runway and there were floaty dresses and soleless sandals at Jen Kao’s show at Milk yesterday, but there was a dark undercurrent running through her collection. Chris Isaac’s “Wicked Games” played for the entire length of the show, and Kao’s line sheets said that she was “inspired by the arid sands and shifting light of the powdery dunes where desert princes find their zombie brides.” Ok…? The zombie bride thing didn’t exactly come across but Kao’s color palette–sand, off-white, dusty rose–certainly gave off a desert vibe. Models strolled through the sand in over-sized slouchy knits and loose airy dresses, most of which were crocheted and macramed, and paired with soleless macrame thongs and shin guards. The stand out look? A dusty rose gown with intricate paneling at the bodice.
