Inspiration: I got a ticket to a new beginning

After a storm

Everything came to silence

 

The light once again shines 

I got to know my self

Left the old me behind

And decided to take a leap of faith

I got a ticket to a new beginning

                             

 

And travel to a new life

Now, I  travel  life looking through the binaculars of trust

Free I stand a last 

for....

The Shirt Story

Once upon a time over the life of men, their wardrobe has been characterized by a few main pieces--one of them, the shirt. This versatile yet essential piece of clothing has played a great role in the life of any man. Through history, and with the passage of time, this piece has evolved and undertaken different roles and meanings.

The shirt has never discriminated status, gender or social class. kings, emperors, generals, common people and even peasants have owned at least one. Time and time again history has shown that both women and men alike have worn a shirt. In the 1300’s, the shirt was originally known as "subucula." and everyone used it as modern undergarment of the time. In art and literature, the shirt has always being depicted for both the privileged and the needy. One thing for sure is that the shirt has evolved depending on the trend and the need. This doesn't deny the fact that the shirt's first role was for health reasons. Yet as time went on and without notice in the 1500s, the shirts evolved to a more sophisticated piece when in every outfit, the collar became  the true protagonist. Thus making it the center of attention: from the small flat collars called French to the Italian version that took the form and name of "frill", to the "giorgiera" that required 36 ft of fabric. The possibilities of creating a new shirt every time became endless.

Nonetheless, the shirt was seen just an average piece of clothing. Finally, the shirt won world wide recognition when in 1843 at Montevideo, Italy the famous red shirt of the Garibaldini was born. The shirt success grew and shirt makers began to alter its style according to the occasion: white without a collar and with wide sleeves for the painter, white and at times without a right sleeve for the sword duel, or well hidden under the jacket for pistols. It gained even more popularity in the 20th century with the birth of the American cinema. Pure white shirts with flowing sleeves worn by Rudolph Valentino, the "Oxford" of Humphrey Bogart, the type suited for the hard life of the far west worn on screen by John Wayne, or the super casual Hawaiian shirt worn by Tom Sellek in the T.V. hit series  "Magnum P.I." of the 1980s. 

Yet, the shirt was not completely immortalized until the birth of the "button down," particularly for its undetermined and controversial origin. The most memorable suggests that the founder of this most famous American shirt was inspired in England at a polo match where the players had their collars attached to keep them from flapping in the wind. The more believable version suggests that its anonymous inventor found himself on a pier in the New York harbor during a particularly windy day. Annoyed by his collar blowing in the wind, he attached it at the ends with buttons made of mother of pearl. Whatever its true story, the “button down" is now found in formal settings, with the collar open, in moments of relaxation, and dressed up with a tie or bow tie for important occasions, demonstrating that it is the most versatile leader of the many models of shirts. 

Ultimately, the shirt has been most often a symbol of elegance and refinement but the test of time has immortalized its great prestige for its freedom of expression where anyone can wear it however one pleases. Thus, the shirt is what it is now- a staple item in the closet of today's fashionistas. And now Rui§eñor offers the build up high neck shirt a new and modern approach. This story doesn't end here....It is to be continue by today and tomorrow's innovators.

Want more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirt

Inspiration: Roaring 1920s

 The mull I have been looking over for Fall/Winter 2012....

 Picasso's Guernica

  The boys having fun

Favorite road

Picasso by Ham

The "cool" bathingsuit

Criterion Theather, London: favorite place to hang out

 Golfers-fashionistas of the decade

Charles Lindbergh- Famous for flying across the Atlantic Ocean during the 1920's.

...I think you get the idea... Now back to life....

“I am just a wretched brush and an unworthy canvas in the hands of the greatest artist of all.”

Happy New Year!!!!

Have a great 2012...


Best Wishes to all...



Blessings!!!

Inner Silence

The noise in the world has increased over the last decade where it has become more difficult to hear the voice within. Computers, smart phones, TV and everything around men have created an overwhelming routine. Thus, it is time to take a break- time out. It is time to turn off those noises and slam on the brakes to life and get connected with the greatest wonders of  oneself—your inner self. Within is where men are able to hear the deepest silence and conceptualize a stronger being.

Out of necessity, men are called to live in a cocoon-like-life where they are taken to a new dimension of calmness as they find that forgotten voice. Though the hectic routine can't be avoided  on a daily basis, once men experience this ‘ahh moment’ they more desire a moment of silence. Thus, once they attain it, they no longer take for granted that state of mind. And so after a long week, they avoid any overwhelming hindrances to inner peace and attempt to find that 'new yet forgotten world' where peace and tranquility can be breathed.  

Ruissenor for the Spring/Summer Season 2012 captures that inner silence and interprets it in a very subtle yet subliminal way where line, shapes and silhouettes become simplistic, emanating a great sense of serenity.

I don't need a manufacturer's license! I just design...

What? A manufacturer License is required even if I am just designing! Well during the LA Textile Show Spring 2012, I found out that even if I only design my clothing line in my studio and nothing else, I still need a manufacturer's license. I investigated further and indeed, the State of California states that anyone involve at any level of the apparel business making, the individual or entity, must have a manufacturer's license. The website gives all the information and provides all the application.  The Apparel Resource, Inc. CEO Randy Youngblood  during the Manufacturing in Los Angeles seminar stated that if a person does not have a license at the moment of an auditing, any finished apparel can and will be confiscated for good.  The license doesn't cost much but there is a $25 fee for a garment examination, which need to be taken before the state issues the license, so this week is time to get on tract and become updated with permits.

Thought and Inspiration: Are You Today's Spartan Warrior?

Although the world is surrounded with so much turmoil, there still a need for "a close your eyes for a second and not think about anything moment"-- a pause. It is a time to take control of life and be one with oneself. The possibilities are endless to transform and renewed. There is always opportunity to take the risk and venture to a new path. Even in the middle of difficulty there is always that light that shines at the end of the tunnel-that wonderful word we humans call hope. In this time in age, there is no time to waits. The battle has begun and is not against The 300 Spartan warriors ...No! It's a battle versus oneself to overcome the mundane routine of our daily life. It is a constant struggle to not forget where we come from. It is a life determining point where the crusade with oneself must be fought, but fought well to win and persevere for a better tomorrow--the tomorrow that we wonder if it will come but we trust every night that it will be there when we wake up. SO check your watch and see if it is that time to wonder where you are? Are you in the desert, the beach or the mountain? It is never too late to take the first step of confidence into a new today.

Thought on the Trends for Spring 2012

For some themes, forecasts are saying to self-indulge, be selfish and egocentric. Yet ironically, they are also pushing to the opposite direction. They are also telling the world to go back to where they come from and live a simple life..."live a careless life…a "LA" life” even in times of chaos. Who doesn't need one of those lazy-lay-back -at-the-beach-day? Nonetheless, these thoughts are presented in a way that  feels very depressive almot suicidal- an attitude that the world doesn't need at this moment.

So for me there is room for optimistic creativity and inspiration. The world is fill with great wonders and one can’t always run with the flow. It's OK to run against the current and see life with a different magnifying glass.

One thing for sure is that I wouldn't like to get up  every morning and go through my closet and be reminded that my clothes were inspired with the though of having nothing to look for, no hope, no love to the point of committing suicide. That's not a great way to start my day. It's not a good and hopeful feeling. There is actually more to life than despair, hate and agony. Why not give that to the world, a morning energizer full of optimism and confidence.

Yet, I do love the idea that "dressing up" is making a comeback. Thanks to Mad Men let's  say good bye to the ill-fitting clothes and welcome the tailored look of the late 50's and early 60's. There is hope for classic beauty and well made clothes.  The classic silhouettes of those eras remind me of dignity, respect and love for life. Back in those day, just about anyone look dignify and presentable. No matter what life style, the person wearing a well-tailored suit or a nice fitting dress look exceptional. Who can complain about that?

LA Textile Show Spring 2012

Seminars overview: LA's future in the fashion industry looks promising. There is an optimistic spirit in the LA fashion community that apparel manufacturing will once again raise up as one of the leading industries in America. Undertaking such great task bringing forth the rebirth and new era of the "Made in America" pride. Customer, are more cautious when shopping, however, they are more willing to buy garments when they know those items are made in the United States. This in turn gives many new opportunities for fresh faces because contractors are more willing to help. There is also less room for mistakes because with contractor constructing the garments in our back yards, mistakes can be fix quickly or avoided completely.  The bottom line is that garment construction cost is the same when taking into consideration how many mistakes are done overseas and the time it takes to fix them.  

Trends:  The upcoming season’s forecast is actually taking LA's life style as one of their main inspiration. People around the world are in-love with the "LA look!" Yet tribal cultures from Africa, farm life style from China and Germany, the Internet, cinema from the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, and the desert among others are taking center stage in inspiring new trends. Colors are bold in some instances, yet very refreshing. For the spring season of 2012 "white" is making a comeback" but pastels will balance the bold attitude to some palettes.  Patterns and prints still rule during this season. Many are vintage inspired others are cultural or geometric influenced and some are the classic stripes and plaid but in a more settle almost aged and decadent way. Layering, patterns and textures will be key to acquiring the right look. This season is OK to wear the wrinkle look. Textiles are purposely made to look vintage, wrinkle, recycled or old.

Inspiration: Art

Art & artists I've been referencing lately:

 

Peter Beard- Diaries

Francisco Goya Etching- Disasters of War

Kaws- Street Art

 

Kaws

 

Salvador Dali- "Sleep"

Just a little insight into my mad mind as I mull over Fall 2011. Now back to work....

Happy New Year!!!

Time Square New Year's Celebration in 1938

Time Square in 2011

Keep in mind that dreams are not easily attained, but with hard work and determination, dreams do become a reality. Thus, follow your gut instinct, stay focused and get there. 

Begin by opening the new book of your life. The pages are blank. Opportunity is the first chapter, and the first page starts today on New Year’s Day. 

Be alert because Opportunity may knock at your door when you least expect it. 

Are you ready to open the door?

A Proper Workspace

Today we went on a hunt for a proper workspace in Downtown, LA. After viewing 3 spaces we fell in love with one space with great lighting (windows and natural light are a must), cement floors and plenty of room to work. The one thing I love most about moving into a new space is personalization. Creating a feeling that is all your own. Examples of some great workspaces/homes below:

 Josh Stevens' Studio Space

 Andy Warhol "The Silver Factory"

 Invertebra.Stumbleupon

 Ruben & Isabel Toledo's Workspace

 Jeff Johnson's Silverlake, CA space "Choke"

 Erin Wasson Home

 Erin Wasson Home

What's your ideal workspace?

A Brief History of the Suit

Author: Rich Christiansen

The suit is the traditional form of male formal clothing in the modern world, and has been that way for almost 200 years. Although the modern suit did not appear until the nineteenth century, the origins of the suit coat can be traced back to the revolution in men's clothing set by British royalty as early as 1600.


In the 1660s, King Charles II decreed that at court, men were to wear a long coat or a jacket, a waistcoat, a cravat – which later mutated into the modern necktie – a wig, and trousers. The entire ensemble would eventually become the standard business suit that millions of men wear every working day of their life.


By the early 1800s, styles had changed enough that the trend led men to wear understated, beautifully cut, perfectly tailored coats, along with elaborately knotted neckwear. What we call the modern suit was originally a nineteenth-century English innovation. The tailored man's suit became the great social leveler of the 19th century. With the breakdown of the aristocratic leadership that had dominated society since time immemorial, it became less necessary for men to emphasize distinctions of social rank. As the suit became increasingly popular, even the humblest men would have at least one suit to wear - their "Sunday best."


America took the lead in the 20th century with the ready-to-wear industry, devising technological advances that created a reliable source of clothing for all men. Tailors worked on standardized master patterns, a technique borrowed from the United States Army, and the proliferating department stores disseminated suits of a fairly uniform nature.


The Zoot Suit first gained popularity in the late 1930s in Harlem among the jazz community The word "zoot", according to the Oxford English Dictionary, probably comes from the word 'suit'. Anti-Latino race riots in Los Angeles during World War II are known as the Zoot Suit Riots. Despite restrictions and discrimination, Zoot Suit culture prevailed.


Over the past half-century, the wearing of suits has become far less common than it once was and is now restricted almost entirely to formal and business activities. During the 1990s, many businesses in North America adopted casual Fridays. The abandonment of a uniform dress code has led to considerable confusion over what is considered appropriate business wear. More recently, some businesses have reinforced the wearing of suits, although they may never again be as common as they once were.


So, if you’re one of those guys who bucks the trend and continues to wear a suit everyday of your life – take a bow. You are keeping history alive!




Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-improvement-articles/a-brief-history-of-the-suit-280171.html


About the Author


A Brief History of the Suit is written by Erin Hattaway for SKMENSWEAR | MENS SUITS. Erin Hattaway is an undergraduate student at Brigham Young University. Her most recent editing experience includes work for BYU’s undergraduate philosophy magazine, The Aporia. She currently works with Rich Christiansen (linked to http://www.2tieatie.com) and Ron Porter, collaborating on their upcoming book Bootstrap Business.

Ruissenor Spring 2011 Collection in New York

On the right: Net tuck pleated build-up neck jacket with fitted cotton pushed pin stripe pants

Middle: Plaid zip-up vest with white round pocket pants

Top: Plaid zip-up vest with white round pocket pants

Above: Net tuck pleated build-up neck jacket

 Front: Tuck pleated v-neck long sleeve shirt, with grey square pocket pants; 

Knife pleated trench coat with black leather paint denim finish pants 

Silk Kimono with seer sucker plaid facing and matching pants

Top: Seer sucker facing round neck silk Kimono
Above: Build-up neck with welt pocket long sleeve cotton shirt

Back Right : Chevron stripe vest,
Back Left: White Net tank top with welt pocket black and white stripe fitted pants

Prices available upon request.