Tee Time

The Apparel and Textile Design department plans an event every year called Tee Time. Everything is made from t-shirts and recycled materials. Here is some of my work, made from t-shirts and lace table cloths for Summer 2011.

Christiana Shields- New Jewler on the Block

I entered The Coffee Shop, and let me tell you, it is "The" place to be, although, I wouldn't recommend it for your standard cup of regular. The venue is anything but regular, and a popular hang out for A-Lister's in "The" city.
Cristiana Shields, a free spirit guided by a collection of brightly colored rocks in her pocket, launched her new jewelry line in the underground portion of The Coffee Shop. The line featured turquoise, embers, and a collection of one of a kind beads and trinkets that Cristiana Shields had found over the years. Cristiana wore a turquoise necklace accompanying a lovely flowing top and skinny jeans. Cristiana was styled by Kiara Horwitz.
Also present was Cristian Shield's mother, also mother to the well known Brooke Shields. There was also a new reality TV pilot being filmed, but I'm learning that this is standard at these events. This however, is a huge change from WVA, the local station in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The live music that evening, minus a few tech problems, was amazing. Sadly, their names were mentioned only once during the evening, and not in the press release. I have researched and can't find the names of the fabulous musicians anywhere. All I can say is if you don't have a love for jewelry, follow Cristiana for the music.

The top photo is of Cristiana and Mrs. Shields. On the right is my friend Oliva looking darling in a one shoulder dress with gold raised polk-a-dots.

Check out her website at http://www.shieldsjewelry.com/

Sara Claire and Esther and Eva Trunk Show

Dear Reader,
I am pleased to inform you that this is not spam. I am also not trying to sell you any fake vacations, time shares, computers (don't you already have one?) or oversea brides. I am however trying to sell you an idea. Young designers are where it's at. It's not like I have my own personal incentives promoting young designers or anything. Ok, I do. However, this is about two other young design teams that fused together last Wednesday night at the legendary Natsumi, a swanky bar and restaurant between Broadway and 8th. Included were drinks, a chance to be on one of MTV's many reality tv pilots (lots of youngish film crews) and most importantly new, fresh designs, made with love and quality. Sara Clair and Esther is a company producing surprisingly sophisticated designs for such a young business. The fabrics featured brocades and silks, and were trimmed with golds and silvers, giving a competitive edge, literally, to other garments. Eva's collection was equally sophisticated but had an air of playfulness in the detailing. I believe Eva said she was from Sweden, and the garments reflected her homeland. The main color was white, and the detailing was in in red ribbon, and other one-of-a-kind patterns. Small detailing on the bottoms of tops, like tiny box pleats, gave this collection a unified feel. Look out Versace. These girls may be the new kids on the block, but they are winning over every block in Manhattan with more speed, love, and determination than taxi drivers on Broadway.

TULIPS & PANSIES- these flowers will not wilt in the hands of time

A few evenings ago, I was lucky enough to help at the annual Tulips and Pansies Fashion Show, featuring various up-and-coming, and experienced designers, like Betsey Johnson. The show also featured (can you guess?) a wide variety of tulips and pansies and other floral arrangements from local florists. The florists and designers worked together to create fashion masterpieces, a true display of art. Rivals Whitney and Olivia from MTV's the City were, there, as well as Kelly Coutrone, author of "If You Have to Cry, Go Outside." An organization called Village Care, organized the event. Why did so many A-listers, fashionestas, and fabulous patrons of the city come together? The fashion show would have been enough for me, however, the real reason behind the evening was not to celebrate MTV's "The City" or goo and ga over who wore what. The real reason was to raise awareness for HIV and AIDS. This was for the people that couldn't be at the event because they were to sick, for the people who are often forgotten. This was for those who will never be mentioned in a fashion blog or a magazine. While most people with HIV and AIDS were not at the event, they were not forgotten. Tulips and Pansies packed the house with philanthropy, raising millions of dollars for one cause, and many missions.

Fashion Ilustrations

Here is a small sampeling for my 15 piece show in September. My drawing is done using prisma color markers on marker paper.

I'M NOT MODEST

I am currently a junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Apparel and Textile Designs. In my first year of school I switched majors five times, finally realizing the only reasons I had wanted to be in advertising, communications, ect. was to wear pretty dresses. Well, I now make "pretty dresses" thanks to sewing instruction from my wonderful professors and my own dedication to what I love. I also write a fashion column for our school newspaper, The Crimson White, and update this blog frequently for both you and myself to have an on line fashion portfollio of my work. I also adore fashion illustration, and paint quite frequently sometimes selling my paintings to decorators. I am working on a Spring line, shown in September, and eventully plan on owning my own buisness. If you would like to contact me, (I make custum dresses, paintings, and am looking for a summer internship ) my e-mail adress is eslane@crimson.ua.edu.

DESIGNS FOR THE WOMAN ON TOP

What makes the world go round? You do, darling. You do more than any man ever could, all while looking damn good. It doesn't matter what, maybe today you will fly to Paris. Perhaps you just need to run to the store, but your the only girl you know who could run to that store in five inch stilletos. That's right ladies, you do it all but compromise nothing. What's in your closet? Chic, one-of-a-kind, effortless pieces...The kind of clothing that makes other women play copy cat. However, darling, they can't. Why? Because you are genuine, from your heart on out, and no one could ever mimic style like that. You are intelligent, beutiful, charming, stylish, and on top.