Pop art sculptor Roy Lichtenstein's "Mermaid" in Miami Beach

Erin’s piece: Pop art artist and sculptor Roy Lichtenstein’s “Mermaid,” which stands in front of the Jackie Gleason Theater for the Performing Arts in Miami Beach.

“When I first saw it, I was a bit nervous about what I had gotten myself into,” Erin admits. “Lichtenstein’s style is very hard-edged and geometric. He once described it as ‘industrial painting.’ And anyone familiar with my style knows that it’s worlds away from ‘industrial.’ I’m all about the natural world and my looks are softer, curvier and more flowing.”

After mulling over it for a bit, Erin realized that despite the stark stylistic contrast, she could easily connect with Roy’s sculpture.

“When you think of mermaids, elements of nature – namely the ocean and sea life – come to mind,” she says. “I thought of the iridescent color patterns of a mermaid’s scales and the decorative possibilities that the ocean offers. Plus, in legends, films and art, mermaids have always had that sexy, mysterious lure mixed with a bit of playfulness – all great qualities in woman and in women’s fashion.”

Erin Healy Designs' "Mermaid" gown inspired by pop art sculptor Roy Lichtenstein's work and created for Cravings South Florida Magazine.

Erin took a cue from Lichtenstein’s patterns, but softened the lines with a textured fabric that resembles ocean waves. She  added starfish-shaped, hand-blown glass pieces along the top of the bodice and, at the hip, a Swarovski crystal eye -  a staple in many of Lichtenstein’s pieces. The result is a strapless, mermaid-style evening gown that combines her feminine fashion sense with Lichtenstein’s artistic style. The piece showed this weekend at Miami Fashion Week and was well received.

The project proved such a positive experience that Erin encourages emerging designers to give it a try:

“If you’re an up-and-coming fashion designer, I challenge you to the same task. Look around your community for a striking piece of public art that’s very different from your own style and create a look that combines the two. It’s a great way to stretch your imagination and to prepare you for that inevitable client looking for a look that’s a bit different from your signature style.”

If you’re up to Erin’s challenge, we’d love to see your results. Post a comment with a link to your design pics.

The River City is readying for the inaugural Jacksonville Fashion Week, March 24-26. The glam gets started Thursday night at the Casa Marina with the Emerging Designer Showcase featuring looks from Jacksonville’s most promising new designers including Lauren Rossi and Argie Mitra. Runway shows by Chabri, Richard and Bancroft and Yuliya Vega Atelier follow, as well as an after party in the Penthouse Lounge.

Erin Healy Designs hits the stage Friday night at the Jacksonville Bank Building Downtown. The night’s lineup also includes runway shows by BobbyK, Rachel Lym Swimwear and Janie Couture. After party at Dos Gatos.

If you’re an aspiring fashion professional, do not miss Saturday’s Fashion Industry Leaders Interactive Panel presented by Fashion Group International at the historic Ritz Theatre in LaVilla. Panelists include Jacksonville native and America’s Next Top Model winner Whitney Thompson; MIA Styling CEO Melissa Intemann; Georgio Armani Makeup Artist Ashley Rebecca; and Lee Dalhberg, founder of the ROCK BANDS jewelry line.

Tickets to Jacksonville Fashion Week events benefit multiple charities including Soles4Souls, which collects and distributes new and gently worn shoes to people in need worldwide; Angelwood Inc., which supports families caring for special needs loved ones; and the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation.

See you there!

Erin and her team helped open the event with a runway show in the Miami Style Showcase on Thursday night at the Miami Beach Convention Center, then made an appearance at the luxe Mondrian Hotel. Her Spring and Fall 2011 designs feature lots of metallics and deeper textures. And she showed them with a bit of a Mardi Gras masquerade ball theme – complete with intricate masks made with hand-blown glass beads by artist James Stanford of 720 Glassworks in St. Augustine. Despite the costumed theme “Throughout the show and at the after party,  kept hearing those words that a designer loves to hear: ‘I’d wear that!’” Erin says.

In a separate show, her “Mermaid” gown, inspired by famed pop art artist and sculptor Roy Lichtenstein and created for Cravings South Florida Magazine got a great crowd reaction.

Erin has this to say of her latest Miami Fashion Week experience:

“Just like last year, my team and I got a lot of great networking done. We met incredible designers, musicians and media personalities including singer Cleaveland Jones, radio personality Ileana Garcia and this year’s Emerging Designer winner Onder Ozkan (Congrats, Onder!).

“I’d like to send a huge “Thank You!” to my team – my stunning  models; crazy-talented hair stylist Alina Castilla of ACF Hair Studio in Jacksonville; MorrocanOil Creative Design Director Antonio Corral; my incredible makeup artists; musician Jen E., whose original track, “Brilliant Life” rocked my runway show; jewelry designer Gretchen Alter; photographer Mario Peralta;  and my faithful assistants Suave Gordon and Chad Johnson. Of course, thanks to Miami Fashion Week founder and president Beth Sobol and the incredible event staff and volunteer corps. And thanks to everyone who couldn’t make it to South Florida this weekend but supported us with your encouraging Facebook comments and messages. Much love!”

http://www.miamifashionweek.com

View Facebook album of our show at Miami Fashion Week!

We are growing fast. At this time, our clothing line can be found in boutiques throughout Florida, CA, Vegas, and Texas.

We invite you to inquire about our designs and stay tuned as our company grows.

Model Susana Cicchetto modeling Erin Healy Designs. Photo by Mario Peralta.

The inaugural Jacksonville Fashion Week has wrapped and Erin Healy Designs wowed the crowds, as always. Erin showed numerous new looks in Friday night’s runway show at the Jacksonville Bank building Downtown. Introduced as “the Darling of Jacksonville,” Erin debuted her new line featuring lots of metallic colors and sheens with deeper textures than in previous collections.

“The metallics give my collection a shot of glam but in a very updated and totally wearable way,” Erin says. “And my textures are more pronounced, lending a richer feel.”

Her looks got the attention of a buyer for a major retailer hoping to offer one of Erin’s dresses in stores nationwide in 2012. We can’t name names yet, but we’ll let you know when the deal is finalized.

Jacksonville Fashion Week drew packed houses each night, putting to rest any doubts about the River City’s potential as a fashion industry hub.

“There have been a few naysayers out there that wonder if Jacksonville is ready for its own fashion week, and I say it most definitely is,” Erin told reporters covering JFW’s inaugural event. “We’ve got a groundswell of amazing talent here and I think the annual Jacksonville Fashion Week will give local fashion professionals a platform to show people what we have to offer. Going forward, I think our fashion industry will be taken more seriously both by locals who are still unsure about the depth of talent we have and by bigger markets looking for fresh looks and talent.”

JFW officials, crew and volunteers, including Erin’s trusty assistants Suave Gordon and Chad Johnson, likely are taking a well-deserved break, but will be back to the drawing board for next year’s event soon. In the meantime, Erin predicts that the local fashion pros are enjoying a creative boost.

“The great thing about Jacksonville is that we have the talent without the pre-drawn rules, so designers here are comfortable taking bold chances,” she says. “We’re on the ground floor of something that’s only going to get bigger and better as time goes on.”