Seattle a La Mode

Win free tickets to THREAD, an indie fashion show this Sunday, October 23

2011-10-20T15:03:00.001-07:00

Seattle Modettes,
La Modette is giving away two sets of free tickets to THREAD, a traveling showcase of the best independent fashion and home designers from the West Coast, and the music and art that rock their world.

THREAD heads.

The festivities take place on Sunday, October 23rd from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fisher Pavilion in the Seattle Center. Enjoy the latest holiday trends created by local designers plus cocktails, gift bags, photo booths, music, giveaways and fashion installations. Exhibitors include emerging shoe, clothing, bag and jewelry designers.

The first two Modettes to make a comment below will win a set of tickets to THREAD - a $20 value. La Modette hopes to see you there!

For more info: Thread Show in Seattle

Magnificent Slow Clothing - Knitting's New Life

2011-10-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Cardigan
by Johanna av Steinum of the Faroe Islands

There's a lot of talk about sustainability these days, even in the fashion industry. Perhaps no clothing art fits this call more than knitting. The threads (yarn) are most often created from natural materials such as wool or cashmere. And a finished poncho, sweater or blanket can always be unraveled and transformed into something new. (La Modette has a scarf knitted by her mom from a vest she wore as a kid.)

Artists and designers addressed knitting and sustainability at the Nordic Fashion Biennale, a celebration of Nordic fashion arts that opened this weekend in Seattle. Makes sense, when you consider the region's tradition of knitting, especially in the Faroe Islands. Fully one-quarter of the FI's population are skilled handknitters -- in a country where the number of sheep is double the number of people.

Recycled poncho adorned with yarn tassels
by Aftur in Iceland

La Modette was most taken by Katrina I Geil, a textile designer specializing in handknitting. A "Faroese," Katrina acknowledged the remarkable knitting tradition of her native land that has spawned ancient patterns refined over centuries.

"Knitting," says Katrina, "is a silent craft, one of the senses." So how to transform that sensual experience into a means of self-expression? Katrina observes that because handknitting is no longer a major industry, it now offers the chance to explore our creative potential more deeply. She taps into improv theater and flow theories, and works with non-traditional materials such as plastic and paper - all in the service of elevating and expanding the art of knitting. "How does the pattern crawl over the body?" she says when playing with different techniques. "What can the thread show me?"

Sheep on the Faroe Islands strike a pose.

For La Modette, here was a new way to look at sustainability. We're not just talking about materials or products, but about sustaining a craft. Not by locking it into the past, but rather by letting it grow to more fully encompass ourselves and the world.

Powerful Beauties

2011-10-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Cynthia in a crepe duster and spike-heel boots

Inspiring fashion has less to do with beautiful clothes - though of course that helps - and more to do with the woman wearing it. Style is all about authentic expression. When a woman wears something true to her spirit, everything about her comes alive.

So when La Modette met these two women at the Nordic Fashion Biennale this weekend, she was captured by their radiant energy right away.

Cynthia (top) and Pauline (bottom) are fashion industry veterans from New York City. Both were invited here to speak for the Biennale, as well as share their own sense of style.

Even with their impressive resumes, Cynthia and Pauline were grounded and warm. They reminded La Modette of why I love New Yorkers. The best of them are savvy, witty and always curious about the world no matter where they are. And that's even before we get to the clothes!

Pauline in her pleated silk dress from Shanghai

Nordic Fashion Biennale in Seattle

2011-10-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Dress by Guorun & Guorun, Faroe Islands

Quick, do you know where the Faroe Islands are? Didn't think so. :-)

That's part of the reason Nordic fashion designers from Scandinavia have convened the Nordic Fashion Biennale (NFB) this weekend in Seattle. Featuring fabrics, jewelry and fashions from Greenland, Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and yes, the Faroe Islands (between Scotland and Iceland), the NFB rocks the house with couture that couldn't look more un-Paris or un-New York. The Biennale kicks off a fashion exhibit to be held through November 13th -- all hosted at Ballard's own Nordic Heritage Museum.

A fashion summit in Seattle? At the Nordic Heritage Museum? Yes, all true. After all, the city could truly be considered New Scandinavia. Yet La Modette was surprised to find at the exhibit opening -- as her friend Lisa B. put it --"not a clog in sight." No Norski sweaters either. Styles abounded as style-istas came out to celebrate both fashion and the Land of the Midnight sun.

Don't mess with this dress! Isaksen Design

La Modette felt welcome right away when Icelandic designer Ragna Frooa asked - with a completely straight face - if I was Nordic. Ragna then explained that I could pass for a Greenlander, whose people are more closely related to native people in the Americas than the blonde-and-blue folks of Scandinavia.

As a nature lover, La Modette was impressed by the generous riffing on nature themes in the styles. Knit fabrics - in both fine and large weaves -- felt and wool lent an organic feel without one iota of shlubby hippy. Sophisticated and unpredictable, these designers play with the palette and textures of their homelands.

Watch for more posts this week on the Grand Opening Reception festivities and more!

Red, White and Blue Redux

2011-09-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

There's a reason countries like our own and France chose red, white and blue for their national colors - they're crisp, classic and bright. But La Modette loves how Lisa, our latest Modette, combines them in a fresh way using different tones of red and blues. The red flowers on her blouse are graphic and bold and pretty - same with her beaded necklace - and set off nicely by Lisa's lightweight sweater tied simply in front.

Lisa, a student advisor at UW-Bothell, told La Modette that she has been upping her style quotient and it shows. Her jeans are washed in a dark finish, which make them both casual and professional at the same time, just right for a Seattle office. And her red sandals recall the vibrancy of Latin America, one of Lisa's favorite corners of the world. (La Modette caught her here at La Carta de Oaxaca.)

La Modette likes how Lisa's style comes off polished and relaxed at the same time.

Garden of Fashion

2011-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Kathy

La Modette was heading back to work after lunch one day when the sight of a dress cascading in pink and beige flowers caught my eye. I was truly bedazzled by the lush bouquet.

When I stepped inside the shop to get a better look, I confess I yearned to touch the dress and even smell it. But then I was bedazzled again when I met our Modette, Kathy. Although simply dressed in her striped tank and linen shorts - ok, the sandals are killer, not to mention her figure (!) - Kathy floated around the shop as though she were on a modeling runway.

Turns out Kathy was the creator of the flower dress.

(Read more and see more pictures.)

A Paris native, she did some modeling before moving to Seattle nearly ten years ago when her husband landed a job here. Kathy graduated from the New York Fashion Academy in Seattle a year and a half ago and has been creating these gorgeous fashions ever since under the name Kreati-Ka.

The cascading flower dress. So gorgeous it hurts!

Rosette jacket. Perfect for Seattle springs. Summers too.

Inspired by nature, Kathy loves to work with wool and silk. Although she calls this particular line Femme Fatale, La Modette finds these pieces softer and more subtly sexy than the phrase implies. Yet being a modern young woman, Kathy may just be trying to redefine the genre. "Women should be elegant and be dressy if they want to be," she says, her eyes bright and her smile radiant.

Floral bustier. Ay chi hua hua!

To see more of Kathy's confections, go to her website http://www.kreati-ka.com/

Seattle a la Mode in the Seattle Times!

2011-09-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

La Modette at her favorite place, the beach.

Seattle fashion bloggers - including yours truly, la Modette - are featured today in the Sunday Seattle Times. Click here:
Seattle Bloggers Make Their Own Fashion Statements

La Modette posts about once a week, usually on Tuesdays (ish). Be sure to check in this Tuesday and read about a lovely young Parisian and her gorgeous floral-inspired designs.

Thanks to the Times for a great piece on the variety of fashion and style voices in our city!

White Hot

2011-09-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

Staci’s stylish and refreshing outfit had La Modette trotting after her in the streets. Given our chilly summer, it’s been hard to spot great warm weather outfits. But Staci gives winter whites a new meaning, cleverly repurposing them for a Seattle summer. Her zip-up fringed poncho is no hippy leftover, but rather an updated topper perfect for cool climes. And nothing says summer more than a pair of milky white slacks flared over a pair of heeled sandals.

La Modette is usually a little creeped out by snakeskin, but Staci’s hobo bag is eye-catching and practical. Snakes re-create themselves by shedding their skin and that’s what Staci did too. She was a realtor before the market crashed; she’s now reinvented herself as an executive assistant at the Gates Foundation. She’s happy to be making a positive difference in the world. And that includes brightening our downtown streets.

Baby Baby!

2011-08-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Meet twin sisters, Ava and Ruby, our youngest Modettes to appear on Seattle a la Mode. (No surprise, their beautiful Mom was captured on the blog a few years ago.) Almost a year old, Ava and Ruby are loving their Chinese day dresses with Mandarin collars, frog clasps and embroidered plum blossoms. Made of knit polo fabric in a flared cut - ample room for diapers! - the girls can crawl and explore freely from playpen to yard. And look adorably international at the same time.

Hong Kong Hotties

2011-07-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Fashionistas in New York and Paris might get all the press, but Hong Kong style is truly sizzling. Down in this fabulous Asian city – where La Modette just spent a week – fashion draws on ideas from every pocket of the globe, but is still uniquely Hong Kong.

Short-sleeve color block dresses were popular and versatile. They hitched up well with spikes or kitten heels, hobo bags and briefcases.

The tropical climate makes dresses more popular than suits (though men still have to suffer in them) so the city feels more festive and feminine.

You won’t find a lot of clichéd Mandarin collars or cheong sam except at the city’s big evening soirees. On the streets, Hong Kong Modettes are like their city - multi-cultural, modern, sexy and dynamic.

The Living is Easy

2011-07-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

La Modette loves this summer gown on our Modette, Allison. We attended the same wedding on a stellar day and this dress caught my eye almost as much as the bride’s did. Allison’s dress has the cut of a Grecian gown (with a sexy bandeau top), the bold florals of Miami and the relaxed cocktail charm of LA.

La Modette likes how the chunky neck strap cheekily doubles as a necklace. (Gotta love a dress with built-in jewelry!)

A third-grade school teacher - who woulda guessed? - Allison is as outgoing and lively as her dress. She’s coming up on a big birthday and hatched a plan to bicycle tour Napa Valley’s wineries right at the dinner table.

La Modette knows Allison is going to look fabulous on that special day –and every day!

Urban Chic

2011-07-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

Mihyon - our latest Modette - was on her way to work at Seattle clothier Butch Blum when La Modette flagged her down. The chic, urban lines of Mihyon's outfit stood out like an abstract painting. Even though it was a cloudy day, her smile radiated sunshine.

A Korean native, Mihyon has lived in Seattle for 25 years. She's the co-buyer for women's wear and men's accessories at Butch Blum and loves to help people dress and look their best.

Our Modette's coat, pants and pumps lean toward edgy, but she softens the look with her scarf and cascade of necklaces.

"I love working at Butch Blum because I love the clothing and I love the clients," she exudes. "It's about building relationships and gaining their trust." She encourages shoppers to come in and explore. "We're not all high-end," she assures. "We're about service and good quality clothes at a range of prices."

Besides dressing clients, our Modette loves to decorate her home and paint. La Modette loves how Mihyon is creating beauty everywhere in her world.

Summer Breeze

2011-06-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sweet smiles, sweet flowers.

La Modette walked into Victrola Cafe on Capitol Hill on a sunny day and found this bouquet of sunshine basking by the window. Our Modette Rocio was visiting from Chicago's Wicker Park and checking out our city's coffee as well as events in a local paper.

Originally from Peru - the daring Modette came to America on her own as a teen - Rocio is now studying international relations at Loyola University. But she clearly has already mastered style. La Modette loves the easy glow of Rocio's skin against the marine blues and rose pinks of her dress. It's tailored on top with a curvy halter top, yet feminine and flowing in the skirt. And her sandals are strappy yet supportive for lots of touring.

Our Modette Rocio's best fashion asset may just be the warmth of her heart and her South American smile. (And her budgeting skills. This dress if from....Target!)

The Long and the Short of It

2011-06-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Winter Topper, Summer Legs

Yes, it's still winter in Seattle. Rather than moan and groan about it - like the rest of us - our Modette Asha shows us how to play it both ways. She's sporting a gray winter pea coat, but it's cheeky and short to show off Asha's long legs clad in summery violet hose. And the Mary Jane pumps boost Asha's stature even more.

From preppy to sexy

La Modette loved the sexy surprise waiting under Asha's coat. Her preppy topper fell off to reveal a shrunken Spencer-style sweater over a black cocktail dress with a sweetheart neckline. Feminine and killer at the same time!

Like her mother Lily, a vocalist in the Seattle Symphony, Asha enjoys singing and playing piano. Both take great posture and a sense of presence. She has both in loads.

Carolin's Fabulous Alligator Shoes

2011-06-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

La Modette first met Carolin here at Le Pichet, where we toasted writing and Fabulous Shoe Monday, a sartorial holiday she'd created. (And in this case, a fabulous blouse from Spain as well.) Who better then, to join the re-birth of Seattle à La Mode after a year hiatus?

So Carolin pulled out another pair of stunners, these vintage alligator shoes. They look just like the Ferragamo pumps that Marilyn Monroe made famous.

Carolin gained her own fame as the proprieter of Harvest Vine, one of the city's sexiest and most delicious spots. Her current passion project is an organization to bring together growers, harvesters, chefs and teachers to share the region's bounty of food with everyone.

And La Modette is certain she'll be wearing great shoes every step of the way.

Gina's Avatar Fleece Coat

2011-06-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard, Seattle weather is still acting like late March. Like a moody adolescent, it just keeps raining down gloom and refusing to mature into summer. (Although today it's gorgeous. Like I said -- moody.)

Aside from popping loads of Vitamin D, Seattle Modettes are trying to adapt their wardrobes every which way. Nothing is more depressing than donning a wool coat in May, but how to stay warm?

Here's our Modette Gina to show us how to stay cozy and still celebrate spring. La Modette met Gina at the Van Gogh Cafe in Wedgwood, where both of us were trying to get through a damp, chilly day with a good cuppa. Even better was Gina's fabulous sweep of a coat by Avatar in mossy spring green.

La Modette loves the buttoned, flared sleeves and feminine shawl collar. So although the coat may be fleece, you won't mistake it for unisex outdoor gear. In fact, Gina calls it her "grown up coat." Hopefully the sun will be out soon, but if not, check out the creative and funky Avatar line of coats.

The Punk Rock Yogini's Punk Rockin' Boots

2011-05-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

Annie's variation on legs-up-the-wall pose

Annie, our latest Modette, is a woman of many talents. She's a knitter (she made the sweet sweater in the picture), dancer, yogini, yoga teacher and generally creative soul. No surprise then, that her style - matching up different colors and layers - reflects her myriad interests. La Modette loves Annie's layered combo of knit sweater, tank, embroidered yoga pants and leggings. And hey, what about those boots?!

A stylish meditation pose

Talk about punky chic. Annie's leather-suede ankle boots work beautifully to bring her look together.

That's what I'm talking about.

Speaking of punk, look for Annie at UniverseCity Yoga where she teaches Punk Rock Yoga. As she puts it, "It's yoga without all that philosophy and chanting stuff." You'll be treated to great music too. Get out your dancing yoga shoes!

Luly Yang's Couture Confessional

2011-05-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Luly Yang, owner and creator of Luly Yang Couture, lives by a Steve Jobs credo: "Create dreams, not products."

Luly spoke last week about her career on behalf of the University of Washington Extension program in fashion design. (La Modette is a graduate of their literary fiction program, which explains why I write about fashion and don't design it!) Luly specializes in bridal wear and evening gowns which can be viewed at her shop around the corner from the Fairmont Olympic Hotel downtown.

Rather than talk shop about the drawing board or fabrics, Luly divulged the ups and downs on her path to success. Luly began her professional life as a designer for an architectural firm, but yearned to work with softer

materials and creating for women. After consulting with her father in a funny aside (to La Modette anyway) about the Chinese child's need for parental approval, Luly created her label about ten years ago.

She visited tailors and seamstresses to learn more about the art and worked part-time in the early years to support herself. Small equity loans allowed her to create a dozen samples, place ads in bridal magazines and set up her shop.

Although her gowns today sell for $5,ooo to $10,ooo or more, she remembers selling one of her first gowns for only $200. She also recalled times when clients took over the design process, resulting in dresses she could not bring herself to label with her name.

These experiences may explain her gracious and frank nature, a refreshing contrast to the enfant terrible fashion diva. Luly shared the Top Three Things she's learned:

Luly's Top Three!

* Love and believe in what you do *

* Expect valleys or low times (she earned virtually nothing the first three years) *

* Don't do it alone *

Great advice not just for designers, but everyone!

For more on Luly:

-- Join Luly's Facebook page.

-- Read a post from Angie of the YouLookFab blog, who actually tried on some Luly Yang gowns. Lucky gal.

Hazel Rocks her Crewcuts Poncho

2011-05-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

La Modette ADORES this petite Modette's look!

Hazel is a third grader in North Seattle but already shows advanced style skills. Her knit poncho from J. Crew's Crewcuts line for kids - the Obama girls are fans - is a lovely topper that keeps the chill out of a Seattle spring (esp. this year). The ruffled, sweeping collar adds a touch of playfulness and so do the matching flowers on her sandals. And those finger waves in her hair? All natural. Envy!

Hazel recently completed an after school class in quilting led by her school librarian. With two Jack Russell Terriers at home, maybe she'll be dressing them up in style soon with matching quilted doggie jackets?

La Modette looks forward to watching Hazel's style continue to bloom!

Modern Modes in India

2010-03-29T12:03:00.001-07:00

Sivaah, a boutique in Cochin, Kerala

Sivaah is a sweet clothing boutique in Kerala (India) where I earned "Customer of the Week" status after visiting three days in a row and dropping a load of rupees.

India is known for the sari, of course, but it's also home to designs that blend tradition with modern sensibilities. The owner of Sivaah, Payal, studied fashion design before heading back south to her home in Kerala. Because the best artisans and fabrics are found in northern India, Payal decided to open a boutique instead of create her own lines. She carries the work of emerging designers, including former classmates.

Only 29 years old, Payal was the only Indian woman business owner I met in my travels. The mother of two young girls, Payal employs capable and modern women to staff the shop. This allows her to work until mid-day, then head home to see her daughters.

I am looking forward to wearing my modern gold-threaded, sea green and golden salwar khameez this summer. It will remind me of India and her wonderful women.

Huzzahs to Payal and her sisters!

Knits and Wovens

2010-03-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

La Modette first noticed Angelica's gorgeous knitwear when we both attended the Beth Levine show at the Bellevue Arts Museum. Turns out that Angelica made her ensemble herself! And even better, she'll make some for you too.

See www.angelicaburi.com for more.

Shoe Candy - Beth & Herbert Levine

2010-03-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Bellevue Arts Museum is hosting a fabulous exhibit on Beth Levine, the "First Lady of Shoes." Born in 1914, Beth designed shoes as sweet and delicious as candy. She is credited with many firsts, including creating the mule, the boot as fashion item (vs. work item), the stiletto, the first modern fully-jeweled shoe and many other innovations such as the "shoeless shoe" (you glued a shoe last to your foot) as well as the very sexy black body net shoe (head to toe, literally).

Every pair of shoes she produced - under her husband and business partner Herbert Levine's name -- was made by hand. Beth and Herbert traipsed around the world to find the perfect fabrics, leathers and importantly, workmanship. For one run of shoes, they ordered the fabric in Italy and shipped it to Japan to get it embroidered.

Beth outfitted many American First Ladies, including Jackie Kennedy and Pat Nixon (whom she was careful to schedule far apart for fittings so that they wouldn't bump into each other). Other fans included Mamie Eisenhower and Ladybird Johnson. Marlene Dietrich - who else --owned twelve pairs of Beth's thigh high boots that came complete with garters.

Yes, Beth Levine was a pioneer. And yes, she was an American (not European). And yes she was a woman (not a man). None of these were the standard pedigree of a shoe designer in Beth's lifetime. Impressive as this all was, what really struck me was that Beth had a hell of a lot of fun. She lived 91 years and enjoyed every one of them.

Ferragamo Shoe Museum / Florence

2009-09-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

In honor of my friend Lina who is visiting Florence next month, I'm posting pictures from my favorite museum in town - the Ferragamo Shoe Museum. Boticelli Schmoticelli, bring on the shoes! La Modette was enchanted by these beauties. This is my idea of religious art. Ferragamo was the shoemaker of choice for many of Hollywood's Golden Age stars, including Marilyn Monroe. (The museum even displays pink hand-written receipts to their famous clients.) I could only afford a cute notebook covered in drawings of shoes and bless that clerk - he bagged it as lovingly as a pair of real Ferragamo's. Bella!

Flirting with Fall

2009-09-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

We've had a fabulous summer here in Seattle (too hot for some but not La Modette). Time to say good-bye to the heat, but our Modette Ally is still loving her some summer. Check out her darling sundress tucked beneath her autumnal chocolate-colored jacket, leggings and boots. Looks sweet as strawberry shortcake.

Beleza Tropical

2009-08-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

Caught our Modette swinging down Union St. in these strappy wonders. La Modette has Brazil on the brain these days (must be all that sultry weather we've had), so Shannon's sandals recalled a Carmen Miranda/tropical fruit vibe - sexy and juicy. Her shirred tee and flared skirt are the perfect foil for her muito bonitinho shoes.