This international award will take place on a regular base once per year and addresses designers, design agencies and companies that are willing to dedicate their creative resources to a new and challenging direction.

Evgeniya Voskobojnikova agreed to become the “face” to the award. Evgeniya had an accident and became a wheelchair user many years ago. She used to work as a model. Today she is moderating the Russian Internet TV Channel “TV Rain”.

The final round of the first Award “Bezgraniz Couture™ INTERNATIONAL FASHION AND ACCESSOIRE AWARD 2011” will take place on July 1st 2011 in Moscow in due course of the International Exhibition “Integration.Life.Society.”, organizing by Messe Düsseldorf in the Expocentre of Moscow city.

Fashion design is an innovative factor that shall lead its way into functional product design, which eventually can be appreciated by people with special needs. Choosing the trend spring/summer collection 2012 for women, men and kids, the designers have to offer modern designs in commercial, functional and creative impulses, ideal for adapting the production in larger and smaller quantities.

This is namely the design in appropriate materials, colors, patterns, cuts and styles. Of course, here the theme accessories and shoes must not be left out. The award shall enhance and support increased value by functional layout, production and consumption.

“Bezgraniz Couture™ INTERNATIONAL FASHION AND ACCESSOIRE AWARD 2011” is addressing the international community of designers, design Schools and design organizations in different cultural regions. We use the Internet actively to ensure a quick and effective communication and data exchange. An international jury of 10-12 members stands for competence and professionalism.

We expect that there will be many interesting collections and design approaches that may be indicative for the future development in the area of “Special Fashion” – i.e. in respect to standardization. We also want to show ways how designers and fashion companies might be able to establish a sustainable business model in the field of “Special Fashion”.

The Organizer: Cultural Center Bez Graniz, 19 4-th Roshinskiy pr., 115191 Moscow, Russia, Phone: +7 495 721 2893, Email: appeal@bezgraniz.com

If you are interested to participate – please go and register on the Website

Bezgraniz Couture™ Website
Bezgraniz Couture™ on Facebook
Evgeniya Voskobojnikova on Facebook
Cultural Center Bez Graniz

На русском
En Español

Led by professional DJ and Chief Visionary Officer, Val Kolton, V-MODA products blend the spirit of Italian design, the essence of music, and the allure of Hollywood. Together with the world’s most influential producers, musicians and DJs, V-MODA is constantly challenging the norm and forging the remix revolution.

V-MODA is thrilled to unveil Crossfade Customs, a revolutionary personalization option for its award-winning over-ear headphone, the Crossfade LP. In honor of its five year anniversary of launching fashion metal headphones in color, the company will offer this service, previously only available to select celebrities, to everybody. Crossfade Customs Program allows music lovers to express themselves by choosing unique designs and colors on their headphones.

The V-MODA Customs Program is an initiative founded on the fundamental belief that your headphones should be as unique as your style and musical tastes. To kick off the program, V-MODA customers can choose from six plate color options, four unique engraved designs with custom text on a choice of four base frames. Initial designs include a numbered jersey, crown, skull snake, and vinyl immortal angel logo. Colors available for the metal Crossfade LP plates are Gold, Black, Gunmetal, Pink, Purple and Red. The custom headphones will arrive ready-to-wear according to the buyer’s specifications.

“Our company vision derives from the Italian word, moda, meaning style,” says Val Kolton. “Crossfade Customs lets you endorse yourself with individual style while enjoying the best sound, comfort and build quality of the highly-acclaimed Crossfade LP. As a testament to the Crossfade’s sound and durability, in only a few months of availability it quickly garnered amazing amounts of praise in the press and became the headphone of choice for hundreds of the world’s top musicians, athletes and stars.”

V-MODA founder Val Kolton collaborated with a fashion and costume designer Terri King to create apparel collection. King’s notoriety for fine tailoring, corsetry, and leather work, along with her outstanding track record working with rock royalty clientele, including the likes of Keith Richards and Grace Jones to name a couple, made for a perfect fit for Kolton’s progressive design aesthetic and music influences. The result: the ultimate contemporary collection for those with a taste for fashion, music, and a strong sense of their own uncompromising individual style.

Working out of his rented room in Hollywood, plunging into unfathomable debt and years of sleepless nights, Val Kolton and designer Joseph Bucknall created V-MODA and launched the brand at the Magic/PROJECT fashion show with a line of dance-music inspired t-shirts, hats, compilation CDs, and the world’s first line of color metal fashion headphones dubbed “hearwear”. With the small success he had created Val hit Melrose Avenue trying to sell the brand. Despite the fact he was unable to make a single sale that day, knocking on one door after another, he relentlessly progressed and was recognized recently as one of L.A.’s Top Entrepreneurs in their 20s.

Val Kolton and Joseph Bucknall continue to lead the innovation and creative nucleus responsible for transforming the dream of a remix culture into an inspired reality.

V-Moda Website
V-Moda on Twitter
V-Moda on Facebook
Val Kolton’s Website
Val Kolton on Twitter
Val Kolton on Facebook

It will focus on how professional bloggers have evolved over the last few years and where the industry is heading. And you can find out a lot of interesting opinions about trends in digital marketing, blog monetization and how brands identify bloggers.

Key note speech by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler. With the participation of Face Hunter, Karla’s Closet, nitro:licious, Liberty London Girl, Nylon, Coolhunting.com, Mr. Newton, Tumblr, Man Repeller, Because I’m Addicted, MTV, Where Did U Get That, Grit & Glamour, Gucci, Keiko Lynn, Post Fashionism, Halogen, Refinery29, Pretty Shiny Sparkly, Clothes Horse, The Clothes Whisperer, KCD, DBA, Saucy Glossie.

CC BY-NC SWANclothing

Please find below a brief conference schedule.

Panel Discussions at Milk Studios (February 10, 2011):

- Who Owns Your Blog Content? 9:00am – 10:30
- The Business of Blogging, 11:00am -12:30pm
- Working with Brands Gracefully, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
- Rise of the Professional Blogger, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
- Key Note Speaker, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
- Party at The Chelsea Room, 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Workshops at Le Bain, The Standard Hotel (February 11, 2011):

- Essential Blogger Toolkit, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
- Start Up Workshop, 3:00pm – 4:00 pm
- The Media: Pitching, Prepping, and Performing, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Click here for full conference schedule.

The panels in particular will cover topics such as Internet sharing, copyright infringement, intellectual property, and how to protect your content and brand as a blogger. The workshops will cover all the essentials like team, product strategy, branding, business planning, funding and more.

Registration is $60 and includes full day panels, access to workshops (subject to availability), lunch, party and fabulous gift bag! Click here to register or you can tune into the Live Steam on February 10!

Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) cultivates a community for fashion bloggers to share their experiences and create a resource so everyone can build a better blog. Founded in September 2007 the IFB Social Network had very humble beginnings when started by Jennine Tamm, of The Coveted. Our project is a member of IFB, please join us there.

IFB Website
IFB on Twitter
IFB on Facebook
The Coveted
Jennine Tamm on Facebook
Jennine Tamm on Twitter

In Russian

He is collaborating with both Israeli and international companies and working on his men shoe line in Tel-Aviv, Israel. But today we want to show you a women’s footwear he designed and we call it “something like shoes”.

Vicky Bee: What is inspired you to design a women’s footwear?

Kobi Levi: When I start to design the artistic shoes, inspiration can come from verywhere: various images, certain situations or themes I choose and research. When I’m working on a commercial line, I choose a theme for the whole collection and design with the “target”, the customer, in mind.

Vicky Bee: Did you have any background in design or manufacturing before you began?

Kobi Levi: I started to design shoes when I was in high school, but made only cardboard models then. I continued my shoe-passion during my design collage studies. I’ve also put a lot of effort learning as many techniques as possible to help me realize my creative ideas.

Vicky Bee: Who’s your favorite shoe designer?

Kobi Levi: I have various people I like their work, Alexander Macqueen, Vivienne Westwood, Rene Van Der Berg and more…

Vicky Bee: What has been the most difficult part of getting this collection from concept to completion?

Kobi Levi: The development is always very challenging and demanding! As these designs are as off-standard as possible, each part need to be made from the start. I have to make all the technical tooling, patterns, heels and soles by hand. It take a long time to make each item. This is the way to achieve the best results, and the effort is worth it when the final piece is complete, every time.

Vicky Bee: These are something like shoes and most amazing I have ever seen. Where can we find and buy them?

Kobi Levi: Thanks. For now, most of the designs are one of a kind pairs hand made in my studio. Custom made pair were ordered and made. I’m looking into options of limited edition production due to a lot of requests from stores and individuals.

Vicky Bee: This is so remotely diff and unique, what do you expect when you create a new shoe?

Kobi Levi: I want to show my idea in a humorous way. It is important for me that the image will “transform” itself to become the shoe. This way the result is very unique and very communicative with people.

Vicky Bee: Who is your customer?

Kobi Levi: With the artistic shoe I guess the customer will be a very brave person who likes to get the attention these items get, maybe pop stars, actor/actresses, fashion designers and stylists… but, as mentioned, a lot of people asked for these and find them appealing and want to wear them.

Vicky Bee: What are your future plans? Are you going to make more clothing or bags?

Kobi Levi: I’ll keep making my “crazy” shoes, this is my art, as well as collaborating with commercial lines. I’ve designed bags and glasses as well, and I can surly design other items, but shoes will be my main thing.

Kobi Levi Footwear Design

En Español
На русском

Robert Zorin: For a start, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Misty Rose: I currently live in an Artist Collective in Downtown Los Angeles.

Robert Zorin: When did you first get involved in design and what are your influences?
Misty Rose: One of my earliest influences was a comic book called Katy Keene. Of course she was pretty fabulous, with a killer wardrobe. I remember that readers could send in their own drawings and ideas for her wardrobe and they would publish them in the next edition. I started drawing outfits for Katy and then on to creating my own paper dolls. I guess those could be considered my first fashion illustrations! I was about 8 when I found out what a fashion designer was, and from that moment on I was hooked.

Mena Spring/Summer 2011 Lookbook

Robert Zorin: What is “Misty Rose Style”?
Misty Rose: My style is very feminine, colorful and fun.

Robert Zorin: Where do you find your inspiration?
Misty Rose: Architecture, art, music and my crazy creative room mates all inspire me. I am also inspired by all things vintage, and am currently obsessed with the 40’s.

Robert Zorin: Which do you prefer to design, do you have a favorite?
Misty Rose: I couldn’t live without dresses.

Robert Zorin: Are there any designers, past or present, that you would have liked to work with?
Misty Rose: Erte, Alexandre McQueen and Tom Ford to name just a few…

Robert Zorin: What do you most enjoy about a fashion design career?
Misty Rose: This is a hard one as I love all of it! I enjoy the whole process of making a collection come to life. From concept, to sketching, patternmaking, sewing, and styling the photo shoots….It’s amazing and extremely satisfying to see it all finished as a cohesive story, and know that you created that. But….I think the most rewarding part is seeing others wear and love the things that I make.

Robert Zorin: What are your plans for the near future?
Misty Rose: The next few months I’ll be working hard finishing my Fall 2011 collection.

Misty Rose

Robert Zorin: Finally, do you have any fashion advice or styling tips you could give to our readers?
Misty Rose: My advice would be DON’T pile on every trend at once. Inject your own unique personality into your wardrobe, and don’t be afraid to stand out in the crowd.

A culmination of a childhood dream branded with a childhood nickname, Mena came to life with the purpose of offering women fun, sexy, beautiful clothing without a shelf life. Ultra feminine silhouettes and architectural details are recurring themes in the designers repertoire, and sure to be found in this as well as future collections.

Mena Official Website
Mena on Facebook
Mena on Flickr
Misty Rose on Etsy

The film attempts to understand the essence of influence, what makes a person influential without taking a statistical or metric approach.

Written and Directed by Paul Rojanathara and Davis Johnson, the film is a Polaroid snapshot of New York influential creatives (advertising, design, fashion and entertainment) who are shaping today’s pop culture. Watch the full version of INFLUENCERS film now.

INFLUENCERS belongs to the new generation of short films, webdocs, which combine the documentary style and the online experience.

The film focuses on what is commonly referred to as “Lifestyle Culture or Influential Young Adults Market” in the areas of music, fashion, and entertainment. The documentary does not pretend to offer an analysis of what is influence under all its forms (economic, political, environmental…).

What prompted the creators to put together this crossover project (film + online experience) was to understand the essence of influence, what makes a person influential without taking a statistical or metric approach. Obviously, trends are never the product of one individual but rather the result of factors that involve various people…

The producer therefore set out to meet some of these industry insiders and pioneers who, despite working in the background, literally define mainstream culture.

Whey asked them to share their views on: How to define influence? What makes someone influent? What is the link between trends and influence? Are there places/events conducive to creative pollination? They spontaneously shared their professional and personal experiences.

In the background, the documentary also explores an entire ecosystem of DIY (Do It Yourself) minded individuals whose passion is transforming Pop Culture. Their creations have produced powerful independent media that became the main news source for many readers and creatives entrepreneurs around the world.

Influence is not specific to NYC, but if you had to pick one single city in the world to illustrate how trends propagate, New York is definitely the city that first comes to mind so it was an obvious choice for us.In addition, it is the most cosmopolitan city in the world and it is the one that has best integrated the various cultures and talents coming from all over the globe.

The creators hope this short doc will resonate with the D.I.Y generation to which we belong.

The producer opted for a group of new artists whose immersive & soulful music seemed to translate how we felt emotionally vis-à-vis this project.Influence being an abstract notion, we were able to translate it artistically using British sculptor Anthony Gromley’s statues as inspiration.

“Under The Influence” is Baptman’s mixtape which keeps you motivated, inspired and helps you start your day the right way… Because it is about experiencing inspiration. True inspiration. In its physical and emotional sense. On the plane, on the train, in the passenger’s seat, we sometimes need to be inspired. Inspired enough to ask ourselves if we are truly doing what we love to do…

Latest tracks by INFLUENCERSMIXTAPE

Baptman is a French musician, arranger, beatmaker and remixer. He is a SOUND artist who works primarily with vinyls using texture as the basis of his music. Baptman made his beatmaking debut with French rap duo Bunzen and went on to work with artists like Oh No, Wildchild, Roc C, Mums the Word, Medaphoar, Dudley Perkins. Those collaborations have made him the first French artist to ever team up with UP Above records (Mums the Word) and Stonesthrow (Roc C).

Photo by Mano Monkeys

In 2005, he won the first ever beatmaker contest “Talent 2 Compo” in Paris and for 2 years, he was a member of TIME 4 SOUL, a team of 6 DJs, musicians and diggers from Paris, France. In addition to commercial records, he has been making music for commercials, programs, and shorts for the past 10 years.

INFLUENCERS Website
INFLUENCERS on Facebook
INFLUENCERS on Twitter
Baptman on Facebook
Baptman on Myspace
Baptman on Soundcloud

During this time KOOQLA have received the Golden Gargoyle award, performed at the opening of the 2009 Kazantip festival and the “First music conference on Mars” 2010, were Morcheeba’s supporting act at the “Stereoleto”, and have completed a European concert tour. During this time more than 700 000 people downloaded the debut long play album. But most importantly, during this time – during the concert tours and short breaks in between the band created a new album.

Except for the solid duet of Artem Harchenko (music, production, ideas) and the beautiful Muse, a doll with different-colored eyes (inspiration, sometimes violent), the «FRUIT» is brought to you by:

Nata Smirina – lyrics, vocal

Anton Chumacheko – bass guitar, keyboards

Konstantin Soldatov – drums

Stas Kononov – guitar

It has to be said that each member of the KOOQLA project, which is increasingly drawn to analog sound, is a fruit of his own. The presence of each member influenced the end result and the mood of the album.

Each track – as is always the case for KOOQLA, is a result of an experiment. But if we talk about its genre – it is still the same mixture of easy-listening, down-tempo, funk and electronica.

This exotic fruit has fall into the hands of listeners on November straight from the official web page of the project.

Artem Kharchenko: “The album is more mature, more “transparent”. In terms of technical implementation – we are more into analog. There are more experiments with the use of live instruments and the methods for recording them. Many songs were written during the tours. The first track of the future album – Mute – was created last autumn…”

KOOQLA’s presence on the Russian live-stage is not a trivial phenomenon. There is a lot going on in their heads. What is important is that they know for sure how to transform these images into real music, lyrics, films and of course “stage performances”, a sequence of which will take place in Russia and Europe to support the new album. The new album «FRUIT» is nothing other than the autumnal ripened fruit of creative imagination and fruit of the efforts of the entire team, which by the way will appear with a new line-up.

So it can be said that the «FRUIT» took its time to mature. It turned out solid, yet consisting of many elements.

Simple and tough on the outside, and unexpectedly complex inside. Slightly fatal and deceptive. Not luscious, not bitter – but sweetly tart. Firm, yet fragile. Sparkling and fruity. Like a pomegranate.

На русском

Website of KOOQLA
KOOQLA on Twitter
KOOQLA on Facebook
KOOQLA on thesixtyone
KOOQLA on MySpace
Artem Kharchenko on Twitter
Artem Kharchenko on Facebook

Bob: Hi, Zac! When did you first get involved in photo and what are your influences?

Zac: I used to be very proactive in photography during my high school years, but actually spent quite a few years in film making and design before returning.

The opportunity came to shoot for a local fashion magazine, and I made a pitch for the feature and got it. Within two weeks I had to buy my first professional camera, flashes and have the new experience of talking to stylists and makeup teams. That was around eighteen months ago.

My main influence is still my first university degree in film theory. So film is an obvious first choice. But also the emphasis placed upon, during these studies on using space, location, story and of course our own expectation when viewing any medium. I really loved how they would say it’s not important how it’s made, it’s important what it says. That can be a lot, or a little, but ultimately the audience will read it and it will hopefully have impact.

Whenever possible, I always carry these forethoughts into my shoots regardless of visual aesthetic or story being aimed for.

What is “Zac style”?

My style is not really a straight up looks thing. I love to always try new things with the camera. But I have noticed, I really do use models and moods in similar manners.

I like very posed and purposeful images, showing a lot of the outfit, hopefully putting importance back upon the clothing. Some people have descried a few of my shoots as beautiful clothing hangers.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from everywhere. But somehow I always seem to revert to old films, especially French and Italian I used to watch at university. They are my starting points, it doesn’t actually mean I will use it visually though.

Also, I really adore clothing. Certain layering of styles together, it genuinely fascinates me as it comes together on models, and I enjoy creating stories around them.

Which do you prefer to photo, do you have a favorite?

My favourite subject to shoot is, well, models. I think I enjoy the process of creating something new and consumable, which is best suited to models.

What do you most enjoy about a fashion photography career?

The thing I love about it is also what I hate about it. It’s all the people you get to work with. Some are amazing and some make more work.

What are your plans for the near future?

I am really just trying to build at the moment. I truly believe everything I have done is just a start, and it’s going to keep improving. I am going to keep trying to learn.

Finally, do you have any fashion advice or styling tips you could give to our readers?

Well always try and be aspirational with your work rather than trying to be cool. Put the audience first in what you chose to portray. I guess if something looks obtainable by a few rather than quirky by many, it will last longer.

Thank you for the talk and photos, Zac!

Zacky Saves The World
Zac Steinic on Facebook
Zac Steinic on Twitter

Madison Buyer is an online, business-to-business (B2B) apparel directory. The online directory visually showcases apparel and accessories designers’ product lines and collections.

Madison Buyer’s comprehensive database offers a simple way for retailers and buyers to search more effectively; enabling them to discover emerging and seasoned designers’ apparel and accessories collections that may fit their customers’ buying preferences. Buyers can define their searches by category, price point, descriptive collection tags and trade shows that a listed designer is attending.

Madison Buyer also offers a variety of business tools and an easily-accessible platform for both retailers and brands that includes:
- Lookbooks and Video: Appealing online visual guides to designer collections.
- Product Search Capabilities: Highly detailed, efficient search filters used to discover new product lines.
- Tradeshow Support Tools: Apparel industry specific platform offering extensive tradeshow calendars and designer attendance information.
- Social Features: videos, press clips and Twitter embedment.
- Publicity: Reporters and writers can use Madison Buyer to discover new, emerging brands and designers. Designers receive an increased chance of media exposure through Madison Buyer’s marketing efforts and online coverage.
- Downloadable line sheets and order forms

In February 2010, Madison Buyer partnered with Magic’s POOLTRADESHOW to become the digital extension of the tradeshow. The partnership allowed POOLTRADESHOW to build broader brand awareness for the brands that exhibited at the show through social networks Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare.

In conjunction with social marketing efforts during the show, Madison Buyer conducted on the spot video interviews with POOLTRADESHOW show exhibitors, seeding them across video channels and blogs in order to further increase exposure of the exhibitor’s product lines.

“The Madison Buyer platform is an incredible opportunity to give designers exposure to an audience beyond the tradeshow floor,” said Elizabeth Perryman, co-founder of Madison Buyer.

In early October 2010 Elizabeth fully participated in the Portland independent designers fashion week. This event becoming the next most interesting thing in indie fashion. Here are some names that presented in Portland: Wyatt Orr, Jesica Milton, Ms. Wood, Johanna Lindstrom, Melissa Gaynor, KYMARO CARDIWRAP.

Fashion industry’s online apparel directory and digital, social marketing tool designed to help increase brand awareness for retailers, designers or brands. By consolidating designer information into a visually searchable platform, retailers can discover new and emerging designers by product categories, price points, and events.

Madison Buyer helps retailers, designers and tradeshows adapt to marketing through digital mediums and developing more sustainable, environmentally friendly business practices. By sending prospective retailers and designers to their digital catalogs and forms, Madison Buyer enables designers and brands “green” their business practices by cutting down on costs of printed materials and catalog mailings.

Madison Buyer Website
Madison Buyer Blog
Madison Buyer on Facebook
Madison Buyer on Twitter
Madison Buyer on YouTube
Madison Buyer on Flickr

На русском

LIBER New York is a men’s contemporary RTW label with a distinctly forward, effortless, and poetic sensibility. All LIBER pieces are designed and produced in New York City, reflecting their core values of authenticity and humanity.

It is easy to see how mass-market retail companies have quickly adapted to the web, creating online stores and directly reaching out to consumers. High-end fashion houses, however, have recognized the importance of the web without figuring out how to utilize it.

In contrast to such venerable labels, a new generation menswear label, LIBER New York is embracing the web and choosing to engage, rather than mystify, their customers. Unlike those of its competitors in ready-to-wear fashion, LIBER New York’s online store is not only easy to navigate, but also contains links to its content-rich blog, Facebook, Twitter, and even its own TV channel on Youtube – all of which are designed to lead traffic back to the online store.

“LIBER is the first RTW label to commit itself to the crucial shift in retail paradigm–that online retail is growing faster than retail as a whole,” says Juhea Kim, CEO and Creative Director of LIBER New York. “I saw an opportunity in that shift, and how it changed the shopping behavior of men in particular. It’s no secret that men like technology, but no one has really recognized how much modern men love great clothes. Men do not dislike style, only the inconvenience of real-life shopping.”

High-end fashion labels have long insisted on maintaining the air of exclusivity, which translated as user-unfriendly Flash, little to no products for purchase, and no interactive content. Following a standard set by the most established labels, indie designers lost many potential customers frustrated by their online experience. If direct engagement of consumers has been thus far a mass-market strategy, Juhea Kim has no worries that it will tarnish LIBER’s reputation: “Our clothes are evocative and beautifully made, and they speak for themselves. It is time for great fashion to be accessible.”

LIBER New York Website
The Liberman blog
LIBER New York  on Facebook
LIBER New York on Twitter