BLOG.MILDREDBRIGNONI.COM

Designing Pro_teKt

2012-02-05T20:22:43Z

Designing another fashion collection under an established brand / umbrella company is hard enough. But, the undertaking of creating a new fashion platform to showcase the goods that changes the game, has proved even more challenging. But, heck... I am a risk taker and don't care how hard it is. I hope my moves don't stress me down, but it helps to keep an ongoing education. Learning has provided plenty of networking opportunities which fuels my energy, and I get feedback which I utilize towards every piece of business I have managed. Geeking out with the likes of Mysql meetup.com I met a cool chap once having been an executive at the Calvin Klein company, designed a new platform for BtoB textiles and manufactures. His soft launch comes soon, and will probably change the way buyers of major department stores do their business. And, now I read the e newsletter of Supply Chain Management Digest simply so that I can keep updated on technology and business monetization advances. I love being part of the technology and entertainment sector in today's world because it is all so new for us. Even more, I bring new blood to the game. Stacking up with opinions and ideas is just not enough, you have to measure your marketability. Study your skills and be good at that but also be open to allow yourself to merge to innovation. Meanwhile, I am not afraid of getting shot down, because having been a designer for motion pictures for many years, I was constantly told I didn't get the gig for some reason or another...Hence, I kept at it, until finally my timing was just right. I got into the IATSI Costume Designer Guild of America in 2001 because I stuck with it and even when I was told that my style and designs were really different, I had to trust and belief of my Director and DP along with Producers that championed my skills to produce products. Now, I have both Executive of Product Placement as well as Costume Designer in my list of credits...

The lesson here is: If you don't create a platform for yourself, you will have a tough going at it in life. I know hard I had to try and still get rejected. Until I was in the company of people that believed in me and saw my work, I was going to remain a struggling artist/ designer. You have to have friends and colleagues that love what you do for them professionally and personally.

Wonderful relationships aside, the strength in my networks I bring to fashion and entertainment industries is only as good as the ability I make for myself. I love my ancestors of Guatemala. That is why I have created a brand that will merge reusable denim bottoms with fashion forward thinking Mayan weaving. Collaboration with other designer businesses are welcome to join the Pro_teKt by Mildred Brignoni as well as the smartypants Engineers that know the tricks of Houdini and C++

Building on Character

2012-01-27T16:55:15Z

It takes a lot to build on something you think you know and then making sure you create a dramatic story. Influenced by real life, art should be thought provoking. Finally establishing a reasonably seamless identity within a movie is also a task that most audiences, if done right, just take for granted.

Having a background in studying the classics has helped me make decisions that actors appreciate. If the story is compelling, then a rich character can have many choices within a wardrobe. It is a thrill and a serious art form that most Producers understand. It also is one of the last to get budgets that substantiate your work. Hence, it is a gift to be able to work with a good script and you have to listen to the collaboration of the rest of your team. Good advice to younger and up and coming costume designers' is to start by making costume design plates. Distort the images of the models because it distracts your reader in showing this. And be willing to merge to the ideas of the Production Designer.

Although, I still think you have to stay strong to your decisions because you are authentically thoughtful in your creative process, skill and education. You must also be willing to intelligently support your ideas for your concepts but stay professional.

Creating a good character

PRO FREEDOM

2012-01-20T14:49:51Z

Sorry for the confusion. Here is the thing, since I don't mind making my opinions public in this forum, I do not agree with Congress making decisions on behalf of where we can watch our movies and search that changes our direction towards payed ads from large Entertainment companies such as failing music industry. As an entrepreneur, I made a commitment to help others with my fashion/ film background to serve in businesses of smaller entities.

We all have to stand for something. If not, then we all fail, and should just consider ourselves slaves to the man. This is not Denmark. We are not living in a socialist society where the govt' provides us with our necessities but don't have a say as to what we can and cannot do.

Our forefathers came here to follow their dreams and start a new system. Yet the system doesn't work if we all sit back and don't do anything. Have we become a lazy community? Yes.

Its part of the problem as to why boutiques carrying local designers are suffering, thus closing their doors in growing in numbers. I remember a time in NYC when you could rely on Independent feature films to have a place in the market place, thus producing great art. Meanwhile, 20 years later, and whether its a recent Director graduating drom Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, or Columbia University or the smart fashion driven person that wants to offer her interpretation of style to an audience, these people are cash strapped. They aren't going to get loans from a bank. So, unless they were born with deep pockets, most of them do not come from the elite. The ones that can afford to produce fashion and entertainment are not the people that the rest of us identity with. People, you ALL need to get involved and get with the program. Don't sit around waiting for someone to do vote on your behalf. Because it will for sure effect you sooner rather than later ( like next week ).

Freedom is at stake here. Major companies/ group, its marketers, advertisers along its many arms of entertainment properties are swallowing up enough mom and pop shops all over the country. And now this. So, if you don't put forth your support, freedom, which is the very fabric of our country, will be lost forever.

Don't click pirated movie sites, and don't waist our time in saying freedom is someone else's problem...because it all comes with a price.

Public policy / Politics and privatization of businesses aren't someone else's issues, it is yours.

Vintage Future Bloggers or Writers

2012-01-18T14:30:47Z

The obvious obsession of those that are nostalgic of a time when writers had printing presses, deadlines that meant something and penmanship authenticated signatures, was evident at the recent blogger
station inside PROJECT SHOW ( a trade only retail buyers/ influence-r showcase). The black walls and
signage created a mood within the environment that we had been transplanted back to North Dakota circa 1857. Everybody including the designers reinvented the plaid shirt / farmer look. Complete with fuzzy overgrown beards, eek, I thought I was in Nebraska during the Gold Rush. I appreciate the fact that writers can wear anything because they no longer have to show up at an office wearing a tie and suit. Its as easy to work from home as all they have to do is get out of bed, walk to their desks and click. Instantly an article is uploaded through an FTP. This is a significant difference from the old days. Now, our behavior changes news delivery, but it also makes the art vulnerable. Not to get too radical here but today we are being scrutinized by a bill called PIPA/ SOPA, which the government is trying to censor what we write online. As part of the online technology business here in New York, I find it difficult to believe it makes audiences safe. Hence, the bill suggests we should be a more responsible community. Whatevs! I believe that artists, such as bloggers at PROJECT, are influenced by the original writers' choices. Well, at least through their style. I think they all long for a time when writing was actually done with a utility other than a computer screen. They are making an effort to bring back those days when people rode horses through the new frontier in search of freedom. Channeling the western industrial revolution, I actually saw creative settings for bloggers and buyers to congregate.

The displays were cool too:
Clearly, vintage fashion for men is being set by those bloggers/ writers that embrace the era of bourbon, jeans, flannel, Native American Art, paper, potatoes and freedom.

Celebrate Seasons with American Customs

2012-01-10T16:22:23Z

It is once again another season for fashion buyers and sellers to come together. Ending the last three days of fashion retailers to purchase trends that will hit your boutiques and online shops is Fashion Weeks trade shows open for late deliveries. I pounded the halls at the Piers in Manhattan and heading out to the small but incredibly inspiring D&A show which showcases independent designers. We found several trends that are going to be big. Trending is not all that important but this is one that is everlasting. As much among our customs to spread around the world, the American made and crafted staple is a pair of jeans. Denim is important. But more to the point, the best jeans fit just right to your bum, regardless of your individual style. To refocus this, is none other than premium denim designer Joes Jeans. His team always cares about all of our figures which is why they offer selections that come in all shapes and sizes. Joe's Jeans have several surprises coming March. Urica, they did a great job of designing the must have wild floral prints typically reserved for carpets. My youth comes to mind in my 321 days ( a flashback for me of a time when I strutted my Creepers and New Romantic look at the famous Santa Monica nightclub ) but I am still going to purchase them.

Fashion is an art form. And as it always evolves, this time is no different. Though the eighties were a fantasy gone wild with the influence of blasting through the walls of Berlin and allowing the world freedom of expression, the modern people expected change from the radical 60s and 70s. I can see the same things happening now politically and respectfully-globally. I see that ques from that particular epoch have changes in stores as well. In many ways, fashion is being defined by the movements we are experiencing in today's technological advancements. Prints that couldn't have possibly been done before are now realized through the age of computers as we are reinventing manufactured textiles. Very much so, now we see floral prints that look close to the real thing. The Native American all block colors and Maya calendar are appearing to show on just about every accessory you can imagine. Not that you would like a weaved multicolored sandal, but than again, you have options more than ever. Neon colors done appropriately with neutrals should replace reds and purples as your pop color.

To manage our heavy screens and beauty products, we can either carry heavy totes or travel light with the coolest fashion accessory I saw at the ENK's Intermezzo and Accessories Circuit. Today I carry my own bags but tomorrow, I plan to carry light weight and pretty bags by Clava. A lovely interpretation of the Chanel styled hard ware and quilted leather done with a nylon synthetic. A luster shines both from the fabric and the metals.

Not seen yet, I predict shall become a staple for Fall, is Crushed Stretched Velvet dresses for the romanticism inside us all. It is a powerful time to feel luxurious without spending. A great travel item and goes from day to night without so much as purchasing several dresses. I haven't seen this played out yet, but it will. Trending can come from a variety of influences and this was just one idea I picked up on from the movie The Artist.

A Broken Dream builds a better Entrepreneur

2012-01-03T19:49:22Z

Cheering in the New Year makes one remember to not look back, forgive and forget. I took a chance in the New Year to make a resolution list. It works if you commit. Last year I made one...alas, it has happened. It took the last 10 months to see that resolution through. Wanting to love the work you do, not for yourself but for the universe. As is the case, if you hate something, chances are, you are looking at the mirror image of your inner beliefs. So as not to be so preachy... I am just sharing one valuable lesson. This, from a lady that has been fortunate to live a dream but to admit mistakes as blessings of the past.

I spent an entire career working towards helping others tell their story through design, integrated marketing and entertainment. While it is true that at times, everybody gets handed difficulty and even have to work with people you are not their biggest fans, and sometimes you have awful clients. It is a huge relief when you no longer rely on a crutch such as a job. It is the lesson of learning that building confidence comes from making the best choices for yourself. It makes you and your entrepreneurial aspirations so much more worth living for and in deserving of successes.

For more than a decade, I am honored to say that I have been a Costume Designer for motion pictures and television shows. That, along with Fashion Styling countless of print editorials and commercials kept me super busy. I had to constantly go after new projects, clients and get hired over and over. In a sense, it was entrepreneurial, because you have to re-invent all the time and its an exciting life to work 12 hours on a set with celebrities. So, why would I decide to change course? Because it was the natural extension of my desire to ALWAYS be better than I am already.

For the next few years, I learned what having a real job was like. In having to clock in and out at Chula Jeans Couture, and Jordache, I pursued becoming a Fashion Designer. I did it because I was embarking on a dream of some day waking up to owning my very own fashion collection. Then in 2006 I realized that dream. I sold Mildred Brignoni Denim to boutiques in New York and South Korea. My potential did not reach its best yet. Sadly I failed in my first Entrepreneurial endeavor due to a combination of a saturated denim market, overseas manufacturing costs, the wretched NAFTA agreements and bullying from business partners..Though, I reflect on this with a sigh of relief today, I didn't stop pushing the boundaries of my capabilities.

I didn't limit myself because of lack of a formal MBA ( Although those three letters from Columbia or UCLA would be nice ), I turned to my skills that would secure another position and which I knew innately fit a companies needs. I became the VP of Business Development and Marketing for several Start up Technology, Film / TV businesses and Fashion companies. Because of my background in fashion, and entertainment, I stewarded partnerships while learned valuable assets such as metrics, best practices for digital advertising and content production. For a time, I worked for others, yet always leaned on my creative thinking to bridge need, desire, demand and solution. Hence, I have been rewarded through opportunities set in motion today.

Always learning to recover, I constantly utilize the value in my vast experiences and finally embrace my love of creativity. I have confidence that good decisions leads to fulfillment. With the support of truly great mentors and friends, I brought several businesses to the next level and helped monetize my own practice in design, digital advertising, social media and now my next project - Digishon.com.

I am constantly asked what do I do? I think the answer is clear today. I am an Entrepreneur. I am a woman embracing my left and right brain. And, while I am still Costume Designing motion pictures and television shows. Also, I Executive Produce if the story is worthy of my assistance. I help in distribution of content. Of course I haven't stopped thinking about building another fashion line of accessories. Except this time, it will say made in USA.

I think to discriminate against my own skills and let them lay dormant would be failing. I am always reminding myself that there is no guaranteeing I will make lots of money. But one thing is certain and that is it will bring me joy and happiness. My mission now has 7 wishes, and although I have recovered from turbulent proposals and failed visions, I rejoiced the days set free.

Holiday Bright Eyes

2011-12-26T19:46:47Z

Most of the professional parties are almost over, but for the art and design industry, this just means, you put your best face on throughout the rest of the year. Although, many of us loose color in our cheeks, and lips. Whats worse, your eyes start to turn red and slightly close. For those of us that still have to entertain, and have a handful of parties yet to attend, burning the midnight oil morning through night can make your appearance look even worse. I do have a suggestion for us all during the Holiday season to help in preserving ourselves. I am no beauty expert but I do recommend Youngblood's Eye-Illuminating Duo pencil. It acts like an eye whitener by popping the whites when applied under the lids and eye shimmer for brow. Why would you listen to me? Because lets face it, anything is a good idea since we haven't even gotten to New Years Eve yet. I merely offer my opinion in this area because baking my skin doesn't feel good but I have found a remedy that seems to work for me.

Zen blogger or pushing advertising online - changing the landscape of professional and educated opinion

2011-12-14T18:04:15Z

As an 18 year veteran of fashion and entertainment style and design, I consider myself a purveyor of good ideas. Ever ask why am reading this blog?

Reading lots of fashion stylist's online opinions, makes one very tired of hearing silly stories about how they pair a nice jean with kitten heels, blah blah. Although, sometimes I discover what is relevant while spending time online to see what women shoppers want. Audiences naturally want to stay on sites that speaks to their problems directly. The author wants to sell a few clicks on an ad from their affiliate partners, but lets not kid ourselves. Is that unfair? I don't hate advertisements if done properly. If we stay away from advertisers, we will never be excited through clever little hidden creatives. Plus, all would be lost to rants and bored with each others' sites. A blogger offers an educated and selective opinion, if done right. Everything is relative. Sadly, though professional writers and marketers are being forced out of their cushy publishing jobs by the ever increasing home blogger. At a recent event for mobile marketers, Gary Schwartz and Joe Carvelli spoke in depth about the information we receive is being driven harder by pocket size hand held platforms vs. laptops. Joe hammered in the idea that the Kindle Fire is unstoppable. The elegant publisher of Gary's book by Simon and Schuster's emphasized that they are at the mercy of Amazon because though yes, you can easily buy your books through Amazon ( the Kindle Fire ), the publisher also has to compete. They have to sell books to stay alive. To make matters worse, agents are not backing down at monetizing their content either. Back in the day, I served as an Executive Assistant to a top Literary Agent at ICM. Back then, I held a highly coveted position of making sure no one got through to my boss unless screened and discerned as top priority. This would have made some freak out, but the importance of her time changed my perspective of the entertainment/ publishing business. I worked the desk of the one and only Dianne Fraser, a successful Television Business leader. I learned from her to curate the work you do. Because of her, the talented writers were published and got to executive produce work we all saw on television. She lent her selective eye to works she believed made them invaluable. Now, ICM could not survive without trying to sell their own work. So, they have gone from Agents to Publishers/ Producers of content. This serves as a lesson to future bloggers, because while I don't personally drive messages I don't believe to be useful, I am commenting on the state of everything we use to shop, entertain and technology that changes the landscape of cool. I, as you, watch what others are doing to be inspired by not trying to compete with experts in industries. However, believing this is a free market, if I offer businesses as an extension to making ones' lives enriched, than I have hopefully been given the gift of spreading the word. Publishers spend a lot of time, nurturing a writer and editing the crap out of bad assumptions they make. They also anticipate a level of readers interests. While, its true, we all can get a blog going, if you are a professional artist, of some sort, offer your clients something they wouldn't expect from you. And, let the professional writers do their job and vet the bad from the good. They value the worth of an authors ability to contribute to us all, not because of their subjective opinions, but because of their education in the history of all writers before them, to hopefully, offer thought provoking and intelligent works of art.

To all my fellow artists, designers and future online bloggers, I propose, ask yourself what makes you uniquely qualified to share in a public forum? Be conscious of your audiences needs, interests and more importantly, are you offering a value or just trying to sell something? Naturally, if you are in business, you must have something to share, so don't be afraid to share your knowledge, not just pimp out other advertising for the sake of monetizing. We all have a voice, but lets no over-share.

Holiday Gifts for cheap

2011-12-09T18:04:32Z

Times are tuff for everybody. If you don't know what gifts to purchase for your people, I suggest these comfy and fun rubber soled moccasins designed by Dearfoams. These are great because they are functional. Not only are they warm, but they are good to weather the outdoors as you walk your dog in the blistering cold. They wear well and have a variety of styles to choose from for the men and women in your lives. Or you can go for a coffee table book.

Hal Rubenstein's new 100 Unforgettable Dresses makes a really nice option. If you aren't familiar with him, he is the Fashion Director of Instyle.com and Instyle magaines. Joe's Jeans held Hal's book signing last night and I was reminded that luxury doesn't have to be expensive. Both are under $40 dollars and lasting value add. But of course if you have the bucks, by all means, a nice pair of denim bottoms from Made in the USA - LA Brand Joe's Jeans, makes anyone happy. They offered a vast selection of colors and styles. Back to your gift giving, choose any of them and remember it is thoughtful.

In the Spirit of Champagne

2011-12-08T22:51:36Z

Oh My Veuve, it was rainy on December 7th! Maybe the best way to get your hustle on is hitting a book signing to drink the bubbly.

That powerful little tingle in the tongue really puts me in the mood to shop and eat delicate finger nibbles that pop in your mouth! And, it provides a soothing reminder that the end of the year is near ( which makes me happy to celebrate ). The bottle I prefer to purchase comes in an egg yolk colored label. That to me, is a pretty good reason to trek onto the 57 street Press Party location. What was on the menu? Veuve Clicquot of course. Plus it is my favorite champagne to celebrate another Birthday and "The Seasons of Veuve Clicquot", penned by Stephane Gerschel. It was dual strategy. First, it was a stop at the book signing to indulge myself while getting to chat to the special French Communication Director of the brand at the Rizzoli bookstore. Second, I needed a clearing of my palette to top off the night. It is the effervescence that champagne provides in every drop, thus, making every drink especially tantalizing . Stephane was a natural fit to write a cookbook for the luxury brand. The variety of inspirations he discusses encompasses his favorite foods, events and drink of choice. He also mentioned that the color of the label was designed to match the color of egg yolks by the founders/ creators which continues to work decades later.

Great taste and style are perfectly paired with great wine! The Art of Reading, and creating feels much better with this delicious tasting companion. It never gets old and it never goes out of style because everybody loves bubbles. Bon Apetite!!

Everyday is an inspiration - Artist impressionism

2011-11-18T19:13:13Z

The quote of my day is "Everyday is an inspiration" . Having just read the self help book: Every day is a Friday, by Joel Osteen, I found it useful to look at fine artists that painted the changing tides of their times. In organizing a set of tasks successfully, thus, proving useful in the eyes of my peers, it is important for me to gather a collection of my dreams and thoughts in studying one image. This is a painting I found in my college years: The beautiful impressionist painting by John Williams Waterhouse, for me epitomizes gearing up for what may come ahead that day. I see many translations for this picture. Ironically, though the painting was created in the late 19 century, it its clear to me, she ponders her next move. And, her drink could be for morning cup of coffee or afternoon wine. Either way, it helps to look at this before I embark on the world ahead:
Appropriately, Mr.Waterhouse entitled this work " Destiny".

Tonight, I will be attending the Holiday House event to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. I hope you may do something as important to the causes that matter to you most after you are through your accounting, coding or anything you have in store over the lovely weekend ahead

Designs for 99%

2011-11-15T18:45:58Z

Fashion is increasing consumer spending throughout the world. Recently, we ( meaning me because I am the entire healthy staff at Mildred Brignoni Productions ) helped designers achieve sales CADS - computer aid designs - for a few companies that primarily sell to both Europe and Latin America. I suppose their presence isn't known here in the US because our 1% buyers of Saks and Macy's don't want to pay their mark ups, prefer to buy items made in Asian countries for cheap labor, or simply don't like them. In any case, while I too am a Latina born and raised in the communities of Southern California, I grew up wearing Vans, Jeans and the occasional frilly get up my mother put me in. To please her, I accepted her notion that I was first Latina but born in the US, and let me not forget it! I suited both of us mother and daughter, by appeasing her in a costume of original Guatemalan colorful skirts, but I deliberately insisted on wearing my VANS to show her I was an individual. It showed, I would present myself properly from roots planted simultaneously in the diversity of Latin American and United States cultures.

Apparently Americans are clamoring to be the 99%. We search anything that identities ourselves as not the 1%, so we wear fashion that makes us think of the past, our ancestors but uniquely American. Yet, doesn't it seem odd that we want to make things here. Sorry to be the bad guy here- but its hard to make that possible if we want the dye from indigo made from their original habitats. Although, I can appreciate the US involvement in producing accessible fashions for other countries in hopes to design styles for everybody to boost their small businesses as well as aid the global economy. Latin American countries, in particular, embrace our iconic casual style of denim. Levis Strauss finally came back to their roots in terms of fashion collections and they purchased back the majority of shares from the Chinese ( Thank Goodness - because it was looking Fugly there for a while ). Designers from established companies such as the great Donna Karan, to the newbies from as far west as Alabama create designs that mirror our need for comfort but signature American. The United States produces more pop cultural phenomenons than any other country. We trump all denim designers around the world including those that produce the textiles and washes, because we are able to tap on freedom of expression, or at the very least attempt to stand for the rest of us- the 99%. A business man I recently met said he admired my attempt to do something entrepreneurial because he himself doesn't want to be the 1% anymore. Cute but so real. I like the fashion from Paris to the Peru, but I adore our designs because we are able to try and fail. In all modes, If its a southwestern look - to finish our love of traditional cowboys, or the hip nostalgia of the Blondie Era and the original Guess Jeans - in acid wash, I love all things made and started in the USA.
America is still the land of the freedom and of opportunity.

Fun and Colorful Fashionable Statements

2011-10-28T19:55:53Z

Its a cool Friday afternoon. Both because I went to some superb events this week, and second because its proving to be a lovely weekend here in New York. On Tuesday evening, I was invited to attend the Karl Lagerfeld crystal collection exclusively made by Orrefors and sold throughout boutiques around the country.

Yum, sipping champagne couldn't taste better. And these adorable coca cola bottles designed for the French release, were gorgeous. Too bad we can't get any here, so I will keep my collectors items and hope to increase their value; so cute aren't they? Meanwhile, at 85 Broads' event, women chatted about office politics with each other and it was clear to me that this is where pretty and stylish powerhouse Financial women strutted their fashions. Spotting an outsider, an Hermes marketing executive,I watched her make friendly with the executives hoping to catch a new client. But, it was fun for both of us bouncing around and checking out the Gallery where an artist showcased his interpretation of the future of technology, wall street and the cool fact of living today.

Even PHD's love fine fashion.

Big Brands small business

2011-10-25T12:39:05Z

Struggling to be cool, the Occupy Wall Street crowd can take the lessons from those of us from the 80's but kick it up a few notches. Its not always about putting down THE MAN, its about learning how to negotiate with what IT wants. It wants all of us. Its not enough to continue hampering the idea that - they suck. So what? Its about not giving away your power with unrealistic ideals.Perhaps its more compelling to big network journalists to cover those that cry and scream about injustices. But what about the small businesses struggling to reach that same audience in profound ways?

The Occupy Wall Street movement may miss the point- after all- we are all a product of consumerism and unless we choose to live in caves again, throw away our mobile and digital devices which connects us to the rest of the world, who is going to buy those pretty summer dresses from your local boutique? Small businesses usually start off in someones garage and if smart, they grow to become a major conglomerate. Don't punish the messenger. Surely the shop owners can't stay in business without social media sites, bloggers with sponsors etc....Its a mutual relationship between responsibility and understanding. Our communities need to both reach their targeted audiences and keep relevant to the needs of their customers. Most of the protesters have an awareness, but their efforts would be better served if they could leverage their demands onto specific bills that can drive traffic back to local small businesses. As a friend living near Wall street asks " what do you want us to do"? The giants already support non profit organizations, so why not bring them to sharing their money with our strength in numbers. As an entrepreneur in both fashion / and media, my tasks have always included delivering a message that needed to be told with brands that were either new or that could potentially help my clients. I believe we can use the big businesses for building our own economy and start building strong cases, instead of targeting streets filled with tourists. I mean seriously, have you seen what they are wearing? I know they don't care about what I have to say, but come on? Seriously, some of them could use a shower and style make overs.

Steve Jobs helped Entrepreneurship - living Digishon

2011-10-06T17:20:26Z

We pitched at the most recent iBreakfast on August 25, 2011 while still working on business plans and setting up data/ servers. Objective critical opinions matter to us, although we are actively seeking finance partners and engineers for digishon.com, [pronounced: dij-e-shon] to help us get up and running. Our survival is critically based on the vision as I see it - as fashion will inevitably become tangible to personal computers-your IP address. Become part of the team, and let us go live in the next few weeks ( which will be fantastic). The feeling of building a robust fashion technology also brings me to one of the few times in life, when living my dream matters more than following news feeds about the latest celebrity gossip. Finally, it feels like the right time to start embracing my freak flag by leading and embarking on changing fashion trends that will be more intimate/ curated to the shopper experience. Though, to some it may seem crazy, I will continue working on altering our perception of the computers capabilities in fashion entertainment - innovation that I am passionate about. This will also alter the shoppers expected engagements amongst all fashion driven consumers. Before I go further, I have to pay tribute to my light bulb moment and must pay respects to the man that made this dream possible. It has only become reality because I was also at the start of something larger than me, and at the core of something new.

( Steve Jobs died today after a battle with cancer.) I wrote this blog yesterday however decided not to post it until after I processed his lasting impression on me. I hadn't realized how much so, until then it dawned on me: I was allowed to create pretty pictures on my Mac while not intimidated because it was built for my mind / it was artist friendly. My mother (who also died of liver / pancreatic cancer three years ago) always reminded me to live my dream, while nurturing my ideas and as Steve too preached to believe in change. Although I am not as young as I once was, I too must believe in my stewarding innovation while young people continue it as well. Its never too late until its too late. It all began when I jumped on a computer in 1990.

I have vivid memories of my freshman years while at University of California Berkeley. Finding myself thrown into not only learning core curriculum, but in finessing our Apple computers. We used floppy discs for our computers back then, yet it was such a ground breaking revolutionary way of efficiency that it was integral tool to the execution of school papers and doing research. Students, myself included, were required to use them. Hence, our neighboring computer genius - Steve Jobs at the helm of Apple in Silicon Valley, provided not just the engineering school but all of my university, a variety of Macintosh Apple computers. Doing away with the old - No more typewriters. Shortly thereafter, Apple introduced a heavy 3" inch laptop computer, and I an artist, designer and trend influence-r eventually became the owner of my first Apple laptop.

We have to thank Steve and express our sorry for his entire family. He revolutionized our school system and the world. I also hope that you continue to find out what is happening with our next stages of Digishon.com. This is my passion. I want to continue the business of changing technology that helps luxury fashion e-tailoring, and local curated communities of shoppers. Please watch what comes in the future of our online fashion revolution. We Press On

Rest In Peace - Steve Job.

Steve Jobs helped Entrepreneurship - living Digishon

2011-10-06T17:19:52Z

We pitched at the most recent iBreakfast on August 25, 2011 while still working on changing the minds of VC's in helping us finance the first round of money for digishon.com. Now, we are still working on Business Plans and data/ servers. While we are still manicuring our final touches to go live in the next few weeks, its one of the few times in my life where as the Creative helm of Digishon.com, I must pay respects to the one man that helped me jump on a computer in the first place.

Steve Jobs died today after a battle with cancer yet it inspires me to be help nurture and believe in change. And, I must do that while young people continue innovating. From the time I was a freshman at the University of California Berkeley, I found myself thrown into not only learning core curriculum, but in finessing our Apple computers. We used floppy discs back then, yet it was such a ground breaking revolutionary way of producing efficiency that it was integral tool to the execution of tasks. Students, myself included, were required to use a program to accomplish school work. Hence, Apple located in Silicon Valley, provided not just the engineering school but all of my university, a variety of Macintosh Apple computers. Doing away with the old - No more typewriters. Shortly thereafter, Apple introduced a heavy 3" inch laptop computer. I graduated from Cal and still looking for a job, I became the owner of my first Apple laptop.

We have to thank and express our sorry for his entire family to the man that revolutionized the ways in which we think. We hope that you continue to find out what is happening with our next stages and up. This is my passion. I want to continue the business of changing technology, luxury fashion e-tailoring, and local curated communities of shoppers for our online fashion revolution. We Press On

Rest In Peace - Steve Job.

Dream Mood at the Shows

2011-09-22T14:03:04Z

This is what would happen if I were to dream up the best fashion trade show fixtures,booth concept and fashion without the need to sell anything. Taking from this past week's New York trade shows including Coterie, MODA and Fame, all under the umbrella of Jacob Javitz Center in the heart of Manhattan, the representatives' and vendors' display and best booth designs, I came up with my own version. So, take a peek as Boyde, Minnie Rose, Designal, and others merge. Putting the highest quality of design concepts into one big branded party, this is how it would look in my world
and fame needed a little help ...

SmartyPants caught up with Hipsters

2011-09-13T21:02:36Z

Project Runway former Runner Up Althea displays a healthy dose of witchery in a good way
Althea ( One of my favorites among the Project Runway finalists ), dared to design a slightly spooky ethereal pagan style. Also, below was a super cute illustration for her Mercedes Benz Iron Ons....Here one of her designs getting a lot of use during my cycling....too

Althea Harper handed out funky goodie bags Sponsored by Black Pheonix Alcemy Lab. And the street scene looked even better at Time Warner Centers' Stone Rose Lounge (where Althea presented her collection) stylish something year olds Wanderlustfashion bloggers - Emily Bache, Abigail Breslin and Scott Kosiorek still rocking the Betsy Johnson, where else she revealed that she still doesn't use a computer? I don't know about what kind of Laggard you are but still not setting a good example to the younger ones like that mama,...

Altrhea Harper ( one of my favorite Project Runway Runner Ups) Spring2011 Collection

Uniquely 911 fashion pioneers

2011-09-11T22:55:26Z

Today I decided to cycle downtown to the 911 Memorial in Battery Park City before heading to fashion week events. This day was not one to pretend to be interested in anything fashion, and at first, the notion of the industry was something I dreaded at first. That all changed, as on my way back uptown, I decided to ride on a city street - just because.. And then, I saw this beautiful store with very respectful design elements balanced by suitable black fonts displaying its URBAN ZEN logo, and casually relaxing styled clothing draping its mannequins. A big body guard kept a vigilant eye on me, while a few women were standing around ...( looked like your typical fashion week event), but didn't ask...Then suddenly this woman comes out and says "oh I don't know where I am at sometimes"... she seems pleasant and nice...we chatted for a little while (meanwhile some women in their befitting black -very fashion- were watching us (and I couldn't understand why? ), we continued our conversation about the store design. I said I loved it and it was so pretty.... she says, "you should come in" and I told her "I can't I have my bike..but soon", and she says "well come back, my name is Donna Karen and this is my store". She told me about the integrated food and global healing network coupled with design and social economies fusing an intelligence of providing either financing or work co-op of food and other natural supplies to third world countries..., so unassuming and gentle and we left it just like that. No big deal. No hoopla for such a somber Sunday 911 day..

So she invited me in, to this 911 memorial meditation day she created for our community . Stunned, the gals watched my bike and I spontaneously went in to discover this incredible loft with hundreds of black pillows, water bottles in corners, video projections of images, and scriptures of famous sayings from deep thinkers...lalalala, and of course sitting lotus at front, were three buddist monks chanting behind a spectacular sweeping framed elegant black velvet curtain, and tons of lights....I meditated and naturally I cryed...

An incredible journey. As of this morning, I vowed to spend time, for a moment to discover supporting in any way I may or my abilities to do so and of which talents allow me too. Either with my touch or those that need my skills in technology and fashion or providing donations in a philanthropic arena. Because it is the highest element of humanity to offer our respects for survivors of suffering or those that cannot help themselves. I don't question my own spirituality, but I believe we can let go of religion at least just to practice that which we can or choose to not support one another.

This is true divine intervention. I know that I was supposed to be there and here right now and...I was touched.
In closing, it seems like the antithesis of an accomplished designer but more, because she, Donna Karen the woman, shows us all how and what we can do to reach larger audiences with a magnificent level of generosity.. here is her sight.

http://www.urbanzen.org/event/

Adjusting calls for embracing change

2011-08-02T19:06:22Z

Fashion brick-and-mortar establishments around the world love websites and ecommerce for the main sticking point. They don't have to lift but one finger at a time to press their key strokes and click sold.

Since 2008 leading fashion executives regularly congregated to meet and discuss the new opportunities in both technology and open markets, and growing countries with larger GDP than both US and EU. A journey in establishing social media presence was the beginning. Retailers are always looking to keep their margins while insisting to buy at cheaper and cheaper prices. So have wholesalers and designers using less expensive techniques to keep their bottom line or are we just learning to adjust to supply and demand in another style of doing business, namely e-commerce? Aren't we all just going through growing change since everything from cars to electronics and now fashion apparel being sold so as to not having to step outside of our doorsteps? I think yes. Buyers and Sellers at the recent ENK and Fame shows at the NYC Jacob Javitz Center this summer started on Sunday July 31 and ending today August 2nd, showed how truly wonderful our industry can learn to moderate their level of spending. On both sides, I learn that retailers from boutiques in Isreal to Colorado can do something about the prices to drive them down by simply not buying. And designers learn the needs of their customers lower level spending by offering $dollar minimums rather than by unit minimums. Lessons learned from the overspending we, much like Washington learned scaling back ( we the former super power ) almost collapsing debt ceiling, have grown accustomed too.

Designs, marketers and buyers are all moving to give consumers what they most value. The price of the best items that offer an emotional need or a desired effect. All in all, we as consumers love fashion. Walking through the halls of cool shows like FAME, I found that somethings never go out of style. Chic wears are a must to most any woman and of any budget. Bojo fashion never really lasted in the east coast simply because its frigid cold here...cute to wear in the heat of our scorching 95º, Meghan of Los Angeles www.meghanla.com offers funky colorful mega gowns and an eclectic set of moo-moo dresses. Pair that with the Jane tran www.janetran.com Feather head piece ( who is partnering with Swarvoski crystals www.swarvoski-elements.com/business ) to illuminate your tethered main and you've got a style for resort or anytime of the year as long as you live in the southwest.

Revenue is never lost on accessories, especially if they are sustainable / eco-friendly Women's handbags and clutches. I found a fab unique designer Veond www.myveond.com that offers the solution to both traveling smartly and creating femininity with sexy scarves. These exquisite patterns and clutches use heavy weighty hard ware and ergonomic touches. Meanwhile since Peru became part of the free trade agreement a few years back, we might as well look to Peru for artisan hand crafted handbags. Sumaqkay makes devine and luxurious indigenous patterned totes. This former fashionista needs a bit of latin love. Lets see what Spring Summer NY Fashion Week has in store this September 2011.