Published by Celestyna Brozek

Witness the amazing Shannon South of  Remade USA. She salvages leather coats and jackets from thrift stores and remakes them into some of the most beautiful bags I have ever seen and I do not say that lightly as I am a shoe girl. You understand.  Shannon was kind enough to agree to an interview and we are so excited to publish it today! Especially since she is based in San Francisco, just like us. Represent!

1. This is such an interesting concept! Would you mind sharing a little about your business model?

Basically, I find used, unwanted leather clothing and scraps and turn it into bags, using as many of the jacket details as possible. Each bag is one-of-a-kind. I sell on my website and to Barneys Coop.

2. How and where does production occur?

I’m a tiny company, so everything is made in my workshop – I have a couple of assistants who help with the sewing, but I design and touch every bag that is made.

3. What are some of the challenges/advantages of using recycled clothing as your material?

Every jacket that I receive is different (style, size, color), but that keeps it interesting and challenging – every bag that is made requires careful consideration and thought. Sometimes I get jackets that are dirty or musty – a challenge, but I’ve come up with ways of cleaning them. Some jackets are stained or worn more than others – which I actually think give the bag its character and make it so much more interesting than the perfectly stitched and replicated, brand new, “made in China” bags you will find in most department stores. …read more

By Beth Hale

It looks like a cross between a sports bra and a form of medieval torture. And it’s the one item of lingerie that you’ll be hoping no one ever catches a glimpse of.  But thanks to a remarkable feat of engineering, this bra promises to defy gravity and give the smaller busted among us a helping hand without going under the surgeon’s knife.

Confidence boosting: A model wearing her normal bra, and right, after using the Instant Uplift device

The one-size Instant Uplift bra, which comes in nude and black, has no cups and instead relies on only a band of elastic to support the breasts.

More…The Figure-fixing outfits: Style solutions for the three female body shapes

The band, similar to the back of a traditional bra, sits under the breasts, while the back consists of a broad strip similar in appearance to a sports bra.
It can fit sizes ranging from 32A to 44C, and can be worn with or without a normal bra. However, given it leaves little to the imagination, going without may only be for the more adventurous woman.
One drawback, however, is its numerous straps need adjusting according to a woman’s bra size.

And then there is the challenge it presents to fumbling lovers who have to contend with not one but two catches at the front and back.
However, as well as giving a dramatic uplift, the bra also claims to encourage women to stand correctly, aiding good posture.
Romney Drury, of Tesco, which will start selling the £19 bra from tomorrow, said: ‘This is a unique concept – the first extra lift bra that sits under a favourite bra. There was a gap in the market for a bra to enhance a woman’s breasts whatever the size.
‘Most women have a favourite bra and now they can wear it with Instant Uplift fitted neatly and comfortably underneath without spoiling the way it looks.’
…read more

Jack Vartanian Handcuff Bracelet

Arrest Me

When it comes to styling—my own wardrobe or an ensemble for a client—I am never one to reserve fine jewelry for strictly red carpet occasions. Instead, I believe in mixing statement-making pieces with everyday attire. Jack Vartanian shares my way of thinking with his line of striking and wearable jewelry, made for women who want the freedom to rock precious pieces with a pair of jeans. I recently added his Handcuff Bracelet to my wrist and never want to take it off!

The perfect representation of sophistication with an edge, these gold cuffs—worn as a set on one wrist—are a jaw-dropping addition to anyone’s jewelry box, if not a permanent fixation on one’s arm. Flaunt them everywhere imaginable, from the coffee shop around the corner to a bachelorette party in Vegas. There is nothing wrong with being a prisoner to your jewels! xoRZ

Availability: Jack Vartanian 18k Gold Handcuff Bracelet ($9380, 212.988.2881). For additional retailer information, visit Jackvartanian.com.

www.rachelzoe.com

Rachel Zoe wore chain link accessories at NY Fashion Week so you know you’ll be seeing more and more styles in stores soon.   

This trend isn’t fully fleshed out yet but we’re going to start seeing a lot more of the chain link trend in the months to come. i’m dying to see if there’s much of it at icff and brooklyn designs. we’ll see. until then, here are some of my favorite chain designs in the market right now (home and otherwise). have something to add? drop a line via email or the comment section below…[photo above, clockwise from left to right: mollie dash bracelet, link cheese knife set ($38), chain pull ($16), chain link earrings ($15), chain knob ($8) and chain handle ($14)] 

written by: http://www.designspongeonline.com/

EDUN is a progressive brand that provokes us to think beyond fashion. Launched in Spring 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono, the company’s mission is to help build Africa as a viable source of production for fashion. Founded Edun, the environmentally-friendly luxury brand founded in 2005 by rock star Bono with his wife, Ali Hewson. Edun is a no-for-profit business based on the premise of trade not aid. To help achieve this goal, EDUN is investing in the development of a community-based value chain, beginning with organic cotton. In 2007 the company launched EDUN LIVE, a blank tee shirt division that is 100% “grow to sew” African produced.

www.edunonline.com