Newest Designer to Showroom New York: Leanne Marshall

Showroom New York would like to welcome our newest designer Leanne Marshall, winner of season 5 Project Runway. A Portland, Oregon native, and a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Leanne is now a full fledge New York designer, and the transition is very apparent in her fall 2009 collection, compared to her spring 2009 Project Runway collection, Making Waves, which had a much more natural and organic feel. She says the drastic change “signifies my (her) transition from Portland to New York.” She goes on to say the fall 2009 collection was “inspired by the skyline of Manhattan that I (Leanne) could see from my (her) window in Brooklyn.”

Leanne says that she is excited to join Showroom New York because she has been in search of a showroom for quite some time, and had yet to find the right fit. She says she is “excited to join the showroom because most showrooms only house your collections, and help to make sales, but none help with the production of the clothes.” Leanne is new to production, and relatively new to New York, so she is happy to have the assistance of the showroom in finding quality factories and vendors to produce her collection.

She is also very passionate about local production and keeping the garment industry in New York alive, which is another reason why she says Showroom New York is “a perfect fit” for her. When asked if she would always keep her production local, she responded with a simple, but firm “Definitely”. She elaborated by saying that “there are so many capable people here that need jobs.”

Of course, with the current economy, entering into any business venture can be risky. When asked how she feels about starting a brand in this situation, Leanne plainly states that she “couldn’t imagine being anything else.” She goes on to say that she is lucky because she “received lots of exposure from the show (Project Runway).” With the economy in mind, Leanne’s fall 2009 collection is “designed with a well rounded price range”.

With her fall 2009 collection now in production, Leanne is getting an earlier start on her spring 2010 collection. Although she says she has a bad habit of procrastinated, she is learning from her mistakes along the way, and has high hopes with the help of Showroom New York in conjunction with the Garment Industry Development Corporation (GIDC).

Dinna Soliman Brings Sexy Silhouettes to Spring!

http://www.dinnasoliman.com/

Spring is about change and new awakenings. In 2009 we need to be ready for the unexpected. This season Dinna Soliman has a fresh take on survival. The new collection captures the essentials of the outdoors and translates them into everyday urban life. An abundance of oversized cargo pockets and nylon strapping impulsively accentuate sexy silhouettes as jersey, linen and mesh in earthy neutral are highlighted by tangerine. Military functionality has found its innovative personality. Dinna Soliman originally set out to become an architect. After one year of study at the University of Maryland the underlying urge to work in fashion could not contain itself. In 2001 she moved to New York City and studied design at the Fashion Institute of Technology as a part-time night student. During the day she began learning the ins and outs of the fashion industry. Rather quickly, Dinna was able to spearhead her way into a promising career as a designer for several major commercial apparel brands. She worked on a gamut of product ranging from women’s wear, juniors, children’s and even menswear. In 2007, after collecting 6 years of industry experience, she set out to debut her namesake collection where technical elements are commonly fused with feminine silhouettes.

KAHRI BY KAHRI ANNE KERR

From the Farm to the Big City
Growing up on a farm outside the hamlet of Tripoli in northeast Iowa, where fashion is of little concern, KahriAnne Kerr broke the mold. From an early age, KahriAnne loved all things creative and artistic

KahriAnne headed out to NYC in August 2003 to attend the fashion design program at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology. KahriAnne then began to sell her collection in NYC stores and e-boutiques. Kahri also set up a temporary mini-store in SoHo, as a part of the designer collective, Burrow, in Spring 2005. After FIT, KahriAnne focused on designing and selling her collection, as well as working various design jobs in the fashion industry.

Now the hip, funky, rocker chic women’s contemporary clothing line Kahri by KahriAnne Kerr is sold at over 20 boutiques across the US, England, Scotland, and Israel, as well as 30 online boutiques. Kahri has also been featured in many fashion shows with celebrity hosts and performers, such as Kanye West, MTV’s Quddus, BET’s Melissa Ford, Keenyah Hill and Naima Mora from America’s Next Top Model, on TV programs, such as Fuse TV, 99% Fashion, and BPM TV, as well as many magazines, such as Interview, React, US Weekly, Rockpile, The Ave, Shut Up, Exactly, Venuszine, and more. Recording artists such as Fergie, Aubrey from Danity Kane, Brandi Carlisle, and Paris Hilton have also rocked Kahri gear on and off of their video shoots.

Now go on and Be Rebellious!

TO: 2FER!

http://2fer-nyc.com

The Brand: Wardrobe for Modern Women....fer , came from Latin word “facere”, which means to produce. 2fer was created by a team of 2 designers, and the philosophy behind the brand is to provide wardrobe for modern women who appreciate fashion and style. As fashion has become more accessible for the general, it is no longer just a rare luxurious treat and the way women dress themselves nowadays is different from last decade, women are asking for clothing that are easy and versatile, but with right amount of details to make it special. 2fer’s philosophy is mixing and matching, as well as layering pieces, and we encourage our women to do the same when dressing themselves.

Continuing the flirty mood and adventurous spirit from last season, but with an approach of grown up attitude; 2fer attempts to prepare their women for the cold climate in all senses and perspectives. The collection shows mixing and matching of textures in fabrication by drawing inspirations from nature sceneries and phenomena such as aurora, pink cloud, and also all sorts of landscape in Arctic. Asymmetrical and layering details have been developed as 2fer’s signature look; by combining warm color story and cozy silhouettes 2fer wants to bring women a sense of coziness and comfort for their mind, but remain looking fashionable and stylish for their body in Fall/Winter ‘09 - ’10.

FROM TWEED TO "TWITTER": FASHION FOLLOWS

Haven’t you ever wondered what your fave mags and models were doing every second of every minute? Its like reading your yearly subscription of Vogue each month, and getting daily doses of Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) is just not good enough these days…we need more, more, more! I wouldn’t consider it snooping, just more of an obsession with everything totally fab. As fashion begins to expand its market from brick and mortar to monitors and mouse pads, we all can “tweet” away with Twitter icons like The Daily, Vogue, celebrities Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Ashton Kutcher, and of course Brittany. So if you could please place those night goggles and phony press passes down; you can now employ as an online fashion stocker by tweeting your way to fabulosity. The Garment Industry Development Corporation (GIDC) launched its profile in March 2009 with local NY designers and industry professionals following the cycle of today’s fashion production. According to Alexandra Mora, GIDC Marketing Director, “Twitter is the trendiest way to keep up…Every Fashionista Tweets!” Become an insider, and follow the lives of fashion’s chicest profiles.

THE TRIBAL BEATS OF FASHION!!

Lions, Tigers, and Bears…Oh My! This spring, Fashion takes a turn into the wild, tribal prints are being seen everywhere. From Louis Vuitton’s Kalahari edition handbags which carries the traditional monogram print, trimmed in metallic leather, large beaded rope enclosure with a round supple shape ($2600) to Jimmy Choo high heeled silver beaded woven sandal, adorned by a moccasin leather fringe ankle strap (Coming Soon). Rhythmic drums are beating into the streets, while Fashionistas fill their wardrobes with Indian, Asian and African inspired designs. Luckily, you don’t have to “Dance with Wolves” to find these styles, stores like H&M, Forever21, and Topshop are mixing things up as well. Now ask yourself, would you rather be the little Indian that could or the Chief of style…My Answer: Don’t be left wearing your Pre-Millennium collection this spring/summer season! Free that inner beast, become one with Mother Nature, and Bring colors of flavor into that gray slated winter wardrobe. Let your style be your guide into the Safari lands of Africa, and roar with attitude as you sashay down 5th Ave.

THE PASSION BEHIND SHEILA ELAINE

Sheila Elaine is an energetic young accessories company with a passion for creating edgy and elegant accessories and clothing. Our design process begins by pondering a new piece of fabric for all of its possibility and potential. We then envision design concepts and work to utilize the elements of fabric, texture and color in unexpected ways. In a very real sense, our pieces are collages: novel arrangements of shapes designed to work together to achieve dramatic effect.
Sarah Wagner is the Founder and Designer of Sheila Elaine. The Sheila Elaine line was named in memory of her two very fashionable aunts, Sheila and Elaine Sarah was raised in Memphis, Tennessee (home of Elvis Presley) amidst a family of talented amateur artists and musicians. After graduating college with a B.A. in communications from Yeshiva University, she spent time working in advertising before marrying and moving to Paris, France. She has been vastly inspired by her world travels, experiences and the art of her family members, to keep adding to the Sheila Elaine repertory.
Shelbee Teller is the Head of Sales & Production for Sheila Elaine. For the past three years, Shelbee has been an integral part of the design process, and manages Sheila Elaine’s Production and Sales teams. Shelbee has taken Sheila Elaine from bolts of fabric on a New Jersey dining room table to boutiques all over the world.

http://www.sheilaelaine.com/

NATURE VS FUTURE

http://www.naturevsfuture.com/

The birth of ‘naturevsfuture®’ was in the spring of 2002 by Brooklyn born Nina Valenti. Launched 6 years after graduating Parsons & designing streetwear, Valenti needed to create her own line that would expose her unique aesthetic. The name was inspired by the designer’s belief that there is a constant struggle between nature and future, a pressure between organic forces and technological ones. “The more we advance the more we need to consider nature before we deplete it. In this tension to find balance is the living energy of the collection and hence the name.” says Valenti. Designed with an eco-conscious approach, ‘naturevsfuture®’ acknowledges the increased environmental concerns & the need to preserve & respect the earth while advancing. Valenti chooses to incorporate more & more organic, sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable materials in the collection each season. Mixing such fabrics like organic cotton, organic wool, hemp, soy, bamboo, seacell® (seaweed), lyocell (wood pulp), Ingeo™ (created from corn), along with recycled & technological fabrics such as Polartec® (made from soda pop bottles or industry waste) she creates pieces that have a futuristic edge yet are inherently classic.“Naturevsfuture®” believes in minimizing waste. Pieces are created for longevity. They are collected & worn until they diminish rather than discarded after a season. “We learn every day so we can make better decisions on how we proceed. We try to spread environmental awareness through our products from the knowledge we acquire.” says Valenti. The collection is produced locally in NYC. Nina’s designs are a self-generated product of imagination blended with her passions from architecture, furniture, music & art. Valenti’s inspiration is drawn from all that stimulates the senses. Working with the body as the palette, balance, line quality, rhythm & movement are the elements Valenti incorporates into each piece. “‘Naturevsfuture®’ is an artistic statement in the form of clothing. It fuses classic with cutting edge, & deconstructive with a refined elegance to create a new & exciting look, suiting ones complex personality. Blending natural & futuristic fabric with architectural designs NVF is a new breed of organic futurism via clothing. It’s functional, comfortable and bold, made to truly fit the body.” says Valenti. The woman that wear ‘naturevsfuture®’ are intelligent, independent & creative women that do not follow trends but rather make their own statement. They like to look sexy but with a sophisticated & creative edge.
For such a young line ‘naturevsfuture®’, has received a promising amount of positive attention from the press including reviews in WWD, Italian Vogue, ELLEgirl, Nylon, Fader, Lucky, The New York Times, Time Magazine, Time Out New York, E The Environmental Magazine, The Ecologist (London), Rachel Ray Magazine, Block, DigitAll, Plenty, Fancy, NRG, 24/7, The Christian Science Monitor, The Daily News & The New York Post as well as website magazines such as Treehugger, The Huffington Post, JC Report, Trendcentral, The VillageVoice.com, Daily Candy & Mightyflirt.com. Valenti’s clothing has been spotted on celebrities like: Tina Faye, Parker Posey & Deborah Harry. ‘Naturevsfuture®’ has also made TV appearances on the ‘Today Show’, ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ on actress Lauren Graham & on ‘General Hospital’. ‘Naturevsfuture®’ has also appeared on the ‘Gilmore Girls’ and on ‘What Not to Wear’ (on the well dressed host of course). VISIT Nature Vs Future on www.showroomny.org!

THE ELEGANCE OF EVERY WOMAN: EVA KHURSHID

Eva Khurshid

http://www.evakhurshid.com/

Eva Khurshid New York is the first fashion line created to address the wants and needs of the modern woman. This concept is key to the heart of the brand, as it fills the fashion void that co-founders Fatima Monkush and Nyla Hashmi experienced growing up – the lack of clothing that allowed them to dress modestly while staying true to their inherent personal style. The Eva Khurshid woman exists across different backgrounds and cultures; she is career driven and sophisticated, with an on-the-go cosmopolitan lifestyle. Her confidence is captivating and her wardrobe is constructed in a way that appears effortless, refined and fashion forward; her clothing is not provocative yet she never goes unnoticed; she is EVERY WOMAN. The brand provides a new approach to fashion where the Eva Khurshid woman is in control of what she represents. Eva Khurshid brings to life the design-duo’s voice and vision, of giving women a choice and options in their outfits, of offering layers and pieces that can mix and match perfectly and can easily translate from day to night, for different occasions. The Fall 2009 collection offers both basics styles and signature looks that transcend time and trend to become instant classics in any woman’s wardrobe.

THE FRUITS OF FIG: SHOWROOM NEW YORK HITS THE MARKETS

Showroom New York is on the road from the Big Apple to the FIG Tree. We're showcasing some of New York's premier designers: Anomaly Jewelry, Courtney Simmelkjaer, Deibe Rondon, Dres, Celestino by Sergio Guadarrama, Eva Khurshid, Sheila Elaine, Audrey & Me, Gina DeSilva, Chulette, and La China Loca. The FIG tradeshow will be taking place from Thurs. March 12th- Sat. March 14th; where buyers such as Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak, Tootsies, Forty-Five Ten Maison Weiss, By George, and Julian Gold will be in attendance. Dont worry New York we'll back be home in no time...Make your appointment to see what SHOWROOM NEW YORK is harvesting for the FALL 09 Season!

MY OBESSION WITH DRES COLLECTION!!

Dres Designs
www.dresdesigns.com

No stranger to the industry, DRES has shown numerous times with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in both New York and Los Angeles. Andres, the company’s founder, has worked with big designer labels Ralph Lauren, TSE, and independent New York labels Benjamin Cho, Zaldy and Alexander Wang. DRES has been featured most recently in Vogue, Style.com, WWD, Surface, BlackBook, Lucire,Time Out New York, AM New York and on TV’s “ The View.” Formerly a ready-to-wear designer, Andres’ obsession and primary focus is his line of perforated accessories. The DRES Collection uses the finest, most supple, thick Italian leather custom perforated by local craftsmen. DRES was titled “the King of Perforating” in newspaper AM New York. DRES SPORT launched last season with untraditional totes pairing industrial canvas with durable rubber bottoms.

SHOWROOM NEW YORK DUSTS OFF GARMENT INDUSTRY

Whooooooo.....!! Showroom New York blows the dust off the Garment Industry by bringing exposure to up and coming New York designers. The Garment Industry Development Corp. (GIDC) proudly introduces Showroom NY, featuring a select group of designers who produce in New York. GIDC has an exciting mission to strengthen the local apparel industry and help maintain New York City’s position as a global fashion capital. Over the last two decades, GIDC has become the place where design meets production, linking designers, labels, retailers and the City’s high quality manufacturers. Since 2007, Showroom New York has provided a professional venue for designers such as Celestino by Sergio Guadarrama, Dres, Dinna Soliman, 2Fer, Deibe Rondon, Eva Khurshid, Harvey Faircloth, Nature vs Future, Gina DeSilva, La China Loca, Sheila Elaine, Francoise Olivas, Chulette, Audrey & Me,Courtney Simmelkjaer, Karen Sabag and Kahri by Kahri Anne Kerr. Showroom New York has established promotion by showcasing designers in 7th on 6th runway shows, Spring 2009 "Sew New York" and Fall 2009 "TWENTY FIVE THE SHOW", as well as the FIG Tradeshow held in Dallas, TX. No matter what DOW JONES may say, the New York Fashion industry is ALIVE and Showroom New York is LIVING It!!