My April (2012 Version)

Posted on 2012/04/25 by musankmuse

This is the 3rd annual occurrence of “My April” note. This year, I’m not going to say much because I believe the message I’ve been contemplating for the past few months is very clear: to not be a coward and not to underestimate yourself.

As we grow older, it’s getting easier for us to be “caught up” in daily routines. And if we’re not careful or stay aware in-the-moment, those routine tasks can devour our lives and we, as a result, can lose sight of our goals, dreams, and greater things that really matter. Now, of course we know this; it’s old news afterall. However, I believe it’s important for us to be reminded from time to time about the importance of staying aware of your goals and keep working towards the horizon you set your sights on. Continue reading →

Discarded to Divine 2012

Posted on 2012/04/19 by musankmuse

"Bound and Intertwined" by Dawn Castel

Now in its 6th year, Discarded to Divine has grown to be a major San Francisco fashion event. Looking at the reclaimed fashion creations of Discarded to Divine 2012 at Gensler earlier this month, I am certain that this year’s talents don’t disappoint. Just look at Dawn Castel’s creation (pictured left) for a taste of what this year’s talents bring out.

It goes without saying that I admire the concept of making one-of-a-kind fashion item from discarded materials from St. Vincent de Paul Society and recycled materials. It’s the ultimate DIY!

And the fact that it showcases both more successful local designers as well as emerging / student designers really bring forth the unique fashion talents in the San Francisco Bay Area. Looking at these creations up close at Gensler, I can’t help but feeling really happy and more inspired to do more DIY projects Continue reading →

To Be A Fashion Star: Rise of the Unknowns in Fashion

Posted on 2012/04/18 by musankmuse

The fashion reality TV show “Fashion Star“, which debuted March 13, 2012 on NBC has drawn mixed reviews. Complicated logistics issue, a fashion reality show game changer, and biased, rather demeaning comparison to Project Runway reviews have been published for the past month. Even now, after 6 aired episodes, speculations whether the show will get another season still rage on.

The future looks very uncertain for the TV show. On the other hand, the show reveals a brilliant, effective business model. One that creates immediate attention, interest, and buying capability right after the show ends; something that wasn’t introduced by other popular fashion reality show like “Project Runway“. And yet this show is just a fragment of the newest nation-wide (or global?) “trend”: Rise of the Unknowns in Fashion. Continue reading →

Waiting for Jean Paul Gaultier

Posted on 2012/03/19 by musankmuse

The San Francisco fashion & art enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at de Young Museum (March 24 – August 19, 2012). The Grand Fête with Jean Paul Gaultier himself on March 24 will mark the official start of the Jean Paul Gaultier frenzy.

The unofficial start, however, has began sometime ago. The latest being one de Young Museum-sponsored contest to have people submit Jean Paul Gaultier-inspired designs to get tickets to the said Grand Fête. Naturally, local San Francisco designers snatched this opportunity immediately; they have been breathlessly submitting their fine works as well as encouraging their peers in the process.

One of said designers is Elena Slivnyak, whose avant-garde IIMUAHII Fall / Winter 2012 designs dazzled the crowds at the “Supreme Beings” fashion show at SOMArts Cultural Center earlier this month. Looking at one of her designs from that show (pictured right), I think she should get one of those tickets, really! Good luck Elena!

In the museum, the celebration continues on Friday, March 30 with the relaunch of Friday Nights at de Young Museum! Free runway lesson at 6 pm, fashion show featuring Jean Paul Gaultier-inspired designs of Amanda Chan, Audrey Szeto, Jennifer Schmidt, and Mariya Milovidova (organized by SFFAMA) are coming, and all of you can participate too! I’m so looking forward for this one. Oh, did I mention this event is FREE?

Even for general fashion enthusiast like me, one can only anticipate the bursts of admiration & inspiration that will swell from seeing up close the gorgeous works from L`enfant terrible of French Fashion. Following the awesome Balenciaga at de Young last time, this exhibition is definitely one you don’t want to miss out!

Can’t wait,
Musank

PLITZS NYC Fashion Week February 2012 Review

Posted on 2012/03/12 by musankmuse

It was early February when I got an email from PLITZS Fashion Marketing PR team. It was a delightful invitation for PLITZS New York City Fashion Week Designer Showcase at the Warwick Hotel. The showcase featured 36 emerging designers on a two-day February 10 – 11, 2012. After a few email exchanges, we were ready to go there and cover the event (it’s been a while since we last came to NYC to cover the LES Runway show), but some urgent matters prevented us from actually taking the flight to NYC

Nevertheless, from the 36 designers that were showcased in the PLITZS NYC Fashion Week 2012, I narrowed down my favorites (after reading about their background and their past work) to 7 designers. Of course, with all the Fall Fashion Week frenzy in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, I couldn’t help but developing a specific preference of what styles I gravitate towards for the next fall season. I then asked for PLITZS’ permission to post my review (despite my absence) and send me the pictures of the designers’ work during the fashion show. And finally last week, PLITZS was really gracious on giving me the organized pictures (Tishema, you’re simply the best!) of the designers.
Continue reading →

Convertible Fabric Clutch

Posted on 2012/02/24 by musankmuse

Clutches are all the rage nowadays, and it’s hard to see fashionable gals without a clutch or two in her possession. The thing is, it’s actually pretty easy and fun to make one yourself!

Quite a while back, I made this convertible fabric clutch using instructions found on page 63 of Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader’s Hip Handbags book. This book is full of highly customizable projects, and the instructions are quite clear and concise. Even though the customization examples highlighted in the book tend to go towards the older crowd (the term “hip” here might result in snickers for Generation Y and below), but the basics definitely open so many doors for the creative minds.

This was one of my very first sewing projects ever, and I’m particularly pleased on how it turned out. I now use this clutch to store my feather accessories (belts, necklaces).

Do you DIY?
Musank

Cheryl Burke’s activewear Ideology launched at Macy’s San Francisco

Posted on 2012/02/23 by musankmuse

For Dancing with the Stars fans, the name Cheryl Burke is an absolute no brainer. The gorgeous Bay Area native and two-time Dancing with the Stars champion has her biography “Dancing Lessons” published last year and now she’s launched her activewear line Ideology at Macy’s.

Last Saturday, February 18, a fashion presentation event featuring a ballroom dancing performance, an Ideology line fashion show, and a meet-and-greet book signing session was held at Macy’s Union Square (4th floor) at 2 p.m.
Continue reading →

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Inspirations for Your Fashionable Life