Rick and Alnea Miskiv make up the design team of Farahbella, fashion line based out of Japan. Their simple and forward designs have gotten them glowing reviews and recognition in numerous places around the world. I interviewed Alnea via email to get the dirty on how they got started, and what they’re doing now.

1. How did you decide to begin designing?

I’ve always been in love with clothes as long as I can remember. My
first fashion inspiration was my grandmother Lola Eufrocina . She
made her own clothes, and always looked amazing. I admired her
strength and independence. Through her creations, she could express
both her character and beauty. This image has stayed with me
until this day and continues to both motivate and inspire me to design.

2. What’s it like working and designing as partners? Do you ever feel
limited by it?

It’s the best part of being independent designers. To be able to work
together, and have full control of our vision. Rick and I have
different backgrounds and skills that complement each other. I
studied Fashion Design and he has a background in the Visual Arts.
The clothing designs are my creations, and he does the photography,
graphic design and web based work. My designs are often in dialogue
with his painting and installation work. I don’t think its limiting
at all, in fact the two of us have been able to push each other to go
further, and it’s been so much fun working together and collaborating.

3. You say each collection is based around a theme, what was the theme
for your Fall/Winter 2008 collection?

This collection is called Imploding Volumes.The concept of imploding
volumes is a reflection on unforgettable moments, challenges and
profound experiences in life. It is about the force and power that
allow us to continue and overcome our obstacles even when we feel
life is crashing in around us. For me, the Imploding volumes
collection is a presentation of fierceness, dynamism, and refinement.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

In particular, the strong women I have met in my life, my personal
role models. I also often find myself attracted to the stylings of
older women. The ones that remind me of my Lola, the woman who are
sassy and stylish. I will always take notice of these women in the
city streets with a unique look or outfit. They often disregard
trends and combine looks from different eras without fear or any
sense of self-consciousness. I love their confidence to wear whatever
feels right to them.

Read more after the jump.

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21 year old Christian Siriano was made the youngest winner of Project Runway last night, after his dramatic showing at Fashion Week won over the judges, including guest judge, Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham. His looks included large old European inspired coats, plenty of skinny black pants, oversized ruffles, and lots of feathers. His two most memorable pieces were cream and brown dresses, one a short, belted, puffy version, the other a floor-sweeping, long sleeved, feathered masterpiece, Michael Kors described as “spectacular”. Other memorable looks were his fitted black coat with a very large, cream, ruffled collar, over black, zipper detailed pants, and his first look to come out, a skin tight mock turtle neck shirt paired with an exaggerated ruffle skirt. Details such as patterned coats, gold buttons, rouched blouses and large brimmed hats, completed the collection.

Though the collections of Christians competitors, Ralph Lauren missy Jillian Lewis and draping master Rami Kashou, were beautiful and each had their own fabulous pieces, the judges were clearly taken with Christian. Nina and Michael had only minor critiques for him, and Hiedi said he was good at making a statement and pronounced him uber-fierce. The love was really coming from Ms. Posh though, she said she would be honored to wear any of his pieces, that they were very much her taste and style and that he actually made her smile, which is not easy to do. She even came up with her own catch phrase to replace his own of fierce, major. Though Christian seemed to have lost some of his cocky attitude during the last episode (he admitted to being very nervous, especially after seeing Rami and Jillians collections), and he cried after Hiedi announced his victory, he said afterwards “It’s crazy, but, hello, did you have a doubt?!”

So whats next for Mr. Siriano? He has already won the $100,000 prize, a brand new Saturn Astra, the $10,000 Fan Favorite Award, and a six page spread in Elle Magazine. “I’m like really excited but, let me tell you, I am taking, like, a vay-cay. I need a breaky-break.” said the winner, he also had some words for Victoria, “Victoria, It was amazing to meet you. We’ll be in touch…”. Though the show might be over, this certainly isn’t the last of Christian, I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of his fierceness some time soon.

We all know the Academy Awards are the perfect time for actresses to get their glam on and wear their dream dress down the red carpet. Most spend countless hours trying to find the perfect one, but what about the designers? Style.com interviewed ten designers to find out which of Hollywood’s main ladies (those nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress) they would like to dress, and what they’d put them in

Cate Blanchett, nominated for both awards for her roles in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and I’m Not There, had two designers vying for her. Peter Som envisioned a peacock green and blue chiffon and tulle number, with a ruched bodice and train emerging from the hemline. “Peacocks are regal, and Cate Blanchett embodies a regal elegance” he said.

Jason Wu had a different take on things, his vision for the star was an electric purple, micro pleated, goddess gown, that would focus on an elegant bare shoulder line. When asked if Blanchett’s pregnancy posed a challenge, he replied, “The opportunity just presented me with an even bigger, more beautiful canvas to work with”. Cate didnt wear either of the looks, she opted instead for a Dries Van Noten in deep purple, but she still looked gorgeous.

Marion Cottilard, French screen siren, who won Best Actress for her role in La Vie En Rose, served as inspiration for designer Barbara Tfank. Tfank created a black and silver crepe dress, with vantage diamante shoulder buttons, and a waterfall train. Tfank said, “She can carry it off. She understands glamour and knows how to move”. Marion showed up to receive her Oscar in mermaid inspired Gaultier Paris Couture that turned heads the whole night.

One actress who’s outfit caused quite a stir was Tilda Swinton. Her severe, black velvet, one shouldered Lanvin gown was not loved by most, though the outfit was in step with the actresses previous odd fashion picks. Richard Chai however said he “envisioned her in something softer, a dress that would reveal a sense of who she is”. Chai, a long time fan of Swinton’s, drew up a pale crinkle-chiffon column, he felt would enhance her subtle beauty.

Costello Tagliapietra also had some ideas, this time for Amy Ryan, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in Gone Baby Gone. He envisioned the stunner in draped, gold panne velvet, with a bluson bodice, and slits in back to reveal the shoulder blades. “We are minimalists… But thats our way, our job is to enhance Amy Ryan’s beauty”. In reality, Amy chose to wear a simple, one shoulder gown from Calvin Klein Collection in navy.

Walking into The Costume Institutes new fashion exhibit, I am immediately struck by a gorgeous Jean Paul Gaultier evening gown from his Spring/Summer 2001 collection. The dress is corseted, in pink silk satin with silk tulle overlay and seed-bead embroidery. The back however, is no ordinary back, the entire thing, from the top down, is laced up with silk ribbon, and nothing underneath. It is, in the designers own words, “the ultimate backless dress”. The exhibit, made possible by Manolo Blahnik, is very small. The selection of designers is also unfortunately limited, and I was surprised by some of the pieces chosen, many of them didn’t seem relevant, and some were just ugly

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Of course there were those dresses I wanted to break through the glass and run out with. For example an evening dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior from his Spring/Summer 2000 collection in burgundy silk changeant taffeta, and an Alexander McQueen “Oyster Dress” in ivory silk chiffon and silk organza.

One of the oldest pieces was a Charles Frederick Worth court silk gown and train from 1888 featuring ostrich plumes, sequins and stones as well as green, pink and ivory velvet. There was a Paul Poiret gown called “Theatre des Champs-Elysees” from 1913 with a raised waist tunic, rhinestones and a tulle overskirt in ivory, and a red silk taffeta Madame Gres evening gown from 1979 with a gathered poof on the left shoulder.

The walls in the exhibit had glass cases holding accessories like Maniatis Bottier thigh-high fetish boots in red leather, a Philip Traecy/Alexander McQueen “Chinese Garden” headdress made from cork, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel moon boots from his Fall/Winter 1993-94 line.  If you haven’t gone to this exhibit, add it to your list of must see’s. The collection is beautiful and offer a rare glimpse into some of the worlds finest couture.

Topshop’s Unique 2008 Ready-To-Wear collection was surprisingly aimed more at an older generation this time around, instead of the rebel teen. Leather leggings served as the base for many of the looks, placed under parkas, tweed dresses, and full blouses. The palette remained mostly the same throughout, grays, blacks and the occasional dusty blue or brown. The looks evolved from black leather work wear, to patterned shift dresses, to chiffon evening wear, to Peruvian inspired knits. Overall a very put together, more grown up collection then we’re used to seeing from them. For all of you Americans loving the line, but not digging the dollar-pound exchange rate, not to worry; Topshop will be opening its flagship New York store on Broadway in October.

The collection at Stockholm Fashion Week was a breath of fresh air in contrast to the super serious all black shows elsewhere. Baseball caps, with tulle veils for the women, ties, leg warmers and decorated denim gave it a lighter feel even with a dark color scheme. A belted denim dress, cuffed at the sleeves and a vest as a shirt paired with a mini and fur shrug were among the best pieces.

showing at Stockholm Fashion Week was a call to the rebels with in-your-face pieces that screamed “Fuck off”! The dark navy and black palette was a perfect fit to the un-hip jeans, corduroys, long sleeved dresses, smocks, vests and hoodies. Ruffled detailing, box patterned fabrics and cat-eye glasses topped off the looks.

Yes, there is a world outside of NY and yes, we do cover it…

Stockholm was boasting some hot collections this year, including ones from Acne, Whyred, Resterods and Minimarket.

Acne showed dark colors, form fitting womens wear and structured mens wear.

Whyred had sexy skirts, leather jackets and sheer stockings in blacks and neutrals.

Resterods used fun plaids for both men and women.

Minimarket featured metallic grays, stripes and loose fitting trousers.

Need an excuse to play dress up and party all night long? We never do! The New York Couture Official Fashion Week Show & Party is a cannot miss event…with THE BEST gift bags ever!!!

FREE Gift Bags to the first 100 guests filled with goodies from:
Bust Magazine, Peta2, We Love Colors, Shiny Mama, JANTE, I Love Chicken Poop, Kiss My Face, Lollibomb, City Shuffle, Vegan Honey Bake Shop, and more.

Sponsored by: Fashion Indie, Thread Banger, and New Pop.

New York Couture Official Fashion Week Show & Party

Date: Thursday February 7^th, 2008
Location: Rebel- 251 W. 30th Street, NYC
Cost: FREE
Time: doors open at 9pm, fashion show starts at 11pm*
(*after party immediately following the fashion show)

Website: www.newyorkcouture.net

Open bar 10-11pm.

Live performances by: Bunny Rabbit, Leif, Lismore, Kayvon Zand, Miss Eighty6, and Rye Rye. FREE gift bags to the first 100 guests.

PRESS RSVP: janderson@newyorkcouture.net (please include name/affiliation)

Guestlist RSVP: nycoutureguestlist@yahoo.com

So today has been by far the busiest day of my internship because its the kick off to fashion week! Everyone is franticly RSVPing to shows and figuring out who’s going where,with who, to see who, at which tent. The line up is promising, and after freebies at the opening ceremony everyone is way excited for the next week despite the disgusting weather trying to ruin everything. Wednesday is Milly for me, Thursday is Love Brigade and NY Couture. Tuesday is a possible interview with Love Brigade, which should be fun, cant wait for the party. The live feed from American Express is soo nice to have. Heidi looked adorable in her Gap Red dress, Liza Minelli looked…like Liza Minelli in a strange red sparkly top thing, but still a fun show. This is going to be one hell of a week.

Hey Indies,

Our wonderful site has been nominated for the 2008 Fabbies (Fashion Blog Awards).

We are up against 15 other sites in the Indie & Niche category, but we all know we’re the best, so go vote (it’s on www.fabbie.org).

If we don’t win, Daniel will never show his face again and we would hate for that, so do it!

Since nothing today is working properly, we thought that it would be a fun activity (to waste time in between screaming at people) to sit down and slightly make fun of Fabulous Ghetto Fashions (new category on Fahion Indie), that we have all been submerged in. So we collaborated and came up with our 10 faves. Enjoy…

1. Super Baggy Pants – Pants have sizes for a reason, so that they fit … correctly. Why spend money on something that is three sizes too big? Was your size not available?

This also includes shorts; if they’re down to your ankles then they aren’t really shorts anymore, are they? And that defeats the purpose. Pull them up, no one wants to see your boxers! 2. Colored Diamonds- Some time ago, it became “cool” for men to have their ears pierced. It started with little hoops and has turned into massive diamond studs, or even worse; name plates. Come On! Really? So, it’s attractive when men wear pink or yellow studs? Are they even real? Colored diamonds are expensive, and in those sizes….If my bf had studs bigger than mine, I wouldn’t be a happy camper! Oh, and please keep them out out of your mouth !

3. Image Overload. Having dollar signs, diamonds, Disney characters, or anything like that all over your clothes is ugly, period! It makes the clothes look cheap, which then makes you look silly. And besides, Mickey, Daffy, and Goofy are not cool for anyone over the age of 5.

4. Baseball Caps With The Sticker Still On – Those are meant to be removed, thats why they’re removable. N0 need to advertise the size of your head, the manufacturer, or how much you paid for it.

5. Full Denim Jumpsuits – There CAN absolutely be too much of a good thing, and unless your Jennifer Lopez, chances are this look isn’t very flattering on you anyway. PS: This includes an all denim outfit, the pieces don’t have to be connected.

6. Long Nails - Acrylic or not, nails shouldn’t go much past the ends of your fingers. They should never be so long they start to curve, and once you add airbrushed patterns and rhinestones, they’re plain scary. So unless your performing a traditional Thai dance, clip them. Although, it IS very entertaining to watch a cashier type with those things.7. Name Plates – Why can’t you just introduce yourself? Why does your name, or your baby mamma’s name, have to be on your crotch, neck, ears, fingers, ect? Other words aren’t acceptable either like “pimp,” “dope,” or “sexy.” Totally NOT sexy!

This dude was nominated for a Grammy. Yeah, we’re serious.

8. Grillz – Are you serious… ew. I can’t imagine that tastes good in your mouth and it looks beyond ridiculous. I wouldn’t want to kiss anyone with metal in their mouth. It’s like dentures only for people who don’t have missing teeth. Or do they?

Lil Jon a.k.a Our Generations Liberace

9. Bling – First of all, the word is stupid. Second, you don’t need diamonds (or whatever your diamond replacement of choice is) all over everything. Thirdly, you shouldn’t have a piece of jewelry the size of your head.

10. Multi-Colored Neon Sneakers – Make up your mind! That’s all I have to say…PS: Please no hate mail for this article!