IN CASE YOU CARE: Mischa Barton’s Handbag Line

Edited by Hillary Frazier

I’m not going to say that I particularly dislike the handbags…they aren’t that bad, that fringe one is kindof cool.  But oddly enough, I’ve been watching a lot of the O.C. online lately on account of not having a television, and find myself having everyday conversations with people about what happened to well…all of those actors.  We’re trying to remember if Mischa Barton got busted for drunk driving or drug possession, but regardless, what has she been doing since the show wrapped in 2007?  That is, besides living her real life the same way Marissa Cooper did? (favorite line of season 2: Summer- “You’re breath smells like Marissa! You’re drunk!”).  Apparently making handbags…

SOURCE: Livejournal

THE TEN: Alternative Tattoo Spots

Edited by Hillary Frazier

For those of us who aren’t Oliver Sykes, we’ve made a list of our ten favorite tattoo spots (tramp stamp NOT included).

THE TEN:

1. Ribcage (Shanae Grimes)

2. Fingers (HannaBeth Merjos, Izzy Hilton, and Raquel Reed)

3. Wrists (My friend Rosser)

4. Feet (Nicole Richie)

5. Back of the neck (Rihanna)

6. Thigh (Peaches Geldof)

7. Inside of Lip (Raquel Reed by Dale May for Tattoo Life)

8. Behind ears (My friends Nick and Danny)

9. Chest piece (Dirk Mai)

10. Face (Lil Wayne)

What’s your guys’ feelings on tattoos? Where do you have/want your ink?

STREET HEROES: Katrina J

Edited by Hillary Frazier

This girl is so adorable.  Even though she’s wearing red, I still adore the red lipstick, and the necklace is heavy enough without being overdone.  That skirt is amazing!

Check out Katrina’s looks on LookBook

POLYVOYEUR: DANI ZE FLYING LEMON!

Edited by Hillary Frazier

Those Balenciaga heels are insane, but I love them.  Just like the photo, this look does scream Olsen twin, but to me there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Check out this look and DANI ZE FLYING LEMON!’s other looks on Polyvore

And side note: ATTENTION ALL POLYVOYEURS, comment with your Polyvore links or your other favorite Polyvoyeurs to get featured on Fashion Indie!

FIRST LOOK: Neurotica Fall/Winter ’09/’10 Collection

Edited by Hillary Frazier

SOURCE: Stylelines

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Rankin

Edited by Hillary Frazier

If you aren’t already familiar with his stuff, head immediately over to Rankin’s site.  You’re bound to find something you recognize (like the shot from Mary Kate and Ashley’s Influence  cover), and be unbelievably impressed with his extensive portfolio.  Rankin co-launched Dazed & Confused in ’91 with his business partner, Jefferson Hack, and has continued to shake up the photo world ever since.  He’s done dozens of famous ad campaigns (from Nike, to Dove, to Jameson), and shot just about every celebrity (Madonna, Heidi Klum, The Rolling Stones, Kate Moss…), but I was impressed the most by his beauty portfolio, a series of creative shots, crazy makeup , and perfect lighting.  Rankin is best known for his intimacy with his subjects, and these up close and personal shots display just that.

SOURCE: Kingdom Of Style

STREET ZEROES: Paris Fashion Week #fashionfail

Edited by Hillary Frazier

I couldn’t decide if I liked this or not, I think what is throwing me off the most is the Star Trek-esque jacket, or maybe it’s because I still don’t know how I feel about leather pants. What do you guys think?

SOURCE: Street Style Recap: Thursday, June 11th 2009

RANDOM COOL: Metal DIY

Edited by Hillary Frazier

This clutch is available at Whistles, but Outsapop plans to make it herself.  DIY culture is quickly gaining speed yet again (maybe thank the recession?), and we sincerely appreciate the creativity at fashionindie.  We’re even considering starting our own DIY section, letting our readers know how to make their favorite designer pieces for next to nothing.  What do you guys think of the idea?

Rack and Ruin  DIY-ed this Alexander Wang bag (the real deal seen on MK Olsen). Think this project is a fail or hail?

SOURCE: Outsapop

DESIGNER TO KNOW: Keemia

Edited by Hillary Frazier

Great silhouettes and divine structure, American-born designer Keemia started her design journey in Paris working under designers, and established her own company in 2005.  I had a chance to talk with Keemia about her designs, her motivation, and future plans for her label:

FASHION INDIE: How did you get your start in fashion? Was it a path you always knew you wanted to take?

KEEMIA: There is no direct path to becoming a designer. I have always had a passion for fabric, design and the manipulation of the two. This enthusiasm led me to seek apprenticeships with many designers. My advice is to never accept “no” as the first answer. In fact, when I applied for an apprenticeship with a French designer in Paris, I was turned down three times before being accepted.

FI: Where do you get your inspiration for those awesome drapes and silhouettes?

K: Curiosity inspires me to design. I try to always be creative and innovative in my work and my endless curiosity inspires me to do so. I draw inspiration from what I have not yet discovered or a feeling I am trying to recapture. My most recent collection was an inspired study in romance, fluidity, and, simplicity.

With what is happening in today’s world, I feel it will slowly mark the end of meaningless clothing. What is not real will go. As a cursor to this, for my fall 2009 collection, I chose not to design for a season, but to instead focus on a body. The result: classic, stylish fare that fuses high fashion with a universal aesthetic.

FI: Who is your favorite designer right now?

K: Winston Churchil once said, “Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft”.

I admire and study the great designers who have formed how we see fashion today as well as those who influence our current fashion culture. To name a few of my muses: Valentino Garavani, Cristobal Balenciaga, Sonia Rykiel, and Azzedine Alaïa.

FI: Where do you hope to take your company next?

K: International.  My ultimate goal is to be balanced in my work life as well as in my home life. As an entrepreneur, I am constantly setting goals and deadlines for myself and for my company… and the achievement of one goal is simply the starting point of another.

FI: Any advice for hopeful designers?

K: It’s important to research and absorb current trends by reading books and magazines and observing fashion shows online. While I do think education and technical skill is valuable, I feel that one must understand the steps one needs to take to materialize a design concept. I encourage those interested in fashion to go and see as much fashion as they can, which means examining the quality and style of garments at not just department stores and boutiques, but also at thrift stores and museum exhibitions. As a designer, you need to be able to pull from all of those influences.

Check out Keemia’s fall preview, past collections and runway shows, retail information, and more on her site.  You can’t buy her designs on the site, but there are tons of retail stores that have her designs (ranging from $50-$400) online.

MOMENTS OF STYLE: Victoria Beckham

Edited by Hillary Frazier

Victoria Beckham always seems to be with the trends, and she definitely proves that in her ripped denim shorts and blazer. I love the tuxedo qualities of her blazer, and the shorts aren’t too overly ripped, like many are lately. She also manages to stick to her Spice Girl roots in platform booties, A+ from me!

SOURCE: Fashionising