The Road to DC Fashion Week: LaEsha Barnes

When you think about fashion what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many people the answer is individuality and signature style. This is the case with LaEsha Barnes the woman behind LaDeChe DCB. Her collection consists of a colorful palette, eclectic tones and daring prints. This collection accommodates the woman who does not mind standing out while still possessing a level of style and class. Barnes draws inspiration from abstract art or children, color and paint.

LaEsha Barnes got a head start in her design journey. At a young age Barnes played dress up in her mom’s closet. From there she got her true start by sketching in her mom’s kitchen on her work papers and bill envelopes. Her new collection has an overall eclectic and expression theme. It also has a very vibrant and classy feel. What is interesting is how all these elements interlock together.

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One major accomplishment in LaEsha’s career is participating in the upcoming DC Fashion Week. Although, Barnes is still an up and coming designer this career achievement is a step in the right direction. Despite battling through self-doubt and facing obstacles, LaEsha remains determined. Possessing this type of work ethic has allowed Barnes to achieve her career goals of presenting in fashion shows as well as selling pieces to the general public.

LaEsha Barnes designs with a certain woman in mind. She is distinctive, not afraid of color, diverse and classy. In her latest collection she has provided women an assortment of pieces that are sure to appease even the most demanding of style. As a designer Barnes enjoys the process of thoughts in her head becoming a reality. She believes what makes the hard work and creative process all worth it is seeing the final product before your eyes. Be sure to check out LaDeChe DCB by LaEsha Barnes when she shows at the upcoming DC Fashion Week.


Written by freelance fashion blogger Tamarah. You can read her blog here!

Are you looking for a new writing opportunity? Perhaps you have style tips that you would like to share with the world? We value new fashion trends and are always looking for talented guest bloggers. If you’re a blogger or writer, this is the place for you to get noticed. Can you see yourself as a part of our blogging team? Apply here!

Bloggers Christmas Wish List

Christmas. That time of year when we secretly hope to receive everything we’ve been saving up for. As we get ready to eat as much as our stomachs can handle and open gifts we hope to see under the wrapping, we go through our mental Christmas wish list.

The wish list is synonymous with gift giving and finding that perfect gift. To make our gifts even more lovable and special we tend to make wish lists to help out those who are buying for us. With Christmas right around the corner we have compiled our own wish list from the bloggers here at Luevo.

Raylin 

W: The First 40 Years 

One of the world’s leading fashion magazines, W will celebrate their 40th anniversary with this volume of the most influential and iconic features/photos of its first four decades.

W

Reiko Red Wool Coat by Soia & Kyo  

Canadians really know how to make winter jackets for keeping warm yet completely stylish and fashionable!

Soia and Kyo

 

Suede and Leather Bootie by designer Franco Vernica 

A platform to elevate any outfit, while adding edge and detail.

Franco Vernica

 Sterling Silver Talon Pendant Necklace by Joanna Morgan Designs

For an everyday, modern, bold, casual elegance.

Joanna Morgan

 

Tsavorite, Diamond And Ruby Snake Bracelet by Toby Lynn Gems 

A statement on the wrist to add edgy glam.

Snake gem ring

 

Viva La Juicy Noir

For years now, my fun staple perfume has been Viva La Juicy. Recently, a new scent has been added to the Juicy line, Noir, which I would love to test out!

Viva-la-Juicy-Noir

Jonika

Reem Acra Pre-Fall Collection Black Dress

I know this is way out of budget, but I love it!

Reem Acra Dress

Shakuhachi Cutout Tassel Boots

With clever detailing, this has both a western and grunge inspired design.

Beige Cutout Boot

Scout & Catalogue Clutch

This is a Canadian based fashion label located in Vancouver, all the pieces made at Scout & Catalogue are hand made. This makes for a more personalized look, perfect for Christmas!

 S&C Clutch

BCBG Maxazria Wool Wide-Brim Hat

For a mysterious and high fashion look this wide-brim hat is just right.

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Bhreigh

Maje Dunkerque Military Parka

Keep warm in this military inspired jacket with fur collar, great for keeping warm when it is windy!

Military Parka

dace Jerry Medium Purse

Simplistic and practical, this leather made purse is the perfect size to fit an iPad or tablet.

Dace Purse

dace Morty Skirt

This Mini Skirt will add playfulness and femaninity to an outfit, perfect for pairing with tights this winter!

dace Morty Skirt

 

Tis the Season to gift give and of course, treat ourselves. What is your Christmas wish list? Let us know @LuevoFashion

Event Review: MASHUPAFFAIR2012

Last week, while most people were heading back home after a hard day’s work, I joined Ana Caracaleanu (owner of Acara Fashion Boutique and founder of Luevo) at MASHUPAFFAIR2012, an event thrown by Homegrown Boutique & ItsMusicFashionLife.com.

This fabulous networking event was held in the beautiful Homegrown Boutique, a small store located in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto’s fashion high end fashion district. Welcoming visitors with a glass of bubbly and tantalizing hors d’oeuvres (not to mention take-away containers prepped for sweets), the boutique offered designers and fashion experts from Toronto a chance to sneak a peek at some of the latest, and trendiest, items to hit the shelves including this beautiful dress, pictured right, accessorized with a classic pocket watch adorned with the signs of the zodiac; stunning.

After having a chance to roam the goodies, on, and off, the shelf, the owners welcomed make-up artists from Inspire Cosmetics, who shared  industry knowledge and offered free makeovers to all in attendance. While Ana enjoyed a relaxing makeover, I had a chance to speak with a few attendees who were really pleased with the event and advocated what the boutique stands for, particularly midst such a competitive industry.

So, what is the message? Apart from their exquisite taste in finger food, Homegrown Boutique’s major selling point is that it specializes in Canadian designer clothing and accessories.  As per their website, fashion items featured at the boutique are targeted for the “independent woman who loves to flirt with fashion”.  All collections are designed in Canada, and many are at least partially produced right in Toronto. In addition to producing beautiful pieces and throwing  top-notch get togethers, Homegrown Boutique is doing a great job helping local talent, find a home.

 

 

 

What to wear to a fashion event?

So you were invited to a fashion event, and the day before you start wondering what should you wear! This time is not your girlfriends checking out your outfit head to toe, but it’s your local fashion experts, and in a city like Toronto the pressure is on!

So, with an invitation in my hand to go to a fashion event in the famous Yorkville district of Toronto, I start lining up different outfit options, and what else can I do, but categorize, sub-categorize, and choose! (Must be the divide and conquer theory I was taught in history class a while ago…).

Option #1: Wear something famous! Choose a brand that anyone would recognize and flaunt in front of snapping cameras and the on-site fashionistas…but..  that can be a bad idea when the event is organized by a designer or a store that showcases certain brands, which is the case with my event. So no, this is not a good opportunity to showcase the one most expensive piece of clothing that I own; however, here are some designer outfits that most certainly will be a hit at a Toronto fashion event:

An outfit signed by Lucian Matis – one of the best shows at Toronto Fashion Week 2012:

 

Option #2: As an alternative, I could wear one of the labels carried by the respective boutique, such as :

 

A Back stretch knit dress by Arti Gogna you can buy here.

Cowl neck 3/4 sleeve dress by Dagg & Stacey that you can get here.

 

Option #3: Or you can be totally fresh, and wear Canadian label no other than Joe Fresh:

 

Ultimately I think the rules of the game are: while you want to stand out, don’t overdo it, be yourself! Be considerate to the event’s theme, if the event is organized for independent local designers don’t walk in wearing Prada!

And finally, in my case, I want to wear something that will represent me and my company, and most importantly bring forward the creations of the designers that we at Luevo have discovered.

  

Custom made clothing: the comeback!

Creating an Image

Nina Ricci. Valentino. Fendi. Lanvin; the list goes on. These fashion gods and goddesses are among the many designers creating custom-made outfits destined to be worn by some of the hottest names in Hollywood. Not only are these designers responsible for making celebrities turn heads as they enter a room; they are part of a team responsible for creating an image that reflects the personality and brand of each actor, singer or eccentric to walk the red carpet. Take, for example, the white Givenchy number sported by Rooney Mara at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in L.A. It was the perfect blend of edge and elegance, a sincere reflection of the image portrayed by the Girl in the Dragon Tattoo. Need another example? Bond, James Bond. Made famous by his witty retorts, womanizing escapades and specific choice in cocktail (vodka martini, shaken not stirred), he is best known for the style with which he successfully executed top secret mission; and by style, I mean suit. Granted, Bond wasn’t so much styled by the stars as he was clothed in suits that were tailored to perfection, but in this case, as in so many cases, the clothes really did make the man (dare I say legend?).

The history of tailoring as an art form

The art of tailoring, which has its roots in the 12-14th centuries, became exceptionally popular during the Renaissance as clothing started moving away from conservative trends sweeping the old empires and towards designs that accentuated and brought to life the human body. Curves and skin were suddenly in! Not too much of course, but enough to get the creative juices of designers and tailors flowing as floods of orders for custom made apparel came in from the crème de la crème of European society.

 During this time, tailored apparel was an expression of power, wealth and influence for men and women lucky enough to afford it. Moving into the twentieth century, tailored clothing became less a luxury for the nobility and more a way for women, in particular, to express themselves as they made the move from traditional wear to garments that allowed for simultaneous functionality and femininity.

Going, going… still here?

It seems to me that somewhere along the line, tailoring fell out of fashion. Perhaps wartime experiences and depression simply made indulging in custom-made clothing unaffordable for the average buyer. Perhaps woman, the provocateurs of fashion around the world, became less inclined to invest in custom made garments, preferring to mix existing pieces to create a sort of “self-made” look similar to that trending around the streets of Toronto as I type. As I see it, outside of particularly trendy (or wealthy) communities, tailored clothing is quickly falling through the fashion cracks. For starters, the definition of tailoring has moved from meaning custom-made to clothes that fit well without necessarily being tailored to fit the contour of a particular individual. Gone are the days of visiting ones tailor in order to be fitted for a new jacket; today, “tailored” suits, jackets and pants are widely available at popular department stores and independent boutiques. Perhaps there is a link between the decline of custom-made clothing and globalization as imports allow for the selection of material to increase tenfold. Whatever the reason, custom made clothing is due for a comeback, don’t you agree?

Putting customization back on the table

At Luevo, we believe that creativity is the essence of fashion and we are big supporters of customization tailoring. Some of the selected designers on Luevo will be able to offer clothing that are literally made to fit your body. There’s only one you, so make it count and dress it up! Get in touch with your style and check out Luevo soon for the latest line of customizable products.

Featured Designer of the Week: Claudia Llado

Over the next few months, we will be shining a spotlight on some of the most unique designers to hit the streets of T.O.

This week, we would like to introduce Claudia Llado, a talented jewellery designer and artist from Peru who uses inspiration from her travels to design high-end, handmade products with universal appeal. Specializing in unique designs, Claudia produces only a small number of must-have pieces that remain available only as long as supplies last.

All of Claudia’s accessories including rings, bracelets and necklaces are made with 950 Sterling Silver, and come in a hand embroidered gift bag made from 100% natural cotton and designed by the artist herself.

These eye-catching pieces provide a unique twist on classic favorites and are a great way to accessorize featured items from our signature coat and jacket line. Exclusive collection from Claudia will soon be available for purchase online at Luevo.

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