Rock the Vote!: Help Choose a Mobster for FMMF

It's starting to feel a whole lot like summer and you know what that means... festival season! Between the Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus Pride Festival and Parade, and ComFest, the city is packed with awesome events. And this summer is proving to be especially exciting with the newest addition to the summer lineup, the Fashion Meets Music Festival, coming to Columbus this August!

If you haven't heard about it yet, FMMF is a 3-day music festival that merges live music with fashion runway shows. Both the music and fashion lineups are already pretty amazing, but I hear they have a few major announcements still to come! 

One exciting announcement, in particular, is the addition of the Alternative Fashion Mob to the fashion lineup! We've been invited to feature collections from some of our best and brightest Mobsters. And you get to help choose one lucky designer who will be guaranteed a spot on the big stage! All you have to do is check out the collections from the Alternative Fashion Week Grand Finale show and cast YOUR vote for the fan favorite. The designer with the most votes will show their collection on the huge runway at FMMF!

And we should mention... If you vote, you'll be entered to win a KILLER prize pack that includes all sorts of tickets and swag from FMMF and Alternative Fashion Mob. Win-win!

Here's a little preview of the collections, but head to this link to see the full collections and cast your vote. And don't wait too long! The voting officially ends on May 31st!

So tell us, who do you want to see at FMMF?

Ashley is a local fashion blogger at StyleOnHigh.com. You can also follow her through social media:

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Meet Our High Fashion Girl: Designer Janus Koziuk of Glamazonjayne

Janus Koziuk of Glamazonjayne (her alter ego!) attended last year's events and was so blown away and inspired that she just HAD to participate this year. She and Kelli Martin worked together at Rag-O-Rama (longer ago than both of them would want to admit, I am sure) and has followed her career ever since, supporting her whenever possible.

Roller Derby Bride

I wanted to participate in this year's event because it seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime. I could not be more excited to share my own visions and see the work of my fellow local designers.  

Kim Webb Photographer

She's been obsessed with fashion since age 5 and began sewing professionally as soon as she could legally work. High fashion and avante garde are her game and she describes her customers as: Brides who are looking for something non-traditional for their special day. Musicians who want to stand out on stage. Drag queens and MC's who have a particular look in mind, Professional dancers, (ballroom, salsa, or even exotic) who want to make a statement. Pageant participants who need something to set them apart from other contestants.

So, can you even imagine what she'll come up with for the finale??

Q&A
What fashion era would you like to be transported to?

I very much enjoy the formality of the early 1960's, especially the menswear! And I enjoy the volume of the dresses from the 1800's. BUT if I had to choose one, it would be the 1920's by a long shot. So much glamour and creativity. Oh and THE HATS!!

What is your fav fashion trend from the last 20 years?

Skinny jeans, love the skinny jeans. I also really appreciate the moving trend to wear color at your wedding. As an unconventional bridal designer, it is really good for business!

What is the most outrageous request for fashion that you have received? Custom work?

I once made pasties and matching panties out of candy for a stripper. Skittles (for color), jolly ranchers (for shine), and gumdrops (for texture)

Who is your favorite designer?

I love Valentino, because I am a formal dress gal, but Jody Krevens really stood out for me last year and inspired me to think outside of my comfort zone. My fellow local designers are all so talented and inspirational, I don't have to go far! Especially Kelli Martin. Her drive and effortless talent with dyes have always been a big motivation for me.

Musician, Steve Fox

Describe your fashion nightmare.

My fashion nightmare is looking like a middle aged Mom. Now, this is interesting, because I AM a middle aged mom, but the idea of dull cardigan twin set and khakis with a pair of Keds, makes me really sad and depressed! Nearly equally difficult to tolerate are the Ugg boots and Northface jackets that I see all over campus. Both of these looks scream conformity into the masses! Like, this is what normal people wear, and if you want to fit in and be normal, you better wear Ugg boots and Northface jackets until you reach 35, and then twin sets and khakis until you DIE!! IT"S NOT TRUE PEOPLE!! You can wear whatever the hell you want!! Even if it is not my own personal aesthetic, it is better than the default. Putting absolutely no thought into what you wear is my fashion nightmare.

Contact info for readers:

614 -370 -7150
glamazonjayne@yahoo.com

~ Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Bohemian and Playful: Meet Designer Isolda Marie Meade

Isolda Couture, the brainchild of Isolda Marie Meade, was established September 2007 after Isolda graduated with a BA in Fashion Design from Marymount University in Arlington VA. As she explains: 

 From 2003-2004, I attended various courses at FIT while I was working for Betsey Johnson as a Design Intern at her 7th Ave design firm and showroom in New York City. Furthermore, I studied abroad and worked as a Freelance Designer during the summer of 2007 in London, England...where I began to shape the idea and logistics of launching Isolda Couture.

Her experience since has included being an outsourced vendor for alterations for the Lane Bryant Flagship store and JCrew at Easton Town Center, working as a Technical Design Temp of Women's Woven Tops/Dresses for Hollister and Gilly Hicks at Abercrombie & Fitch Home Office, making handmade pillows using fabrics of interesting prints and color palettes for Swanky Abode and various other privately commissioned projects.

She now works as a Team Lead for JPMorgan Chase in Customer Claims by day. As intellectually stimulating as this day job is, she absolutely loves coming home to spend time with her family and to focus on creative Isolda Couture projects in her "spare time"!

Isolda discovered the Alternative Fashion Mob through her friend, Jody Krevens, who has been involved in AFW. After attending the runway show last year, she was quite impressed with the professionally produced, large scale event she witnessed, so she reached out and got involved!

Isolda will be participating in many of the AFW events, including the Grande Finale Runway Show where she will be launching her FIRST EVER Lingerie Collection! Then in May, she will be working with Rachel Katz, AFW model and photographer, on a photo shoot for an editorial publication submission!  Very exciting!

Q&A:
Why fashion?
Barbie Dolls initially sparked my interest in design. I made outfits of toilet tissue, tinfoil and tape! Haha...Gotta start somewhere I guess!

How do you integrate a day job with fashion design?

The experience I've gained at Chase over the past 3 years has really taught me how to run my own business. I've taken that knowledge I've gained about how to make good business decisions... stick to your guns and stay calm when you have to, stay organized in order to be efficient, prioritize your responsibilities to meet deadlines but be able to be flexible on the fly, show confidence even when you have no idea what you're talking about and be resourceful enough to find the necessary information ...and I apply those lessons towards developing the same successful work environment in my design studio. It's difficult because a lot of time and energy is invested into both, but the outcome is rewarding enough to me to be worth it! Passion and persistence are KEY to being successful in the fashion industry!

Describe your design aesthetic.

My original aesthetic involves passion, creativity and uniqueness. Sometimes it's bright, sometimes dark, but it's always playful, a bit rebellious and alluring! Overall, my designs tend to consist of a blend in vintage, bohemian, and lingerie styled looks.  My garments are custom and made-to-order so they'll always fit by conforming to your curves properly. 

What is YOUR fashion mission?

My mission is to create beautiful, handmade, wearable garments for the modern fashionista with a playful, chic style.  She craves classic and contemporary couture looks with a twist that only Isolda Couture can uniquely provide!  It's even better that the garment is custom made just for her and done on a personalized budget!

What/who is your fashion muse?

My inspiration comes from various sources including contemporary and generational pop culture (often times Gil Elvgren pinup girls, icons like Marilyn Monroe, Dita Von Teese and Adriana Lima, the lifestyle as exhibited in Mad Men, etc.), music (specifically Trip Hop, Brit Pop, Rock, Classic Rock, Jazz, Electronica and Industrial Dub Step), films, art, beat poetry (Allen Ginsberg is my favorite!), nature, my travels abroad and the fabric itself.

What is your "pet" project?

I plan to continue raising money for Pet Promise, a local non-profit pet rescue, by making made-to-order pet bow ties along with (optional) matching pin-back bowties and bow barrettes for their owners.  We fostered, and later adopted, our dog, Sophie. through them and the process was smooth and organized. So if you're looking to foster and/or adopt a pet, I highly recommend going through them! 

Contact information for readers:
Isolda Couture

P.O. Box 1743
Westerville, OH 43086

isoldacouture@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/isoldacouture

(Photo credit for floral garments is Billy Bradford.)

~ Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Passion for Fashion: Meet Designer Peng Zhang

Olivier Peng Zhang of O.Z. (his eponymous label) hails from China and is completely self-taught...no art school or design education ...but who would know? He has only had a name for his fashion line in the last few months...taking part in the AFW finale was the impetus to create a label...WOOT!

Zhang came to the U.S. to work on an mechanical engineering degree at OSU but fairly quickly found out his passion for fashion was really where his future lay. He feels that fashion chose him rather than the other way around!

His clean and minimalistic design aesthetic is perfect for those who prefer simple but fun fashion that combines different materials and colors. 

Those who want to look chic while buying one piece that goes with everything are gonna

be wowed by his designs.

Q&A

What inspires your creations?

My surroundings, including colors and funny materials

Who is/are your favorite designer(s)?

My favorite designers are Raf Simons and Phoebe Phillo.

Are your fashions available locally or online?

I will be selling my stuff soon on my partner’s website: www.fashionmomo.com.

Are you inspired at all by your Asian culture?  Do any of your designs incorporate Chinese styles or is it mostly just inspired by simple lines?

Undeniably, Asian culture is a huge part of who I am but I never like to source my inspiration to a specific culture context. I love something that is more universal like shapes and colors.  There is something very tasteful and ravishing about a sharp, clean line and that is where I want to explore with my collection.

What is your fashion nightmare...what fashion do you absolutely HATE?

I loathe anything that resembles something out of cheap costume shop. It also gives me physical pain when I see a design that is too cluttered and poorly executed. I don’t have anything against costumes but they should be costumes, not every day clothing!

How long have you been designing?

Designing to me is a very personal experience it’s really hard to put a time frame on it. It is something I have liked to do since I was a child. I guess what I am saying is that my creativity is always the safe place for me to go when I am feeling down. Fortunately, AFM gave me the opportunity to share my vision with the pubic. Although I just showed 3 pieces to apply to the show, I felt so blessed to see positive reactions to my designs. I hope with my participation in AFW finale, more people can learn about my designs and that will help me launch a fashion line.

What is your favorite piece of clothing to wear?

A white T-shirt and denim jackets ;-) - they are truly my closet staples .  

Contact for readers:

EMAIL: nathanzhang1991@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: PENG ZHANG  (https://www.facebook.com/nathan.zhang.100)

~ Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Meet The AFM Fibre Mistress: Designer Celeste Malvar-Stewart of Malvar=Stewart

Celeste and her buddy Metric

Celeste Malvar-Stewart of MALVAR=STEWART is a relative newbie to the Columbus Fashion scene but is a seasoned designer that rocks fiber, textiles and so much more!!! She first got involved with AFM last year and has since conducted a felting workshop at the AFM's Black Friday event. This world traveler is originally from the Philippines and  has lived and studied in London, Spain, San Francisco, Seattle, Michigan and New York before settling in German Village with her hubby. Her designs are organic, sustainable and inspired by nature. She also gets inspiration from flight line marshals (the guys with batons waving them around to park planes on the RAMP...yes, that's her dream job!!! LOL!) and just about anything in her surroundings- blueprints, piano rolls and more! I got to see the beginnings of one of her designs for the AFW finale and it is to die for!!! And, NO, I will not divulge what it is or looks like so don't waste your breath!

Q&A:

What is your favorite thing in your closet?

My favorite thing in my closet is an old Burberry smock that I bought when I first went to London in the 80's.  It was when Burberry didn't have the same image as it does today; not as popular back then.

What is your 'go to' accessory?

A MALVAR=STEWART one-of-a-kind scarf, of course!

What is your fashion nightmare?

Skirts that are too short and too tight.

What current trend do you love?

I love the fact that more and more designers/artists are considering sustainable practices within their creative processes.

What trend do you wish would go away forever?

Sweats with big name logos.

~~Vicki Oster

** For a more in depth interview with Celeste, check out my blog at: http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Contact for readers:

http://MALVARSTEWART.COM

celeste@MALVARSTEWART.COM

Meet a Girl of Substance: Designer Katelyn McClain of Katelyn McClain Designs

Vinh Vu, photographer

Assistant Designer at Substance, Katelyn Mary McClain, will be joining us again at this year's AFW.  A Columbus native and graduate of Kent State in 2012 with a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising, Katelyn founded her label, Katelyn McClain Designs, immediately after last year's finale so she could begin selling her pieces at Substance. Inspiration for her collections comes from everywhere.  As she sums it up:

My last collection was mostly inspired by my Native American and Irish heritage. I always seem to have a Romantic, tribal & sustainable vibe-- what I design is always romanticized fashion with a bohemian tribal feel. Draping, textures, prints and bead work enhance the tailored garments. I focus on sustainable pieces using organic and recyclable materials and natural dyes.

Vinh Vu, Photographer

Her collection for this year's finale will have a somewhat different theme using scraps she has saved over the years to create patchworks and mixed designs, referencing Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas as her muse. She will also be incorporating knitting and hand loom work in this collection after spending the winter honing her skills.

Sasha Bohn, Photographer
Maddie Etter, Model

Q & A:

Upcoming events besides AFW?

I'm in the process of being a part of an Anime Convention at the end of March (http://animepunch.org/armageddicon/). The person who wins the costume contest will win a consultation with me and my expertise in fashion. It sounds really neat, and I'm a huge nerd. I may also be showing a few looks for a fashion show at Capital University and hope to do some festivals/shows this summer/fall.

Sasha Bohn, Photographer
Maddie Etter, Model

What's your favorite piece of clothing in your closet?

There are far too many things in my closet to have just one favorite thing, it's kind of ridiculous how many clothes and accessories I have. 

What's your go-to accessory?

A scarf... I have a bunch of scarfs, and yes, I wear them in the middle of summer. They help to protect me from the sun, because I am extremely pale and burn so easily.
What is your fashion nightmare?

I really don't like when girls wear shorts and tights together, I just don't get it. I have seen it done right though, and sometimes it is cute. But it is just too much, tights are uncomfortable enough under a dress or skirt! ...add the shorts, too much, you need to air that vent out. Wear pants.. 

What is your favorite fashion trend now?

I love that fringe is such a big deal right now cause it's so fantastic and fun. The bigger and more ridiculous the better!

What trend would you like to see go away forever?

I can't say that I absolutely hate any one trend enough for it to be banished forever BUT I would really appreciate it if girls would stop wearing tights as pants. If you MUST at least wear a long enough top/dress to cover your ass and camel toe. NOBODY wants to see that!!!!

~~Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Contact for readers:
 katelynm@shopsubstance.com 
 kmcclai6@kent.edu
 or stop in and see her at Substance!

Meet Avante Garde Designer: Esther Myong Hall of Torn Angel

Because she loved last year's event and all of the great folks involved in it, Esther Myong Hall, Torn Angel, is returning to the AFW Finale this year with her avant-garde line of fashion ...yay! A graduate of The School of The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA with a focus in Fashion and Sculpture) and native of Upper Arlington, she started her line in 2008. 

What I do is Avant-Garde, fashion outside of the box and experimental, where I view it more as a form of sculpture than just clothing. I design for people that appreciate the arts and are adventurous. Typically my clients are older (such as the Advanced Style ladies) with many stories about their grand travels (in their) lifetime. 

She has also begun spinning her own yarn and lace tatting and adding these to her fashions...hmmm, I wonder what that means for her collection this year??? I can't wait to see!

Q&A:

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet? 

My favorite piece of clothing in my closet right now is a t-shirt that says "polite as fuck."

What is your fashion nightmare? 

That the 90's and 80's trends never go away.

What is your favorite fashion decade? Why? 

The 1920's, because that is when women's sportswear and comfort for clothing were finally being addressed by society. They also had amazing new artists emerging and the trends of simple shapes with luxurious draping or embellishment were formed. It was really a no-nonsense era of high fashion.

What is your go-to accessory? 

My Vivienne Westwood winged red rocking horse shoes.

If you could live in any era based on fashion, what would it be?

I wouldn't want to live backwards at all. I'm perfectly happy with where we are now. I can period dress to whatever I want and yet still be experimental without too many hang-ups on what society would think. We currently live in a fantastic age for fashion.

~~Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

Contact info for readers: 
torn.angel.design@gmail.com
www.etsy.com/shop/TornAngel

Meet Our Urban Punk Rocker: Keyona Gore of Fashion Elements

Put together boyish, prissy, unpredictable, punk and urban and you've got Keyona Gore's Ryain fashion line, Fashion Elements Clothing. Keyona does not like to categorize her fashion as one particular aesthetic. She likes the edginess of urban punk with a rather boyish side but doesn't want her fashions to ever be pigeonholed to one style. From ball gowns to hip hop, leaning towards punk is the best she can do in describing her 'style'. This is what she believes sets her apart from other designers who prefer to follow one particular style. "I guess you can say I keep my viewers guessing on what I'm going to do next."

Having grown up in as an Army brat, she was born in Youngstown, moved throughout the US, including living in Anchorage Alaska and  SC, to finally settle back in Columbus at age 13. Instead of attempting to make friends every time her family moved, she immersed herself in creative avenues. In third grade, she designed clothes for her dolls...sketching and then eventually making actual garments! She continued to draw, sew and create anything with her hands, but making garments eventually evolved into her passion.

In November 2013, she made her debut at The Sound of Colors Fashion and Hair Show here in Columbus. As you can see in these pictures, the punk look frequently comes out in her designs. Self-taught and self-motivated with some Home Ec. sewing classes under her belt, she creates for the girl that doesn't necessarily care about the latest trends but creates her own look by 'going with the flow' and following her inner muse.

When asked about her inspiration, she stated that she literally designs from her dreams..."I dream and I design." An example of this is a recent dream where she was atop a mountain looking down at Earth in flames, while wearing a huge black-and-gold dress with chains. Although she has no idea what the heck this dream was about, she did get some fashion inspiration out of it, which is pretty typical. Vivid fashion comes through even if she doesn't remember the dream! Her mom suggested a dream catcher might be appropriate. Don't you agree? She also admits that her children have a say in her fashions, giving her either a thumbs up or down before the final product is created. Always good to get the younger generation's take on what looks best, huh?

Wanting to continue showing her clothing to the Columbus market is what got her involved in AFW14. Being chosen for the finale seemed like a perfect springboard for starting school in the fall at CCAD with a major in fashion design. Woot! 

And for our closing question: what fashion does Keyona want to see in the dumpster FOREVER?

"Booty shorts! OMG, showing off that much of your private parts is just too much for me!"

Photographs by John Nevarez

Contact for readers:

Keyona Gore

fashionelementsclothing@gmail.com

www.fashionelementsapparel.com

IG: FASHION_ELEMENTS_APPAREL

twitter: FashionElements

~ Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpiecesbyvicki

20 Questions with the Girls of Trachete

Some of you have heard me talk about Face Melting for Fashion in my last post, here. But in case you haven't, I'm talking about the awesome event that takes place Friday, April 25th, as part of Alternative Fashion Week. You can find out more about it here, but basically some killer local bands- Trachete, Mama, Teen Fiction, and Betty Machete & The Angry Cougars- are going to be styled, photographed, and then will perform in a live concert at King Avenue 5.


And as I'm one of the stylists, I thought I'd give you guys a little peak at the lovely ladies of Trachete, the band I'm styling for the event.

Many of you will recognize the lead singer of the band, Amee Bell Wanzo (we're using stage names below but I bet you can figure out which one she is ;) ). Not only is she an Advertising Account Executive by day and a rock goddess by night, but somewhere in the middle of all that, she also somehow managed to be a co-founder of the Alternative Fashion Mob and an organizer of Alternative Fashion Week. Say what?! I know, it's pretty incredible! And so are the rest of her band mates. So read on!...

Pretty rad, right?

Thanks to the girls of Trachete for letting me interview them and for letting me poke, prod, and style them for the photo shoot! If you want to find out more about the band, hear their latest songs, and check out their upcoming gigs, like their Facebook page. 

And while you're at it, head on over to like mine, too. Or check out my local fashion blog, StyleOnHigh.

Until next time!