Fashion Plus Much More: Meet Brandee Bailous of House of Baboski

3 The Hard Way Media, Photography

Meet Columbus native Brandee Bailous of the House of Baboski (previously Baboski Fashions), who is new to the AFW this year. Her granny was the impetus for her dive into fashion, teaching her at a young age how to sew and use patterns. The fashionista bloomed from there a one year stint at Centenary College in NJ for fashion design and merchandising followed by training at the Ohio State Schools of Cosmetology.

Creativity is a way of life for her 24/7, hearing colors and seeing patterns and letting them flow out onto her mannequin...she very seldom sketches!

Specializing in plus size clothing, Brandee has found her niche creating designs for confident, willing-to-take-a-risk kind of people...everyday folks who want some pizzazz in their look. Inspired by nature and music, she believes that natural designs flow and calm her clientele. Although she is designing mostly for women she does also create menswear. 

Suitable Photography

Selling her clothing at Royal Factory, a boutique in the Short North, is how she got connected to the AFM gang. As she puts it: I felt that this was a great opportunity to give designers and models a shot who aren't considered mainstream. It gives us "crazy/weird" designers and models a platform to showcase our talents.

Suitable Photography

Last year this talented lady won 2013 POSED Fashion Awards Best Plus Size Designer and Best Plus Size Runway Model!! You go, girl!!!! And, in addition to the AFW Finale in April, she will be showing her pieces at the Great Lakes Fashion Showcase in Cleveland, The Full Figured Fashion Weekend in Cincy, and will be participating in the RAW Artist event in June.

This is one busy fashionista!!!

Q&A

What sets you apart from other designers?

I am hands on. I do hair, make up, styling and I am a model, so I also do runway coaching. I also sew 100% of my designs with no team and no assistant.

What is your favorite piece of clothing to wear?

My favorite piece of clothing surprisingly is a pair a sweat pants or lounge pants. I like to be comfortable. Lol. Sometimes I dress like a hobo, but when I clean up I get red carpet ready. 

If you could pick a rock/punk/rap/blues star for a muse who would that be?

I would pick Prince. I feel he is a mix of all those genres. His style of hair, music, and clothing is timeless that's why his career is so long lived. 

What fashion would you not be caught dead in??

I'm not really sure what I wouldn't be caught dead in. I'm a risk taker when it comes to fashion. I like to mix textures, patterns, prints and especially decades.

Contact info for readers:

email: bigbaboski04_99@yahoo.com
ig: baboski0499
twitter: baboski04_99
www.phantumsphantastyapparel.com


~ 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

Rebellious Hair= A Good Thing! : Meet Hair Designer Brianne Jeanette

Laura Dark Photography

Synthetic Rebellion was founded by Brianne Jeanette in 2010 and was initially a business that created various styles and structures of synthetic hair art. Brianne and assistant Kaylen recently branched out into hair fashion just this year as a way to challenge themselves creatively. Their primary purpose and specialty is styling avant-garde hair for photo shoots, events, and the runway.

MoxieInk Designs

I started building hair structures for photo shoots when I was just starting out as a model in Columbus. I gained a reputation for them rather quickly, and soon after began styling hair and creating both wigs and structures for Laura Dark Studios. Kaylen got her cosmetology license in 2011 and has worked with hair ever since. 

           

Our general aesthetic is usually categorized as large and elaborate. We really focus on taking inanimate objects and making them come to life as wearable pieces of art made almost entirely out of synthetic hair. Since everything is one-of-a-kind, we never duplicate what we've made before, and we always try and push our own limits and boundaries. 

Laura Dark Photography

Clients are mostly performers, models, photographers, and even other designers. Down the like we would love to span out and create signature hair pieces and outfits for drag queens and theater productions.      

They've already  been published internationally and nationally in over 30 magazines, and have been featured on 10TV News for their Female Spotlight!     

Laura Dark Photography

These lovelies had so much fun participating in AFW last year creating hair sculptures for Aaron James of Ruby Hill Designs that they decided to try creating their own collection. Columbus has been such a wealth of support that it's really bolstered the Rebellion's confidence. It seemed the only sensible thing to do was to submit themselves for the finale and see if they were accepted... And they were! 

Alternative Fashion Week is HUGE for us! We're spending all of the time we have outside of the studio to work on our collection. We have a small collection for Drauma, courtesy of Label Yourself's designs, but other than that, we're at full focus for AFW.

Q&A

What fuels your passion?

A challenge! We get so much energy and passion from just trying to figure out how something could be done, and then once it is, we're just elated. It's that feeling, and the entire process, that totally keeps us inspired for the next project- And for what we do!

   

How can someone get one of your lovely creations?

You can book us to create pieces for a project that is totally unique and just for you. We construct pieces behind the scenes, and then we show up on set to install the piece! We can also be booked to style hair for shoots, events, etc. If you're interested in having us get involved with your project, all you have to do is message us! 

  

Bird, Model Brianne Jeanette
Laura Dark Photography

Describe your creative process.

Everything we do has been self-taught, so a lot of our creative process begins with some massive head scratching. Hair can be easily turned into a useful textile if you just think outside the box. We hope to prove that during AFW! 

What sets you apart from other designers?

Creating clothing out of hair has certainly been done before, but we hope to take it to the next level. Not only do we have our clothing collection though, we also have enormous hair structures that will accompany each piece, making it as awe-inspiring as possible. 

             

Contact info for readers: 

Synthetic Rebellion

Feminine + Vintage : Meet Designer Betsy Stevenson

Photography by Staley Cook for Staley Design

Elizabeth Ashleigh Designs, created by the talented Betsy Stevenson, was started in 2004 as an alterations and custom clothing business. Betsy still does alterations, but now she specializes in custom dressmaking, vintage restyling, and ready-to-wear.

Betsy designs for the woman who appreciates a couture quality garment with style. For the fashionista who doesn't want to see anyone else in her look! 

Photography by Staley Cook for Staley Designs

Betsy is inspired by everything in her world, but lately she's been really inspired by her customers. I want to bring them ready-to-wear at an affordable price, quality pieces in limited runs, and the option of personalizing details of each garment. I believe that clothing should be as unique as its wearer! 

Betsy has a Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, majoring in Textiles and Clothing. She also studied at a fashion school in London, England, for a semester and worked as an apprentice dressmaker during college. She has expanded her skills post-grad by attending several workshop series, including pattern-making, draping and couture sewing.  

Matt Reese, Photographer

Q&A
Give us the low-down on how you got involved with AFM

I participated last year, and had a blast!  I've been working with mobster Jefferey Steele for years now, collaborating for photo shoots, fashion shows, etc. I met Kelli Martin on set for a photo shoot a few years ago. These guys are always fun to work with and the creative energy when we all get together is insane! I'm looking forward to an amazing show again this year and big things in the near future!

Have you shown anywhere else recently?
I showed a collection at PLITZ Fall 2013 NYFW. 

What sets you apart from other designers?

I prefer to make clothing on a customized basis, a one-of-a-kind garment for an individual customer. I'm a perfectionist and love to spend many hours on one detailed garment instead of cranking out lots of the same style. I also prefer higher end materials...polyester and glue make me cringe!!!

Sen Bai, Photographer

Tell us a fun fact about designing.

I absolutely LOVE my job and can't imagine doing anything else for a living!  I'm glad there are people here in Columbus who appreciate handmade clothing, and that the creative community here is amazing and so supportive of each other.

Matt Reese, Photographer

What is your fashion nightmare?

Ill-fitting garments! I hate seeing people out with pant hems dragging on the ground, or strapless dresses that are way too big in the bust. I have to fight the urge to run up to them with my business card and say "Call me, I won't let this happen to you again!" A bit of tailoring can make even the thriftiest garment look like a million bucks.

Who is your favorite designer from past eras (since you do lots of vintage)?

Coco Chanel- I love her story, and her classic style!

Contact info for readers:

http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethAshleighDesigns

elizabethashleighdesigns.com

elizabethashleighdesigns@gmail.com
some of her clothing is also available at Substance Lofts 783 N High St in the Short North

740.412.2711 

~ Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

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

Newbie Designer: Meet Shannon Kelleher

Made entirely from recycled materials!

Shannon Kelleher of Shannon Kelleher Designs is our neophyte designer having just created her label a month ago!  She is a student at OSU (originally from Xenia) and we are so excited to have her on-board with AFM this year!!

             

So far, her design aesthetic consists of simple silhouettes, bright colors, loud patterns but she's still working on defining herself and her style...come on she's just getting those creative juices flowing, folks!  She definitely wants to design for women who are comfortable in their own skin and who aren't looking for the run-of-the-mill, off-the-rack fashions. These pieces are for someone who WANTS to be SEEN!!!!

As a newbie to the fashion world, Shannon believes that she can bring a fresh eye to the game. She finds Inspiration from the internet, walks, dreams, you name it.  After seeing an ad for AFW 2013, she attended the show and that was all it took for her to make the decision to get involved in AFM this year as a designer and volunteer.

What current fashion trends do you wish would go away forever?

Crocs, or anything that looks like them.

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

70’s hippie chic is my all time favorite era for inspiration. 

Who is your rock star/musician or artist muse?

Katy Perry!

What is your absolute go-to fashion accessory?

Statement necklaces, big and colorful.  I’ve been told I have a good neck for those lol.

What is your fav color combo?  What color would you like to see this spring?

Various blues and pinks. Green!

Contact info for readers:

kellehsm08@hotmail.com

~ Vicki Oster

http://loveohiocraftersandartisans.wordpress.com/

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

Meet Our Darling, Crys Darling of Label Yourself Fashions

This Darling lady unfortunately cannot join us for the AFW Finale (boo-hiss) this year (she was one of our designers in 2013), but, lucky for us, she will be hosting our Reconstruct Your Luck event on April 24th at Seventh Son Brewery for oohs and aaahs and a little friendly competition!

(https://www.facebook.com/events/572119029547366/)

Crys Darling of Label Yourself Fashions grew up wearing hand-me-downs and donated clothing from the Salvation Army, but luckily her grandmother taught her how to sew to make them look more modern and fashionable. Little did they know this would eventually lead to Crys becoming a self-taught eco-fashion designer nearly 6 years ago in May. Happy almost Birthday!

Brianne Jeanette, model

When asked to describe her design aesthetic she was quick to say:

My design aesthetic is inspired by late 50's/early 60's fashion. I design vintage-inspired pin-up and rockabilly fashions for the modern day woman. I design for everyone woman no matter her size or style. My fashion line is about inspiring woman to express their true beauty through their own sense of style and not artificial industry standards.

She begins by finding vintage fashions that need some extra TLC then turns them into modern wearable art by dying, hand-painting and mending them.  

 Models: Miriam Musa and Tierra Jacobs

Last year her adorably unique fashions combined sweets and fashion into an AFW collection that was unbelievebly scrumptious. She also collaborated with milliner and wine maker Paolo Rosi to feature amazing dessert hats. 

I participated in the finale show last year and was extremely happy that the Alternative Fashion Mob allowed designers to express themselves through their runway fashion shows from choosing their own music and models to creating the looks that best showcased their line. It was truly one of the best fashion shows I have had the honor of doing.  

Model: Trulie Scrumptious
Good Day Columbus footage

Her most recent HighBall fashion show costume came from a dream of designing a reverse hoop skirt to create the look of a cupcake liner. With the help of her dear friend and partner, Sarah K, she turned that dream into a cupcake dress...YUM!  'It was challenging but worth the time, thought and effort.'  And, of course, she'll be gearing up for another fantastical costume for this year's High Ball before too long!

As if that isn't enough, she is soon going to realize a lifelong dream of becoming a motivational speaker!!  Starting this May, she will be speaking to young adults (in the school setting) about the concepts of true beauty and eco-fashions. Those kids are in for a real treat- I wish I was in high school again! :)

Q&A

What rock star's fashions do you love or hate?

I love any artist that is not afraid to express their personal style through fashion. My personal favorite is Jack White's later fashions inspired by the 40's and early 50's. I love to see a man wear button downs, slacks, vests and dress shoes. It is so classy and sexy.  
    

 posing with Major Michael Coleman after our HighBall Runway show 2013

What is your fashion nightmare?

Someone wearing the same thing I am wearing, which is nearly impossible since I paint original art on the majority of my clothing.  

What is your favorite fashion decade? Why?

My favorite fashion decades are late 50's early 60's because there was a sense of dressing up and an innocence with that particular time. Plus I'm a sucker for ladies gloves and red lips.

Model: Tierra Jacobs

What accessory can you not live without?

My necklace that I wear everyday that has three special charms. My grandmother's wedding ring, a cupcake given to me by my model, Trulie Scrumptious, and a heart and key charm given to me by my first model, Miriam Musa.  

If you could live in any era based on fashion, what would it be?
The late 50's. Did I mention that I adore ladies gloves and red lips? Tee-hee. :)

                        Photographer, Art Cat 

                        Model: Quiana Tenise

What sets you apart from other designers?
Wow!  This is a big one. My fashion line is not only about redesigning vintage fashion but creating wearable art. Each piece is hand-painted by me and every piece is one of a kind.  I also like to incorporate performance art in my fashion shows because my pieces are wearable art. My fashion line is also about expressing who you are as an individual and not by industry standards. 

Throughout the year, Crys sells her fashions on Etsy and at community festivals such as Comfest and Hot Times, but the majority of her pieces are custom made for clients. She has also happy to say that she has been featured in 614, The Columbus Alive, Short North Gazette and several online publications.  

 Contact info for readers:

           Label Yourself is currently revamping their website but readers can find Crys at:

           facebook.com/crysdarling

           facebook.com/labelyourself

~ 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