What’s a girl to do when her wanderlust (and empty closet) is thwarted by a dearth of vacation days? Thanks to Jules Reid now you don’t have to actually be a modern gypsy to look like one.  Whether you’re planning to rock the Casbah or the staff meeting, vintage shapes that reference both Lily Pulitzer and Carrnaby Street in an array of souk-worthy fabrics will ensure your look always translates as gorgeous. Here’s more from Jules Reid . . .

Oligoville: In five words or less, Jules Reid  is. . .

Jules: Fashion is passion.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Jules: A “gypset” girl, a gypsy-like girl with classic style. Someone who is familiar with vintage designs but loves a modern look. Bohemian but preppy and sophisticated all at once.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Jules: It has been my dream since I was in my early 20′s to have my own label. I have studied fashion and prints and trends in every spare moment that I have had.

Oligoville: Can you talk a little about your motto “fashion is passion,” what does that mean in terms of your work, your life, etc.?

Jules: I am so passionate about fashion. It is a way that you present yourself to the world, every day that you wake up. It shows through to your attitudes about life, religion, and even your religious beliefs.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Jules: David Hicks and Emilio Pucci.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Jules: Eight hours of family, eight hours of design work, and eight hours of sleep!

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Jules: I have on a Jules Reid maxi dress as I type, but in my closet is Pucci, Chloe, Lanvin, Tracy Feith, and J. Crew.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Jules: My black notebooks of ideas, my 2010 silver Barneys agenda, my makeup and my iPhone. Oh, and my Buba wallet.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Jules: Hiring a PR firm early on may not be the smartest thing to do. The brand needs to grow organically and take hold through word of mouth. Press will come.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Jules: Seeing women get so excited about their Jules Reid purchases.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Jules: I hope to be a household brand name, a name that most people recognize.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jules: Take it one day at a time, and believe in yourself.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Jules: Dave Matthews, Coldplay, and Natalie Merchant

Oligoville: Any last words?

Jules: Every day is a gift that should be taken to its highest level.

With apologies to Quentin Tarantino, sometimes “going medieval” can be a very good thing indeed. Take Sandee Shin’s A(r)mor Jewelry, which—thankfully—is a far cry from the bulky, clanky, not to mention crazy heavy armor of old. Instead delicate loops of chain gracefully hug a shoulder or frame a clavicle just in time to show off the (hard-won) results of all those bicep curls and shoulder fliess you’ve spent all winter perfecting. Keep reading to find out how a rummage through Sandee’s junk  drawer left us all with a chance at (sorry, I have to do it!) a night-in-shining-armor.

Oligoville: In five words or less, A(r)mor Jewelry  is. . .

Sandee: Sexy, tough, elegant, and fresh.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Sandee: To be completely honest, when I design my collection, I design for myself. If i don’t wear than I won’t make it. I keep that in mind with each and every piece. I am confident in what I like and dislike.  I am not afraid to experiment with new things. I am always looking for something new. This is how I would perceive a woman who likes to wear A(r)mor. She is a confident woman who isn’t afraid push boundaries.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Sandee: I studied graphic design and dance while attending school in Los Angeles. I favored minimalist European design while working on design, and became very aware of body movements from practicing various forms of dance. These two elements combined became a big influence on my jewelry.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Sandee: I started the line back in May of 2009. I am a strong believer in accessories. My daily outfit is kept very minimal and simple, but I always use accessories to finish my style. I had this drawer full of jewelry that I hadn’t worn in a while because things were broken or pieces were chipped. So one day I just decided to go through it, and see what I could salvage. I just started to mix and match the materials. After that, I was hooked. I never had any formal training in jewelry making; everything up to now has been a trial and error thing for me. But I’d like to think of that as a good thing. It makes all that hard work and the end result worth so much more.

Oligoville: Can you talk about the concept of jewelry as armor that you play with in your work?

Sandee: When people went to battle in the old times, each piece of armor was put on in a specific way to protect themselves. The same concept can be seen in A(r)mor jewelry with a slight twist, The pieces from the collection require some concentration when putting on, just like when suiting up. You carefully wear A(r)mor as a precious piece, just like battle armor would protect a precious life.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Sandee: Everything. I know this is very broad, but it’s very true. I get inspired from watching movies, listening to music, people-watching, the world really is my oyster.  I am constantly doing research or finding influences for my next pieces. I try not to limit my thinking to just fashion, but to think of it as art. Living in a place like NY, you get influenced by so much on a daily basis. There is so much life here that it’s hard not to be motivated. Having that constant push and keeping myself on my toes is what helps me to go beyond.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Sandee: E-mails, web surfing, meetings, e-mails, phone calls, making pieces.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Sandee: A lot of shoes and jeans. I am a strong believer in good basics and a few key pieces, like Margiela, A. Wang, Acne. Right now I’m wearing a stripped Alternative  Apparel thank, Elizabeth and James army jacket,  denim harem pants, and of course, the FRENGE necklace.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Sandee: Camera, notebook, sketchbook, about five pens, two wallets, sunglasses, iPod, phone, lip balm, hand lotion, and reading book.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Sandee: Before starting A(r)mor  I worked in the corporate world of advertising as an art director. I acquired a lot of skills from that job that I was able to utilize while trying to promote A(r)mor.  When I was working with clients, the main thing, of course, was to please the client. My opinions didn’t always matter. Sometimes things were created that I wasn’t always proud of. However, having my own business now, my opinions always matter, and I am 100% behind my pieces. I will admit that the hardest thing for me was probably putting myself out there so openly. You can’t be shy about your brand. You have to be a strong representative. You are your own brand.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Sandee: Knowing that I started this business from the beginning on my own. I don’t have any vendors that work for me. I design everything and hand-make each and every single piece that is made.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Sandee: I have a few upcoming projects coming in the near future. As far as in five years?  It’s hard for me to say specifically. I just know that I am not done anytime soon. I have a lot of things still to come. For now, I am just taking this one day at a time and trying to continue to let A(r)mor grow.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Sandee: Just go for it. If you’re really passionate about what you’re doing, you will pour everything you’ve got into it. Sometimes you fail, but when you succeed, oh man, that victory tastes so sweet. The only person who can stop you is you. You really are your own worst critic.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Sandee: Vampire Weekend, Plastic Beach by The Gorrillaz, Air, Death Cab for Cutie, The Kills, People Under the Stairs.

Oligoville: Any last words?

Sandee: Thanks to Oligoville for featuring A(r)mor, and I I promise you, that there will be a lot more to com. Don’t sleep on it.

Just one look at the Ardistia New York collection, and you might guess that Parsons grad Ardistia Dwiasri knows a thing or two about engineering. From origami-esque pleats to sculptural draping, Ardistia bends and folds fabric into dramatic, figure-flattering shapes. Her deft handling of volume results in clothes that enhance rather than overwhelm the figure, while her ability to choose the exact right fabrics means her separates and dresses keep their shape without looking stiff or awkward. Keep reading to see—and hear—more from this structural superstar.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Ardistia New York is. . .

Ardistia: Timeless, modern and versatile.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Ardistia: Smart, sophisticated women who know what they want and wear what they love.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Ardistia: Growing up, I always loved art, design, and fashion. After finishing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, I decided to go to Parsons School of Design in New York to study fashion. That is where it all started.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Ardistia: The line was first launched in 2006, for Spring/Summer 2007 Collection.

Oligoville: There’s a sort of draped fall that reappears in the Max t-shirt, the Milena dress, and the Didier dress. What inspired you to keep reworking this element?

Ardistia: It was about a clash of something soft and drapery with something structured and well-defined, along with the feel of “artfully undone.” For example, the Didier dress has a zipper to clash the soft drapery jersey with an industrial, tough feel, and the zipper can be worn open to create a different dress silhouette for the artsy feel.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Ardistia: Freedom, nature, and history are some of the things that inspire me.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Ardistia: Wake up early for light breakfast, yoga, start working at 9am until around 7pm. Rest and dinner, then work again from 9-11pm when possible. Everyday is different as there are new problems to be solved and opportunities to look into that arise on a  daily basis.

Oligoville:  What are you wearing right now?

Ardistia: I’m wearing an ivory cocktail top from the latest collection FW2010-11 with a pair of black shorts.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag (or backpack or satchel) right now?

Ardistia: Wallet, Blackberry, Ardistia Look books, camera, and a lip gloss.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Ardistia: Things always take longer than we expected, so always plan ahead and allow time for unexpected delay. Different projects happen at the same time all the time each with its own deadlines, so make sure to be super organized and set priorities.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Ardistia: Winning fashion awards, receiving fashion industry recognitions, getting into major fashion media and press, and being part of the New York fashion industry.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Ardistia: In addition to the U.S., I’d like to sell more internationally to different countries such as Canada and Australia, and in the Middle East and Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong, to name a few places. I’d also like to get into major department stores worldwide and have established online shopping on the website.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Ardistia: Make sure to have drive, passion, and a positive mental attitude in what you do, maintain it well, and keep it up.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Ardistia: Diana Krall

Oligoville: Any last words?

Ardistia: The sky is the limit, and it is always too early to give up.

Lace can be many things: sweet, girly, naughty, and—surprisingly—sculptural. Well, at least it is in the hands of sisters Courtney & Christina Spivak who sell jewelry made from reclaimed lace, chain, and tulle under the White Owl by Spivak and Spivak brand. Take a look at the Clementine earrings, which echo the notched fluting of gingko leaves, or the Rennes necklace, two paisley-ish lace fragments strung on a cascade of coppery chain. The collection is the perfect balance of substance with lightness, and each piece will work just as well framing a tanned clavicle, or adding just enough “girl”  to that perfect tank you keep borrowing from your boyfriend.  Here’s more from Courtney & Christina . . .

Oligoville: Fill in the blanks: In five words or less, White Owl is . . .

Courtney & Christina: . . .  reclaimed, vintage, tulle, chain, lace

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Courtney & Christina: Our ideal customer is someone who enjoys our product! We try to make everyone’s experience as good as possible, so hopefully everyone becomes our ideal customer!

Oligoville: How’d you end up as designers?

Courtney & Christina: We’ve both made jewelry for ourselves on and off over the years, but only started selling online last year.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Courtney & Christina: We started in craft shows a couple of years ago and started our Etsy shop in 2008, but we didn’t really get the Etsy shop going until April 2009.

Oligoville: Why lace?

Courtney & Christina: We work with different materials that we find inspiring, but the intricate patterns of lace are always intriguing to us.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Courtney & Christina: Thrift shops, street fashion, old movies—everything really.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in each of your lives?

Courtney: Wake up, work (I teach at a local college), come home, grab a drink with friends, and make jewelry!

Christina: Answer emails, process orders, go the post office, then swing by the thrift shop or flea market, then maybe some time with friends and back to making jewelry.

Oligoville: What’s in your closets? What are you wearing right now?

Courtney: Tulle ! For Spring 2010 I have bought tons of tulle skirts and tulle embellished tops! I have also been using tons of tulle in the new necklaces I have been making.

Christina: Lots of neutrals, and of course lace!

Oligoville: What’s in your bags right now?

Courtney: Makeup, money, my new Droid cellphone, granola bar (for snack emergencies!)

Christina: Pretty much everything but the kitchen sink!

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Courtney & Christina: It’s hard to keep a balance between work and play when you run your own business, but time off is important. We try to enjoy our time off so we can be inspired and still excited about what we do.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your careers?

Courtney & Christina: Making things! Being creative is its own reward.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Courtney & Christina: Work, work, work! Having your own business means lots of work.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlists right now?

Courtney & Christina: David Bowie, MGMT, Deerhoof, France Gall

Oligoville: Any last words?

Courtney & Christina: Au revoir?

Let’s face it—it’s hard to keep traditionally-infused looks from feeling costumey. I mean an obi’s still an obi whether you’re styling an antique kimono or an off-the-runway  tunic, right? Thank goodness no one told  that to Edna Bissoon and Cindy Gaston of The Hemma Collection. Not that it would have mattered because the designing duo has done the seemingly impossible—created an utterly wearable, drop dead sexy, of-the-moment collection that perfectly balances bodycon silhouettes with kente‘s exuberant patterning. (And did I mention that there’s also a healthy dose of philanthrophy thrown in?) But why don’t I let Edna and Cindy tell you more about it?

Oligoville: In five words or less, The Hemma Collection is. . .

Edna & Cindy:  . . .  a stunning collection embodying edgy sophistication.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Edna & Cindy: Hemma’s ideal customers are women craving chic, innovative, timeless garments that can be integrated into their current wardrobe. The Hemma woman looks beyond function when selecting clothes and loves to make a statement—what kind of statement is up to the client. Every style in the collection has strikingly detailed kente with each color and pattern having its own meaning deeply rooted in the royal tradition of Ghana. We have pieces offered both in rich and monotone colors catering to women with a rich color palette or those wanting a more subtle look. Our immaculately tailored suits, cocktail dresses, and separates focus on detail down to the creamy silk lining and the silhouettes designed to accentuate a woman’s curves and make each client feel like royalty. With proceeds going toward the school where we taught, Hemma’s ideal customer appreciates fashion with a cause.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as designers?

Edna: I’ve been interested in fashion since I could remember, and it all started with my mom. She is an artist in her own right and not only did she do all of our interior decorating but made some of my clothes and Halloween costumes. Art has always been in my blood and, from a young age, I participated in art programs and learned how to sew. I took classes at [the Fashion Institute of Technology], modeled at dozens of fashion shows, and independently designed for four years.

Cindy: I’ve drawn to designing my own pieces since the swing lesson in my eighth grade home economics class in middle school. Afterward, I grabbed my mother’s sewing machine and have been designing my own garments ever since then! I studied the history of kente at New York University in Ghana and even wove kente myself, designed several products for HBO’s original series Flight of the Conchords, and independently designed for approximately five years.

Edna & Cindy: Since we both come from a fashion design background, creating garments came about immediately and naturally when we arrived in Ghana. Initially, we were not aiming to create a lifestyle brand, but rather pieces for ourselves. We learned about kente’s rich history and became accustomed to the fabric through art history classes offered in Ghana, excursions around the country, and the students we taught while volunteering at La Yahoushua Junior Secondary School.

When wearing our designs in New York City, we received such wide acclaim that we moved to introduce our garments to the general public. Many people we encountered did not know about Kente and were immediately attracted to the styles and the intricately detailed fabric. Hemma began from the desire to introduce to the world a gem of a textile and our desire to offer luxe immaculately tailored garments that accentuates a woman’s curves to make every client feel like royalty.

Oligoville: Why kente?

Edna & Cindy: Going to Bonwire, the main town where Kente is woven in Ghana, and seeing the skilled artisans creating such intricate patterns all by eye inspired us. Kente is not only Hemma’s fabric of choice but it’s a piece of art to be admired. There is an unimaginable amount of creative energy, determination, and history woven into Kente that was apparent to us as soon as we saw and learned about it. Kente is alive and tells a long beautiful story of the past while pointing to valuable insights to be incorporated into the future.

All of the Kente used by Hemma is authentically created with the same techniques established centuries ago, including the weaving still done on handmade wooden looms. The Kente weaving system is an astonishing process as all lines, shapes, and pattens are so perfectly formed by the technician without measuring tools. What is special about these craftsmen is that they inherit the right, as only a particular group of families in Ghana master and pass down this complex skill. Kente is not only one of the most exceptional fabrics in Africa but also the world.

The fabric is so intricate that it takes approximately 1-2 months to weave enough fabric for a size zero suit in the collection. Kente also boasts a 100% eco-friendly reputation as it uses natural dyes, no machinery or factories in its production, and is made from virgin cotton. Hemma strives to bring Kente to the public and make all of our clients feel just as luxurious.

Oligoville: Please talk about the philanthropic aspect of your company.

Edna & Cindy: The Hemma Foundation is our way of giving back to the people and culture that inspired Hemma’s very creation. We both volunteered as teachers and photography club advisors at La Yahoushua Junior Secondary School in Accra, Ghana. We witnessed the economic hardships faced by young children in Ghana, many of whom work long hours to assist their families. In Ghana, West Africa an estimated 40% of all elementary aged children lack the resources to attend school. The enrollment rates drop even further for secondary aged children, as an alarming 60% of them are unable to afford a basic education. Numerous primary and secondary schools also lack basic resources such as bathrooms and up-to-date learning materials.

To address this issue, we created The Hemma Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that affords educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged primary and secondary school students in Ghana by providing academic scholarships. The foundation also aims to improve the quality of education by granting financial assistance to under-funded primary and secondary schools. By donating funds for learning materials and after school programs, The Hemma Foundation strives to improve the quality of education received by Ghana’s youth. The Hemma Foundation allows the public to directly donate to under-funded schools in Ghana, beginning with La Yahoushua, the middle school where we taught classes. We will continue to guide the foundation’s growth and support its efforts by way of an ongoing investment of five percent of Hemma’s annual sales.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Edna & Cindy: We draw our inspiration from many places including Diane von Furstenberg and Chanel. DVF’s wrap dresses in particular flatter a women’s shape and have appealed to women since the 1970s. Chanel creates tailored suits that can be collected and worn throughout seasons. As with these brands, we envision Hemma’s garments will withstand seasons and trends. Similarly, our collection flatters and accentuates a woman’s silhouette, allowing women to feel confident about their bodies. The sleek silhouettes and chic designs can be worn from day to night and integrated easily into a woman’s wardrobe. By maintaining the same weaving techniques used to dress the royal class for centuries, Hemma offers one-of-a-kind pieces that allow each client to exude royalty.

We were both inspired by the students we taught while living in Ghana. By spending time with our students while instructing classes and advising the after-school Photography Club, we learned a great deal about the culture and fell in love with Ghana. We were so inspired that we began The  Hemma Foundation to continue assisting the educational system in Ghana while designing for Hemma.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your lives?

Edna & Cindy: Early morning conference call with our operations team in Ghana, answering emails in the morning, heading to the factory to manage production or visiting the boutiques where we are carried to plan trunk shows/manage new orders/ensure client satisfaction. We also hold Hemma meetings in the evening to prep for upcoming events and coordinate marketing, attend NYC fashion or art related events to take in the rich art culture that NYC has to offer.

Oligoville: What’s in your closets? What are you wearing right now?

Edna : Hemma Gold Coast corset in blue and white, Rag and Bone slacks, and oxford shoes.

Cindy – A Walter dress, Hemma Asante Jacket in black, and DVF heels.

Oligoville: What’s in your bags right now?

Edna: My laptop, the Hemma catalog, my iPhone, Lucky magazine’s May issue that highlights The Hemma Foundation, a planner, and Biosilk’s Silk Therapy.

Cindy: My blackberry, Essence magazine’s April Issue that features Hemma in the editorial spread and our “Stylist Notebook” article, a bottle of Vitamin E oil, a planner, and a pair of flats.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Edna & Cindy: One of the biggest obstacles we had to overcome when launching Hemma was finding proper investment. Finding the right relationship is crucial when building a brand and maintaining the vision intended for the company. Proper research, a strong business plan, and a well-ironed vision is also needed when securing investment. Thus far each step of the way has progressed smoothly due to the strong management behind the company and simply because of the undeniable beauty, quality, and appeal of Hemma.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your careers?

Edna & Cindy: Being able to pursue our passion while giving back to our students in West Africa.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Edna & Cindy: Hemma’s future is very bright. This is just our first collection, and our future collections will continue to evolve and improve. Characteristics of Hemma that will remain constant are the luxe quality of fabric and construction, beauty in pattern and color, and a fit that will make women feel confident about their curves. In the next five years we would like to be in boutiques across the country and around the world, as well as have expanded to our men’s collection. We also envision having a flagship store in that time.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Edna & Cindy: Our greatest advice is to be passionate about what you do and then have the discipline and work ethic to follow through! Having your own company is a lot of work but also endlessly rewarding. Also, there is way more preparation involved in every step of the way than you first imagine, and it’s true what they say preparation is everything.  Do as much research as humanly possible on anything that you want to get into because to succeed you have to be an expert on your business. Finally, it’s critical that you always stay optimistic and hopeful.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlists right now?

Edna: Drake, Sade, Robin Thicke

Cindy: MGMT, Birdman, Adele, Kate Nash

Oligoville: Any last words?

Edna & Cindy: We at Hemma focus on quality, detail and fit and make only very small quantities to ensure a unique piece that exudes luxury. Our 2010 collection is a limited edition and there will only be 300 total garments created with the specific colors, patterns and styles offered. We also create custom garments upon request. We give our clients the option of choosing any kente present in the current collection for the style in the collection of their choice to create their own custom Hemma garment.

Simple doesn’t have to mean dull. Especially when the simple bauble you’re sporting is from the Michelle Chang Jewelry line. From a cool cartoony elephant with sparkly eyes to a pair of blue-eyed sidewinders to a graffiti-ish puffy heart, Michelle’s jewelry speaks softly but still makes quite a statement. Turns out size doesn’t really matter after all–at least not when it comes to style. Hear more from Michelle below.

Oligoville:  In five words or less, Michelle Chang Jewelry is. . .

Michelle: Organic or geometric, and current.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Michelle: There isn’t one.  Since I’ve been in business, I’ve had everyone from college students in LA to Midwest housewives buy my jewelry.  I think the jewelry is simple yet current and not overly trendy which appeals to a broader customer base.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Michelle: I was very artistic as a child so it was inevitable that I went to college as a fine art major, but I graduated with a degree in design.  Since college, I’ve always worked in creative fields: architecture and interior design, illustration, and now jewelry.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Michelle: I officially launched my line about 2+ years ago when I decided to transition from illustration to jewelry.

Oligoville: What fashion trends do you hope have staying power? Which do you hope are on their way out?

Michelle: I think that even if something is trendy, if the quality is there and it’s not overly done, it can be worn for a long time.  Currently many accessories seem to be bigger than ever, and some that are too over the top and simply impractical to wear will not be around very long. In other words, the oversized trend will get to a saturation point very soon.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Michelle: It can be anything or anyone. I see things on a daily basis that are inspiring to me—a painting, a design on a belt buckle, flowers on a tree, or even subway rails.  As for who—other designers and artists whose work I admire as well as friends with impeccable taste.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Michelle: I wake up, and after a bite to eat and walking my dog, I get on the computer to answer customers’ queries, and perhaps to put up new listings and organize my orders. Then I take a break to play squash or tennis. Afterward, I work the rest of the day even into the evening if my energy allows or if deadline is pressing.  A few days a week, I go to the jewelry district in NYC to get my castings done and to get supplies.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Michelle: I have tennis and squash racquets, clothes, painting supplies, and tons of shoes. I love boots in particular.  Now I’m wearing my staple outfit:  boots, T-shirt, and jeans.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Michelle: Right now my bag is full of jewelry supplies, molds, and castings—I just got back from the jewelry district—and a few copies of Time Out New York and New York magazines so I can see what’s happening in NYC and to keep up with the trends.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Michelle: Like most businesses, there are many ups and downs.  Sales are either too slow or too fast.  When its slow, I worry.  When its too fast, I’m a bit panicked.  But I’ve gotten used to managing my time more wisely, which is key when you have your own business.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Mchelle: Definitely what I find most rewarding is the creativity and the independence.  I make what I like and if people like what I make, they buy it.  I love offering a product that I’ve made with my own two hands. It’s the greatest feeling to be able to make a living from doing just that.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Michelle: I hope to employ a small group of people to help with production and the business side so I’ll have more time for designing and expanding my line.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Michelle: Before launching your business make sure you have enough products and inventory and that you have a handle on the running of your business.  You don’t have to quit your day job, but be prepared to work very hard.  I’m sure everyone’s heard this a billion times but it’s true: you need to spend money to make money and believe in yourself.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Michelle: Some of my favorite music:  The National,  Beck, Bach, Decemberists, Shearwater, Mazzy Star

Oligoville: Any last words?

Michelle: I’ve been lucky enough in my life to have always loved my work.  Work should not just be work.  It should be your passion.

In The September Issue, which I finally screened this weekend, the fabulous Grace Coddington puts together a spread based on texture. If only Grace had known about Gail Travis’s N:F:P Studio collection, which is all about texture. From chunky knits to gauzy tunics trimmed with the softest felted hems and necklines, N:F:P feels as good against the skin as it looks on the body. Oh, and did I mention that the pieces are meant to multitask? Whether flipping a sweater upside down to create a whole new silhouette, or buttoning pieces together to create layers, Gail designs each piece to not only work with other pieces from the current season but also to work with pieces in future seasons. Here’s more from Gail herself . . .

Oligoville: In five words or less, N:F:P Studio  is . . .

Gail: . . . designed to inspire creativity and personal comfort.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Gail: The N:F:P ideal customer appreciates and embraces the possibilities that each garment offers. They understand the concept of sustainability through re-working and re-creating each item in their closet to form new shapes. I aim to design for women, and men, who are confident and looking for unique pieces that are not found in common mainstream outlets.  Additionally, the goal is to reach a wider customer range and encourage those who normally shop more mainstream to invest in timeless designs, ultimately hoping to promote an understanding of fashion as less disposable. The N:F:P collection is designed using snaps and signature components that will always link back to newer collections and support the concept of continuously recycling and keeping all work fresh and new.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Gail: I started knitting and sewing at a young age, learning from my grandmother and great-grandmother. Oddly my first sewing projects were making costumes for my dog in local parades and festivals at the age of 11—we all start somewhere! I feel that being a designer is a natural medium for me to develop and offer a creative new product, which I hope can educate mainstream audiences on the value of art and design.

As for my background, I worked for fashion houses such as Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Shelly Steffee, and Eileen Fisher since 1999. I studied knitwear in Florence, Italy, where I also learned the felting technique. My first degree is from Cornell University—a BS in Communications—where I focused on the theory-based aspects of uniform and how and why we dress dating back to the original onset of clothing purely as function and necessity.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Gail: I launched the N:F:P Label in Fall 2009 after working with high-end fashion houses in NYC since 1999. The fall of 2008 I decided to pursue an opportunity to study knitwear in the Borders of Scotland and immerse myself in knitwear design.  Upon arrival in Scotland on August 26 2008, I was denied entry due to a visa issue, and immediately was pushed to re-evaluate my future goals. Instead of moving ahead as a freelance designer for other companies, I seized the opportunity of open pathways to follow, and started my own business! I know I would have eventually ended up having my own line, but that circumstance was the perfect push past the fear factor!

Oligoville: What do the initials in your company name stand for, and how does it relate to your design philosophy?

Gail: N:F:P stands for a few concepts. NEW FORM PERSPECTIVE is the idea of offering the three basic building block templates:  NIT (Sweaters); FELT (Hand Felted Chiffon & Jersey Designs); PHRAME (Basic Jersey Underpinnings).  The spelling of the words is also based on the pronunciation and phonetic construction of the words themselves. Using the three components of N:F:P, the goal is to inspire those to re-invent and re-create New Forms and Perspectives to work with each individual’s style and comfort level.  The power of three for stability and strength in encouraging to be secure with oneself, and being aware that everything is intertwined and connected in a full circle.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Gail: The collection is largely inspired by architecture: its strength and stability. Sculpture by Naum Gabo: his work in 3D and analysis of art versus science and its play with kinetic energy. These tangible art forms, mixed with dance and nature, which surround us constantly, all inspire and ultimately create the N:F:P building blocks.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Gail: No day is ever the same. Constantly on my toes and ready to switch gears from design to business at any given moment. A day can range from e-mailing manufacturers and customers, designing, PR, sales strategizing, and shipping. The varied tasks are endless, but keep it exciting, fresh, and challenging!

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Gail: You will find a sea of black, grey, and muted earth tones. Leggings, tank dresses, black boots and canvas shoes, and sweaters for layering.  Now I am wearing all black (pretty standard!): black Hooded Elastic Waist Sweater with black leggings.  For me it’s all about clean, cozy comfort all the time.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Gail: Laptop, journal, paperwork, and, of course, my wrap neck cardigan!

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Gail: Being denied entry to Scotland was a big setback, but there are many opportunities out there once you start looking. It is very important to always ask questions and never underestimate the power of intuition and your “gut feeling.” Be willing to take risks and go against industry standards, as frightening as they may seem.  Facing the fear of uncertainty has helped guide me in directions I never knew possible. It is crucial to not focus and linger on any setback. There is always a lesson to learn. Find the positive and keep the motivation moving forward!

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Gail: The ability to interact with people and share what I love to do.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Gail: In the next five years I hope to look back on all the pieces designed and feel confident that they all offer a unique twist and form for the consumer to play with and enjoy. My goal is to have N:F:P available in 10 boutiques across the US, targeting Takashimaya as the exclusive carrier in NYC, and hope to be available in at least one boutique in Tokyo. If not achieved in five years, that is the ongoing goal. Everything takes longer than anticipated, but the key is to let it happen naturally and not force anything that doesn’t seem right. I’m excited to see where it is in five years—we will see!!!

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Gail: Stay true to your vision. Focus on the positive, and enjoy every moment and have fun!

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Gail: Brahms, La Boheme, Tin Hat Trio, George Brassens, Dead Can Dance, and many more.

Oligoville: Any last words?

Gail: Life is short. Follow your passions, and the doors will open. Enjoy what you do day to day—that is the goal.

Remember those doilies your grandmother endlessly crocheted when you were a kid? Well, to borrow a popular advertising slogan–crochet’s come a long way baby. Don’t believe me? Just  check out Lavender Field, the Etsy shop of Cyprus-based crochet maven Victoria Koupparis. What I love most about Victoria’s colorful, crochet-and-glass bead necklaces is how the geometric structures seem to riff off everything from those molecular diagrams you used to have to draw in high school science class to coral branches to Italian millefiori glass. I keep imagining myself sporting one of her necklaces with my favorite sundresses this summer. Victoria is just starting to make a name for herself stateside, but I’m thinking it’s only a matter of time before her work ends up on the wish list of our favorite “It” girls. Keep reading to learn more . . .

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Victoria: I already have a few ideal customers.  We have become friends and they come back for more because they love my work and they trust that they will get something beautiful from me.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Victoria: I think this is something I’ve always had inside me, even though I could not afford to admit it. But there comes a time in your life when you need to show to your world what you really are capable of creating.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Victoria: I launched my brand about a year ago but it only developed into what it has become today about six months ago.

Oligoville: How’d you come up with the name for your company?

Victoria: I love the aroma of lavender as well as the deep purple color of some of them, but other than that the only philosophy I have is to listen to my heart and create with passion.  Do what feels right to you and people will accept you and admire you for that.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Victoria: I’d say that colors are one of my biggest inspirations.  Beautiful and neat things and places also inspire me a lot, and whenever I look at something beautiful that someone has created it just makes me want to go and create some more of my stuff!

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Victoria: Always busy!  I thrive on being busy at all times.  I’m never ever bored. I might feel lonely at times or even exhausted, but never bored.  If I’m not creating, then I’m either cooking or tending to my house, kids, dogs, garden, restaurant, etc!

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Victoria: I’m a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl.  I love being comfortable but trendy at the same time.  I’m in my pj’s right now though [because in Cyprus] it’s time to go to sleep!

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Victoria: I carry a small, trendy leather backpack with me because it’s very practical and doesn’t fall off my shoulders every time I move my arms (I have very small shoulders by the way).  In there I carry my wallet (full of cash…I wish ), chapstick and lipstick, keys, cell phone, pictures of my loved ones, tissues, the usual stuff, but not anything I don’t need.  I’m very practical that way.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Victoria: My biggest setback has been promoting my work.  I have no experience in marketing or advertising so I find it very challenging trying to promote my work without being spammy.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Victoria: The creative part, of course.  Creating what comes from my heart, and not having to listen to a boss telling me whether it’s right or wrong!  If I feel it’s right, then it’s right!

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Victoria: I’d really like to grow my business and be successful, but for now I’m taking baby steps and see where it takes me.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Victoria: Yes, but this is advice I’d give to just anybody: Follow your heart!  You’ll never be wrong if you do!

Oligoville: Any last words?

Victoria: I’d like to give you a big THANKS for this interview.  This is a great opportunity for me to show my work to a lot of people, who will hopefully fall in love with it!

If you like your vintage  demure and dainty, then you might want to skip this post. If you’re in the market, however, for a boldly sculptural vintage remix—think a handcast crow’s skull charm and grandma’s favorite brooch—then you’ll love LAS Jewelry. Beautifully patinated butterfly wings, distressed leather rosettes, punk studs, vintage rhinestones, and drapey chains all take on new life as look-at-me pieces thanks to husband-and-wife designers Lisa and Dan Soltis.  Here’s more from the redux masters . . .

Oligoville: In five words or less, LAS Jewelry is. . .

Lisa & Dan: Detailed, corroded, layered, stitched, statement.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Lisa & Dan: Someone who wants to make statement, who has an appreciation and excitement for our work and wants to have a piece of that process.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as designers?

Lisa & Dan: Both of us have always been artists and have had a number of careers in artistic fields. Inevitably we ended up with the desire to make a career out of our own work and felt that jewelry was a medium where we could combine both our 2-d and 3-d talents.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Lisa & Dan: 2009 was definitely a poignant year. We had been toying around with the jewelry for a couple of years before that, and decided to make a proper go of it.

Oligoville: What attracted you to working with vintage materials?

Lisa & Dan: Our love of old things, and our belief that they should be given new life. In addition, of course, the green aspect and using materials that don’t have to be newly manufactured always makes the earth, and us, happy.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Lisa & Dan: Scientific illustration and anatomy books; prints from India, Africa, and Mexico; desert plants and creatures; the L.A. architecture and color palette, which is a scheme of washed out pastels with pops of bright hues; our childhood toys and backyard explorations; our friends, family, and faith.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Lisa & Dan: Working at home in our loft, multi-tasking, and prioritizing a number of projects. Dan will be sculpting a new wax while Lisa, will be hand sewing a leather creation. We’re also snacking several times a day and maybe a walk with our puppy is mixed in there somewhere.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Dan: Vintage tees and button downs, worn out jeans, leather boots. Right now I have on a 1980s tee with an eagle screen print and jeans.

Lisa: It kind of looks like a costume house: prints, sequins, lots of vintage. Right now I’m wearing Earl jeans, an oversized 1980s printed cotton button up, and a vintage rainbow suede belt.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Dan: In my french army man bag I have a sketchbook, shades, extra pens, emergency change.

Lisa: A vintage eel skin wallet from an estate sale, African print make-up bag, mini leather journal, micron pens.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Lisa & Dan: Facing our daily and dire need for wisdom—in both business and creativity. We’ve learned the hard way from looking at this from an artist’s point of view rather than from a business perspective. It’s insanely challenging to keep up with organization, updates of many kinds, idea development, and financial balance and intelligence, all to create things we love, to make art. We are constantly learning to edit, time manage, and to work effectively as a team.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Lisa & Dan: Gaining recognition from doing what we believe we are meant to do.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Lisa & Dan: We have a list of stores/retailers where we’d love to see LAS. We’d also love to have a steady flow of sales online, a solid fan base/following, and a definite voice in the fashion world.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Lisa & Dan: Keep going, creating, and acting on at least 90% of your ideas. There are bound to be some amazing things in the mix if you do so. Travel if you have the means and document everything you see. Keep insane journals and sketchbooks, inspiration walls, etc. Keep yourself grounded business-wise and get someone to manage that area for you if you can’t do it yourself!

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Lisa & Dan: Rush 2112, the Raconteurs, MGMT, Miles Davis, Allison Krauss, Zeppelin….

Oligoville: Last words?

Lisa & Dan: Thank you.

Already a Lucky magazine favorite, Caycee Black has turned her passion for painting, ballet, and old movies into a luxe line that works as well in the boardroom as it does center stage. The collection—a tour-de-force of sophisticated whimsy —features dramatic but elegant prints and striking but never heavy-handed details such as flounced hemlines and draped necklines. Keep reading to learn more about Caycee’s conversion from canvas to couture.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Caycee Black  is. . .

Caycee: The mix of the three loves of my life: art, film, and ballet.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Caycee: My ideal customer is an individual who sees my pieces and knows just how she wants to add them to her wardrobe.  I love that so many different types of women have been attracted to the same pieces.  They see it in their own way and know just how they want it to look on them.  My pieces are worn on stage by rock musicians and by women that work in offices.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Caycee: I grew up always painting and in and out of art classes during my summers and anytime I could fit them in.  I also had a weird obsession for old films when I was very young, mainly for how the women transformed themselves in each scene by what they had on.  I also remember my mom letting me dress myself as a child, which turned out quite interesting. I still remember the details of those outfits.  My favorite outfit was pink pegged-leg suspender pants with a purple puff sleeve leotard and a teal beaded necklace with purse to match!  In high school I was working on my art portfolio. When Parsons [the New School for Design] came to talk to my art class, I had this moment where I realized it was what I had always wanted to do.  Now my paintings become prints that come to life when worn.

Oligoville: What fashion trend do you hope we’ve seen the last of in 2010?

Caycee: I hope we have seen the last of the harem pant. I feel like a few designers started showing them, and then every designer, no matter who their customer was. started adding them to their repertoire.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Caycee: I can be inspired by so many different aspects.  For prints it can be a shadow in the park or something that has spilled on a window.  For mood I am always watching old films so I usually become engrossed by a character or film’s story line.  For Fall 09 it was the Thin Man series in which I fell in love with Myrna Loy.  Her character was so witty and equal to her husband for the time period of the late 30′s.  For Spring 2010 it was Agnes Varda’s film the dark fairy tale Le Bonheur.  The juxtaposition between the happy palette and the dark storyline intrigued me. It led me to my palette for spring 2010 and to playing with unexpected detailing such as cut-outs and asymmetry.  For Fall 2010 it is a mix of Murder on the Orient Express and the idea of a garden at night …. dreamlike.

Oligoville: Sadly, we just lost Alexander McQueen who was just so marvelously inventive. What do you think his lasting impact on fashion will be?

Caycee: Wow,  this is a question. I just hope that the hype around his death will die down, and people will remember what he did and who he was more than how and when he died.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Caycee: Usually waking up much earlier than I would like as I am a night person.  Running to my factory, which is in midtown and going over things.  Then I am usually running around midtown grabbing buttons and fabric or meeting with a vendor.  I then come home and answer a lot of emails. After I take care of my day-to-day tasks I allow myself to start working on the design aspect of  the next collection, shoot, or film ideas.  Creating is why I do this.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Caycee: My closet is a mix of pieces I have designed and vintage.  Right now I am wearing my denim knit bodysuit from the spring 10 line with a vintage 80′s high-waisted pale denim skirt and black perforated, patent, strappy shoes. Oh, and hot pink lip gloss!

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Caycee: A Bazaar magazine, colored pencils, a sketch book, tons of pencils and markers, a camera, and my I-phone.  I can’t leave home without a sketchbook or camera. You never know when you feel the need.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.

Caycee:  Well, I decided to launch my collection right when the economy was going through its toughest time.  Stores in general were very wary of working with a new designer.  I think this has been to my benefit since I focus on pursuing the right stores for my collection and not a general grouping.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Caycee: When I am wearing a piece of my collection and someone comes up to me asking where it is from.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Caycee: I would love to have my collection in stores that support me and really understand the message of my line.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Caycee: Be very careful with doing anything with friends. If you do, make sure you meet with a lawyer and draw up paperwork before you start anything.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Caycee: Cocteau Twins, Petshop Boys, Pale Saints, Chris and Cosey, Chairlift, ZAZA, The Depreciation Guild (my boyfriend’s band), and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (also my boyfriend’s band he plays drums in)

Oligoville: Any last words?

Caycee: I am going to see some Koala Bears right now!  Maybe I will get to hold one!