When you think of Kimonos, what words come to mind? Maybe colorful, exotic, beautiful, rare. How about jaw-dropping handbags that cannot help but be gawked at? Donna Webster is the creator behind Kimono handbags. The MICHI, KIKO and HANA collections are made with recycled Japanese wedding Kimono and recycled Australian timber handles. So not only will you have a breathtakingly beautiful bag that can be worn year round, but you can pat yourself on the back for being Earth-friendly.

Ms. Webster ensures that each bag created has its own personal story and there will never be two bags that are the same anywhere in the world. One of the reasons these creations are so rare is the brilliant artists who sews these precious handbags are retiring and the skill is unfortunately not being carried on by the younger generations. And wedding Kimonos are not as common anymore due to the extensive and intricate detail required to making each one. So hurry, these head turners that have appeared at Sydney and Milan fashion weeks will not be around forever.

These are some REALLY nice rings. Nice as in Andrew Nyce. I fell in love with the truly unique patterns and shadows that are characteristic of  his elegant technique. When they say ‘No two are alike’….they mean it.

When it comes to the ancient Japanese technique of Mokume Gane, you know you are going to get a unique work of art.

“I am intrigued by the history and beauty of Mokume Gane and Damascus Stainless Steel. Each of these materials has beauty in their patterns, colors and the play of shadow and light that speaks to me and motivates me each day. No two pieces of jewelry are ever exactly the same.” says the designer.

“To me, metalsmithing is more than just the technique of working metals into a desired shape. It is the skillful blending of art and science to create a lasting symbol of one person’s love for another.”

Lucky for us, Andrew has been creating engagement rings, wedding bands, commitment rings and men’s rings,all with his intricate pattern, since 2002. They are sure to appeal to the more fashion forward crowd, who appreciate quality and style. That would everyone who reads Oligoville!

Terry Graziano makes “beautiful multifunctional hats for women using eco-friendly mill-end surplus fabrics.” A 15-year veteran hat designer, Graziano personally handcrafts each hat with individualized care and attention in her New York City studio. Each hat is purposefully designed to be worn in many different ways allowing its wearer to custom-create her hat to fit her mood and outfit. Eclectic and eco-savvy, Terry uses only surplus fabrics. Every hat is silk-lined for comfort and adjustable for big heads to small heads. “For me, it’s all about flexibility. A shirt, a skirt, a pair of pants: these can be worn many ways— why should hats be any different?” They shouldn’t! Thank you for artistically and eco-friendlily teaching us that, Ms. Graziano!

“ … the sprit of individuality combined with classic elegance and everyday casual.”

A love of music, fashion, architecture, nature, and shape inspired designer Brynn Capella to start her own line of handbags. From friends to family, each unique creation is named after someone close to Brynn who inspired her (and the look of the bag). A Southern Californian living in Chicago, Brynn combines the SoCal and Windy City aesthetic in each of her creations.

Brynn’s experience in the music industry has made her a favorite among rock stars including KT Tunstall and Katy Perry (see Brynn and Katy chilling above!).

We love this versatile oversized Heather envelope clutch made with soft leather in various colors. It’s inspired Brynn’s love of pop and modern rock—“simple design with a touch of rock n’ roll.”

For a unique, inspired design to carry all your ‘ish look no further then the fabulous rocker-chick Brynn Capella.

NY fashion week came and went and for those of us not so lucky to have attended, I have compiled a mixed tape both music and fashion lovers can appreciate. Designer fashion shows are notorious for featuring emerging talent and this time was no different. Big name artists or not, these songs had me struttin’ my stuff all week long. Enjoy!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Badgley Mischka

Beirut “My night with the prostitute from Marseille”

Benhaz Sarfpour

Animal Collective “My girls”

Charlotte Ronson

Puppini Sister “Heart of glass”

Dsquared2

Ella Fitzgerald “Night and Day”

Vena Cava

Cocteau Twins “Beatrix”

Temperley London

Massive Attack “Angel”

Generra

The Ting Tings “We Walk”

Chris Benz

M83 “Graveyard Girl”

Carlos Miele

Max De Castro “Iluminismo”

E. Y. Wada

White Lies “Death”

Sophisticated and playful, defines this fast growing swimwear company, determined to become an internationally known brand. KanDi Swim is well on its way to success with their passionate designer, Dani Kates, and her well balanced team of business professionals, whom ensure that every part of this business machine is functioning correctly.

Take a sweet glimpse into the life of a swimwear designer whose inspiration stems from desserts and treats. With a collection this tempting, KanDi Swim is destined to make many a women feel like they can have their cake and eat it too. Dani, for one,  seems to be enjoying every bite of her successful career.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.
Dani: Our brand is sophisticated and sexy with a playful twist. The company is built on a strong management team that handles the business side and allows me to focus on my passion, designing. Our brand is different from the competition in that each design is infused with its inspiration to create special, unique and refreshing conversation pieces with an emphasis on fit and function.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?
Dani: I’ve always had a strong interest in all aspects of Art and Design.  I went to Cornell to study Fine Arts and realized that my true passion was Fashion Design, which led me to Parsons School of Design. Studying at Parsons, and being immersed in the world of fashion was an amazing experience. For my senior thesis project I designed a collection of swimwear, which is what evolved into the company’s first line.

Oligoville: Whom or what inspires your designs?
Dani: I’m inspired by the ideologies of the Pop Art movement, the idea of nostalgia, contradiction, and irony, and most of all looking to popular culture for inspiration. Right now my inspirations for the KanDi Swim by Dani Kates label are desserts and sweets, things women universally love and can relate to.
Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?
Dani: Fortunately for me, and what I love the most about being the lead designer for my company, is that there is no one day that’s the same.  The only routine I have is making sure I check emails and am responsive but other than that, my day changes depending on what needs to get done.  Whether its meeting with fabric reps to look at their lines, researching inspiration, designing, or planning a photoshoot, there is always something I’m excited about.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.
Dani: My fashion style is somewhat eclectic. I like to mix things together to create contrasting styles and create something unexpected, like wearing a romantic ruffled top with a leather motorcycle jacket, or pairing a shoe that’s considered an “evening shoe” with ripped jeans and a random T-shirt. Usually I’m wearing something that’s a conversation piece, like my favorite brown leather clutch that looks like a book or something trompe l’oeil.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned from that.
Dani: I try to learn from small mistakes rather than big ones, so fortunately for the company there haven’t been any real major setbacks, it’s really just been a matter of growing pains while setting up the infrastructure and making little adaptations here and there. The most important thing I learned is that a company is like a machine, every part needs to be working properly in order to function, so key people with different strengths are needed to ensure this.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Dani: There really hasn’t been one particular moment that I would categorize as the most rewarding, it’s been more of an overall feeling of achievement. As cliché as it may sound, I’m just so happy to be doing what I’m doing that every day is rewarding, and I get excited about all of the little things!!

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next 5 years and what are some goals that you have for your brand?
Dani: I’d like to expand the company into multiple labels, and continue to build an image around the Dani Kates Corp.  Within the next 5 years, we expect to become an internationally recognized brand, providing swimwear to specialty retailers, boutiques, and department stores around the world.

Oligoville:  What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Dani: Set goals, but be willing to change and adapt along the way to achieving them. It’s hard work that requires planning and many sacrifices, but if you really want it you can make it happen.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?
Madonna, Open Your Heart.

Faveur Clothing is a Indie Clothing company started by two brothers who had a crazy idea to design clothing that was more than just unique art and designs,but clothing with Heart, Truth and Faith!

Faveur is tattoos and three-piece suits. Blind to ethnicity and culture. Blind to politics. Blind to socio-economic boundaries. Faveur is the gift of power to the broken – the bridge from weakness to strength. A compass for the crooked roads. Here is what founder James Atwood had to say about his company.

Oligoville:Tell us about your brand and how it is different from the competition.

James: Faveur Clothing is a Indie Clothing company that wanted to design clothing that was more than unique art & designs, but clothing with heart, truth and faith.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

James: I have always been a sucker for great looking and great feeling t shirts. I really felt that it was a great median for the expression of my faith and a style that would also appeal to the masses.

Oligoville: Whom or what inspires your designs?

James: Faveur is a expression of my faith, all of our designs are inspired thru scripture. We bring this to art, using clothing as the canvas. Our goal is to be able to express this and give others the same option as well in a very unique and different way. And for those who don’t have or hold the same, that is totally cool with us. We hope what they get is a sick shirt, polo, hoodie or hat that is Indie, and in some way speaks about who they are.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you.

James: Most days are spent either on the phone, or sending and responding to emails. Daily we try to work on product development, branding and marketing the Faveur line. Except during the summer, we have a intense tour schedule that lasts six to seven weeks.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

James: I keep it simple and comfortable with a baseball cap, blue jeans and a t-shirt. No suits and ties here.

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

James: My brother got married about a year and half ago and decided he needed to step away from the Faveur line. For me I learned you always have to be ready for a curve ball and always have a back up plan for partners or associates who feel that they are at a point to go in a new direction.

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

James: The most rewarding part to me would be the people that I get to meet and associate with, the relationships that have been built are unbelievable. With those relationships/friendships over the last several months, I have been able to go and speak to teenagers and young adults with different groups and that has been a real blessing.

Oligoville: Tell us where you see your brand in the next 5 years and what are some of the goals you have for your company.

James: Our long term goal is to make the Faveur line more accessible in boutiques across the country and also more European countries. We are in the process now of expanding the line offering more polo’s, and other apparel options.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for other aspiring entrepreneur?

James: Don’t quit! Also a life quote from JRR Tolkien “All that is gold does not glitter; not all those that wander are lost.”

Oligoville: Which song never fails to make you happy.

Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas

The idea of camping outside a Target store in order to get first dibs on an Alexander McQueen creation has crossed my mind…. and admit it! Its crossed yours too. So now I have the dilemma of having to camp out for other designers as well! Target has some fab designers lined up for Spring 2009 and I’m afraid I’m just going to have to take permanent residence by their doors.

Below is a sneak peek at what is to come. So be sure to take it all in and cast your vote at the end of this post. Tell us which Spring 2009 Target collaboration are you most excited about.

FYI- No word yet on who will be the next designer after Tracy. Any guesses? Leave us a comment.

Tracy Feith

Tracy Feith designs are a cross between California bohemian and lady like vintage. A beautiful palette of reds, yellows and turquoise will perfectly bring together this collection slated to hit stores May 17th. His (your heard right…its a he) summer essentials range from $14.99-$44.99. Expect to see shorts, swimsuits, light jackets, pants and tops.

McQ Alexander McQueen

McQ Alexander McQueen for Target will feature lightweight sweaters, skinny jeans, bubble dresses, slim skirts and cuffed shorts. The collection features a muted palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and hot pink. His signature rock ‘n’ roll edginess is apparent throughout with his use of studs and mesh. Pieces include a black trench, a gray denim cropped jacket, a menswear inspired tuxedo blazer and a color-blocked one-shoulder dress with a bubble hem. The collection also will include swimwear and cotton voile print scarves. No exact date has been give but we hear it is some time in March.

Loomstate

Its Rogan Gregory’s second collaboration with Target. The eco-friendly collection is slated to release on April 19th. The launch is timed to coincide with Earth Day on April 22nd.

“The Loomstate for Target collection will feature graphic Tees such as a pelican print named Persey and bikini board shorts with the Persey design. Prices will range from $14.99 to $44.99. We did a drunken yarn dye with a little curved wabi-sabi feeling that’s totally unique,” Hahn said.

Spring 2009 will be a hue- lovers paradise. Bright palettes will dominate and revitalize all fashion categories especially our beloved accessories. This is not a time to be tame nor shy but instead it is an opportunity to make bold statements with our fashion choices.

Think multi-colored clutches, bright rhinestone jewels, intensely colored leather shoes and vibrant prints on everything. Now this is a trend that translates effortlessly from the runways of Paris to your closet.

Be sure to check out our first two in our series of Spring 2009 accessory reports.

Pucci Spring/Summer 2009

It was love at first sight. The tiny discs glittered off my screen calling my name. They turned out to be called paillettes and the true signature for a company with a conscious called Herndon Heald. This Santa Fe based company takes their jewelry seriously. They make everything by hand including some of the tools they use! The finished product is a testament of the love and care that goes into every single piece they make. Three artists started the company and I had the pleasure of speaking to one of them; Naomi Herndon.

Oligoville: How did you become a jewelry designer?

My background was sculpture. I first worked as a polisher and apprentice at Cartier. Then a manufacturer in Dallas was looking for a producer. That job did not involve Photoshop so every collection was hand drawn. They were then manufactured in Bali and China. Working on other’s jewelry isn’t as fun as designing your own. So now I make and design everything. I make our own clasps, extenders and jewelry tags. We have been in business for 2 years and have 3 full time employees.

Oligoville: Describe the concept and inspiration behind Herndon Heald.

Some of our inspiration comes from antique Indian wedding jewelry. They have discs we call paillettes. Those are seen on Indian anklets. In Santa Fe we are surrounded by Native American jewelry as well. We take inspiration from older jewelry and also how a modern day woman wears her jewelry. Jeri Lynn does a lot of weaving and crocheting techniques while Mark brings in his expertise in Native American jewelry. As designers, we tend to get ideas from many different places, even sculptures around town.

Oligoville: Where did the name Herndon Heald come from?

It’s our names; Mark and I are the Herndons and Jeri Lynn is the Heald. Our jewelry tag bears an anvil with a heart symbol in it. We wanted something that is specifically us. The logo represents that it is all hand done. We even make our own hammers for creating certain textures. In the past, jewelry was passed down. We want to bring that back. It may just be a silver cuff, but it belonged to a great grandmother. The anvil reflects the care that was taken to make each piece.

Oligoville: How was your brand born?

I met Jeri Lynn working for another company in Santa Fe. We moved here because Mark got a job teaching metalsmithing at a school. I had worked for different companies over time that took care of their workers and their employees but at this company I just didn’t feel comfortable with their stance on how they treated everyone. However, I really fell in love with Santa Fa. Jeri Lynn goes between Santa Fe and Austin. Her recent trip from India influenced our mission to be a caring and trusted manufacturer. You can trust and know that everything you’re getting from us is made with care and we’re not using child labor or any of that. We wanted to create a company that was in line with our morals.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected set backs you have faced since starting your business and what you have learned from that.

One unexpected setback can be my cell phone for example. I have missed some phone calls here in the mountains that I wish I hadn’t. Another set back I have learned from is related to production. When making a collection, some of them are what you see is what you get for the year. I’ll have an earring that I know will sell well, so I have to be careful on how to use my stones. I’ve learned to be honest with customers and I have learned to say no and be up front when I cant do a certain quantity. If its not re orderable, I make it clear now. It seems like a rookie mistake, but when you’re starting out you have no way of knowing what design is going to be a big hit.

When we first started hiring employees, we had to really think about our pricing. Your pricing is affected by workers comp, insurance and overhead. When we bought all our computer stuff is when I really understood how everything worked.

Oligoville: What three things got you where you are today?

1. The three of us. If you can find someone you like, being a partner is like being married. One of us manages the business, one does thes manufacturing side, and one of us is creating something new. Finding the right partners was number one.
2. We really did our homework when we started our business. We have used an organization called SCORE and also used all the small business centers in our town. Its free. Why not? We did our homework.
3. Being prepared for what is about to happen. I don’t think you can ever be fully prepared to run a business. Starting a business is like having a child. Some people think it’s just about making pretty things, but its like running a marathon sometimes every week. Our studio is 1200 sq feet and sometimes I never even see Mark…… and we’re married! A lot of people don’t realize how hard it really is.

Oligoville: On a typical day, describe what you’re wearing and where you found it.

We have these hoops called new moon hoops. They are the first thing we ever made. I couldn’t find lightweight gigantic hoops. I tried and nobody could make some nice ones. They may be silver or gold but I always wear those first.

Oligoville: What key techniques should every aspiring jewelry designer know? Do you have any advice do you have for aspiring designers?

I feel for me the most important thing is to really know what you want to do and what is your message. Know who you are. Stick to your own vision. People When you talk to buyers stay true to your vision and your style. You can say no. At the end of the day, it has to be fun. I really enjoy working in the studio and making jewelry.

Oligoville: If you were not a designer, what would you be?

I would want to make shoes! I have so many ideas.

If her shoes are anything like her jewelry. I’m sold!