Headlines This Week 7/17

• Today The New York Times attempts to make an interesting case on the topic of men’s beauty.  The paper claims that an era of hairlessness (on more than just the face) is being ushered in among guys in college through their mid-thirties thanks to causes ranging from Gilette ads to Nivea to… SheFinds.com

• We already got a sneak peek at Lauren Conrad’s brunette tresses when she was spotted on the set of a photo shoot for Harper’s Bazaar and now, the images are out! People.com
• When it comes to putting on mascara, our minds always travel to Twiggy because of her iconic lashes and big bright eyes. Popgloss.com

• No amount of lawsuits will get in Forever 21′s way of taking over the world. They’ve already launched plus-size clothing and swimwear, so it’s only natural for them to enter the home and beauty categories next. NYMag.com
• Cartoon Character Styles We’d Love To Steal: Jem from the Holograms- Totally 80s, total space cadet/ultimate girl hair band FashionIndie.com

My Kini Blingz

As a girl that loves bling in all its incarnations, I was mesmerized by this clever invention from My Kini Blingz. Who doesn’t love a little sparkle on their bikini or lingerie? These cute crystal pave charms have the ability to transform a ho hum ‘kini into something spectacular. The charms are many and the prize ideal at only $14.99 each. They are irresitable and addictive. They will have me hanging these cutties anywhere I can. My fav has to be the one seen below. You guess it, I’m going for a sexy look.

 They only use stainless steel on their decorative clasps and every design is unique. Hearts, stars, skulls, and butterflies adorn these uber girly girl gems. They even take custom made orders for precious metals. These adorable jewels were recently features in the Hawaiian Tropic Pageant in St. Martin as well as in Body Magazine & Women’s Surf & Style Magazines.

Ten Minutes with Dani Kates of KanDi Swim

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.

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