ShopFlick

Monah Li

Monah Li

SF: What does your brand stand for?

ML: Romantic, mixed fabric designs, fluid lines, feminine embellishments, richly colored fabric, a mix of textures and loving attention to every seam and detail.

SF: What is the inspiration?

ML: Fashion trends come and go. My aesthetic is about something deeper. Whatever her body type, her age, or her personal style, when a woman tells me that wearing Monah Li makes her feel sexy, confident and unique, then I know I have done my job. What inspires me is inspiring her.

SF: Who are your customers?

ML: It is always exciting to know that my romantic designs of distressed rayon, silk and velvet are a favorite of trend setters and celebrities. But as a working mother who lives in the real world, it is just as much a thrill to know that a woman with a job, kids and a carpool loves my clothes as a young Oscar winning actress. I have never wanted to be just about fashion. Whether she is young or old, waif-like or Ruben-esque, living Malibu, in Missouri or Manhattan – the Monah Li Woman is a woman who loves to wear clothes that make her love being a woman.

SF: What’s new this season?

ML: A) Slipservice- what was once an insider secret, available only to friends- is ready to turn your flea market slip or heirloom night gown into a fabulous and of-the-moment dream-dress? How it works: Send me your favorite vintage slip or nightgown, a picture of you, a quick note to tell me about yourself and how you envision your desired look. I will turn all of this into a stunning, sexy and totally one-of-a-kind Monah Li creation that will forever be in style!

B) The Shawl – your new cardigan!

C) Necklace Scarves

SF: What items are people responding to most?

ML: Slip service, Necklace Scarves and Shawls (worn in place of a cardigan). The big surprise hit is that men are buying my black scarves at Traffic Men

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

ML: Yes- including Ashley Simpson, Miley Cirus and Alana Steward.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

ML: I studied art and fashion in Vienna. My art professors told me to go into fashion. My fashion professors told me to go into art. After making a stir in German Vogue with a line of clothes made from painted silk, I moved to Los Angeles to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After a year spent partying hard in LA, I found myself a guest at the California Department of Corrections. On my release, I was shipped back to Vienna, where my father committed me to a mental institution for nine months of drug rehab. There, a funny thing happened. The psychiatrist running my program wanted to be a fashion designer, and he used the recovering addicts as free labor to sew his collection. He eventually was fired, but I loved the set-up. He had hired a really good pattern-maker and a really good tailor, and these women took me under their wing. They taught me couture. I had a new addiction.

SF: What is your must-have item?

ML: A dress made from your own Vintage slip with a super soft shawl draped over it

SF: What are you wearing right now?

ML: I am wearing a midnight blue slip dress with short sleeves and tiny buttons down the front with a charcoal shawl that’s embellished with fabric flowers, beads and antique lace trim.

SF: Visit Monah Li’s Shopflick Store to see her collection.

Miss Misa Jewelry

Miss Misa

SF: What does your brand stand for?

MM: It stands for diversity, and looking at the world from a new perspective. Many of my products incorporate ideas from other cultures, and I think that is important in today’s globalized world. My brand is also based on who I am as a person, and my everyday experiences, including my fashion taste. When I purchase an item, I like it to be high quality, well priced, and a great find, and that is what Miss Misa is all about.

SF: What is the inspiration?

MM: Miss Misa is influenced by many different things. My latest collection, the Je T’aime Collection, is inspired from French art, which exposes people to a new cultural perspective. However, the next piece coming out, the Emerald Green Owl Ring, is much more inspired from the nature and fauna I saw on my recent trip to Croatia.

SF: Who are your customers?

MM: I have a wide range of customers. My customers range everywhere from the husband purchasing a necklace for wife for his wedding anniversary, to a bride for her bridesmaids gifts. My collection is diverse with many different styles, so it caters to a very large demographic. I like it because I can make more people happy!

SF: What’s new this season?

MM: I believe that bold accessories really make the cut. The new Emerald Green Owl ring is an example of that trend. When I wear my new owl ring around town, everyone always asks me where I bought it, for it makes a bold statement that really completes any outfit. With the current economic state, I also think women will be looking for accessories that they can wear for all occasions, so that they can get more out of what they buy, and also get a great deal that they feel happy about. For this season, I’ve really tried to design my new items around that concept, for it is important that people feel great about their purchase and their sense of style.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

MM: I definitely get many thank you notes regarding the Pink Pansy Necklace. It is such a unique necklace, and looks so great with any outfit. However, the new Emerald Green Owl Ring is currently my best seller, for it is a hip fall accessory and people always love owl jewelry.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

I began my business in my dorm room during my freshman year. However, Miss Misa really became my full time business my junior year, when I began designing the Je T’aime line, and really putting my collection out there. I’ve always loved being creative, and Miss Misa is really the creative outlet in my life.

SF: What is your must-have item?

MM: Besides for the Emerald Green Owl Ring, I really love the Mary and Madeleine necklace for the Fall. It is a great layer necklace, where there are two necklaces in one! I like to wear it almost every day, especially with fun t shirts and form fitting vests.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

MM: Mary and Madeleine necklace and the Emerald Green Owl Ring, I’ve been wearing them almost every day!

SF: Visit Miss Misa’s Shopflick Store to see more! And check back soon to purchase the Emerald Green Owl Ring on Shopflick.

Suburban Riot

Nate Koach

SF: What does your brand stand for?

NK: Endless fun in an otherwise serious world. Organic contemporary-casual for the progressively minded. It’s about putting juxtaposed ideas together to create a fun, topical and mindfully irreverent life.

SF: What is the inspiration?

NK: Eco friendly casual premium apparel that doesn’t scream green, and retails at a mid price point. We’re inspired by those who lead a progressive lifestyle, and know how take neither themselves, nor their fashion too seriously.

SF: Who are your customers?

NK: Boutiques across the country. Bloomingdales. People who purchase from us know how to have fun with their wardrobe without being too clownish.

SF: What’s new this season?

NK: Men & Women’s Organic tees, women’s asymmetrical v-neck tees, men’s and women’s organic lightweight pullovers.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

NK: Our tees. It’s our bread and butter. I have about 50 of them in my closet… And about 6 pairs of trousers. I think most folks (guys anyway), can roll with a whole closet full of tops and just a few good pairs of pants.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

NK: The cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

NK: We thought long and hard about what industry we had the smallest chance of success, the most competition and the ficklest audience. Answer: fashion. Result: we quit our stable high paying jobs, and went to battle for the hearts and minds of the “cool” crowd.

SF: What is your must-have item?

NK: Windstorm tee. Available for women by holiday ‘08. I would also say add a circa 1968 pair of Boca Raton inspired holiday trousers, but we don’t make those yet.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

NK: We wear our tees everyday. I’m wearing one of our first tees because it’s worn in and has some radical stains on it. Given that we’re both male, we only wear the dresses when we’re heading out to the ultimate silverlake hipster parties and we want to make sure we’re keeping it edgy enough.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

NK: If you’re looking for high fashion, don’t come knocking on our door. We are not Karl Lagerfeld minions, we don’t watch Project Runway, and we don’t care about what Gala we’re “seen” at. What folks need for today’s varied fashion trends is a way to create balance for their ensemble. Our pieces offer balance without demanding too much attention.

Edun

Bridget Russo

SF: What does your brand stand for?

BR: Edun is a socially responsible clothing brand that seeks to build sustainable trade in developing areas of the word in particular Africa. Through EDUN and our sister company EDUN-LIVE we work on a daily basis towards this goal. EDUN LIVE is the basic tee shirt brand of EDUN that is made 100% in Africa with African cotton.

SF: What is the inspiration?

BR: The Spring/Summer 2009 collection is a study in the romantic naturalism of the “Origin of the Species” in which EDUN explores the utopian ideal of two cultures merging into one. The romance inherent in European culture is grafted with the vibrancy of tribal Africana – weaving classic fabrics and timeless fits with exotic and striking colors and textures.

This season EDUN focuses on an eclectic mix of refined and edgy styles. Romantic French tailoring and casual, yet elegant lightweight fabrics are complimented by the earthy, exotic natural qualities inherent in old Africa. The majesty of the kingdom of Africa is fused with the artfulness of the French.

SF: Who are your customers?

BR: Our customers are between the ages of 25-40. They are conscious consumers who want to know the story behind the products they buy. At the time they want to look good in their clothes and have a keen sense of style. They are interested in music, fashion and art.

SF: What’s new this season?

BR: This season we are working with some great fabrics, including an organic cotton and tencel, a material made from wood pulp, to create romantic sweaters with peek-a-boo tribal motifs. Silk and satin button up shirts and wrap dresses are accented with zigzag patterns giving an added flare to easy every day pieces.

In addition we have incorporated a new Ethiopian open weave fabric into the spring collection, creating free-flowing pieces with a scarf like feeling. The romantic fabric and fits are augmented with edgy shoulder cut out details and lace like patterns.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

BR: Both programs mentioned above are getting a great response as well as our tee shirt dresses with graphic bold prints and our graphic tee program for men.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

BR: Natalie Portman, Gwenyth Paltrow, Helena Christensen and Christy Turlington are fans.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

BR: I began working in PR on the agency side at Ogan / Dallal Associates and then Paul Wilmot Communications. I then went in-house to Diesel as the PR Director and now I am at EDUN.

SF: What is your must-have item?

BR: That’s tough to say. The organic cotton knitwear program is amazing and the tee shirt dresses are fun and make a bold statement.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

BR: EDUN sage jeans with vintage sweater – I am now living in London and it’s cold!

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

BR: Check out www.edun-live.com

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Check out Edun’s Collection on Shopbop!

Phyl Couture

Jamie Phyl

SF: What does your brand stand for?

JP: Phyl Couture as a brand is feminine, a little flirty and always wearable. It’s pieces you can wear together or mix in with other items in your wardrobe. We pay close attention
to the details in every garment so that each piece is unique on its own.

SF: What is the inspiration?

JP: My inspiration comes from watching the couture shows on the runway, traveling to interesting places and from past seasons I’ve already designed. It’s important to me to stay true to my customer so when something is working, I like to reinvent it – keeping the same idea but adding something new.

SF: Who are your customers?

JP: My customer is generally in her 20s, 30s and 40s, but there are many styles that appeal to older and younger women as well. She shops in higher end boutiques where she can find new designers and loves fashion. She knows how to put clothes together in her own way and is always on the lookout for something original that you won’t see everywhere else.

SF: What’s new this season?

JP: This season I did a very retro collection. I used a heavy weight ponte knit fabric to create dresses, skirts and jackets with oversized fabric covered buttons that are very Jackie O.
For next season I actually added pants and shorts to the collection which I’ve never done. I also incorporated a lot of prints which really makes the collection pop.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

JP: There is a short sleeve ponte dress on the line which is selling like crazy (Briana dress). It’s the kind of dress that is flattering for so many body types and can be worn for so many different things. I think especially now women want items they can get a lot of mileage out of and will last a long time. This dress definitely fits that criterion.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

JP: We’ve been featured in Lucky a few times as well as Daily Candy, WWD, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Venus Zine and more! There will be a lot more features to come, so keep your eye out!

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

P: My grandmother was a fashion designer and my grandfather was a master tailor so I guess it’s in my blood. I went to FIT in New York City to study women’s sportswear and started working at Armani Collezioni when I was 20 years old. After working for a few other companies, I decided to branch out on my own and start Phyl Couture. And I’ve never looked back!

SF: What is your must-have item?

JP: My must-have item has to be the Gabrielle dress. It hits stores this November for Resort and we’ve already sold a ton. I can’t wait to wear it myself! It’s feminine, a little edgy and can be worn by women of all ages – which is exactly what Phyl Couture is all about.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

P: Right now I am wearing sweats since I am home sick . But last night I was wearing the Dana dress which I love. The straps criss-cross in the back and it has a high belted waist. It’s so comfortable and so cute!

F: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

P: Thank you for supporting indie designers and artists! I hope you like the collection! Check out www.phylcouture.com to see more.

iKY Clothing

Eddie Fam

SF: What does your brand stand for?

EF: Social consciousness, philanthropy, giving back, making a global impact, charity, outreach, freedom, equality, style.

SF: What is the inspiration?

EF: iKY Clothing is inspired by those that have dedicated their lives to change the world: Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandella, Ghandi and even Bono from U2. iKY seeks to utilize the brand equity and its celebrity support as a platform to help make a difference by donating proceeds of sales to local and global causes such as the ONE Campaign, Coptic Orphans, OZ Project, Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund, and Susan B. Komen. iKY also features a specialty collection for charitable apparel, Noblesse Oblige in which each piece is tailored to a specific charity and some proceeds of all garment sales are donated respectively.

SF: Who are your customers?

EF: Fashion savvy men and women from ages 18 to 36, socialites, musicians, dj’s, young professionals, college students, athletes, club goers, etc.

SF: What’s new this season?

EF: “American Dream” tee, v-neck, polo and hoody that has MLK Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech imbedded and embroidered in to the garment, “Freedom and Justice” tee, polo, and thermal that features the United Nations “Declaration of Human Rights” on the back of the garment.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

EF: Fans and customers are mostly responding to the graphic tees and thermals as well as the woven button downs with embroidery. People are loving the positive messages on some of the pieces such as “Rock Revival” (tribute to the struggling music industry), “In God We Trust”, “Creed”, and “God Save the District” (featuring the Capitol Building in the graphic design).

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

EF: Duran Duran, David Archuleta, Flo Rida, Big Boi from Outkast, Ferry Corsten (#5 electronic DJ), Darryl “DMC” Mack of Run DMC, Dr. Drew, Tyrese, Quincy Jones and many more.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

EF: My first passion is music. I was working in the music industry with indepent bands, record labels, and concert promoters for several years until one of my best friends from middle school asked me to join his team to start a clothing line based out of Washington, DC. iKY was born in 2004. I have no fashion experience, education or background, however, the transition from music to fashion was organic and made natural sense to me. Both industries go hand and hand. I love what I do. Our goal with iKY is to not just make and sell clothing but to leverage the brand to also provide clothing to those who need it the most.

SF: What is your must-have item?

EF: For me personally, I have a thing for shoes – especially Pumas, Converse and Adidas. In the iKY collection, my favorites are “3 stars”, “American Dream”, “Creed”, “God Save the District” tees and of course the “Basha” tee and thermal which means “King” in Arabic. I created that as a tribute to my Egyptian culture.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

EF: True Religion jeans, a t-shirt, and a Red pair of Adidas.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

EF: iKY will be featured in Rockmond Dunbar’s upcoming “Pastor Brown” movie which will debut at the Sundance Film Festival in winter 2009. Also, iKY will host a charity star-studded fashion show in Washington, DC in November 2008. For all details and to preview the collection, visit www.iKYclothing.com

fiftyseven-thirtythree

James Dawson

SF: What does your brand stand for? / What is the inspiration?

JD: If I’m successful as designer, then my shirts will initiate a dialogue. That’s the main goal. The topic of that dialogue can be varied but that’s the common thread. I work a lot from history. I tend to focus on either events/people that I feel need to be remembered ie. Anna May Wong, the assasination of RFK etc. These designs operate on 2 levels. On a content level there is a small group of people who have very strong attachments to these people/events. On a design level there are people who know nothing about the content and just buy it cuz it looks cool. Let me give you 2 examples. I sold a RFK shirt to a guy who worked for RFK and was at the Ambassador Hotel the night RFK was assassinated, he had a very strong connection to that event. I also sold an Anna May Wong Hoodie to a guy who knew nothing about Anna May Wong. I ran into him a couple of months later and he tells me he was wearing the hoodie in NYC and some guy approach him and started telling him all about Anna May Wong’s life on their train ride. That’s the part about initiating dialogue. Some of our stuff is political, but I wouldn’t say it’s overtly political. I have a shirt of a viet cong woman with a rifle, it’s super popular and I’ve yet to meet anyone offended by it. Personally I think it’s an empowering image, particularly for women. I also use some Japanese images, including one of the War flag of the Imperial Japanese Army combined with image of an innocent schoolgirl. It’s about perspective. We are at War right now, but who defines our enemies? Sixty years ago, the U.S. and Japan were busy trying to annihilate each other, now we are very close allies with a strong admiration for each other. Thirty years ago, an image of a Viet Cong woman with a rifle would cause outrage. Today, our relationship with Vietnam is open and amiable. We should be careful about who we demonize and to what exent. Leaders pit populations against each other by using fear. The fear mongering of the Bush administration lead me to look back at our past enemies to put some perspective on it.

SF: Who are your customers?

JD: Damn. It’s hard to say. It’s not always who I think it would be. I see people wearing our stuff all the time and I’m like, what the f***? It’s cool to see people who you wouldn’t think would like our stuff wearing it. I saw this lady once, she had to be in her 60’s, wearing one of our hoodies, that was kinda dope. I’ve sold “Let Them Eat Cake” shirts to super conservative looking straight girls. It’s all over the place, so I don’t think I can give you a specific answer. We use some historical images and I think sometimes older people have connections to those people or events. Most younger people are responding to the design and sometimes don’t even know what it represents. However, I suspect sooner or later there will be a dialogue about the shirt and then they’ll know.

SF: What’s new this season?

JD: The “X-girlfriend” tee, which is a series of appliqued Polaroids of X-girlfriends in various states of undress, each with a brief description of the X and perhaps where the relationship went wrong. The “Just Married” tee, which is an image of 2 girls making out with cans dangling off their legs (like the cans tied to the back of a wedding limousine) and “just married” spray painted above their heads. I designed this shirt in support of gay marriage. I was listening to NPR after the California Supreme Court overturned the ban on gay marriage. There were all these people calling in who were adamantly against it and calling for a constitutional amendment, claiming it desecrated the sanctity of marriage. It’s ridiculous. I just wanted to give people a way to show some positive support. We also introduced the “Japanese Peace Girl” Tee, this is a burnout tee with a hand stenciled image of a Japanese girl throwin up the Peace sign.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

JD: The X-girlfriend tee gets lots of attention. Keep in mind it has some nudity, so take that for what it’s worth. The Schoolgirl Flag Hoodie is probably our most popular item. We sell out of it all the time. It’s super time consuming to make as each one is hand painted, but I think that’s a part of it’s appeal, what makes it so different.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

JD: We have a bunch of stuff on Battleground Earth, starring Ludacris vs Tommy Lee. It’s on Planet Green TV, I haven’t actually seen it because I don’t have cable but people keep tellin me they’ve seen our shirts on there. Also, we did an Obama shirt that is not part of our line, just a side project to help support Obama. Spike Lee was wearin it at the DNC when he was on CNN.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

JD: I worked as a professional photographer for years. I started making shirts for friends, as presents, just to do something that wasn’t photography. I didn’t know how to screenprint so I made stenciled shirts with spray paint. Later, I got access to a screenprinting studio through Hieroglyphics (The Hip Hop Collective). I knew some folks over there because of my photo work. So I taught myself how to screenprint. I started crankin out shirts in excess of my birthday/christmas present needs. They were all in piles in our office. That’s when Lo was like “this is bullshit, you gotta get rid of some of these shirts”. So she signed us up for the Capsule Design Festival in Hayes Valley. We sold most of what we had, and bada bing, we had a company.

SF: What is your must-have item?

JD: For me personally? I don’t have any must have items. I spend 90% of my time working in t-shirts and old jeans covered in paint. The last thing I actually bought was a tee that says “FEAR IS A LIAR” it’s from unspokn.com. That’s a good shirt.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

JD: It’s saturday, 10am – I’m still in my underwear.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

JD: Ya, just a piece of advice. If you’re thinkin of going to see a movie, avoid anything starring Keanu Reeves…I’m f***** serious.

Signorelli

Meredith Garrett

SF: What does your brand stand for?

MG: Signorelli’s motto is Quality, Comfort and Character – all the artwork is generated in house and are hand drawn artist originals. The line is produced locally, downtown LA, & 95% of Signorelli’s products have a donation attached.

SF: What is the inspiration?

MG: Our collections are inspired by a cause- whether it’s Omni Peace, The Children’s Health Fund or The Environmental Media Association to name a few. The artwork is not a logo made for the charity, but an inspired design to represent their cause and mission.

SF: Who are your customers?

MG: We have a LARGE age range of customers- anywhere from the older, sophisticated buyer who is looking for a casual, comfy tee- but is not willing to sacrifice the fit & quality. And the younger demographic who is drawn to the celebrity affiliation of the line. I find that all age ranges are interested in the charity aspect of the line- it’s perfect for those looking to do their part. Signorelli makes fashion a great way to contribute and stand for a cause.
SF: What’s new this season?

MG: October is breast cancer awareness month and Signorelli has designed a collection of breast cancer tees for Susan G. Komen. Denise Richards will proudly host the launch of the line October 15^th, wearing the Signorelli for Susan G. Komen t-shirt. For the Spring 2009 season we have created a shirt for UNICEF’S Tap Project which helps provide clean water to kids around the world.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

MG: Our basic T is a favorite & a consistent seller because of the great fit and soft fabric. People are responding very well to the breast cancer line, but in general the artwork and charity plays a big role in people’s selection.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

MG: Nicole Richie is currently helping to raise $400,000 for the Children’s Health fund through the sale of Signorelli’s Children’s Health Fund collection. Country Cox, David Arquette, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Aniston and many others have supported our Omni Peace tee. In October Denise Richards will launch the breast cancer collection in stores.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

MG: I’ve always had a strong liking for art. One day I was in a coffee shop and found myself moved by the work of a particular artist on display. I ended up buying all the pieces- then finding him to see if I could buy more! I felt the need to do something with his work & we moved forward with making a t-shirt. I then donated a portion of the proceeds back to the charity of his choice, which was the Surfrider Foundation. This was the beginning of Signorelli- now 3 ½ years later we’ve worked with numerous charities.

SF: What is your must-have item?

MG: Bulky, vintage inspired “Grandma” sweaters

SF: What are you wearing right now?

MG: My staple- T-shirt & jeans. I find since starting the line I tend to put my fashion time & creative energy on the company. I keep it simple and stay comfortable.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

MG: check out our website www.SignorelliLA.com to learn more about the charities we support!

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Purchase your own Signorelli item & make a contribution to one of the many organizations they help support!

Door261

Crevante Proctor

SF: What does your brand stand for?

CP: The line is a blend of modern sophistication, individuality and forward thinking brought to life by merging street and fine art through three original characters: Smasher, Rabbit J, and Arcade. Each character has a story that infuses energy from pop culture, video gaming and the world of toys, giving appeal to both fashionable youth as well as hip trendsetters. Ultimately, the brand represents unique artistry, comfortable fit and carefully crafted quality.

SF: What is the inspiration?

CP: As founder of the brand, Yvonne Lu wanted to blend the energies from pop culture with the cultural influences of her native Shanghai and her love of fashion cultivated in the fashion capital of the world, New York. Yvonne’s passion for blending her love of video games and sophisticated playfulness brought to light her vision for Door261.

SF: Who are your customers?

CP: As part of our recent launch, we’re just starting to place orders with high-end boutiques such as Fred Segal, Jacqueline Jarrot and other similar upscale retailers.

SF: What’s new this season?

CP: This is our first collection, so we’re showcasing the three original characters in an eclectic line of comfortable-fitting hoodies for men and women made from signature cotton fleece with full-zip fronts, lined hoods, hand-stitched designs and lightly distressed for a vintage look. Each character screen has a crystal option. The line also includes tank tops for women with intense crystal embellishments, tee shirts for men, and sweatpants & sweatshorts for women, with the characters and hand stitching designs infused throughout these product offerings.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

CP: Hoodies with crystals as well as our tank tops for women with crystal designs.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

CP: Yes, we have a great PR partnership which has done a tremendous job of getting product placement on some of the most recognizable celebs in Hollywood today, including Hayden Panettiere, Julianne Hough and others. Shia Labeouf, Lindsay Lohan, David Beckham, Ludacris and Kim Kardashian are other names who have worn our brand.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

CP: Yvonne attended Parsons School of Design in New York and has operated a leading Italian kid’s apparel showroom business (which has over 28 retail store locations throughout Asia) for several years. In addition, she has worked and developed great relationships with Chinese manufacturers for close to ten years now. Her partner, Dustin Huffine, has extensive experience in both branded and private label apparel businesses, most significantly as an executive with Joe’s Jeans, the L.A.-based publicly traded premium denim company.

SF: What is your must-have item?

CP: The must-have item is Arcade Swarwovski Crystal hoodie worn by Hayden Panettiere.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

CP: Yvonne is wearing the navy blue Monkey hoodie inspired by her ex- boyfriend.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

CP: Check out our website, visit our new retail partners, experience Door261 and watch our brand evolve!

Crooked Monkey

Micha Weinblatt

SF: What does your brand stand for?

MW: Crooked Monkey is about fun. We strive to put smiles on people’s faces by providing them with funny t-shirts. At the end of the day, the goal of Crooked Monkey is to remind people how awesome College is/was and bring people back to their glory days.

SF: What is the inspiration?

MW: College students, the college lifestyle. We try and take the best four years of a person’s life and express it through soft, vintage style tees. Its college-inspired humor, and college kids are who we aim to please.

SF: Who are your customers?

MW: The college student, obviously. But we also recognize that guys and gals who are just about to enter college, and who just left college, have a strong bond with Crooked Monkey as well.

SF: What’s new this season?

MW: We’re introducing a line of hoodies, flannels, and sweat pants. We also just secured collegiate licenses so look out for Crooked Monkey’s irreverence to hit the college mascot scene in a big way. And like always, count on us for hilarious, humor graphic tees.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

MW: For girls our environmental and political screens have been doing really well. For the guys our classic humor t-shirts have been very strong this season.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

MW: Yup. Miley Cyrus wore our “Waking Up is Hard to Do” shirt on her video blog, The Miley and Mandy Show.

Also, Silas on “Weeds” wore our “I’m not a Gardener, I Just like Hoes”.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

MW: We started at a bar in College Park on May 5, 2005. That was our launch party and the rest is history. Our first big account was National Jean Company in Long Island, and we’ve never looked back.

SF: What is your must-have item?

MW: Scarves. They’re functional when it gets cold outside and they can dress up a t-shirt or dress down a cute dress. They’re the absolute best day-to-night staple.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

MW: Plaid. I can’t get enough of it for fall. And Crooked Monkey tees, of course. They’re perfect for day time – comfortable, effortless, and chic. Not to mention the wearer of a funny t-shirt always gets a ton of attention.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

MW: Keep checking our webiste for our newest t-shirts. We produce t-shirts like its our job, so we’re always coming out with new hilarious stuff for you guys. And if you have any questions or comments, email me at: micha@crookedmonkey.com

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Check out the T-shirt Miley wore- “Waking Up is Hard to Do” available on Shopflick

MAISON BIBLIOTHEQUE

Isaac Bauman

SF: What does your brand stand for?

IB: MAISON BIBLIOTHEQUE STANDS FOR “LUXURY PRODUCTS AT THERE BEST!” THE BEST IN DENIM, LEATHER AND OTHER LUXURY GOODS… WE ARED FOCUSED AT MAKING THE BEST OF THE BEST IN EACH CATEGORY AT THE SAME PRICES AS OUR COMPETITION…

SF: What is the inspiration?

IB: WE ARE INSPIRED BY KNOWLEDGE… THE KNOWLEDGE THAT COMES FROM “BOOKS” AND OTHER WALKS OF LIFE… MAISON BIBLIOTHEQUE BESPEAKS THESE TWO IDEALS NOT ONLY THROUGH THE PRODUCT BUT ALSO THROUGH IT’S PRESENTATION. FOR MAISON BIBLIOTHEQUE, PRODUCT AND PACKAGING ARE THE 2 OF THE ESSENTIAL KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL BRAND AND HOW IT’S REPRESENTED AT RETAIL..

SF: Who are your customers?

IB: OUR CUSTOMERS Are PEOPLE WHO LOVE PRODUCT… PEOPLE WHO LOVE PRODUCTS THAT SPEAKS TO THEIR SENSIBILITY and lifestyle.

SF: What’s new this season?

IB:

1) vintage “paper” leathers
2) 3 dimensional denim washes
3) vintage “redoux”
4) vintage leather sneakers
5) plaid “wired” anorak

SF: What items are people responding to most?

IB:

1) vintage “paper” leather
2) the “black leather Collection”
3) 3 d denim washes
4) vintage leather sneakers
5) plaid “wired” anorak

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

B: Yes – check out the video at www.current.com (search maison bibliotheque)

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

IB: I worked/designed with:

- steve miska @ generra sportswear/ miska design
- marithe and francois girbaud paris
- david chu @ nautica jeans co
- john varvatos @ nautica jeans
- earl jeans co.

SF: What is your must-have item?

IB: denim: “hitch hiker” tie dyed black wash

SF: What are you wearing right now?

IB: maison bibliotheque : crazy 8 wash

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

IB: obama is the real deal….peace

Antic Clothing

Isaac Bauman

SF: What does your brand stand for?

IB: i don’t know but that is what makes it fun. it’s about life being ridiculous and not serious all the time.

SF: What is the inspiration?

IB: life. i need to draw to deal with life. i need to make money to eat and we sell the drawings on tees to make money.

SF: Who are your customers?

IB: people who aren’t sold on clothing by image but are draw to it by imagery/content. anyone who is drawn to the message being said on any given shirt. each shirt is drastically different.

SF: What’s new this season?

IB: new art. new drawings. for the public… everything. its never been released on this scale before

SF: What items are people responding to most?

IB: the fact i have an interesting mind and way of displaying it in a sketched out form. they just identify with it.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

IB: i don’t know and kind of don’t care

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

IB: uh it’s just been a dream and i just started making the clothes and showed up for life. aka gorilla warfare

SF: What is your must-have item?

well, if you own a item you will receive so much interest you will need to have another, so you must have one!

SF: What are you wearing right now?

IB: a pair of messy painted on pants, and a friends tee from their company here in portland oregon

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

IB: i think this is way to formal for who i really am. typed words cannot encompass a human very well.

Stacia

Stacy Johnson

SF: What does your brand stand for?

SJ: Stacia epitomizes the California beach lifestyle with its light-weight knits perfect for layering and in vibrant colors inspired by nature. Each knit is easy to wear, whether it’s thrown over a bathing suit or just putting on a sleek little dress and feeling put-together. Each space-dyed sweater and dress is in a one-of-kind pattern created by this old-school dyeing technique to give each garment its unique look.

SF: What is the inspiration/What’s new this season?

SJ: The Spring/Summer ‘09 collection is comprised of 4 groups, each with their own inspiration. Our first Spring group, in our signature bamboo yarn, was inspired by Palm Springs in the 50’s and 60’s with colors inspired by mid-century architects and what a woman might be wearing poolside in this desert oasis. Group two is called Cameo and the colors and silhouettes are more feminine and structured with braiding details, delicate ruching, and a 1950’s Mad Men inspired Spring coat. Group three is called Bird of Paradise and the colors are super vibrant and reminiscent of a tropical rain forest with matte/shine detailing. And finally for Summer, we have the Seascape group in a cotton/seacell (seaweed-based yarn) with sun-bleached colors and sportier detailing for lazy days at the beach.

SF: Who are your customers?

SJ: My customer ranges from teenagers to 20-something to working moms to grandmothers. There’s no age barrier at Stacia. My comfortable, wearable knits are favored by women who are on the go, but still want to look put-together and at ease.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

SJ: We always do well with our signature hoodie and beach tunics, always updated and in new vibrant colors each season. Our customers are loving our eco-friendly yarns in bamboo, bamboo/cotton, and cotton/seaweed. They always respond to our super-soft fabrics, it’s washable quality, and our vibrant spacedye palettes. We’ve also introduced some solids with space dyed trim so stores can merchandise back to their spacedye knits.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

SJ: Some fans of Stacia knits include Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore, Jennifer Gardner, Shannen Doherty, Cara Buono, and Kristen Bell.

How did you get started in the industry?

SJ: After graduating from Parsons School of Design, I worked for Calvin Klein, J.Crew, and Cynthia Rowley. In 1998 I opened my own boutique, Stacia New York, on Brooklyn’s Smith Street where I developed my full-on collection of pants, dresses, skirts, and sweaters in an attached studio and sold directly to my customer. I launched my online store in 1999 and have been selling online ever since (www.shopstacia.com). After having my first child in 2004, I re-assessed and moved to Santa Monica. I chose a niche product line, knitwear, to launch my wholesale business. Knitwear had always been the best-selling category in my shop so I decided to focus on sweaters. By accident, I developed this space-dye technique and t-shirt weight yarn, which was perfect for my new California beach lifestyle.

SF: What is your must-have item?

SJ: For Fall, a cowl-neck sweater in a textured bamboo knit will look great with a skinny pant or a pencil skirt. A cozy sweater coat (we did one in merino wool this season) that looks great over jeans. A light-weight bamboo/cotton cocoon that you can wrap yourself up in. And any of my beach hoodies – they’re the perfect throw-on to make this working mom feel comfortable but still look chic.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

SJ: Level 99 wide-leg jeans, a Stacia bamboo knit top, bronze Cynthia Vincent sandals, and my favorite gold Hawaiian ‘maile’ leaf necklace that belonged to my Mom.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

SJ: All of my designs can be viewed and purchased on my web site at www.shopstacia.com. I also write a ‘designer’s diary’ blog too, www.fashionflock.blogspot.com, that keeps my customers up to date on my design process, my inspiration, and my fashion observations.

WRATH ARCANE

Sean Bilovecky

SF: What does your brand stand for?

SB: We feel that equal importance should be placed on design and where (and how) the garments are manufactured. Being based in Cleveland has given us a unique perspective on the manufacturing side of the apparel industry. Cleveland used to be the second biggest garment producing city in the country until the 1950’s… now there is nothing. Outsourcing and “racing to the bottom” have brought the number of garment factories in Cleveland to zero. So it is very important to us to have everything made in the US.

SF: What is the inspiration?

SB: Our inspiration doesn’t really come from trends or fads. We develop each new season based on our collection the season before. We are always trying to push our brand and develop details that are specific to WRATH ARCANE.

SF: Who are your customers?

SB: Our customers are extrememly varied. There have been 16 year olds who bought WRATH ARCANE and there have been 65 year olds who love the line and buy a bunch of it.

SF: What’s new this season?

SB: SPRING 09 is our first time really playing with color. In the past we have been primarily black, gray, and white… but now we have a lot of color. Also, we have started developing our own denim washes as well as perforating some of our fabrics.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

SB: Our biggest seller for FALL 08 has been our “WRECKOVER HOODIE”. It’s a double breasted hoodie that has sold out in nearly every account we have. For SPRING 09 it’s going to be our black waxed cotton jean jacket with perforated sleeves.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

SB: We get emails all the time from bands, actors, etc., asking for free stuff. But i figure if they are rich and famous, then they can afford to go to one of our accounts and buy it.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

SB: Brian has been in retail for a long time. He realized that he had built a network of people that would really help starting a line… and make it possible. So we started making limited runs for his store in Cleveland (www.clothingbrigade.com). Since then we have expanded to be a global brand.

SF: What is your must-have item?

SB: For FALL 08, it’s either the WRECKOVER HOODIE, or the CASTRO JACKET, which is a waxed cotton trench. It’s sick!

SF: What are you wearing right now?

SB: Whatever my fat ass will fit into. Being from Cleveland makes a lot of beer and pizza happen.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

SB: Support products that are made in the USA!

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Buy this hoodie or check out additional Wrath Arcane goods HERE

EOS New York

Mukul Lalchandani

SF: What does your brand stand for?

ML: EOS New York is a fashion accessories brand inspired by New York’s street life and culture. We take materials and styles not typically seen in watch design and implement it. We are at the forefront of accessories design and we pride ourselves in our cutting edge products.

SF: What is the inspiration?

ML: New York city lifestyle. From daytime to nightlife.

SF: Who are your customers?

ML: Young fashionistas that are looking for an alternative accessory to complete their look. Someone that is looking for an individual style that is not mass-market.

SF: What’s new this season?

ML: Strong, bright colors. Retro, Digital.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

ML: Unique funky styles that are the “IT” colors and shapes for the season.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

ML: Yup, Samuel L Jackson, The crew of Heros and Reno 911. Tila Tequila to name a few.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

ML: I always had a passion for contemporary design. My family had been in the watch industry for as long as I can remember, so one day I decided to start a brand that fused my passion for well design products and innovate it into a niche fashion brand.

SF: What is your must-have item?

ML: Accessories! Any and all. I like to discover unique accessories that complete my look. During the day I have to have my designer shades, and at night I like to accessorize with an oversized necklace or other men’s jewelry.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

ML: “EOS heart NY” t-shirt, black Reiss jeans, black pointed shoes, black diesel eagle claw necklace and a black bracelet made by a small family from Africa. Hmm that’s a lot of black.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

ML: Take a chance on accessories. I see a lot of people scared to try on a new look, but you would be amazed what a different shaped hat, or a pair of sunglasses can do to your overall style. It can give you a fresh look every time and can give you a lot of confidence.

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Buy this watch or check out additional EOS goods HERE