Talk Shop

The Roaring 2013s

Corrine Gasiorowski — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:46:38 +0000

Today is the day: Baz Luhrmann's highly anticipated adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby debuts. To commemorate the occasion,Tiffany & Co. has created two old Hollywood-inspired collections--The Ziegfeld Collection, enough glam to get dolled up but can still be worn with everyday outfits, while The Great Gatsby Collection is for the serious fanatics of the 1920s. These pieces incorporate the diamond and pearl theme that was so common in that era, and can be seen on the big screen worn by the cast. Here’s a few samples of the lovely pieces that we suggest adding to your jewelry box.

AAll items available at Tiffany & Co., Towson Towson Center, 825 Dulaney Valley Rd., 410-583-4721.

(Images courtesy of Tiffany & Co.)

The Great Gatsby Gems You Need

Q&A with Melissa Vap

Hilary Geisbert — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:09:37 +0000

Local milliner, Melissa Vap, shares the story of how her career began, describes the similarities between hats and horses, and tells us where you can pick up one of her wonderful designs.

Q: How did your millinery career begin?

My grandmother taught me how to sew when I was a little girl. I worked on Wall Street and used to walk home in the evening. I studied all the window displays at Saks and Bergdorf’s and along Madison Avenue. I love fashion!

I began designing hats a couple of years ago. I had been invited to a wedding in France, and there wasn’t much of a selection in New York. I had to have one—but I had to wait to get to Paris to find one—at the last minute.

At the wedding, I fell in love with the hats. As each French woman moved around the room, it became obvious that her hat revealed her personality. The excitement and the confidence were real—as was the fun.

After that wedding, I made my first hat.

Tombé noir ($620)

Q: Where are your hats available to purchase?

I ‘m having a trunk show at Sassanova in Baltimore on Saturday, May 11. My hats are currently available at Sassanova. Each season’s new hats can be seen on my website, melissavap.com. I also take private appointments and have sold at other trunk show benefits.

Q: Describe your design style.

Geometry and lines—with a touch of romance.

Q: What's your inspiration for designing for Preakness.

Suivez-moi-jeune-homme…follow me young man.

For the Preakness you need a statement hat. It needs to complement your face and personality. It can be bold or diminutive, but it has to be seductive.

Faille vert ($300)

Q: Why are hats such a strong staple for horse racing events?

Hats are like horse races—they have a long and rich history, and they are a flash of brilliance. They take an every day and make it special.

Relevé rouge ($460)

Q: Describe the construction process of your hats.

Hat making is labor intensive. Each Melissa Vap hat and headpiece is created by hand using traditional millinery tools and techniques and the finest silk, straw, and felt material. Hats are shaped on wooden forms, adorned, and meticulously sewn together.

Q: How do you maintain your aesthetic while changing with the trends in fashion?

It’s all about line and extension. Form and color change with the season.

Pas de deux ($325)

Q: Does Baltimore embrace the use of accessorizing with hats as much as other areas?

Absolutely, the Washington-Baltimore area is full of independent, confident, and fun-loving women who enjoy expressing their personality and individual style. Hats take chutzpah.

Everyone thinks that New York dominates the fashion scene. New York is tall buildings and racing yellow cabs—glitz and grit. The Washington/Baltimore area has sharp grace—grassy lawns and grand monuments, sailboats, and horse paddocks.

Q: What's the ideal look be for Preakness?

There is no ideal—it’s all about the individual!

Local milliner, Melissa Vap, shares the story of how her career began, describes the similarities between hats and horses, and tells us where you can pick up one of her wonderful designs.

Hats Off

Hilary Geisbert — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:41:32 +0000

Everyone knows that a fabulous hat is a must-have for Preakness. Stop by Cupcake in Fells Point on Thursday, May 2 from 6-9 p.m. for the 2nd Annual Pretty for Preakness event hosted by House of Ruth Maryland Young Professionals Group. Hats in the Belfry will be supplying its great selection of Preakness worthy hats, while Cupcake will help you out with the rest of the outfit. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to House of Ruth.

Everyone knows that a fabulous hat is a must-have for Preakness.

Harbor East FashionEASTa Fashion Show Event

Corrine Gasiorowski — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 02:40:43 +0000

The 2nd Annual Harbor East FashionEASTa Fashion Show was a success—great runway show, turnout, and street style.

The theme was definitely statement pieces, while the outfits were well planned as a whole, there was always that one piece that stood out to us.

We also caught up with Jacqueline Easely, the stay-at-home- mother of three, who was making a statement with nearly every piece of her outfit. Here's what we found out about her, the outfit, and what she thinks is the "Baltimore look."

Neighborhood: Columbia, originally from Canton.

Occupation: mother and sales associate at Michael Kors.

What she's wearing: Brian Atwood shoes, gifted necklace, all other pieces Michael Kors.

The one piece she can't live without: "I'll always wear stilettos."

Shopping destinations: The Galleria, White House Black Market, Michael Kors.

What is the Baltimore Look? "Eclectic and funky, Columbia is comfortable; lot's of yoga pants and workout clothes because there are a lot of stay at home moms there."

Why she likes to dress well: "It became important to me after having my kids to express myself. My two girls always compliment me. It's not superficial to feel good about yourself."

I think we can all agree with that.

(Photos by Hilary and Corrine.)

The 2nd Annual Harbor East FashionEASTa Fashion Show was a success—great runway show, turnout, and street style.

J.S. Edwards Turns 30

Hilary Geisbert — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:45:06 +0000

J.S. Edwards, the men's clothing and accessory shop located in Pikesville, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Owners (and husband and wife team) Diane and Edward Steinberg first opened the store's doors at the Hilton Plaza on Reisterstown Road back in the spring of 1983, and moved to its current location (Festival of Woodholme Shopping Center) in 1989. Carrying lines like Zanzella, Canali, Tommy Bahama, and Donald Pliner Shoes, the store has attracted a large clientele including Ravens players, governors, and father and son duos. To celebrate, J.S. Edwards will be hosting several trunk shows over the next few days. See below for details.

Thursday, April 25: Daniel Dolce trunk show from 12-8 p.m. Come meet Havre de Grace native/designer Daniel Dolce, who will be bringing his latest dress shirts, cufflinks, and neckwear.

Friday, April 26: Individualized Custom Shirt trunk show with rep, Mark Thiele. Buy five shirts and get the sixth one free!

Saturday, April 27: Allen Edmonds trunk show with rep, Rusty Ortiz. Save $35 off of any Allen Edmonds shoes when you bring in a pair of gently worn shoes.

Coppley Clothing trunk show with rep, Gasper Tirone. Receive 20 percent off made-to-measure suits, sport coats, tuxedos, and slacks.

The men's clothing and accessory shop located in Pikesville is celebrating its 30th anniversary

Pass the Torch

Derrick — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 23:28:56 +0000

Leanne Hannah, a local freelance illustrator and former Towson University graduate (yay Tigers!), has collaborated with PressBox to create the official "Your Turn" Ravens/Orioles t-shirt. Hannah’s illustration shows a raven and an oriole bird giving each other a "fist-bump," implying the hope of another winning season and ultimately the championship! Symbolically speaking, the Baltimore Ravens are passing the torch to the Orioles. (No pressure!)

You can purchase the tees ($18.95) at the Pressbox store.

For over a decade, Hannah has worked on many projects including her nostalgic yet exuberant design, Blue Milk Special. This web comic (which was voted number 9 on TopWebComics) features parodies of the classic movie, Star Wars, done by her and other artists. More of her designs include comic illustration work for Whatever Happened to Baron Von Shock, Casper and the Spectrals, and Marvel Comics.

If you want to catch up on the latest work by Hannah, join her at the House of Pop Culture in Waldorf, MD on May 4th, the Baltimore Comic-Con on September 7-8th, and the ANS Sci-Fi & Comic-Con on Saturday May 11th. Check out the websites for more information.

I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented designer herself, and here's what she had to say:

What inspired you to design this piece? I know the love of the O's played a big role.

It was a love of both teams that did it, really. I wanted to do a piece like this right after the Ravens won the Super Bowl. I was so proud of the guys and how much heart they showed throughout the playoffs. I've been an Orioles fan since I was little (through the highs and the lows), and after the tremendous season they had last year, I wanted to do something to show the Ravens passing the torch in a way, and extending that momentum to the O's. These last few months have just been an awesome time to be a Baltimore sports fan!

How did you think of the concept of the fist bump?

The 'fist bump' between the birds was actually the very first part of the image that I imagined in my head, but I went back and forth over how to present it. Originally I was going to have the teams' mascots sitting together and fist bumping, but in the end I thought going with actual birds casually perched on a tree branch would be cooler and a little subtler.

I really just did the piece for fun to show my love and support for my teams. I was incredibly surprised when it took off the way it did online.

I've heard that some people were trying to sell counterfeit shirts using your design. How are you handling that?

Unfortunately, when something like this goes viral you're always going to have people out there trying to take advantage. A couple weeks ago I was told that someone had stolen my drawing of the birds, removed the tree branch and my signature, and put them on a t-shirt with the 'Your Turn' slogan. My drawing is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, so my lawyer and I are in the process of sending Cease and Desist letters to the people selling them and trying to profit from my work. Right now it looks like these shirts are primarily being sold at farmers' markets around Baltimore. We're trying to get it taken care of. I appreciate everyone who has written or let me know when and where they have seen these shirts being sold. It helps.

Do you have other designs on the horizon for other teams?

Not at this time, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it!

If you love art like I do and bleed orange and black for the O's, then this is definitely and "win-win" situation. Let's help the Ravens pass the torch to the Orioles so Baltimore can bring home another Championship ring, while also supporting a local artist. (All smiles.)

Leanne Hannah has collaborated with Baltimore PressBox to create the official "Your Turn" Ravens/Orioles t-shirt.

Fashion Events That Just Got Better

Hilary Geisbert — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:35:44 +0000

The second annual FashionEASTa event just announced that one of the models walking the show will be our very own place-kicker/2013 Superbowl Champion, Justin Tucker. It’s not surprising that Tucker would be more than happy to participate in this sort of thing. Aside from his boyish good looks, he’s known to have a thing for nice clothing, suiting in particular. When interviewing him for our January Top Ten page, he told us that his custom-fit navy chalk-stripe three-piece suit (with surgeon cuffs, natch) is up there on the list of things he can't live without. To him, it's “a must-have for travel and game days.”

For those who are fans of the Kimora: House of Fab TV series on Style Network, you’ll be thrilled to learn that the stars of the show, Johnny Anastacio and Lianca Lyons, will be hosting the 2013 Fashion Awards MD. If you haven’t checked out the reality show yet, it basically follows the (more than often) drama-filled lives of Kimora Lee Simmons and her JustFab team. Anastacio, who is known as the “Drama King,” is the company’s graphic designer while Lyons, “The Kimora Whisperer,” holds the senior marketing and photo shoot manager position. Both full of energy and personality, this dynamic duo will be sure to entertain us throughout the night.

You can visit Corrine’s blog post here for more info on both events.

Updates on upcoming fashion events

Truth or Dare?

Derrick — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:24:07 +0000

Atomic Books, celebrating its 21st year, announced on April 1st that they will be expanding and its neighboring pals, d oubledutch Boutique, will be moving to the 1000 block of W. 36th St. in Hampden this coming spring. Atomic Books along with Celebrated Summer will be taking over the entire first floor of the Oddfellows building, located at 3616 Falls Rd., where both businesses will continue to offer a great selection of rare books, art, and records, while also adding a listening station. The blog post also mentioned plans to transform the now office area and accompanying record store into a bar for events and clubs, called “Dead Poets Society,” which would carry its own beer. (Drink up to that.)

Meanwhile, doubledutch will be sharing its new space with a very familiar tenant, Daniel Wylie, owner of the men's boutique, Sixteen Tons. Lesley Jennings (owner of doubledutch and the wife of Wylie) says that they've been looking for a good space that would benefit both businesses. The new home to both shops will be replacing the old Denova furniture store. Jennings also mentioned that in the three level building, she would take over the third floor, while Sixteen Tons occupies the first. However, the two entities will continue to keep their own store names.

Atomic Books announced yesterday on its blog that they played a bit of an April Fool's joke on everyone. Turns out everything is apparently true, except for the name of the bar. Stay tuned for the latest updates about this expansion and other surprises!

Atomic Books, celebrating its 21st year, announced on April 1st that they will be expanding.

BSA Expressions

Hilary Geisbert — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:11:57 +0000

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend the Baltimore School for the Arts Expressions Gala. The annual fundraising event showcases the works of the very talented students ranging from art, music, dance, and theatre.

This year, over $450,000 was raised for the school, which will help with school supplies, summer and college scholarships, and support for its community outreach programs. Co-chairs Molly Shattuck and BSA alumnus Christian Siriano hosted the opening weekend, where Christian showed his Spring 2013 collection in various forms—a runway show (all of the models were BSA students, and did a fabulous job), trunk show, and on Molly herself (she made sure to make several wardrobe changes throughout the night).

While chatting with Christian briefly after the show, he told me that he was leaving for Paris Fashion Week the next day, but enjoyed his visit, saying, “I feel honored to be able to be a part of this event. It was nice to be back at my high school—in a way it feels like I’ve never left.”

(Photos: James Evans)

The fundraising event showcases the works of the very talented students ranging from art, music, dance, and theatre.

Fashion Events You Should Pencil In

Corrine Gasiorowski — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:14:18 +0000

Being in Baltimore, we are fortunate enough that we don't need to travel far to get our fashion fix. Here's a handy round-up of upcoming goings-on in our own backyards!

The MICA Fashion Shows

…They’re coming up just around the corner. The first is in its 20th year as a benefit show for the school. Ex Tempore, will be showing the ways that different generations can affect designs. The event takes place on April 13th at 8 p.m. and is in the Brown Center at 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave.

Proceeds from the event are going to the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Development and tickets are available here or at the MICA store on 1200 W. Mount Royal Ave.

The second show is their R.I.P. V.I.P. show. The whole purpose is to try and tear down those barriers between the “elite” and the general public when it comes to fashion. The designers will be showing pieces geared towards a larger audiences’ accessibility. There will be a showing at 6 p.m. and 9p.m. on April 20th at St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St. You can get those tickets here or at the MICA store on 1200 W. Mount Royal Ave.

The 5th Annual Charm City Fashion Show

Taking place at Mother’s Federal Hill Grille, the show will be featuring original designers and local boutiques such as Brightside Boutique and Art Studio, Christopher Schafer Clothier, Mackr, In the Details, Sixteen Tons, and South Moon Under. Keep an ear out for DJ’s Benny Stixx and James Nasty. Ticket prices vary, and you can buy them here.

A portion of the proceeds for the event will be going to the Believe in Music Foundation and the Woman of the Year Nominee Stephanie Clarkson for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will go on until 1:30 a.m.

Stevenson University’s Fashion Design Program Annual Student Fashion Show

The Fashion Design program at Stevenson University challenges its students to practice design as well as production. The annual fashion show is a chance for the students to showcase their hard work and to get recognized by others in the local fashion community.

The 2013 show, Raw Concepts, is sure to keep the momentum going after just having an installation at New York Fashion Week. That installation was inspired by sustainable clothing and showed at the Manex-France Display Company in the Garment District.

Raw Concepts will begin at 7 p.m. on April 27th in the Inscape Theater on the Greenspring Campus.

Harbor East FashionEASTa Fashion Show

The FashionEASTa fashion show was such a hit last year; it’s back for its second annual showcase. The event begins at 1 p.m. on April 27th between South Exeter and South President Streets. There will be live music by Starcrush until 3 p.m. From 3-6p.m., DJ Jon Boesche of Mix 106.5 will be spinning. From 1-6 p.m., attendees can sample cocktails and lite fare from Harbor East restaurants in a type of fashionable street market on Aliceanna Street. Harbor East retailers will be featuring special promotions and sales throughout the day, so be sure to stop in each of your favorite stores. Retailers and restaurants that will be participating include Handbags in the City, Amaryllis, City Sports, Urban Chic, Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant, Taco Fiesta, Talara, and Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant. The actual fashion show will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital’s Fashion Fever

The Fashion Fever event includes a fashion show and retail opportunities from local vendors. The styles for the show will be provided by A Style Studio and Wee Chic. There will be food and also a silent auction. Fashion Fever will take place on May 5th from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Grand Lodge in Hunt Valley and ALL of the proceeds go to the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital—what better reason to go out and see a fashion show?

Fashion Awards Maryland

Since its creation in the Spring of 2011, the Fashion Awards Maryland has drawn hundreds of attendees in support of statewide talent. The categories are vast, ranging from makeup to photographers. Nominees were chosen for each category from a pool of 11,000 nominees. The general public has the power to vote on who will win each category, so use your voice!

You can find tickets here and check here for a detailed listing of voting specifications.

Awards for the emerging nominees will be announced on May 8th at the Tremont Plaza, located at 225 N. Charles St. A networking portion will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the fashion show and awards ceremony at 8 p.m.

The main category awards will be announced at the Brown Center at MICA, 1301 W. Mt Royal Ave. on June 15th. There will be a Red Carpet Hour beginning at 6 p.m. with VIP arrivals and media interviews. The awards show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Being in Baltimore, we are fortunate enough that we don't need to travel far to get our fashion fix.