Fashion Designer | ASTONISHWorld

Jonathan Simkhai F/W 2013

| Fashion Show
March 6, 2013

Jonathan Simkhai Fall/Winter 2013 Collection
MILK Studios, New York Fashion Week
Written by Nicole Wong

A native New Yorker, Jonathan Simkhai has always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer since he was 14. His dream came true after attending Parsons and FIT for fashion design. But his success was not without any hard work or determination. Starting out as an assistant, he eventually honed his skills to become a buyer at Havana Jeans, a clothing store in Scarsdale 8 years ago. Not only has he become a successful luxury womens apparel designer, he has also become a member of the CFDA incubator program for the next generation of fashion designers in New York City.

Since Jonathan Simkhai first launched his collection in 2010, his signature look of androgyny mixed with an eclectic style of avant-garde and casual chic has won the hearts of women around the world. In such a short time, Jonathan Simkhai has already dressed Twilight actress Kristin Stewart and Glee’s Jenna Ushkowitz. He hopes to dress First Lady Michelle Obama one day, and even named one of his pieces after the First Lady. His latest New York Fall/Winter collection has once again a subtle masculinity that is softened with a feminine silhouette by introducing peplums and circle skirts in his designs. Dominating this season’s ready-to-wear colors are black, white and teal, but Simkhai loves to surprise with the occasional mustard and deep maroon. His eclectic offerings of separates such as great quilted bomber jackets, T-shirts, and soft, boxy pants has an early 80s vibe that is inspired by ska geometric patterns, graphical prints, and structural menswear. Just like Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Simkhai loves his women to look strong and independent without losing the feminine touch.

For more of Jonathan Simkhai, visit http://jonathansimkhai.com.
Ostwald Helgason F/W 2013

| Fashion Show
February 26, 2013

Ostwald Helgason Fall/Winter 2013
New York Fashion Week – MILK Studios
Written by Samantha Wright

Right product, right place, right rice, right time. I was taught this concept in school and it seems to (finally) have real world application for real world designer duo Susanne Ostwald and Ingvar Helgason based out of London, England. Having struggled to make a name for their brand for many seasons, they have finally broken into the American market, which at first seemed too intimidating to penetrate. As of late, the brand has zeroed in on whom they are marketing to (Americans!) and for what price point (accessible instead of designer). One thing Ostwald Helgason has never wavered on is the product. This season’s presentation at Milk Studios features the loveliest assortment of brocades, tweeds, and prints. Their design aesthetic is most definitely a buttoned up school boy styled for women. The school boy collection is intermingled with true touches of femininity in the form of stunning brocade mini dresses and bold printed pencil skirts. They remain on trend with their color blocked dress in rich oxblood and navy while also featuring a graphic sweater, which is also a huge trend for the upcoming season. The Ostwald Helgason look is very Hitchcock girl meets London school boy and I cannot get enough of it! Which brings me to my next question: when will it be available locally?
Carmen Marc Valvo F/W 2013

| Feature
February 16, 2013

Carmen Marc Valvo Fall/Winter 2013
Written by Samantha Wright

Carmen Marc Valvo is an ambitious designer with his fingers in almost every fashion pie imaginable. He began his career as a designer working under Nina Ricci and Christian Dior yet quickly determined that pursuing his own label was his real passion. In 1989 CMV began his eponymous line of womens sportswear and evening gowns. Almost immediately, CMV received interest from major department stores allowing his label to take off. Since then, he has not only dressed almost every major celeb from Beyoncé to Kate Winslet, but also expanded his brand to include everything from swimwear to sunglasses. His latest endeavor? Fab footwear. Rather than having his models strut the runway in any old shoe, CMV took on the challenge of designing and creating shoes to complement his clothing. This “punk, baroque” collection features deep, saturated hues of burgundy and black. The clothes are racy with peek-a-boo lace detailing and luxurious, with yummy furs and shoes to match that feminine aesthetic. They are patent black and pointy-toed; bringing an added sex appeal to his recent collection as well as another platform to his fashion empire.
Interview with Designer Coye Nokes

| Interview
February 2, 2013

Interview with Designer Coye Nokes
Interview by Cara Cerino
Edited by Emily Claeys

When industry convention seems to dictate that women be limited to design or management, it is empowering to see a strong-minded woman take on all aspects of a brand. Flying in the face of unwritten rules, Coye Nokes launched her eponymous line of footwear in 2009. With a background in strategy consultation for European luxury companies, Nokes presents a determination to combine quality workmanship with attractive, modern designs made for the Carrie Bradshaw set. Nokes’ devoted customers are self-assured trendsetters making an impact in the working world. Known for her clean, architecturally designed shoes that pair unusual combinations of materials, Nokes creates pieces that make playful-yet-professional statements of capability and control. As an up-and-coming luxury brand that already has a strong grip on the world market, Coye Nokes offers the perfect aesthetic for metropolitan women who prefer to carve their own niches in the well-worn business world.

In conversation, Nokes told me that she is constantly inspired by the metropolitan street style found in the two cities she splits her time between: New York and London. With her customers as her muse, Nokes has established a self-replenishing cycle of design that ensures freshness and excitement in her work. Her immediate boutique success may be explained by shrewd corporate intuition and a genuine love of footwear—qualities that have helped her brand stand out among less conceptualized luxury lines.

Nokes thoroughly researches materials, drawing from artistic and architectural influences. Her dedication to combining unique materials—sumptuous fabrics, suedes, feathers, sequins—adds dimension and depth to her designs. Nokes’ choices effectively act as a fashion barometer for upcoming seasons. Evolving the brand with every new collection, she refuses to let her designs become stale.

Nokes keeps a fascinating scrapbook-style blog of influences on her site, coyenokes.com. With a firm base in modern architecture as her template, Nokes uses her blog (“Journal”) to delve deeper into her strong and sometimes unconventional sense of aesthetics. Nokes keeps seasonal motivations at arm’s length—never straying from her brand’s core, but allowing interesting themes to penetrate pieces throughout her collections.

Nokes’ passion for finding inspiration in her customers and her readiness to broadcast seasonal influences to a virtual public indicate that feedback is essential to her process. She embraces the age of digital accessibility for the betterment of her brand, while giving consumers the ability to make a personal connection with her concepts and ideas. This permission and encouragement of growth is also reflected in Nokes’ philanthropy. The company supports several non-profits that focus on female liberation and self-exploration.

Nokes shows no sign of ebbing into irrelevance, with plans to expand the line and embark on new ventures soon. Already well-known to intrepid fashionistas and acclaimed by critics, Coye Nokes has the substance to succeed that most buzz brands lack.

For more of Coye Nokes, visit http://www.coyenokes.com/
Member Spotlight: Catherine So

| Member Spotlight
December 11, 2012

Member Spotlight: Stylist Catherine So

Our member spotlight of the week is stylist Catherine So. Originally from Hong Kong, this recent graduate from the Academy of Art University caught the eyes of ASTONISH editors for her dark romantic themes in her styling portfolio. Catherine is also a fashion designer, and definitely someone to watch out for next year.

Photographer: Jen Miyako McGowan, Designer: Zangchi Wang, Academy of Art University

ASTONISH: How did you get started with styling?

CATHERINE: Originally my main focus is fashion design. However, I started taking an intro class on styling at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco during the Fall of 2011. I love looking at beautiful, dark romantic editorials and learning about the history of fashion. This inspired me to become a stylist because I want to tell people what beauty is from my point of view.

Photographer: Jen Miyako McGowan

ASTONISH: What do you love most about styling?

CATHERINE: I love how styling becomes a way to express or represent myself. I enjoy each process of my styling productions because everything becomes real from my visualizations.

Photographer: Yifei Gu, Academy of Art University

ASTONISH: How would you describe your own personal style?

CATHERINE: “Dark romance” perfectly describes my style. A long black dress with transparency or lace is what I always love to wear everyday.

Photographer: Jeffry Raposas, Academy of Art University

ASTONISH: What is your dream styling project?

CATHERINE: My dream styling project would be styling for my own designs, as I am also a fashion design graduate. I would love my designs on famous high fashion models in Europe. Also, someday I would love to style for Alexander McQueen and Valentino.

Photographer: Jen Miyako McGowan

Register Now to connect with Catherine and the rest of the ASTONISHWorld members!