Fashion & Art

  1. 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

    Jonathan Simkhai Fall Winter 2013 Collection MILK Studios-1913

    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.

    Jonathan Simkhai Fall Winter 2013 Collection MILK Studios-1907

    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.

    Jonathan Simkhai Fall Winter 2013 Collection MILK Studios-1921

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    Jonathan Simkhai Fall Winter 2013 Collection MILK Studios-1914

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    Jonathan Simkhai Fall Winter 2013 Collection MILK Studios-1899

    For more of Jonathan Simkhai, visit http://jonathansimkhai.com.

     

  2. The Ann Yee Collection

    | Interview
    November 21, 2012

    Ann Yee Collection
    Interview by Chelsea McCoy
    Edited by Emily Claeys
    Photos by Stephen Wilson

    “My customer loves and appreciates fashion, but never takes it too seriously. She appreciates trips to the flea market and laughs a lot.”

    Pairing her collection’s fall/winter looks with loosely laced black military boots and tall socks, Ann Yee is the practical fashionista’s dream designer. The Ann Yee Collection‘s cool, urban comfort is yielded from an equation of draping, layering, and large knitwear factor. The brand’s “refined nonchalance” not only makes the pieces entirely transitional, easily becoming the go-to items in your closet. It’s easy to see why Nylon Blog wrote, “Ann Yee creates knits we’re nutty for.”

    Yee’s craftsmanship with knitwear and design comes from working for various labels and retailers – including Elizabeth and James, Alice+Olivia, DUFFY, Barney’s, and Bloomingdale’s  – after graduating from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science with a BS in Fashion in 2004.

    The Ann Yee Collection has been featured on numerous style sites and in publications such as WWD, Paper Magazine, and Vogue Italia. Shop the pieces at ofakindcollections.com.

    ASTONISH: How did you decide to pursue your dream?

    ANN: With the encouragement of friends and family!

    ASTONISH: When did you feel you were finally making it?

    ANN: I’m still waiting for that moment. I don’t necessarily feel like I’ve “made it” just yet…

    ASTONISH: What is your latest inspiration?

    ANN: Black Mountain College and Appalachian vibes.

    ASTONISH: What is your work mantra?

    ANN: Just do it.

    ASTONISH: What does your creative process look like?

    ANN: Organized chaos.

    ASTONISH: What designers do you admire? 

    ANN: Vintage Yves Saint Laurent – the perfect execution of tailoring and androgyny. Madame Gres – breathtaking drapery. Hussein Chalayan – the way he has merged technology with fashion is incredible.

    ASTONISH: Who is your ideal customer?

    ANN: A woman who thrives in an urban environment. She loves and appreciates fashion, but never takes it too seriously. She appreciates trips to the flea market and laughs a lot.

    ASTONISH: If you could have anyone wear your clothing, who would it be?  

    ANN: Carine Roitfeld

    ASTONISH: What has been the best part of your career so far?

    ANN: Meeting so many generous people who are always willing to lend a hand.

     

     

  3. Inside the World of W118 by Walter Baker

    | Blog
    October 10, 2012

    Now that the New York Fashion Week craziness has ended, ASTONISH fashion editor Minami Takashima and photographer David Geffin paid a visit to the W118 by Walter Baker Showroom in New York City. Minami took notes of the latest collections while David snapped some shots. Here’s an inside look at the W118 by Walter Baker Showroom. (Our verdict: We’re totally in love with the latest resort and spring collections – the pieces are simply amazing!)

    About Walter Baker: While working in finance, Walter Baker’s creative spirit spurred him to pursue a career in fashion. In 1991, Baker finally launched his first label ever, WALTER, which was a collection of tough yet tender jackets and flirty feminine dresses with innovative detailing. Now, Walter Baker has expanded his brands as a global lifestyle brand that includes a wide range of apparel, handbags, and accessories. Walter believes confidence and style are the common threads connecting women all around the world – and they forever inspire him

     

  4. Q&A with “Pin Ups” Designers Anthony Maxwell and David Von Kittelberger

    | Feature
    September 3, 2012

    FROM BERGDORF GOODMAN TO BEYONCÉ AND BACK TO BENDEL:
    Q & A with “Pin Ups” designers Anthony Maxwell and David Von Kittelberger

    Written by Kristen Saladin Irby
    Edited by Emily Claeys


    NEW YORK CITY – After their extraordinarily successful trunk show this summer at Henri Bendel, New York accessory designers Anthony Maxwell and David Von Kittelberger are once again packing their trunks and heading back to the upscale Fifth Avenue specialty store to present their Fall Pin Ups collection. Pin Ups is a hair and accessories collection characterized by a multitude of elegant shapes and vibrant colors inspired by the pin-up girls of the 1940s and 50s.  The Pin Ups collection is a dazzling fusion of the opulent glamour of yesteryear and contemporary sex appeal – essential accessories for the audacious fashion maven.

    To access the complete article and view all of the stunning images, please sign in. Not a member yet? It’s easy to join ASTONISHWorld!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  5. Video: Designer Ronnie Escalante

    | Video
    July 17, 2012

    Video Interview with Designer Ronnie Escalante
    Location: Social Study, San Francisco.
    Director: Ramind Lee.
    Producer: Xinxin Liu.

    To access the complete article and view all of the stunning images, please sign in. Not a member yet? It’s easy to join ASTONISHWorld!