If you haven’t heard, it’s my honor to tell you that I have been invited to show a collection at Midwest Fashion Week 2011. Midwest Fashion Week (MFW) began in 2006 when Catou Couture fashion designer Berny Martin, discovered a need for an outlet to allow local, national, and international designers, models, stylists, and photographers to showcase their talents. I’ve designed a new collection for the season and this is an amazing opportunity for me to share it.

I’m looking forward to showing a re-imagined, evolution of my Signature Collection with some smart and highly functional handbags. A handful of entirely new pieces  will round out the showing.

Summer has gone, no time to be sad.

The fall air is also bringing me closer to nature, natural (bold) colors and materials, these things inspire me lately. Structured shapes and refined finishes put a feeling of luxe and lasting quality to the natural materials. While I may find myself going back to the tried and true classics of fall fashion for a look, it’s always a good time for a ‘statement piece’ accessory, especially a handbag.

I’m REALLY excited that I get to show this new season in my hometown of Indianapolis. It means a lot after living outside of Chicago for the last ten years to get to come home and be part of this years show (extra butterflies). I really hope to get a group of friends and relatives to attend (hint, hint). Alas, these next four weeks (and sadly the show as well) will be gone in a flash, so I am going to make this one to remember, I hope you all enjoy it!

I know fall fashion is in full swing but I couldn’t help making one last super bright bag…besides it was for someone who will be taking it on an end of the summer vacation and she specifically asked for “obnoxious yellow” The outer bag shell is constructed with a textured yellow coated fabric so it cleans up easily with mild soap and water. The shoulder straps and chain handles are removable so it can be worn across the body or carried over the shoulder.

I’ve also been experimenting with recycled items and discovered that deconstructed Red Bull cans are an excellent material for creating one of a kind jewelry. All you need are a few embellishments and a bit of vision! I used a fine grit sandpaper to remove most of the original paint and to remove any sharp edges. I treated each piece with a little black enamel paint and then sanded it off in certain areas to give it some texture. I finished them with an enamel gloss and added a few gems and some chain. It’s super light-weight and looks fabulous paired with a plain t-shirt or a dress!

A study in buttery textiles and matte black gems make a bold but subtle statement.

Screened -In Clutch

 

Some Denim Rocks Clutch

It’s been quite a while…I hit a serious creative block after months of burning the midnight oil and the seemingly endless Chicago winter. It was all I could do to keep myself sane! It was one of those blocks when nothing seems to come out right, your fingers are clumsy and your brain feels like it’s going to bleed out of your ears if you have to think too hard. Needless to say I needed a fresh perspective so I took a trip to Puerto Rico to bask in the sun and feel the sand between my toes. When I returned I began to wonder if I had completely killed every creative bone in my body as I still couldn’t stand the sight of my sewing machine and the thought of being trapped indoors was a bit daunting. I spent some time gardening and sure enough I was bitten by the creative bug once again!

Though I have been a lifelong fan of enormous bags I decided to embrace the idea that less is more and make some fun summer clutches. There seems to be so much less stuff to lug around in the sunshine, a pair of shades, lip gloss and some plastic are all a girl needs!

Emerald City Clutch

Clearly Disco Clutch

I really love clear lucite accessories but I wasn’t sure how I would like the idea of a clear handbag. I decided to experiment with two different ideas using black mesh window screen for one and circular mirrored tiles and gems for the other. The idea of being able to see all the contents of your bag with just a hint of privacy is actually pretty user friendly. And they are extra handy if you are out and someone spills a drink on your bag since you can clean it up in a snap with a paper towel. I also loved mine at the pool it compliments most bathing suites and adds that little something special.

As we all know denim is super-hot right now and I do love some jeans but sporting any variation on the  “Canadian Tuxedo” is a big no-no! I guess you could say I like denim as an accent and that goes for for handbags to. Huge denim bags can get tacky but a clutch can compliment your favorite jeans or adds a casual twist when dressing up. My denim design came from a pair of recycled jeans that I treated with a bleach wash and added a distressed screen printed graphic and some over-sized gems. The inside has a spacious pocket and clear ID card holder with Velcro on the inside flap so you can easily flash that ID without hassle.

I found some delicious micro-suede and though suede is often thought of as a fall textile the juicy colors totally remind me of summer. The Emerald City Envelope Clutch is simple and bright…perhaps the perfect bag for your trip down the yellow brick road.

And since function can be fashionable I made a pouch, well clutch, or is it a shoulder bag? Whatever it is it’s very transitional. It assembles or disassembles into three different bags using metal clips. The long strap can be worn over your shoulder or across your body and it comes off completely. You can then transform the bag into a small shoulder bag with the  short chain strap or connect both sides of the short chain strap to one clip and carry it as a wristlet. However you wear it it’s the color of Orange Crush and just as tasty!

The Orange Crush

All four of these bags are one of a kind and will be available tomorrow on my Etsy Shop but I will happily accept additional requests or customizable options just send me an e-mail!

A couple weeks ago I met Ogi Merzier (The Creative Mastermind behind HUSH) at the Garfield Park Conservatory to smell some spring flowers and take a sneak peak at the premier edition of Modern Hush Chicago’s newest magazine! I was holding my breath as I hurried through the snowflakes into what I can only describe as a little piece of heaven. Though I have called Chicago home for the past nine years, I can’t say that I’ve really taken the opportunity to fully explore all that the city has to offer and the conservatory was just such a spot. For those who haven’t been it’s a flower filled tropical sanctuary that can make anyone forget about the sub zero temperatures and mounds of snow outside.

I stepped inside and immediately saw Ogi’s unmistakable smile. We sat down in the atrium near the fountain and went through Hush one page at a time.

Here’s a little more about Hush from Ogi:

“Hush Chicago Magazine REVEALS! We are happy to bring you the talented people of Chicago’s Creative Community! Hush Chicago Magazine takes pride in providing a platform to expose up and coming Photographers, Graphic Artists, Fashion Models, Writers, Fashion Designers and Musicians. Creativity needs an outlet to get to the next level! Hush Chicago Magazine also provides Fashion Lovers with distinct Fashion inspiration by recycling old Fashion Ads and creating unique Fashion & Beauty Editorials to help promote your own sense of style. We know that everyone wants to be “IN the know”! We will reveal Chicago’s Shopping and Dining treasures on our monthly Hush List and much much more! You won’t want to miss this “fashion goodness” each every month! This is a NON-Profit based Magazine! You pay only for the production cost of every issue and shipping. HUSH is Happening!”

For me it was a wonderful chance to meet some amazingly talented people and be a part of creating something new for everyone to discover.

You can order your very own brand spanking new edition of  HUSH hot off the press delivered right to your door!

I met Ogi and Chicago photographer Chris of Nightengale Photography at his studio to make some fashion magic! It was such a great experience to collaborate with other local artists and be a part of bringing their vision to life. Hush Chicago will be a monthly magazine featuring high fashion editorials and expose local talent from our amazing city.

It is scheduled to be released in March, let’s take a sneak peak at what all the screaming is about!

Though I’ve tried my best to keep stay occupied indoors there just isn’t a replacement for day out in the sunshine. So in the spirit of “spring cleaning” it suddenly dawned on me that it was time to give my studio a re-organization! While sorting through the heaps of fabric and drawers and bins of trims, paint and random bits of costume jewelry I realized that my collection of odds and ends, though neatly labeled and tucked away was threatening to consume me. So I made a resolution not to purchase any unnecessary items until I have used at least half of what I have already collected.

My obsession unfortunately is not limited to just handbags, it’s jewelry, and shoes and headbands, wrist cuffs…who am I kidding? it’s all of it and clothes! So here is a peek into some fun DIY Fashionjenn Accessories I’ve been working on:

Layered Pinky Necklace

This necklace was made with several pieces of chain I had left over from handbags and a vintage rhinestone bracelet. The charms were made using some scraps of the heavy duty coated nylon that I use to line my handbags. (I discovered that it makes a wonderful base for beads and crystals, it’s smooth against the skin and the edges don’t fray!) I added some black tulle and a few sequins and pink plastic gems.

Sculpted Black Rosette Collar

Lavish Peacock Neck Plate

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Beaded collars are one of my absolute favorite accessories, they can make even a plain white t-shirt look stunning. And when paired with that simple black cocktail dress stuffed away in the back of your closet it’s a wonderful way to get a whole new look with a simple piece of jewelry.

The sculpted black collar was made using the black coated nylon, it’s lightweight and very comfortable to wear and is embellished with sculpted rosettes, black sew-on gems and lots and lots sequins.

The peacock neck plate is covered with feathers,tulle, gems, beads and sequins. It’s also very lightweight and looks so lucious with a simple strapless dress or low v-neck tee.

Gem & Snakeskin Necklace

This piece was made from a leftover scrap of snakeskin printed leather, I was drawn to the shape of the scrap and added a vintage rhinestone bracelet that was missing part of it’s clasp, a few sew on gems in a pewter color and a few other bits to add some sparkle. The connecting pieces are a vintage necklace and some left over chain which adds just a little extra element of interest.

I’m not even a quarter of the way through my pile of leftovers…but hey, it’s a start!

Photography by: Kevin Ramos

Lights, Camera...

October 16th marked the conclusion of Naperville Fashion Week with a finale runway show at Hotel Arista featuring Fashionjenn Handbags, Anna Fong’s Spring Collection and local Naperville boutiques including Twist (one of my personal favorites)

In it’s second year running, Kristy Brezinsky and Kristen Frederick of Two K Productions have aimed to bring together both local designers and area businesses to create a fashion forward event, the likes of which truly brings a new focus to the Chicagoland suburbs.

Photography by Kevin Ramos

Photography by Kevin Ramos

Photography by Kevin Ramos

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The weeks and months leading up to the show were blur of activity being covered from head to toe in paint, lacquer and saw dust as I put the finishing touches on each bag for my official launch. I showed eight pieces, the five bags from my “Signature Collection” and three brand new pieces from my new “Tarttella Collection.” The Signature Collection embodies clean lines and shapes with shimmering textiles, natural wood handles and carved medallions with Genuine Swarovski Crystal embellishments. They are meant to compliment both a spring and fall wardrobe with a neutral color palate and easily transition from a day to evening.

The Tartella Collection is a very bold rocker inspired series for those who relish in a bag that makes a distinctive statement. Though they are as practical for daily use as any of my other designs the studded shoulder straps, chains and rugged deconstructed look are meant to be the bags that get you noticed!

I styled each in the girls in a black asymmetrical off the shoulder mini-dress with coordinating leggings that would compliment the look of each bag. The jewelry was a combination of a piece I made and the beautiful work of Lori Greenburg who custom made four pieces for me to use.

Frank Gironda Salon & Spa did all the hair and makeup for the show and created just the right look with soft wavy feminine curls, sweet shimmering faces and lucious lashes. I also much mention Kevin Ramos, of Kevin Ramos Photography who did an outstanding job capturing every detail of the evening, and was gracious enough to contact me after the show to share photos.

It was truly a wonderful experience to be able to meet so many wonderful people and participate in an event that strives to connect local businesses and designers alike.

I am very happy to announce that Fashionjenn Handbags will be participating in Naperville Fashion Week this October 12-16th! I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kristy Brezinsky and Kristen Frederick the dynamic duo of Two K Productions who are the masterminds behind the event. Two K. Productions specializes in dynamic fashion events from the intimate and informal to a truly lavish affair, they can customize every aspect of the occasion. Their impressive list of services include: backstage management, commentary, concept develoment, styling, garment and accessory selection, lighting and sound services, model booking, music selection, photography and videography and public relations.

The event will be held at Hotel Arista, a stunning eco-chic property centrally located in Naperville, just minutes from 1-88. They offer world class cuisine and gorgeous accommidations in the areas first truly “green hotel.”

Naperville Fashion Week unites area businesses, fantastic salon talent from a variety of local salons including the Grank Gironda Salon and Day Spa and of course amazing apparel and accessories from area designers. Special events during the four day extravaganza include a model search, business seminars, meet and greet with the designers, home fashions and a runway show.

I’m thrilled to be able to participate in the event and will of course post all the latest news as it becomes available!

When just another dress won’t do…Angela Johnson has the answer.

Her stunning creations are comprised completely of thrift store tees, remixed into avant gaurde evening wear.

Angela Johnson is an award winning indie fashion designer and fashion design instructor in Scottsdale, Arizona. I became familiar with her work in 2000 while completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Tempe

 and was immediately struck my her stunning designs. 

While eco-chic fashion is notably on the rise, it is evident why her “T-Shirt Ballgowns” are in a class all their own. What I love most is the sense of humor she brings to each custom piece as I can only imagine the careful thought that is put into the selection of the materials.

She offers a range of styles from full length ball gowns, corsets, ruffled mini-dresses, bubble dresses and party dresses. You can purchase her designs directly from her site, as well as a select group of boutiques and online retailers. The buyer can customize their one of a kind dress by choosing a color palate or providing their own selection of recycled tees to use.

T-Shirt Ruffle Dresses

In addition to her playful frocks, Angela’s online portfolio is brimming with innovative designs from past collections and fun photos from her shows. It’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly what I find most fabulous about her clothes, perhaps it’s the candy coated carnival of color, the witty humor or the fact that she’s just genius!

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Though most of my time is spent creating handbags, I do occasionally need an escape; that’s when I pick up my trusty paintbrushes or a pencil and start sketching. Each new handbag design starts the same way but sometimes I miss the soul of the human form. Often as I am developing a new bag an idea of the person who will carry it comes to mind first and I will begin to assemble a fashion character as inspiration. I think about where she might live, where she might go and what she might wear. Sometimes I’m inspired by people I see and other times they are a complete fantasy of random ideas. I don’t know that I have a favorite medium in which to create, as there is something special and unique about each one.

Graphite lends itself to small details captured in fine lines and soft blended strokes and nothing can replace the feeling of a paintbrush in hand with layers of blended color. Or sometimes the faint and watery look of watercolor and Prismacolor markers. And of course the fun of creating a vector illustration line by line and shape by shape until it’s a perfectly rendered image made completely of tiny pixels.

Vector Illustration

Pen and Ink/ Background in Photoshop

Pen and Ink/ Background in Photoshop

Graphite/ Background in Photoshop

Pen and Ink

Graphite Illustration

Graphite Illustration

Graphite Illustration

Acrylic on Canvas

Acrylic on Panel

Acrylic on Panel

Acrylic on Canvas

Graphite Illustration

Vector Illustration

I’ve been lucky enough to work with some fantastic clients over the years, creating custom fashion illustrations for a variety of projects. Many of them are small start-up’s with enourmous passion and really inivative ideas. One of my favorites were the husband and wife team of Brandon and Cali Sorenson the creators of HipSlimmer.

It’s so exciting to play a small part in making someone else’s dream a reality and watching each piece come together. I still enjoy taking on new illustration projects and though my first love will always be handbags, there’s still plenty of room in my heart for a blank piece of white paper and a plain old #2 pencil!