Soulja Boy

by urbansocialite on October 27, 2009

Despite my embarrassing obsession with Gossip Girl, I actually missed it last night in lieu of a few good laughs with an alma gemela (the Spanish lessons are already paying off!) Aside from Gossip Girl I have a few other annoying teeny-bopper things I just can’t shake: Soulja Boy (who occupies about a 1/3 of my gym mix), my ability to still develop crushes on people (case in point, SS), and that painfully annoying show, The Vampire Diaries. I’m not into the whole vampire thing that people seem to be obsessing over (you know, that New Moon stuff) but there’s something about that unattainable love/lust that caught me from episode one of VD (the theme of all vampiresque stories, I’m sure) and I have been hooked ever since. It’s the whole Great Gatsby (my favorite story of all time) thing dumbed down and dressed up in a subculture/goth-like dressing.

Speaking of subculture/ underground fashion, check out these breathtaking designs from Skin.Graft an emerging LA-based design house exploring the balance between raw underground fashion and sleek, high-end couture. Founded in 2005, Skin.Graft triumphs an eccentric look that is exclusively it’s own by fusing alternative techniques and materials with a tasteful vision of classic imagery and modern style. From the site:

SKINGRAFT is Jonny Cota, Cassidy Haley and Katie Kay. Together the three have been making waves through the underground fashion world of Los Angeles with their indulgence in distressed leathers and furs, painted and antiqued canvases, and masochistic metal detailing and corsetry. From elongated Victorian necks and ruched sleeves to punk-inspired metal work and hand-tarnished bucklings, SKINGRAFT has created an entire world within their designs that is timeless yet excitingly inventive.

The designers spent their years before SKINGRAFT traveling around the world as circus performers and costumers. Their interest in costuming evolved into a desire to design avant-garde fashion inspired by the eccentricities surrounding them. SKINGRAFT was soon born as a design house of strictly custom garments. In 2007 the three embarked on designing their first ready-to-wear collection. Following the success of the initial collection, SKINGRAFT has continued to design and produce fresh collections each year, which have garnered a celebrity following and accolades from the press.

In March of 2009 SKINGRAFT debuted at LA Fashion Week and shortly thereafter opened their eponymous store in Downtown Los Angeles. Their current collection features items for both men and women and everyone in between.

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Donna Sgro, What they asked for…

by urbansocialite on September 30, 2009

The older I get, the more convinced I am that things happen for a reason… and that if you truly listen to your heart/ instincts the reason will reveal itself…. though I must admit its not always instantaneous which can lead to overwhelming frustration if you aren’t patient. Between rediscovering an inner peace via trips to my least favorite part of the greater-Boston area, to rocks under stars, to late night debates about the importance of adhering to preconceived personal convictions vs. succumbing to universal signs . . . I am exhausted. When coffee wasn’t enough I started downing Neurobrands water… have you ever heard of it? The Neuro-Sonic is crazy and literally fueled my day yesterday….

Anyway, as I sit here listening to Soulja Boy (we all have our musical weaknesses . . . some people heart Britney, for others it’s a secret obsession with boy-bands of the 90s, I love Soulja Boy. I just can’t help myself!) I’m going to take his advice and “Give ‘em what they asked for,” which is, of course, an amazing fashion designer like Donna Sgro…

With the launch of her first collection as recently as 2007 at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week, Donna Sgro has taken great strides in creating her fashion design label from the ground up. Reflecting her independent and creative attitude, Donna has designed a label that reflects a spirit that is quirky, playful, colourful and light-hearted.

Donna studied Fashion & Textiles at the University of Sydney, Technology, where she graduated with First Class Honours in 2007. While still studying she built a solid portfolio of achievement including having her work displayed in exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum and winning the Fresh Fruits Competition.

Prior to studying fashion design, Donna competed an Arts Degree at the University of Sydney, where she studied Art History & Theory and Philoshophy. It was during this time that Donna developed an extensive knowledge of modernist art movements and cinema - with surrealism, dada and futurism defining the background to her creative thinking.

Grounding her fashion label in an aesthetic that is thoroughly modern, expressive and inquisitive, Donna designs garments that are tailored in a contemporary and sportive way. The garments are sleek and refined, with surprising juxtapositions of colour and cut. Donna’s unique use of colour gives the garments their individual and energetic attitude, defining the spirit of each collection.

High quality fabrications are carefully selected each season together with a considered approach and attention to detailing. The garments then become cherished and special items that have a longevity while still being creatively unique.

Donna has already been building an international profile, with press in the USA, UK and Singapore. The label will continue to grow steadily, with a significant international opportunity for Donna already underway.