i would post photos of the new stuff I've been working on for the past 3 months, but I want you to come to my show in March and see them for the first time.

new year musings.

2009 was a pretty fantastic year for me. I full filled my dream of getting a degree in fashion design, from one of the greatest fashion schools in the country, and it was no walk in the park that's for sure. But wow was it ever the most amazing experience of my life. Shortly after I graduated my boyfriend proposed to me in Central Park. We moved back to Michigan in last May, and in mid-November bought our first house. I got my pug around the same time. (I have had a crazy obsession with black pugs for like 10 years.) So I have to say, it has been one of the greatest and most memorable years of my life thus far, that's for sure.

What else do I love and remember about 2009?
Here are some that come to mind, in no order.

1. Lady Gaga. She's got catchy songs, but it was really her fashion & style that won my heart. I got chills the first time I saw Bad Romance. Plus I love that she's this hot blonde pop star who has a totally creepy and slightly twisted side.



2. Leather everything. My parents rode harleys and took us to crazy biker parties when my sisters and I were growing up. I have always been a fan of black leather and the tough look. So it was a real joy to me when leather made the gigantic explosion into fashion. Not that leather has ever been *out* of fashion - it's certainl a timeless look and an ageless 'textile', but in '09 I really think it's more prominant than ever. Everyone wants leather everything, and I'm certainly a supporter.

Kiki de Montparnasse leather leggings, available at shopbop.com



Joie Willa Leather Party Skirt, http://www.joie.com/



Alice + Olivia, Leather insert shift dress. Available at Neiman Marcus stores.



3. Theatre Bizarre. Self titled, "The most horrific Halloween Masquerade" - this was an event that was so fantastic and made such an impact on me. It inspired me in my studio, in my art, and well, made me feel like a kid again. It's been along time since I stayed out till 5 a.m. and didn't want to go home. This is the greatest and most fascinating halloween party, ever. And I feel I can say "ever" with absolute confidence. Where else in the world besides Detroit can you take over an entire block of houses and turn them into an entire different world. Think coney island, more twisted, set in an older time (20's? 40's?). Here is a great block of photos from metromix.

4. Michelle Obama Our generation's Jackie O. I love just love her. I love her poise, her elegance, her youthfulness and her eye for style. (photo cred: blogs.smarter.com)



5. Mad Men The smoking, the drinking, the style. New York City in the 1960's. As a true vintage fashion FANATIC, this show was my dream come true. Betty Draper and Joan Harris are the two characters whose looks I always drool over. I really feel that the show has made an impact on men's fashion as well. The 'gentleman' look is making a big comeback. At least among my friends, I'm seeing more and more suits out at the bars. I'm a big supporter of that.



6. Our outfits on NYE My friends and I celebrated in style and had a prom themed New Years party. I was really really happy with my fiance's willingness to go along with my desire to channel the 80's.




Here's to a new year. My goals are to make 4 bridesmaids gowns, and my wedding dress; and hopefully have my first runway show in March. I want to get around to painting our kitchen and bedroom, and put up a giant wall mural in the basement. I want to get back in shape, sleep more, and teach my dog to love walking on her leash. Start painting again. Get my fiance to finish our wedding guest list. Send out save the dates. Create something from unconventional materials. Open my online store. I've got a busy year ahead of me, but if 2009 has taught me anything it's that the busier you are, the more you accomplish, and the more memorable and fun that year will be.

we've all got Rodarte fever.

This is the Rodarte I know and love, The little structured dresses and skirts...one shoulder sleeve looks...combination fabrics and textures. Just beautiful. I love how they keep the subtle hint of bondage in nearly every collection they do, and always seem to stay true to their own aesthetic no matter what's going on in the current trends.

music has the right.

Music plays a huge part in my design process.
It feels weird and empty in my studio when I'm working without music.
My newest obsession is the mix that Ghostly International did for Adult Swim.
You can download it for free here!

designers i admire.

designers I admire.

Inspiration inspires me.

One of my new years resolutions is to start blogging more. Not just about what I'm doing, but about what inspires me and excites me. For those who know me, I'm really into the creepy, weird, and unusually beautiful. I love to find a way to translate into fashion. Here are some of my favorites. The already legendary Tim Burton inspired shoot that ran in (sept?) Harper's Bizarre.......












I'm sure there are many people out there who might find these photos disturbing and not beautiful or even all that fashion focused. But check out these photos from Numero 88. They could have easily been inspired by something as powerful as the Tim Burton photoshoot. It only takes a tiny element from something you see, to create something unique on your own. Everyone has a different perspective on art, and that's why I love fashion design. It's wearable art - and there is nothing cooler than someone liking your art so much they actually want to wear it.








Here is a photo I have held onto for almost 4 years now. I really want to recreate this type of setting and design and feel for a future photo shoot. So absolutely beautiful.



And finally, the Rodarte sequin ribcage dress. Rodarte is Target's "Go International" designer of the month. Rodarte also happens to be one of my favorite design duos. Generally the Go International lines at Target really interest me from a designer's stand point, but I rarely buy any of the pieces for myself - just because I'm a real stickler for wearing things that no one else is wearing. But this rib cage dress had to be my exception. It's so me in so many ways. I mean, Donnie Darko is still my favorite movie. ;) (The dress is actually sleeveless...they styled it with a striped shirt underneath, which is a little too "lolly goth" for me, but I would wear it with an oversized boyfriend black cardigan and serious heels.

Denise Scarletta photography

I got my photos back from Denise Scarletta, who was the 2nd photographer working on my most recent shoot. The photos are of the same garments, but offer a slightly different style of editing and retouching. Here are my favorites!

Here are some of the photos from my November shoot with the talented photographer Emily Hudson and my wonderful gorgeous model Mariah Dallas. I'm really happy with the way they turned out! There were so many beautiful shots. Here are a few of my favorites.


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Fall 2010 Photoshoot!

Check out my Fall 2010 Preview! I was honored to work with such amazing people. There are many more photos to come, I think between the two photographers, they said they took about 700+ photos! Here is a sneak preview from Emily Hudson's blog -

http://www.emilyhutson.com/1/post/2009/11/kelly-lynne.html