BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER: A Glimpse Into the Mind of Designer ERIN BARR

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

A Glimpse Into the Mind of Designer ERIN BARR
By Jonathan Metzelaar
Fall 2012
(As seen in PMc Magazine, September 2012)   
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There is a common misconception that fashion is confined strictly to clothing, that how fashionable a look is simply comes down to the pattern and the cut of the shirt, the pants, or the dress. In reality though, fashion is much broader. It incorporates hairstyles, makeup, and accessories, among other things. For something to truly stand out in the fashion world, there needs to be a synergistic relationship between the look of the clothing and the look of the person presenting the clothing.

With several years of experience as a hair and make-up artist, along with a degree from the renowned Aveda Institute, designer Erin Barr has the necessary background to craft more complete stylistic visions. Her collections feature styles that are both classic and innovative, sophisticated and practical, styles that merge a number of looks while also paring down the excess so that they aren’t overwhelming. Erin was kind enough to talk a bit about her style, her inspiration, and her creative process.

Jonathan Metzelaar: How do you come up with your designs? Do your ideas just kind of randomly come to you? Do you build off of looks you see people wearing on the street? Some combination thereof?
Erin Barr: I always start by collecting images that I am drawn to, usually the season before or directly after a season. Then, once I figure out what direction I’m going in, I spend about a week or two at the library getting more inspiration and ideas. I definitely pay attention to people on the street, but I wouldn’t say I am pulling directly from there. A lot of it is ‘how can I take this idea, and make it new and fresh?’ Then the ideas start to just flow out on paper.

JM: What other designers do you look to for inspiration?
EB: I really love looking at vintage Armani collections, especially from the 90’s. The clothes and the fabrics are really incredible.


JM: I’ve always been curious about this, and given your background as a hairstylist I’d imagine you’d be the perfect person to ask. It’s obviously in your best interest to design clothing that would look good on anybody, but I feel that some looks just work better when paired with certain hairstyles. Do you ever design an outfit with a particular hairstyle in mind?

EB: That’s a great question. I think a lot of designers get frustrated when it comes down to hair, because it really can make or break a runway show, look book, etc. It is so important to be thinking about your girl throughout the process. I don’t design based on a hairstyle, per se, but I always have something up on the mood board that draws a certain mood to the direction of hair and makeup.


JM: Looking over your newest collection, a lot of the outfits seem to have a classic, minimalist feel to them, yet they also all possess a modern twist that really makes them stand out. What kind of aesthetic were you going for when you thought up these designs?

EB: I feel like there’s a bit of minimalism in each collection, but I wouldn’t categorize myself there. I use the minimalist aspect in my clothes to cleanse anything that can quickly get too busy. But I also like adding that ‘twist’ to it with some utilitarian details, whether it be buckles, strapping, plackets, etc. This collection was based on the idea of an Angel who has fallen back to the Earth, and she is stuck in purgatory at the Boardwalk. There was a lot of contrasting the soft and hard, dark and angelic, the lace with the leather, and so on. It’s very angular, too, which I’m always really drawn to.

JM: What fashion trends have popped up recently that you really enjoy? And on the flip side, which trends aren’t you a very big fan of?
EB: I think it’s been refreshing to see the mix of prints and color that have come back recently. On the flip side, flared pants with a cuff; you always just end up with a dirty hem and crumbs in the cuff.

JM: What were some of the most difficult challenges you faced, and continue to face, as you try to make a name for yourself in the fashion industry, and what have you done to try and overcome them?
EB: I think the obvious and most difficult challenge has been the initial cost of having a line. You have to be ready to work very hard. I haven’t had a day off in three months. But it’s very rewarding when you see that hard work paying off.

—
Erin Barr is an American fashion designer currently based in New York. Her Spring 2012 Collection, “An American Tomboy in Paris,” was shown in presentation form during New York Fashion Week.


LINKS:
Erin Barr Official Website
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Written & Edited by Jonathan Metzelaar
Photography by Coco Alexander

Design by Marie Havens

—
Captions:

Erin Barr, ArtSlant Studios, August 21, 2012, Photography by Coco Alexander

KATYA LEONOVICH’S FAVORITE FILMS - The Fashion Designer Lists Her Ten Favorite Movies

KATYA LEONOVICH’S FAVORITE FILMS

The Fashion Designer Lists Her Ten Favorite Movies
By Katya Leonovich

Fall 2012
(As seen in PMc Magazine, September 2012)    
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1. Sling Blade
2. Gran Torino
3. Catch Me If You Can
4. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
5. Life Is Beautiful
6. Enemy At The Gates
7. Life Of Bryan
8. Pulp Fiction
9. History Of The World
10. The Green Mile
—
Katya Leonovich was born in Moscow. She has designed couture in Paris, Rome, and New York City.

LINKS:
Katya Leonovich’s Official Site
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Compiled by Katya Leonovich

Edited by Tyler Malone
Photography by Jonathan Grassi

Design by Marie Havens
—
Captions:
Katya Leonovich in her studio, New York City, August 2012, Photography by Jonathan Grassi

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL: A Spotlite on International Designer ANGEL SANCHEZ

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL

A Spotlite on International Designer ANGEL SANCHEZ

By Eden Herbstman

Fall 2012
(As seen in PMc Magazine, September 2012)   
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Angel Sanchez has accomplished what some believe to be impossible; he truly understands what women want. The Venezuelan designer has become a go-to for red carpet glamor, and he has garnered a loyal celebrity following. Prior to entering the design world, Sanchez worked with architecture, a background that helps him construct one-of-a-kind evening and bridal gowns. A- list beauties such as Sandra Bullock and Eva Longoria both walked down the aisle in one of his creations. With a keen eye for beauty, structure, and detail, we can’t wait to see what he has in store for S/S 2013.

Eden Herbstman: Do you think anything about your design aesthetic has changed since you first launched your collection?

Angel Sanchez: Definitely. My aesthetic has evolved a great deal over the years. My decision to leave Venezuela and set up headquarters in New York greatly influenced me.  It allowed for a more extensive and modern perspective.

EH: Your evening gowns have combined signature elements of architectural consciousness with sexiness and an acute attention to detail. What inspires these foundations in your pieces?
AS: My formation as an architect is part of who I am as a fashion designer. Precise and geometric lines come naturally. The sexiness and attention to detail behind the clothes come from years of training and listening to my clients needs. I love dressing a woman that wants to look sexy, yet demure. It’s a fine line.

EH: Is there a difference between how you approach your bridal collections compared to your evening collections?

AS: Evening involves a more complex creative process for me; I pay more attention to global trends, artistic and cultural movements, and other happenings, while also keeping my aesthetic and signature lines intact. There are just many more pieces to the puzzle.

EH: Your creations have become a go-to for major red carpet celebrity looks. What are some of your tips for completing the perfect red carpet moment?

AS: There is nothing sexier than a woman that carries herself with the utmost confidence. Choose a gown that you are comfortable in that also complements your silhouette.

EH: After more than twenty years of designing, do you see yourself stopping anytime soon?
AS: On the contrary, I am more inspired than ever and I’m looking forward to expanding my Angel Sanchez line from evening wear to lifestyle. I want to dress a woman for all occasions, not only evening functions.

EH: What’s the first thing on your to-do list after you show at fashion week?
AS: I’m going to write thank you notes from my upstate cottage.
—
Angel Sanchez is an international fashion designer.

LINKS:
Angel Sanchez Official Website
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Written by Eden Herbstman
Edited by Jonathan Metzelaar
Photography by Coco Alexander

Design by Marie Havens
—
Captions:
Angel Sanchez, Angel Sanchez Studio, August 22nd,2012, Photography by Coco Alexander

IT’S A BLOND, BLOND, WORLD: A Look at Why BLONDS Really Do Have More Fun

IT’S A BLOND, BLOND, WORLD

A Look at Why BLONDS Really Do Have More Fun
By Eden Herbstman

Fall 2012
(As seen in PMc Magazine, September 2012)
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The concept of having a “blonde moment” has forever changed since Phillipe and David of The Blonds stepped into the fashion world in 2008. Almost five years later the design duo have created The Blonds empire, synonymous with glitz, glamour, and all-around fabulousness. Part designers, part couturiers, and part costumers, their runway shows are one of the most highly anticipated of the fashion week season. They always seem to out-do the previous season.

As the go-to designers for modern day divas, pop stars, and style icons–and here we have to drop a few names: Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Fergie, Lady Gaga, etc.–they had the pleasure of giving the most notorious blonde icon of all time, Barbie herself, the Blond makeover. Out in December, Matel will release Blond Diamond Barbie.

But rest assured those non-blondes out there who still want to have all the fun, like Phillipe says: “You don’t have to be a blonde to be a blond.” 

Eden Herbstman: You’ve told us before that Barbie is one of your style inspirations, and like a dream come true you have teamed up with Matel to make your own Barbie. Your Blond Diamond Barbie is wearing the finale dress worn by Candice Swaenpole in 2008, out of all your creations why did you choose this look?

The Blonds: Absolutely! This partnership is a childhood dream come true. Barbie played a huge role in our lives as children and still does. We’re both avid Barbie collectors. She’s the ultimate client. Blond Diamond Barbie is the epitome of over the top luxury and fantasy. Barbie is the doll who has it all! So, accordingly, we chose a look for her that is EVERYTHING! She is a reflection of the finale look from our Legends collection. These pieces came from our love of all things having to do with legendary Blonds. Marlene Dietrech’s famous Vegas coat, Marilyn Monroe meets Jerry Hall’s hair, and Phillipe’s personal make-up look and diamond jewelry all played a role in designing this Barbie. For our first massive collaboration with one of the world’s most famous Blond, it was the perfect choice.

EH: Last season was the first time menswear was incorporated into your shows. Any reason why you waited so long, and can we expect to see more hot male models tapping into their inner Blond this season?

TB: You’ll have to wait and see! It’s something we’d been thinking about for a while, and after collaborating with Adam Lambert, more men started placing orders. There has always been a void in the menswear market and now men are more open to something new and different. The timing was perfect!

EH: Do you feel you have any limits in your designs, where something is too sexy and revealing, or do you think your clothing and vision defies limitations?

TB: In The Blonds world, everything is possible and there are no limits.

EH: Aside from being the go-to designers for today’s top musical talents, music itself is extremely important to you both. Who are some current favorites of yours?

TB: It’s always a big mash-up of Azealia Banks, Celia Cruz, Beyonce, Grimes, Kylie, Almodovar soundtracks, Zebra Katz ft. Njena Reddd Foxxx, Charli XCX, Madonna, Rihanna, Christina, Alien Alien, and of course Katy Perry! We could go on forever…

EH: After all the fashion week craziness, where do you go to for relaxation, or do you feel that you there is no break from fashion?

TB: There is no relaxation! On top of regular client orders, we’re always working on the next season. This season is particularly busy because we will be showing twice, once for NYFW, and Puerto Rico High Fashion Week has also invited us to show on September 22nd. So there will be no downtime, but we love what we do and never get enough!

EH: Did you envision in 2008 when you put out your first collection that 5 years later you would have achieved the success you have today?

TB: To us, success means being allowed the opportunity to do what you love. We’re so grateful for every adventure life has to offer and look forward to the future.

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The Blonds are a fashion design duo made up of David and Phillipe Blond. They are known for their glamorous looks worn by the likes of Lady Gaga, Fergie, and Katy Perry.

LINKS:
The Blonds Official Website
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Written by Eden Herbstman
Edited by Tyler Malone
Photography by Mike Ruiz / Courtesy of MAO PR
Design by Marie Havens
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Captions
The Blonds, Photography by Mike Ruiz / Courtesy of MAO PR

MASTERS AT WORK & PLAY: A Conversation with MAURICIO & ROGER PADILHA from MAO PR on the Launch Of Their Highly Anticipated New Book: Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco

MASTERS AT WORK & PLAY

A Conversation with MAURICIO & ROGER PADILHA from MAO PR on the Launch Of Their Highly Anticipated New Book: Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco
By Marie Havens
Fall 2012
(As seen in PMc Magazine, September 2012)

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I first met Mauricio and Roger Padilha over a decade over. They were cool and edgy publicists; I was a young and eager photographer. I remember their all-black showroom on lower Broadway, and I remember photographing them at every great fashion party. They always greeted me with multiple hugs and kisses. I loved them then, and I love them now.

To say they are still going strong is an understatement. In fact, they have created one of the most well-known PR agencies in New York City: producing fashion shows and carefully overseeing the paths of all their hot, young designers. But they’ve always been more than fashion publicists, and they’ve always loved more than fashion: they truly loved pop culture, New York City nightlife (including all its legendary cast of characters and creatures of the night), legendary artists and performers, and underground musicians. They became masters of not only PR and nightlife, but of re-discovering the lost archives of underground pop artists like Stephen Sprouse and legendary illustrator Antonio Lopez–helping their work to be published, noticed, and experienced on a mainstream level. So on the eve of their new book launch, I was absolutely thrilled to interview Mauricio and Roger for PMc Magazine.

Marie Havens: Hi boys!
Mauricio & Roger Padilha: Hey Marie! Always such a pleasure speaking with you! We are such fans of Patrick’s and, of course, of the work you did on his so8os book! We are lucky to be friends with both of you.

MH: Thanks, likewise. And let me just say congratulations on the completion of your new book, Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco (Rizzoli, 2012)! How did you both get involved with such an incredible project focusing on such an amazing artist?
RP: Well, both Mauricio and I have loved Antonio’s work since we were young, aspiring fashion students in the 80s. We were mesmerized by his work in Vanity, American Vogue, the ads for Bloomingdales and Norma Kamali, etc. We had a chance to do an article on Antonio for our magazine MAO MAG a few years ago and through that became very close to Paul Caranicas (who is in charge of the Antonio Lopez archives) as well as Antonio models such as Corey Tippen, Jane Forth, and Pat Cleveland. We always knew in the back of our minds that we wanted to do an Antonio book which showcases his work in a different way to the new generation, and it was a process to gain everyone’s trust. Antonio’s associates are to this day rightfully very protective of his legacy and we just had to make sure that they understood that our intentions were honorable.

MH: I always say the story of how a book is made is nearly as interesting as the subject itself! So please take us through your creation process. What did it take to get this book developed, designed and published?
MP: Well, once we convinced Rizzoli to get on board, we wanted to select an art director who truly understood Antonio. And we approached Marc Balet, the former art director of Andy Warhol’s Interview who knew and worked with Antonio. From there, we went through the archives and looked at the many thousands of illustrations, photographs, diaries, letters, agendas, date books, etc. and edited it down to what we felt would be appropriate for the book. This process took hours and hours and was so hard, as everything in the archives is amazing. Editing is the hardest part.
RP: And at night I would stay up til all hours of the night constructing the writing. Antonio’s life was not very linear–he was constantly working on multiple projects at once, and changing his style between jobs, that it was difficult to put his life into a chronological order. Also, his life was as interesting as his work and really informed his art so it was important to put all that in as well. So in the end I decided to section the writing by decade, and within the decade really pull out his greatest achievements and divide the chapters into that format.

MH: After doing so much research, is there anything that the world still doesn’t know about Antonio Lopez…
MP: Our hope is that our book is the tip of the iceberg that encourages people to really learn more about this master, but our book really uncovers so much. You will grasp a great understanding of Antonio as well as fashion during the 60s, 70s, and 80s by the time you are done with our book!

MH: Well, ironically there isn’t too much I know about your upbringing/childhoods and I’ve known you for so long! Perhaps we should do a book on how two brothers from New York City created a PR empire? Tell me your story…
RP: The funny thing is that Mauricio and I planned and studied for years as students for something we didn’t ultimately do but informs our work everyday, and that’s what is different about us and our PR company. We are brothers originally from New York (our parents immigrated to the the States from Brazil shortly before we were born) and we were just obsessed with fashion and art from a very early age. We took every art class we could, spending our weekends at the FIT high school program as well as taking Sunday classes at the Met. And any other free time, we would be at Bloomingdales, Fiorucci, Patricia Field, etc. just studying clothing and designers as well as devouring every fashion publication we could get our hands on. We both went to Parsons to study fashion design and serendipitously fell into Fashion PR and Production after I had a clothing line called Spooky which closed. We were lucky in that there was a niche open for young designers. We seized that opportunity, and we became known for discovering new talent such as Peter Som and Jason Wu.

MH: Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco is officially your second book. The first being, The Stephen Sprouse Book (Rizzoli, 2010), which we loved, of course, being that Patrick had such a close relationship with Stephen. Was that process similar to that of making the Antonio book? I suppose you learn quite a bit after making your first book?
MP: Yes, making a book is such a different process than anything else we have ever done. But we were told very early in life by our parents that we could do anything so I suppose that our main advantage for a lot of the things we do is NERVE! We just jump in and do things and learn from our mistakes.

MH: Is there a new book in the works? Or a future project or subject you’d love to dive into?
RP: Yes, and the next book will blow everyone away, but you’ll have to wait to find out what it’s about!

MH: Well, as far as this book goes: André Leon Talley wrote the forward…amazing! What was it like collaborating with such a fashion god?
MP: Gosh, that was so major–as well as having Anna Sui, one of our heroes, write the epilogue. People have been so supportive and generous to us that we really have to pinch ourselves everyday!

MH: You both are 24/7–running a PR company, managing the careers of numerous hot designers/brands, producing fashion shows, actively on social media, attending parties, publishing books–how do you (if ever) relax?
RP: One of the things you will learn from our book is that there was no separation between work and life for Antonio Lopez–everything fed off of each other. And that’s how it is with Mauricio and I. Even when we want to blow off some steam and go to a nightclub and drink with friends, we invariably run into a fashion editor or a stylist or a potential client or hear a song which would be good for a show or…you get the picture. It’s always work, but we love it, and one day when you take a look back at all of our shows and books and clients, you’ll get a pretty good sense of who the both of us are. It’s all there in the work.
—
After years of working in the fashion industry separately and together, brothers Mauricio and Roger Padilha launched MAO PR. In its first decade, MAO has successfully introduced new talent to the fashion industry as well as conceptualizing and producing runway shows for various top Fashion Designers. Now in its 13th year, MAO Public Relations is enjoying a reputation as one of the hardest working Fashion PR Agencies in the Fashion Industry. In addition to Public Relations, MAO’s productions of events and runway shows (most notably MAO SPACE, a week-long alternative show venue to the 7th on Sixth tents which was produced for 5 years) has garnered them many awards and accolades including an award from Mayor Bloomberg for Promotion of Local Business, becoming the youngest members of the CFDA Fashion Week Advisory Council, BizBash’s top 15 event planners behind New York City’s biggest events and smartest marketing strategies and being named two of OUT Magazine’s most influential people in 2010 and Instinct Magazine’s 10 Men of the Year in 2005. In 2010, the Padilha brothers wrote The Stephen Sprouse Book which was published by Rizzoli and continues to be one of the best selling fashion monographs. Now in 2012, they have completed their second book, Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco.

LINKS:
MAO PR
MAO PR BLOGSPOT
The Antonio Lopez Book by Mauricio Padilha and Roger Padilha FACEBOOK Page
The Antonio Lopez Book
—
Mauricio and Roger Padilha interviewed by Marie Havens
Written by Marie Havens
Edited by Tyler Malone
Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Design by Marie Havens
—
Captions:
Cover/Page 1:
Polaroids (taken using Antonio Lopez’s original Polaroid SX 70) of Mauricio Padilha and Roger Padilha, 2012, Photography Courtesy of Mauricio Padilha and Roger Padilha
Underlay/Transparency: Ribbon Cover Photo: Nina Gaidarova / Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco
Page 2:
Underlay/Transparency: Ribbon Cover Photo: Nina Gaidarova / Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco
Page 3:
Group shot: Antonio Lopez with Pat Cleveland (centered) and friends at his NYC studio, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Page 4:
Black and white photograph: Donna Jordan, Corey Tippin and Antonio Lopez (in white robes) in San Tropez, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Page 5:
Jerry Hall, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Page 6:
Sketches by Antonio Lopez, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Page 7:

Antonio Lopez with plastic bag, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Page 8:
Black and white photograph: Juan Ramos, Cathee Dahmen and Antonio at the Carnegie Hall Studio, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Page 9:
Woman in Gold seated: Anita Russell Paris, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Page 10:
Anna Piaggi and Antonio Lopez, Models, Pat Cleveland and Antonio Lopez, Karl Lagerfeld and Antonio Lopez, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos
Page 11:

Beach photo: Antonio Lopez, Donna Jordan, and Corey Tippin in San Tropez, Photography Courtesy of Paul Caranicas / Copyright the Estate of Antonio Lopez and Juan Ramos

NEW FALL 2012 ISSUE LAUNCHED!

We're kicking off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week week & our new Fall issue in style... visit us! 

PMc Magazine

SITES WE LIKE: maopr.blogspot.com

well, actually sites we..

♥♥♥LOVE!♥♥♥

http://maopr.blogspot.com

following them is highly recommended.

also visit:

http://www.maopr.com

PARTIES WE LIKE: CARNIVAL!

Our friends Patricia Field, MAO PR, Roxanne Lowit, 

Susanne Bartsch and Kenny Kenny 

are having a benefit party for legendary Larissa!!

Wednesday August 04, 2010 

9pm-12pm

@ CARNIVAL

110 University Place ( between 12th-13th st), NYC

10$ donation at door

special performance by JOEY ARIAS and AMANDA LEPORE