[Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from a feature appearing in the third anniversary issue of VERTICAL, the online fashion magazine founded by Leslie Joy Ickowitz. You can find the magazine at VerticalTampaBay.com, or look for the occasional “slice” inside copies of Creative Loafing.]
A geometric jumpsuit, a kimono, and black mesh netting are enough to send any fashionista into a frenzy. Put them all together, and you’ve got ProjectSTYLISH.
A reality initiative featuring local fashion designers and style professionals, ProjectSTYLISH is designed to focus on the creative process as a source of inspiration. The results are glowing testimonies of the VERTICAL philosophy: to uplift, to take pleasure in our surroundings and to find love.
The Designers: Rhonda Shear, Rogerio Martins & Sandra Hagen
The Project: Create a three-look micro-collection inspired by an image found on the homepage at VerticalTampaBay.com
The Caveat: At least one of the three looks must incorporate a print fabric.
The Work: Here’s one example each from the designers’ collections, along with the photos that inspired them.
RHONDA SHEAR
Inspiration photo: Cover photo by BWL Photography for VERTICAL Spring 2012
How it translates to your collection: Using the color and organic feel of the photo, I worked with my team and especially my talented in-house technical designer, Terri Funaro, to create some pieces that were sexy, bright, and “out there,” but still based off of items and ideas that are so important to my line. Rich fabrics, lush colors and finished designs gave the pieces a fabulous natural feel that I just love!
The girl you picture wearing your PS looks: I think she is fun and flirty with a little wild side!
ROGERIO MARTINS
Inspiration photo: Tryst cocktail photo by Patrick Foley for “Spirited Spirits,” VERTICAL Fall 2011
What about the photo stood out? It stood out mainly because of the primary colors, which will be a strong trend for Spring/Summer 2013.
What attracted you to the print you selected? The exquisite geometrical print reminds me of something urban, but at the same time the colors remind me of something tropical. So it’s like the tropics meets the city.
SANDRA HAGEN
Inspiration photo: Architectural shot by BWL Photography for “Highly Dramatic,” VERTICAL Winter 2011/12
The girl you picture wearing your looks: A young, confident, and modern girl with a fabulous pair of legs.
How do you describe your design aesthetic? Very feminine, regardless of the style I do. I love beautifully fitted, tailored pieces that enhance the beauty of the delicate, feminine body.
This article appears in Oct 11-17, 2012.