VOLUME 5
The International Issue A Double Cover Issue
the art of the
Faces of
Spain
“To Do”
A Trip Around the World Leveraging
Social Networking
An Explosion of
Color
CUSTO BARCELONA AN EXPLOSION OF COLOR WRITTEN BY NOVA LORRAINE
A Collection that has its roots in menswear and boldly colored psychedelic printed t-shirts is continuing to make a splash around the world. A high-end fashion brand based in Barcelona Spain, Custo Barcelona is a favorite among the Hollywood set. The brand is primarily sold internationally with five store locations in the US. Custo Barcelona is the brainchild of brothers Custo and David Dalmau who started their design careers in the 1980’s. In 1996, after a trip to the California coast, the design duo was inspired by the surfer lifestyle and the psychedelic prints they wore. They decided to introduce much needed color in the market, which at the time was very heavily influenced by minimalism. Their first show in 1997 during NY Fashion Week was a huge success! Their collection has grown from printed t-shirts to over 3000 items being sold at retail around the world. Their brand boasts everything from dresses, to hooded sweatshirts, to scarves, sunglasses, and even bikinis. The fashion community has also recognized Custo Barcelona with awards from both Marie Clair and GQ Magazine. Custo Barcelona is quickly becoming one of fashion’s megabrands.
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F/W ‘09 finds its inspiration in the Elegant Warrior. “Through history women have been the elegant warrior. In today’s world women are looking for their new armor. This collection provides that; a testament to strong women everywhere....women that are capable of surmounting great odds.” Intelligent, intricate and with beautiful proportions, this is one of their strongest collections to date. Silhouettes are powerful and dramatic. The masculine palate of bronze, navy and black is softened by a feminine ochre and rose-quartz. There are some unique details. The Samsi skirt and dress are constructed by pleating one large piece of fabric into beautiful “vee” shape diagonals – very difficult and labor intensive. Drapery style pleating is used on the sleeves of the Berengaria jacket and the unusual armor shape of the sleeves on the Thyra jacket is balanced with an exclusive mirrored trim. This 38-piece collection has a wide range of looks from smooth and refined to detailed and textured and includes a great selection of coats, dresses and separates. One has the choice to portray subtle hints of the “Elegant Warrior” or to go with a more bold, couture statement. For Boutet, he is most proud of the jackets. “If I had to pick one I am particularly happy with it would be the Domina Fencing Jacket. I love the cut of our jackets now. It took me 4 years to develop this fit.” Although their business is still growing despite the recession, Boutet and Reimer feel fortunate to still have day jobs. “The business is getting to the point where it’s supporting itself, but we still have to work to support ourselves.” When asked their advice for new designers, the answer was clear, “Have lots of money because it takes a lot”. Although fashion shows were admittedly a great way to get their name out in the past, they have decided to take a break while they focus on business development. This includes attending New York trade shows and looking for possible investors. For now the main focus is on the upcoming release of S/S ‘10. There are photo shoots to complete, trade shows to attend, media to woo and a growing list of retailers to take care of. What will the next season look like? A surprise as always, but well worth the wait. For information on the Evan & Dean line please go to their website at www.evananddean.com.
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RAINE MAKERS
Angel Jackson
By: Jordan Cavaliero
Sisters Katie and Millie Smith began with a simple goal: to create an international accessories collection that would not only make its mark on fashion with their innovative use of classic silhouettes and an eclectic aesthetic, but by proving that this unique collection could be produced in an environmentally and ethically responsible manner. In 2005, Katie and Millie Smith launched Angel Jackson, a collection of high-end clutches, purses, belts and totes made from sustainable, ethically sourced materials, produced in factories that maintain strict working conditions and standards. Angel Jackson’s style and substance’ recipe for success is carefully implemented by the sisters’ hands on approach - Millie is based in Bali, overseeing all aspects of the collections production and distribution, while Katie handles wholesale and marketing in the UK. The Smith sisters have also taken advantage of their Bali based office to gain additional exposure and access to buyers for the Asian market, establishing a strong presence at major trade shows as well as opening a stunning new showroom that double as an art space featuring up and coming graffiti artists.
Over the past four years this designing sister duo has taken Angel Jackson from one of fashion’s best kept secret start ups to frequenting the pages and shelves of the world’s most prestigious fashion publications, boutiques and department stores across the world. Their collection has recently appeared in Vogue, Elle, Instyle, Muse and L’Officiel to name a few. In addition to becoming a celebrity favorite and having been carried by the likes of Lady Gaga, to Paris Hilton to Kate Moss, the collection can be found in numerous luxury stores and boutiques, including Harrods and Galleries Lafayette. The Fall of 2009 will be the mark of Angel Jackson’s official launch in the U.S. with debuts at Henri Bendel’s and Intermix in New York.