Insider: Miami Designer, KREL

 From "Hoe Downs" to runways, Krel wear has had a Miami spotlight from their collaboration previews at the Hoe Down party at the Standard hotel to online boutiques. Not to be confused with southern twang, this line is about the modern party, the playful stretch dresses and neon prints that are influenced by the women of Miami and beyond. We caught up with the designer, Karelle to learn more about this line and why it is one of my 'privy finds.'.

Label/Company Name: KREL

Name:  Karelle Levy

PrivyDoll: 3 words to describe your label: 
Krel: Colorful Unique Innovative

PrivyDoll: In your opinion what is next season’s trend?  
Krel: For Fall I see a juxtaposition of texture smooth and fuzzy, combining bright and neutral colors.

PrivyDoll: What is your inspiration for this season/line entirely?
Krel: Spring/Summer 2010: Inspired by 24-hour party people, club culture and chameleon-like characters, the DiscGlo Collection brings you from night to day with a playful palette of hot neons and nudes. The entire collection is glow-in-the-dark and blacklight-reactive, each unique piece will change and adapt to its environment, with patterns and colors shifting and transforming with varying degrees of light and dark.

PrivyDoll: There are alot of fabulous Fall 2010 collections out there, what is your inspiration for your Fall/Winter collection?

Krel: Inspired by KREL’s 2009 visit to Iceland Fashion Week, where, as reported in New York Magazine, Designer Karelle Levy, was nearly arrested for disorderly conduct. Upon arriving at IFW’s venue, all 17 designers were devastated by the conditions of the runway, soon discovering that everything promised by the President of Iceland Fashion Week was wholly untruthful. Led by the KREL team, 13 international designers rebelled against the hollow authority of IFW’s President, and staged their own show in Reykjavik, which was met with critical acclaim. KREL’s Fall 2010 palette explores the muted tones of Iceland’s natural, volcanic landscape- juxtaposed with moments of brightness, like the pools of nearly-neon geothermal water that dot the treeless fields of lava rock. Inspired by this incredible Icelandic journey, KREL’s Fall 2010 Collection celebrates the multi-faceted, resilient and bold, through shape, color, perspective- all of which amorphous and ripe with potential.

PrivyDoll: What are your favorite materials to use? 

Krel: Fishing line and techno yarns that glow in the dark.

PrivyDoll: Favorite place for brainstorming and day dreaming:
Krel:   The steam room at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach.

PrivyDoll: Female entrepreneur of the year award should go to: 
Krel: Me! 

PrivyDoll: How does the ‘Miami women’ influence the designer?
Krel: The women in Miami are really hot, and not afraid of color or revealing clothing. 

PrivyDoll: What kind of press/marketing/celeb spotings has your line received?
Krel:  Elle.com,

PrivyDoll: If you could dress any celebrity at the moment who would it be?

Krel: It would be great to dress Angelina Jolie.

PrivyDoll: And Lastly, spill the Privy find:  

Krel: I do a lot of trunk shows and private events

Website: www.krelwear.com, . Shop on-line: http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/krelwear, News: www.krelwear.blogspot.com, www.krel2go.blogspot.com,

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Fashion Radar: Best Celeb Fashion lines

It is the cliche, actor slash model slash fashion designer. But a few have really have surprised me and have done an amazing cross over. One of the first of course is Gwen Stefani's line LAMB which has been very successful but there are a few more that have an  amazing Fall 2010 collection out. Most of the celebrities lines really do embody them, and embraces their own personal style and make it wearable to their fans and other fashionistas. It is amazing what can happen when a fashionista makes it big, they start their own line eventually. PrivyDoll is next :)


Nicole Richie's line, House of Harlow has adorable pieces and some of the best are found in Chicago at Sofia Boutique.  I adore these Sandals found on Kitson for $225.

Whitney Port from Gossip girl has taken her swing at fashion and has had a couple good seasons. her line, Whitney Eve Fall 2010 looks fabulous! Here is a great pick from her Spring/Summer line found on Kitson for $188

Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham has received a lot of fashion press for years and also can be seen as a fixture at most Fashion Weeks. She has launched her new line mainly of dresses which when you look at it is very 'her'. All dresses are slender, sleek and modern with a couture feel. I gush over her line which can be found on here site and at many department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Dress by Victoria Beckham collection
 

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ENTERTAINMENT: Stanley Cup Fashions

Chicago is still buzzing (and actually still drinking) to the Chicago Blackhawk's big win. The stanley cup is resting in Chicago and the parade included a few hundred thousand fans. At PrivyDoll it is important to always stay fashionable, even if you are cheering on your team. Luckily, I found some cute alternatives to over sized jerseys for the fashionable, 'Privy' Fans.

Vintage, fitted T shirts are on the must have list for female fans. I found this great one HERE for only $23.99.

How cute is this fitted zip up sweatshirt?? There are only a few sizes left HERE.

 I bet the women outside today in the 90 degree humidity would of loved to have this Blackhawk tube top from Sports Authority. 

Snag some Blackhawk denim with these back pocket branded jeans. Found HERE.

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Fashion Radar:Jean Paul Gualtier and Levis

Jean Paul Gualtier has teamed up with Levis for this season's collection of fashionable denim. JPG will keep his signature corset detailing mixed with dark denim and an interesting architectural design all the while keeping true to Levis brand identity. The line on the Levis site is a trendier dark denim with thick stitching and red accents. If you think you will scoop up some Gualtier fashions at a levis price, think again many of the jeans are around $340 and $450. These harem denim pants seen in the picture are found HERE at Neiman Marcus for $435.  To take a look at the entire collection check out Levi's site. The men's line is a great recreation of punk meets English rock, in my opinion. The Denim jacket is a must have for the men's line.

Fashion sites announced this week that the line has included denim corsets including this one below. Denim really is the American classic and Gualtier said it himself, "Levis is the American dream, it's a myth. It is the original jeans, and was a joy to work on my versions of the 501." Denim isn't going anywhere in 2010 or beyond, I love how designers can re invent the the classics!

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ENTERTAINMENT: Mtv Movie Award Fashion

Sunday night's MTV Movie Awards aired and the best part of the show is for sure the red carpet. The number one trend was sparkle minis. Many of the celebrities sported extra minis with sequins and some a bit sheer. There were quite a bit of nude heels that finished off the look. I was surprised most of the hair on the red carpet was kept simple, long and wavy or straight. Check out these pictures of this glitter trend. All pictures courtesy of americansuperstarmag.com.

                                                    
PrivyDoll found some dresses on a budget that can make you look like you just walked off the MTV red carpet!Check out these 'Privy' Finds to mirror Hollywood fashion!









This gold tank dress is only $70 at Bloomingdales! I would pair it with a nude peep toe and get ready for looks!

 Michael Kors brings you a pearl sequin dress that would be perfect for red carpet walking. Found on Zappos, this dress is on sale for $90!

For a bit more, this See by Chloe dress for $373 is found on Bluefly. This oversized - shirt, sequin dress looks just like the ones seen at the awards.

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Beauty: Tan like a pro

Summer is here. We have been blessed with quite a few high 80s and 90 degree weather days already. I hope it is just starting. With that being said, it is important that PrivyDolls protect themselves as they get some ultimate exposure to the sun's rays. There are a few key things to remember:

1) Always wear sunscreen. Luckily, many moisturizers and foundations you normally use have SPF. Make sure it does and re apply in the sun.
2) Always wear sunglasses. I personally don't want to get squint lines but more importantly you can get sun damage on your eyes.
3)  protect your hair color and scalp with a hat or scarf when laying out. We spend a lot on hair coloring and highlights. Sun immediately changes the pigments, and can fade or turn the color a bit blonder or more orange depending. It also protects your scalp from getting sun burn.

Don't forget the sunscreen is the number one priority. With that, here are a few of my favorites.
  Philosophy has a oil free SPF lotion called Hope. Found at Sephora for $45.

I also love this great find, Island Company (known for their bikinis) have launched a sunscreen line. Check out this one that is SPF 6. All of their lines come in minis, which are great for traveling. Try this one for $17.95 and found on their site, HERE.

 

PrivyDolls spend a lot on their hair color. Make sure you use a protective spray before you head outdoors and to the beach. This one found at Ulta for $22 is a great choice. 

 

For those that are tech savvy sun bathers check out this site and also their APP that can calculate the sun, and how long you should be out there due to your skin type and UV rays. 

http://www.sundicator.net/uv-calculator/

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ENTERTAINMENT: 2010 CFDA Awards Announced

The 2010 CFDA award ceremony was last night and the fashion world is still buzzing. The CFDA (council off Fashion Designers of America) puts on the most glamorous award ceremony each year to award the best talent of the year in many categories including menswear, womenswear, accessories and journalism to name a few. Marc Jacobs took home the big award. Everyone who is everyone in the industry was there and looking glam, including: Sarah Jessica parker who did a tribute to her late friend and designer, Alexander McQueen, Jessica Biel, Anna Wintour and every other fashion follower and creator. Additional winners included Rag and Bone for menswear, Ralph Lauren for popular designer by online vote. Alexander Wang didn't win in the category off Best Womanswear but he did take a deserving Swarovski's Best Accessory . Michael Kors also received the Lifetime Achievement award. It was a man's night with all of these winners. Cheers to all the nominees and winners! Here are some of the red carpet looks last night thanks to the Huffington Post.

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INSIDER INTERVIEW: Lor G Jewelry

Rockers unite! Privydoll has found a jewelry line for you. Gun metal, Skulls and crosses.  I caught up with the Canadian designer to learn about his line and where we can snatch it! Check out his site for the entire line and more information!


Label/Company Name: Lor G Jewellery

Designer: Sol Stevens Dahn

PD: 3 words to describe your label:
LG: Rock N’ Roll

PD: In your opinion what is next season’s trend? 
LG:Colors! Lots of them! Mixed matched together!

PD:What is your inspiration for this season/line entirely?
LG:Guns N’ Roses….always!

PD:What are your favorite materials to use?
LG: Silver, gold, onyx, quartz, crystal,..so many!

PD:Favorite place for brainstorming and day dreaming:
LG: driving to work

PD:What fashion designer’s line do you think accentuates your jewelry brand? 
LG:Alexander Mcqueen R.I.P.

PD: What kind of press/marketing/celeb spotings has your line received? 
LG: Nicole Ritchie, her husband, Lindsey Lohan, Lil’ Jon, Kanye West!!!!

PD: If you could dress any celebrity at the moment who would it be? 
LG Johnny Depp

And Lastly, spill the Privy find:

www.lorgjewellery.com

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Fashion Radar: Cut Outs Ahead, On a Budget

Slicing and dicing fashion trend is in. We have seen more and more designers on the runway showcasing dresses, leggings and many more items that have cut outs. The eighties are not going anywhere and this trend is wearable and approachable. I have found some Budget friendly picks to achieve this look! This dress is a Kristin Cavallari  dress.

                                                  Love Love this Gucci Cut out white dress! 

Pair some cut out leggings with a tunic and vest and you are set for summer. These are a great choice from BlueFly from BCBGeneration for $29!

Shoes are no exception to the trend and I found these fabulous shoes on Sense of Fashion from the boutique, Liberty27 and for only $50, these will stand out with out breaking the bank! Mindy Cut out heels $50.

A great find at AKIRA once again with a black cut out dress for $49!

 Check out this dress found on Shopstyle.com for only $67!

I may have to draw the line when it comes to Cut out swimwear. The tan lines would be so much work!

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Privy Baby: Paul Smith Launches Children's Line

Paul Smith who we adore for vibrant stripes will launch a children's line coming up this summer for Fall 2010. The line that will include bright colors that will have silhouettes similar to the adult line. Smith said it has been 10 years since they had a children's line which stopped only because of workload. Be prepared to see bright striped shirts for boys and with the sizes ranging from zero-fourteen years old I can only imagine the adorable fashions. The line will be found in Paul Smith stores and online. In the meantime check out Paul Smith's adult collection.

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Home: Interview with APRRO Designs

PrivyDolls love stylish furniture. and finding a brand like APRRO is like winning the lottery of design. I adore the the new designer's chairs which happen to just win this year's Best New Design Award. Check out his website and of course check out the showroom if you are in the LA area. I sat down with the new designer to learn his inspiration behind the chair that is gaining all this buzz and what motivates the line.

Label/Company Name: APRRO

Name: Alexander Purcell

PrivyDoll: 3 words to describe your line:

Alex: The line aims to make the world more alluring place one expression at a time.

We normally report on fashion trends, but home trends are just as important and are parallel. In your opinion what is next season’s trend?

Two things stood on display at the Salone in Milan. Firstly, craft is influencing design again. Numerous products are twisting artesian craftsmanship such as knitting, weaving, or inlay with modern technology to create contemporary forms. Secondly colors are defiantly getting bolder there was a lot of bright and neon highlights utilized.

What is your inspiration for this season/line entirely?

I don’t really design my furniture to be seasonal per se, I create objects you collect and enjoy for a lifetime. Though there are of course always streams of inspiration. One constant that always informs my work are the fine strands of human recollection that resonates with our emotions.  Along with an evolving interest that directs my focus; presently that is the idea of threshold furniture – objects that exist in the space between indoors and out and can be used in either.

What are your favorite materials to use?

I will work with almost anything. On the one hand I do enjoy the tactility of wood and metal yet at the same time I enjoy incorporating cutting edge materials. For example the use of Corian Spiro chair means the engraved artwork is completely customizable so every chair is a little different – like a snowflake.

What is next after wining this year’s Best new Design award for your Spiro Chair, what kind of line extensions can we expect?

We are presently developing a plywood version of the Spiro chair. For which I have applied the form language to a wingback, stool, task chair, bench and coffee table… to name a few

Favorite place for brainstorming and daydreaming:

In public spaces - I love people watching and I find the anonymity of the public domain strangely serene and focusing.

Congrats on opening your first store! Do you sell your line in other stores other than your boutique?

Everything is made custom by hand for each customer so no one has sat in or used it until you receive it. I prefer to deal directly with my customers as each piece is like a work of art and I want each person to understand the passion, time and craftsmanship that goes into each pieces creation.

What advice would you give other entrepreneurs who want to open their first boutique?

Brace yourself its chaos!

What kind of press/marketing/celeb purchases has your line received?

Some selected press:

http://digital.modernluxury.com/publication/?i=35229&p=49

http://www.theluxurychannel.tv/LuxuryFeatureFull.aspx?fid=3058392&cid=103722

http://www.chdmag.com/article/new-product-design-alexander-purcell
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/the-insider-alexander-purcell/

http://www.wallpaper.com/lifestyle/fab-40-sake-bomb/3954

http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20090513/breaking-the-mold

As for celebrities I have been working with Hill Harper and Shaun Faris on some bespoke work but a lot of my clients wish to remain nameless.

And Lastly, spill the Privy find: 

www.aprro.com

www.sakebombstore.com

7466 Beverly blvd, Los Angeles CA90046

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Fashion Radar: The New Nude

Nude is in. Not bare skin, but the nude tones paired on one another is summer's black ensemble. City PrivyDolls do the black on black in winter, but now that summer is here nude on nude has taken its place. Beige is so not boring anymore with these great finds. Don't be afraid to layer and have similar tones on one another.


 For a great go-to khaki dress for the season, I love this one by Rachel Roy found at Macys for $59!

A great choice for day to night shoes are these from J.Crew for $195. The low heel is modest but still trendy with the two tone beige.

Color forcasters (what a great job by the way) have named Summer 2010 colors beyond what we would call the 'beige' family. Colors like, tobacco, teracotta, linen, dried herb, and camel. If you are going to go all natural head to toe. Try the 'mix and match' trend inspired by African Print and a light blush.

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