Interview with JACQUELINE THEN

I had the fabulous opportunity of interviewing our local fashion designer Jacqueline Then, who once again delighted us with her exquisite new collection "Provocateur" at the RDFW '10.

1. Who’s Jacqueline Then?

Fashion designer, mother of three beautiful kids: Valeria, Alex and Lia. Wife of Alexander Schad. Owner of BIANCO a multi-brands fashion boutique in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and a very happy person.  

2. Who’s your ideal client?

She has a very strong body language.  She is proud and feminine, and is not afraid of showing it in the way she dresses. 

3. When did you launch your line?  

Dominicana Moda 2007.

4. Biggest achievement:

In the fashion business: To have my own store at MUSA in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with evening wear and clothes for exceptional occasions!

From the beginning I‘ve been very specific with the message I want to transmit with my designs: extremely short glamorous dresses , embroidered tops and pants in luxury fabrics, and the most important thing is, that I think a whole generation of girls totally identify themselves with my line.

5. I’m obsessed with…

My work process at THEN is very intense day after day. I research a lot, but at the same time my proposal is emotional, especially in these days, it's hard to find emotion and inspiration in the same place. So I search for inspiration in music, arts, and within the society in general. And when I find something I like, I research it throughout and dig deep,  that’s the way I work: drawing inspiration and emotion from my travels, from art and my feelings.  My work expresses my vision. 

6. Which designer do you admire the most?

 It’s always some kind of blend, every season will change depending on the designer’s collection.  I will say this season my favorites are: Cristophe Decarnin (Balmain), Ricardo Tisci (Gyvenchy), Nicolas Ghesquiere (Balenciaga), Alber Elbaz (Lanvin), Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens, Altuzarra and Antonio Berardi.

7. A city: 

New York, Montreal and Paris!

8. A book:

I’m a real Dominican fan and I will go for a Dominican book “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” of Junot Diaz, who was awarded the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

9. A quote:

“I don't do fashion, I am fashion.” Coco Chanel

10. A fashion advice?

A full length mirror! And the key pieces for this season: mini-skirts or dresses, exaggerated shoulders and the military trend.

11. High heels or flats?

Always High heels!

12. You would never leave your house without?

My big LV handbag!

13. What’s in your handbag?

Everything!! My makeup, keys, sunglasses, perfume, cell…the list will never end!

14. Anything else you want to share with us?

Fashion  Shows:

Dominicana Moda “Sublime” 2007
Mujeres Vestidas por la Esperanza “Green” 2007
Factoria 2008
Dominican Republic Fashion Week “Premiere” 2009
Dominicana Moda “Imagine” 2009
Dominicana Moda “Blackbook” 2008
El Fashion Show “New York” 2010
Dominican Republic Fashion Week “Provocateur" 2010
Cover Magazines:
OH Magazine and Santo Domingo TIMES

 Thank you Jacqueline for such a great interview!

Interview with ORIETT DOMENECH

One of my favorite local designers right now, if not my favorite!. Oriett Domenech delighted us with her beautifully constructed line "DON'T HAVE TO BE BEAUTIFUL" Resort 2010 at the RDFW. I wish I had the words to describe the amazing talent of this dominican fashion designer. 

Here are some pictures of her recent collection.

1. Who's Oriett Domenech? 

I am a creative woman who likes different things. I'm also very perceptive. I adore to be with my friends and my beloved husband. I'm very uneasy and perfectionist. I love to speak with God and I have great faith. 

I love daydreaming!

2. Who's your ideal client?

A confident woman who loves fashion and likes to be different.

3. When did you launch your line? 

October 2009

4. Biggest achievement:

I hope I can answer that question in less than 10 years!

5. I'm obsessed with:

Making my brand ORIETT DOMENECH internationally known.

6. Which designer do you admire the most?

My top 3: Nicolas Ghesquière, Ricardo Ticsi and of course Alexander McQueen even though he's not with us anymore.

7. A city:

New York

8. A book:

Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho 

9. A fashion advice:

Always project security, it will make you look amazing no matter what you're wearing.

10. High heels or flats?

High heels when I want to look fabulous and flats when I'm tired of being fabulous. jejeje

11. You would never leave your house without?

iPhone and wallet

12. What's inside your handbag?

House keys, iPhone, a little cosmetic case with "Colossal Mascara" from Maybelline, Dior lipgloss and a MAC blush.

Photos by Ximena Trujillo exclusively for Lua Jewelry{the blog}

For more information www.oriettdomenech.com

Interview with Otis & Maclain

I've had the fabulous opportunity of interviewing Otis & Maclain. Their designs have been worn by Lauren Conrad, Kloe Kardashian, Mischa Barton, Lindsey Lohan, Tori Spelling, et al. 
I absolutely adore this line- simple and chic!

About Otis & Maclain

Otis & Maclain was created by co-owners/designers, Shamani Hall and Andrea Cheatham.  Shamani has attended both the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.City and has a degree in visual communications.   Andrea attended the University of Missouri, Columbia and earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and management and a minor in business.  She also has a jewelry line, Andrea Cheatham Vintage.  

Shamani and Andrea have both managed Madison, a chain of clothing boutiques in Los Angeles, where they met in 2006.  Otis & Maclain originated out of Andrea and Shamani’s desire to create a unique clothing line that uses simple, versatile body styles mixed with hand-picked silks and rayons that are easy to wear but fashion forward.

1. Who are Otis and Maclain? 
Otis is Ryan Jackson, Shamani's cousin. Their mothers are twins. Maclain is Andrea's godson, her cousin, Bethany Ruoff's son.


2. Who is your ideal client?
Clarissa Wong


3. When did you launch Otis & Maclain?
Spring 2007


4. Biggest achievement:
Our biggest achievement has been being featured in WWD 


5. We are obsessed with:
DJ Pauly D


6. Which designer do you admire the most?
Karl Lagerfeld 


7. A city:
New York


8. A book:
We both love: Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Me by Pattie Boyd


9. A quote:
Basically anything Karl Lagerfeld says, but here are a few favs:  “I have no scene.  I go everywhere.  I adapt.”  “I’m rather pro-prostitution.  I admire people who do it.  It can’t be much fun.  Thank goodness for it.  People need relief or they become murderers.”  “Friendship is often used to describe something you are indifferent about.  You shouldn’t trivialize these things.”


10. A fashion advice: 
All black everything


11. You would never leave your house without?
Earrings

www.otisandmaclain.com

Where to buy online?

http://madisonlosangeles.com/Otis-and-Maclain/

Follow Otis & Maclain on Twitter