The Square Project

I found out about Tara St James and her quest to show at New York Fashion Week from an article on Lemondrop. It all sounds rather architectural to me... turns out she's reading Rem Koolhaas, too. The different shapes (well, they all start out as squares) and textures are so intriguing, I can't wait to see more.

Tara heads up Study NY, a creative collective committed to using sustainable (recycled, organic) materials. She's working toward launching "The Square Project" clothing line at New York Fashion Week's Green Show.

From her site:

"‘The Square Project’, the first clothing line from the collective, will launch at New York Fashion Week in September as part of The Green Shows, the only premiere fashion event exclusively committed to eco-friendly, ethically sound, fair trade fashion in NYC.

The Square Project is a study of shapes in relation to the human form – starting with the square.

The collection will comprise of 9 styles, (a square number of course), offered in two seperate colours. Each style will be made from a different number of squares."

Check out the photos on her site, 4equalsides.com and this video.

FashionSPARK kicks off tonight!

FashionSPARK 2009 kicks off tonight in downtown Raleigh with the announcement of this year's lineup at Mosaic at 9 pm.

There will be a screening of the 2008 show, too. I promise to take lots of photos!

Summer Weddings...

aren't always quite this fabulous, but not everyone has multiple titles that include model and designer.

Counting down to FashionSPARK

It is officially one month to the "Wear What You Are" fashion & body art show on Fayetteville Street on September 18. The event page says, "FashionSPARK 2009 will once again showcase the Triangle’s favorite up-and-coming fashion and accessory designers and stylists on the runway in Wear What You Are. The show evokes and celebrates the true nature and joy of individual expression through fashion." That's what RSF is all about, so we can't wait!

Hel Looks is back from vacation!

Hel Looks is really the original inspiration for Raleigh Street Fashion. Other things have influenced my "hobby project" here, but these folks are dedicated to people-watching... they've been at it since 2005!

They took the month of July off and I know I've missed it, check it out!

Shop Local Raleigh "Independents" Contest

Check out the shoplocalraleigh.org "Celebrate Your Independents" contest to win a $500 Shopping Spree to participating businesses. Member businesses include not only retail and health & beauty but also restaurants, professional services and art supplies.

Lookbook Envy

If you haven't browsed the fashion blog world and fallen in love with Lookbook.nu you are doing yourself a disservice. Here, go take a quick peek, we'll wait...

Not only are there some serious fashionistas and awesome color combos, but some of the photography is pretty amazing in and of itself.

Kiersten, 23

dress: anthropologie
earrings: Light Years
bag: from Argentina, Carla Danielli



Check out the Street Fashion Album over on Facebook.

First Friday recap

After a steamy start at twilight, we had so much fun we forgot we were supposed to be taking photos!













Tiki Bar at Get Dressed.
















Outside Hibernian (Go Hokies!)


From West & Glenwood to Hargett & Wilmington (and back, on foot) there was lots to see and plenty of opportunity to catch up with old friends and quench our collective thirst.













Art by Jen Padilla at Catch 22
















Catch 22


What we loved but didn't photograph was the Finding Home exhibit at The Morning Times gallery. Lovely photographs by Rebecca Necessary that you can check out yourself through August 31.














Nathan Smith and Dayle Eason,
kind enough to chat on their way to catch the R Line!

Check out the First Friday Album over on Facebook.

...Got plenty of places to go...

First Friday always proves to be a good night for art, clothes and people-watching, so come join us! Between Catch 22 and The Morning Times gallery (for the Finding Home exhibit), who knows what else we'll find?

Raleigh Denim on style.com

Style File blog from the end of last week, this is likely not news to anyone by now. It is nice to see one of our local flavor favorites recognized by the greater fashion world.

Go check out...

The photography of Pascal Perich. I first noticed the photo credit on something lovely at LedThread. Probably, actually, on her flickr.

I went looking and found some of the most amazing images. Portraits, fashion, architecture, art, document. Wow, just wow.

On the move!

I spied the cute espadrilles on this young woman, riding her scooter to work. This photo was a happy accident, I love how the mirrors capture her face and really complete the image.

Check out the Street Fashion Album over on Facebook.

Local Designer Profile: Koa Designs/ Cristina Godette

I discovered Koa Designs through the 'Shop Local' function on etsy.com. I was immediately impressed by the vibrant colors, bold shapes and delicate painting of the pieces. The craftsmanship and detailing are consistent and the heart & soul of the designer are so obvious in the work, I was an instant fan!

Koa Designs was founded by Cristina Godette. She has graciously agreed to be the first Raleigh Street Fashion Featured Local Designer!

Who are you and where are you from?

My name is Cristina Godette. I was born and raised right here in Raleigh, NC.

What first made you want to become a designer?

I can't say that I actually made a conscious decision to become a designer because I grew up in a very creative environment so designing just came naturally for me.

What kind of creative environment? Artists in the family?

Well when I was a child my mother was especially supportive. She noticed that I took a special interest in the creative arts (singing, drawing, dancing, etc.) and she would always find ways to keep me involved in related activities. My uncle was a professional dancer, writer/director and a Broadway actor and although he passed away in my childhood I believe that same creative gift he possessed lives on in me.

How long have you been designing/working as Koa Designs?

I actually started off as Cristina's Jewelry in 2005 and since then my designs evolved and I soon changed my business name to Koa Designs in 2009. I guess you can say it has been a four year work in progress.

Where does the name "Koa" originate?

Koa, pronounced koe-wah is Swahili for bold and attractive. I wanted a name that embodied the soulful, ethnic flair and the beautiful boldness of my jewelry.

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me but, what inspires me the most are all types of people, nature and the emotions of music.

Could you describe your creative process?

I guess you could say my creative process comes simply when I see shapes and colors in everything from a building to beautiful dress that grabs my attention. I never "think" I just do and the design ideas always flow.

How long does it take you to create a piece, from the inspiration to the finished product?

The time it takes me to create a piece from start to finish varies greatly. Sometimes I'll have instant inspirations and I'll complete several pieces in just a day. However, other times I may start pieces and get "designer's block" and I'll usually spend a day or two just doing color combinations in my mind, I'll daydream or listen to music and after a few days I'll complete the pieces.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I'm fortunate to be able to make a living creating things but, down time is always great and apart from designing I enjoy hanging out with my husband & my family. I have to mention that I'm starting a non-profit called 'The Koa Initiative', which will be a program dedicated to the education and empowerment of young ladies of all races in our community. This is a project that I'm deeply passionate about and I also see this as an opportunity to give back all that has been given to me!

What possession do you most cherish?

Believe it or not the possession I cherish most are the memories of my mom and dad buying my first coloring sets, it always sticks out in my mind.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is what I call, " urban funk". I'm drawn to rich and vibrant colors I LOVE crazy printed tees (dressy or casual), a great pair of jeans, cute heels and of course I love to wear pieces from my jewelry collection!

Can you tell me about the tee shirt you're wearing (in your photo)? The earrings are your own design, right?

The t-shirt I'm wearing in the photo is a store purchase but, I feel it definitely represents my bold style, my vibrant personality and my love for comfortable clothing. Yes, the earrings in this photo are one of my designs and you can see my favorite color is plum!

What is your favorite book, movie and musical group?

My favorite movie is the Notebook it's a great timeless story, my favorite book is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston and my absolute favorite band is The Fray. Although I like most music, they're my all time favorite!