Kat Weltch Covers VH1 VIP Thursdays

  

      From Right to Left: Guy Jackson, Man-e Jay, Kat Weltch (me), Jes Pe' rez

 

A few days ago I was privileged to attend the first ever VH1 VIP Thursdays, an event held to showcase the VH1 Upfronts to digital producers, press and influencers. VH1 staffers kicked off the event by introducing themselves to the audience one by one before showing a really entertaining presentation featuring snippets of the new shows coming to VH1.

Each preview was unique and hilarious. The entire theatre was laughing like crazy at the new comedies and viewers are sure to have the same reaction when they drop later this year. One in particular that is sure to be a hit with the fashion set was Candidly Nicole. Candidly Nicole is Nicole Richie's latest reality show and covers what goes on in her daily life. There were a ton of laugh out loud moments and we even got to see a cameo of the great Lionel Richie! Another show chronicled naked people meeting and falling in love and the new season of LeAnn and Eddie set to premiere July 17th is going to be juicy.  

READ MORE...

 

DenimHunt Hosts Bluemasters Book Launch with Adriano Goldshmied and Scott Morrison

Adriano Goldshmied and Scott Morrison with DenimHunt's Shanna McKinnon

 

A few days ago I had the pleasure of hosting an incredible event, the book launch of Bluemasters: Innovation in Denim. The book was written by Fabiana Giacomotti, head of fashion and costume studies at Rome’s Sapienza University and celebrates the men and women whose work in the denim industry have transformed it from workwear into such an iconic garment.

The event was fittingly held in Soho concept store/denim atelier 3x1 and sponsored by denim supplier ISKO, one of the premium denim industries largest denim suppliers, and Archroma, a textile dye and finishing company. It opened with an introduction by yours truly and some remarks by Marco Lucietti, ISKO Marketing Director and Carl Fortin, Marketing Executive of Archroma. The two executives spoke of their companies' contributions to the denim industry, which are significant, and their satisfaction at having been a part of the creation of the book.

The highlight of the evening was the Q & A I had with denim legends and true Bluemasters Adriano Goldschmied and Scott Morrison. Among the questions I asked were topics related to past and present changes in the denim industry as well as what innovations they imagined in the future. Adriano imagined a denim industry where sustainability was the norm and not a novelty. I was especially moved by his genuine concern for the effects past production has had on the environment. With denim being the most prevalent item in most everyone's wardrobe, just changing one part of the manufacturing process would have a significant impact on the environment. Scott's focus on connecting on an emotional level with the consumer surely is the key to his success, especially when dealing with a fabric that already elicits such an emotional response from the wearer. He spoke of this as the inspiration behind 3x1, which he hopes to expand to other areas, and the importance of continually pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Adriano is a great storyteller with a larger than life personality that complimented Scott's more humble demeanor. Many of us, Scott and I included, were left in stitches with his tales, one of which was the total destruction of a washing machine while attempting to stone wash jeans using real pebbles. It was a great night and the event organizers did an amazing job highlighting the Bluemasters book and the sponsors, with ISKO's logo spelled out in denim and excerpts from the book on the walls.

With so much of the fashion media covering denim this spring, it is great to see what has become a garment industry in its own right, being recognized. 

 

Click below to see the Bluemasters: Innovation in Denim and other photos from the event...

 

First Look: Nicola Formichetti's #DieselTribute is Bad Ass!

 

Nicola Formichetti has been at his post as the first ever Artistic Director of Diesel for a few short months, but he has hit the ground running...And at top speed!

I was fortunate enough to be able to chat with Nicola last night at Diesel's launch party for his capsule collection called #DieselTribute (hashtag included). I asked him the purpose of releasing a collection so soon and his answer was simply that he couldnt wait. He was eager to get started and wanted to pay homage to the brand and it's history. Pulling inspiration from the archives, known among staff as the Diesel Museum, he was able to create a largely denim collection that ultimately pays tribute to Diesel. Hence the name #DieselTribute. (Look for the full interview tomorrow).

The #DieselTribute collection is full of distressed denim. Ne'er a clean wash in sight. I'm so on board with distressed denim coming back as we need something to break up the color craze. Where normally we wear toned down items with distressed jeans for balance, Nicola has made that impossible with large spikes, wild patches and colorful buttons that were hand sewn and mark almost every inch of some items. Many of the pieces are unisex such as a biker vest with a large and intimidating eagle patch on the back guranteed to make even little old me look dangerous. To be honest the entire collection is imposing. Even a button-down denim shirt with kitschy buttons looked bad ass.

Not made for the timid, #DieselTribute was meant to be fierce and you will be fierce in it. But then, Diesel's tagline is "Only the Brave". The collection is available in stores now.

Scroll through the pictures after the jump to see the rest of the collection. 

....THE JUMP

We Came, We Saw, We Took Lot's of Pictures of People at Ralph Lauren's Denim & Supply Event

 

Ralph Lauren's edgy streetstyle brand Denim & Supply got an edgy streetstyle makeover on the outside of their Greenwich Village store. And of course, as with any new launch, collaboration, etc, it must be celebrated with wine, hors d' oeuvres and a bunch of us fashion folk getting together to celebrate. *sigh* I love fashion. 

The 'Art Wall' on the store's facade was designed by Hellbent, a Brooklyn-based artist known for his public murals distinguished by their bright colors and layered, 3-Dimensional aesthetic. Inside, smaller pieces by the artist were on display and contrasted brightly with the sea of denim that lined the shop and clothed the attendees. I don't use the word 'sea' lightly either. Almost everyone in attendance was clearly a fan of the brand as their attire mimicked almost perfectly the well-worn, heritage look of the brand. Some even seemed to gravitate toward display areas that matched their look. I'm sure it was subconsciously done, but I'm so glad they did it!

I couldn't resist snapping away at everyone --getting more than one confused look and at least one angry stare. It was worth it. Especially when I began formatting the pics by using the denim-clad attendees as mood for my shop pictures. 

Scroll below and take a look at my creation. You like?

....THE JUMP

Shopping the Scotch & Soda/Maison Scotch Sample Sale

260 Sample Sale hosted a preview of the Scotch & Soda/Maison Scotch sample sale yesterday at their 260 5th Ave location.

The sale is packed tightly with clothing. Most items like shorts, tanks and tees probably will sit in your closet until next Spring but there were plenty of coats, blazers and trousers for this season in both mens and womens.

I spent a good hour in the sale perusing the racks. After picking up and putting back several things, I settled on about 7 or so items to take into the dressing room (see my picks above). Ultimately, I bought the denim jumper and the gray sweatshirt with lace shoulders (below), but I really wanted those plaid suspender trousers. I just couldn't get them to work. Maybe today I'll have shopper's remorse and go back and get them. 

Check out the pics below to see what's on the racks and view the price list.

The sale starts today so make sure you get down there. 

 ....THE JUMP 

Marciano + W Magazine Party Featuring Ellis Faas Cosmetics

 

If you follow DenimHunt on Instagram or Facebook than you know I attended a party thrown by Marciano and W Magazine at the Marciano store in Soho last night. 

The event was held to celebrate Marciano's four-page spread in the latest issue of W Magazine. Clothing used in the spread was clearly marked with a "W + Marciano Focus on Fall" tag which I thought was brilliant. Every brand should do something like this to clearly mark an item you see in a magazine or blog, but I digress. The fall collection is full of statement pieces like quilted leather skirts, faux fur jackets, metal belts and cape dresses. And of course it is all reasonably priced. Make sure you head down to your nearest Marciano store to see it for yourself.

In addition to the fabulous fall collection, there was a makeup booth set up by Ellis Faas Cosmetics. I've been all about makeup lately (because I suck at wearing it) and was all about getting a makeover. While I waited, I got a little background info about the company. Ellis Faas is a dutch makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Chanel and Fendi. The majority of her cosmetics come in this seriously cool "bullet" belt akin to machine gun rounds which makes it easier to keep your makeup organized (see image below). Fittingly, Ellis Faas slogan is "Makeup not War". Makeup artist Daniel Alvarez went to town on my face and gave me a seriously hot smoky eye with navy and rose colored cream eyeshadow. Loved it! See my before and after pics below. Just for the record, I'm wearing makeup in the before pic. See what I mean? I'm so bad with makeup.

See all the pics from the party below.

 

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G-Star RAW's New York Fashion Week Night Was A RAW Thriller

 

 

When you get to the 0:35 second mark in this video, you'll get a quick glimpse of me snapping pictures with my iPhone of GStar RAW's New York Fashion Week Night. I had every intention of posting those very pictures today. But then, of course, I saw this video, almost spit out my Red Bull (I hate coffee) after seeing myself and then decided the video was much better. Especially since I missed the performance by Kasabian. Bummer. 

Instead of the mega runway show that G-Star usually puts on during Fashion Week, they opted instead to have a curated exhibition at The Highline Hotel. Other than the lack of A/C, it was the perfect venue for the presentation that was put together. As attendees walked through the long courtyard, a spotlight projecting the words "RAW" in an eerie blue glow above the entrance made me feel as if I were walking into a chiller thriller. We walked up stairs, down pathways and through doors with original works by G-Star RAW such as denim covered kayaks and "exploding" jeans leading the way. The winding, ever changing path, as well as the overall atmosphere spawned conflicting emotions of forboding, curiosity and excitement. Whoever put this idea together truly deserves a round of applause for the Hitchcockian suspense. 

The main hall was lined with curated pieces as if we were in the Denim Museum of G-Star RAW. Lamps were covered with denim horse "armor". Miners masks complete with vintage hard hats were stacked on a shelf. A watercraft that I can only describe as a hybrid between a submarine and a kayak was constructed with a denim cover. And a statue with a denim mask over it's face like the pope incognito loomed over the crowd as if saying "come my children, all are welcome, all are welcome". And in between all of that was the collection. 

Centerstage were men's and women's jeans stiffened and posed for the presentation on a catwalk of light. However, it was the raw denim and carrot leg silhouettes we've come to expect from the brand. The real star was the introduction of G-Star's new eyewear collection which launches in January. I happily tried on a few pairs and took a few selfies in them (see DenimHunt on Instagram). The glasses come in both sunnies and prescription ready clear, with special features being raised screws and flat lenses for an industrial aesthetic. 

Overall, it was a great fashion week concept. Especially for those of us beginning to tire of the fashion week chaos as described in RackedNY and the NY Times.

Aww hell, I took pictures. Why let them go to waste. See below for pics from the event.  

 

SOURCING AT MAGIC? Check Out Denim: From the Cotton Fields to the Retail Shelf

 

 

If you are attending MAGIC this week, make sure you take advantage of the panels and seminars being held. There is a wealth of knowledge to be had and tradeshows are a great way to gather those industry veterans who have such knowledge into one place. 

One in particular is sure to be one of the most interesting, but of course I'm biased because it is all about denim! Ever wonder what the process is to make a pair of jeans? Of course you have. You're sourcing at Magic and know it involves a lot more steps and a lot less fanciness than that video from G-Star, although it was pretty amazing. 

The desciption of the panel is the following;

From the cotton fields to the design studios, factory floors and, finally, retail shelves, an all-star panel shares insights into the global sourcing and product strategies, new technologies, marketing tools, dyes and fibers that have impacted the way we produce and sell denim and that will define the future market for the world’s favorite fashion.

Get the rest of the deets below:

 

10:15 AM - 11:45 AM

 

DENIM: FROM THE COTTON FIELDS TO THE RETAIL SHELF

LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER

NORTH HALL, LEVEL 2, ROOM N261

 

MODERATOR:

Mark Messura, SVP, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN, COTTON INC.

 

PANELISTS:

David Earley, SENIOR DIRECTOR SUPPLY CHAIN MARKETING, COTTON INC.

Vince Gonzales, INDUSTRY VETERAN, CHAUVIN INT’L., BEN SHERMAN, EVISU, MELTIN’ POT, JOHN’S MOTORS, STEVE MCQUEEN, VINTAGE REVOLUTION

Lisa Kline, LOS ANGELES RETAILER, WWW.LISAKLINE.COM

 

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