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iCool by Cathy Longo

Cathy Longo was born is Caracas, Venezuela where she obtained an associate degree in Graphic Design from the Institute of Perera Design and Fine Arts the Cristobal Rojas School, which she completed with a Bachelors Degree in Arts from Central University in Venezuela.

Her initial years of professional experience were spent in Venezuela, where she got involved in numerous design projects for both public and private companies. In 1996, Cathy decided to emigrate to the United States where her novel and audacious handling of color and typography has allowed her to venture.

During her rich and diverse trajectory as a Graphic Designer, Cathy has developed innovative & effective projects for clients such as Tropical Sony, Sony Discs, Latin EMI, Skyquest Television, Jose Maria Vargas University, Givenchy, among others.

In 2008, Cathy started to design for her own brand, iCool, As a vibrant visual artist whose eclectic works frequently feature organic, and highly original forms. Her creative process encompassed the digital design of female purses and purse holders and their subsequent manufacture in recycled and biodegradable non-woven fibers. Thus, iCool was born as an innovative way to turn environmental concern into concrete actions.

Each one of Cathy’s design tells a different story. Some talk about optimism, while others about perseverance and love; but every one of them reflects the artist’s rigorous academic training and her varied professional experience in the competitive field of graphic design.

iCool makes it possible for today’s woman to incorporate Art into her life by wearing beautiful and versatile accessories which, at the same time, represent a step forward in the protection of our natural surroundings. In their visual sophistication and eco-conscious manufacture, every iCool product fully embodies the brand’s slogan: I Got Life

WEAR ART

Is the new concept of fashion designer Cathy Longo. Creativity, environmental awareness and affordability are combined in the newest arrival

in the world of women’s accessories by embracing the award wining non-woven

technology, iCool is at the vanguard of the environmentally friendly textile. Non-woven fibers are manufactured with recycled and

biodegradable material which are also resistant, durable and surprisingly light weight.

WEAR ART

This collection features 12 different arts on its shoulder and tote bags, each one telling a

different story.

PERSEVERANCE

Aesthetically, this design clearly references the tradition of geometric abstraction, which is so important in Venezuela, my home country. In the infinite repetition of forms and colors I wanted to convey the idea that perseverance and consistence are fundamental values if we hope to achieve true success in our lives.

PERSEVERANCE

COMMUNICATION

Strength and fortitude are two of the qualities I admire the most in several of my friends, and this is an idea I was pondering on while working on this design. When you come across people who are strong, even stubborn, it may be challenging to find common grounds and reach agreements, but when this happens they are always long-lasting and fruitful.

COMMUNICATION

HOPE

In a world plagued by violence and aggression, I feel we still have countless reasons to be optimistic. I thus conceived this design as an inspiring metaphor: a hopeful blue emerging amidst a sea of military greens.

HOPE

STRENGTH

Strength and fortitude are two of the qualities I admire the most in several of my friends, and this is an idea I was pondering on while working on this design. When you come across people who are strong, even stubborn, it may be challenging to find common grounds and reach agreements, but when this happens they are always long-lasting and fruitful.

STRENGTH

COMMITMENT

I have always felt that, paradoxically as it may sound, it is only when you allow yourself to be fully and wholeheartedly committed to another person, that you become truly free. Commitment is not a burden but an opportunity to grow.

COMMITMENT

INSPIRATION

I have been passionate about watercolor as a medium since my art school days in Caracas. I have long been fascinated by its versatility and by the mastery required to achieve its full aesthetic potential. I conceived this design as an evocation of the spirit of some of the most celebrated watercolorists in modern art.

INSPIRATION

INTUITION

There is nothing rational about this design. It was born out of a burst of creativity that I find difficult to put into words. I simply allowed myself to go with the flow and I worked until I felt the work was completed.

INTUITION

OCEAN

The ocean is the first thing I see when I wake up, and the last one before I go to sleep. This is my interpretation of its chromatic richness and of the marvelous feeling of freedom which invades us when we contemplate it.

OCEAN

ENCOUNTERS

This design is for those of us who believe in love above everything else. Love is a healing and empowering force that fills our hearts with desire and determination and brings out the best in us.

ENCOUNTERS

LIFE

My mother was a woman who was full of life. She was seen by many as a social butterfly, always irradiating not only energy, happiness and optimism, but also naïvité and generosity. This design was made to honor her memory.

LIFE

DEPTH

This design is loaded with symbolisms. There are discrete allusions to happiness, passion and other important and profound sentiments, but rather than impose a literal meaning, I would like to invite you to look at it, make your own associations and draw your personal conclusions.

DEPTH

HOMAGE

With this design I pay homage to the thousands of people who have built up the courage to leave everything behind and attempted to make their dreams come true. They have transited some of the planet’s most arid lands and endured the most extreme conditions, guided only by their unyielding hope for a better future.

HOMAGE