the fashion group international of houston, inc. quarterly newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Haute Houston Fall 2010TRANSCRIPT
YOUR OWN PR PERSONHow t o Be
THE ARTOF FASHION
PHOTOGRAPHY
FALL 2010 Beauty Trends
THE FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL OF HOUSTON, INC. QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
WWW.FGIHOUSTON.ORG | ISSUE 2 | FALL 2010
EDITOR-IN-CHIEFAndrea Bonner
CREATIVE DIRECTORGrace Jin
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORSAndrea Bonner, Jeanette Coon, Linda Drummond, Josephine Gough and
Danielle Bailey
© 2010 HAUTE Houston Newsletter. All Rights Reserved. No part of our online or printed newsletter may be
scanned or reproduced.
WWW.FGIHOUSTON.ORGFor FGI Houston news, resources,
events, jobs, and internships, visit us online at FGIHouston.org. We are
located at 3701 W. Alabama, Suite 390 Houston, TX 77027.
PHOTO & ARTICLE [email protected]
FEEDBACKYour input is important to us. Email
ONLINE PUBLICATIONAvailable at hautehouston.org
on the coverModel: Megan Tipps from Page ParkesPhotographer: Simon GentryHair and Makeup: Craft SalonClothes and Styling: David Peck CollectionClothes: Hand printed, cotton velvet blazer with glass bead detailing; Hand dyed silk satin top and crepe silk trousers with glass bead detailingJewelry: Vintage and stylist’s own
H O U S T O NHAUTE
HAUTE HOUSTON2
BOARD OF DIRECTORS20 10BOARD OF DIRECTORS20 10BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HOUSTON REGION
Regional Director – Josephine Gough, UZOTreasurer - Susan Silverman, The Gayla Bentley Fashion Design GroupSecretary - Kara Times, Dillard’sAmbassador Director – Holly Thompson, Cleary ThompsonStudent/Affiliate Membership Director – Dr. Alyssa Adomaitis, University of HoustonProgram Director - Alexia Johnson, Savvy Consulting & EventsMarketing Director - Maude Peters, Stage Stores, Inc.Creative Director - Grace Jin, Grace Jin DesignsNewsletter Director/Haute Houston Editor-in-Chief - Andrea Bonner, Style On Demand
FOUNDATION - HOUSTON REGION
NEW YORK
featuresHow to Be Your Own PR PersonBy Linda G. Drummond
Fall 2010 Beauty TrendsBy Danielle Bailey
How We BeganBy Jeanette Coon
contentsBoard of Directors
Letter from the Regional Director
Contributors
Letter from the Editor
Local Events
HAUTE Member Spotlight
New Membership List
Members On The Move
FGI HH Launch Party
Fall Trends
FGI 2010 Calendar of Events
Houston Events
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President - Jeff Shell, Neal Hamil AgencySecretary - Carla Kay, Personal StyleTreasurer - Kara Times, Dillard’sBoard Member - Susan Silverman, The Gayla Bentley Fashion Design GroupBoard Member - Dr. Alyssa Adomaitis, University of Houston
President - Margaret Hayes, The Fashion Group International, Inc.Chairman - Emilie Jackson, Wathne Ltd. Secretary - Charla Lawhon, InStyle Magazine. Pamela Gill Alabaster, L’Oreal USA, Inc.Sally Haigh Alex, Avon ProductsJoe Boitano, Saks Fifth AvenueNancy Berger Cardone, Gourmet MagazineKathryn Cordes, Deloitte Touche TohmatsuJames D’Adamo, Hearst Intergrated MediaMary Ann Domuracki, Financo Inc.Susan C. Glick, Merchandise Mart PropertiesKate Green, GivaudanMerle Sloss, Geoffrey Beene, Inc.Robin Lewis, Robin Lewis Inc. Jaqui Lividini, Lividini Weisenfeld Partners Donald J. Loftus, P&G Prestige Products Inc.Roseanne Morrison, Doneger Group Deborah Patton, Applied BrillianceJane Randel, Liz ClaiborneDenise SeegalBari Seiden, The Estee Lauder CompaniesAudrey Smaltz, The Ground Crew Cynthia Steffe, Cynthia Steffe, Inc.Karen Young, The Young Group
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ISSUE 2, FALL 2010
The Art of Fashion PhotographyBy Andrea Bonner
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HAUTE HOUSTON
BeBeA GUESTcontributor
HAUTE Houston is looking
for members to be guest
correspondents to write
fashion, home and beauty
related articles each quarter. If
you or a member you know is
interested, please email us at:
Dearest FGI Members and Friends,
We hope you enjoyed our Inaugural Issue of Haute Houston, and we hope that you enjoy this issue and many more in the future. The Fashion Group International of Houston, Inc. is taking many strides grow professionals, businesses, and community in the fashion, home, and beauty industries in Houston. Among those many strides is partnering with organizations around to Houston to build fashion
awareness in our great city. These organizations make up The
Fashion Group International of Houston, Inc.’s Advisory Council:
Greater Houston Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (www.visithoustontexas.com): The mission of this organization is to improve the economy of Greater Houston by attracting conventions, tourists and international government officials to the area through sales and marketing efforts. Fashion is a reason to visit Houston. We have great designers, artists, and boutiques that make it worth anyone’s time to visit!
Houston Arts Alliance (www.houstonartsalliance.com): The mission of this organization is to support and promote artistic life in the Houston region through programs, initiatives and alliances. Advancing the nonprofit arts industry in Greater Houston improves the region’s quality of life, ensures a competitive economy, and creates an appealing tourist destination. Fashion is an art, and the Houston Arts Alliance supports the advancement of the fashion community in Houston.
Houston Downtown Alliance (www.houstondowntownalliance.com): The HDA is also home to the largest business networking young professionals group in the city, Emerging Leaders and the Houston Young People for the Arts, an arts advocacy group that introduces Houston’s young art supporters to the Houston arts scene through various programming with other organizations. FGI Houston is actively seeking out young fashion artists and friends of artists to support the future of fashion in Houston.
Fashion Houston: Fashion Houston brings to our city, a great line-up of designers and fashion shows in October of 2010. The Fashion Group International of Houston, Inc. supports all organizations that promote Houston as a fashion city to the world.
FGI Houston is a resource for all fashion businesses and professionals. We want everyone to know that you can succeed in this industry in the great city of Houston.
With Warmest Regards,
Josephine Gough Regional Director FGI Houston
letter from your regional director
4 HAUTE HOUSTON
5ISSUE 2, FALL 2010
Thank you for your overwhelmingly positive response to Haute Houston! We never dreamed (although quietly hoped) that it would receive the notice that it has! From the awesome launch party to the multitude of emails and phone calls, Haute Houston has established itself as a stylishly hip, yet valuable information tool for our FGI Houston members and other general readers.
Fall is upon us and gauging from our well attended and superbly executed Fall Trends event (chaired by Shandolyn Arline-
Johnson), everyone is giddy with excitement about the upcoming season. So as you prepare to re-haul your closets with the bevy of luxurious must-haves of the season, please consider a fellow FGI Houston member retailer, designer or make-up artist when doing so. As we prepare to go to print on this issue, I am readying myself for my first visit to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York! In this issue, be sure to read my interview with Larry Busacca, esteemed entertainment photographer on the New York and Los Angeles celebrity scene. Larry, who will be shooting for the digital media powerhouse Getty Images (house photographer for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week), will be in the pit during fashion week and will share some tips of the trade with Haute Houston. Be sure to check out our holiday issue which will feature full coverage from the Spring 2011 shows!
And, I’m sure you will be in attendance at Fashion Houston 2010 presented by Audi – Truth in Engineering, on October 11th through the 15th. Touted as Houston’s inaugural fashion week, this weeklong fashion extravaganza will be jam packed with innovative designers, cocktails receptions and galas. Several local charities will receive a portion of the proceeds generated by ticket sales. Visit www.fashionhouston.net for more details.
As always, we’d love to hear from you, so if you have any comments or suggestions, please email me at [email protected] Happy fall everyone!
Andrea L. Bonner, Editor-in-Chief Haute Houston
that it would receive the notice that it
Thank you for your overwhelmingly positive response to Haute Houston! We never dreamed (although quietly hoped) that it would receive the notice that it
positive response to Haute Houston! We never dreamed (although quietly hoped)
has! From the awesome launch party to the multitude of emails and phone calls, Haute Houston has established itself as a stylishly hip, yet valuable information
letter from the editor
F g I H o U S T o n
WWW.FgIHoUSTon.oRg
Danielle BaileyDanielle Bailey is a freelance
makeup artist & skincare specialist
with 12 years in the cosmetics
industry. She can be reached at
Linda DrummondLinda Drummond is a native
Houstonian and has worked in the
field of public relations for over
20 years. She is a graduate of the
University of Houston - School of
Communication with more than fourteen years experience
working in television newsrooms. This broadcast television
experience gives her an inside working knowledge of
how to make a story attractive to the media. And, more
importantly, she knows how to target the right people inside
the media so the message does not get lost among the
thousands of pieces of information the media receives each
week. Linda has experience working with international and
local public relations agencies as well as independent PR
professionals. She has been the owner of her own firm,
Drummond Public Relations since 1994. For additional
information, go to www.drummondpr.com.
Andrea BonnerAndrea Bonner is Editor-in-Chief
of Haute Houston and the owner
of Style On Demand, a Houston
based, image consulting and
personal shopping firm. Andrea is
an instructor with Leisure Learning Unlimited and also works
as a volunteer for several organizations including Dress
For Success, Aids Foundation Houston, and Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter. Andrea
works as a freelance fashion writer and is also Chief Copy
Editor of the South Central Regional Reporter newsletter. In
addition to serving as a board member with FGI Houston,
she also serves on the board of The Ivy Educational and
Charitable Foundation of Houston. Andrea is a graduate
of the University of North Texas with a degree in Business
Administration.
contributors
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I’ve been working in public relations for over twenty years and I’m always amazed when people tell me they just don’t understand what public relations, or PR, has to offer them. They’ve heard the term “spin doctor” or have heard how a public relations company “put a spin” on a story all implying that public relations is just a step above slimy and is used to make something bad look good. Public relations is a way to induce the public to have good feelings toward someone or something but that merely touches the surface of the industry. Simply put…public relations is everything you say and do.
As a business owner each and every day you are the Public Relations Director for your life and your business. You are the person that interacts with past, present and future clients. You are the face of your company. With all this responsibility, it is time you learn how to be your own PR person!
Here are several things that you can do to help achieve your own positive public relations:
• Know your product or service and become the expert in your field. For example, if you design your own line of clothes, you know your designs inside and out. You designed the clothes with a certain look and feel in mind and you are the one person that carries this knowledge. You are the expert.
• Stay informed. Know the current news. Does your product or service pertain to something that is happening right now? In the midst of back to school, could your product or service make it easier for parents with children?
• Network, network, network. There is no better way to get the word out about your product or services than to be in front of people. Word of mouth is a phenomenal tool to spread the word about you.
• Donate something to local fundraisers, especially auctions. By donating to an auction, your product is usually seen by hundreds of people. Even if they weren’t able to buy your auction item, if you have your business card or promotional materials are available it is easy for them to pick up and remember you later.
• Be active on social media. Have a Facebook page for your business. Be on LinkedIn and keep your information current. Respond to items posted by others, answer questions on LinkedIn. Use your social media accounts to send your followers to your website or interesting articles about your industry. Helping others helps you.
• Stay in touch. Remember to stay in touch with all past and present clients, not to mention those potential clients that you have identified as your perfect client. Don’t try to sell them, get in touch to wish them a happy birthday, or happy anniversary or send them an article that you think they might enjoy. Keep yourself in the top of their minds.
• Remember that if you are not in front of your clients or potential clients, your competitors will be. And, if you are no longer moving forward, you are losing ground making it the perfect time for your competitors to get ahead.
And finally, it can be important to realize that it’s not always best to do your own public relations. Sometimes it’s easier for others to see your true value and to get the word out for you. I always encourage my clients to try to do some of their own public relations if they are so inclined. This helps by either supplementing what I have been hired to do for them or it helps them realize that sometimes it’s more cost effective to hire the right person.
HOW TO BE
Your Own PR Personby Linda G. Drummond
FALL
HAUTE HOUSTON
Audi Presents Fashion Houston 2010 October 11 – October 15, 2010 Wortham Center – Houston, Texas www.fashionhouston.net 713-253-4884
The inaugural Fashion Houston 2010, presented by Audi, Truth in Engineering, premiers in the magical, beautiful, and charming Bayou City. The event will feature men and women’s ready to wear and couture collections from well known designers, such as Cesar Galindo, Lyn Devon, Christian Siriano, David Peck, Elaine Turner, Lauren Bush, Lela Rose, Net-A-Porter, Chloe Dao, Toni Whitaker, Irinia Shabeyeva, Kiton and Marc Bouwer.
Third Thursday at Decorative Center Houston 5120 Woodway www.decorativecenter.com
Decorative Center Houston presents “Third Thursday Series” every Third Thursday of each month excluding November. Visit different showrooms each month for a series of lectures by leading designers, editors, and industry experts covering a variety of topics, focusing on current issues, trends and materials, in addition to marketing and publicity tips and resources specific to the design industry. This program is a great opportunity to stay on top of design trends and network, as well as staying informed on the latest products and lines our showrooms have to offer. For more information, please call 713-961-9292 x1312
Nordstrom Houston Galleria Cosmetics Trend Show Fall 2010
Please visit Nordstrom on Saturday, October 16 for a look at their favorite makeup, skincare and fragrance trends of the season. • Pre-show Beauty Bash at 7:30 a.m. • Cosmetics Trend Show at 8:00 a.m. • Makeup applications from 11:00 a.m. For details or special accommodations information, call 832.201.2700 and ask for your favorite cosmetics counter.
Dillard’s Memorial City Peter Nygard Fashion Week - October 16-24
Buy 2 items of regular price merchandise and receive 25% off Buy 3 items of regular price merchandise and receive 30% off
Informal Style Show October 16 at 2pm on the 2nd level
For more details call 713.464.1851 ext. 5171
The 2010 Holiday Shopping Card event will take place October 28 through November 7, 2010.
For information on ordering your 2010 Holiday Shopping Card, please contact: Roz Cooley and Gigi Harbison, Co-ChairmanPhone: 713.266.2205 [email protected]% of the donation from the purchase of The Holiday Shopping Card goes directly to the American Cancer Society
local events
7ISSUE 2, FALL 2010
NPD, the global provider for consumer and retail market research, has reported a continuing trend of fewer women using beauty products. In the past, this reflection has been seen in the fragrance category, but has now expanded to makeup and skincare.
Why do customers purchase beauty products - to make themselves feel better about who they are? A major point of difference between brands is innovation. The service experience they receive both at the counter and in the store will be a second point of difference. The third is the value of product. Weighing all three options is what makes the customer willing to spend their money.
Categories of growth in fragrances were primarily focused on novelty, functionality, specialty and aspiration. In makeup/color – new products in eye-catching packaging were vibrantly received, especially those with multiple functions. Products that gave a more natural look were also well received. In skincare – specific categories of anti-aging as well as redness and acne solutions saw category growth.
A new beauty sub-segment gaining popularity would be the organic/natural makeup category. After all, the skin is the largest organ of the body, absorbing a minimum of 60% of the product applied. This fact gives some educated customers pause about the ingredients in the products that they are applying to their skin, and they are looking for alternatives in their beauty routine.
As stated earlier, a trend in early 2010 focused on natural looking makeup and dewy skin. Moving into the Fall/Holiday 2010 beauty season, there will be a few changes that will be seen in fashion-forward beauty trends. Bright eye shadow will continue to be at the forefront, however it will take on the shape of a smoky eye. This smoldering look (usually achieved with soft neutral, taupe and deep brown eye shadow) will be replaced with higher contrasting creams & black with a pop of plum, mauve, eggplant or even blue as the mid-range shade on the lid.
Lashes will still be a focus as the mascara segment continues to grow. We’ve all noticed the many ads for “lash growing” products lately. Mascara isn’t a “one size fits all persons or occasion” product. Different mascaras perform different functions. A main determination of this will be how the mascara
brush is shaped, as well as the material from which it is constructed. Also, the viscosity of the mascara formula will react differently on different densities of eyelashes. Just like black shoes, you should never have just one type of mascara. Don’t be afraid to “wardrobe” your mascaras for different occasions.
Skin will continue to glow this fall as shimmer powder starts to arrive for the holiday season. Also, be sure to get your lip liner ready, as a bold red lip will be the star of the holiday party circuit. Customers will also want to invest in a concealer and brush to touch-up around the lip area to execute this look flawlessly.
It is evident that the beauty shopper is changing the way she is making her purchases. She is changing how and where she is shopping and why she is shopping. With this in mind, many retailers as well as beauty vendors are changing the way they are marketing to their clients.
2010 Beauty Trendsby Danielle Bailey
FALL
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HAUTE HOUSTON8
If you’re anything like me, you’ve on more than one occasion been mesmerized by the alluring images in fashion magazines. The look of surprise or intrigue on a model’s face, the exact detail of a ruffle that makes you think that the dress will reach out and touch you…if your breath has at any time been taken away by a photograph, then the photographer has done his job. As I prepare to ready myself for the bi-annual pilgrimage of the fashion world known as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York
THE ART Of Fashion Photographyby Andrea Bonner, Editor-in-Chief Photography by Larry Busacca/Getty Images
City, I thought that I would delve a little deeper into what it takes to capture a great picture. Although an amateur photographer, I’ve been known to be a little aggressive regarding my photos – cringing if the camera isn’t being held right by the person taking the photo, obsessed about the camera being on the correct setting, and asking that shots be re-taken over and over again if an object or person is in the frame that shouldn’t be. But how do the big boys and girls in the fashion photography game capture such breath taking photos time after time?
Getty Images (www.gettyimages.com), the digital media pioneer, served as the house photographer for the Spring 2011 presentations at Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York City. I recently had the great privilege of interviewing one of their most accomplished photographers, Larry Busacca. For over twenty years, Larry has been a leading entertainment photographer on the New York and Los Angeles celebrity scene. He has captured images of the rich, famous and not yet rich or famous in portraits and candids on location and in the studio. In September 2009, Larry was the photographer assigned to shadow Anna Wintour during the inaugural
Fashion Night Out. He was instrumental in the planning of this year’s Fashion Night Out, which kicked off with a 150-models fashion show around Lincoln Center on September 7th and concluded with a night of mega-shopping on September 10th. Getty Images was the official house photographer for both dates.
HH: What type of preparation goes into preparing for a photo shoot?LB: The success of the shoot circles around its preparation. Depending on what
type of shoot, studio, location or event will dictate how much and what type of preparation is needed. A studio shoot that involves many models and looks could take just a few hours to set up because once the art direction has come in regarding the shoot, you or your producer can call your regular team of clothing stylists, make up and hair artists, photo assistants, etc. and just give them location and times to show up. A location shoot with the same models and clothing can become a much bigger production because there are so many moving parts. The location itself must be secured, props, lighting, models must get there and a host of other details must be considered since you are not in the comfort of a studio.
HH: What components are most important to ensure successful photos (lighting, props, etc.)?
LB: It depends on the art direction of the shoot. There is no one answer. Each of these is critical when applied at the right time.
HH: Are there any differences in shooting in a studio versus on location?
LB: The studio is a controlled environment. If you want the sun, you create it. If you want rain, you create it. In the studio you never have to worry if mother nature is going to ruin your shoot day. Sometimes though, the studio is the wrong choice because the photo calls for an environment or exotic location. Creating what looks like the beach in Belize in the studio will never look like the real thing. On location, you are working with what is in front of you and what you bring in to the space. If it’s an indoor location then props and lighting will have to brought in and set up. This can be very simple if for instance you are shooing lingerie in a small bathroom. You just don’t have that much room to work in, but if you are doing a couture shoot on the stage at the Metropolitan Opera house, showing the inside of the house you have a lot more space to light and show, therefore your setup is considerably more extensive.
“ Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art.”- Ansel Adams – American Photographer 1902-1984
HH: How much creative direction is a fashion photographer allowed? Obviously clients have specific goals for what they want to show, but if those goals will compromise the quality of the shoot, how is that handled?
LB: It actually depends on how the photographer was selected. When they are chosen for their style and that style is the look that the client wants, then they often have much more say in the final images. Often the photographer’s vision of what the final photos should look like and what the client is asking for are very different. Usually, the client wins the battle, but often the photographer will attempt to win should some of the images with their own ideas in mind. A compromise will happen from time to time.
HH: How important is the stylist and makeup artist to the shoot? Are there other key people whose roles are important as well?
LB: The stylist and the makeup artist are critical to the shoot. They are part of a team on the shoot who do their respective jobs and help create the final images. The other key people are the art director, the photo assistants, digital technicians and often specialists like manicurists will be on set too.
HH: Explain a day in the life of shooting for fashion week as well as shooting for a magazine or other commercial project.
LB: Usually you have an early morning start, one way or another. There are always details to take care of and clothing, models and looks to check out before you start. Then the lighting or location needs to get set up. Hair and makeup, clothing selections and styling are completed. Then finally, the shooting begins. After that, It’s “Miller Time”, not literally but figuratively, although the fashion world has been known to throw the occasional wrap party.
HH: What are some general tips on taking a red carpet worthy photo?LB: Don’t get distracted by the other media around you who are usually
screaming their heads off to get the celebrity to look at them. Stay focused on making your shot and if you need to get the celebrities attention don’t be a maniac about asking them to look at you. If they do, be ready because it will only last a second so have your finger on the button and keep looking
through the lens while you are talking. Good luck - may the Red Carpet Photo gods look kindly on you. It’s not as easy as it looks.
HH: What are some tips the amateur photographer should take to capture great photos? Type of camera to purchase, etc.
LB: Get specific. If you see a pretty flower and that is what is spectacular, get in close and shoot that. Omit what is not pleasing or necessary out of the frame. If there is a garbage can behind the pretty flower, move your position to get it out of the frame. You can shoot great images with a
phone camera. You just have to use it correctly and understand its limitations. If you are at a NASCAR race you will need a long lens and the ability to adjust your shutter speeds. Your iphone isn’t going to handle that type of shot. That’s not to say you can’t get some nice shots with your camera phone but they will look more polished and professional with better gear. When buying a camera for the first time, DON’T OVERBUY! Keep it simple. Any of the major names like Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, etc. have excellent entry level kits that usually include a short to long zoom, like a 28-120mm plus the body which has a built in flash.
You can view Larry’s and other Getty entertainment imagery atwww.gettyimages.com/entertainment.
9ISSUE 2, FALL 2010
HAUTE HOUSTON10
HAUTE member spotlightVivian Andrus
Would you like to nominate someone to
be featured in our next member spotlight?
Email us at [email protected] NominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateNominateWould you like to nominate someone to NominateWould you like to nominate someone to
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Email us at Nominate
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NominateSOMEONE TO BE FEATURED
Meet FGI Houston’s Haute member of the quarter - Vivian Andrus! Petite in stature, this creative giant retired from a
career in education, only to begin another career as a jewelry designer. A well read, world traveler, Vivian tells Haute Houston about her journey and
ultimate red carpet dreams…..
Before entering the fashion business six years ago with Vivian Andrus Designs, I taught Special Education for 20 years. My undergraduate work included a Minor in Art and there, and in graduate school I studied art history; working in many media, including three dimensional design, pottery, oil painting, mixed media and, of
course, jewelry making. After retirement from teaching, I returned to my always present passion for design and jewelry making.
I was a newcomer to the business of jewelry design, but not to the love of dramatic pieces of jewelry. My husband and I have travelled extensively, including living 2 years in the Middle East and 2 years in London.
There has always been a fascination for me in the jewelry of different cultures and what it says about each culture in a certain place and time. What gems, stones or other design elements were available? What skills
and techniques were used by the artisans of the time? What can it tell us, today, about their lives and our own development of designs and styles? For example, the Bedouin Women on the Arabian Peninsula wear flowing black robes and cover their faces, but wear armfuls of silver or gold bracelets expressing their wealth and status.
In contrast, the Masai tribeswomen of Africa may wear less clothing, but also display huge colorful necklaces and bracelets. Women on the streets of Mumbai wrap themselves in magnificent saris and also display armfuls
of gold bracelets. Native American jewelry is distinctive in its design and use of bold turquoise and silver. The pieces of some cultures are primitive in workmanship as compared to the Crown Jewels or Faberge eggs, but they are magnificent nonetheless. So, in cultures even desperately poor, good design, jewelry and embellishment were
culturally important and significant.
The germ of inspiration or influence, for me, is from a cultural aspect but also in the love of the hunt of the perfect material or design element. I may find a magnificent Tibetan Cinnabar Buddha pendant and work it into a one of a kind necklace with complimenting stones. On another occasion, I may find a wonderful example of American turquoise with its unique quality and color. One of my favorite materials to work with is pearls, whether they are fresh water Keishi, Baroque, Coin or classic pure white round ones. Here again, I look for the unique quality of the pearl, that is, the luster, shape, color or size. Bringing these elements together with my own hands into a unique piece is a fulfilling reward. The ultimate reward, of course, is the recognition from a buyer or customer who wants to purchase the piece.
One of the challenges I also love is redesigning a customer’s existing necklace which has been sitting unworn in a drawer for years. After a consultation and establishing the customer’s wardrobe style I often rip a piece apart, adding stones or removing stones and presenting the customer with a totally new and wearable necklace or bracelet. Everyone loves a wedding, but designing for the Bride, her wedding party or Mother of the Bride is a particular joy for me.
I have had the privilege of sitting on designer panels for the last few years at Career Day for FGI. Young and aspiring fashion students are filled with questions, ideas and dreams. I always advise them that the fashion business is not always as glamorous as it seems but if they are prepared for hard work and are driven by their passion, they will be rewarded.
Where does Vivian Andrus Designs go in the future? What are my dreams and aspirations? I have been fortunate to have some wonderful Houston “fashionistas” discover my jewelry in Tootsie’s, The Finishing Touch, Mint at Uptown Park, with Mary Denney at MLD Limited and at my website: www.vivianandrus.com. My pieces have been worn to the Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg, to the White House, to the Playboy Mansion and to parties and balls throughout Houston. Ultimately, I would love to see one of my designs being worn on the Red Carpet. A girl can dream.
Meet FGI Houston’s Haute member of the quarter - Vivian Andrus! Petite in stature, this creative giant retired from a
career in education, only to begin another career as a jewelry designer. A well read, world traveler, Vivian tells Haute Houston about her journey and
International Style. Texas Hospitality.October 11-14
Cesar GalindoLyn DevonChristian SirianoDavid PeckElaine TurnerLauren BushLela RoseNet-A-Porter
Chloe DaoToni WhitakerIrina ShabayevaKitonMarc BouwerLynn Wyatt PresentationTribute to Eileen Ford
www.fashionhouston.net
11ISSUE 2, FALL 2010
new members
2010 NEW MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS:
JIM CAIN, MDInnovative AestheticsFounder & Medical Director
ANDREA SCHUTTERFabulous & Flawless Hair & Makeup Studio/BoutiquePresident & OwnerHouston, TX
HEINZ WEIDMANNHeinz Weidmann photographyOwnerSpring, TX
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:
DENISE HAZENCheeky VintageCo-OwnerHouston, TX
JERRY MATHISForever 21Creative DirectorHouston, TX
Talk about Member on the Move - Jerry
Mathis is definitely that! Having joined FGI
Houston as a student member in 2008, he
learned the ins and outs of the organization
and industry by diligently volunteering for
various events and member activities. Jerry
graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont,
TX in the Fall of 2009 and is currently enrolled
in their MBA program studying Management
and Marketing. Jerry studied abroad at
the prestigious Paris American Academy in
Paris, France over the summer of 2009. While in Paris, he worked as well as
attended couture shows during Paris Fashion Week for such designers as Alexis
Mabille, Georges Hobeika, and Georges Chakra. He has experience working
with PR firms during New York Fashion Week – having worked a show for
Laura Smalls that was hosted by Vogue Magazine’s, Andre Leon Talley. After
working for a short time as a visual merchandiser for Forever 21 in Beaumont,
TX, Jerry was recently promoted to Assistant Manager for the store. He also
worked previously as a visual merchandiser for Talbots. He is contributing writer
for various media outlets, including projectduh.com. While attending Lamar
University, Jerry met up and coming designer, Denise Richard and currently
serves as the Marketing Director for her Fashion House, Diary of Joli’. Jerry is
on the move alright…right out of this stratosphere!
JERRY MATHIS Congratulationsmembers on the move
HAUTE HOUSTON12 HAUTE HOUSTON12
We want to hearYOUR SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENT
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Jane Carlton Hall and Students Participate in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and The Art Institute of Houston – FASHION CHALLENGE.
On July 25, 2010, crews from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition were in SE Houston, beginning the almost impossible feat of turning a 720-square foot house that had been damaged by Hurricane Ike, into a 4,400 square foot home in less than 7 days. While their home was being repaired, Eric and Elaine Johnson and their five fashion-obsessed daughters (ages 5-14) were swept away to Paris. (Visit http://www.hhnhomes.com/extreme/family.asp for more information on this amazing and giving family.)
At the same time, Fashion & Retail Management students from The Art Institute of Houston, under the leadership of instructor and fashion designer
Jane Carlton Hall, began strategizing how to conceptualize, design, and produce a unique line of clothing for the five girls. Charged by producers of the show to complete the line by Friday, July 30, the students got straight to work. Jane Carlton Hall has been an FGI member for over 20 years. Former FGI Houston Regional Director, Gloria Pearson served as a consultant on the project, having had experience with manufacturing for many years. Jane and Gloria have co-chaired the FGI Houston Career Day for the past 10 years and have also worked on various other projects together.
Producers, along with Extreme designer Michael Moloney and Brooklyn Decker, Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model, came to The Art Institute of Houston on Friday, July 30th, to shoot the segment in the newly created fashion design studio. The students, along with instructor Jane Hall, not only had to work long days and nights to create the designs, but they also had to also style the outfits with accessories. The final outfits, including one for the mother, were presented to the Extreme crew who were thrilled with the final results.
“This was a team effort all the way,” said instructor Jane Hall. “The students worked hard to complete an almost impossible task. I am proud of them. They really wanted to present this unique gift to the family, and the end result was amazing.”
Students included Laura Tylka, Michelle Cabigon, Vince Tran, and Krystle Jimenez. Krystle was even able to design and produce a special dress, one that represented the design themes of one of the girls’ rooms. She was given about 48 hours to finish the dress.
“It was an almost impossible challenge,” said Krystle, “but I was able to complete it and it will now be a permanent part of the girls’ collection.”
All the girls’ bedrooms were based on fashion capitals of the world and included a lit “runway” for the five girls to practice their walk on. When the episode airs, there is to be a special runway show of the girls wearing their final outfits created by The Art Institute of Houston students.
“I am so excited to see the fashion show at the end when the episode airs,” said Vince Tran. “We weren’t able to meet the girls as they were in Paris. All we had were measurements and photos, yet we all felt extremely close to them. It was wonderful to be able to help out this family in this way.”
The season premiere of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition aired on Sunday, Sept 26, Sunday on ABC from 8-9pm ET.
For more information on The Art Institute of Houston’s involvement with this project, please contact Deborah Helman, Director of PR, 713-966-2720, [email protected]
JANE CARLTON HALL & STUDENTS OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF HOUSTON
Congratulations
FGI HH LAUNCH PARTY
ISSUE 2, FALL 2010 13
JANUARY 20From Runway to Reality -
Spring/Summer 2010 Trends
MARCH 8Career Day
MAY 5The Business of Turning
Dreams Into RealityFeaturing Lynn Wyatt
JUNE 9Global Expansion Through Fashion
JULY 22Haute Houston Launch Party
AUGUST 17Fall 2010 Trends Event
DECEMBER 2Annual Meeting & Holiday Party
HAUTE HOUSTON14
2010O F E V E N T S
FALL TRENDSNEIMAN MARCUS, HOUSTON GALLERIA
Fall Trends photos provided by Crush Studio – www.crushstudioonline.com
Committee Members: Chaired by Shandolyn Arline-Johnson, Committee Members – Andrea Bonner, Charlotte Johnson, Caroline Johnson, Jerry Mathis and Kara Times
Calendar
INTERESTED INBEING AN
INTERN?
INTERESTED INBEING AN
INTERN?
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The FGI Houston internship program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to learn about the fashion, home and beauty industries of Houston.
There are currently four (4) Fall internship opportunities available for 2010. The complete bulletin can be viewed on FGI Houston’s Web site at www.fgihouston.org
If you or someone you know is interested, please contact the FGI Houston Operations Manager, Ingrid Furtado at [email protected] for more information.
HOUSTON EVENTS
Josephine Gough, Kara Times, Susan Silverman
and Susan Fruit - NAWBO Delegation Meeting
Julie Shuford and Holly Thompson - Women of Wardrobe Annual
Membership Drive
Andrea Bonner and Designer Jay Godfrey - Women of Wardrobe - Sizzling Summer Soiree
Josephine Gough, Kara Times and Rebecca Spera - Lot 8 - Audi Fashion Houston 2010
Announcement Party
Andrea Bonner and Shandolyn Arline Johnson
- Simon Fashion Now Blogger’s Preview
Dr. Alyssa Adomaitis and Vicki Rizzo - Tootsies - Houston Magazine’s Fresh Faces of Houston
Raul Razo, Dr. Alyssa Adomaitis, Scotty Smith (Nordstrom) and Raza Hasan - Simon Fashion Now - Blogger’s Preview
Celeste Garcia, Jennifer Simmons, J. Landa, Alex Venske and Andrea Bonner - J. Silver - Girl’s Night Out Benefiting Pet Set
Magoe Johnson and Gloria Pearson - Vacationing in London
Roz Pactor and Lauren Battistini - Lot 8 - Audi Fashion Houston 2010
Announcement Party
ISSUE 2, FALL 2010
Who We AreThe Fashion Group International is a global, non-profit organization of dynamic professionals, men and women of achievement and influence in the all areas of fashion and design and design related industries, including apparel, accessories, beauty and home.
What We DoThe FGI mission is to be the preeminent authority on the business of fashion and design, and to help its members become more effective in their professional lives. FGI offers insights on major trends in person, on-line and in print, hosts programs and business symposiums, and provided access to industry leaders and peers.
FGI raises money to support a range of philanthropic causes that benefit and improve the Fashion and Lifestyle industries and our community.
As A MemberPublications: The International Membership Directory, an invaluable resource, lists all FGI members around the world. The Members’ Bulletin reports regularly on the latest trends and industry issues that help members market and manage their businesses while it updates readers on member related news. The Ready To Wear Trend Report publishes twice yearly, straight from the runway commentary.
Web site: The FGI online community includes comprehensive news, event information, fashion and business reports 24/7. Updated daily, the Members Only Fashion Access Network features member profiles, executive job banks, forums and more.
Region Events: Our industry events (retails trends, informational seminars, panels designed for decision makers and CEOs) keep you informed.
Our networking opportunities are limitless. Use our directory to maximize business trips by networking with potential clients, suppliers, and manufacturers among the FGI membership worldwide.
HoW We BegAnFounded in the 1930s, Fashion Group International (FGI) was the first non-profit fashion organization established by and for women. Today the organization offers membership to men and women alike. Elizabeth Arden, Edna Woolman Chase, Lily Dache, Edith Head, Claire McCardell, Virginia Pope, Eleanor Roosevelt and Carmel Snow were among the founding members. These legendary figures left an indelible print on the American fashion landscape.
by Jeanette Coon