Bjorn Nasett

Men’s fashion has had its ups and downs over the years, as guys ditched the traditions of their forefathers for the looser more “casual” approach to dressing adopted since the ’80s. This has not been an altogether bad transition, although I do want to point out that a puffer coat and Packer hat should not be the only winter wear a man should have in his closet! Taking a look at fashion-forward menswear has brought me to the conclusion that guy’s clothing is being worn more fitted and it’s more flattering to today’s gym chiseled physiques. For the contemporary male searching out sartorial…

One of my favorite designers Nanette Lepore kept the looks feminine, flirty, bright and classy in her runway show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week yesterday. The models strutted the runway to the sounds of the musical group Brazillian Girls who performed live for the presentation. Lepore is also known for her fight to try and save the historic garment district in Manhattan, where the recession and outsourcing have forced many sample makers and sewing companies to shutter their doors. A believer in the good old U.S.A. she showed her colors with a brilliantly hued show, that featured parrot green and…

New York City based designer Mara Hoffman’s colorful designs have garnered recognition among celebrities such as Blake Lively, Helena Christensen, Estelle, Halle Berry, Megan Fox, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kerry Washington, Whitney Port, Lauren Conrad, Paula Patton, LeAnn Rimes, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian and more. The collections are currently available through top retailers worldwide, including Intermix, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Planet Blue, Bleu, Stanley Korshak, Shop Bop, Revolve Clothing, Net-A-Porter and many more. The Mara Hoffman line, which encompasses everything from dresses, leggings and blouses to coats, knit sweaters and scarves, has evolved from hand-dyed silhouettes to her current collection, which concentrates heavily…

New York based designer Katie Gallagher was born in the middle of a forest in Pennsylvania.  When she was young, she hated wearing clothes, but always wore her cat on her head.  She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, and has been working on her own since.  Her collections feature unconventional pattern-making  strange volumes, secrets, and the idea that fashion is not just about fashion, but rather about the stories, moods, ideals, and attitudes of the designer herself.  SS13 marks Gallagher’s seventh fashion season showing during NY Fashion Week.  Her models looks are complemented by jewelry from designer Megan Isaacs.

I love to tell people about fashion designers that are just starting to make a mark on fashion scene. Because more often than not they have the freshest ideas and have not become completely jaded by the business end of the industry. Self described, “design school dropout, Amber Patton learned to sew at home with her mother, and also attended prestigious design schools to hone her craft. In 2010, she launched her eponymous lifestyle brand to rave reviews from the fashion press.   I found both the designer along with her spring and summer line very appealing.  Her sophisticated aesthetic…

Returning to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week to present her S/S 2013 collection is one of my favorite designers, Son Jung Wan.  When I got my invitation to see her runway show coming up this weekend,  I decided to publish some of the pictures I took last February of her Fall 2012 collection to illustrate the high level at which this designer operates.  Actress Taylor Momsen is a fan, and did a photo-op with the fun and friendly designer!  I particularly love the way she combines textures like fur, leather, and opulent woven fabrics to create spectacular pieces that transcend mere fashion, and…

By Kenzie Amberg Sometimes looking at fashion websites can seem so intimidating. Elite fashion writers and icons talk about what the current trends are and what a person must have for the coming season. In a way, fashion can come across as a very black-and-white industry where a person either has fashion or doesn’t. In that sense, fashion can become dull and unwelcoming.    This past week Bjorn and I challenged that status quo and did a fashion shoot in the back of the Beauty Salon on the Eastside in Milwaukee. The concept based upon his brand Fashion Farmboy, meaning…

Going to the head of the class as the new spokesperson for Wallflower Denim is none other than Jenna Ushkowitz, who plays Tina Cohen-Chang on the hit television show, “Glee.”  The Jenna Ushkowitz Wallflower Vintage Denim Collection is the result of this fashionable alliance. On Saturday, Aug. 25, Jenna will be making a stop at Boston Store’s Southridge location to help celebrate the grand re-opening of its complete renovation, and unveil the latest looks from the collection in a runway fashion show that will be open to the public. The collection will available exclusively at the Southridge Boston Store, and bostonstore.com starting…

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) have partnered to produce one of the most intriguing fashion events in Wisconsin: STRUT.  Teams of interior designers, accustomed to creating beautiful and functional spaces, collaborate with interior product manufacturers to create runway pieces out of the manufacturer’s materials.  Teams, competing for a variety of awards, are provided with a color, a theme, and an industry collaborator.  Veneer, vinyl, tile, carpet, and upholstery are just some of the materials incorporated into the whimsical and artistic pieces. On September 7, 2012, 20 design teams will compete at…

With the opening of the male stripper film “Magic Mike” last week, I thought it would be fun to look into my archives from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and find some erstwhile “himbo” looks that were touted for men.  Not that there’s anything wrong with a man owning his allure whatsoever, but it does take a while to trickle down to the average joe here in Milwaukee and elsewhere.  Don’t forget folks, I lived through the 70’s and early 80’s era, when hot pants and knee socks were the norm for NBA players and regular dudes alike. Here are some…