Stylehive Blog

Meet Designer Nina Nikicio, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:25:40 PDT

If anyone has had the misfortune of breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, then you've probably had the urge to stay in your room all day, watch bad movies, and wear the same thing for 2 weeks straight. While I can't help you with your choices of movies, it may be worthwhile to take a look at Nina Nikicio's newest diffusion line oneandahalf. Her first collection, entitled "Heartbreak" boasts affordable prices from $16-$55. Instead of wearing sweats that have seen better days, "Heartbreak" features shirts and blazers with detachable arms, collars, and cuffs that provide endless variations. That means no one will ever know that shirt dress you wore yesterday is the same as the sleeveless vest you're wearing today! With a monochrome black, white, and gray color pallete, it's easy to mix, match, and never clash. Indonesian-born and Singapore-based designer Nina Nikicio started her eponymous fashion line in 2006 after attending Lasalle College of The Arts in Singapore and earning a diploma in fashion design. She's certainly keeping busy with two fashion lines! I got a chance to find out what inspired Nina for her latest collection and what we can expect to find in the near future. Click here to visit the oneandahalf site and contact them directly to order. Read on for the interview and click the slideshow to see her oneandahalf line.

Meet Designer KahriAnne Kerr, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:25:40 PDT

I love reading success stories from people who grew up in small towns and make it in the Big Apple. KahriAnne Kerr is no stranger to small towns. She grew up in a farm in Tripoli, Iowa which she describes as "a tiny town in the middle of no where" and taught herself how to sew and design clothes. After going to school for fashion design and moving to New York City in 2003, you can now find her designs online and in boutiques all around the world! Her fashion line Kahri has found celebrity fans such as Fergie, Aubrey O'Day, and Paris Hilton. With her motto: "Be Rebellious!" it's easy to see why women looking for unique designs go to Kahri. Her inspiration for her Spring 2009 "Baby Love" collection came from listening to music from the 1960s and she hits the right notes with clothes that the modern day pin-up girl will want to wear. Her clothes are sexy without being trashy and it's definitely not something you can find at the mall! Keep reading to learn about how she's using fashion to fight cancer and click the slideshow to see her Spring 2009 "Baby Love" collection!

Meet Koi Suwannagate, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:22:40 PDT

Fashion designer Koi Suwannagate first came to my attention when she collaborated with Phillip Lim for his Spring 2007 collection (remember those rosette dresses that were sold out everywhere?). Also in 2007, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue chose the designer as a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award. Born in Bangkok and now designing out of Los Angeles, Koi is known for her romantic designs and signature draped cashmere pieces. It's easy to see why Kirsten Dunst, Oprah Winfrey and Christina Ricci have all worn pieces by Koi! We got a chance to talk to Koi, amidst her busy schedule, about who her favorite designers are and what we can expect from her next! Read on to see the interview and check out the slideshow to see her favorite pieces from her Spring collection, as well as a few beautiful looks that you can purchase from her online store.

Meet Shoe Designer Martha Davis, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:25:40 PDT

While I am proud to be a San Francisco native, I know it's definitely not a fashion capital like New York or Paris. So my fashion spider sense definitely perked up when I heard about a local shoe designer making waves in the fashion scene. Originally from the East Coast, Martha Davis moved to San Francisco eight years ago for a job and never left. Looking to create something of her own after years of working in industrial design, Martha went to Milan where she enrolled in the Ars Sutoria program to learn everything about footwear. Lucky for me, I got a look of her current Spring 2009 shoe line and a preview of her upcoming Fall collection. Wearing a raw edged ruffle dress and mismatched shoes (from her line, of course!), Martha was a gracious host on the rooftop terrace of a posh hotel on the San Francisco waterfront. Everyone oohed and ahhed over the shoes and those with small enough feet got to try on the samples! Can you believe the shoes are made in the same Italian factory used by Chanel and Chloe? The leather is butter soft and even the tallest boots are generous enough to fit any calf shape without any zippers! By the way, every woman I asked wearing Martha's shoes said they were super comfortable. In the Bay Area? Her shoes can be found in Metier in San Francisco and Deliciouz in Walnut Creek. For everyone else, Shopbop will be carrying her collection in June! Mark my words, Martha Davis is a name to watch out for. Click the slideshow for some droolworthy shoes.

Aussie Label Maurie & Eve Is Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

kelojif@stylehive.com (Amber Fijolek) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:24:40 PST

Ever wonder what things are like down under? As if you didn't already wish you were in the land of Oz, just one look at awesome Aussie designer Maurie and Eve's collection and you'll be ready to book your next vacation. This Australian label already has a pretty sweet history, having been inspired by the love of designer Kelly Davies' grandparents, but it's seen through by the camaraderie of family, (brother Scott) and like family, Maya Clemmensen (Scott's girlfriend). The clothes are definitely a far cry from any Crocodile Dundee undertones and are the ultimate in chic fashion. Each piece calls out its own bold character, as it's beach and bohemian-driven with a bit of an 80's edge. Their lovely pieces exude a free-spirited confidence that will have you greeting your friends with "G'day" and insisting that they call you Sheila. So, calling all trendy US style-lovers -- allow us to introduce you to a down under designer that's most definitely blossoming. Click READ MORE to a sneak peak at the designers' fun personalities in their interview, and see some of their many addictive looks in the slideshow!

Meet Love Brigade, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:18:41 PST

What do Kurt Cobain, ancient Egyptians, and Bob Dylan all have in common? Give up? Well, they were all inspiration behind Brooklyn-based design team Love Brigade! Blending musical influences with up to the minute trends, their Fall '08 collection named "Love Kurt" featured nature motifs and sexy asymmetrical cuts, slits, and straps all without baring too much skin. Not to be outdone, their Spring '09 presentation of their "Ex-Oh" diffusion line was probably one of the most unique out there! The presentation featured models hanging out on hammocks and dining with oversized cutlery rather than strutting down the runway. We got a chance to talk to Creative Director Christopher "Tinypants" Dang about Love Brigade's background and what's next for them. Read on to see what he had to say, and be sure to check out the slideshow for a look at their Fall collection- then watch the video for their newest Spring '09 looks!

KEVA by Keva J Swimwear Is Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

lisannebee@stylehive.com (Lisanne Silverman) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:12:40 PST

It takes a pretty incredible collection of swimwear to get me (and many others, I presume) excited about bikinis and bandeaus in the middle of winter. Meet Keva Johnson, whose year-round, endless passion and excitement for swimwear has easily rendered her line KEVA by Keva J one to watch in the coming year. With funky yet functional styling, edgy, high-fashion cuts, and influences ranging from New York City to Rastafarian culture, it's safe to say the Brooklyn-born designer is full of surprises! Her philosophy is clear- she says "Fierce. Edgy. Unique." is at the essence of her swimwear- and after one glance, it's easy to see why, though I've definitely been fixated on her entire Spring collection for some time now! I spoke to Keva about what attracted her to swimwear, her favorite designers, and the other areas of fashion she plans on exploring. Read on to see what she had to say, and check out the slideshow for swimsuits unlike anything you've ever seen.

Enter To Win A Handbag From CHia New York, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

lisannebee@stylehive.com (Lisanne Silverman) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:55:40 PST

CHia New York designer June Chang is no stranger to the details- as a child, it was her grandmother who taught her of their importance- and it was June's early introduction to this facet of design that has undoubtedly led to her impressive contributions to the handbag scene since the debut of her first collection a mere two years ago. Vintage charm, modern sensibility, and a dash of European flair lend a one-of-a-kind feel to her handbags and clutches, while luxurious Italian leather and gold tone hardware demonstrate the remarkable quality her handbags maintain, collection after collection. We talked to June about her start in the handbag industry, the designers she loves most, and what she has in store for CHia New York. Click the slideshow, read on for the interview, and then scroll down to find out how you can enter to win a CHia handbag (worth over $500) for yourself!

Get To Know... Designer Stephanie Tran Of Duskin, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

facadeindreams@stylehive.com (Anna Yu) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:16:40 PST

Stephanie Tran's debut collection for her label "Duskin" hasn't even hit stores, yet she's has an already impressive background in fashion. Prior to launching her own collection she was an editor at Vogue in addition to designing for retailers like American Eagle and Forever 21. Now she's making it on her own with Duskin, a collection of versatile pieces like fitted blazers, slouchy tank tops, wide leg trousers, and delicate dresses. It's no wonder Steven Alan immediately picked up her collection. Her spring line won't be available until February and I'm definitely snapping everything up the moment it comes out! Read on to learn more about Stephanie, and check out the slideshow for a peek of her upcoming collection!

Get To Know...Handbag Designer Jenny Yuen, Stylehive's Next Big Thing!

lisannebee@stylehive.com (Lisanne Silverman) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:22:40 PDT

With a background dotted with names like Murakami, Anna Sui, Michael Kors, and Twinkle by Wenlan, it's clear that handbag designer Jenny Yuen got her start where many would be content ending up. Her line of handbags, currently in its third collection, blurs the line between whimsicality and sophistication, balancing classic appeal with vintage flair so beautifully you'll never want to set the bag down. Rich neutrals like chocolate and chestnut add a certain timeless quality to the youthful garnet and sapphire leathers, and boxy satchels and bowler style bags carry with them a dreamy sense of nostalgia. So where does her inspiration come from? "I don't have a set way of finding inspiration," she says. "Sometimes it stems from seeing a woman walking down the street and saying to myself, 'wow she's got a great bag and she looks so put together.'" It's the kind of outlook that makes us want to tag along with her for a few hours, just to see this process for ourselves, but for now we're perfectly content just fawning over her creations. Read on to learn more about Jenny, including her experience working with Takashi Murakami and her advice for aspiring designers!