Pop Art Kiss Vector Graphic

(Photo Courtesy of Dryicons.com)

Celebrity = fashion designer in 2010

I didn't realize just how close we were to the end of 2010 until I was reading the newspaper this morning and came across an article summarizing some pretty big events that took place this year.

Some key happenings mentioned in the article included the suicide of Alexander McQueen, which devastated the fashion industry and artists everywhere and the passing of the Health Care Reform bill, which I am still not sure I "get". But, I do know its a step in the right direction for our country.

On a lighter note, we have also seen another mega-event take place in 2010. That is the rise in celebrities becoming fashion designers. Everyone from the Kardashians, Katy Perry, Madonna, the Jackson Brothers (including the late Michael), and Sarah Jessica Parker now are in some way affiliated with a clothing line and/or participating in at least one step of apparel design process.

Is it just me or are we all-of-a-sudden in an over-branded celebrity frenzy? Are these celebs really designers? Are they hovering over a sewing table all night long to perfect the seams on their pieces? Are they sketching every chance they get just to ensure they don't miss an ounce of creativity during their otherwise busy day? I highly doubt it. Yet, they are "designers" by most standards.

I guess I can live with that, as long as I can call myself a "super-designer". I stick to the old school design process. So, I must be super, or of superior quality and grade, right?

China is poisoning the environment

A Greenpeace report reveals heavy contamination

I was browsing through WWD, a daily fashion industry trade paper, when I stumbled across an article titled "Greenpeace Report Cites Toxins in Chinese Factory Towns".

According to the article, Greenpeace discovered heavy metal waste in the soil and water of Xintang and Gurao, two industrial towns in China. These two towns combined manufacture a large majority of China's jeans and under garments.

While the exposure to heavy metals are known to cause a great deal of health problems, I am wondering will anyone care. I mean nearly everything we wear is made in China and pride has departed from the idea of made in America. So, where do we go from here?

We meaning fashion consumers alike. How do we make it known that we care about the water in China and that if they wish to keep American business they are going to have to clean up their act? How do we get our point to the apparel companies who contract with these manufacturers in China?

There are still designers like myself who manufacture solely in America, and mostly by hand that consumers should feel proud to purchase from. There are also thousands of others just like me who make fabulous pieces that don't fall apart after one wear. So, by all means shop with us and teach those companies that manufacture in China that made in America labels are important.

Washingtonian.com: Vintage Luggage

I loved this piece on vintage luggage that the Washingtonian published in the Shop Around Blog. It has great ideas for Holiday gifts. Be sure to take a peak at it!

One of my favs: PrasseinDesignStudio

One of my favorite designers on Etsy.com is PrasseinDesignStudio they create sustainable wooden jewelry. Check out this video about their process:

Color is the thing for Spring

The Milan and Paris shows for Spring 2011 have reminded us that colors should definitely be mixed and matched. These are not your grandmother's muted tones. Instead, they are bold, vibrant colors meshed together in a unique and complementary way.

Once you have your heart set on that "it" color for your wardrobe this Spring, be sure to pick up a brightly colored handbag from the Jemma Morris Designs most recent collection, including this Sparkle Ruby Red Rhinestone Clutch, for $38.50.

Inspiration is Everywhere

I just watched the Handmade Portraits video of Chanel Kennebrew, of Junkprints. She inspired me on so many levels. I watched in awe of how she was a graphic designer working in the corporate world, but felt unfulfilled. That is the common thread in young people today. We are unfulfilled in these jobs that mom and grandma would have been happy to have 25 years ago.

We are looking to put our God-given talents and gifts to use on a daily basis. That is why most of us hand-crafters do what we do. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on our clients who buy our quality goods. So, why don't more people tap into their talents? Why aren't there more people selling art, accessories, etc...? There should be more people attempting to spread their light to the world. Inspiration is everywhere, jump right in!

One of my favs: Sunny Rising Leather

I love going onto Etsy.com and discovering interesting artists, like myself, who love what they create. Another one of my favorites is "Sunny" of Sunny Rising Leather. She creates some of the best accessories using leather.

Take a look at this piece. A-MAZE-ZING!

(Sweet Magnolia Corsage Cuff Made to Order, $115)

Holiday Market is just around the corner

Its the most wonderful time of the year! A time to shop and discover up and coming designers in DC. If you are looking for a fun place to do both, join us at the 2010 Downtown Holiday Market. The outdoor market runs from December 3rd - 23rd from 7th to 9th Streets, NW in the heart of DC.

Jemma Morris Designs, will be sharing a space with Dennya, a fine crafted women's apparel line. We will be there starting on December 17th, from 12p-8p, ready to show you some gift options for the special women in your life. So, be sure to stop by and check out the handmade, high quality handbags and apparel.

See you there!