The Signature Pattern

 

I recently designed a signature textile design for a fashion jewelry company.  They wanted a branded pattern that would communicate the company's trademark and aesthetic.  The pattern was used on a reusable tote bag I designed, a cosmetic case, and an umbrella.  The bold black and white patterning contrasts nicely with the pop of neon color.  I loved working on this project and am now so pleased to see it these items in Bloomingdale's, Belk, The Bay, Dillards, and Macy's.  

Bohemian Bliss

I've been so busy.  I'm sorry I haven't been able to blog much.  In the past two months I celebrated my one year anniversary with my husband and have been working nonstop on orders for our shop.  This has been our busiest wedding season yet!  It brings me such joy to bring happiness to others.  I LOVE my job!  Check out our shop in the link below!

www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

 

 

 

Our bohemian inspired designs can be enjoyed on your wedding day or to make any day special.  Each design is handmade in our studio.   Bohemian headbands are such a simple and elegant accessory.  Perfect for the bride who adores all things vintage!  www.ricerafferty.etsy.com

Simply Inspirational Gowns

 

Christian Dior - Gown - love the angle on this skirt!

 

Emilio Pucci - Gown - this one sleeved dress would make a great bridal gown!

 

Valentino - Gown - this dress is stunning with its menswear details

 

Badgley Mischka - Shoes

I hope everyone is staying warm during this very cold winter week.  Here's some designer inspiration to help get your mind off of snow.  These are some of my favorite designs out there right now.  I love very romantic designs with unique details.  Will post some new Rice Raffety Couture Accessories pieces soon!

Colorful Veil Hair Adornments

The hottest trend for weddings right now is unconventional veils and wedding gowns.  Stars like Jessica Biel and Amber Tamblyn went for colorful wedding dresses - pink and yellow.  We're beginning to see how this trend is influencing brides and their bridesmaids.  Colored blusher and birdcage veils are divine!  I absolutely love them and the bolder the color, the better!
Pictured here are some of our Rice Rafferty Couture Accessories veils and headpieces.  We wanted the headpieces to be fun and playful with bright colors with a vintage flare.  We specialize in custom designs, so if you see something you like, but want a different style or color just ask!

Gone Gaga

I've gone Gaga for this hat! Lady Gaga's clothing accessories may be over the top, but you must give her props for creativity since she designs EVERYTHING! 

This hat really caught my eye with it's unique combination of white lace, beads, feathers, and croqueted details.  The black lace detail is such an interesting addition.  I imagine her eye almost peeking through the black lace.  It's great to see someone who pushes fashion since the past few years has been the same mix of 60s, 70s, and 80s attire. I'm a huge fan of 80s clothes so I'm happy with that at least!

I was watching Coco Before Chanel yesterday and Coco was definitely a woman who pushed fashion.  Coco started the whole menswear craze for women since most women were working men's jobs while they were at war - WWII she decided they should be able to wear more comfortable, useful, and affordable clothing.  Coco rejected the confined days of corsets and chose to wear comfortable pants and jersey material instead.  Coco came from a childhood of struggle with no formal education in fashion.  She learned while working in boutiques.

Coco is known of course for her sophisticated jacket and skirt combinations, the little black dress, and the perfume Chanel #5.  Imagine if Coco's designs never came about, where would fashion be today?  Would these ideas have come about eventually? What would a woman's role be today?  What innovative fashions are ahead?  As they say, "Has it all been done?"

THE CLOTHES BAR, EMPHASIS ON THE CLOTHES

This past Saturday I had the privilege of attending a fashion truck show hosted by Althea Harper from Season 6 of Project Runway Project Runway: Season Six at The Clothes Bar in Clarence, NY.  I had never been to The Clothes Bar before, but I recall hearing the name because it was so unusual.  The Clothes Bar is a clothing store, not a bar.  My eyes went wild the second I got in the door.  I was super impressed with the large selection of hip clothing for women 18-40 something.  They had everything from cute summer dresses to short evening gowns and trendy accessories.  Painted shoes were hung on the brightly painted walls.  I LOVED it!  My mom and I got a chance to talk with Althea and ask her about her experience on Project Runway (This is the second project runway person I have met before, woo hoo!).  Althea was absolutely gorgeous - 6' blonde, perfect hair, makeup and a fab bod.  We told her a little bit about our business, rice rafferty.   We loved that Althea dyed her clothing by hand!  Althea's clothing is made from bamboo!  Overall it was a great afternoon hanging with rockin fashionistas!

To view some of Althea's designs go here http://altheaharper.com/Project Runway: Season Six

SCAD Fashion Shoot

Savannah College of Art and Design recently posted their fashion photos from their student work this year. These are my favorites. The shoots were put together by professionals in the fashion industry - professional models, photographers, makeup artists, and set designers. I chose my favorite fashion designs as well as my favorite lighting effects and sets. If only we all had this FABULOUS crew!

Ultra Feminine Warriors

The show was a great learning experience and a fabulous celebration of women! :)

We were so proud to see our dresses come to life on such beautiful models on the runway. The line was made with the theme of armor with a feminine approach. Gaitors, gauntlets, hats and oversized tutus were constructed as a way to conceal and reveal - providing a glamorous protection, hence creating ULTRA FEMININE WARRIORS.

Did you notice some of the models are wearing our rice rafferty bib necklaces? Go to www.ricerafferty.etsy.com to order one now! Or check out our fan page for more pics from the show! http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/rice-rafferty/203899441756

phases of development

"A work of art goes through many phases of development, but in each phase it is always a work of art. (Therein lies the importance of sketches.) A work of art is finished, from the point of view of the artist, when feeling and perception have resulted in a spiritual synthesis." - Hans Hofmann

Over the weekend, I had a blast doing prep work for the fashion show. I was working on fashion illustrations of the six dresses. Tres Magnifique! While drawing, it seriously felt like a brain massage to draw again! I love that feeling...the whole world just drifts away and it's just you and your drawing. When I was in college my favorite days were in drawing class when we'd draw a still life with the lights off with lighting projected onto the objects. I could sit there for hours diligently working -focusing in on the micro details then pulling back at the macro view, then back at the micro again. Somehow working with your hands while making art helps you to quickly get back to this place in your mind. Overall I'm really having a blast working on all aspects for the fashion show. The devils in the detail!

2010 Upcycled Hair Adornment Headband - Nouveaux Antique Style - Silk Charmeuse

Looking for something special to wear? This handmade headband will bring all eyes on you. I wore one of these headbands out with some friends and everyone thought it was my birthday. The headband really made the night special. Whether it's a school dance, your birthday, a wedding, or an evening that needs a little something special this headband will help to make your night stand out. Hair accessories are all the rage right now (check out photos from New York fashion week). A hair clip or a headband is a great way to make your outfit unique.



***Unique, hand dyed silk adornment hairband*** Hand stitching, upcycled jewelry, vintage lace, bridal veil illusion. Perfect for weddings, proms, birthdays, or wear it when you just want to have fun! This accessory will surely make any event special.

* Colors: turquoise (the fashion color for 2010) silk flower, antique ivory lace, terra cota silk element, white bridal veil illusion

* Measuring roughly 7" wide 4.5" high

* Made in USA

All designs are handmade; each item is unique wearable art. The inspiration for this piece was old hollywood - flappers, vintage, pearls, weddings, elegance, glamour.

***Please contact us if you would like multiple hair adornments made for your bridesmaids. Each one is unique and one of a kind. You can choose other colors if you would like it for your bridal party or prom. We can make hair adornments with a comb, pin, clip or all three. Just ask!***

For more items look at our shoppe:
http://ricerafferty.etsy.com

Are the trends this winter for YOU?

***Fashion Trends for Autumn 2009 - Winter 2010*** thigh high boots, capes & cloaks, see-through clothing, leather, ripped jeans and military fashion

Trends of course are not meant for everybody. Trends, like art are supposed to be extreme and push the boundaries of how we think about the world around us. Trends pave the way of tomorrow.

When you're a teenager it's more acceptable to try all the trends...sometimes even in one outfit! oh my! As you get older you develop your own style; you have likes and dislikes from years of following trends (or avoiding trends). The key is analyzing the trends, understanding them and adding one element to your wardrobe to freshen things up.

Every woman should dress to compliment her own body shape and skin tone. I recommend the book Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson. Yes, it's from the 80's, but its lessons are timeless. The most important thing about personal fashion is it should make you feel good. What makes one woman feel confident and strong may make another woman feel miserable. Don't forget the phrase, "look good feel better." Take trends as a mere suggestion and follow your instincts.