Somewhere...Over The Rainbow: Irridescence Forcasted for Fall

     "For every cloud, there is a silver lining". But this fall, irridescent hues are lining the catwalk as well as the sidewalk. Irridescence is a phenomenon described when an object, surface, or living thing may appear to be various colors depending upon what angle it is being viewed from. That can also be interpreted as how we all view the world from different angles, depending on where we live, how we feel, among other aspects. Therefore, differences are what make this world so colorful, as well as beautiful and fun. It is befitting that, as we all approach the fall season, irridescence reflects in the clothing and accessories we are or will be wearing.

     Because irridescent fabrics mimic the same effects found in nature, such as an insect's wings, a rainbow or bubble, they will be very bold and it is very important that the garment, makeup or accessory worn stands alone. In other words, keep everything else simple so the irridescent pattern can shine on its own without clashing with another bold pattern or color, such as red or yellow. If you dare wear a dark colored dress, for example, wearing an irridescent accessory to reflect the color of the dress while the dark color absorbs light is a great balance (dark purples, and cobalt blues are wonderful examples).  Please note that the word "accessory" is singular, don't get carried away with this trend; this is one that could make for a recipe for disaster!

 

     If you want to try out this trend by using makeup and cosmetics (one approach I usually take before gravitating to garments and accessories), try a fun irridescent Dazzle Glass lipgloss by M-A-C, or try some eyeshadows and lipsticks from Illamasqua, a dramatic makeup line at Sephora. But remember, if you choose to have irridescent eyes, make sure your lipcolor is neutral, or simple enough to allow your eyes to pop. If you choose to rock an irridescent lipcolor, the same rules apply. keep the face as simple or natural as possible. Unless you've got a career that is appropriate for dramatic makeup, I suggest you limit the trend at work to a lipcolor.

  I view irridescence as a reflection of the moods of designers abroad: hopeful, bright and optimistic as we approach the end of a decennial and the beginning of a new season and new year, and maybe, just maybe, a flourishing economy. What's your view on this trend?

Photos:    DazzleGlass;

Gown;

Proenza Schouler Heels;

Pendant

Dita Deems Designers of "Fresh Baked Goods" Tastworthy

Tastworthy. (tays-t-wur-thee) adj: Any person, place, or thing, that Dita believes deserves honorable mention and is oozing with style and/or taste.

I must admit that I'm an avid sweet eater. But when I heard about Fresh Baked Goods, a clothing company that bakes the kind of sweets that would leave a man feeling "so fresh so clean", I just had to talk to one of FBG's creative masterminds, Marquis Thibodeaux, so I could satisfy my fashion "sweet tooth" for all things tastworthy.

So, I felt honored when he agreed to do an interview with me, just to answer some questions about the brand, it's concept, and even some advice Marquis could give to other young, aspiring designers.

Dita (Tastmakr): What is your background?

Marquis (FBG): I was born in Boston, MA, on November 15, 1988, and I went to several different schools while growing up, because I moved around alot. My mother was an artist and my father was a muscian/rapper.

Tastmakr: How did you come up with the FBG concept?

FBG: The idea of FBG wasn't mines. A friend from my first college I went to in North Carolina came to me with this idea of a clothing line called FBG cause he knew of my artistic skills. At first I didn't want to do it because of the "Johnny Cupcakes" concept in Boston, but then I just started to ease into it. I started to come up with ideas entirely on my own using my own artwork and cleverness. Then as it started to get bigger I started to figure out more things like creating a website and stickers and all kinds of things that I learned entirely on my own. When it first started out there was an original three: me, Dean Ross who came up with the idea, and another artist John Misshoun but things happened and Dean had to leave the group so FBG split into 2 parts, which is how Fresh Baked North and Fresh Baked South came about.

Tastmakr: Who is your target audience?

FBG: I dont really have a target audience just yet because it is still all so new, but so far the FBG line has attracted a hiphop/rocker crowd.

Tastmakr: What makes FBG stand out from, let's say, a company like Johnny Cupcakes?

FBG: To break it down from my point of view Johnny Cupcakes is more gimmick based; all of his t-shirts revolve around one type of image, which is the "cupcake"; basically when you name your brand around one specific thing there's only so many things you can do. Fresh Baked Goods revolves around so many things, not just food, but there are metaphors using slang, like "cake" means money, and you "bake a cake". Get it? lol. So there are so many ideas for my line and I try not to revolve around one thing. I like to change it up with every new design, while using street refrences, sarcasm, visuals, etc. so many things that can be used. Also from a product standpoint the graphics on the shirts are made with a special print that doesn't fade off over time, unlike other shirts.

Tastmakr: Where are you located? How can male customers purchase FBG merchandise?

FBG: Right now we are "street corner" based, using word-of-mouth to spread buzz about our product, and online-based, using social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and FBG's blog. I currently am located in Brockton/Boston, MA.

Tastmakr: Any role models? Who inspired you to design t-shirts and other apparel?

FBG: Pharrell Williams and Kanye West are my inspiration; they are multitalented!

Tastmakr: Any future plans for FBG? Where do you envision the company in 5+ years?

FBG: I like to stay in the present and not think that far into the future, that way I continue to build the company and make progress as I go along.

Tastmakr: What advice could you give to other young, aspiring designers/entrepreneurs?

FBG: Don't give up, and anything is possible.

Photos, courtesy of  Fresh Baked Goods