Fashion Forward

Trade shows provide a great opportunity for up and coming designers to gain exposure and hopefully interest from buyers who want to place their designs in stores. The type of tradeshow I promote doesn't have much involvement with the finished product, instead elements for hobbyists to create jewelry. However, being in the promotion industry, I have access to other fashion shows and events which DO focus on launching new apparel and jewelry designers.

I think I am going to start a "Fashion Forward" section which features new budding artists who I come across in my work and travels. The first edition spotlights two hat makers. I'm huge into hats right now. They're classy, elegant, and full of style. This is one happy camper who is excited to see them make a mainstream comeback.

Langston Bourquin

Designer Cari Bourquin lives in San Luis Obispo, CA on an organic farm where she grows produce and is a milliner (fancy insider term for hatmaker). She is also branching out into headband pieces. I picked a white sequin and feather one up from her today. Her collection can be found at http://www.langstonbourquin.com/

BoringSidney

Lead designer Belle is based out of Seattle and started her career in theatre costume design. Her pieces are vintage inspired (and use vintage materials). I am so enamored with her creativity. And of course love anyone who is from my home in the PacNW.
BoringSydney's current collection can be found on Etsy.com at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5007565

These are two of my favorite designs