Q&A: Brian Wood, Designer

Q&A: Brian Wood, Designer

1. What’s your AMMO? (What’s inspires you?)

Everything around me! My environment, artwork, other talented people, sometimes even a casual conversation with a friend can lead to inspiration. Having the ability to inspiring others!

2. Explain the vision behind the Brian Wood Collection?

For Spring 2010 I collided 2 polar opposite worlds of the high seas, setting the stage for spring/summer 2010. I fused inspiration from traditional nautical sailing, and Somalian Pirates. I created a new warrior trolling the seas. This international traveler that faces a constant struggle from within between good boy and bad boy, either acting on thought and reason or acting on passion.

3. When did you start designing?

I was always an artist but I didn’t start to design and learn the fundamentals of fashion until I attended PRATT INSTITUTE

4. What’s next for Brian Wood, B.Wood?

B WOOD fall 2010 “BECAUSE WE FEEL LIKE IT” Brian Wood collection both current and past seasons will be available for custom orders. A gallery installation with Alpha Industries to celebrate Alpha’s 50th year Anniversary. I am currently designing a women’s evening wear collection SILVIO LIU for Holiday 2010.

5. Who is Brian?

Brian is a lone wolf howling in the moonlight. LoL! Honestly designing and everything involved with owning my own company consumes a majority of my time, so it’s a constant grind! But when I do have time I like hanging with my family and friends (My sister Meghan and Dave), spending time with my goddaughter Dana, working out at the gym, which is a great stress release and enjoying some drinks of Jack! … Woo!

Top 5 Musicians:

1. Jim Morrison – Doors

2. Michael Jackson

3. Calvin Harris

4. Madonna

5. Kool Keith – Dr. Octagon

CAPSULE FALL 2010: BEST OF

We recently hit up one of the hottest tradeshows, Capsule,  and found a few great brands that will be major for Fall 2010.  Here are our Top selections:

1. Burkman Brothers

2. Camo

3. Clae

4. Gilbert & Lewis

5. Home Core

- Eliza

Q&A: Bee Nguyen + Hot Air SS10

1. What’s your AMMO? (What inspires you daily?)

My daily AMMO can be drawn from my family, friends, social networks i.e. Twitter, Facebook, world events. Honestly I find inspiration in almost everything.

2. When was Hot Air founded and what was the inspiration behind the brand and the name?

Hot Air was founded in 2007. We were inspired by the sport of Hot Air ballooning and the many colors and patterns found on the actual balloons. We felt that there was a void for a clothing brand that actually caters to this affluent global sport so we created; Hot Air.

3. How do you stay relevant in the fashion world with all of these new brands that pop up?

I think we remain relevant in the market place by way of our designs, our fabrications, who we align ourselves with as far as product placements and brand collaborations. The individuals that comprise Hot Air are very talented, relevant and have been proven forces in the game for quite some time, so we have a great foundation for longevity.

4. What are your goals for Hot Air for the next five years?

Our goals for Hot Air within the next five years would be to be distributed in top tier retailers globally, possible flagship stores, a huge brand following, a full blown collection of apparel, accessories, and home furnishings, and perhaps becoming a part of an even bigger conglomerate, i.e. fashion house.

5. How do you feel about brands that express social and political views with their brand?

I think that is part of the artistic beauty of fashion, being able to use it as a medium for self-expression is a part of what fashion is all about. Granted you may win or lose some consumers with your message, but not everyone can wear everything.

6. What business minds do you admire and why?

I really admire trailblazers like Sir Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs. They are all are successful because they have managed to turn their businesses into lifestyles, and I think that is key to having a longstanding successful company.

7. Where can Hot Air be found?

A few select doors such as Wish (ATL) MetroPark (select doors nationwide) Da Bakery (Bronx, NYC) Enclave (CT), Karmaloop.com, MAJOR (D.C.) Tobi (S.F.)

Hot Air Spring/Summer 2010

Cover: Rugz D. Bewler: Top 10

Our cover star, Rugz D. Bewler, takes inspiration from many places.  Here are a few of his Top 10 favorite things; from songs to brands.

Song

Sometimes by Bilal / Won’t Do by J. Dilla

Album

Brands

Movies

Artists/Bands

Read the article, click here.

- Crystal Hines

For Him: Gurkha Cigars for Valentine’s Day

There’s nothing like the feeling a man gets while smoking a smooth cigar.  So why not give him this perfect gift; I’m sure coming from you it will blow his mind.

Gurkha Cigars have two of the best selections to give your man; or even purchase for yourself.

Evil (photo above) – a dark oily Brazilian wrapped cigar, with a pumped up Dominican Binder, and Nicaraguan filler that will deliver all that you could ever want in a cigar.

The Grand Reserve – the premium Connecticut shade wrapper gives this Honduran made cigar a rich, creamy flavor with a hint of spice and a pleasantly light finish.

Both selections can be purchased by logging on to www.cigarwerks.com\gurkha

V is for Vodka

Valentine’s Day is upon us and whether you’re single or not the day is about love.  What better way to spread the love than with a great glass of Vodka?  We’ve got a few choice recipes for some flavorful cocktails featuring Grey Goose Vodka that are sure to set any mood.

GREY GOOSE Lovesicle

1 ½ parts GREY GOOSE L’Orange

½ part Licor 43

1 part ruby red grapefruit juice

¾ part simple syrup

In the bottom of a cocktail shaker place the syrup and rosemary, muddle well. Add ice and all ingredients. Shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into a cocktail glass with ice and watch the sun set with your partner in time.

GREY GOOSE Midnight Moment

1 ½ parts GREY GOOSE Le Citron

¾ part Kahlua

3 parts passion fruit pureé

1 lemon twist

1 small cluster of red currants

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into martini glass, garnish with lemon twist and currants. Enjoy by candlelight.

GREY GOOSE La Poire Pair-tini

1 ½ parts GREY GOOSE La Poire

1 part Parfait Amour

1 ½ parts passion fruit pureé

1 part lemon juice

½ part simple syrup

Three raspberries

Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat.Strain into martini glass, garnish with raspberries and savor with your Valentine.

Please drink responsibly.

Fashion Week: FW2010: Rebecca Taylor Inspiration

The Fall 2010 Collection was inspired by a mixture of 70’s Parisian attitude and an urban New York City girl.  With a renewed love for classic sportswear, silhouettes have been re-worked with a twist to give subtle edge on signature feminine designs.  The palette includes dusty hues and new neutrals contrasted with military olives and hints of old gold.  Fabrics are washed to provide a worn, overly-loved appeal and are combined with cashmere wool suits, leopard faux furs and down quilted coats, together giving this collection an affordable luxe quality.

CUT-IT-OUT SS10

*Imgs courtesy of cut-it-out.net

- Eliza

Spotlight: Black Milk

Designer James Lillis had a tiny dream back in 2009, to make our leggings obsession even more adventurous.  From that dream came Black Milk.  From liquid tights with a punch ‘o’ gold to racey lace ups that leave nothing for the imagination, Black Milk is our answer to the legging craze that was on it’s way out.

For more on Black Milk, click here

- Eliza

Iconic Barbie in Iconic LBD

Barbie is all grown up from head to toe and starting tonight at 10pm, 12 CFDA designers will be auctioning off their one-of-a-kind dolls sporting very chic LBD looks on eBay.  The Barbie Basic collection bids will start at $100 and the entire net proceeds will directly benefit CFDA education initiatives and scholarship programs.  The auction ends on Feb 7th so start bidding NOW!

Just in case you miss it and if you are following Barbie on Twitter, she will also be giving away one of her new dolls with an accessory pack every day from Feb 1st to Feb 16th.

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