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

Generic Surplus SS10

For More Generic Surplus, click here.

- Eliza

Beyond Closet SS10

For more Beyond Closet, visit beyondcloset.com

- Eliza

Tour De Force SS10 Headwear

For more from Tour de Force, visit letourdeforce.com

- Eliza

New York Couture SS10

Sold in Patricia Fields boutique in Bowery, New Y0rk Couture has been worn by Katy Perry, Agyness Deyn, and many more.

For from the New York Couture collection, visit starsandinfinitedarkness.com

Megan Fox for Emporio Armani SS2010

The word sexy does not begin to describe Megan Fox.  It’s only fitting that she is the new face of Emporio Armani Underwear and the Armani Jeans Campaign for Spring/Summer 2010.  Shot by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the ads will not be in print until February but AMMO has the sneak peak.

“Megan is young and sexy and has a lot of spirit. Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans are all about a youthful attitude making her the perfect choice for the collections,” says Giorgio Armani.

Check out more images on the Emporio Armani Facebook page starting today!

- Crystal Hines

AMMO Ambush: Paris Fashion Week

LiLo press should just be ignored because the front row highlight for AMMO in Paris is ….Rihanna

Balmain

Christophe Decarnin has done it again.  Michael Jackson would have for sure enjoy the latest collection of bold shoulder jackets and embellished belts from Balmain.  Channelling the war battered look with a golden-goddess appeal, Christophe has set off another season’s biggest trend.

Chanel

Far from the shorts and playsuits if his namesake collection, Karl Lagerfeld took Chanel to the rumble alleys of the wild wild west.  With hay and tweed, sheer black ruffled dresses, and clogs a la Karl; the collection screams cowgirl gone naughty. Que Lily Allen.

Men’s Spring 2010: Calvin Klein

Men’s Spring 2010: Lanvin

“We turned ties into pants,” Elbaz’s coconspirator Lucas Ossendrijver laughed. Style.com

That they did for the Spring 2010 men’s collection.  With horizontal striped shorts and trousers, the collection reminded me of the rich son who’s next in line to head the company, but still parties until 5am and comes to work the next day in a remix version of yesterday’s suit…the executive walk of shame.

Men’s Spring 2010: Louis Vuitton

If you have never been interested in Louis Vuitton’s men’s ready to wear and the previous two collection before this one didn’t make you a fan, then there are two possible things that can be wrong here. One, your vision needs correction or two, you are not into men’s fashion period.   LV’s menswear is at an all time greatness. It is truely like a bottle of aged wine, and it keeps getting better with time. This go ’round, Paul Helbers eye for a man on the go who loves, not likes, to be dress extremely well but still be comfortable is right on. The S/S 2010 collection consists of great key elements for a globetrotting man. The bags are not too flashy but still have an LV luxe about them. The clothing speaks for its self in a way that only Louis Vuitton could. The colors and textures are the richest I’ve seen for the season. There is nothing like a man who can get dressed, board a plane, and land in Rome ready for a meeting, followed by dinner and drinks, without a wardrobe change. Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring is the quintessential collection for the world traveling man who looks good and knows it!!!

- Javon Drake

 Read more on Men’s style from Javon Drake at javonantoniodrake.blogspot.com

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