Michael Phelps... A budding thespian?

I am pretty sure I am the only one who watched Phelps make his acting debut on Saturday Night Live. I have to admit, I sort of thought he would fall on his face, but that didn't happen. He completely surprised when most of the skits were actually kind of funny. I liked the Michael Phelps diest one the best. He poked fun at himself and you've to got love a guy who does that. Though he wasn't in the opening skit that was pretty hilarious too. It was nice to hear Phelps is actually a big fan of the show and that growing up his favorite was Chris Farley.

Phelps on SNL: "This is actually the ninth most important part of my life." If have no idea what he's referring to, I can't help you.

Love and peace

Tonisha

Design Profile: Reizend Couture

So recently, I have been on the hunt for budding designers and through a little site called MySpace I finally found a young fresh designer, Lauren Schmidt whose line, Reizend Couture, has a vintage aspect mixed with new ideas from today. I got a little interview with her and here it is:

Explain your style to those out there. Where exactly did these ideas come from?
My style comes from my background and interest in the arts, which has been my passion my whole life. Particularly, I would describe my fashion style as graphic, fresh, innocent-sexy and a little Victorian/Gothick. A lot of my inspiration comes from movies and popular culture, as well as a bit of history. I find the greatest sense of inspiration from fabrics and interesting color combinations. Whenever I walk into a fabric store, I come out with a lot of ideas!

Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Dolce and Gabbana are my favorite fashion designers and I think they are the best in the business. Since I am an artist at heart, I am always captivated by their bold and cutting-edge designs. They are a huge influence on my passion for fashion. Jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino creates absoultely original designs, and a great majority of my jewelry is inspired by her aesthetic. Also, I love the work of costume designer Colleen Atwood, who has designed the costumes for nearly all of Tim Burton's films. She's a genius.

When did know that designing was something you wanted to pursue?
I really wasn't too interested in fashion until I was 13, when I bought my first pair of bell-bottom carpenter jeans. I discovered how just an outfit could change your whole mood and confidence. I knew I wanted to design when I saw my first Dolce and Gabbana fashion show on the Style network about 6 years ago. I figured out that fashion is another form of artistic expression... a beautiful garment can be like paint on a canvas.

Do your designs and creations match that of your personal style?
My personal style is at times colorful and graphic as well, although my day-to-day wardrobe is more casual. One of my main reasons of designing is to make something I can't find in stores, something that I would want to buy myself!

Do you enjoy the whole process of designers of is it just one part of it that makes you happy?
Certain parts of design are certainly more fun than others, but the whole process is very rewarding. Brainstorming ideas and choosing the fabrics/notions is definitely one of the most fun parts. Pattern drafting and sewing can be difficult and tedious, but the end result is always worth it! I love seeing a completed piece on my dress mannequin!

Would you prefer to have your own line or collaborate with another designer?
I always dreamed of having my own line, but I am not opposed to collaborations at all. It would be great to work for a design company and learn from them as well. There is always much to learn from others who have been in the business.

How far do you plan to take these designs? See yourself at New York Fashion Week?
It would be absoultely a dream if I could one day show at Bryant Park! I plan on designing more as a hobby, as I am currently earning my Bachelor's degree in Art Education. But I will always have a passion for design, and if I could be successful at it, then that would definitely make me happy!


You can look her up on MySpace, I think she's great. Love and Peace,

Tonisha