Inspirare

So, I initially based this blog on how I worked as a designer, letting readers into the process of my creativity.  But, I have yet to blog about anything that is specifically related to my design work.   That is...until now.


A few weeks ago, I randomly came across a great new site called Inspirare, which lets up and coming designers post up their work online, in which selected designs are chosen to be produced with the designers themselves earning a substantial royalty fee from pieces sold.  There is an ongoing competition on the site to launch their shop, where the chosen winner will have the winning piece produced.  Of course, seeing this as a great opportunity, I have entered three garments from my latest collection into the competition.

It would mean the world to me if you could all take a minute to head over to Inspirare, sign up for an account, and put in your votes for my work!

My entries stem from a collection inspired by sea storms set against a stormy night environment.
Now...about the pieces in the competition:


BLUE WHALE BLOUSE
Very excited that this is also featured on the Discover page of the site!

 

The blouse consists of  a double layer sleeve of silk georgette with silk organza as the top layer.  The sleeves are supposed to resemble the billowing sales of the ships in the midst of a storm on the seas.  

 The sleeves, as well as the body of the blouse, are cut in one piece without any seams, to illustrate the fluid and continuous quality of the ocean waters.  

 GALILEE DRESS

A silk satin dress with a front panel that is cut and layered to resemble waves as well as the construction of the basic cable knit.  

 

MIDNIGHT JACKET

 A silk velvet tailored jacket where the sleeve is draped to resemble that of the interlocking portion of a basic knit cable at the elbow region.  The velvet fabric showcases the luminosity of the ocean waters on a moonlit night.  And the peplum refers to the overlapping, overpowering strength and movement of the crashing waves on the waters.  

 Once again, you can vote at my Inspirare page!  Thanks so much!

More designs and work to come, I promise. 

Photographer: Vinh Luong

Make-Up/Hair: Candice Crawford

Model: Rian

Coastal

Apparently, you can go from the valley to the mountains then to the beach in just a matter of hours in L.A.  Part 3 of the epic mini trip from the long weekend is here.

I typically try to avoid the Santa Monica beach as it is way overrated, super-touristy, and has some of the dirtiest beaches I have seen in this city.  So, I'm not sure what compelled me to make a trip over here, other than the fact that it is the geographically closest beach to my house.

If you like the shopping/amusement park/beach combination, then perhaps this is the beach for you.  However, don't plan on taking a dip in the ocean.

Store Update

New items in the shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/XtiffanychenX 

Tsunami Clutch from my latest collection

Genuine Leather. $17.00

Now selling vintage pieces as well!

1980s pleated skirt - $10.00

Happy Shopping!

View from the Top

Well this is certainly starting to become somewhat of a travel blog, isn't it?!?!  More adventures from the long Memorial Day weekend, this time at the Griffith Observatory, which boasts one of the best (and completely free) views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign.  Great hiking trails and a zoo are located on the grounds as well.

I imagine it would be totally mind-blowing as a night view, with all the city lights and the illuminated sign, but I can never get someone brave enough to drive up the curving mountainside roads in near darkness.

Grand Opening

In the last post,  I mentioned the opening of my new Etsy store, XtiffanychenX,  http://www.etsy.com/shop/XtiffanychenX. 

Here is a preview of the items currently available in the shop.  All pieces are made by me and everything is $24 or less!

Feminine Skirt with Ruched Design Detail $20.00

Pin-stripe Babydoll Dress $13.00

Pink Shift Dress $11.00

Teal Purse with Feather Applique $9.00

Elegant Black Skirt with Back Flare $24.00

Again, the link is:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/XtiffanychenX

Happy Shopping!

The Artist

I might be trying to pursue a career as a designer now, but it's fun at times to look back at the work that started this all.  I had more of a fine-arts based training when I submitted my portfolio for school applications as well as in my first year at college.  It's great to see how far everything has progressed.  Most of these are just shots taken from an old digital camera, so apologies for the poor quality!  I should properly scan them in and archive them soon enough. 


And...I've taken one step towards my goal of starting my own design career.  It's one small step, but it's surely just as exciting - I've just opened my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/XtiffanychenX.

Please stop by and take a look.  Happy shopping!

Egyptian-inspired print, hand-painted acrylic

Lattice structure pattern, hand-painted acrylic

Drawing based on a scene from one of Haruki Murakami's novels

Drawing based on a scene from one of Haruki Murakami's novels

Sandwich and Juice Still Life, Oil Painting

Bell Pepper Trio Still Life, Soft Pastels

Floral Study Still Life, Oil Pastels

Feet Drawing

Bradbury

As my days back home are slowing winding down,  I got the chance to visit a few other areas in the Los Angeles area.  Future visitors take note - this is a tour recommendation from a local, a hidden gem amidst the corporate feel of Downtown L.A. 

This location might seem familiar to you, as one of the popular spots featured in a number of films such as Blade Runner, and more recently, The Artist.

The Bradbury Building is a registered historic landmark and while a seemingly non-discreet brick building on the outside, the interior space is full of intricate details and flooded with natural light.