The first stop was east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley about an hour and a half from Palm Springs.  I have been wanting to visit this area the entire time I have lived in Los Angeles and somehow never had made it there. I was excited to drive along the Salton Sea and witness its strange terrain.  The sea was created in 1905 when the Colorado River flooded into it.  It is below sea level and contains more salt that seawater which results in killing all of the animals that try to survive in its magnitude.  This explains the “whitewash” effect that is all over the shore filled with feathers and fish skeletons and other random bleached out remnants of the sea.  The feeling around this area was very eerie yet extremely beautiful and quiet.  It was remarkable.

About a half hour away in Niland,the folk art site known as Salvation Mountain sits in all its glory.  Artist Leonard Knight built his massive tribute to God out of adobe clay and donated paint with the art spanning 50 feet high and 150 feet wide in the desert.  I had first seen this place in the movie “Into the Wild” and I had always been fascinated and wanted to check it out.  I was amazed at his dedication and very impressed by the magnitude of the site.  It was quite amazing to walk through and discover.

Anyone that is traveling east of LA, these two spots are a MUST SEE! Their stark contrast is so compelling and both equally challenge your visual perception of landscapes.

Picture by my road partner @lohdy on instagram

My environment has always been a huge reflection of my personal style and taste level and with my talent in merchandising, I really enjoy interior design.  You know I am a collector of vintage finds and unique things for my closet, and my place is no different.  I have been collecting objects, art and furniture for almost 20 years and in this Los Angeles apartment I was able to put them all together to create a unique environment that fully represents me.  I take references from all over the world from Africa to Mexico and Asia, I borrow from the past and I make nods to the future making sure everything works harmoniously together to create soul and character.

As I let go of my Los Angeles digs, I look forward to creating a new environment in Austin that represents this new chapter in my life.  Right now, its all about Reinvention for me.  So here’s one last look at my past…can’t wait to show you my future.

Everybody always wanted to have photoshoots at my house and right before I left, I worked with my gals from Heyoka Leather on their summer 2013 lookbook in my apartment.  The images by Alexandra Valenti are gorgeous and the shoot turned out fantastic with models Kelly Ash and Jenny Parry showcasing Heyoka’s best bags and jewelry for the season.  Take a look at the images below and be sure and check out Heyoka Leather on facebook and instagram for more!

The two ladies have been designing the contemporary women’s collection, Leyendecker, for about 8 years and recently decided to pursue a different creative path in their artistry in the form of these said dream catchers and much more.

Lisa and Jessica of Texa Collection

I was very excited to sit down with the ladies this week and discuss the inspiration for their new line, Texa, and find out more.  Their new focus on interiors and away from apparel was a natural move for the both of them as they have had a strong love for interiors and the hunt of found objects for years. The two met eachother 9 years ago and began a collaborative relationship that has stood strong. Each serving as a direct opposite point of view, their creative brains merge in what seems to be a seamless process.  In their quest to have more freedom as artists and to produce something with emotion and authenticity, they are now catering to a customer that doesn’t follow the fashion calendar, but rather is looking for something unique and long-lasting.  YES!!!

When we began to talk about their inspiration and their new ethos, my heart started to race as I have such a deep understanding and connection to their new creative strategy.  One that doesn’t fit into any mold, doesn’t have definitive delivery dates, and isnt’ “old” once the season has passed.  The train they are now on is the future and I find more and more that this is the new way of doing things.  Your own way.

Collection of dreamcatchers at Church boutique

The basis of their new interiors lifestyle collection is rooted in the art of found objects, objet trouve, and communicates an aesthetic of contrasts:  sophistication, bohemia, classic style and rock n roll.  The name “Texa” is derived from the latin word “to weave”, thus creating the inspiration for their line.  With their two different perspectives, references are “weaved together” to create a very unique luxury product for the modern day bohemian.

A snapshot into their studio and collection of found objects

Lisa and Jessica have a love for the hunt and have collected treasures most of their life which led them to the creation of this collection.  The dream catchers are made with a bicycle tire as the center (hello, genius!), and also incorporate leather, ostrich eggs, ox bone poker chips from the 19th century, egret feathers from the 1960′s, bike chain holders, bones and are finished off with hand wrapped and dyed horsehair tassels.

Dream catcher created from bicycle tires, feathers, horsehair, eggs, bike chain holders, leather and more

Horsehair and feathers

Prices of the dream catchers range from $2500-$4500

Their white collection is on display at Church boutique, but they also have a collection of all black

Texa Collection started with the oversize dreamcatchers and sparked inspiration to create a lifestyle collection to include pillows and jewelry to satisfy their customers’ thirst for this aesthetic. Creating product that has longevity and usefullness is extremely marketable in this retail environment and leads the movement of buying based on emotional connection rather than trends.

A collection of pillows at Church

Their pillows are also created from found fabrics and weaved together to create a ying/yang of the past and the future.  Materials used are vintage moto leather jackets, 100 yr old french grain sack, persian lamb and horsehair.

Large oversized motorcycle leather pillow with hand wrapped horsehair

Modern patchworking with persian lamb, leather and french grain sack.

Horsehair seems to be one of their signature elements and I love it

A distinctive quality in their pillows will be their unique shapes and sizes.  From here they will also begin to design quilts, chair cushions and much more.  The price range of the pillows is $1000-$2500 depending on elements and size.

They didn’t stop there…..their collection also branches into accessories that are inspired by rosary/prayer beads.  They wanted to take the handmade quality of their work and design jewelry that will also communicate their vision.  Rather than a cross or religious totem at the end, they attach their signature horse hair tassel to add whimsy to the delicate nature of the gemstones they are using.

A few items from their jewelry collection

The necklaces are 14k gold plate and elements include pave diamonds, leather, wood, pyrite, magnesite and of course their signature horsehair.  Prices range between $1000-$2500 depending on the design.

Wooden beads are combined with pyrite and pave diamonds

Pave diamonds secure the horsehair tassel

I love the delicacy of the elements combined with horsehair

I love how these necklaces look layered and Jessica was modeling them in the perfect style.

Jessica’s collection for the day

This is only the very beginning for Texa and I am so excited to see where they take it.  The possibilities are endless and their customer base is only going to grow as quality and design wins over mass production and consumption.

Their current collection can be seen at Church Boutique and you can also visit the Texa website for more.

A view from the tavern

The cute little shop was hosted by master beadworker Julia Pfeifer and her collection of amazing work. She has been designing in the field of micro-beading for over 25 years which is a craft that has been almost forgotten since the 1920′s.  Her work proves that history can remain in tact with each of her one of a kind collector’s pieces.  I was completely mesmerized by her work and she was such a lovely lady.

Outside of the shop

An example of her handmade bags with her beading

She takes vintage leathers and creates designs on them.

All of these squares connect to create a very special concho belt

These are just crazy amazing

The scene of this historical enclave was special and felt like nothing had been touched in over 100 years.

Enjoying a margarita outside of the bar

The scene included cowboys, motorcycle riders, locals and musicians.

A little denim inspiration in the mix;  I’m obsessed with these Discharge Bali flare leg jeans from Free People and I had to immediately buy a pair when I got home.  

Big Tom is set up every sunday outside selling his delicious tri tip sandwiches

The atmosphere

My gal Lindsay Lohden who brought me to this special spot.

The Ojai jail building

The Chinese chain gang’s quarters.

Signs of the chain gang

An old building on the property

Another moment outside of the bar

The music was perfect for the environment and was part of what made the place so special.  A great blues band and a dance floor is all we need to let the good times roll and for the dancing to begin.

The Sky Ferguson Band  from Santa Barbara

At the helm

Quite a collection of harmonicas

Strummin’ and Pickin’

Some cool cats

 Two- stepping and twirling

After all the music and dancing was over, we headed to the tavern and had a delicious rustic dinner in the coziest environment.  Truly, I’m not sure if one thing has changed in this restaurant since it was built.  It completely reminded me of my family’s log cabin in Texas and I felt right at home.  The decor is so classic and every little piece hanging on the wall tells a story of the history of the place.

A giant fireplace when you enter

Our cozy table in the corner

Hanging on the wall

The rest of the tavern

Another dining room

Native Americans are a integral  part of the history of Santa Barbara

Cute and cozy and very country!

The day at Cold Springs Tavern was blissful and I didn’t want it to end.  We met some super fun ladies and all celebrated the day together with dancing and tequila.  What more could you want on a Sunday?  Play on, play on….

Thanks to my girl Lindsay Lohden for the photography help.

Be sure and follow her @Lohdy on Instagram.

I was inspired to use their jewelry in COREY’S Fall 2013 fashion presentation in NYC last week and it was such a great juxtaposition to Corey’s feminine aesthetic.  I loved how the jewelry brought out her edgier rebellious side and showed her love of using eclectic elements in her design aesthetic. I was really happy with the collaboration and it was really great working with these K/LLER ladies! Before I left town they let me stop by their studio and hang out for a bit and talk shop.  Always a treat!

Co-Creators Katie deGuzman and Michael Miller

The girls have been friends for over ten years dating back to their days studying furniture design at Parsons.  After years of doing their own separate design work in the jewelry, furniture and lighting industries, they found themselves in eachother’s path again at just the right time.  In 2010, they created their combined aesthetic to become K/LLER COLLECTION.  Inspired by motorcycles, alchemy, rusted tools and androgyny, Katie and Michael have a very clear idea of who they are and you can feel it in every piece that they create together.

“ It is about the juxtaposition of hard and soft, the
dark side clashing with the sweet, and choosing vice over virtue. The adornments speak of an unapologetically gutsy rebel-yell. Gritty and unfettered yet incredibly chic the pieces are subtly bohemian with a biker-chick aesthetic.”

Brand inspiration

 

Work station

The collection is hand crafted in the USA with all pieces being assembled in their Brooklyn studio.  They start the design process by sketching and work very closely with casting artisans to help perfect their vision before it comes back into their hands to assemble.

Sketching of new designs in progress

The aesthetic round up

The line is edgy and sharp but is contradicted by the delicacy of it’s angles.  Porcupine quills, fish jaws, arrowheads, horns, distressed leather, stalactites, petals, porcupine quills and feathers are transformed into delicate and dark little talismans for its wearer.

“It is about the juxtaposition of hard and soft, the dark side clashing with the sweet, and choosing vice over virtue.”

I’m such a fan of these cuffs

Sharp contrasts

Talismans and more

Some of my favorites

Delicate sharpness

The collection is quickly gaining momentum and is currently showcased at over 30 selected stores worldwide including some of my favorites Tenoversix, Helmut Lang, Sucre, Feathers and Need Supply. Barneys New York just picked up the line for Spring 2013, and the Japanese market is on their horizon. For a full stockist, look here.

I’m so excited to know these ladies and even more excited to be wearing all of my new jewelry that I acquired during my visit! Thank you Katie and Michael xxoo

My new K/LLER COLLECTION

]]> http://theschereport.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/studio-visit-brooklyns-kller-collection/feed/ 0 theschereport Co-Creators Katie Dugezman and Michael Miller Brand inspiration IMG_1417 Work station Porcupine quill art hangs on the wall Sketching of new designs in progress The aesthetic round up Wall of jewelry Love how all the pieces can be worn together A wall of bracelets and earrings An assortment of necklaces And more... An assortment of earrings Some of my favorites More earrings... My new K/LLER COLLECTION http://theschereport.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/corey-fall-2013-nyc-presentation/ http://theschereport.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/corey-fall-2013-nyc-presentation/#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:30:49 +0000 theschereport http://theschereport.wordpress.com/?p=8205 ]]> Last week I was in NYC to style my client, Corey Lynn Calter’s Fall 2013 presentation at The Jane Hotel.  The event turned out so great and it was so much fun to be a part of it as everyone involved was so great and super talented. Some of NYC’s best editors, stylists and bloggers came out to toast Corey and congratulate her on the re-branding of her 12 year old eponymous line.  You can read Style.com’s coverage on the event here and also read an interview Corey did on the Huffington Post here.  I had a great time collaborating with the accessory brands that I used including K/LLER COLLECTION jewelry, Gladys Tamez Millinery and Seychelles shoes.  Stay tuned for more on my studio visit with K/LLER COLLECTION this week on The Sche Report.

Take a look at at some of my snapshots of the night below.

The atmosphere and amazing DJ booth

Makeup by Smashbox Cosmetics and hair by Toni & Guy

K/LLER COLLECTION jewelry was a great pairing to Corey’s collection

All coming together with hats by Gladys Tamez Millinery

Backstage shots

Great shoes by Seychelles

Special guest DJ Tennessee Thomas rocked some amazing 60′s soul on vunyl

Hostess Nora Zehetner with Corey’s PR Director Shana Honeyman

The Collection

Perfect setting for this collection

One of my favorite looks in the middle with the cape

This model from Wilhelmina was so gorgeous

More looks

Another favorite look on the left

So in love with this peacock printed smoking jacket

Everybody loved the hats by Gladys Tamez

Another favorite look, these mixed print pajama pants are so chic

Love!

The last look

Corey with Ilona of Advanced Style

I’m wearing a star suit from Corey’s Holiday collection with a Donna Karan blouse, Prada shoes  and a vintage belt I found at the Rose Bowl flea market.

It was a great night and a wonderful event! Looking forward to the next one!

The inspiration for Corey’s Fall collection is Smoke and Flowers and for this season’s lookbook, she sent Janell Shirtcliff from vintage website Lonely Dot  and photographer Olivia Malone to New Orleans to create her vision in imagery for the collection.  Janell styled and modeled in the lookbook which is what she also does on her great website, make sure you check it out here.

I love the mood that New Orleans gave to the collection and I’m excited to channel the vibe at the presentation this week.  More to come next week when I return!

Kathleen in an amazing vintage jacket in her kitchen

The living room

I really loved the interior design of Kathleen’s place and the color palette was so calm and soothing while still using a beautiful rich palette of purples and pinks.  Her sensibility rang so true to me after seeing her place and I totally connected her jewelry designs with the items she chose to place in her home.  Everything was minimal and natural but also with a sense of tradition and classicism.  There was a subtle luxury to her space in moments of porcelain and gold, very reminiscent of her gold jewelry designs.

Beautiful simplicity and design

Love the palette of this woven basket

Sitting room/sun room

Love!

Porcelain figurines sit on the mantle

So delicate and beautiful just like her designs

Organic moments

A shelf close up

Love love this sculpture

The perfect guestroom

Kathleen grew up in NYC and worked in the PR side of the financial world for a large portion of her career before she moved to Los Angeles in 2002.  After arriving on the west coast, she decided to take various art classes at Otis College of Design to re-connect with her undergraduate studies in Ceramics at Tulane University.   One of the classes she took was jewelry fabrication and she soon started to experiment with designs for her friends and herself.  One night at a party, actress Whitney Cummings spotted her jewelry and asked if she could show it to her friend and Editor of Lucky magazine, Marlien Rentmeester.  The rest as they say…is history.  She soon started to design on the side and transitioned into full time designing in 2009.

Kathleen’s studio space

Aerial view of her working space

Kathleen’s 30 piece collection includes both earrings and rings and is made of 14k and 18k gold from her own wax castings.  She has become most famous for her beautiful individual earrings that can be mixed and matched as well as worn in multiples for those with several piercings.  It is so hard to decide which are my favorites as each one of them is so beautiful and elegant.  These are the earrings that you wear everyday and don’t take off.  The simple earrings that you want to wear with everything, all the time. The subtleties of her pieces are beyond beautiful and her ethos is completely in line with my love of classic design and handmade artisanal quality.

A sampling of rings

A collage of jewelry, her porcelain ceramics  and special things hang on her studio wall

Jewelry art on her studio wall shows the delicacy of her design aesthetic 

Of course, I had to try on several of my favorites and ended up leaving with two amazing pairs! One gifted to me by Kathleen for my recent 40th bday, and the other a bday treat to myself.  I’ve been switching between the two pairs since I got them and everyday it is hard to figure out which one to leave the house in! All of the earrings range in price between $30 to $450 for each individual earring.

The cuff earring is my absolute favorite

The large stitch earring

Spike and loop earring

Gold foil circle earring that I went home with!

This was another favorite of mine that I went home with!

Kathleen is doing amazing with her collection and is in some of the top boutiques and online stores around the world including Tomorrowland, La Garconne, Beautiful Dreamers, Cul de Paris, Gravel and Gold, Chay, Tenoversix, Super A Market and Maryam Nassir Zadeh to name but a few.

Be sure and check out Kathleen’s website and see more of her daily snapshots on instagram @kathleenwhitaker

And for those of you in the Los Angeles area, you can meet her and check out her collection at The Echo Park Craft Fair on May 11th and 12th.

Studio shots

Inspiration board

In the studio

Gladys started designing a few hats for her friends 3 years ago and the word started to get out. Next thing she knew, she was commissioned to create a range of hats for LA’s Thomas Wylde’s Fall 2012 collection which was a move that put her on the map.  Next thing she knew, she was running a full studio and creating hats to send all over the world to sit in some of the top boutiques.  It didn’t take long for the who’s who to find out about her and she has created hats for multiple celebrities and musicians including Rihanna, Wiz Khlifa and Lisa Marie Presley to name a few.  Her biggest landslide thus far has been designing several hats for Johnny Depp which has garnered great attention for her from the top stores in Japan.

A selection of hats in her studio

Her right hand man shaping a client’s new hat

What makes Gladys hat’s so special is the designs she creates in the crown of the hats.  Her latest collection is inspired by horses and she shaped silhouettes of ears, horse shoes and spines into the crowns.  As a lover and owner of horses, I absolutely am in love with this collection.  Each shape is so unique to her and I truly value the handmade quality that she puts into each of her designs.

Gladys modeling one beautiful hat from her collection

The shape of a horse shoe in the crown

This one is created to mirror the spine of a horse

I tried several on for my client and then a few on for myself.  Yes, I will be commissioning Gladys for a hat for me very soon!!

A favorite

Not the best outfit for trying on hats but somehow it still works

Another favorite with a crocodile hat band

Dying over how chic this one is

She kept pulling out more fabulous options and I could have spent the day there talking about her inspiration for each of the designs.  One of the most special qualities of her hats is that they are reversible.  When you turn the hat around, it creates an entirely new shape and new look for the wearer.  AMAZING!!!!!!!  So love the idea of this and the value this creates in this luxury purchase.

One view

And another view

If you are in Los Angeles, you can check out her hats at Church Boutique, Roseark and The Well. To see more visit her website and follow her on instagram so you can see all the lovely people that come in and buy her hats.  Below are some photos from her instagram feed @gladys_tamez_millinery.  Lots of cuties coming thru the studio, I recommend following her!!

She created the season’s prints from a collection of photos taken of various shadows and light forms.  The result was magic and some seriously amazing prints.  It’s always so hard to edit her prints down every season as she creates dozens and they are all so very unique and special.  I’m so happy with our selections this season and so proud of the outcome of dresses that she designed to adorn her amazing prints.  Her artistry is so special and unique and in her future I see her prints covering more than just the body and being placed on home goods, bedding, tabletop, wallpaper and more.  This is only the beginning for this talented designer and special friend.

Her Fall 2013 visions are below in selects from her lookbook shot by Davis Factor, styled by me with the help of Alex & Lee accessories.  To find out more about Emily and her designs, check out her website.