BEHIND-THE-FABRIC

It’s always intriguing to see what the world’s most famous designers are coming out with every season. However, we think some of the fun of Fashion Week is discovering new designers to obsess over.

We bring you spotlights on three flourishing fashion designers—what inspires them, what their collections are like, and why we expect big things from them!

Suzanne Rae

Brooklyn-based designer Suzanne Rae Pelaez began her fashion career in New York after graduating from Parson School of Design. Her line, Suzanne Rae, is a women’s ready-to-wear line inspired by and made for the modern woman. And it’s awesome.

With her stunning green eyes, trademark full brows, and eclectic style, up-and-coming model Cara Delevingne is quickly becoming the one to watch. The younger sister of established model Poppy, Delevingne knows a thing or two about the fashion world.

In just three short years since being signed to Storm Models, she has appeared in numerous magazine editorials, walked the runway for brands such as Chanel, Stella McCartney, and Oscar de la Renta, and even landed the Burberry Prorsum campaign in 2011.

DP: When did you start the T. Tandon line and tell me how it all began.

TT: I started in Spring 2008. I have always wanted to have my own line, knew I would do it, since I was young. But, the question was when. So, one day, when I got really fed up working late nights for a fashion company, I decided to quit and do all that hard work for my own line. I packed up my bags, and flew to India, where I knew some manufacturers to start sampling for my first collection. I had no particular business plan, or anything, I wanted to just do it. I started basically with no idea of what I was really doing, and how, who my target audience is, my business model, nothing! I just went right into it. And than refined it every year to what it is now.

If there’s one thing that we love about a real good designer, it’s the fact that they design for a real good woman. Yes, we said it: real bodies, real curves, real hips, real busts, real sizes; we’re talkin’ some regular ole’ R-E-A-L.

While shopping the runways in Paris, New York, and Milan might be discouraging for those of us with curves, (if you got it, flaunt it!) fear no more, we've got a designer for you. Even though bigger names in the industry are the brands we tend to gravitate to, these notable names and designs don’t always hug and squeeze (read: flatter) in all the right places. So, what’s a girl to do?

True success stories are very inspirational! One such mega-achievement story is definitely about designer Marc Ecko. Not only has Marc built a substantial empire based on contemporary style with mass appeal, but he’s also approachable and willing to share insight on what it takes to make it in these challenging financial times.

Recently, artist and designer Marc Ecko made a very special celebrity appearance at ClearVision Optical’s booth at Vision Expo East, an annual expo held at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Center. Hundreds of fans and expo attendees lined up in the booth to see Marc and receive a copy of his exclusive interview with 20/20 Magazine & received a set of limited edition cleaning cloths. This latest interview in 20/20 Magazine includes behind-the-scenes coverage of a candid interview in which Marc discusses his new consumer website: marceckoeyewear.com. Marc also signed autographs and posed for photos with those who attended the event. The designer extraordinaire was in-booth to promote the newest optical and sun styles for his “Cut & Sew” Eyewear collection, as well as his new consumer website, marceckoeyewear.com.

If we could use three words to describe the designs by Eva Franco, we wouldn’t be able to narrow it down as each and every piece emphasizes its girly style in a whole new and unique way. From her fantastic use of silk and chiffon on blouses, to her floral, leather and lace-filled skirts, this designer has hit the nail on the head when it comes to dressing all different characters of women.

Though Eva Franco was a Transylvania native, after moving to the states she quickly realized her talent and turned her dream into reality by opening up shop in L.A. We love the girly looks that are showing up everywhere this spring and if there is one place to find this style, it is via Eva Franco. There’s a certain 1950’s Mad Men-meets-modernity to some of her designs, while others contain a structured look with urban street-chic appeal. This aspect, along with her wide range of price points ($60-$500), has helped in creating a brand that is appealing to all, and accessible to most.

Victoria's Secret knows that Spring Break is heating up coast-to-coast and everywhere in-between! Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with one of their newest faces, Elsa Hosk, to learn more about what's in store for Spring/Summer 2012. And if you haven't noticed, this season's collection is all about bright pops of neon, hints of lace, figure flattering designs, frayed denim shorts and much, much more!

Upon arriving at the Victoria's Secret showroom I was greeted by images of their hottest models; Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, and Elsa Hosk --just to name a few gorgeous faces! As I entered the room, racks were lined with the latest exciting Victoria's Secret fashions this season. I particularly loved the vibrant hoodies with variations of the 'Pink' logo. They're a great style staple that can be worn with everything from a casual black dress and sleek leggings, to alluring denim shorts. Meeting the blonde beauty, Elsa Hosk, was also a refreshing experience because she was very energetic, down- to- earth and quite knowledgeable regarding the latest VS looks.

We were first introduced to stella proseyn's delicate designs while perusing the semi-annual local artist showcase called Unique L.A. in downtown Los Angeles. The muted color palette, quality fabrics, distinctive cuts and attention to detail brought Alexander Wang or The Row to mind.

Upon meeting the indie label's designer, Debbie Talanian, we were impressed with her story and her vision for her line. The mostly natural textiles used by stella proseyn are sourced from larger production labels in order to cut back on waste. Eco friendly is their game as any leftover or unusable scraps are donated or recycled. The highly original label is also designed and produced entirely in Los Angeles.

It has been ingrained in our minds for years that recycling is better for the earth. Emphasis on organic foods and biodegradable products is publicized everywhere showing how to live healthy. Both of these are significant influences on our everyday lives, but if you think about it, so is fashion! For most of us fashionistas, what we will wear for the day is calculated down to the last accessory. So why aren’t we taking time to learn about the things that consume a large part of our thoughts during the day? Suzanna, co-founder of the blog Green House of Fashion, was lovely enough to meet with us for an interview to tell us about her eco-fashion blog, and give us a little insight as to what goes into being eco-friendly in your wardrobe and how to be fashionable while still being sustainable.