Yummie Couture

Yummie Couture is a new and fresh brand started by 19yr old student Ilija. Originally from Bosnia Hercegovina the now Austrian resident intends to take the design world by storm.
Ilija’s passion for fashion started when he discovered he liked his own designs more than those he would see hanging in the shop windows. The bland black and white colours he would see used in High street stores were no match for the bright blue’s, neon pinks and yellows he uses in his designs.
Not afraid of taking risks “I refuse to look like all the people I see everyday.”-Ilija. This talented designer has already sold out a set of his limited addition T-shirts called BANANA INVASION. Following on from this success another line (STAH THUNDDAH) has been added along with 3 limited addition BANANA INVASION T-Shirts.
Using an array of colours Ilija has been attracting a range of clientele ranging from the UK and US.
A gifted designer and artist Ilija enjoys “Breathing life into my drawings, if I have the opportunity to present my vision to others why not. I want them to take a look into my brain.”-Ilija
Having his designs featured in photo shoots, taking part in fashion shows and having artists such as M.I.A and African Boy interested in his clothing, Ilija is guaranteed to become an international design sensation.
“Fashion for me is when you express yourself through your clothes without saying anything.”-Ilija

For more information on Yummie go to:
www.myspace.com/yummieclothing

Kasarenee

Kakra Safo is the name of the artist, designer and founder of Kasarenee. The name Kasarenee combines Kasaa which means "Talk" or "Speak" in Akan together with the name of Kakra’s sister who is also apart of this innovative artistic team.
Before Kasarenee began, it was a love of art that began in secondary school which lead Kakra into an eye-opening work placement with coca-cola. Whilst working there he was introduced to inventive and ground-breaking programmes, which helped to further develop his artistic skills.
Also during his studies Kakra, the driving force behind Kasarenee was also involved in such projects as "Emergency Exit Art" (EEA), which was held at the influential White Chapel Gallery.
Fusing all of this knowledge and experience together Kasarenee was born. Originally a final year college project, Kasarenee focused on producing images and T-shirts. Now the company has developed it has moved into business promotions and marketing drives. Also Kasarenee produces logos for major up and coming music groups as well as graphics for film productions.
With many exciting projects ahead, Kasarenee will continue to push the artistic boundaries in order to enhance and challenge visual concepts for their growing audience.
"I am an artist, an artist takes modern art into a direction that would broaden the meaning of what art was and could be."- Kakra Safo.

For more info on Kasarenee go to:
www.myspace.com/kasarenee

Gk - DESIGNz

FU interviewed Grita K the talented young lady behind Gk - DESIGNz who told us about her bright and colorful designs and schooled us on why all youths who wear hoodies are not thugs.

Where did you get the name for your label?
It’s made up of my initials

How long have you been designing?
For over a year

What made you want to start?
I have always been interested in fashion designing and when one of my friends suggested to do airbrushing I tried and liked it.

How did you get your start?
I started by designing for friends then moved on to various DJ's, music artists and dance groups. I haven’t had any formal work experience though, I just taught myself how to do it.

How would you describe your clothes?
Urban, street and unique

What inspires you?

Other young designers who are dedicated

Have you been involved in any big projects?
I have worked with Hoodies & Shadez where we did a photoshoot sending a message across that not all young people who wear hoodies are criminals. I also did a fashion show at the young designer awards where we had to make an avant garde outfit.

There's loads of designers out there fighting to get noticed what makes your designs so unique?

I pay a lot attention to detail and my clothes are very bright and detailed.

Who would you love to dress?
Gwen Steffani and Gym class heroes

What's next for you?
To keep on pushing and hopefully setting up my own business one day!

For more info on or to view/buy Gk - DESIGNz go to:
www.myspace.com/airbrushdesign

Miss Wax

Beginning as just as a garage based hobby Miss Wax Jewelry has come a long way:
“In less than a year Miss wax has created an international buzz, testing street style accessories with her cutting edge concepts” - Miss Wax
Using her life as inspiration for her 'Street Style' creations, this talented “5,5" bleach blonde little lady” prides herself on rebelling against contemporary trends:
“Reinventive and always fresh, Miss Wax aims to break away from the norm and incorporate a new level of accessories into the market. Art into outerwear” -Miss Wax
Hitting the market in 2006, Miss Wax began by selling to her local boutique UNIV in Encinitas. It was here where she that she got the name Miss Wax as in the beginning she was primarily using old vinyl to make her products.
Due to her popularity Miss Wax has been featured in a variety on online magazines and blogs:
“If you Google her name you will see the words, "Fresh, Urban, one of a kind..etc" pop up in urban, fashion and culture blogs from all over the map” -Miss Wax
In addition to this she has collaborated with ladies street wear company HELLZ BELLZ, and also participated in the Keep-A-Breast movement where she received such an overwhelming response that she decided to introduce a new jewellery line for spring/summer 08 called ‘Throwback’
With her innovative and fresh designs Miss Wax Jewelry is filling a huge gap in the market. And with plans to release a full accessory line in the future Miss Wax is sure to be one of the most sought after independent designers.

For more info on Miss Wax go to:
www.myspace/misswaxjewelry
www.miswax.com

Re:Phlexx

Designer Marsha aka Phlexx told FU about her clothing label Re:Phlexx designs and her forthcoming fashion show.

What is your clothing label called?
Re:Phlexx Designs

Where did you get that name?
I’ve had ‘Phlexx’ as a nickname for a while and when I began customising I just simply added the ‘Re’ as with each garment I aim to redesign and recreate garments with my personal flavour.

How long have you been designing?
I’ve been customising for about a year now.

What made you want to start?
I’ve always been interested in fashion and design from a young age and customising came along as a progression.


How did you get your start i.e.did you do work experience and work your way up?
My customising developed out of a free period at college one day and a plain t-shirt in the art room.

How would you describe your clothes [that you design]?
Original…Re:Phlexxed!

Do you think your personal style influences your clothing line?
Yes it does I wouldn’t put out anything I didn’t like personally.

Who are your clothes aimed at?
I design for both male and females, so it’s basically anyone that feels they can relate to the style and like it.

Have you been involved in any big projects i.e. Fashion shows etc?
Not yet, however I have a fashion show lined up for November.

Who would you love to dress?
Kanye West, Pharell Williams and Justin Timberlake

Future plans/What's next for you?
The next steps are gaining more exposure and awareness developing Re:Phlexx Designs as much as possible.

For more info on Re:Phlexx designs or to view more designs, including baseballcaps go to:

www.myspace.com/rephlexxdesigns

4u2nV Clothing

FU interviewed the lady behind clothing label 4u2nV who told us about fashion shows and why she wants to dress Kanye West.

How long have you been designing?

5 years

What made you want to start?

My love for fashion

How did you get your start?
I started by customizing my own clothes and everyone wanted to know where I got my stuff from. So then I ended up customizing other people's clothing until I decided I wanted my own line.

How would you describe your clothes?
Colourful designs, lettering etc

How would you describe your own image?

Everything all in one!

Do you think your personal style influences your clothing line?

Most definitely

Who are your clothes aimed at?

Anyone who likes them..

Have you been involved in any big projects i.e. Fashion shows etc?

Yes I have done local fashion shows..I actually have one coming up in a couple months.

What inspires you?

Colours, graphics, & life

Who would you love to dress?

Keri Hilson & Kanye West

There's loads of designers out there fighting to get noticed in Fashion Week etc what makes your designs so unique?

The name says it all...4u2nV...

Future plans/What's next for you?

To try and take my line as far as I can and also find a business investor.

For more info on 4u2nv or to view more designs go to:

www.myspace.com/4u2nv05

www.4u2nvclothing.com

Stephanie B. Omotesho

FU interviewed Stephanie who has her mind set on a career in the fashion industry and is working hard to become a successful model and designer. Stephanie told us about her love of Fashion, what inspires her and her plans on going to college to study fashion design.

How long have you been modelling for?
Well I have only just started into the industry.

Who/What made you want to model? (ie: was you attracted to the money, free clothes, glamorous lifestyle etc)?
Um...I’d have to say I just love fashion. Modelling to me is a way of expressing clothes. As a model you get to wear the outrageous clothes that designers make only for the runway shows. Also models are also usually inspirations to others such as younger girls who aspire to be models. I would love to be an inspiration to anyone.

What do you do when you’re not modelling?
I like to design clothes. I have been designing for about a year under the label B.Destiny. I’ve always had a love for clothes and fashion. I saw a dress that I really liked and I drew it and customised so it would look perfect on me and I’ve been designing ever since. I’d love to dress Beyonce, because she’s such a major style icon.

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?
Well I don’t have a favourite model, but Tyra Banks has definitely had impact on me. Also Emily Rose who has helped me into the industry by giving me advice and help.

What your best feature?
My smile.

What type of modelling would you never do?
Nude, topless or other types of unnecessary exposure

Obviously models have to have a tight body, what do you do to keep in shape?
I am in the gym. Gym. Gym. Gym. I’m still working on my body though. I try and eat correctly and drink lots of water!!!!

Do you think it’s harder for black models to get jobs over here (in the UK) than it is in America, Why do you think this is?
I’d say that the approach that agencies have towards black models [in the US] is very different to the ones in the UK.

Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don’t realize that it’s a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that? I am going through that at the moment. I’ve been to a lot of castings and agencies and have heard nothing. But I am not giving up! No way!

Who would you like to work with in the future?
I’d love to work with a major model agency or be a Rocawear model and do an international cosmetic advert.

What’s next for you?
I hope something stable and will get me started into the industry properly and I hope to find a way to start making and selling my designs. As well as this I plan on going to college to study fashion design.

For more info on Stephanie/Destiny.B go to

www.myspace.com/destinyskid1

KURFUU

Horatio Rankine and his clothing line KURFUU is the new brand name to hit the streets. KURFUU, which is pronounced Curfew and stands for Knowledge-Unity-Respect-Freedom-Univesally-Undisputed was created by this young man at the tender age of 17.
Originally from Papine, St.Andrews, Jamaica Horatio now resides in Toronto, Canada, where his label began by making embroidered hats and t’shirts, which he sold in the streets. After selling a thousand items and receiving positive feedback from businesses and customers in Toronto and its surrounding cities Horatio felt confident in the label name and his creations.
The product KURFUU is aimed at an urban market this is
"Because of my raw designs simply because I want my customers to be able to relate to my products, rather then just buying into a brand name they know nothing about or have nothing in common with."- Horatio Rankine.
KURFUU’s official launch will be held in his hometown of St. Andrews, Jamaica The clothing line will carry a range of products, such as Mens and Womens clothing along with lingerie and accessories. Currently Horatio is working on photo-shoots for a wide range of merchandise, which will be uploaded onto his myspace page where people can view and make comments on his designs.
Horatio Rankine is a young man with a bright future ahead of him. Describing his brand as:
"A brand, which is innovative in exclusive designs, production and marketing, a brand, which is seen as expert, trustworthy, likeable and also a brand that communicates with a consistent and clear voice."-Horatio Rankine
A force to be reckoned with, Horatio Rankine and his clothing line KURFUU will definitely take urban wear to the next level.

For more on KURFUU and Horatio Rankine go to:

http://www.myspace.com/kurfuuclothing