Designer Kevan Hall Showcases His Spring 2011 Collection at Agenda Loft...and I Was There!

(Kevan Hall and his models)

Extravagent fashion shows can be a mind-blowing experience. The long catwalk, flashing camera lights, front row celebs -- elements that reflect the designer's success. And designer Kevan Hall is no stranger to this environment, as his glam gowns have graced the big runway for years. But recently, on January 19th, he took his Spring 2011 collection to Agenda Loft in downtown LA for an small, private showing. It was a nod to the back-in-the-days 1930s fashion shows at Salons, where buyers, press, and the privileged few were exclusively invited to preview a new collection. Proudly, I was one of the few exclusive guests to attend the intimate showcase.

Having interviewed Kevan Hall backstage prior to his show, in 2006 at Smashbox Studios during LA Fashion Week (I am still a staff writer and columnist for Agenda Magazine), I was delighted that I had the opportunity to view another one of his collections. This time, instead of models being 30 feet away, they were posing nearly beside me.

The models danced and swayed as they entered the main area of the loft on a white catwalk and struck a pose as needed for the photographers. All of us guests stood on the side of the catwalk watching them do their thang and fondly watched Kevan Hall adjust the gals' gowns as they sat down or sauntered about. I absolutely loved when a model took part in a scene such as this: Sitting on a pink chair, putting on a pair of hose, slipping on heels, and putting on a necklace...then getting up and walking back down the catwalk with a come-hither-me look. Had such a striking, dramatic appeal. Something you wouldn't witness at a big runway fashion show. There was even a moment toward the end of the show that the guests were encouraged to pose around the models for fun. I mean, hello, how great is that!



(Coty loving her som Heidi Klum!)

                                                  

(Coty and I after the show)

 

(Gloria Bass of Vintage Glo)



(Arun Nevader, Kaylene Peoples, and Kevan Hall)

   (Heather Petrey of LAFashionSnob.com)

                                                                                                                                                
Overall, it was quite a successful event. Kudos to Agenda Magazine's editor-in-chief Kaylene Peoples for putting on such a memorable event! It was an honor to attend. My fashionista friend in tow, Coty, enjoyed herself as well, especially when she saw photos of Heidi Klum lining the hall walls as we entered (see her pic above...haha...) Some of the fabulous attendees, all of whom I respect and admire, included: jewelry designer Gloria Bass, book author Marilyn Anderson, celebrity and fashion photographer Arun Nevader, and LA fashion blogger and designer Heather Petrey.

I share my experience with you because I believe it's important for you to be familiar with all that I am involved with. After all, you're reading my blog to gain insight to the world of fashion and shopping. So sharing my firsthand accounts with designers and other talents is my pleasure. More to come!

Kevan Hall is the first designer to show his collection at Agenda Loft --  a performance loft and event venue with an urban skyline setting. Some of his celebrity clientele includes Celine Dion, Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Charlize Theron, Salma Hayek, and Vanessa Williams.

(A moment to remember: Me and Kevan Hall)

                                      

Photo Credit: My camera!

'Vintage Glo' Jewelry: For that Hollywood Sparkle

Kaylene Peoples, the editor-in-chief of Agenda Magazine, recently introduced me to the jewelry designs of Gloria Bass -- Vintage Glo. And I can't take my eyes off of her creations. Her love of antiques (since she was 10 years old) is clear. Gloria's pieces are precious, versatile, and lively, attracting a variety of celeb clientele.

Therefore, her talent inspired me to reach out and ask her a few questions. I HAD to dig deeper to find out some more about Gloria and the amazing Vintage Glo.


Who was your first celebrity client? I can only imagine your rush of excitement!

Anastasia Brown, executive music producer...OMG, she called me on the phone to personally thank me and for me to keep up the great designs and she loved her piece and will wear it...It was sooo surreal.


What an accomplishment to be a vendor at the Golden Globes! How did that come to be?

I got to be part of the Golden Globes with the help of my Publicist Kaylene Peoples.


How have you kept your head up in the competitive industry of fashion?

With my designs being one-of-a-kind, I really never have felt I had to compete. I create what comes to mind and don't ever look at fashion magazines to see what the trend is. I have my own trend and look.


Who inspires your sense of style?

Loving antiques and the love of decorating my home inspires me to decorate my jewelry in my own style.


Your designs offer beautiful, dramatic appeal, but I can imagine many women would feel like they couldn't pull it off. What tips would you give women on how to find the best pieces of jewelry to fit their personalities?

When you see a piece and say OMG.....I HAVE TO HAVE THAT....then you will wear it.


What have you learned thus far?

I have learned that it takes a lot of work getting yourself in the face of the big world of Fashionistas, but as long as I keep loving my work, it's all worth it!!




Photo Credit: Rings courtesy of GBK, mannequin with necklace by Jeff Linett, Arun Nevader/Getty Images -- From the Gifting Lounge: Top (L) Jordin Sparks, (R) Sara Hyland, Bottom (L) Gloria Bass and Deidre Hall, (R) Shar Jackson)

Your Style Star Interviews the Good Girl!

When Monique of Your Style Star (YSS) tweeted about wanting to interview fashion bloggers, I jumped at the opportunity! And she took me up on it. So do us both a favor, and check it out! I talk personal shopping, styling, Gwen and Tyra, my mother's hippie fashion sense, and my hopes of becoming a one-name wonder.

Read "This Good Girl's Gone Blogging" and if you're a fan of my rambling thoughts, follow me on Twitter.

Me and Adrianne Curry of America's Next Top Model...

...Are both in the summer issue of AgendaMag.com. Me -- the fashion columnist ("Talking Chic"), and Adrianne Curry ("My Fair Brady" and formerly "The Surreal Life") - the cover model/ Reality TV star and lead interview.

Kaylene Peoples, editor and publisher of Agenda, is in full force with revamping the magazine and making it better than ever! Being with the mag for 4 years, I can tell you that it has come quite a long way. Always fabulous, but now, more fabulous than ever!

I would love your feedback. If you have never visited AgendaMag.com, please do! This summer's issue features a hosted video at the Santa Monica pier with Lindy Flowers, and a shout-out to moi's column topic: the teeny-weeny bikini.

Cheers!

Photo Credit: http://www.adriannemcurry.com/

Author Marilyn Anderson Says "Never Kiss a Frog"

I'm all for making a fashion statement where it counts, especially when it makes a passerby ponder. For instance, I recently picked up my own BITTEN Sarah Jessica Parker tee that says "Fashion Is Not a Luxury" at Steve and Barry's - a proud $8.98 purchase during a brief San Diego visit with Steve and "Dre."

So of course I'm totally enamored with the ToadBag ™, a fun tote bag that exhibits (er...exribits?) the phrase, " Never Kiss a Frog - Save One Instead!" Marilyn Anderson, an author, relationship expert, and speaker "playfully warns women to stay away from 'men' frogs, but says the endangerment of real frogs is a serious issue" with the launch of these bags.

Marilyn's book Never Kiss a Frog: A Girl's Guide to Creatures from the Dating Swamp is a fashionably sensible "collection of funny stories, savvy advice and comical illustrations that depict the men that women should avoid... as FROGS!" So with the great success that followed the publishing of her book, she (who was educated as a biologist) paired up with Amphibian Ark, an international organization dedicated to saving real frogs.

Each ToadBag ™ purchase results in a contribution to Amphibian Ark, and each read of the book might just very well prevent you from wasting those "If only he could turn into a prince" daydreams...

Either way, both purchases will keep you in great style. Check it out!

* Marilyn is the Travel & Entertainment writer for Agenda Magazine, has appeared as the "Flirting & Kissing" expert on ABC's "Extreme Makeover."

Photo Credit: http://www.neverkissafrog.com/

My Interview with Kaylene Peoples -- Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Agenda Magazine

She is a publisher. A documentary filmmaker. A jazz singer. Founder of a youth-based foundation. A network queen. And my editor!

Kaylene Peoples offered me the opportunity to be her first fashion columnist for Agenda Magazine (AgendaMag.com) in late 2004, for her second issue (which eventually turned into a staff writing position as well). I remember the day like yesterday -- just out of college and working at Nordstrom. I knew that I wanted to pursue my ideal writing career, but I never knew how to get started. So after contacting the woman I interviewed when I was an intern (really just to say thank you for being so great!), I was blessed with this question: "Do you want to be a fashion columnist for Agenda Magazine, a new online publication I'm starting?"

My life felt worthy after I said yes. Kaylene gave me the chance to set my soul free through personal talk of shopping, designers, materialism, and fashion shows. My column "Talking Chic" was born with her support and encouragement.

So, with great pleasure, I present to you a long-awaited interview with my fabulous editor and friend:

I have known you for almost 4 years now, Kaylene! You asked me to come on board as a fashion columnist, and I have been in love with Agenda Magazine ever since. So tell me how it started...

Agenda Magazine has been percolating in my mind since I was in high school. I used to read all the fashion mags from cover to back and really was just addicted. There was one thing that I found to be missing though, and it was the fact that the articles only went just so deep. I always put them down wanting to read more or learn more. I wanted to create a publication that would pull the reader in even deeper – answer all the questions. Lastly, since I am involved in filmmaking and music, I wanted something that could incorporate multi-media. And it seems that Agendamag.com really fills that niche.

So I know that you attended NY Fashion Week this year (so jealous, which you know already). Which shows were unbelievable?

Zac Posen was incredible. Monique L’Huillier and Joanna Mastroianni stood out in regards to luxury. Jayson Brunsden really exemplified the playful side of a woman. But all the shows were really impressive. The styling, along with the pieces were perfection in their presentation – a lot if wearable garments. And the colors that popped on the runway were interesting. Banana yellow, deep purples and the smoky eyes from the 20’s and 30’s was a big hit. A lot of designers had a taste of old Hollywood in their collection. That was exciting. Of course the veterans like Diane Von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Bill Blass, and Oscar de la Renta, made a huge impression as usual.

How does LA Fashion Week compare to NY?

I have been asked this question so many times, and have really tried to be fair in my comparison, however New York is primed for high fashion and LA is more suited for “Hollywood.” And it seems like that is where the trend is going on the West Coast for fashion. Since I have been attending for over 4 years (I only missed one season a couple of years ago), there have been some talented designers: Sue Wong, Custo Barcelona, Rami Kashou, Kevan Hall, etc… The list is endless. However, within the last 3 or 4 seasons, it seems like LA has been more interested in the celebrity side of things. For example, one season Metro 7 showed. Fashion House cast took up ¼ of the front row and they even showed clips from select episodes. Metro 7 is an in-house line from Wal-Mart. I can’t imagine seeing something like that in Paris, London, or New York. LA designers have a tendency to design their shows with surprise celebrity models: Bai Ling and Paris Hilton were featured in shows.

But in the same breath, you have designers like Christian Audigier, Louis Verdad, Elsie Katz Couture, St. John, Lords, and Lloyd Klein who have graced Smashbox’s catwalk with their exquisite collections. There is no denying that there is phenomenal talent in LA. But what ends up on the runway during Fashion Week doesn’t always reflect that. The lineup for Fall/Winter 2008 is filled with unknowns and the big ticket names are scarce. It will be interesting to see what Jenna Jameson’s “PETA” and the Robin Antin’s “Pussy Cat Dolls” have to offer the fashion world.

How does Agenda Magazine stand out among the various online publications that also deliver couture fashion coverage?

I really feel that we have tried to spotlight not only couture, but ready-to-wear, eco-friendly designs, and emerging designers. In the past we have shown complete collections of the Fashion Weeks from LA, San Francisco, and New York. I’d like to incorporate international designers too. The format of the webzine is evolving daily, so as we fine tune, you will be seeing even more diversity in fashion. But regarding couture, I feel that we have been successful in showing those collections as well. But the world is diverse and I’d like Agenda to be able to reach out to the luxury side of our readers of all income levels. So those who cannot afford an atelier can still reap the benefits of their version of couture with some of the newer designers we feature.

Our first meeting was when I was still in college in '03, and I actually interviewed you when I was interning at Hollywood Scriptwriter. And over the fabulous breakfast you made me, we discussed the indie film you were producing. How did you jump from filmmaking to a fashion magazine in such a short period of time?

Once an entrepreneur always an entrepreneur, but I saw the need. And I had the resources available to make it happen. It was floating around in my head for quite some time as I mentioned before. If I could incorporate fashion, film, and music in a magazine I’d find a way. And because of the Internet, I was off and running! It provided the audience, and that was all I really needed.

You are one of the busiest, most incredibly talented women I know, tell me about some of your other current projects you're working on...

Well, Agenda Magazine has founded Agenda Foundation. It is an opportunity for foster care youth to be able to learn filmmaking. We are planning our first fundraiser sometime this year. I am producing a couple of film projects, one of them is a documentary and you will be seeing corresponding interviews in the mag once we are ready to release the documentary. Also, you mentioned about my jazz music, which is my passion; I am cultivating my music daily. There are some exciting things in the works, but it’s too soon to mention yet.

Thank you Kaylene! I look forward to growing with AgendaMag.com. If there are writers out there who want to contact you for an internship or for a contributor position, what should they do? Are you currently looking for people?

Thank you Elana, you are a huge asset to Agenda and have been a big part of our developing webzine. Currently we just added a fitness columnist, Anthony Heredia, and we will be incorporating Beth Shaw of YogaFit in that fitness section on a regular basis. At this moment, we aren’t really looking for writers, but that will probably change mid-year, as there are going to be some major changes. We always welcome interns. To intern with us, please send resumes to agendamag@aol.com. However, if somebody would like to contribute, please feel free to contact us, because you just never know and we are always happy to hear from talented journalists.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Kaylene Peoples (That's her in each pic. Last one also features designer Tracy Reese.)