Interviw with designer Fernando Perez of Aldo Fernando

Gorgeous lace knit tank from the Aldo Fernando label.

Aldo Fernando is a new label, based in Atlanta, Georgia, on the rise of something fabulous. Unique Baby Alpaca fibers crafted in Peru for the ultimate experience in cultural luxury. I had the fantastic opportunity to interview designer Fernando Perez:



What are your three favorite fibers or textiles to work with?
Alpaca, alpaca-silk and cottons (modal, Pima and organic)

What is your fashion philosophy (what are your strongest feelings about fashion)? I love incorporating vintage pieces into an everyday look.

What are some of the first things you think of when you start to create a design?
To come up with the right piece that works for any and every boutique clientele.

Do you believe that any woman of any size can look sexy?
Yes

Do you have a favorite piece from your own collections?
I like the capes because they flatter any age, size and shape.

What fashion designer or label do you admire?
Christian Dior

Speaking of your fashion designs, are you working on or thinking of anything new and innovative for the future?
Always.

What is your favorite type of dress to create?
A-line

What kind of woman wears your designs?
Women of any age, with a young spirit.

Contact information:

fernando@aldofernando.com

404-944-2702

Gorgeous Gold

Gleam in gold while draping this dramatic stole around your shoulders. Design by Octavio Pizarro.

MICHAEL by Michael Kors metallic knit mesh v-neck sweater

leamusumeci Designs

This intricate vest is on sale at luisaviaroma.com. See more designs by leamusumeci on the website, as well.

New York Knitting Event, June 24th

Join Knit New York in Bryant Park for an evening of knitting on June 24, 2008, from 6 to 8 pm. They'll be kicking back Knit New York style on the Great Lawn. Bring your favorite afghan and get working on your current project.

Where & When

Bryant Park's Lawn

June 24, 2008

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

*This is not an instructional event.

Knit New York will be giving away a $100.00 gift certificate to one lucky winner good for any purchase in our store. Drawing entries will only be accepted after 7:30 pm. The winner will be selected at the end of the evening. You must be present at the park to receive your prize.

Knit New York
307 E 14th St
New York, New York 10003
212-387-0707

Tatted Jewelry - TotusMel Tats

Talk about GORGEOUS! The amazing accessories at TotusMel Tats are so lovely and attractive. I fell in love the moment the page loaded on my computer screen.

"Tatting dates to the early 19th century. The term for tatting in most European languages is derived from French frivolité, which refers to the purely decorative nature of the textiles produced by this technique." source

"Tatting conveys a very Victorian feel by nature, but I strive to bring a modern sensibility to the pieces that make them more wearable. I try to balance the complex patterns with simple pendant designs to create a diverse and interesting collection of pieces." - Pamela Quevedo

Soft, Smooth and Soothing Yarn

Image source: IgnorantBliss on Flickr

"The yarn aficionados at Austermann certainly took a huge step forward when they developed their "Step" family of yarns. Not only is the original "Step" yarn a fabulous self-striper that's available in color combos both women & men will enjoy, but it has the added benefit of being infused with aloe vera & jojoba oil. These two enhancements guard against skin dryness & inflammation through at least 40 washings. So both your hands as you knit & your feet as you wear the finished socks will benefit, all without any greasy film or residue. Spectacularly crafted of 75% wool & 25% nylon."source

"They were very soft, after washing, they got even softer." Paula, on her experience with Austermann "Step" yarn.

Under the Canopy - Organic Cotton

The "Pearl" is a beautiful silver sweater is made of 100% organic cotton. It is light and drapes beautifully, unlike synthetic fibers. The silver color is muted, not shiny.

Organic cotton: why even bother? "Certified organic cotton is cotton grown without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers. It is also free of formaldehyde finishes. Organic cotton wears well and is extremely breathable, unlike synthetics that pill, emit static electricity, prematurely age and trap perspiration. Non-organic cotton is commonly portrayed as natural, yet it is highly cultivated and processed which contaminates groundwater and ultimately drinking water, poisoning the food chain." source

Under the Canopy's founder coined the term ECOfashion in 1996. ECOfashion is comprised of innovative organic and natural fabrics and designs that utilize the earth's resources in an Eco-friendly and sustainable manner. Lean so much more on their frequently asked questions page.

Ankar - Fine Cashmere and Textiles

Luxury fibers and expert craftsmanship are rare in the garment industry. Ankar sweaters and textiles are these and more. Ankar sweaters are manufactured in Italy and only with yarns from Loro Piana. This is pure fiber bliss at its highest, in addition to timeless, chic style. At Ankar, you will only find select products that are targeted to a niche consumer, which also makes this company unique in a mass produced, money hungry world.

Contact Information: niklas@ankar.se

PH: +46 708 62 68 00

"Wool, C'est Cool"

Oscar de la Renta

Who will be the winner of the next Wool Secretariats Award (the Woolmark Prize)? Amoung the competitors are: Tom Scott and Louise Goldin, to name a few. The winner will be announced June 3rd.

Knitted or Crocheted Dolls - Amigurumi

CrochetMe

My Little Mochi

Japanese craftbook help

Amigurumi Kingdom

Crocheted Necklaces by Dominique Desanti

Via Maris NYC is all about culture, fashion and style. Crocheted necklaces add texture and a personal style that only few can appreciate. The handcrafted look by Dominique Desanti is sure to please, with glass beads and soft yarns. These necklaces are eye catching statement pieces and perfect accessories to solid colored blouses or dresses.

Verena Magazine

Image featured on the home page of the Verena website.

Verena magazine is one of Europe's top knitting magazines, and contains stunning patterns to create and enjoy. This magazine is published four times a year, and subscriptions can be purchased at their website, or at Yarn Market, to name a few. Yarn Market displays sneak peaks of some of the patterns for the latest issue. I was attracted to the magazine by their Spring 2008 cover because I love the ocean and sailboats. I am in love with the wool tailored jacket.

Updates!

Hello Access Fashion readers! Thank you for your continued support and patience in the updating processes I am currently undergoing. The new feedburner feed URL is: http://www.accessfashiononline.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Pitti Filati 2008

Image source: Foamy-GFX

Thanks to Berroco KnitBits newsletter, I was able to view fantastic images of this year's Pitti Filati in Florence, Italy. How I wish I could have visited this exhibition to view these amazing designs. The theme was nature inspired: here is a short video of some amazing knitted sea creatures. Have you ever been inspired by sea life? Did you ever wonder what a knitted jelly fish actually looks like? Now you can, and you can create it too, for free! Thank you Norah Gaughan! This is spectacular and strange in the best ways.

Cable and Rib Halter via Tahki Stacy Charles

Beautiful free pattern designed by Irina Poludnenko. Visit Tahki Stacy Charles to open the free PDF file. The pattern suggests you knit this in a new stunning yarn called Siam by S. Charles Collezione. Siam is "a soft crepe yarn, blending silk, wool and viscose..." "It creates lightweight garments and accessories for year-round use. The classic color palette shows off an elegant hint of tonal-contrast and sheen." This unique yarn comes in five different colors. For more patterns to knit with this exact yarn, visit Tahki Stacy Charles to view the S. Charles Collezione Spring/Summer 2008 collection. source

Catherine Lerer Designs

Catherine Lerer has studied and been in this industry for years. Her experience has led her to create fabulously stylish pieces, and art installations, featuring her designs.

"My work ranges from my interests in dissecting consumer habits and culture, to reinterpreting statistical weather analysis, to investigating personal family views on art and craft. I am strongly drawn to creating garments and wearable art, as I feel clothing and apparel are the perfect hybrid of Art and Design and Craft while still being inextricably linked to the wearer's self as a conveyor to the world; making the wearing a performance, the wearer an actor and the bridge between the art and the world in which it exists." - Catherine Lerer

Lace Smocking - Fresh and Feminine

Flower trim tank featured in Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2008

If you purchased this issue of Vogue Knitting, you will want to view the smocking workshop that was not included in the issue, at the link above. This beautiful, feminine, and frilly tank is perfect for Spring. I could see this on a bridesmaid in a fresh Spring wedding.

Fashion Solitare

Do you love Solitare, but are so tired of the boring suits and a repetitive objective? Well, I found something just for you. It is a new and innovative game called "Fashion Solitare" where blouses and boots take the place of queens and hearts.

The game combines a traditional solitaire card game with fashion design and dressing models. One of the most interesting features is the Design Studio where you can create your own clothing, add it into your solitaire deck and then dress models with it in the game. It's an interesting twist which we're hoping will really catch on with women (and perhaps even men) of all ages.

Check out the concept/sample video on YouTube. Download the free demo version of the game here. To learn more go to http://www.largeanimal.com/

Fiber Technology in Fashion on Trendinista

Check out Trendinista's article about fashion technology. Fabrics, fibers, and fashion all go hand in hand. Be inspired!

India Inspired: Exotic Textiles

(Click on image to enlarge)

Find these exotically fabulous textiles, and more designs, at Exotic India and The Textile Museum.

Explore beautiful antique Indian textile images at TextileAsArt. See Indian textile history here.