Suri Alpacas in Ohio?

This fall, I traveled north to Lebanon Ohio to visit one of the few Suri Alpaca farms. The breed was brought from Africa in the 80’s and has some incredibly loving caregivers at this co-operative farm where they are raised and sheared for the fleece.

An alpaca’s ultimate value flows from its ability to create fine, dense fleece that is coveted by the makers of luxury garments.

The luster found in the Suri’s fleece and tight locks that fall freely are the primary indication of the Suri’s quality.

Pia Al-Ubaidi (see below) was our groups gracious host who shared her passion and talent for spinning Suri Alpaca wool. Her spunk and enthusiasm for the furry friends made her demonstrations leaving me desperate for more. Pia is a repeated national champion spinner and travels around the United States demonstrating and discovering new experimental ways of dying and creating her product.

The Brush Factory will be carrying Pia’s “Zombie Yarn”, “Wedding Dress Yarn” as well as some other 100% wool skeins.

The Brush Factory – Brighton

I know I have been slow to update news on the progress of Brighton’s first clothing boutique / studio HQ.. but I want to let those of you who are anticipating the opening… it is coming! I will be taking some photos of the place this afternoon to give everyone a preview of the interior.

There are still spaces available for designers who are interested in renting space to show and sell their collections. If you are interested and have some photos of your work, please email me at kovacsrosie@yahoo.com and I can fill you in on the details.

Fluorescent Collection

Compliments to my best friend and fellow dreamer, Chris Kittrell aka Baby Alpaca (model) and visionary David Dewitt (photographer).

This collection was shot in dressing room of The Brush Factory. We utilized what was there and had a blast dancing in the dark to Mozart.

John Tan Casting | Spring 2010 Previews from NY

Stylist John Tan and photographer Bell Soto team up for a sneak preview of Fall Fashion week. What I want to point out is this gentleman’s sun bleached  denim …(click on the photo for full the full www.theFashionisto.com article)

Coincidence? Somehow I had a feeling my Fall 09 bleached out denim would be on target with the upcoming seasons..

Poncho Rose Summer/Fall Denim

click title to shop Poncho Rose

just a reminder

PLEASE continue to show support by voting for The Brush Factory

http://www.cincinnatiinnovates.com/contest/entry/OTR_Design_&_FASHION_retail_CO-OP

you can vote every day from multiple email addresses until September 1,2009.

Thanks again!

Some current work pt1

Linen jumper suit with nude lace

bottom half is 33″inseam with 4 tucks at ankle

nude lace insert with lace bodice

Double wool vest with leather trim

hidden pockets and tapered hem detail

black with slate blue trim wool crepe ves

Ivory with black trim wool crepe vest

Black withIvory trim wool crepe vest

Hopefully, next post will be some mens coveralls!

Some current work pt 2

Trapeze dress/jacket with double collar

100% wool top and vintage knit skirt

Coated Cotton Print

a not so new consumerism

Philanthropic Founder and Editor of Hand/Eye magazine, Keith Recker has created a forum for that explores the intersection of design, development, culture, art, craft, environment and ethics.  Today’s Etsy Storque has an fantastic interview with Mr Recker and his views on American consumerism and the alienation that society has created between goods purchased and their source.  He highlights the very different attitudes seen in often forgotten countries that have to utilize every bit of resource they can.

“Refuse becomes fertilizer and Trash becomes Treasure”

I can’t help but feel the same frustration towards western consumerism. However, I do see a slow attitude shift toward a deeper search for the story behind a brand and product. Hand/Eye is a beautiful example of a collective of conscious consumption.

The Uniform Project REPS CINTI

Thank you to Sheena and Eliza for representing Poncho Rose and The Brush Factory on your daily post! Their exercise in sustainable clothing and fund raising endeavor has created a huge awareness and I am thrilled to be able to show support. Best Wishes (see link below for their site)
ps. Eliza, the uniform designer, is a CINCINNATI native!
http://www.theuniformproject.com/home/daily.html

Thesis

Most critiques throughout my entire 5 years at daap went the same…

1.late nights

2.panic

3.dehydration

4.forgetting everything that was said on stage

5. relief it’s over

6. disspointment with the lack of critical feedback

May of 2009 was my final critque for my thesis project entitled “Sincerely”

Menswear Fall 2009 collection exploring the following:

natural fiber (wool, leather, cotton jersey,silk)

unusual fabric combinations

deconstructed shapes taken from imagery of overgrowth

During this time, I learned the art of loom weaving and thread painting. Two techniques that I plan to develop in further collections.