Rebecca Luke Style

One of the main reasons we headed to London was to check out our friend Lynval Golding in action…he just so happens to be one of the founding members in the style iconic band The Specials.

I first heard the group when I was a kid visiting my “cool” cousins in Canada. Right after I was alerted to the groove that was the B52s, the tape (yes tape) came out and it was The Specials…oh, I loved them. And, they looked so cool.

As a fashion girl, I can’t but still be in awe in this group of boys who knew that style is self-expression and with that added confidence, a look can be achieved. Never mind that “rude boys” everywhere followed suit quickly…it was look and a style in and of it self and we haven’t turned back.

I didn’t really get all the lyrics then, I just liked to dance and as I grew up and started to hang with the “scooter” crowd, I “skanked”…

Once I met Lynval and started hearing the stories behind the songs, I was blown away. Human rights, racial equality and the utopian vision of how things could and should be…brilliant.

The Specials have reunited after 30 years and their style has maintained. For this tour, the boys are sporting suits from Ace Face Clothing and pieces from famed British designer Ozwald Boateng.

There is even a Specials exclusive with Fred Perry with pieces that are hot, hot, hot in black and white inspired from the Specials “two-tone” groove. Amazing how something so simple can be so cool. Their shows all over UK were sold out this past spring. They are headed to Asia this summer and then back to Europe. We love you guys. Have fun. RL

Photo Credits:
Top: The Specials – Lynval by Rebecca Luke
Middle: The Specials
Bottom: Ozwald Boateng by Fergus Greer
You Tube Video: The Specials at Brixton Academy May 09 by Rebecca Luke

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I am finally reporting in on my London finds…
Sadly as we go global, the shopping does too. It’s hard to find unique looks. Yes, I know I needed to go to Harrods and Top Shop, the Portobello market, etc. I just wanted to find something different. It was really tough for me to find the spirit of London style but I found it. In East London, an area called Spitalfields. Just one street over from Brick Lane, this area felt like Brooklyn to me. Spitalfields has a Sunday market as well. We just got the tail end, but it looked quite promising. We stumbled by a store and I slid in just before they were closing; Hurwundeki ~ they had an incredible second hand vibe along with new items and their own label. Their accessories & shoes were fab. Apparently they are a hair salon as well…didn’t get that when we walked in.

There is one chain store in London that I liked…we found their flagship store in Spitalfields. It had a Diesel groove going which the rock & roll side of me loves…All Saints. Right on in my book.

Speaking of Sundays, in the middle of busy Brick Lane, there is a little alcove of Indy designers and artists that we were so excited to find. Here are a few of the talented little luvvies I liked. Definitely worth braving through the crowd for this gem: Mr. Wingate - Great Graphic Tees, Karing Monie - Bags & Belts, Gutavo Ortiz - Artist

For an alternative to Bond Street and to shop more lcoal, check out area between the Kightsbridge & Sloane Square stations. With a mix of high-end stores such as Chanel and Prada, along side galleries and cute restaurants, this area is not crowed with tourists and very relaxing to shop in. The famed Joseph stores has two storefronts in this hood with one that carries every high-end designer that you have ever drooled over with the affordable pieces across the street. I found a ‘to die for’ Parisian jeweler named Laurence Coste, a London based shoes store called Gwendolyn Carrie…proper and cute, and an independent designer, Betty Jackson, who had a bit of a progressive edge. Needless to say, you could have a lovely day shopping in this neighborhood.

For me, vintage is the way to go when you are in Europe…it is hard for us West Coast Americans to find good antique and vintage clothing. I found a vintage market that is a great alternative to Portobello Market ~ The Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair. The bonus was that this market was in another hip area of London (east) called Clerkenwell (pronounced “Clarkenwell” apparently)…I didn’t buy much (one suitcase and everything) but I found a cool Gucci scarf from the 90’s that is a perfect memory of the experience. This market in the Clerkenwell Town Hall had lovely snacks or “tea” and swing dancers…fun. Plus, the hipster pub is right across the street.

There one UK designer that I am totally a fan of and that is Vivienne Westwood…while we didn’t make it to the flagship (44 Conduit Street), we did find a British Designer Sale that happens a few times a year. You can become a member and get in before the public, but when we showed up, the last half an hour of course, there was still a lot to choose from. The sale included men’s and women’s garments from Vivian Westwood, 120% Linen, Girbaud, and more. If you travel to London often or live there…may be worth becoming a member. The inquiry email is: bds@london83.freeeserve.co.uk

For inexpensive yet trendy options, these London chains are good check out:
Jigsaw, a British version of Anthropologie, (however, they do have a store in San Francisco) and Whistles with cute dresses this season.

Just a few new shopping ideas the next time you are in London Town. RL

Photo credits top to bottom:

All Saints Spring 09, Laurence Coste Jewelry display, RL shopping for vintage, Vivienne Westwood Spring 09

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Everyday, I feel lucky. Lucky that I constantly meet fabulous and creative people. From my clients to my fellow creative’s, including designer Abi Ferrin who I finally got to meet last week.

The Finerie in Seattle (1215 First Avenue), has been carrying Abi exclusively now in Seattle for over a year and her talent is paramount. She is a go to name in the fashion world and will be showing for her second season at New York Fashion Week. I can’t wait to be there and check out what she has planned for Spring 10.

I am obsessed with her use of fabric and how she pairs the natural movement of fabric with a cut that flatters women of all sizes. I personally want a pair of her leggings, the “Casey” pant, in all colors. I’m especially looking forward to checking out the rock & roll sheer black.

To top it off, Abi Ferrin is totally dedicated to sustainability. Her tagline “Fashion with Freedom & Purpose” works for so many reasons. Here is what Abi Ferrin & Co says about their purpose. It’s all great, so I included most of it:
From the visually rich setting of a Nepal village to the bolstering street of an American city, the team of women behind Abi Ferrin seeks not only to dress women but also to empower them. The idea was born through the vision of Abi’s sister, Kelly who has dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts worldwide focusing primarily on persecuted women and children. The sisters thought that it would be effective to create a model for capitalistic ventures to support various organizations by commissioning them to create an aspect of the Abi Ferrin product, with the hopes to eventually introduce this concept to other manufacturers.

In 2006 the Abi Ferrin team began a design collaboration with Erika Everett, former designer of Everett Parker, along with a non-profit organization in an impoverished region of Nepal called Guardian Village Handcrafts. This organization in a healthy environment, focuses on providing oppressed women with; training, fair pay, food and shelter for their work. The micro-businesses that are created due to this training also fund foster care and quality education for children rescued from slavery, women and children rescued from prostitution, and other abusive environments. Ferrin and Everett sought to incorporate elements into their garments with culturally specific design lines and adornments.

The women of Abi Ferrin, seeks to provide their customer with a chance to feel and look their best, and see this as an opportunity to take their passion for freedom and clothing to another level. Not only do the custom made adornments add an authentic value to the collection, but they also provide both an intrinsic satisfaction and a conversational element to the wearer, knowing that each button and toggle were purchased to support a cause greater than mere aesthetics. This is an avenue that opens the door for the consumer to invest in more than great fashion. “We hope that the cultural details woven into the collection, coupled with the information we provide about the program, will ignite an awareness of global issues. To the Abi Ferrin customer, this should provide an added satisfaction for contributing to a greater cause. To our friends in Nepal, this will provide much needed help and support.”

I wore an AF kimono sleeve wrap top, “Erika Wrap”, over her leggings to the SIFF Gala this week.  I felt glamorous all night and of course, happy with my sustainably stylish garb…even as I downed a soft taco outside. RL

photo credit: Abi Ferrin Erika Wrap Top

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Hi Friends. Some exciting news that three of my projects have made it into SIFF. For those of you familiar with SIFF, you know that tickets can typically sell out quickly. I have listed my projects, as well as a couple of others that have been getting a lot of attention. I hope you will enjoy them while supporting our local film community.

Here is the link to buy tickets:
www.siff.net/festival/film/reserve.aspx?fid=123&id=6760

The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle(Director | David Russo Producer | Peggy Case Starring | Marshall Allman, Natasha Lyonne, Vince Vieluf, Tania Raymonds, Matt Smith, Tygh Runyan .

This film was the jury’s pick at Sundance and has been getting great response from other film festivals across the country including South by Southwest. David Russo is known for his artistic animation effects and this film does not disappoint. Don’t be too put off by the description, this film is one I am proud of.

May 23 @ 4 pm at McCaw Hall & May 24 at 9:30 pm at the Egyptian.

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=28921&fid=123

www.littledizzlefilm.com

The Whole Truth (Director | Colleen Patrick Producers | Larry Estes , Jennifer Roth Starring | Elisabeth Rohm, Eric Roberts, Sean Patrick Flanery, Jim Holmes, Rick Overton, John Fugelsang, Kristina Lilley, Pisay Pao)

This film was written to pay homage to the slapstick comedies of the 50’s and 60’s. Elisabeth Rohm and Sean Patrick Flannery star in this film about “image”…which I really related too. There are some great performances from Eric Roberts and Jim Holmes…quite fun. The costumes were fun on this one and I loved the over the top opportunities I got to design. ( I haven’t seen the final cut on this one)
(World Premiere)

June 2, @ 9:30 pm at Pacific Place Cinemas & June 3 @ 4:30

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=29098&FID=123

CC 2010 (Director | Travis Senger Producer | Michael Mouncer Starring | Sabrina Coulston & Shawn Telford)

This is a gorgeous black and white film short where Seattle itself may be the star. I did wardrobe, hair and makeup on this one.

(World Premiere) May 31st @ 9pm at the SIFF Cinema (McCaw Hall)

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=29016&FID=123

Safe Passage (Director | Shawn Telford)

Speaking of Shawn, my new buddy was one of the selected directors to highlight in SIFF’s Fly Film Challenge (which I helped out on costumes for Megan Griffiths last year). It is a really cool concept where the Directors are given criteria (fly in the ointment) that they must follow…pretty cool. Congrats Shawn.

May 25 @ 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Egyptian & June 10 @ 4 p.m.

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=29155&FID=123

Hump Day (Director | Lynn Shelton)

I haven’t gotten a chance to see this, but this has been a favorite among festivals as well as Sundance, etc. This film has also been picked by the Cannes Film Festival to be featured in the Directors Fortnight. Lynn has been credited with geniusly creating a new genre of film making the actors are given the opportunity to create their own lines (NPR). I got to work with Lynn last year on Megan Griffiths “Moving” Film Short shown at SIFF’s Fly Film Festival. She is not only super talented, she is a lovely person inside and out.

June 5 @ 7:00 p.m. at The Egyptian

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=28905&FID=123
http://www.humpdayishere.com/

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The world is a different place when it is sunny in Seattle. I got to check out Lizzie Parker’s new boutique and design space this week on a glorious sunny day. It is so great to hear of a garmento opening shop, instead of closing shop so I was happy to head out to Issaquah and see what one of our fav local and sustainable designers was up to.
I grew up in the Northwest, but I never joined my khatchky loving sisters when they headed to Gilman Village to spend the afternoon…well, it’s all changing now babe and there are fab organic coffee shops, killer home design stores, and a wine shop.

Lizzie Parker is located in an old farmhouse in Gilman Village with an interior that is modern and fun. Lizzie designs and manufactures right out of the store and is planning on doing custom designing on the spot. There is nothing that warms the heart more than seeing sewing machines right where you shop. LP is carrying vegan shoes that are actually cool and she is cooping with Clutch and has some great handbags.

Her line is a fun and functional as ever and, as I tell my clients, Lizzie Parker pieces are perfect basics to mix in to your wardrobe. If anything, you have to own her tees in every color.

The store opens this weekend starting at 10 a.m. Friday, April 27. Here is how to find her:
Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier 317 NW Gilman Blvd, 41 Issaquah, WA |4254270708| lizzie@lizzieparker.com

Stand by for SSF and LE events at Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier in the future. RL

photo credit: Lizzie Parker at her new digs

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What Seattle Fashion Week has going for it, is enthusiasm. I was able to check out the opening night featuring emerging independent designers from Seattle. I really really want to see this succeed in Seattle, mostly because, there are amazing designers coming out of here. I also know from retailers that they would like to buy from local designers if the quality, production value and creative aspects all match the level of what can be found in NYC & LA.

The second thing Seattle Fashion Week has going for it is potential. While the designers showcased were not necessarily the top of what I have seen here, they all have a great foundation to move forward and were appropriately placed in the “emerging” category.

The entertainment at the event was definitely geared to a specific audience and didn’t feel as fashion forward as I am used to…so, I definitely think there is an opportunity for all the world renowned acts we have based here in Seattle.

My fashion picks for the evening were jackets from student designer, Becky Sullivan, men’s looks from Lavsh and springy black & white jersey pieces from a sustainable line called Salvationwear.

I didn’t get a chance to check out the rest of the shows, but I will do some sleuthing and follow up. Overall, I am ready to see these events rise to the level of what used to happen here in Seattle with “Pre-line” and shows like Arena and Stop & Go in the 90’s…RL

photo credit | Lavsh at Seattle Fashion Week 09

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Fashion and Music have always influenced each other. It is pretty clear that for the past couple of years, another British Invasion both in fashion and music has evolved. This week if you want to check some Brit Boy Band fashions live, do so…you will truly be influenced.
This past Tuesday (April 7), the White Lies and Friendly Fires performed a killer show and their style was totally on. I loved seeing what looked like Ralph Lauren slipper shoes worn by the Friendly Fires lead singer while he danced it up and all over the stage.

This week, I recommend checking out the Presets at Nuemos on Tuesday, April 14…even if you just get one of their band tees…their graphics rock. Capitol Hill is going to be full of the Brit Band vibe because also playing on Tuesday, is Late of the Pier and The Whip at Chop Suey. Wear your colored jeans.
If you can’t go to the shows, check out the sites of the bands and see how you can get a Brit influenced style your way. RL

whitelies.com
wearefriendlyfires.com
thepresets.com
lateofthepier.com
myspace.com/thewhipmanchester
neumos.com
chopsuey.com

photo credit: The Presets (top), The Whip (left), Late of the Pier (right)

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Its spring and you guys need color too. If you don’t want to do a colored easter egg suit ~ Cheap Monday has a great one ~  you can get color is in your kicks. Nike, Vans and Converse all have great options. Goods (Pike St & Bellevue) has a great selection of sneaks for spring. By the way, the gals will love them.  You can also check out the Vans store (Northgate & Southcenter). Other stores to check: Urban Outfitters (Seattle, Capitol Hill, University Ave), and Zebra Club (First Avenue). RL

Photo Credit: Nike dunk style in a low top.

For more about men’s style in seattle from Rebecca Luke, go to The Examiner.

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I always get asked, so what are the colors for the season, and I usually know the answer right away. This spring, there is not quick and easy answer. I have seen everything from shades of orange ~ ranging from a traffic cone orange to a curry orange ~ to combos of lavender, blue, teal, hot pink, citrine green.  I think the point this season is to just to wear color.  We have our lovely first lady to look to for the inspiration that way. I love that Michelle Obama is not afraid of color.

If you are like many folks I know and just a bit uncomfortable wearing color. One way to approach is to wear accessories with color. You can wear all black and throw a bunch of color bangles on your wrist or mix a bunch of big color beads around your neck. Or rock a shoe with color while wearing all black. That is a statement move for sure.

If you go the color direction, balance the color with shades of grey and taupe. This is lovely and easy to do. You can find many grey/taupe accessories out there these days.

Boys, you can get your color with you kicks. Every shoe line from Nike to Converse and even Doc Martins have major color going. If you are ready to go for it, wear a full suit in a color. Cheap Monday has a blue suit styled for a mod fit…hot.

My homage to color this season is a dress designed by my dear friend Andrew Dyrdahl out of pima cotton and it is orange and I mean orange. You will definitely see me coming. Side note: The design of my dress is perfect for most all body types and Andrew was recognized for formal version of the dress by the cotton folks…I loved it so much and convinced him to make a daytime dress out of it. Contact me if you want more details. RL

Photo Credit: Nathan Jenden and Ossie Clark Spring 2009 via Style.com in Vogue UK and Pantone’s Color pick of the season, “Mimosa”.

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This spring prepared to have your gal crawl out of her skinny’s and pull on a pair of loose fitting distressed jean ~ The boyfriend jean…or as some lines are calling it, the “exboyfriend” jean. So where does it leave you boys?

For spring, guys are doing a similar look. A “work jean”; A little looser, a bit more distressed and rolled up is the height of style for guys. Pair the look with a nice fitting shirt or add a bow tie, a rocking fedora hat or a thick pair of black Tom Ford glasses. The above look with Ernest Sewn founder is a great example. Guys…I know the shirt is questionable, but this just gives you license to have fun with a shirt.

In Seattle, Diesel (5th Avenue) should have a great option with the Zatiny styles. As of now, you may have to go in and order it. Mario’s (6th Avenue) and Oslo (Queen Anne Ave) will have a version of this look with the Ernest Sewn brand. If you want to go old school, go to the Original Levi’s Store (6th Avenue) and make this look happen with a pair of 501’s. RL

photo credit: Refinery 29, ID Magazine August 08

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