Rebecca Luke Style

It is no secret that I have favorite designers. It’s that special combo of great design, amazing fabrics, incredible cuts and cool personalities that allow certain designers and brands to top my list. Abi Ferrin is one of them. I have blogged about her before, so check that out here.

I am excited for Seattle this week because Abi will be here on Friday, November 6 for a special event and all weekend working with clients at The Finerie. I had a chance to check out her show in September and was super excited for her Spring 10 Collection.

First of all, if you have special event or formal event, one of Abi’s hand painted long dresses is a must have. I loved the grace of the fabric and the cut that will look lovely on most all silhouettes.

I also love this long simple elegant dress and could easily find myself going to this look again and again for special events throughout the warmer season.

The rompers are cute and another must have…order now so you’ll have it for your beach get away early this year and oh my goodness, I love Abi’s bathing suits. Completely inspired with the fringe. Fun. I would style it on the simple side.

A standard in any gals wardrobe should be Abi’s five way dress that can be worn, well multiple ways. I love it off the shoulder with a legging and over the knee boots for now and with a open toe platform bootie as the weather warms…eventually.

Check out how cool Abi is with this video and head on down to The Finerie in Seattle this weekend to meet her. A reminder for help with any of your wardrobe needs contact us at les Egoistes. See you on Friday. RL

One of the coolest experiences of my career has been getting to be friends with my assistants and seeing them move on and do fabulous things. My most recent assistant, Sica, just moved down to LA and already has had a design gig with a super cute line. This is a perfect line of loungewear that is comfy and super cute, Spreegirl.

I love their kimono style robe paired with the boy shorts and bra sets. I am a super big fan of the romper, especially in the hot weather. Cute, comfy lounge wear that make you look and feel fabulous.

The line is one of the rare loungewear brands that offers a full size range including plus size and draws inspiration from retro styles, as well as, nature
What more can you ask for? Well, it is also affordable and has pieces made from bamboo and coconut…hi, sustainable…now stop wearing you guy’s old oversized tee and get into some Spreegirl. I am definitely hooked. RL

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

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/

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

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”.

Last week was quite a week for the parties in SEA…I have to say, in this economy with all the news of stores and businesses closing, it was fabulous and refreshing to attend events in Seattle that give us a sense that things are happening. Marios hosted a girl’s night for which and my fab gal pal, Lydia, and I were fashionably late too…only to find that most of the guests had come and gone and the sales associates were mostly ready to go home. I did manage to find my boyfriend jean (current denim look we all have to have) of the season, aptly named the “ex-boyfriend” jean by Stitches (sorry, the site doesn’t show the style I am talking about). Gals, if you are looking for your boyfriend jean and I hope you are, Mario’s may be a great place to start. They have enough styles and brands that you may find your perfect fit. I can’t wait to rock mine in the spring with some crazy open toe heels, cuffs rolled up, a tank and a loose cardigan…

After the Mario’s event, we switched gears and attended a film screening for two projects of LT Production Group…of which we missed as we had started the evening being fashionably late, we missed most everything for the rest of the night.  I did hair, make-up, as well as costume design for the LT Produced film short, CC 2010. I heard it looks great, but will have to check it out later. I did post a blog about it last year.   (photo | CC2010)

The next night was the opening party for the new Vidal Sasson Salon in Seattle that brought all the SEA fashionistas out. With Polite Society, Marios, Butch Blum and Baby & Co showcasing style from their stores, you knew that you would see some of the more fab in SEA. We were truly impressed with the staff at Vidal…they were the super nice and genuine…so much so, that I would come back for a service. Their creative team is top of the line and from what we could tell from the marketing materials, fashion forward. It has been a long time since I have attended a party or event in SEA or NYC where I have been treated so well.  The key is that they were like that to everyone…we loved them…The catering was impressive and the Frans chocolates on the way out the door were an extra special treat…apparently, they are Obama’s favorite.   (photo left to right | Andrea Bushdorf, Rebecca Luke, Madina Vadache)

We left feeling the love from Sassoon and walked in the cold crisp night to the next event which was a fundraiser for Art with Heart. The event centered around the famed shoe designer, Beth Levine (who made Nancy Sinatra’s famous boots made for walking), and showcased a collection of shoes that spanned several decades. This collection will soon be featured at the Dutch Leather and Shoe Museum. I loved the shoes and the stories, I was a bit underwhelmed at the way the shoes were exhibited…however, it was a charitable event for a great program. The book,Beth Levine Shoes, will soon be released. For you garmentos and shoe officiandos, this would be good one to add to the collection.

The week rounded out with a lovely dinner at La Spiga, after we decided not to wait an hour and a half to eat at Sitka & Spruce and the reunion show of the Tiny Hat Orchestra ~ a band that I have much history with as I grew up here and cut my pr/marketing/image teeth in Seattle. Stay tuned, heading to NYC. RL  (photo | The Tiny Hat Orchestra)

Yes, yes…for those of you who talk to me more frequently, you know this is old news. But we did go to Sundance baby and it was because one of my projects, The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle, was showing. It was really an amazing experience as a member of the crew to go there ~ I was the costume designer on this film.  David Russo, the writer and director, is recognized internationally as a creative an innovative mind who really, no one really can figure him out…it was amazing working with him and watching his mind work…and, I have to say, I am blown away by the final product ~ this film. Quite a bit of buzz about it if you google it.

What did I wear to the premiere? Sundance is pretty casual, but I still wanted to do something special. My favorite designer Madina Vadache did up some fab sweater leggings with a matching Hermes-inspired shawl, and I wore that with a fitted turtleneck, wide belt and slouchy, flat suede boots. This is a shot of me with the lead actor of Dizzle, Marshall Allman, kicking it on the stairs at the after party.

Can’t go to Park City, Utah during Sundance without making a comment about fashion and style can I? I first have to premise this with, I think this Sundance was different…it wasn’t too crowded, and the celebrities were said to have been popping in an going out due the the Inauguration. Also, a big Hollywood boycott due to Proposition 8 was occurring ~ apparently, a lot of folks in Utah financially supported it…Needless to say, I didn’t see anything mind boggling hot as far as fashion. It was awesome, however, to see everyone in their hats and layers. Even in NYC, its all about the hat.  My tip for fashionistas…layer up, but don’t layer in thick layers because you will look like the little brother in Christmas Story. Wear technical fabrics and Smart-Wool layers under your skinny form fitting looks so, by the time you get your big coat on, you should still feel stylin’.

The Scene ~ a bit cheezy…perhaps due to the lack of Hollywood, or because of Hollywood? I am a newby at the scene and perhaps I couldn’t quite find the right way. But we did get in to see The Cult at Harry O’s. Once again, the club was a bit heavy on the cheese side, but the crowd up front ~ yeah you know I was up there ~ was fun, dancing and totally into the the band. Cool to see some of those old great bands out there again. RL

Whew…the month was incredible for me, my friends, my colleagues…It started off with the final preparation and execution of my husband’s 40th birthday which was 8.8.08. I came out of retirement from doing major multi-media events to do this and it was quite a party. Amazing food, friends, dancing live bands, burlesque…we had it all and my guy loved it. We haven’t had a chance to upload all the photos, but my fellow blogger, photographer and friend did. Here is the link to his blog to check out party pics…http://kipbeelmanphotography.com/blog/2008/08/13/napperfest-08/ .I will blog again when we have photos and give you the full credits for all the folks involved in this production. They were all amazing.

I went right in after that into costume designing for a fab film short written and directed by Travis Senger and produce by LT Production Group called CC2010. This film is a sexy little homage to Seattle. I got to do fun period looks (1969 – 1994) which was a fun time. It was exciting to be involved although the night shooting always gets to me by day 3. Stay tuned for news on this project. The great news is that I am also starting a new project (right now) as Costume Designer again for a feature film called The Whole Truth by Colleen Patrick. It is a comedy and should be super fun. Already deep in the creative process for this one.

I am catching up on my blogging while in Vegas where SSF will be hosting Strategy Salons at the ECollection in MAGIC. MAGIC is a fashion trade event that can best be described as a bit more “sporty spice” than Fashion Week. However, everyone shows here. Not only will I be facilitating these Strategy Salons with my co-founder Sean Schmidt, I of course will be checking out Spring 09 in a more casual environment than the tents at Bryant Park…where I will be in a week in a half. So that catches me up for the past 24 days. Stand by for more about Spring 09, Vegas and New York Style. RL

Photo Credit | Kip Beelman