>>CASTING - THE FASHION PROJECT

NBC is casting a show tentatively titled “The Fashion Project,” from the original producers of Project Runway.

They’re looking for local designers–amateur, professionals, or people who work from home–to compete on this new fashion show. The winner gets their entire line/brand launched in a major retail store across the country!

Casting directors are planning on being in Atlanta, Miami, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas and Los Angeles around the last week of April through the first week of May, and they want everyone to know they’re coming :)
For more information, e-mail the contact person designated for the city you'll be in with your name/city in the subject line. Please email some basic information about you! Who you are, what kind of design you do, and why you might be a good fit. A few pictures wouldn’t hurt either!

To apply you can also go to kasstinginc.com, select on now casting, then select “Untitled Fashion Project." Their website will also have additional information on their city open calls.

>>DESIGN SERVICES - TRENDSTOP

A great resource for fashion and creative professionals is Trendstop. They have an extensive data for forecasts and trends in all areas of clothing, accessories and beauty. Here is a clip of their Color Prediction services.

>>FASHION DESIGN CONTEST - MARA HOFFMAN

Enter the  Skintimate (R) Studios Ready for Everything Fashion Design Contest, the winner will have the opportunity to intern in Mara Hoffman's New York City headquarters and a trip for two to Miami to help her prep for her runway show at Fashion Week Swim this July.

Submit your best original female design, and a panel of judges will choose the top ten (who will each receive a professional dress form) and then hand it over to America to vote on the grand prize winner.

Make those behind-the-seams dreams come true.
Enter through March 23 online at skintimatestudios.com. No purchase is necessary. Check back on April 21 to vote for your favorite designer.

>>GRAPHICS - ART DIRECTION - LEVI'S

My early days when I was a Graphics/Design Director art directing to Graphic Designers. Art Direction was key to encompass the trends of art, type, color and techniques.  Levi's circa 1997, the key call outs were to signified Industrial Tech as one of our key trends for the season.  My mood board consists of art publications and actual t-shirts purchased to collectively create the call outs.

>>ILLUSTRATIONS - CATE PARR

Cate Parr is an artist/illustrator born and educated in England. Currently living in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. You can view and purchase her beautiful illustrations on Silver Ridge Studio. Her illustration styles are used for Costume Designs, Fashion Publications and many other fashion projects.

>>COLOR - COLOR COLLECTIVE

For color schemes and inspirations, Lauren Willhite does a beautiful job inspiring you for your own creative projects.  Visit her blog, Color Collective.

                     MARIE HOCHHAUS via LITTLE LOST LOVE

Photographer: SIREN LAUVDAL Stylist: KRAKVIK & D'ORAZIO

>>SKETCHBOOK

Yesterday you peeked into a Designer's Concept Board which had beautiful hand drawn sketches.  Here is another form of sketching which is done thru the use of a computer.  The most widely used software for Designers to generate sketches thru the use of a computer, are Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. I use these two softwares on a daily basis.  Sketches are either drawn on the computer from scratch or a library of sketches can be acquired thru trend books or sketch services. For handbags you could use Close-Up Sketchbook No.5 for Spring/Summer 2012 and available on OPR News NY. This is a great resource of what's trending in handbags with sketches readily available.

>>BRIGHTON - CONCEPT BOARD

A concept board is a collective of inspirational photos, tear sheets and sketches.  It’s a great way to present your product ideas and vision. Retailer, Brighton featured one of their Jewelry and Accessory Designer, Tom Clancy and I love his board. His board shows his inspirations, sketches and the actual products - a great summary from how a product is created and then finished. As a Designer, we don't always have the luxury to create a beautiful concept board such as his. Our days are always filled with so many tasks that are in need of our attention. But when we do have the opportunity to do a concept board, which is always when we kick off a new season. It's really one of the best and fun part of being a Designer.

[ DENIM + WARES ] DENIM MARKET/TREND REPORT

A denim report from one of my Europe shopping excursions for Fall 2009. Detailing out key items, on whats hot and trending.