Designer to Watch: D'AGOSTINO Fashion Textile Design

D'Agostino Fashion Textile Design was founded by Philadelphia-based designer Melissa D'Agostino. Her mission, to create effortless, sophisticated silhouettes for unique individuals, comes to life through her beautiful, handcrafted designs. Melissa incorporates both traditional Shibori hand-dyeing and locally sourced sustainable materials into her garments to produce one-of-a-kind pieces. Inspired by Philadelphia and the idea of season-less looks, D'Agostino Fashion Textile Designs' latest creations feature a 'black and bone' palette that can all be worn in concert and transition perfectly from career to celebration. As a featured designer in the upcoming DesignPhiladelphia fashion show, I decided to interview Melissa to find out more about her creations and her love of Philadelphia:

Arcadia Boutique: What got you interested in sustainable fashion?

D'Agostino Fashion Textile Design: Learning about alternative architecture and sustainable ways of living over the years has provided a background of experiences that inspired my values. These values have been furthered by contact with the local community here in Philadelphia supportive of related ideals. There is something truly special about the words, "Made in Philadelphia".

Arcadia Boutique: What are some of the perks to being a Philadelphia-based designer?

D'Agostino Fashion Textile Design: Being a Designer In Residence in the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator Program! It is an amazing learning opportunity for local designers to focus on their business. I am so excited it will continue to be an opportunity for so many more designers in the coming years. There are also so many extremely talented people to work with in this city. Having the chance to collaborate with Arcadia and BusStop and work directly with Mechelle LaVelle on different photo and video shoots is always a perk!

Arcadia Boutique: What is 'traditional Shibori dyeing' and why does it make your designs unique?

D'Agostino Fashion Textile Design: The word "shibori" means "thin line" and refers to the "resist dye method" where one can intricately create a pattern by hand. I have been practicing this time-honored technique for over ten years, and love it for it's specificity, wonder, and unlimited potential. Each of the textiles featured in my collection showcase this hand-made technique, with patterns ranging from sophisticated stripes to subtle waves of print that accent and wrap the figure.

You can see more of D'Agostino Fashion Textile Designs' products at their website http://melissadagostino.com/index.shtml, and look out for Melissa and her latest creations at the DesignPhiladelphia fashion show on October 10th! http://www.facebook.com/events/410760185655756/

xo Alex

New Scarlett Garnet Jewelry!

Need a pick-me-up on this grey day? New bling from St. Louis/ Kansas City design duo Scarlett Garnet has just arrived! I can't pick my favorite, I want them all! 

Brothel Bling Necklace (As Seen on Project Runway!) $54

Saloon Bracelet $48 & Neon Chevron Earrings $58

Parallel Earrings $68 & Steel Indian Bracelet $48

Tut's Treasure Necklace  (Ali's Fav!) $66 & Block Drop Earrings $48

Lapis Crown Earrings $40 & Nouveau Arrowhead Necklace $54

Chevron Sun Earrings $39 & Multi Metal Chevron Necklace $58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brothel Bling Earrings $58 & Neon Chevron Necklace $54

 

Affirmations Yummy Aromatherapy candles

Happy January! We ♥ our locally poured Affirmations candles. Buy 3, get 1 free!  They come in 12+ delicious flavors...

$18 each

 

 

A Little FYI to our friends:

These candles are hand-poured into recyclable glass jars with 100% soy wax, and use Eco-friendly cotton wicks  !!

Cheers,
Alex

E.M Jewelry: Striaght from Japan

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we forgot to formally introduce our newest line of handmade jewelry from Japan.  E.M., a collaboration of friends Eijiro Nakatani and Masayoshi Tobita, was created to fulfill their desire that jewels bring happiness to people.  They simply make what they like, and hope it brings joy to their followers.

Penguins Ring $132

Single Spike Earring $62-82.  Pair this with a stud, wear it alone, or wear it with another spike!

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Tiny Mushroom Necklace $68

Tiny Bunny Necklace, $68

Mushroom Ring, $86

Frog Ring, $86

More in the shop, too!  Check it out soon.

Cheers,
Alex

On the Ninth Day of Christmas...

Day 9 of our 10 days of Christmas Sale.  Today only - 10% off all scarves!  We've got felt scarves, silk scarves, cashmere scarves, knit scarves, vintage scarves....

Cheers,
Arcadia Gals

Claudia Kussano Jewelry

I really love the styling of Claudia Kussano's industrial, yet natural jewelry.  Hand-crafted in San Francsico of sterling silver and various stones, these peices are knock-outs!



From Left:
Petite Swag Necklace, Silver, $159
Leaf Bud Pyrite Necklace, Onyx, $139
Long Drop Necklace, Hematite, $120
Long Drop Necklace, Carnelian, $120
Little Hut Stud, Silver, $79
Petite Swag Earrings, Silver, $159

 Stop in Nolibs & check it out!  This jewelry is the perfect gift, too!

Cheers,
Alex

Himalayan Trading Post Candles

Its that time of year again, when the weather gets cooler and there is nothing better than coming home and lighting a scented candle.  We love Himalayan Trading Post candles ( my favorite is the cinnamon apple scent - I just can't get enough!).  Ever wonder how the company got its name?  Check out some cool information below and look at how each piece is handcrafted.

The company was born  in 2004 by owner, Julia Leaphart.   Growing up in a small hill town in the Himalayas, it started as way to maintain a connection to a childhood spent in a very small but lovely corner of the world.  Her idea was to specialize in creative and decorative candles that would add a sense of warmth and character and provide a natural focal point to a room

Making the wooden lids for terracotta pots in Jaipur

Stacks of terracotta pots!

Gold leaf technique for candle pots

The making of terracotta vases

Spice tins are given their rustic look by using a razor to scrape off some of the paint

The finished product!  all images via www.himalayantradingpost.com

Check out these hand painted terracotta pots and many more wooden pot candles in the stores.  We have delicious flavors (Bourbon Vanilla, anyone?) and are getting another shipment later this week!

Cheers, 

Alex

New Fall Goods!

We received a few shipments last week of some really great Fall/Winter peices.  Take a look and then be sure to stop by the store to try these on. 


Rodebjer Faux-Suede Pala Top $178. 

Layer this over Palazzo pants or with a drapey skirt.



Popomomo Swing Jacket $228
Made from remnant wool and lined with hand-dye silk, this Jacket compliments any winter outfit perfectly.



Heather Back Pleat Top $94



Loving the back detail - a simple, yet stylish surprise!



Popomomo Ladder Top $109
Hand-dyed silk top with cut-put sleeves.  A must-have for winter!



Rodebjer Bea Jacket $242
One of our best-selling jackets back for Fall!  Wear it three ways: buttoned, draped, or in-between.

Rodebjer Voula Blazer in Black $248
Timeless and classic, buy it in wine or black!



Popomomo Marni Dress $158
Hand-dyed  cupro dress perfect for any holiday function





Heather Fold Over Top $120
Versatile dolman-sleeved top that can be worn as a cowl neck or across the shoulders.

 Cheers,
Alex



Hello James Hopkins

British Sculptor James Hopkins has created some really awesome works of art.  Look at these mind-blowing sculpture created from everyday objects.

images via jameshopkinsworks.com

Cheers,
Alex

Tried & True: Feral Childe

Part three of Arcadia's favorite designers lines features Feral Childe, a collaboration of bi-coastal designers Moriah Carlson (in Brooklyn, NY) and Alice Wu (in Oakland, CA).  Both ladies come from a fine arts background, and are meticulous about their creations from conception to production.  There is also always a focus on the environment, "Feral Childe combines thoughtful choice of materials and attention to quality construction to make smart, wearable silhouettes for forward-thinking women. Feral Childe is proudly manufactured in New York City."

The Crater Dress - a best seller from Winter 2010! 

We just got a whole bunch of gorgeous Feral Childe dresses, so be sure to stop by soon!

Cheers, 

Alex