Fall/ Winter 2011 Cebrellex, our new collection of handbags...

The kitty is out of the bag now - a few days ago I posted the styles of our new Collection, F/W 2011 Cebrellex , on our FB Fan Page.

This is what we have been making since late Spring...

Alex Petit (Oak)

Butterfly Clutch

Dovana, Sans Bow (Aqua)

Dovana, Bow (Nude)

Tasmain (Cocoa)

Reach (Taupe)

Khela (Cigar)

Patrice Has Options (Purple Jacket)

Tack, Brief Duffle (Oak)

Tosca (Cognac)

... and tow carry over styles: Renata

Renata (Poppy)

 and Limited Finish Sarah

Sarah, Light Grey

We will also have a new belt coming soon...

So, there is it - still country, but some new shapes and techniques introduced...


Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

So, I may have leaked something...

Kitty peeking, source: Electrical Audio

... Those of you popping over to read my blog posts, may have noticed the slide-show at the top of the page... Currently, the slide-show is featuring my actual LookBook of the new Fall/Winter 2011 Cebrellex Collection of Handbags... The new designs will make it to the Web-site immediately after the official launch.. of which I will post soon.

The LookBook is here. Peek away.

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com

Orange be the colour...

Oranges...

 
Orange is a great colour - a Fall one, or not. Looks like this year, it got finally noticed by the mainstream fashion, after over a year of brightening up the indie world. This week alone, I read at least three articles, depicting Orange, as THE colour for this Fall, and I am sure there's more to come.

And, it is everywhere - on sweaters, jackets, overalls, - socks -  and, of course, accessories. I am also glad to see it liberated from the "Resort" context, where it used to appear in the years prior, in forms of messy patterned caftans or itsy-bitsy clutches and bracelets, to go with someone's fuchsia hued track-suit.


Great to see it in the Fall season, where it belongs. Also, there is a beautiful range of Orange shades in mainstream - from burning Red-Orange, to True Rust.

Nature wears Fall Oranges well..

 So, wear it if you love Orange - regardless of what they tell you to wear. Nature has an amazing variety of Orange tones, that Fashion has made it's best attempt yet, to adopt.

Red Orange

From Yellow to Red

Sarah, Orange

Constructing FW 2011 collection..

Designing for Fall and Winter does not seem like an easy task for me. I am normally a summer person, a warm weather dweller, always up for soaking up the sun and a good cool swim.


Yet, this will be my second collection to come out in the Fall. I think the reason for the choice is the leather, I am using itself, my strong preference of Earth tones and Country detailing. When sketching or sourcing materials, I am envisioning marshy landscapes, grey low skies, hiking with dogs, holding reins, and feeling soft suede on hand.

Sewn-on loop tie

My FW 2011 is Country, again. I will still do the long straps, loops and pleats. But I will also introduce new types of leather, building new shapes, “peel-off” parts on the bags, immediately changing the look; deep outside pockets and expandable shells.

Pleated pattern

Pleats. I loved decorative pleating till now, but this time pleats will serve structural purpose. They’ll be shaping, slouching and rounding the shells; moulding crowns and pockets

Thread-though hole

Holes. Cleaner, more streamlined, bigger, smaller. I will still use my trusted thread-through strap attachment method for some bags, but also holes will stand in for lots of gathers and pulls.

Sewn-on tie

New connections. Besides thread- through straps, I will do an entirely sew-on strap connection fir my Western Rounded sacks, this time without any hardware: no rivets or dees; Sewn-on bow-tie strap holders and loops will appear, which will complement my favourite knots.

Zipper

Introducing – hardware. Yes, I will be using hardware by choice. BUT – barely visible, muted, hidden in the background. I will have all new closures, pockets, removable parts on the purses, expansions and more. There will be some metal...






So, that is a sneak-peak into my FW 2011 detailing. I will write about the individual styles as I roll them out. As of now I am planning to make seven completely new bag styles, with some Holiday additions to turn up later...

Decorative pleat

Structural pleat

Moulding pleat

Expansion zipper

Posted by Jolanta http://jolavdesigns.com/

Our Fall events - and upcoming Holiday market season....

.... Suddenly we find ourselves in the month of November . The year is coming to an end, but the busiest season is just about to begin. The next eight weeks are packed with events for Jola V. Designs, and as a very small operation, I am doing to best to stay afloat – and bring you the lovely handbags along the way...

The first big accomplishment of the year, is that I have just completed the entire Pre-Fall Coming Of Age collection, you will see the pictures of the last remaining prototype shortly; and get to “meet” all the newbies in person later this month.

Another Huuuge project, which is still making its way through, is the launch of Jola V. Designs web-site! (currently under construction). We are very excited about the new page, which will enable you to purchase your Arm Candy on-line, directly from us. The launch is expected to take place sometime in late November or early December. Fingers crossed.

Now, that sampling is out of the way, Jola V. Designs is gearing up for the Holiday art shows and sales.



Here is what the next eight weeks look like for us:

THURSDAY, NOV. 4, 5-9 pm is the Fall Gastown Shop Hop – take a stroll through Gastown’s fashion boutiques for complementary treats, wine, cheese and other goodies, as well as 15 – 25% off of your purchases. You will find a pretty battalion of our handbags lined up at the Dream Boutique’s Gastown location.

Also, come by Gentille Alouette, who are going full out this Shop Hop, and throwing a party with designers on-site and serious treats, including the famous hand-rolled truffles by my favourite natural perfume house, Ayala Moriel Parfums.

SATURDAY, SUNDAY; NOV 27-28 12-6 pm – Jola V. Designs returns to the Portobello West fashion and art market. Be sure to stop by to chat + check out the new Collection’s handbags, along with greatly priced wrap belts, that suit all and go really fast! With over 60 local designers and artists under one roof, you will sure be able to find locally made great Holiday gifts for everyone.

Drop me a line for you 2 for 1 entry ticket deal....

Located in Rocky Mountaineer station.

All details here.

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY; DEC 9 – 12 11-7 pm – Jola V. Designs makes its debut at the Vancouver One Of A Kind Show and Sale, taking place at downtown’s Convention Centre West. Look for us in the very appropriate Rising Stars area of the show hall. One Of A Kind brings together over 250 North American and BC artists to showcase their work for four days – along with programming, such as fashion shows, fun for kids, snack bistro and a bar. It will be the biggest show we have taken part in so far. During your visit you will be able to browse not only the new collection, but also, the styles of the Coming Of Age Fast, exclusive mini – collection, alongside of an early preview of my new Spring styles.

This is a show, where people do not only shop for holiday gifts for others, but also, for their very deserving selves.

All details, including list of all artisans, tix pricing, parking , etc – here;

Contact me for a entry discount coupon prior to the show.

In the meantime, we are very busy gearing up for all of this – there has been lots of searching, buying, cutting and stitching in the past few months.

Visit one of my fab retailers for bag fix, if you cannot wait till the shows roll in.

Dream Apparel

Favourite Gifts

Two Of Hearts

The Velvet Room

Jipsi Clothing movement

Hazel And Sid

... AND look out for our upcoming web-site launch announcement!

Hope to see you all at the shows - as there is nothing more rewwarding to an artist, than meeting their customers in person and receiving your fantastic feedback!

xoxo

jolanta

The gorgeousness, that are the Virga bags!

Virga bags

My new Collection is slowly rolling out. Ironically, first it will appear in retail, than on my Page, because lately I have been making a lot of promises  to the Shops, that are kind enough to carry my bags, instead of actual deliveries.

VIRGA is the newest style to see the daylight. I sketched this bag to help survive the 16 hour long flight back from my home, Vilnius, Lithuania and was really excited about what I came up with.

Virga is named after a lady, who is a long time friend, appreciates simple, but genuine things in life.  Same stands for the bag - sturdy, simple, reliable.... It is a compact bag, that could be worn as a tote, or shoulder bag - either way you like it. As on most of my bags, the strap length can be adjusted, or removed all together and replaced with something else.



Strap tie

 During the few days that I have been wearing the Virga sample, I must say I am pleased with the comfort level the design gives, hanging off my shoulder and sitting closely and flush next to my side. I can put my hand over the magnet closure for extra safety on the bus or train, and yet, can stick my hand inside the bag, or the pocket, should I unexpectedly need an umbrella!

Orange Virga

The flap pocket is great for keys, lip balm, other small items. Several compartments inside for organization. As on all my bags, the strap has extra length for taller fits, but can be adjusted for the petites just as easily.

Fall shades....

Due to the nature of the leather I work with, some colours will be one of a kind, and some will come and go. The fall is in the air, and so are the fall shades - of Olive, Navy, Orange, glossy Red Brick; look out for them in the shops of my darling retailers - and on-line...http://jolavdesigns.com/

Olive Virga



Navy Virga

Orange Virga



Coming up - Brown/Black, Azalea and Burgundy...

Accessorize your Fall -
and HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

My "What to wear" for Fall...

Seasons are changing inevitably, and most of the Fall fashion overviews have already been out for weeks, if not months. I will be brief with mine, and include a few suggestions about what most of us could get away with wearing this Fall and Winter without completely ignoring Fashion...

There are a few very interesting directions I noticed popping up for this colder season, that are worth going deeper into.
In any way this is not a call to be a 'fashion victim' sought after the 'latest' and the 'newest'; I am not focusing on particular brands for my selection of images (Ok, maybe preferences have been given to smaller, fresher brands, or those who did something outlandish to them (yay, Karl!)).

Also, remember, that new ideas in fashion are generated in the Indie world, and only later, marketed by the mass producers, and acquiring your fashion fixes locally is key...

Here we go!

Still around from 2 seasons ago:

Some of the last fall's nicer ideas are back again- like outfits quite directly translated from Menswear ;  or Layered look with very contrasting textures (boho, or not); the Maxis (long, forgiving coats and dresses)

Layers and Contrast (all seasons, night+day - in one)

Menswear  translations - beehive optional...

More Maxis

Maxi - cloud of hair optional too

  

But, there are a few looks I do not remember seeing last year, and was nicely surprised by, such as these:

Lady-On-A-Cruise-Ship No More!

Wearing clothes that actually match together has for a long been a staple of cruise ship riders, ladies, who lunch - or golf, - or both, - at one end of the spectrum;  and 8 year olds on the other.... It manifested itself in matching your shoes with your bag, your belt, your umbrella stick, your bangles, which would match earrings, that would match shoes - and in the extreme cases of offence - it all would match your sun visor! Usually white mixed with all too familiar nautical gold....

Matching returned this fall, but it could not be further away from its 80 year old predecessor. Here are some great examples of matching similar hues, colours into one, and getting away with it.

Grey - no gold and visor in sight...

Matchy!

Lotta Orange

Meet Your Milkman - these cinched, high wastes followed by a fuller skirt are brought back from the 50's. This is a very flattering look for most bodies, I am so glad to see it return decades later. This fall, wastes are cinched over full skirts, A-lines; all giving you 50's style curves and even generously revealing cleavages. This look must have been the reason why the MILKMAN was such a sought after 'profession' for youngsters at the time....

Good for work...

.. and fun

..and LBD occasions

FAUX, not Fox.... 

 Fashion, unfortunately, still uses a lot of pelts. But the good news to me this fall, was that some brands, which usually put out alot of fur clothing each time, actually discovered Faux. Faux definitely made its entry this year, being used as trims, adornments, accessories or clothing itself. Natural fur is beautiful on animals that are born with it. If you have to wear fur, pls, make it vintage or re-claimed....  And yes, same goes for leather...

Here are some absolutely adorable fauxes:

furry does not have to be cruel

both images - Chanel

Here we are - hope we all have a good fall. Enjoy the season, dress the way it makes you happy - and more importantly - dress warm!

jolanta