Thursday, February 4, 2010

LamanBlu introduces the Fall 2010 collection for wholesale


January 30, 2010

 

LamanBlu, eco-friendly designer children’s apparel, has announced the release of its Fall/Winter 2010 line for wholesale. The collection is a fun and elegant combination of three groups by designer Holli Gibson.

 

Reflection:

Reflection is the anchor group of the season, which captures elegance, grace and individuality and reflects the need for a sustainable future. With the use of subtle, calm tones and clean silhouettes the line captures the essence of tranquility and peace felt as one contemplates what reflection means.  Seeing one’s self as one is, and as one wants to be. The fabric of this group is an eco-friendly bamboo/lycra knit both in solid colors of Prussian Blu, Lotus, Hyacinth and Sky Blu as well as custom Ombre dyed pieces in Violet Ice.  The collection was designed with mixing and matching in mind to maximize the creativity and individuality of a little girl’s wardrobe. Soft ruffles accentuate the classic silhouettes, and the mother/daughter look is sure to be a favorite of holiday family affairs.

 

Avani:

Avani, meaning “earth” in Sanskrit.  Vintage, but not.  Colour washed tones of the sky at dusk and the pale pink of dawn.  An homage to our home, earth.  The Avani group takes an elegant approach to sophisticated, fun clothing for little girls. Lace detailing and velvet ribbon hearken back to remembering beauty from the past.  Updated silhouettes with vintage trimmings form a beautiful connection between past and future. Cotton mini waffle knit is garment dyed to add a beauty of tonal colors to the pieces in this group, as well as offer extreme softness.   Dress up any piece from the collection with victimless fur muffs, hats, collars or capes.

 

Exotic India: 

A burst of bright colors and bold prints with detailed embroidery make up the final group in LamanBlu’s fall/winter 2010 collection.  Indian style is eclectic, weaving together influences from many regions and cultures.  Exotic India is the inspiration for both silhouettes and detailing, as well as color palettes.  Brilliant color schemes are symbolic in Indian folklore and often correlate to the basic elements, including water (Klein Blu) and Fire (Deep Pink).  While softer tones of Sky Blu and Lotus blend connect this group across the season’s collection.  Adorning many of the pieces is an elaborately crafted peacock embroidery which adds to the unique detailing LamanBlu is known for. Compliments to the garments in the Exotic India group include scarves and backpacks with the same chic prints, colors and embroideries.

 

To preview the line, visit

http://www.LamanBlu.com/Gallery.htm

www.LamanBlu.com/Gallery.htm

 

 

Holli Gibson, designer for LamanBlu was recently awarded “The Rising Star” award for design from The Fashion Group International.  LamanBlu is designer clothing for children.  It is created for parents and children who want something uniquely beautiful, fashionable and comfortable.  The quality and timeless style is such that these clothes are meant to be passed down to siblings and heirloom pieces are meant to be passed down to future generations.  These are mix and match clothing pieces that have been designed to take kids all the way from play to special events.  The LamanBlu customer loves the American lifestyle of easy to care, easy to wear clothing, yet appreciates the European sensibility for the finer things in life and attention to detail.  LamanBlu is available in boutiques across the US.  Visit them on the web at

http://www.LamanBlu.com

www.LamanBlu.com

Saturday, December 26, 2009

LamanBlu Releases its Fall / Winter 2010 Trend Lookbook

Wondering what’s going to be in style for Fall and Winter 2010? Here’s LamanBlu’s take on the trends for the season. Visit their website at www.LamanBlu.com/Gallery.htm to see their Fall/Winter 2010 Trend Lookbook.

According to Pantone, they key theme for Fall 2010 is Mosaic. “Our world is a rich mosaic, born from varying elements that create a whole. Mosaics can reflect cultural, geographical and political differences, yet still coordinate all these disparate themes. Mosaics are a practical and eco-efficient way of integrating previously used elements or materials to create something new and unique.” (Pantone) While mosaics are a record of the past, we continue to re-invent them for the future. LamanBlu has old world charm, but yet is not vintage. They provide timeless “vintage alternative” styling with an eco-chic sentiment.

What does this mean for you? Wondering what’s going to be in style for Fall and Winter 2010? Here’s LamanBlu’s take on the trends for the season. Visit their website at www.LamanBlu.com/Gallery.htm to see their Fall / Winter 2010 Trend Lookbook. Now, for a peek at the trends:

Reflection
Reflecting Surfaces – water reflection and reflecting pools – seeing ourselves as we are and as we want to be. The ice, snow and the beauty of lights reflecting off the new fallen snow. Ice crystals – they sparkle as brightly as any jewel. The beauty of the experience of being. Liquid Modernity. Eco-Fashion – from concept through execution. Warmth, comfort, caring and thoughtfulness are brought to mind. We are reflecting not only on our choices, and the eco-impact they have, but how we rethink fashion. Vintage inspiration combined with totally new ideas is the core of the season. Nouveau Niche!

Exotic India
The theme of Connection and Exotic Beauty is what brings us to India for this season. Connection – “India is a land of diversities and among all these diversities we see unity. Unity which binds us together. Which makes us feel as one. Which encourages us.” (Thinkquest) Indian style is eclectic, weaving together influences from many regions and cultures. The range of traditional and modern designs found in India is astounding. Brilliant color schemes are symbolic and often correlate to the basic elements of air (white or silver), water (blue), and fire (red, pink, orange, yellow). It’s glamorously artistic! From the Indian inspired prints and embroideries to Indian inspired styling, both traditional and new. We embrace humble luxury.

Avani
The Mosaic of Connections – the trend of the season. We are on a journey in connection. Emotive, inventive, useful. The beauty of nature and natural fabrications. Hand printed for a sustainable ethos. Luxury is about experience. Vintage redone – Nouveau Niche. Avani means “earth” in Sanskrit. Elemental colors which are innovations of the future while remembering the past. Vintage, but not. Colour washed tones of the sky at dusk and the pale pink of dawn. An homage to our home, earth.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Holli Gibson, Designer of LamanBlu, Awarded THE Rising Star 2009 by Fashion Group International




Holli Gibson, designer of LamanBlu, walked away with the ultimate prize, THE Rising Star Award from the Fashion Group International at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion by Design Runway Gala.

Denver, Colorado – October 24, 2009 – It was the Fashion by Design Runway Gala, at the exquisite showroom of Mercedes-Benz. Former Colorado First Lady, Frances Owens and Monica Owens were the Shining Star Honorary Chairs. The evening started with a Red Carpet Reception and a Silent Auction benefiting the Fashion Group’s scholarship and educational outreach programs. Gourmet hors d-oeuvres were offered up from Occasions By Sandy, caterer to the stars. Jacquie Palisi served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The star studded evening on the runway began with honoring David Jacobs of Spyder with the Star Legend Award. Nancy Fitzgerald sang a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and then the runway show began. Cynthia Petrus of Saks Fifth Avenue coordinated a Fashion Week worthy runway event, showcasing the category winners.

The 11 finalists were initially selected by criteria to evaluate their portfolios of current and past designs in addition to publicity and industry experience. They then presented to a panel of respected judges from the community. The distinguished panel of judges included Colorado Clothing Designer Brooks; Suzanne Brown of The Denver Post; Lisa Elstun of LRE Couture and Design; Cynthia Petrus of Saks Fifth Avenue; Elaine Mariner, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Executive Director of the Colorado Council on the Arts; Jim Stevens, The Garment District; Faye Tate, CH2M Hill and Ebony Fashion Fair co-chair. The challenge presented to the judges was to select the Rising Star as the next Colorado company, whom they thought would become a nationally recognized brand in the next 5 years. Designers were required to show samples of their current creations that were assessed in regard to fashion trends, cohesive collections, construction and marketability. Their samples and portfolios accounted for one half of the scoring. The other half was based on marketing strategies, distribution channels, business viability and personal interviews.

Finally it was time to unveil the winner of THE Rising Star award. The finalists were announced and made their way to the stage. Rustin Coburn and Noah Price of DVLP Clothing, Holli Gibson of LamanBlu and Julie Hill and Lisa Welch of BornFit. The award was presented by Gino Velardi, of Gino Velardi Couture, The Rising Star of 2007. And the winner is….Holli Gibson of LamanBlu, THE Rising Star of 2009.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

LamanBlu at Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek







We were in the front window of Saks! (Well, my photo anyways.) They did a wonderful display for the FGI Rising Star and they also displayed gowns from the last Rising Star, Gino Velardi. Cynthia Petrus from Saks coordinated the runway show on Friday at Mercedes Benz and did such a fabulous job. I hope we'll have more opportunities to work with her in the future. Perhaps the next time they hold the Rising Star design competition (in 2011) Cynthia will do another window and show LamanBlu fashions.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Castle Rock Shopping Extravaganza Fashion Show




We had such a wonderful time at this show! Peggy Ziglin, Colorado Regional Public Relations Tourism Director and President of the Rocky Mountain Shopping Center Association, put on such a great show featuring Fall 2009 fashions. The shopping extravaganza was a big hit and the excitement and traffic boosted everyone's spirits. It's evident that the economy is starting to get back on track! The fashion show/luncheon presented children and adult fashions from retailers at the Castle Rock Outlets. It also featured several category winners from Fashion Group International, including us! We were so fortunate to have Denise Plante and Tawyna Rush, the stars of the Colorado & Company tv show on Channel 9, serve as our "mom" models for the mother/daughter looks presented in the show.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

It's Feeling Like Fall

Well, it's certainly feeling like fall around the studio. A crisp breeze is in the air, the aspens are just starting to show their fall colors, and the ground squirrels are getting really fat! The debut line of LamanBlu for Fall 2009, "Being the Fabulous" is in retail stores and selling nicely.

Take two - I actually started this blog post a week ago - that's what happens here in Colorado - weather changes quickly! It no longer feels like fall - it's been snowing for three days!

It's funny this time of year, Fall 2009 is selling in the stores, Spring 2010 is selling at market, and we're starting to design Fall 2010 in the atelier. No wonder I have to think before I get dressed in the morning (what season is it?) and I never know what year to write on my checks!

Speaking of Fall 2010 (are you ready for that?) - we're traveling to India for Fall 2010. Exotic India, with its hustle and bustle, beautiful bright colors, layered dressing, elaborate embroideries, exotic prints.......

We're also reflecting on our eco-friendly commitment, and happy that more and more companies across industries are also coming to realize that our decisions are important to our planet. Our signature bamboo knits will have a new romantic feel for fall, in reflection pool cool colors of blues and pinks.

We're introducing new eco-conscious fabrics for fall as well, hemps and organic cottons, in our dedication to Avani ("Earth" in Sanskrit). Be on the lookout for environmentally friendly garment dyed items.....

Friday, September 11, 2009

LamanBlu Models at the Shopping Extravaganza at Outlets at Castle Rock

Meet the stars and see their amazing creations with informal modeling at this year’s Shopping Extravaganza at Outlets at Castle Rock on September 26, 2009. LamanBlu will be presenting designs from their Fall 2009 collection, now available in retail boutiques. “We are showing our eco-conscious bamboo knits from the “Being the Fabulous” collection,” says Holli Gibson, designer for LamanBlu. Models will be wearing mother/daughter looks in Pewter and Kiss Pink, two of the key colors of the season.

LamanBlu by Holli Gibson is the winner of the Children’s Wear category for the Rising Star 2009 Award. The Rising Star is awarded to an outstanding designer by The Fashion Group International, Inc. The field was narrowed from 27 finalists to 10 category winners. Category winners will also participate in the prestigious Rising Star Fashion by Design runway gala, the biannual signature event orchestrated by Fashion Group International of Denver, on October 23, 2009 at Mercedes-Benz of Westminster, the presenting sponsor. “I’m excited to be participating in these events, and delighted that the Shopping Extravaganza is another way to support some of my favorite charities,” says Holli Gibson.

This is the 4th Annual Shopping Extravaganza to take place at Outlets at Castle Rock. It’s a day of shopping, saving and fun on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 10am – 8pm. The Outlets at Castle Rock is located on I-25 in Castle Rock, Colorado, Exit 184. Tickets are $20 and include shopping discounts, jazz, art and desserts in the hospitality suite, a goodie bag and lunch. There will also be over $30,000 in prizes.

This event benefits the Special Olympics of Colorado, The Women’s Crisis Family Outreach Center, The American Cancer Society, The Denver Post Community, Autism Speaks and The Dumb Friends League. To buy your ticket, please contact a participating charity, call (303) 688-2800 or visit http://www.outletsatcastlerock.com/.

For more information about the October 23rd Runway Gala, visit http://www.denver.fgi.org/ or http://www.blacktie-colorado.com/ , or call (303) 809-3595.

To purchase LamanBlu locally, visit Three Blind Mice at 6882 S. University Blvd. in Centennial or call (720) 283-6423.