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.

Monday, August 10, 2009

LamanBlu Announces Dallas and Atlanta Sales Representatives

LamanBlu is pleased to announce its partnership with two new sales representatives. After rave reviews to its debut line, including features in both Earnshaw’s Magazine and Hudson’s Children’s Wear Review, as well as designer Holli Gibson’s accomplishment of being named the Rising Star Award winner in the Children’s Wear Category by The Fashion Group International, LamanBlu has hired outstanding sales reps in two new territories to expand its presence in the South and Southwest.

Button Up! Will introduce LamanBlu’s Spring /Summer 2010 collection at the Dallas Market on August 13-16. Beth Button began her career in children’s wear by running the corporate showroom for Earthlings, the first organic clothing for children in the market. She opened her own showroom in 2001 and has been representing truly unique lines ever since. Button Up! has just moved into its new showroom in a prime location of the World Trade Center on the children’s floor. Button Up!’s permanent showroom is located at the World Trade Center, Showroom 8072, 2050 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207.

Lace and Denim will introduce LamanBlu’s collection at the Atlanta Market on August 20-24. Their permanent showroom is located in the heart of the Southeastern buying district in AmericasMart on the Children’s World Floor. Terrie Phillips has over 22 years sales experience, formerly in the Gift industry, before finding her home in children’s apparel and accessories. The AmericasMart is located at 250 Spring Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The Lace and Denim showroom is #13S-344B.

“We are so excited to be working with both Terrie and Beth,” says Holli Gibson, designer for LamanBlu. “They are so vivacious, have wonderful reputations in the industry and we feel that there is such a great synergy with our line and their showrooms. I know our customers will appreciate their professionalism and extremely high level of customer service.”

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LamanBlu, by Holli Gibson, 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 www.LamanBlu.com

To contact Terrie Phillips with Lace and Denim, call (434) 258-7650, or visit their website at www.laceanddenimllc.com.

To contact Beth Button with Button Up!, call (214) 749-0440, or visit their website at www.buttonupdallas.com.