Author Archives: gemmamay

12.17.2013

LOVE | CAMI NYC

When New York City designer Samantha found her search for the perfect silk camisole coming up short, she decided to create her own. Cue cult label Cami NYC, launching earlier this year. Designed to style countless ways and transcend the seasons, her signature designs are beloved by fashion bloggers, magazine editors, celebrities and international style-setters alike. Who doesnt need the perfect injection of a classic camisole to complete any wardrobe. i caught up with Samantha while i was in new york and as someone who owns at least 50 black camisoles I couldn’t wait to have a sneak preview of her new collection and find out what she sees for the future of her brand…

How did you come to starting your label, Cami NYC ?
While working in multiple previous jobs in the fashion industry, I always needed that great staple item that could be transformed from day to night. I started looking around for a cami that was reminiscent of lingerie, yet classic enough that it could be worn to work with a blazer and then after work without the blazer. After an unsuccessful hunt for that basic staple – I realized that there was this niche missing in the market place.

What process did you go through in designing your cami collection ?
I first went to a local manufacturer and designed my own cami. I made one style in a range of colors. I started getting approached on the street, at restaurants, at bars – literally every time I wore them. I would get asked where I found the Cami and if I could direct them in the right direction towards it. I decided to launch 5 styles online closely after that.

Who are your pieces designed for ?
Everyone. There is no age group or type of girl that defines Cami NYC. The fun thing about Cami is that its your blank canvas and your ultimate accessory. The point is to incorporate your unique style and elements already existing in your wardrobe to show your personality and who you are as an individual.

What outfit and accessories do you see styled with your camisoles ?
Personally, on the week days I style my Camis underneath a blazer, tucked into leather pants or a pencil skirt with big and bold accessories like J Crew necklaces, Balenciaga or Celine bags, and a great pair of high heels. For the weekend, Im styling my camisole with boyfriend jeans, flats and a leather jacket.

What did you find was the most challenging aspects of creating and designing the label ?
I face challenges every day. How you choose to solve those challenges is the challenging part.

How would you describe your own style ?
My style changes through out the day and how I am feeling at the moment. I love trying different looks and seeing what works best for different occasions.

A silk camisole is such a staple piece in every girls wardrobe. What are the staple pieces in your closet ?
My black classic Christian Louboutin pumps, Balenciaga Moto Bag, and my All Saints Leather Jacket.

What is your favourite fashion purchase ever made ?
Do I have to pick just one ?

Do you aspire to extend the collection ?
Yes. There will be much more to come from Cami NYC!

To view the entire cami nyc collection and purchase the perfect silk camisole visit their website here.

Photos are not my own. Source Cami NYC website and instagram.

11.26.2013

Sass And Bide NYC #2

I can not begin to tell you how excited i was that i would be able to visit the brand new Sass And Bide NYC store the very day it opened… The store itself is gorgeous, dominated by a huge, tree-like structure, painted completely white creating a sense of modern day grandeur. Apart from the tree and clothing rails, the store is almost completely bare with a gallery like feeling – white on white, clean and pure.

One of my favourite features of the store was that while trying on clothing in the fitting rooms i stood directly under the sky lights; The rain looked as though it might pour down on me. I imagine in the summer time this will be a beautiful and bright feature which the sass and bide team were trying to achieve drawing on the natural world and bringing it to life in a modern way for their nyc store. I took a few grainy pictures on my phone and have place them below as you would see the if you walked through the store yourself. Enjoy…

As for any new additions to my closet, i have to admit i was slightly disappointed that all the gorgeous pieces from the Sass And Bide new york fashion week show weren’t available to purchase for the launch. I also thought there would be more US exclusive pieces available.

There were only a handful of  tees, another handful of reincarnated, slightly adjusted pieces from Australia’s previous season collection. I did definitely still managed to find some very cool new pieces to fall in love with and take home with me. Just not as many as i thought i would… As for the service, the girls are gorgeous, beautifully dressed and as sweet as any New York City Magnolia Bakery cupcake.

Visit the Sass And Bide Soho Store at 480 Broome Street, NYC.

Not all photos are my own. Source Sass And Bide.

11.24.2013

PetiteGrand Jewellery

Unique in its simplicity, australian jewellery label PetiteGrand offers effortless style with pieces that can be worn during the day and then transcend into evening. They are little pieces of timeless luxury transcending the seasons, you can build on and layer to create your own expression. PetiteGrand designer Tanja is influenced by everything around her and designs pieces by simply creating by hand what she would want to wear, everyday pieces, the purity of geometric shapes and the understated elegance of precious metals and silk cord…

How did you come to designing PetiteGrand ?
My love of jewellery design combined with my love of making/creating something with my hands.

What is the meaning behind the name, PetiteGrand ?
The jewellery I do is very fine and delicate.. small… petite. The grand came from my love of the word GRAND – when something is beautiful, big and grand. I believe small can still be very grand.

What process do you go through in designing your pieces ?
I pick a theme for the collection to assist me to rein in my creative thought process, otherwise my brain goes crazy with the possibilities. Then I decide on what looks, shapes, metals and colours I would like to do. Then the real fun starts, I start making and designing the pieces.

Who are your pieces designed for ?
I guess someone who sees beauty in the little things around us.

Do you design pieces for yourself or your own style ?
Yes, initially I do design them for me. Every item I design I have to love and want to wear myself.

How would you describe your own style ?
Very similar to my label, simple, classic, understated  – but it always gets noticed.

What are your essential pieces within your closet ?
My jeans, Bassike t’shirts, Dylan Kain bag and Zimmermann swimwear.

What is your most cherished piece in your own jewellery collection ?
A pair of earrings my mother gave me when I was 5, an amazing Mawi necklace and the 1st silver ring I made.

What inspires you ?
Absolutely everything – Inspiration mainly comes when I’m not looking for it.

What outfit should PetiteGrand be teamed with ?
Anything from jeans and a t-shirt to drinks with friends, to your wedding day. That’s what I think is so wonderful about the jewellery, it fits into every aspect of your life.

What is the underlying philosophy of your brand ?
The philosophy of the brand is to design and create beautiful pieces that are unique and simple but always make a statement.

What does the future hold for PetiteGrand ?
Hopefully lots of wonderful things!

PetiteGrand jewellery is hand-made to order in the eastern surburbs of sydney australia and sold online and at boutiques nationally and internationally… To view the full PetiteGrand collection and purchase a delicate piece of luxury for yourself visit their website here.

Photos are not my own. Source Petite Grand.