Designer Interview - Natalia's Prestige

I have a thing or two for wanting to be different, for having things that only I have, for getting things custom made, hello etsy!

Here is where designers come in the picture, and I'm not talking about Balmain or Chanel, because I can't afford them. I mean girls that I know, and basically grew up with. People that have great creativity and create pieces that are unique and most of the time made specially for you, they fit your finger perfectly, or go precisely with that new outfit you just bought, you can have them make it all match, or not, however you desire.

Here I have one of them, Natalia Morales, jewelry designer She can be found in Facebook, and/or Myspace [I will all her contact information at the end of this post] you can browse through her collections, order something you like, or have something made specifically for you. I have to admit that I totally admire her for having her own style and being so creative with her talents. Did I mention she's from Puerto Rico?? Well YES! so don't worry Latinas, they speak Spanish, she is also in her twenties, studying and having a life. What's not to like?

I think it is very important to be your own person all the time. And being able to express who you are with pieces that nobody else has, is definitely something. Hasn't it happened to you, that after spending hours looking for that perfect accesory, 3 or 4 girls are wearing the same one? Doesn't that bother you? Because it sure bothers me!

Interview with designer Natalia Morales for her jewelry line Natalia's Prestige.

Since when have you been interested in creating/designing?

I started the line Natalia's Prestige on August 2005 and Girly Prestige on July 2008.

How (and where) did you learn to design?

I have always been interested in the arts. Being able to design jewelry was a gift I didn't know I had, but which has turned into my passion. I never took lessons, it was always really an inspiration.

Where do you find this inspiration?

I took advantage of the boom that bracelets with religious images provided and from there emerged what is now today Natalia's Prestige.

What materials do you use?

Semi precious stones, glass, swarovski, wire, acrylic, wood [for the ethnic pieces] and white clay.

Where do you want to go with this? How do you see yourself in the future?

Well thank God, at my young age I've been blessed with many achievements, 8 different fashion shows, TV presentations and spreads/editorials in fashion magazines. The creativity just like the opportunities are endless, so I hope I can reach higher everytime. For now my goals are Paris and New York.

[I love her so much]

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

[I have the bracelets, and the earrings too!

But mine are white]

[My mother owns this piece]

All her contact information.

And now, you have me wearing a bunch of her stuff. I looked trough most of my pics, and I found 22 different outfits on which I'm wearing Prestige! So let's see...

[See? I told you I had them]

[The matching earrings]

[At a fraternity mixer. This
was taken over a year ago.]

[The last time I hung out in PR]

[The bracelets]

Do you like these?? Do you??? I believe you love them. I smell a giveaway coming soon =). And here is what really took me forever to find, a descent picture of us. Not because we didn't look smoking hot in all of them, but because we didn't look sober presentable.

There you go, me and Natalia, one of my besties!

Love you to death girl!

XOXO

Designer Interview - eNTROPY

Interview with designer Guillermo Cummings for the line eNTROPY.

I love finding new designers, and seeing what they're creating and learning how they're getting inspired. That's why we now have Designer Interview. I will be interviewing amateur designers and giving YOU the scoop on what they're doing and what's new. Here we have Guillermo Cummings for the line eNTROPY.

Since when have you been interested in creating/designing?

Well to be honest I never saw myself as a designer till a few months ago. I was always interested in illustration, comic book art and storyboarding. One day out of the blue I put up a random design for my fraternity and sister sorority. Suddenly almost everyone wanted a shirt out of it. I then started doing some small designs for other fraternities and sororities, usually the basics: the 3 Greek letters in the front and a catchy logo in the back. Eventually I got tired of that and inspired by modern t-shirts usually seen from Volcom, Quicksilver, Billabong etc. I decided to try something new and designed a modern looking design for my fraternity, after that people suggested I try my own designs. After a stressing search for a logo and name I decided on Entropy, and the rest is history.

How (and where) did you learn to design?

Well once again, I was always more intro illustration than actual design, so credit I guess has to go to my late uncle Amadeo Pino. He was an arquitect here in Puerto Rico, and he taught me the basic elements of drawing, and also my years at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where I learned how to work with composition and color theory.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I usually just put up the blank canvas and just free style it but once in a while usually when it comes to fraternity and sorority designs I use what I know of the organizations, and manipulate somethings to make them work. Usually colors or symbols they are known for. Also good friends who give me some critiques help a lot, as I usually see it one way, and others see it another.

Where do you want to go with this?

I would love for Entropy to become a top clothing line in the future, and mentioned in the same breath as Volcom, Quicksilver, Billabong, etc. Especially coming out of Puerto Rico, because we have such a strong surfing, and skating culture that is really untapped when it comes to local clothing lines. Globally it would take sometime but for now becoming well known locally is my main goal. I'd also love for people to see the designs as art just as they see it as fashion. Deep down I'm an artist not a fashion guy, this is all new to me and it came out of the blue. Also, while I may be starting out with shirts, the plan is to further down the line (soon but when possible) expand to pants, swimsuits, dresses, caps, hoodies, jackets and every apparel you can imagine.

Have you had any challenges while pursuing your goals so far?

Oh of course, just like with any venture there will be hurdles. The first one was the automatic fear if the designs were good, especially the female ones but luckily they all got 90% good feedback. Another one, especially in the economic crisis we are dealing with it is capital but slowly that is fading away. But the major challenge is the unknown, what will happen when this hits the streets, will it become profitable? Will it just be a one hit wonder? Will I be able to adapt to the ever changing styles? It's a risk but life is boring if you don't take those risks.

Do you have any advice for aspiring designers out there?

Ask for critiques, some artist hate having the work criticized especially from people who aren't artists but when you ask the people you're marketing too, its always good to get some feedback. While you may not agree, always remember we see the art/design/piece differently than anyone else does and usually a second opinion let's you see things you normally wouldn't. In the end though trust your instincts, we where born with them for a reason.
As told to Ambar for Ambar's Thoughts.

Here are some of my favorite designs from eNTROPY.

I particularly love this cute tank top.

 

Guillermo Cummings

Find me on Twitter: entropypr

email: guillephmzmg@gmail.com

Hooked on Polyvore

I found a website, polyvore.com that lets you create spreads or "sets" as we poly-people call them. You can choose from their extensive inventory or you can download the item you want with the polyvore clipper. It is a huge networking site for fashionistas all over the world. So if you haven't seen it yet, I don't know what you're waiting for.

Here's my top sets [so far]:

I LOVE YOU by ambar.rivera featuring Valentino shoes

Let's have some fun this beat is sick! by ambar.rivera featuring Steve Madden shoes

Gettin' Ready by ambar.rivera featuring Steve Madden shoes