Gareth Roberts

 What is your name? Gareth Roberts

 What is the name of your label? Gareth Roberts

Where did you study and when did you graduate?

 Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design

(Fashion Design Womenswear) Graduating in 2008

What inspires you as a designer?

Life- The moment I open my eyes each morning!

Who is your favorite designer? Why?

My dearest friend Derek Lawlor. 

Simple- I believe we have the same mission in life…

What can you bring to FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2011? Passion, enthusiasm and always a smile! 

What do you expect from the FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2011?

 I love the idea of working with creative people from a wealth of different cultures- I expect fast furious fashion that is fun!

Gareth Roberts Studio

How did your experience with fashion start?

When I spent time as a child at my Grandparents I use to pull all my Grand Mother’s old bed sheets out in her cupboard then with a needle and thread sewed my sister into my creations while making her strut down their kitchen! I was only about 6 or 7 at the time! My great Grandfather was a Savile Row tailor.

When did you decide to be a fashion designer?

 I think sub-consciously when I was creating ‘kiddie Couture’!

While at school I developed a passion for textiles and fabric manipulation that just confirmed my belief in a creative path for myself.

What are your goals concerning your career?

I feel as a designer you should be able to design anything whether it is the layout of a page or a collection I have one goal ‘it needs to be creative and inspiring’.

What are your ambitions?All I have ever wanted was to empower women and make them feel strong, confident and sexy. Everything else is secondary.

Where do you see yourself in the future? On this planet!


For more: http://www.garethjamesroberts.com/

Old Navy $1 Flip Flops

Head to Old Navy tomorrow for the cheapest flip flops of the season. Buy them in every color!

i_beta/event 2011

12 & 13 May -  i_beta/event 2011
"New ideas on economy, culture & society"www.ibeta.eu


Part of the program:


Workshop: Fashion Mapping by Social Spaces & FASHIONCLASH

MAP-it is a mapping toolkit designed to overcome to the fact that people from different profiles, backgrounds and expertise do not necessarily share the same ‘language’. Adding a visual layer, that is open and adjustable for all participants, creates a different dialogue and enables everyone to join the conversation. Via the toolkit, a group of people visualises thoughts and ideas in a playful way. In this way cross-disciplinary creation processes are stimulated and guided. MAP-it uses an open-source set of icons indicating people, things and activities. Empty icons are also available to create new icons during discussions. In this way, icons can be added and adjusted, implying that the system is never complete and is open to iterative refinement.
The MAP-it toolkit also contains ‘strange’ or critical icons, like ‘bombs’ and ‘locks’. They allow people to disagree and enable them to risk a step on uncommon ground, which is more conductive to creativity.

During the i_beta/event 2011, research group Social Spaces will organise a mapping session to explore a possible future Euregional platform for Fashion.

http://www.ibeta.eu/2011/#/2011/open-garments/

Missoni for Havaianas

Here's a chance to grab a piece of Missoni that won't set you back a paycheck or two. Missoni has teamed with Havaianas and designed flip flops and espadrilles. Not only will these babies be fun to wear on the beach and look hot with our white jeans; but they'll be easy to find in our closet. The shoes run from $60 to $130 (you didn't expect them to be cheap, did you?) and they're available now at Havaianas.com and select Bloomingdales.

What to Wear at Jazz Fest

NOLA Jazz Fest by Jet Set Girls featuring floral tops

Next week I'm headed to New Orleans for Jazz Fest, and while it's not my first time in the city it is my first time at the music festival. I'm taking my cues on what to wear from the attendees at the recent Coachella and am aiming for casual, hippie chick cool. While my first inclination would be to wear a cute sundress, something about eating crawfish and fried oyster po' boys seems down an dirty and cries out for shorts.

TopShop floral top, $75
Lucca Couture floral top, $59
TOMMY HILFIGER Online Store - USA - Stretch Chino Basic Short, $49
Belle By Sigerson Morrison wedge shoes, $295
Marc by marc jacobs bag, $178
Clutch
Gap hat, $35
The Amazonite Wrap on Natural Brown Leather by designer Chan Luu, $170
TOMMY HILFIGER Online Store - USA - Twill Cutt Off Short, $34

JSG on Kohl's Facebook Style Page

A couple of weeks ago, Chaps asked us to style a pair of their new capris for spring. Kohl's choose the picture above of Hope to feature on their Facebook Style page. Check out our other looks here. What's your style? Do you plan on wearing capris this spring?

Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection

Vineyard Vines - Kentucky Derby Collection by Jet Set Girls featuring silk scarves

Silk scarf, $98
Vineyard Vines - Run for the Roses Dress, $275
Vineyard Vines - Mint Julep Sunny Day Bag, $150
Vineyard Vines - Diamond Jockey Silks Halter, $135

Headed to the Kentucky Derby next weekend but still not sure what you'll be wearing? Start by checking out the Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection. It includes fashions inspired by the big day including run for the roses and jockey silks dresses, halters and scarves. There's even a mint julep bowtie for the guys (below). The site promises to add more styles in the coming days. Here's hoping a few hats are included as the Kentucky Derby is second only to the Royal Wedding as a day hats are a required!

The Kentucky Derby collection is a available on Vineyard Vines.

Calypso St. Barth for Target

The latest designer line at Target comes from Calypso St. Barth, that resort friendly label that begs for a beach vacation. We know Calypso for its flowing boho dresses; but this line at Target includes swimwear, espadrilles, totes, jewelry, and even home goods. Dresses run about $40 and totes $20, so you'll be challenged to buy just one piece. Calypso St. Barth is available starting May 1st at all stores and on-line. We can almost hear Target piping in a steel drum band for this opening. Happy shopping!

We'd wear the khaki tunic above ($29.99) and linen shorts all summer. Don't you love the neutrals with a pop of color from the tote and sandals?

This turquoise dress ($36.99) would look great belted or worn loose like here as a beach coverup.

This embroided dress ($36.99) gets props for its crispness. This is the one you'd wear to a bloody mary brunch with your girlfriends.

The dress ($39.99) in this season's hot color (Pantone's Honeysuckle) looks sharp over white linen pants ($29.99).

Rent the Runway Review-Miami

Thanks for everyone who helped me pick which Rent the Runway dress to wear on our recent girls' getaway to Miami. Though the Shoshanna Magic Carpet Ride one-shoulder dress was the winner, it wasn't available when I went to rent it. So I opted for the second place winner: the Badgley Mishcka Fifth Avenue Showstopper Dress.  That's me in it, above.

It's definitely a beautiful dress and one that I wish I had in my closet. It was pinker than it looked in the photos, which a reader had told me prior to my renting it. While it probably would have looked better on me were I more tan, it didn't wash me out, like I was afraid it might. I do think the dress would flatter any number of figure types.

That said, I didn't end up wearing it in Miami. It was a little too sparkly for the nights we had planned. And, as my friend Heidi pointed out, it was too covered up for Miami. If the neckline were a little lower or there was less pleating in the front, it would have been sexier and more flattering. As it is, I feel like this is a great dress for your own birthday party or a really special date.

Here's the dress I did go with:

I opted to take advantage of Rent the Runway's promotion to rent a second dress for $25 and also ordered this Halston Heritage La Scala Draped Dress. Its color and one-shoulder style reminded me of the Shoshanna dress I wanted to rent. I was very happy with the dress, though the fit could have been better. (I'm pear-shaped, so had to go with a size up to get it to fit my hips, which meant it was a tad too big on top.) I loved the color and the flowiness of the fabric. It made for the perfect dress for a night on the town in Miami—attention getting and sexy, without looking like I was trying to hard (IMO, at least!).

Victoria's Secret Expands Its MLB Collection

Victoria's Secret Pink MLB collection is back in stores, now featuring all the teams in Major Leauge Baseball. That will come as good news to Texas Ranger fans, who after beating our beloved Yankees for the American League pennant, deserve some cute T-shirts. The winner of the World Series, the San Francisco Giants, are also new to the collection, but for some reason, only yoga pants are available online. We hope that's not the case in the stores! A few of our favorite pieces are the super-soft Strike 'Em Out Tee (above) for $32.50. The long-sleeved  "Caught Looking" Tee (below) for $39.50

and the hipster panties, for $10.50

All styles are vailable on VSPink.com.

What to Wear on Vacation

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

We caught this clip from Kathie Lee and Hoda on the Today Show just in time as we're packing for our trip to Miami tomorrow! The segment features Elle Style Director Joe Zee and his picks for what to wear on vacation. While his fashions are for a more mature JSG, we think the first outfit is perfect for a plane ride to a tropical destination and we love his point about taking lots of accessories (but not shoes!) since they're easy to pack and make a plain outfit special.

Sponsored Post: Chaps Capris

When making your wardrobe shopping list for spring, make sure the Chaps Capris, the must-have item for spring, are on it. The slim-fit cropped pants are exceedingly versatile and can go from work to weekend—all while giving off a very chic Audrey Hepburn vibe. Plus, Chaps brings consumers all American heritage, quality and traditional style for the entire family and home. To show just versatile they are, we styled them two ways.

Girls Night Out
Hope paired her black capris with a sequin top, a crisp white jacket, and a pair of nude sandals. "I was surprised how sleek they looked with heels," said Hope.

Backyard Barbecue
Annie styled hers for an afternoon backyard barbecue, pairing the gingham Chaps Capris with a purple T-shirt, cropped jean jacket, long printed scarf and wedge sandals.  "In the summer, I would swap the T-shirt for a bikini and wear the capris as a cover up to a beach or pool party," Annie says.

Inspired to rock your own pair of Chaps Capri? To win a $125 giftcard to Kohl's, follow us on twitter at JSGHope and JSGAnne and retweet: JSG for Kohl's Chaps Capris by 11:59 PM EST Tuesday April 5. We're giving away two!

Shop Chaps exclusively at Kohl’s and www.kohls.com.

Let us introduce Jacob Kok

What is your name? Jacob Kok

Where did you study and when did you graduate?
I graduated from the theater design department at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie Amsterdam in 2005.

What inspires you as a designer? The human body is what made me decide to work on costumes. I'm intrigued by people's faces, very often, I'm distracted when people talk to me because all of my attention goes to their facial expressions, and how their behavior reflects their personality. Even when someone really annoys me, I find a fascination in that energy. Also, I probably should be a documentary maker, but I like fiction too much.

Who is your favorite artist? Why? Crystal Castles. Their performance consists of only a few elements and yet they manage to create a full-on, hypnotizing show. That chick that plays the role of singer has a unique talent to perform a powerful nutcase character, and the dude just creates amazing songs.


What will you present during FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2011? I will show a small collection of 5 outfits named "Being Fever Ray". I admire Fever Ray because she hides herself behind a mask, her work tells a poetic story that I can relate to. I started working like she does, by collecting symbolic elements from several primitive cultures and combining them intuitively. For now the main element I explore is the totem pole. Totem poles are often associated with idol worship but in fact only tell a story connected to the tribe that creates them. For me Fever Ray seems to be an artist that struggles with being an idol but has an urge to express herself.



Sketches of "Being Fever Ray" collection

What do you expect from the FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2011? I am looking forward to meeting so many inspirational, young designers who are going through similar experiences like me in establishing themselves. It is also extremely helpful that FASHIONCLASH takes care of the production side of things so I can focus on my work.

How did your experience with fashion started? When did you decide to be a fashion designer? I have a difficult relationship with the fashion industry because my goal has never been to start a label. Creating is something that I have been doing ever since I remember, but my work is not a proposal for real life, it's fiction. To answer the question I decided to become a designer the day I realized everything around us comes from human hands. 

What are your goals concerning your career? What are your ambitions? Where do you see yourself in the future? I would like to get involved in the music industry, in art direction for music video's and concerts.



Jacob Kok's collection presented during FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2010
Photo by Peter Stigter





Jacob Kok's collection presented during FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2010
Photo by Peter Stigter



Edited by Natalia Serwanska

Behind the Scenes of the OP Shoot featuring Glee's Chord Overstreet and Mark Salling

This behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new OP commercial has us more than ready for summer. It was shot on an old movie set, in a deserted town in Lancaster, CA and features many of our favorite young and hot actors, including Mark Salling and Chord Overstreet of Glee, Kat Graham of  The Vampire Diaries, Brenda Song of The Social Network and more. The line is available excluzively at Walmart.

White Jeans for Spring and Summer

We heart white jeans for spring and summer and this is the time of year to buy them if you want to find your size. We were surprised to see that many were already selling out at our favorite on line stores.

Hope just bought these 7 for all mankind jeans at www.lastcall.com (Neiman's outlet) and they still have plenty of sizes. It used to be you could only nab great deals in person, but now Last Call has a website.

Here are a few other pairs that caught our eyes:

These MiH Vienna Skinny Jeans would look just as good with heels as flip flops.

Wear a fitted nautical stripe shirt to top these Vince Flared Jeans.

The Rock & Republic Sofie jean will flatter everyone's back-side, even in white!

Giuliana Rancic on Bluefly

We love Giuliana Rancic and you will too after she gives you a sneak peek into her closet at E! on Bluefly's Closet Cofessions. You'll learn how much she loves sequins (like us!), why her adorable stylist, Jose Camilo, thinks she likes to dress butch, and why she wears flats when she works with Ryan Seacrest. Enjoy!

FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2011

FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2011

International and interdisciplinary fashion event

10, 11 and 12th June 2011

Take your agenda to save the date for the international fashion event 'FASHIONCLASH Maastricht'. 

Initiators and artistic team of FASHIONCLASH, Branko Popovic, Laurens Hamacher and Nawie Kuiper are busy preparing the third edition of the successful fashion event 'FASHIONCLASH Maastricht.

FASHIONCLASH Maastricht is a unique platform in particular for  'young’ and talented designers / artists to present their work to a diverse (inter) national audience. For visitors this is a unique opportunity to discover new talent, make contacts, and to be inspired by the art of fashion.

More than one hundred international talents will show their work during 'FASHIONCLASH Maastricht' from 10 to 12 June 2011. This year the event will take place in a new location, the Decor Factory of Mosa, located on the Meerssenerweg, just behind theCentral Station.

See the names of the talented Participants here: 

http://fashionclash-maastricht.blogspot.com/p/fashionclash-maastricht-2011_22.html

PROGRAM

- FASHION SHOWS

- EXPO

- ABKM FASHION SHOW

- CLASH PROJECT

- PERFORMANCE

- FASHION PROCESSION

- PARTY

- MUSIC

PARTNERS / SPONSORS / FUNDERS & FRIENDS

"FASHONCLASH Maastricht 2011' is powered by great from partners, sponsors, funders and friends, including the Province of Limburg, Gemeente Maastricht, ABK Maastricht, Toni & Guy, M.A.C Cosmetics, Sessibon Bookings, Team Peter Stigter, P-EN-M Architects, APG, VVV Maastricht, Maasmechellen Village, Drukkerij Pietermans, Soopl, Matandme, Martijn de Bloemist, Lisa Klappe.

FASHIONCLASH Fashion Procession is made possible by Limburg BV /Zicht op Maastricht and Hogeschool Zuyd. 

pictures by Peter Stigter

Rent the Runway Dress for Miami

Our Miami trip is less than three weeks away so I'm trying to decide what to wear over our two nights there. I'm thinking about having some fun and renting a dress from Rent the Runway--I always feel better in a "new" dress and I figure that way I won't have to pack much at all.

WHICH DRESS SHOULD I RENT?
I've got it narrowed down to four and I would love your thoughts about which dress to rent.

Rent the Runway Dress #1: Shoshanna Magic Carpet Ride Dress
Since it's Miami, I know I want a bright color and coral is definitely a fave this spring.

Rent the Runway Dress #2: Nicole Miller Steppin' Out Dress
I do love this body-con Nicole Miller dress, but I'm not sure that even three weeks from now I'll be far enough along in my Liquid Strength fitness challenge to be able to pull it off with confidence.

Rent the Runway Dress #3: Tibi Electric Shoulder Dress
The color of this one-shoulder dress is fab, as is the sequined detailing. I'm not sure I love the blousy waistline.

Rent the Runway Dress #4: Badgley Mischka Fifth Avenue Showstopper Dress
I love sequins possibly more than a Vegas showgirl (though not as much as Hope). My worry with this one is that I won't be tan enough to pull off the blush color.

So which one should it be? I would LOVE to hear your opinion--share in the comments below. I'll post pictures after our trip of me in the dress!

One Dress, Three Looks

The key to packing light is finding versatile pieces that can be worn in many different ways. We consider ourselves pros at this, so when Banana Republic asked JSG's Annie to style its new Olivia Silk Twist Strap dress, she was ready for the challenge:

For my first look, I wanted something casual and beach-y. This would be a great outfit to wander an outdoor market in. I'm wearing my favorite vintage cropped Gap jean jacket, Masino scarf, Naya sandals and Kate Spade bag.

I would wear this second look to dinner. I always like to have a jacket in case it's chilly inside. I get cold easily and I hate being cold! This look could also work for the office or a business meeting. I topped the Banana Republic dress off with a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg blazer and Coach high-heeled sandals.

When I'm ready to hit the town, I would lose the jacket and amp up the accessories. In addition to necklaces and bracelets, my new Kenneth Cole heels and favorite Juicy Couture sequin clutch, make the look.

The Banana Republic Olivia Silk Twist Strap dress is available at Banana Republic stores and online. 

Disclosure: Per FTC regulations, JSG has a relationship with Banana Republic.

Kunstbende Limburg 2011

13 March, regional finals of Kunstbende Limburg 2011

For the second time Branko Popovic & Nawie Kuiper of FASHIONCLASH guided the FASHION candidates with several workshops.

For the second time Ilona Simons and Sonja Nechar of Supernova will represent Limburg in the national finals of Kunstbende.
Final of Kunstbende 2011 will take place on Saturday, April 23 in the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam.

Congratulations to SUPERNOVA

Toni & Guy Maastricht were responsible for the hair styling! 
http://www.toniandguy.nl/maastricht.html

SUPERNOVA's winning collection

2nd place Winnie & Evelyn

Lotte Gulpers

3rd place Maartje & Michelle

Peter Stigter, one of the jury members

The Jury: Daisy Days, Peter Stigter
and Natasja Admiraal

Hair by Toni & Guy Maastricht
http://www.toniandguy.nl/maastricht.html