Wear It’s At: Dreaming of Coachella, Part 1

It’s the time of year, again. Fashion girls everywhere who aren’t able to attend Coachella are going through serious spells of FOMO, and dressing in their best Coachella-inspired outfits while scrolling through images of all the celebrities and stylish attendees dancing at the most chic festival around town. Or, maybe that’s just me... Anyway. Dressing for Coachella is relatively easy because you have to look effortless. Also, Indio, CA is hot this time of the year, so the less you wear, the better - unless it's raining, then rain boots and a poncho will do the trick, but that's another post! 

1. Dreamy Crochet Lace Bustier $15, Forever 21, metro Detroit locations.

2. Adirondack Short Overalls $118, Madewell, 248.643.4029.

3. Island Falls Flower Crown $20, UrbanOutiffters, metro Detroit locations.

4. Ray-Ban Sunglasses, RB3025 62 Aviator, $160, Macy’s, metro Detroit locations.

5. Free People Cypress Suede Leather Sandal $128, Nordstrom, metro Detroit locations.

6. Shoulder Bag $13, H&M, metro Detroit locations.

Local Designer Series: Designer Moves Back to Michigan to Create and Grow Left-Handed Branded

Scott Tallenger, designer of Left-Handed Branded, is a man who wears many hats, and has left New York to get back to Michigan to wear them! He is self-described as a left-handed, right-brained designer, photographer and skateboarder. Everything from womenswear and menswear, to eclectic film-inspired jewelry fills his collection, and it’s colorful, bold and fun – just as we would imagine his personality to be.

DG3: Tell us about yourself, Scott.

Scott Tallenger: Scott Tallenger aka “The Marquis De Guac,” “Scotty Avocado,” and “Scottstradamus” is a Left-Handed, Right Brained, Resourceful Human (but an HR Nightmare), Digital Immigrant, Retrosexual, Photographer, Skateboarder, Fashion Designer and all around idea guy.

DG3: Tell us about Left-Handed Branded.

ST: Left-Handed Branded is my new name after re-branding in 2015. Short version, I named it after my dominant left hand, which has been a source of inspiration and discrimination my entire life. It is my new umbrella to house all the ideas I am currently developing.

DG3: Why use natural fibers and up-cycled materials?

ST: This combination goes back to my days in Fashion College. I use natural fibers because they are the strongest and most breathable, and my interest in up-cycled materials was originally born out of poverty. I started using them in an Experimental Design Class and never stopped. I was working a lot of Film Production jobs at the time and started collecting film off of cutting room floors. When we had to choose a non-traditional fiber to make a fabric, I chose film. The result was my “Tribute To Norma Desmond Gown.” Over the years, I have expanded the use of 35 mm film into accessories for fashion, and for the home.  Thirty five mm film makes a beautiful window treatment; I call it Modern Stained Glass.

DG3: Where do you sell the collection?

ST: When I was in New York I sold my products at The Shoppe BX, The Artist Market NYC and my 35 mm film bracelets at The Sundance Film Festival. My Michigan marketing has been largely word of mouth from happy customers, but I am currently working on my new website for Left-Handed Branded. If you go please be patient with me, as it is still in the beginning stages, but it IS live! I do have a lot of content yet to upload.

DG3: There seems to be a good amount of clothing/accessory collections being made in Hamtramck. What do you think draws people to that area?

ST: My girlfriend and I were both being priced out of our neighborhoods at the same time last year and we wanted to get under one roof. I grew up here, but I had to sell a New Yorker on Michigan. When I would bring her home with me for family visits, we would always stay with my good friends in Hamtramck. We loved their house and yard, and as luck would have it, when we were looking to move they had just bought the house next door to them and were looking for tenants – the stars aligned. Having been back for 10 months now, I can say personally that I love the international community in which we now live. New York City is still a melting pot, but an expensive one. When they started calling my old neighborhood in the South Bronx “SoBro,” I got out!

DG3: What do you find to be the most inspiring thing about Detroit?

ST: The support for start-ups and small businesses right now is enough to keep me here alone. I was only in New York for six years, but a lot has happened here while I was away, and I am just happy to be back and a part of the change.  Between Entrepreneur Week and just the event programming of The Build Institute alone, I have stayed busy. I am starting the Build Basics Entrepreneurship Program in April.

DG3: Can you give three pieces of advice about starting a clothing collection? 

ST: I have not manufactured clothing since I lived in Los Angeles, and all my productions there were small and self-funded.

1.  Know how to make your own patterns, sew your own samples, etc. People will take you more seriously if you know your shit. I would have never gotten my manufacturer had I not made my own patterns (She told me that!). 

2.  Study what Flint and Tinder has done using crowd-funded Kickstarter campaigns for clothing production.

3.  Find an investor. Easier said than done, but if you meet one looking for talent let me know.

DG3:  Describe your style:

ST: Retrosexual – I design and make all my own pants that are pretty modern, but I like to mix them with vintage shirts, jackets, and accessories. 

DG3: How do you take your coffee?

ST: Light and sweet.

DG3: Menswear trend for women, or the skirts (a la Marc Jacobs) for men?

ST: The menswear trend for women pants down. But I do love Marc Jacobs.

DG3: Karl Lagerfeld or Tom Ford?

ST: Tom Ford

On The Town: Women Entrepreneurs Revitalizing America

Held at the Renaissance Center, the National Women’s Business Council had a quarterly public board meeting yesterday and DG3, along with other local businesswomen and entrepreneurs, was in attendance. The meeting was informative and empowering, and we learned about all they have been doing for women in the workplace, along with hearing a couple of inspiring stories of women helping women right here in Detroit.

Changing government policies to help women secure funding easily, increasing the number of women making investment decisions and improving outreach efforts to find women entrepreneurs are just a few of the many things they have and are hoping to accomplish. Through the council’s efforts and research, they have found that women are doing more than ever before.

“Another great thing that the council of research determined is that the number of patents obtained by women in the U.S. is equal to men,” said Teresa Nelson, board member, Professor at Simmons College School of Management and Director of the Entrepreneurship Program.

Below are a few quick stats from the NWBC:

1.    The U.S. has over 7.8 million women-owned businesses, earning $1.2 trillion in annual r receipts.

2.    An overwhelming 88.2% of these firms have no employees other than the owner, and 11.8% employ over 7.5 million people and have annual median receipts of $210,000.

3.    Women-owned businesses account for 29.6% of all business and 17.5% of business and 20.2% of business with employees.

4.    The economic impact of women-owned businesses have been estimated at $2.8 trillion, and more than 23 million jobs.

In the next year, the NWBC hopes to engage more entrepreneurship ecosystem stakeholders in the dialogue and the solutions. These stakeholders include policy makers, leaders, media and other influencers in the public, private and academic sectors.

The NWBC is a non-partisan federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Congress, and the White House on issues of impact. For more information, and to get access to some of the toolkits they have created for women business owners, visit www.nwbc.gov.

Oh, Shop It: The First Day of Spring Brings a Lush Gazebo Garden and New Garden Loft Store to the Somerset Collection

Celebrate the new season with the Somerset Collection at its North Grand Court Garden, opening on the first day of spring. The North Grand Court will be transformed to welcome the Easter Bunny’s arrival to a picturesque gazebo garden, and to celebrate the opening of Garden Loft, a curated collection of spring-themed merchandise from Somerset retailers.

The Spring Gazebo Garden features three stunning architectural gazebos with three complimentary spring gardens. Each gazebo will have a distinct design with fashion vignettes and beautiful surrounding landscape. One great feature of the Spring Gazebo Garden is the Lego Gazebo, where kids of all ages can play in the gazebo on the Lego table while they wait for a picture with the Easter Bunny.

A trip to see the Easter Bunny at The Somerset Collection is a magical experience. Not only will kids get their picture taken, but they will receive a tote bag with five colorful eggs filled with coins that represent a dollar being donated to the S.A.Y. Detroit Family Medical Clinic. Kids are encouraged to throw the coins collected in the fountain, and then the eggs can be taken to Hallmark, Sweet Factory, Haagen Dazs and Starbucks North to collect special complimentary Easter treats.

Don’t forget to stop into the Somerset Garden Loft, a pop-up shop featuring a curated collection of springtime inspired fashion, accessories and home goods from Somerset retailers. Aveda, Detroit Shoppe, Fossil, Lucky Brand Jeans, Pottery Barn, Sur La Table, Vera Bradley are just a few of the many retailers that will be on display at the Garden Loft.

The Somerset Collection North is located at 2800 W Big Beaver Rd., in Troy.

Industry Spotlight: The Fashion World Revolves Around Models and, in Detroit, RGA Model Management is at the Center of it All

RGA Model Management is a boutique agency that provides premium talent and focuses on all aspects of modeling, representing both men and women, and it was started by former model Renee Godin. Wanting to be the agent she never had, Renee nurtures her talent to be the most skilled models they can be. When you’re out at a fashion event, you can always spot an RGA model because they are the best of the best. Yes, modeling is glamorous, but it is also hard work full of preparation, late nights and early mornings (depending on the gig), and having to look fresh and be prepared for it all. We were lucky enough to speak with Renee to learn about what it takes to be a model, and to get a sneak peek into her day-to-day life. Aspiring models and anyone looking to book a model, this interview is a must-read.

DG3: Tell us about yourself, Renee?

Renee Godin: I'm a fun loving, social butterfly who loves fashion, and can't resist a good sale! I've been married to my sassy, handsome husband Scott Ferguson for almost 13 years. I work a lot. Even when I'm playing, there's some element of work involved; it's because I really love what I do! When I do get a spare minute (and my closet doesn't need rearranging), I love to paint. The works of Gustav Klimt, Picasso, and Erte' inspire me. My home is decorated with my versions of some of their work.

DG3: How long has RGA Model Management been around and why did you want to start it?

RG: RGA started in October of 2005. Having been an Auto Show, print and runway model for 20 years, I was tired of the travel so decided to launch my own business. I wanted to start a modeling agency because modeling is the only work I'd ever done, and I knew it like the back of my hand. I wanted to be the agent I never had as a model; one who not only mentored a model, but molded a young person's character instilling a good work ethic and guiding a career. I think I've become that to my talent, but you'd have to ask them!

DG3: Tell me about a day in the life of Renee Godin at RGA Model Management?

RG: My cat, Dean Martin, usually wakes me up around 7 a.m. After having two cups of coffee, feeding Dean Martin, sending my husband off to work and going through the mail I head off to work myself getting in around 10. Depending on the event we have going on, my work day consists of booking talent, organizing schedules, meeting with clients, attending castings, popping in on photo shoots and attending fashion shows. There also may be a surprise runway appearance! At my last Carson's Trendevous Show, one of my models was sick and didn't show up. They asked me to take her place, as we were the same size. I was nervous at first, not having worked a runway in years, but it's true, modeling is like riding a bike - you never forget!

DG3: So, someone wants to be a model. What do they need to do to do before coming to see you?

RG: First things first, regardless what you want to be, always be prepared!

I'm constantly telling my girls, there's nothing more beautiful than confidence!, and feeling prepared gives you confidence. So yes, you should come prepared. When an aspiring model meets with my team and me for the first time, they are basically interviewing for a job. Do they have what it takes? It's so much more than being 5'10" tall and having 35-inch hips. Modeling is an attitude; it's a way of life. You have to own it and really want it. I can spot a young girl coming to RGA for a first time meeting who's doing this because "it's her Mother's dream" from a mile away! Come looking your best, bring or wear high-heeled shoes that you are comfortable walking in (because you will be asked to strut your stuff!), and make sure your hair and makeup is neutral and polished. It will show me how you're going to show up if I send you to a casting. Above all, don't give me any excuses, and spare me the drama.

DG3: Do you have a list of things you give to your models that they should all have to take to photo shoots?

RG: Depending on the type of photo shoot, a professional model always arrives with her "Model's Bag," in it are all of the essentials she could need during the day including; hair and makeup tools (for touch ups if their hair and makeup isn't being professionally done) and basic undergarments including nude strapless bra, nude thong, a makeup net or scarf to put over your face and hair so you don't get makeup on the designer clothing during quick changes. Depending on the season, models may need a few pairs of tights. A nice wardrobe of shoes is always helpful, too; black and nude pumps, and strappy evening sandals are a must.

DG3: What are some of the local and national opportunities for RGA models?

RG: RGA provides fashion models for all of the top retail stores, we not only provide the models, but we also organize the dressers, stylists, senders, and all aspects of production of the show from lighting to music, chairs to staging. We are a turnkey fashion production company. Our models can be seen gracing the pages (and covers!) of some of Detroit's elite publications, hosting the who's-who of parties and doing trade show work across the country.

DG3: What's the best advice you would give to an aspiring model?

RG: Don't try to be anyone but yourself... it will show.

DG3: What has been the most rewarding experience having your own model management agency?

RG: I love getting thank you notes and emails from talent of whom I have made a difference in their life. Nothin' better than that!

DG3: Describe your style.

RG: Old Hollywood Glamour.

DG3: How do you take your coffee?

RG: Strong with double cream.

DG3: Karlie Kloss or Cara Delevingne?

RG: Cara Delevingne. She's a triple threat; model, singer and actress. I love it when women are multi-faceted. And, with Joan Collins as a Godmother, she's got to have some spunk!

DG3: Vogue or Harper's Bazaar?

RG: Vogue. Don't mess with Anna Wintour... and don't mess with me!