Author: Gary A

1MX Sydney Music Festival Unveils Surprise Busking Sessions with Filipino Icons

Posted on by Gary A

As Sydney basks in the vibrant rhythms of anticipation, a symphony of musical luminaries is set to grace the metropolis at the illustrious 1MX Sydney Music Festival. Elevating the city’s pulse, the likes of KZ Tandingan, Ben&Ben, Maymay Entrata, and BINI are orchestrating surprise busking sessions and making impromptu appearances at local haunts—a prelude to the grand crescendo awaiting Sydney’s cultural epicenter.

Witness the serendipity as George Street transforms into a spontaneous stage, kissed by the soulful melodies of KZ Tandingan and Maymay Entrata. In an intimate busking session, fans found themselves serenaded unexpectedly, transcending the ordinary and becoming part of a harmonious melody. But the musical odyssey doesn’t end there; Rooty Hill will witness an enthralling cultural rendezvous on October 7, as KZ, Maymay, and BINI visit Filipino culinary havens, weaving a tapestry of melodies in the heart of the community.

Raindrops may fall, but the musical spirit remains unyielding. Despite the capricious weather, the maestros—KZ, Ben&Ben, Maymay, and BINI—graced the streets of Blacktown, an unwavering testament to their dedication. Rain-soaked streets became impromptu stages, echoing the sentiment that, in the world of music, the show must go on, come rain or shine.

As the clock ticks towards October 8, The Hordern Pavilion stands poised to host a crescendo of musical enchantment. Eight concerts, commencing from noon to sundown, promise an immersive auditory experience. The Ticket Booth opens its gates at 10 am, inviting enthusiasts to an unmissable day of sonic rapture starting at 12 pm.

Immerse yourself in the captivating fusion of Filipino and Australian musical prowess at #1MXSydney. Join the luminaries—Maymay Entrata and KZ Tandingan—for a night that transcends boundaries. Beyond the stage, witness these icons exploring the vibrant Filipino community around Rooty Hill, forging genuine connections with local aficionados. On October 7, Ben & Ben will serenade Chatswood, while Milky Day and William Singe will sprinkle musical stardust along George Street through enchanting busking sessions.

For a limited time, revel in the opulence of a 50% ticket discount during the flash sale. Acquire a pair or more through this link (1MX Sydney) and be prepared to be swept away into the tapestry of musical opulence at 1MX Sydney on October 8 at the Hordern Pavilion. It’s time to turn up the volume and let the music unfurl its spellbinding allure.

Discover the Secret to Ageless Eyes: The Power of Eye Creams Unveiled

Posted on by Gary A

We often hear that the skin around our eyes is delicate and that we need to pay attention to it because it is often overlooked. However, to properly incorporate effective eye care into our routines, we first need to understand the importance of eye creams and the benefits they offer.

In this article, we will explore the importance of using an eye cream and the benefits of specific ingredients.

Understanding Eye Creams

You may be wondering why regular moisturisers are generally not suitable for the skin around your eye area and why you need to look for a specific eye cream.

Firstly, the skin around your eyes is very delicate and is actually 10x thinner than the rest of the skin on your face. Because normal moisturisers are formulated for the whole face, they can often be too ‘harsh’ and heavy for your eye area and cause irritation and build-up. In addition, regular moisturisers may lack the consistency, absorption rate, and eye-targeted ingredients to prove beneficial to the area around your eyes. This is why brands like Fresh Face Skin formulate their eye creams specifically for the delicate area around the eyes and to address the concerns that are common in this area.

Importance of Using Eye Cream

Hydration

The skin around the eyes is delicate and also lacks oil glands, making it more susceptible to dryness. Eye creams are specially formulated to provide hydration and moisture with the right consistency and absorption rate to prevent the risk of clogging the delicate pores of this area. Another benefit of moisturising eye creams is that they also help to prevent the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and eye-bags, as well-hydrated skin often appears firmer and more youthful.

Reduces the appearance of dark circles

The main factors that contribute to dark circles are genetics, lack of sleep, and poor circulation. Eye creams containing ingredients that improve puffiness, skin tone and reduce pigmentation can significantly reduce the appearance of dark circles. Again, these ingredients need to be specially formulated into an eye cream as their presence in regular moisturisers can prove to be too much for the delicate skin around your eyes.

Aids in premature ageing

The skin around your eyes can be prone to premature ageing, this could be due to constant movement of your eyes or exposure to environmental stressors. To combat this, eye creams often contain ingredients that can help improve the elasticity of the skin around your eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines, as well as containing antioxidants to help protect the area from its environment.

Reduces puffiness

We have all had puffy eyes at some point in our lives. This could be due to lack of sleep, allergies, or fluid retention, but whatever the cause, puffy eyes can make you feel self-conscious and look tired. Eye creams specifically formulated to reduce or prevent puffiness often contain ingredients that can help relax the muscles while improving circulation around the eyes, resulting in less swelling. This reduced swelling can promote a more vibrant, revitalised appearance.

Firming

As we age, the skin around our eyes can begin to lose elasticity and sag. Eye creams containing ingredients with natural firming properties can provide an immediate lifting effect, improving the firmness and tightness of the skin around the eyes and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Key Ingredients in Fresh Face Skin’s Eye Cream

NaturePep Quinoa

NaturePep Quinoa is a natural extract derived from quinoa seeds. It contains high levels of amino acids that help to nourish and brighten the skin surrounding your eyes. This ingredient works to reduce pigmentation and uneven skin tone, making it an excellent addition to eye creams that target dark circles and discolouration. This ingredient is also proven to reduce under-eye bags and puffiness by 37% after just 28 days of use, helping to reduce the appearance of tired eyes fast!

L22

L22 is a patented blend of botanical oils that replicate the lipid barrier profile of healthy, young skin. By restoring the skin’s lipid barrier, L22 helps to improve moisture retention, elasticity, and firmness, as the skin’s lipid barrier is responsible for retaining moisture and protecting against external environmental aggressors. Therefore, eye creams containing L22 can effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dryness by reducing moisture loss and protecting the overall health of the skin around your eyes.

Argireline

As mentioned above, because the skin around the eye is subject to movement and environmental factors, it can be susceptible to premature ageing and fine lines forming.

Argireline is a peptide that works to reduce muscle movement and prevent the formation of expression lines. By reducing the excessive contraction of the muscles around the eyes, Argireline helps to minimise the appearance of premature ageing symptoms such as crow’s feet and wrinkles.

Easyliance

Easyliance is a natural firming agent derived from acacia gum, which is especially beneficial for reducing puffiness around the eyes while tightening and softening fine lines. Easyliance works by forming a thin, invisible film on the skin, providing an immediate lifting and firming effect. Eye creams containing Easyliance can help reduce puffiness, tighten sagging skin, and improve the overall appearance of the eye area.

These ingredients mentioned are just some of the active ingredients found in the Fresh Face Skin Bright eyes eye cream that can target multiple concerns around your eyes that regular moisturisers cannot.

In summary, as the eye area skin is 10x thinner and is proven to age 36% faster than the rest of the face, it is important to give your eyes extra attention by incorporating an eye cream into your daily skincare routine. Eye creams are essential for maintaining the health and vitality of the delicate skin around your eyes. Brands such as Fresh Face Skin, founded by Amelia Goff, work hard to incorporate ingredients that work on multiple levels, such as minimising fine lines and wrinkles, brightening tone and reducing pigment formation, preventing puffiness, providing firming and lifting effects, and more. By investing in a quality eye cream and applying it consistently, you can maintain the vitality of the skin around your eyes, while reducing premature ageing.

FOMA 2022: Check Out All The Glitz And Glamour At The Powerhouse Museum

Posted on by Gary A

FOMA 2022 was an event not to miss. Thirty-six cultures were represented, seven exhibitions, eight ambassadors, four foreign government collaborations, six initiatives, two business growth stories, and 41 faces of FOMA.

Set in the Powerhouse Museum – it was a celebration where a live runway show and a fashion experience took place.

Amongst flashing lights, media coverage, and music – several designers and artists participated at FOMA 2022, such as BULUUY MIRRII By Colleen Tighe Johnson, Karis Zanetta The Label By Karis Zanetta Cheng, Fiji Consulate General & Trade Commission (Australia and New Zealand), The Bowerbirds by Sally Jackson, My Paloma by Founder Eliana Gamboa-Chapman, Lena Kasparian The Label by Lena Kasparian, Tatyana Anderson in Collaboration with Wendy Scully Millinery and Vivian Chan Shaw The Label. It was a great night filled with world-class fashion and entertainment.

Check out some of the photos from the event below, courtesy of Victor Hawk.

Meet The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The November 2022 Issue Of Sassy & Co: Stella Bella

Posted on by Gary A

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A serial entrepreneur, Stella Bella is currently a managing partner of Rice Remedy Group. She has built a career taking startups to multimillion-dollar success stories as a former director and the first female lead of SoGal Sydney. This venture firm is one of the largest global platforms for diverse entrepreneurs and investors. She was also a trained radiographer in Sydney until she decided to quit and buy a one-way ticket to Thailand. After some much-needed deep soul searching, she eventually decided to establish a factory that manufactures natural skin care and herbal supplements. Fast forward to today, and she has grown the business, eventually selling it for a 7-figure sum.

Stella wears many hats as an entrepreneur. She was a brand ambassador for women’s activewear and workout clothes retailer Lorna Jane. She has hosted TV shows for Tencent (the largest tech company in Asia and owner of WeChat), founded the Thailand Farmers Market, worked with Celebrity Chef Mathew Kenny consulting about Thailand Resorts, and her marketing initiatives have led to news video coverage from CNN and BBC resulting in millions of views.

Stella is currently referred to as ‘Stella Rice Girl’ – a managing partner of the Rice Remedy Group, where she manages its day-to-day operations. She’s currently pitching for a fund with Country Road. When she’s not working, she is out in nature, trekking the mountains, kayaking the oceans, getting stretchy on a yoga mat, or cooking in the kitchen.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Stella to discuss her journey in the fashion industry, and here’s what went down:

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

Word-of-mouth referral. People talk. Getting new business via referrals is easily the most profitable strategy for new business, as consumers referred by a friend are four times more likely to buy. My latest venture Rice Remedy Co. offers a monthly skincare and personal subscription. I only make 1000 kits per country per month. Have you ever purchased something just because your friend told you that you should? I know I have! So, ensuring I do everything possible to encourage my clients to recommend my product to others is vital to the growth of my business. So I am focused on top-end quality service and products that people can rave and talk about. Thus leveraging my current client base to drive referrals and grow this venture.

What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?

Facebook and Instagram were the first two social media platforms I grew up with and am familiar with. I used to joke that I stopped at one static Instagram post. However, I have to catch up with the times and am currently learning TikTok and reels.

What is your experience with paid advertising, like PPC or sponsored content campaigns? Does it work?

I made some expensive mistakes and learned some costly lessons. It can give you immediate visibility; you can target your specific market, track and have data sets to understand and know what is working and not working. Traditionally you might not, for example, retail on a brick-and-mortar; you would have these data sets. In my experience, paid advertising like PPC or sponsor campaigns allow me to test the marketing message and gives me data to make informed decisions about what is working and not working. It also allows me to set a tight budget and ad spend, which is helpful. So does it work? It depends on the KPI and your goal for doing it. You have to know your KPI and performance metrics. Marketing and sales are two different things. Marketing is about building awareness, and sales turn that viewership into profits by converting potential customers into actual customers. So you have to work out the return on the investment.

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years? Word of mouth.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

Culling my contacts and circle, setting boundaries, and saying no to things and people not aligned with my value vector. Tough when I am a nice YES girl at heart.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

Not learning financial 101, basic profit/loss statements, and balance sheets, and investing time in learning it and being the expert at it, reviewing it monthly and quarterly and knowing where there is a hole in the pocket, and coming back to the numbers. Money is energy and is like a tree. You need to understand your business financially for the tree to be healthy and reap the fruit; you need to know what it needs to grow, what nutrients, and when to water it. That’s how I see the money. Understand the nature of your business and what is required to make it grow into a healthy money tree for you.

What new business would you love to start?

I love cooking. It is like my therapy, so rice remedy co. For rice lovers, a coffee/florist/ healthy Thai street food.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Listen to my gut and not let the noise of others distract me from my inner voice.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

When all the money is taken from you, real wealth is what you have left.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Getting it done is better than perfect. If you’re not embarrassed by the first launch, you have launched too late. Ditch perfect! Do and learn; practice makes perfect.

Photo Credit: Studio 49

Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Marija Petraityte

Posted on by Gary A

Marija Petraityte was born and raised in Lithuania. For the past few years, she has been gaining her craftsmanship expertise in fashion. She has earned a sustainable fashion design AP degree from Copenhagen Design and Technology School, Denmark, and a Fashion Design BA from Vilnius Academy of Arts, Lithuania. In fashion, she enjoys exploring garment construction, forms, and textures. She mainly focuses on pattern making, experimenting, constructing prototypes, and sewing. Usually, she sees clothing as wearable sculptures – she uses garment cut lines to create natural visual fluidity. Her main inspirations come from her self-analyzation and nature forms, and she aims to create wearable but eye-catching clothing.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Marija to discuss her journey in the fashion industry, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

Since childhood, I have been interested in various creative hobbies such as drawing, embroidery, singing, and writing mini-stories or songs. Creativity made me happy; I knew I wanted to be in the arts field as a kid. When I got into art school as a teenager, I was sure I wanted to be in fashion because I saw fashion as a very versatile area. It could be created for different approaches – from ready-to-wear clothing to fashion shows/ theater or be included with other performing arts. I saw that it was my way in life.

What do you like most about being a designer?

This profession is adaptable to many subjects; in general, a designer is a creator, and this gives so much joy in daily life.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

I see that the downside is that the fashion design field is very much affected by fast fashion companies, and people don’t cherish garments anymore. In this case, people forgot the value of clothing, quality, and individuality. The whole fashion span is swift, so emerging designers usually overwork themselves.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

My graduation collection DISTANCE FROM A POINT production is the most memorable experience for now. As a recently graduated designer, I still breathe art school memories and experiences.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Everyone in the fashion field is fascinating in their own way. Usually, in this field, people are very dreamy and not afraid to tell their stories or create their visions – and these types of people are the most interesting.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

To be brave and risky sometimes, and trust in your decisions. Bravery in fashion is essential, even though I am still learning to be brave. I believe that it is necessary to have a constant conversation within yourself about what are your strong sides and what are your weaknesses. I see self-reflection and analysis as a key to becoming a successful designer.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

Luckily, yes. My family is supportive of my decision to become a fashion designer.

If you could go back in a time machine to when you were just starting, what would you do differently?

I would change nothing. Maybe I would’ve started sewing and learned to construct garments sooner. But in general, I believe it is not necessary to turn back; it is better to focus on the future.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Once, I heard a sentence, ‘Forgive everything to others that you can forgive to yourself – it is not really fashion-related advice, but life is like a web – everything is connected.

But if you focus on fashion, I think it is essential not to stand in your own way and don’t be afraid to be wrong.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

As a recent fashion graduate, I imagine creating many exciting pieces. I aim to find a way to harmonize fashion business and creativity to build interesting and fresh wearable avant-garde fashion labels in Europe.

DISTANCE FROM A POINT

My primary inspiration behind this collection is myself. In the fashion world, there is so much inspiration around us, so I wanted in this collection to listen to my voice and figure out my creative features. To do that, I restricted myself to only analyze and use my creative work as inspiration between 2018-2022. I’ve created my own tool/method for self-analysis of creative work. In short, I gather all my primary information, such as sketches, photos of garments, etc., then I analyse this information – search for creative frequency and define the design features. The research shows that designs are dominated by the interaction of flexible lines and shapes, the garment is seen as a living object, and transformations are used, such as details of the garment which can be removed or modified. Keywords: organics, structure, transformation. These features reflect in a collection DISTANCE FROM A POINT. The whole study is combined with symbols – spiral, tunnel, and vortex shapes. They represent self-exploring paths, evolution and growth of the spirit. Experiments are carried out with these forms in the creative process, the results of which are integrated directly into the constructions and cuts of the garments.

Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Mannat Gupta

Posted on by Gary A

Growing up in a place of mountains and myths, Uttarakhand, Mannat Gupta always had a keen eye for art and design. A fashion design graduate from one of the prestigious Parsons School of Design, her time in New York exposed her to diverse cultures, communities, and ideas. Her flair for creative thinking and fashion grew leaps and bounds in this metropolis. In 2019, Mannat started experimenting with colours. This led her to take her expertise in design and the business acumen she received from her family to launch her namesake label in 2020.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Mannat to discuss her journey in the fashion industry, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I started as a painter and artist in the creative field, constantly experimenting with and mixing different mediums. My mother used to be a painter, so I like to believe that I got it from her. But I was always into reading different magazines and learning about different fabrics, materials, and silhouettes (unconsciously), which also started changing my style choices. That soon led to my family and friends approaching me for advice on how they should dress, what they should wear, and what would work for their body type. In a short time, I realised that this is something that interests me, and I should explore more in this space. One thing led to another, and the next thing I knew, I had offer letters from different design universities from around the world; one of them being the Parsons School of Design, New York, which was always a dream and on top of my list and there was no looking back.

What do you like most about being a designer?

My absolute favourite part of being a fashion designer is being able to sketch my vision on paper and bring it to life. To see other people enjoy wearing it as much as I loved making it is an absolute pleasure.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

I won’t say as a fashion designer, but being in the industry and running a business sometimes curbs creativity; there are times when I want just to create conceptual pieces for a collection but cannot because we need to look at the bigger picture which is the practicality aspect of it.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

To be representing my country, through my work, at the World Fashion Exhibition 2022 in Los Angeles and make a one-of-a-kind piece of supporting their cause for this year, eradicating extreme poverty by empowering women in the African Continent and contributing to the eradication of child mortality.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I was invited by Flying Solo in New York (who I have been retailing with since last year) for their store opening. I was fortunate enough to be in New York around that time and lucky enough to meet their team and other industry insiders. Since we are a made-to-order and made-to-measure brand, all our work, sales, and conversations happen digitally. It was great to hear their feedback and views on the brand and put faces to all the names. It was wonderful just being in a room full of like-minded people.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

Being in the fashion industry for the last 2.5 years has given me a lot of exposure and various experiences. But one of the most important lessons I have learned while in it is that if you want any brand or business to work, you need to take the whole team together and keep the communication open and transparent. The team is who is bringing your vision to life.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

Yes. If it weren’t for my family, then I would have never ended up at Parsons, nor would I have been able to launch my brand. The initial funding that I received for my company was from my family. They have always believed in letting the kids follow their passion.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I never had any intentions of starting a brand initially. It was a fluke; I started experimenting with natural dyes I made at home. I loved how the dyed fabrics and patterns turned out, and I decided to turn them into a collection. I wish I had done a bit more planning and workings before launching my brand so things could have gone a bit more smoothly in the first year.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

My father once told me that “if you love what you do, then you should never stress over it. Small things will come and go. If it will not matter in a few hours or after a few days, then it is not worth wasting your time and energy on it at that moment too. Your only focus should be to work towards the bigger goal you have in life.”

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

Everyone running a business wants their brand to be a global name, and of course, I want that for my brand too. However, my current plan is to make the brand grow enough to diversify into other categories, such as menswear and, hopefully, women’s accessories in the near future.

Once the brand is profitable enough, I would like to give back to society by joining and supporting one of the causes I really believe in – providing education to underprivileged children in India (and hopefully to the other parts of the world too).

Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Gabby Lewis

Posted on by Gary A

Gabby Lewis is a fashion designer, stylist, and creative based in LA and Tokyo. She began designing a children’s clothing line called bunny & hare, affectionately inspired by her daughter. Since then, she’s expanded her career as a designer, creating her own namesake brand GaMi Lew.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Gabby to discuss her journey in the fashion industry, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I began by assisting as a stylist in 2010, which later in 2011 encouraged me to start my career as a celebrity stylist. From red carpet events to styling Fashion Editorials for magazines, I wanted to gain hands-on experience in every part of the Fashion Industry. In 2013 I started my own magazine called Thrifty Hunter. I felt as though I had stepped into another world. It was one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. Thrifty Hunter delivered 13 unforgettable issues. After the birth of my daughter in 2015, I put everything on hold to be a full-time mom and really move into motherhood. While in Japan in 2016, I felt like there was more to be done. So inspired by my daughter, I decided to create my first kids’ clothing brand, “bunny & hare.” My baby girl inspired everything I designed. I created two collections, Made In Japan, that were featured in 3 consecutive issues of Vogue magazine in 2020! In 2019 I felt the need to expand as a designer, so I took fashion design courses. From those classes, I was given the opportunity to design 2 SHEIN collections in 2021 and 2022 called “Let Them Stare!”

What do you like most about being a designer?

Being a designer allows me to create things based on my imagination and share them with others.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

The downside is many designers don’t see this industry as a form of expression. Instead, they use it as a form of competition rather than understanding others’ artistic views in fashion.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

The most memorable experience is receiving an email from Vogue Magazine asking to feature my kids’ brand in 3 consecutive issues. This is just one of many memorable experiences, but this came at the right time in my life as a reminder that you never know who’s watching you or being inspired by you’re creativity, so DON’T GIVE UP.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I have met some amazing fashion and innovative people here in Tokyo. I love how expressive they are through fashion. Sometimes you meet those individuals who give you an entire story through their style. It’s so inspiring! That’s what I love most.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

The most valuable thing I’ve learned is no matter what, you have an opportunity to be yourself and stay true to who you are. It’s okay to be original. Most importantly character/ personality and how you treat other is the most important thing anyone can do no matter what you’re doing in life.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

100%! I create and design for my husband daily. He constantly pushes me to step out of my comfort zone as a designer and see that I can do anything I set my mind to do.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I would make sure never to second guess myself.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

It doesn’t matter who doesn’t understand or who doesn’t believe what you are trying to do. If you really love it, just stick with it, and continue to do what you love.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

Just to travel around the world and continue to expand as a designer. It is creating more unique and couture designs that can inspire the world.

Introducing The Brand Behind The Cover Of The July 2022 Issue Of Sassy & Co: Rootless Fashion & Accessories

Posted on by Gary A

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Based out of Germany, the concept behind Rootless Fashion & Accessories was established in 2012 when Thorsten Weingaertner, its founder and CEO, decided to create a brand that seamlessly blends his love for the outdoors and stylish utility. He wanted to establish a connection between outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, and fashion enthusiasts. Although he was running a premium camper manufacturing company at the time, fashion has always been at the back of his mind since he has always been very enthusiastic about fashion. When the idea of ​​starting a fashion label eventually entered his mind back in 2012, he decided to go with his gut and instincts and pursue his passion for fashion, and thus, Rootless Clothing was born.

Rootless has become synonymous with the effortlessly cool men and women who need to maintain an athletic yet wearable wardrobe that can drive an unconventional lifestyle full of adventure with a hint of attitude. Their debut collection, “Rules Breed Rebels,” carries a new millennium of urban wear for everyday men and women with an emphasis on slick and purposeful design. Rootless designs are ones that make a statement through a monochromatic swath of essential pieces that can work well together on stage, on the streets, or even in the mountains to flatter and empower their clients. It caters to men and women who showcase effortless style – very slick… and very cool! The brand also supplies striking gear like gym bags, watches, and even shoes, along with fantastic threadwork to support the client’s next conquest.

Born in Germany in 1988, Thorsten is a fashion enthusiast who combines the best materials in his creations at the most reasonable price – creating a timeless approach to urban wear distinguished by compelling threadwork, luxurious materials, and couture-quality attention to detail. He is poised to change the perception of urban wear into something truly unique and irresistible. Rootless also aims to champion freedom seekers who inhabit unique quarters of society, driven by a passion for fashion and a need to defy archaic systems.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Thorsten to discuss Rootless and here’s what went down:

Please tell us your full name and something about yourself.

My name is Thorsten Weingaertner; I was born in 1988 in Germany and am the CEO of Rootless Fashion & Accessories (www.rootless.fashion). I’m a fashion enthusiast and lover. I love designing clothes with my team and then bringing the designs to life! “Rules Breed Rebels” is not just a collection name; it’s actually a lifestyle.

How did you get started with Rootless Fashion & Accessories?

My team and I actually came from two completely different directions before Rootless was born. We ran an individual premium camper manufacturing company that can convert vehicles individually at the customer’s request. Fashion has accompanied me for years because I am personally very enthusiastic about fashion. However, the idea of ​​a fashion label as a second mainstay came up quite early after founding the first company in 2012. Since then, we have been designing and building the brand. Last year we decided to finally launch the brand and get started. We wanted to create a connection between outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, and fashion enthusiasts. All this is paired with premium quality, understatement, and rebellious design. In addition, there is also our extensive range of accessories, which are always designed to match our fashion. Rootless is rebellious/new/black & white/stylish, made of the highest quality at a reasonable price. Our debut collection, “Rules Breed Rebels,” definitely reflects these characteristics. We are here to shake up the fashion industry and make a statement!

What do you want to achieve personally with your brand?

Just like any other entrepreneur, I want to establish a successful company that will not only revolutionize the fashion industry but also gives our customers a lot of satisfaction. We want our customers to be happy and satisfied with our products so they will always keep coming back for more.

What is the industry doing right?

The industry is now doing some things right. It’s not just about size zero now; it’s about fashion for everyone. In my opinion, moving away from fast fashion is very important. Customers are giving more importance to quality, and the industry is adjusting quite well accordingly.

What has been the biggest hurdle you have faced as a fashion brand?

I think that’s essentially the reach of being known as a brand. Especially as a start-up, there is often a lack of funds to finance this reach. Magazines/influencers are usually too expensive, so the road to getting to the right people is quite rocky. However, I think you can achieve a lot if you have the time and enthusiasm. In my case, I have never given up on my vision and belief in my products, so we have been able to land amazing collaborations moving forward.

What steps is your brand making to ensure the process is as high-quality as possible?

Compare-Compare-Compare! First, the manufacturer is important. Because if your manufacturer is no good, you are often left with empty promises. Secondly, comparing and studying other manufacturers is the best way to get the best fabrics and the best possible quality. We have had countless samples created by numerous manufacturers to ensure the quality of our products and get the best possible result for our customers.

As you see it, what are the main issues in the fashion industry today, and how does your brand subvert them?

A lot is going towards completely overpriced or, in return, too cheap fast fashion. We had to find a good middle ground in order to be able to offer our customers the highest quality at an affordable price. I think we managed this quite well with Rootless.

What are you most excited about for the future of fashion, and where do you see it headed?

I’m very excited about the about-face required for fashion for everyone! Furthermore, we are already working with 3D models and videos, which could be of interest for our own NFT’s in the Metaverse in the future. There is a very clear trend in this direction, which is why many VIPS and large manufacturers are jumping on this bandwagon.

What advice would you give to those wanting to start a fashion brand?

Do your research down to the smallest detail. Don’t just run at it. Check the market for what is needed and what is not. Where are the trends heading, and above all, plan everything in advance, so you know what budget is required. Figure out how to reach your customers etc. Lastly, be informed, be hungry and never give up!

What are your future goals for your brand and fashion in its entirety?

As I also mentioned above – we want to offer high fashion to everyone, grow steadily and, above all, keep surprising our customers with new ideas, new items of clothing, and accessories.

Emerging Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented XZOUIX

Posted on by Gary A

XZOUIX was born behind the Iron Curtain in 1986, in a country of Czechoslovakia deformed by normalization and visually molded by functionalism. From an early age, she observed her surroundings from a safe distance, curiously watching the world with wonder until she decided to shape it. Her love for nature and design has led her to become a fashion designer specializing in zero-waste design. XZOUIX is not only a person; it’s also a product resulting from the work of XZOUIX. It’s a garment or an object in which a zero-waste design principle merges with a juxtaposition of asymmetry and symmetry, deconstruction, and minimalism. It’s a human, and it’s a thing, and it’s a mood. 

It’s a long coat or a dress that flows around your body in a certain way and a mood that comes with it. It is just as particular as elegance of darkness, aesthetics of brutalism and transparence of functionalism. Watch it move. Let the garment whisper and flow. And follow along.

XZOUIX resides in private collections and wardrobes across the world. It has been shown in a number of national and international events, fashion shows, competitions, and exhibitions like Designblok in Prague, Czech Republic; Aspen AIDS benefit fashion show in Telluride, Colorado and at the international Arts of Fashion Symposium in San Francisco, California.

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with XZOUIX to discuss her journey in the fashion industry and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry? 

I studied fashion design at the School of Applied Arts in Ruzomberok. They taught me everything about the garment-making process, from r&d through garment construction to perfectly tailored custom garments. Later on, I continued my studies at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, where I got my Master of Arts degree. 

What do you like most about being a designer? 

The creative freedom.

Downside to being a fashion designer? 

My brain is always in work mode. XZOUIX is a one-woman operation, which means I do everything from design and product development to sewing and post-production, including photography, website, and even marketing by myself, so going to sleep or taking a weekend off is often unthinkable. I am still learning to master the work/life balance and take a pause when I need it because I like what I do, and I always get inspired. My teachers used to say that my mind is a river. 

The inspiration just never stops coming.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

Having the opportunity to travel around the world to show my fashion collections and seeing happy customers wearing my designs with confidence, beautifully matched with a smile on their faces.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

People who love their work; the ones that are willing to pass the knowledge and share their creative drive. I love and admire that kind of energy because it makes sense and inspires me always to be moving forward.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

No deadline is too tight. I learned always to take chances and never pass the opportunity to learn something new.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

I can’t say they are supportive, but they are definitely patient. 

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Nothing, really. However, I would tell myself to follow my instinct and learn to recognize which idea is worth investing in and when to quit and move on to a fresh start. With the constant flow of inspiration that I have, no sheet of paper stays blank for too long anyway.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Learn to say “no.”

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I am slowly transitioning from avant-garde fashion to designing functional clothing for motorcyclists. The paths we take in our careers rarely go smooth and straight as planned, but with open eyes and an “always inspired” attitude, even an unexpected detour on the road to the imaginary top can become an adventure with the potential to change our perspective forever. And in my case, keeping my eyes and mind open led to changing my career’s destination from shiny fashion runways to well-weathered back roads discovered on two wheels. 

I used to tell myself I should keep a distance between my design work and my other passions. Now that I’ve outgrown my teenage ambitions of unbound creativity and came to understand that my personal life and my work are always going to blend into one, I decided that the motorcyclist in me should be given more space to express herself more freely. I allowed myself to start building a second brand that will cater to the community I feel I belong to. And what better way to spend more time among motorcycles and like-minded people than creating protective gear for motorcycle riders? 

I had already found true meaning in recycling fabrics and leather, so with this, I am allowing myself to truly put my effort into something bigger than the need to create. Caring about the motorcyclist’s safety and at the same time giving a second (or third) life to leather means so much more!

 A “good design” is well thought out and leaves no negative environmental trace when it’s done. That is why XZOUIX aims to follow a “zero waste” design path. And yes, I know that leather = murder. Just let me explain why leather at XZOUIX matters and, in fact, the purpose driving XZOUIX forward. Leather at XZOUIX is strictly salvaged leather. It is either manually recycled leather or leftover leather, donated to me as a gesture of support from people who know my work. Animals shouldn’t be “raised” only to serve the purpose of becoming pieces of mass-produced clothing, be it fashion garments or functional clothing such as motorcycle jackets, etc. 

Recycling materials like abandoned leather is an idea that goes beyond a creative need and design love; it is what gives a sense to what I do. Over the years, I worked with different materials and media, but only recycling fabrics, particularly leather, gave me a deeper sense of purpose. We all need a purpose, especially when it comes to work. If I learned something from the world we live in, caring about the world we live in should correspond with creating the world we live in. I believe that whenever I save at least a few animals or a piece of cow by lowering the demand for new material, I help create a better and more lively environment. This is my purpose and a trace I want to leave. 

Emerging Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Mathilde Lhomme

Posted on by Gary A

Mathilde Lhomme is a small-town girl with big dreams.

After studying sewing and costume history, she left her suitcases in Paris and started working at the age of 19 for the Moulin Rouge workshop; this led her through the world of haute couture on the catwalks. Passionate about the world of haute couture and cabaret, she mixed these two forces to create an original, solid, and feminine fashion. For her, fashion is a real state of mind, art, and she’s convinced that a garment is so much more which can impact the person who wears it.

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Mathilde to discuss her journey in the fashion world, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I always knew I wanted to do this job before I even figured out what it was. I was drawing all the clothes I saw on TV and in magazines. I was doing fashion shows with my barbies /dolls, and I was very invested in my looks at school and carefully chose each of my clothes.

After my degree, I entered this professional field as a « petite main » (hand sewing) to help with the extra work before Fashion week. I was then 20 years old when I first worked on the catwalks of Chanel, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, and many others.

What do you like most about being a designer?

This work brings together all my passions, drawing, fashion, and sewing. I like it most because it constantly develops my creativity, and even if the job remains the same, it’s an eternal restart, each time you have to reinvent yourself and create a new theme, new shape, new fabrics. I like to develop a new universe each time to learn more and more about this profession, to surpass myself.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

It is a ruthless profession. There is very little room for a lot of talent. I want to develop this elitist side and make fashion more accessible to everyone. We do not all have the same emphasis, and some people work a lifetime without ever having gratitude.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

My best memory will forever be my very first fashion show as a designer. In less than two months, I had to draw and sew my own collection for the final of the national competition for young designers in Paris.

I lived in a tiny apartment; there was fabric everywhere! On the floor, in my kitchen, on my bed. I fell asleep while working and then continued when I woke up.

I was surrounded by all the people I loved, and I was doing everything I fought for the first time. It was one of the happiest days of my life. For the first time, I had chosen everything down to the smallest detail, the music, the models, the hairstyles; for a day, I lived in my biggest dream.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I haven’t really spoken to him, but I have been very inspired by the work of Jean Paul Gaultier from a very young age. I had the honor of working on one of his fashion shows. I was able to discover how this humble genius of great kindness spread love and happiness wherever he went. It is the fashion that I want to see and that inspires me. He proves to us that we can be successful by being a nice person.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

Ten thousand hours of work to excel in a discipline takes us from novice status to expert. Since that day, I have never stopped, and I don’t count my hours anymore. And above all, that nothing is impossible with work and passion.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

My family has been my biggest supporter! They have always encouraged me to make my dreams come true.

I told my parents that I wanted to be a stylist when I was 10; I think, since that day, they have done everything to help me. They took me shopping; I helped pick out the clothes for the whole family. My mother would print me fashion articles and stylist stories she found on the internet. They helped me find the studies that suited me and then helped me settle in Paris. And they’re always there to share my successes and help keep me hopeful. They always believed in me; that’s where my determination comes from.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

If I could go back to that time and give myself some advice, I would tell myself to stop thinking too much and just go for it! And above all, believe in yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice anyone has given me is that no one will do things for me, no one will come and push me, no one will go and do my work. No one will come and give me the job of my dreams. It’s up to you to do everything, create your own opportunities, and get started. It’s up to you to prove that you deserve your place.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I have always dreamed of having my own brand, this is the next step for me. I’m working on it, and I can’t wait to offer my vision of fashion, develop my own identity by mixing fashion and show intended for those who want to be the main character of their lives, celebrating differences and boldness.