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Ladies’ Email

Check out this week’s ladies’ email for promo codes, new arrivals, brand features, and other goings on at Karmaloop.

M.I.S.S. Presents “A Woman’s Work”

Rosie the Riveter is a symbol of a woman’s role in the workforce during World War II.  She epitomizes the dichotomy of a woman torn between asserting herself in the workplace and remaining beautiful and feminine at the same time.  Clearly this wasn’t just an issue for women in the 1940’s.  Modern girls are told that they can have it all, but if you’re a strong successful woman, is it still acceptable to be into makeup and clothes?  YES.  The ladies of women’s online magazine, M.I.S.S., have definitely mastered this balance. M.I.S.S.  has collaborated with  Australian print mag, Hell Yeah, on the cover spread for its second issue. “A Woman’s Work” channels Pop Art. icons like Rosie, and features Karmaloop brands, Dimepiece Designs, Doc Martens, and Hellz Bellz.  The work wear-inspired clothing was combined with fun and feminine pieces for the shoot, creating a modern take on the 40’s pin-up look.  Check out the cover on M.I.S.S., and check out The In and Out Tee and The HBIC Tank Dress in White featured above!

Interview with Insight’s Laura May

Welcome to the world of Insight:  hot Australian surfer boys, free-spirited beach babes, and fashion that is both edgy and wearable.  Sound like fun?  Yeah we thought so.  The label’s Womenswear Head Designer, Laura May, may seem like your average care free hippie chick on the outside, but this career-driven designer is only 25 and already has her “dream job”.    Our friends at Insight sent us this interview conducted by TheRivaled.com (an ill blog; if you aren’t already up on it, check it out!)  so we could gain some “insight” (haha get it?  No?) into what inspires Laura May.  Enjoy!

(Click here to get The Grapefull Tank in White pictured above!)

Laura, thanks for taking the time to speak with us! Hows everything?

Hey, life’s great. I’m in London. We’ve just finished our Spring/Summer Range releases in the US & Europe. The collections were received really well, but it’s been a crazy few weeks of long flights, little sleep, presentations and partying! So it’s nice to have some time now just to hang out and get inspired.

For those not familiar with Laura May/Insight, can you tell us a bit about yourself and
your design background?

I joined the Insight family just under a year ago and am now the Womenswear Head Designer. But it’s very much a team effort over here. I work with a bunch of insanely talented artists and fashion peeps that make it all possible! Prior to Insight, I spent 6 years working for a bunch of Sydney labels in various roles across design, production, sales, styling & trend consulting. I’ve always been interested in the whole process, and having such varied experience opened many doors for me.

I landed my first assistant role at 18, only a few months short of finishing my first year of fashion study. I have learned most of what I know from the incredible people I’ve worked with. I’ve also spent a lot of time travelling and taking time out for courses and internships in Paris, New York & London. These experiences have really shaped me as a designer. I’m now 25 and have my dream job, so I’m stoked.

How did you link up with Insight?

(Click here for The Pink Floyd One Piece in Soft Pink)

I was consulting for Ksubi when George asked me to do some work for his other label, Insight. A week later I was in Bangkok & Tokyo on a sourcing trip, and a few months later I was offered the role of designer.

What would you say differentiates Insight from similar labels on the market?

Our art. Our vibe. Our history. At Insight’s core is surf, skate, art & fashion. Mash it all together and you have a lifestyle. If you work here you more than likely live – eat – breathe what the brands
about. And that comes across in our product, our marketing, our parties. Everything we do. It’s an approach to life. People get it. It’s real. That’s what it feels like to me anyway.

Is the brand a personal reflection of your style?

Definitely. As I said, you need to live it to work here. That’s what keeps you going season after season. When your creating stuff you’re genuinely passionate about people will believe in it too. As for my style, you’ll notice a new direction come through for Spring ’11. It’s the first collection I worked on, and I feel it’s a good representation of who the Insight girl is. At the end of the day I’m designing clothes I want to wear.. my friends want to wear… and what I think like-minded girls want to wear. Also, I’m trying to design pieces that stand out from all the boring, repetitive stuff on the market.

What can we expect from the Summer season and looking forward to Fall/Winter?

Spring is a mash up of military derangement and early 90’s grunge, taken down the road less traveled. The Summer component introduces a 70’s beach bohemia with a rebellious undertone. In other words, loads of cool band inspired art, beautiful floral, paisley, animal & watercolour prints, trashed pre-loved basics & experimental knitwear teamed back with printed, distressed & dyed denim. The looks are layered, and we’ve paid attention to all the finer details of fabrication, wash, dye & subtle finishing’s. Each piece feels worn, loved and like it has story to tell.

As for Fall / Winter, it’s taken on a vibe of it’s own. But you’ll have to stay tuned because it’s too early to give anything away!

Insight is quite an eclectic label, what kind of surprises can be expect moving into
2011?

There’s not too much I can say without ruining the surprise. But I can reveal there’s a pretty sick campaign you can look forward to. It involves Warhol-esque factory parties, bathtubs, hot chicks, team riders, exotic locations and projections!

Insight is involved in other projects away from fashion, including art shows and music events. Can you tell us the importance of bridging the gap between those initiatives and the apparel side of things?

Fashion – music – art – they all feed off each other. You can’t have one without the other. It’s what drives this label. Insight really is just a bunch of super creative, like-minded people who live & breathe the arts. So having these external collaborations and projects is only natural. It’s also only natural our fashion lines are then influenced by these initiatives, and vice versa.

What is your favorite part of designing?

I love the early days of conceptualizing a collection. From the moment we leave on our inspiration trips, to the weeks of traveling, sourcing, sketching, dreaming and brain-jamming with the team that follows! There are no boundaries at this stage. You can completely indulge in all things creative. This is what I love most.

What is your favorite travel destination?

New York. I want to live there one day.

Any particular designers/brands that you look up to?

I went to the Maison Martin Margiela ‘20’ Exhibition in London this week. It was a really in-depth look at the concepts and themes behind the house’s last 20 years work. For an incredible few hours I was completely immersed in the MMM world. This radically conceptual label reminded me of why I’m in fashion, and what I want to achieve. I left inspired.

Any last words?

Nice chatting, you’re mag looks rad!

Karmaloop x Toyota Antics Present: Passion Pit, Bad Rabbits, Hot Pink Delorean and DJ Red Foxx

‘Sup Boston? Cancel those plans you’ve got penciled for this Saturday night, ‘cuz Karmaloop and Toyota Antics are bringing you something better!  How does free entree to Passion Pit, the Bad Rabbits, Hot Pink Delorean and Red Foxx sound? Dope? Yeah, that’s what I thought!  The party starts at 8 pm with FREE beer and BBQ, so show up early!  Don’t forget, you must be 21+ to attend! RSVP here!

Where: The Artists for Humanity Center (100 W. 2nd St, Boston MA 02127)

When: Saturday 7/24 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

Killer Heels

I recently read an article in Vogue which claimed that this fall, fashion mavens are discarding their biker chic duds in exchange for more subtle and “grown up” pieces. I’m not really sure I’m buying it…the runway has been chock full of  ferocious frippery, like these dangerous beauties by Ruthie Davis, which have inspired more accessible brands like Sam Edelman to create their own versions of the spiny shoe.  What say you to that, Anna Wintour?

MOB Fall Lookbook

The MOB fall collection preview is here! Word.

Hands Off?

More like hands on! In Dimepiece Designs, these femme fatale’s show that they see nothing wrong with a lil’ bump and grind, baby! Kristin Cavallari flaunts the ever risque Mesh Hands Crop Top as a bathing suit cover-up…the perfect way to spice up that simple black two-piece! Both Katy Perry and Amber Rose kill it in the Hold Me Tight Dress. Both kept the audience’s attention on this edgy minidress by keeping accessories minimal and sweet. Who do YOU think wore it better?? While you scratch your head and ponder, don’t forget to cop these one-of-a-kind pieces for yourselves!

A Seussy new shoe, oh yes it’s true

Who didn’t love Dr. Seuss?? From that crazy destructive cat in a hat, to an elephant with impeccable hearing, a Christmas Grinch, and some unusual green cuisine; he  filled our childhoods and our imaginations with all things weird and wild. Good news for all you crazy Seuss-heads, Karmaloop brand Converse has just released the “best of the doctor’s rhymes and clues on shoes that come in twos”. The collection features looks for babies, kids and adults. Hop on the Seuss caboose and pair your shoes with these colorful picks from Karmaloop!

The Multi Stripe Dress by *NYC Boutique, the Gabriela Dress by Motel, and the Remember to Forget Dress by Blaque Label.

The Too Hot Leggings by Hellz Bellz, the Zipper Bow Headband by *The Extras, and the Luscious Tease Sweater by Luxirie.

Lisa thinks she’s hot shit cause she’s a sociopath

Welcome to Claymoore, a private mental institution housing the unbalanced and interrupted characters of Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Brittany Murphy and Clea DuVall. Although the film is a bit of an emotional roller-coaster it’s fascinatingly entertaining. One of the most memorable characters is the wildly unpredictable Lisa. Give in to your crazy side and cop her trouble making look. Clockwise : The Gray Cloud Skinny Jean by Free People, the Candid Belt by Nixon,  the 237 Sunglasses by Cazal,  and the Deep V Pocket Tee by Alternative Apparel. 

Street Style: Jennifer

Jennifer is the newest member of Karmaloop’s latest endeavor, PLNDR.com. Check her out in a rockin’ summer look, featuring brands such as Joyrich, Tripp NYC and Sam Edelman.

Here is what she’s wearing:

Sunglasses: The 55m Large Aviator Sunglasses in Light Blue by Ray Ban

Necklace: The Butterly Knife Pendant in Silver by Han Cholo

Jacket: The Gemini Jacket by Jack BB Dakota

Shirt: The Rich Collage Big Tee by Joyrich

Bracelet: The Little Mermaid Collection Braided Wrap Charm Bracelet in Red by Disney Couture

Tote: The Leopard Tote Bag by Tripp NYC

Shorts: The Lux Drop Waist Short by Luxirie *available to purchase shortly!

Shoes: The Zoe Shoe by Sam Edelman