Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Vote for this year's most innovative, inspiring, and promising designer or boutique.
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Nichole Bolivar Casera
Nichole Bolivar sends her itty-bitty handmade dresses with matching undies to Peru to be made by local artisans, which guarantees that each piece is one of a kind. Read More
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Originally published on July 13, 2007
Knitty Bitty
Casera Hand-knit Minidresses
Some girls have no problem going commando (and stepping out of a limo while doing so).
You, on the other hand, have nightmares about the full frontal flash. Oh, the hoo-ha horror.
Which is why you always make panties a priority. So does Nichole Bolivar. Her line, Casera (Spanish for “homemade”), consists of adorable hand-knit minidresses that come with matching panties. Bolivar, who used to work in a high-end vintage boutique, says the sets are a testament to her own aesthetic: super short, super cute.
Each is custom made in Peru (a few are available off the rack), so you can choose any style — two-pocket jumper, ruffled one-shoulder, empire-waist scoop-neck — in any pattern and color combination. She even does maternity. The idea, Bolivar says, is to give you a product that’s one-of-kind.
Not to mention one that’ll make you feel both sweet and sexy.
Even when getting out of a limo.
Select styles available at Crimson Carbon, 524 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach (305-538-8262). For custom orders, call 305-776-1688 or e-mail caseraknits@yahoo.com. -
Meadow Compton-Gerrish Eco Chic
The organic pieces designed by Meadow Compton-Gerrish, who is currently building a sustainable home in Costa Rica, reflect her belief that you can be both stylish and ecofriendly. Read More
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Originally published on August 20, 2007
Hemp, Hemp, Hooray
Eco Chic Ecofriendly Clothing
River: Who brought the fashionista?
Moonbeam: That’s Quicksilver’s new S.O., and she’s wearing a dress from Eco Chic, a new line of organic clothing by local designer Meadow. Her pieces are proof a girl can enjoy the outdoors and still be stylish and feminine — you don’t have to walk around in a potato sack.
River: It’s a Guatemalan burlap poncho, thank you.
MB: Right. Well, Eco Chic is a little friendlier to a woman’s form — as in flattering cuts and smart details — and the entire line is made with materials like hemp, bamboo, and Tencel.
River: The stuff you put on Christmas trees? As if slaughtering them isn’t degrading enough.
MB: No, Tencel’s a natural fiber that’s stronger than polyester and absorbs moisture better than cotton. Your Fiona would look great in the powder blue wrap dress with the braided cream belt. Or the chocolate trousers.
River: Mmm, chocolate sounds good right about now. Fair trade, of course.
Available at Rag Trade Happy Clothing Co., 4600 Northeast 2nd Avenue, number 6 (305-573-1478 or myspace.com/ragtradeco). To see styles, go to myspace.com/ecochicdesigns. -
Ramona Boucher Bastion
Ramona Boucher creates bold, artistic jewelry — chunky gems, animals sculpted out of gold — for her line, Bastion, which is inspired by her travels around the world. Read More
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Originally published on May 7, 2007
Fortress of Attitude
Bastion Jewelry
Dear Lieutenant Mandals,
There has been a slight blunder in your orders to the court.
The good news is, in your absence, we received your request for a new bastion. The bad news is the order was assigned to Lady Sparkleplenty, who misinterpreted your wishes and ordered a trunkful of Bastion jewelry instead.
We knew something was awry when Miami-based sculptor and designer Ramona Boucher arrived with her collection (she gladly hosts private trunk shows), inspired by her travels around the world. The ladies went especially ga-ga for her rings, which are indeed works of art.
Baroness von Bedunkadunk fell instantly in love with the gold stallion wrapped around a heart-shaped stone, while Duchess Ladylumps was positively smitten with the gold deer, whose antlers are holding an upside-down gem.
Although this Bastion won’t scare away enemies, it will, with all certainty, stop them in their tracks.
Affectionately,
Lord Babydaddy
Available by e-mail order (ramonaboucher@mac.com).