This week, we interview Nancy Zhang, a 24 year old freelance artist, illustrator/concept art designer from Tianjin, China. Check out this talented illustrator’s blog here – http://nancyandmarco.blogspot.com/

1) Tell us about yourself.

I am a concept art designer who works in an animation company, a freelancer artist and illustrator. A loyal movies and games fan who plans to start her own fashion label in the near future.

2) What inspires your designs?

I derive my inspirations from everything. Especially movies and arts.

3) Describe how you feel about fashion.

Fashion is a performance, an adventure, an attitude.

4) Who are your favourite designers?

Alexander Mcqueen!

5) What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

First we have to collect as much experiments as we can before we present our ideas. It is not easy to be successful designer; we always need to put in our best to achieve our aims.

Great, another reason not to save up that very last penny. The denims are back and better than ever.

Keep digging, and you will probably find that denim jacket which has been hidden for years in a little corner of your wardrobe.

For a casual night’s out, pair a denim jacket with a soft, flowy number. The former adds a touch of spunkiness to the latter and both bring out the individual style of one another.

Classic and versatile, you can never go wrong with a denim jacket.

Clockwise from left – John Galliano Back Logo Denim Spot Jacket, Topshop Skull Biker Denim Jacket, Balmain Sergeant Pepper Denim Jacket

In 1926, Coco Chanel invented the first little black dress. And yes, every single woman has a little black dress somewhere in their closet. The little black dress never seems to go out of style.
According to Christian Dior, black can be worn at any time. Black can be worn at any age and almost any occasion. A little black frock is essential to a woman. The color black is said to be associated with elegance, chic, and sophistication.

Lanvin Fall 2009

Think volume, think weight. Chunky necklaces are the next big thing to hit town! They jazz up your boring little black dress and make you the limelight of every party!

Chocolate’s top picks – Clockwise from left:

Oscar de la Renta Glass Pearl Ribbon necklace – Perfect for parties! They add a touch of rock ‘n’ roll to any outfit. Pair them with a nude neckline and jeans, and yes, you are ready to rock!

Dolce & Gabbana, Multi Chain Seashell choker necklace – Leave any other accessories behind. ‘Nuff said.

Roberto Cavalli Graphic Stone necklace – Four words. Where art meets style.

Oscar de la Renta Crystal, Glass Bead & Ribbon Necklace – Exquisite. Elegant. Mysterious.

Tarina Tarantino – Chunk the candy aside. You are sweet.

Yu, Mu, Mu represents ‘Rain, wood, wood’ in mandarin. The three Chinese radicals come together to form the ‘lin’ character of a local designer’s name & their elemental nature echoes the undated appeal of the designs.

Founded by Yilin Lu, Yu Mu Mu first launched its debut double collection in late 2008. The Paperdoll collection reflects on the flatness of paper drawings and complicated details of any kind were eliminated from the clean-cut designs to create a sense of flatness. Where style meets tradition, the East Asia Misfits collection consists of a quirky combination of traditional costumes which include the cheongsam, kimono and hanbok with a touch of modernism. “Above The Flock” is the latest collection from Yumumu.

In an exclusive email interview with the multi-talented designer who enjoys moulding, draping and sculpting garments, she mentioned that birds are the main inspiration behind this chic collection.

For your recent collection – Above the Flock 2009, what are you mainly inspired by?

I usually work out a theme by looking through my random sketches and try to find similarities amongst them. I then decide upon the theme and work out the remaining collection according to that. I like working this way because it is a combination of the organic and the deliberate. Earlier this year, I chanced upon this massive book at a sale in Borders and was immediately drawn to the beautiful illustrations of the birds in the book. The collection is loosely based on them. The references are not obvious as I have made a conscious effort not to be too literal!

Is there any designer you would love to work with?

Coincidentally, most of them worked with costumes at the beginning of their careers. I am in awe of Alexander Mcqueen’s genius. I would also like to work with Olivier Theyskens and Antonio Marras for Kenzo.

Her designs are produced in small quantity to ensure their uniqueness and can be found at Black Market – 19 Jalan Pisang Singapore 199084. Alternatively, you may visit her full collection at www.yumumu.com

Below are some of my personal favourites for the latest collection-Above the Flock! Ideal for that office but slip into those killer heels and you are ready to party!

Check out Looklet.com if you are an aspiring designer or fashion-maniac!
Scarves, blazers and tights are a must-must this season!
A mini collection I created using Looklet..

I am not one who lives by a single tote. I love totes, too much actually. ‘Cos I believe there is a different tote for every single occasion. Catch me grinning from ear-to-ear all day when I managed to snag “the current tote of my dreams” back to my nest. Crazy as it might sound, it takes just a single tote to brighten up my day. And there’s always more to come……

TOD’S – Classic, timeless beauty! Perfect for that work and party! This never goes out of style!