Want to shop for unique pieces from local designers? Check out the Holiday Trunk Show on Thursday, December 8 at 1531 Washington Avenue, Studio 3A from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The show will feature wine, beer, food, music, and the latest clothing and accessories from six designers, including Bluebird Denim, The Exquisite Corpse, Penny Rae Vintage, Just Liv, Scarlett Garnet, and Katie Kantley. If you've got a fashionista on your shopping list, this would be a great opportunity to get them something fun and fashion-forward that they won't see 30 other people wearing post-holiday. Here's some quick info about each line:
Bluebird Denim: Founded by mother-daughter team Arja and Ann Friss, Blue Bird Denim is way more than custom-made jeans. Indie-chic dresses, jackets, denim skirts, and more round out the reasonably priced collection.
The Exquisite Corpse: Designed by Project Runway contestant (and 2011 SLM A-lister) Michael Drummond, this high-end brand has national appeal. Drummond's rule, "Make it different or don't make it," is clear in his line, which he describes as "a bit askew."
Penny Rae Vintage: Mellissa Rae Brown designs Penny Rae Vintage using elements of vintage clothing to create a modern look. Her designs have been worn by celebs such as Ali Fedotowsky from The Bachelorette, who wore a Penny Rae Vintage dress to a "Ladies Who Lunch" event in L.A. To learn more about Brown, read our Q&A with her from SLM's December 2011 issue.
Just Liv: If you're looking for eco-friendly accessories, shop this collection by Elizabeth Hahn-Lawrence. Just Liv's very affordable pieces are made by hand using recycled, vintage, and re-purposed materials.
Scarlett Garnet: This jewelry line made of uncommon gemstones, art nouveau styling, and asymmetrical composition is spearheaded by Garnet Griebel and Katie Miller. Their jewelry is carried in boutiques nationwide and was used by recent local Project Runway contestant Laura Kathleen Planck in several of her spring/summer 2012 Fashion Week looks.
Katie Kantley: Based in New Haven, Kantley is a textile artist who creates scarves, jackets, and other women's apparel in luxurious, easy-to-care-for silk that's hand-dyed using the ancient Japenese shibori method. Read more about her here.
