This Spring/Summer 2015 accessory collection was designed for Patricia Nash. The "Old World" aesthetic of the brand was continued through the inspiration of Galleon ships, ropes/pulleys, and the color palette of the sea mixed with aging wood. All sketches represent the style of hand-stitched bags and shoes designed using burned edges and embossed logos.

The spring/summer collection for 2013 derives its inspiration from Kenshō, of the Zen tradition, along with Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese aesthetic focused on accepting the beauty of what is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.” Kenshō is otherwise known as reaching the beginning of insight or awakening of Buddhahood. The idea of Kenshō allows everyone to seek out the vision of their true nature, or their true self, and in turn feel unified with the world. Wabi-Sabi further tests a person’s vision by reaching the limit of what may be considered, “beautiful or ugly, appealing or repugnant, diminishing or enhancing.” 

As an aesthetic, Wabi-Sabi can be represented through asymmetry, simplicity, modesty, and through the demonstration of a natural process such as decay or transformation.The materials of the collection range from a variety of organic, eco-friendly fabrics such as linen, bamboo, silk, and cotton. The frog in Japanese culture is viewed as a symbol of fortune or good luck. It is also known to indicate opportunities for transition when a frog jumps in front of a person. The frog also represents purity, rebirth, metamorphosis, renewal, and a symbol of spring and summer. 

The collection serves as representation of the two ideas of Kenshō and Wabi-Sabi. The garments function to show the consumer the importance of natural fibers for the environment as well as not trying to manipulate what can already be found. The materials are, “not meant to be glamorous, luxurious, impressive, or attractive, and it doesn’t care what you think.” By providing the consumer with materials that are not as easily recognized or understood, a greater understanding of true beauty can be realized.

Photoshoot Images:
Photography: Jessica Imhoff
MUA/Hair: Hana Hyman
Models: Alley S and Cassandra W (RISE Model Management)

Kensho Handbag Collection:
-Buttoned Envelope Clutch
-Mini Crossbody Bag
-Over-sized Zipper Pouch
 

Bags Created By: Elaina Jacob
Detail Photography: Noelle Lai

Portfolio book contains design statement, mood board, process, illustrations, and technical flats for the Kenshō Collection.

Manbites Dog Theater:
Paris 76
An original cabaret set in Paris, France. During the show, actors would interact with the audience in an intimate cafe setting.

Designed and created a split costume for a character with male and female personalities, "Claude/Claudette." 10 different looks (including hair and makeup assistance) were created for the other characters with vintage apparel to match the timeline of the performance.
Photography: Alan Dehmer

Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern:
And The Ass Saw The Angel
An adaptation of Nick Cave's novel, "And the Ass Saw the Angel." 

Multiple functioning props were created for the actors to use strictly made from recyclable materials - ranging from 3 working Crows (trigger pulls for beaks and wing span) to a Half-size Donkey (with completely movable head and neck).
Photography: Alex Maness

Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern:
Wanderlust Festival - The Mummers
Prepared and assembled performance costumes for 9 actors and designed/created various bird masks to coordinate with the overall look.
Photography: Little Green Pig

Various apparel pieces designed and created from September 2010 to June 2012.

Look 1:
-Silk chiffon tank top with leather pig suede collar
-Nylon spandex lace maxi skirt with silk chiffon lining

Look 2:
-Woven linen jacket with pig suede lapel
-Knit tank top with gathered neckline
-Blended cotton twill pant with lace underlay pockets

Look 3:
-Woven medium-weight linen one seam dress (only the back opens, all shoulder seams are darts, waistline is pleated for shape) with leather braid neckline embellishment

Look 4:
-Silk taffeta skirt

Photography: Mangue Banzima
Model: Ryanne Frazier
MUA/Hair: Shanna Kim

Last three images (Silk Taffeta Skirt): Matthew Golob
Model: Mandy Gonzales
MUA/Hair: Noelle Lai

Collection for Nicole Miller Spring/Summer 2014
-collection is presented as a book layout-

Polarity attempts to shed new light on our daily view of life; to escape routine. As life can become increasingly fast-paced, it’s best to consider morality and stay true to ourselves. This collection strives to bring about a new view with fresh eyes, a greater sense of equilibrium, and an appreciation of the beauty found in our surroundings.

The designs were inspired by the Japanese aesthetic/world view known as wabi-sabi (finding the beauty in imperfections), as well as the complex yet refined details created by hand in marbled prints and leather tooling. The marble prints keep the mind moving from idea to idea as they never truly end with several different variations in color, constantly molding together or appearing to oppose one another. The leather tooling incorporates a feeling of stability to each piece as it feels unmovable, stopping the flow of the marble prints on the shoulders and waists of several different designs. This collection as a whole serves as a reminder to live life past the end goal, and rather towards a daily goal.

The womenswear collection combines elements of wabi-sabi, marbled fabrics, leather tooling, and classic silhouettes with an appreciation for detail.

Promotional marketing graphics created for holiday email campaigns to boost online sales: for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Throw Back Thursday, Seniors, and Free Shipping.

Promotional Sales Flyers/Envelopes created to aid in the sale of yearbooks and create excitement for a child's end of year keepsake.

Desktop Calendar and Planner product created as a free gift to schools providing them a necessary resource to effectively plan their school year and showcase the work of the company.

Promotional Brochure created to effectively showcase a product line to a school and display the complete package that they would receive depending on their purchase.

Winter/Fall 2014 accessory collection inspired by condensation on various surfaces and the colors from refracted light.

-Backpack created using two different types of cowhide including a metallic embossed hide with a pig suede lining.
-Clutch created using a cream calfskin hide and a light green embossed calfskin hide with pig suede lining.

Photography: Matthew Golob
Detail Photography: Noelle Lai
MUA/Hair: Noelle Lai

Wedding dress created for my August 2016 wedding while completing the rest of the event planning.

The dress features mushroom pleated silk chiffon for the sweetheart neckline bodice with draped silk chiffon sleeves. Diversely shaped freshwater pearls were added along the bodice using their shapes to enhance particular seam lines of the shoulders and sleeves. A small cutout was added to the back of the bodice to have a dramatic twist. The floor length chiffon skirt continues to enhance the romantic and elegant aesthetic. A silk chiffon bow hid the closure at the back of the dress.

Wire branch headpieces were also created for the look with the same freshwater pearls attached to the bodice of the dress. 

Model: Noelle Lai
Photographer: Hannah Sommer

The Fall/Winter 2013 collection titled “Transient Nature,” offers insight to the viewer on the Japanese aesthetic known as Wabi-Sabi. This aesthetic explores the idea of finding the beauty in imperfection mostly within nature. In doing so, one chooses to accept the cycles of growth, decay, and death. A bittersweet comfort can be found in knowing that all existence shares the same fate and forces one to accept the unforeseeable.  The collection designs feature many intricate details and colors reflecting what can be found in nature. The draping and cording in all designs imply how time changes and how people will inevitable leave their mark somewhere in nature.

Fall/Winter 2014 accessory collection inspired by the patterns created by Bark Beetles. Although, bark beetles can be very destructive to the particular tree being inhabited, the patterns they create are unique to each species. 

Hand-carved and hand-stitched leather satchel was created replicating the type of pattern that might be created by a bark beetle.

Photography: Mangue Banzima
Model: Ryanne Frazier
MUA/Hair: Shanna Kim
Detail Photography: Noelle Lai

Spring/Summer 2013 accessory collection inspired by the book: "Drought: The Red Marauder" by Michael McKernan and the 2009 dust storm that swept across Austraila through the states of New South Wales and Queensland. Living through a drought and the coloring that occured during the dust storm were reflected through the collection's designs.

The ballerina flats were created using several different hides of leather including - pig skin, deer skin, and lamb skin. 

Photography: Mangue Banzima
Model: Ryanne Frazier
MUA/Hair: Shanna Kim
Detail photography: Noelle Lai

Wedding Invitations (featuring a paper cutout overlay with metallic flakes added under acetate to enhance the visual appearance), RSVP Cards, Program Fans (for the heat), Accommendation Cards, Menu Cards, and more created for my August 2016 wedding. 

Wedding event planning images include various complete pieces for the color palette and boho/rustic atmosphere desired for the reception. 
-Glitter embellished charger plates
-Bamboo and palm leave dinner plates (to stay eco-friendly)
-Paper cutout place mats designed with a similar pattern to the wedding invitations
-Snack bags for guests designed and cut for the event
-Arbor arrangement, bridesmaid's bouquets and boutonniere were also created

Assorted designs created for a main product line featuring multiple years of school attendance to show parents how their child has grown up over the years. Each product design would display up to the max number of school year images available. Certain designs would be targeted towards a specific age range or upcoming holiday.

Layouts created to showcase a spring shoot in 3 different poses.

Yearbook covers designed for Elementary and Middle schools.

Various designs created for the metal and porcelain holiday ornament product line.

Several holiday cards designed for school and company use in both horizontal and vertical layout options.

Mug designs created specifically for future senior graduates showcasing 1 or more images from their senior shoots.

Banners created for school events: sport team signings or as a welcome to the new school year. Banners also created for contracted clients for holiday events and school employee events.

This Spring/Summer 2014 collection designed for Jil Sander incorporates bold colors (teal and purple) and naturally occurring patterns offset with a neutral color. Both the handbags and shoes feature a geometric aesthetic with unique metal edges added to each product.