A fresh face in fashion: Grand Forks native Anna Hovet establishes clothing brand
At the height of the recession that rocked the nation's economy in 2008, Anna Hovet was laid off from her first fashion design job in Chicago.
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"It was a blessing in disguise," she said.
The Grand Forks native had recently graduated from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago and had begun working there as a designer of baby clothes for Target, Ecko, Kenneth Cole and Calvin Klein for a company based in New York.
"The company laid off our whole office in Chicago," she said.
Even so, she was not filled with regret; there were drawbacks to her job.
"I sat at a computer all day," she said. "It was boring."
The layoff was just the push she needed to start her own clothing design company "at a time when other businesses were going out of business," she said.
"It's funny how things work out."
Alexy Johnston, creative director, at Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique, models clothing by Anna Hovet
Alexy Johnston, creative director, at Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique, models clothing by Anna Hovet
Things have worked out well for her and the company she launched in January 2009. At Anna Hovet Designs, she is chief executive officer and head designer.
A few months later, she was selected as designer-in-residence at the Chicago Fashion Incubator, a City of Chicago-sponsored program to help fashion designers start businesses.
Since then, Hovet has made an impression on Chicago's fashion scene with her contemporary, street-style clothes that are on trend but are also cozy and comfortable, she said.
Her collections feature jersey dresses, cozy sweatshirts and outerwear.
"I have really become known for hoods—beautifully draped hoods," she said.
This summer, she was named "Best Local Clothing Designer in Chicago" by the weekly Chicago Reader, which posts its top picks in various categories—like bars and restaurants—each year.
It's an honor that Hovet cites as one of her proudest accomplishments.
"I design things that I like to wear," she said.
Her garments are marketed in eight retail stores in Chicago, one in New York City and Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique in downtown Grand Forks. It's also sold online (www.annahovet.com) to customers around the nation and even internationally.
"It's cool to have people in Saudi Arabia buying on your site," she said.
Her sweatshirts and sweatpants have become popular as luxury sportswear—also dubbed "sports-luxe" or "athleisure"—which is machine-washable and stylish.
"It's what has propelled my business," she said.
Alexy Johnston, creative director, at Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique, models clothing by fashion designer Anna Hovet
Alexy Johnston, creative director, at Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique, models clothing by fashion designer Anna Hovet
Male customers have noticed, too. After fielding numerous requests from men to make clothes for them, she started a menswear line which now accounts for the majority of her online sales.
Hovet takes her design inspiration from Japanese street style and picks up ideas for specific design elements from pieces on display in local art museums.
She uses color blocking to "play with the eye," directing it to a particular feature of the body, she said. "I use light colors where I want the eye to go."
The technique helps create the look of a slimmer waist or wider hips, for example.
Exclusive retailer
Last spring, after reviewing the retail clothing landscape in Grand Forks, Hovet selected Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique as the exclusive retailer of her designs in North Dakota.
She returned to Grand Forks this summer to host a trunk show featuring dozens of her garments.
"We had a huge turnout," said Alexy Johnston, creative director for Kittsona. "It was very successful."
Because Hovet is a home-grown talent, focuses on environmentally sustainable products and produces her clothing line in America, Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique is a "perfect fit" to introduce her designs to area consumers, Johnston said.
"We stock a lot of local artists' and small-businesses' products," she said.
Tessa Hiney, co-owner of Kittsona, said Hovet has forged a name for herself in streetwear.
"Her clothing is fashionable but comfortable at the same time," she said. "It's a little bit edgy. It's daywear but it can be transitioned to nightwear. There's a versatility that makes it distinctive."
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"The cut and fit are so nice, too," Hiney added. "And the quality of the fabric is top-notch."
Hovet's choice of fabric, a rayon derived from bamboo, is a key element of her designs that appeals to customers.
"It's incredibly soft—it has a softer feel than cotton," Hovet said. "Once I get them into my clothes, they won't take them off."
Early interest
Hovet's interest in art and fashion took root early in her life, as a kid in Grand Forks.
"I always loved art," she said. "Growing up, I was always interested in art in general."
As a 10-year-old, she became fascinated with MTV music videos and watching pop music, R&B and hip-hop artists. She took special note of what they wore.
"I got really interested in clothing," Hovet, who taught herself to sew, said.
Her interest was further fueled by working as an assistant to the costume designer in Red River High School's theater department.
"She taught me a lot about sewing and making costumes for theatre productions," Hovet said.
That educational experience was the springboard for her enrollment in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her eventual foray into fashion.
She returns, on occasion, to Grand Forks, where her father, Duane Hovet, and brother, David Hovet, still live. Her mother, Charlotte Hovet, lives in Eden Prairie, Minn.
Marketing
In marketing her clothing line, Hovet relies on social media, especially Instagram and Facebook, she said.
She has employed publicists for special campaigns, but many potential customers learn about her clothes through word of mouth.
Hovet is pretty selective about the stores she chooses to carry her designs, she said.
Alexy Johnston, creative director, at Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique, models clothing by fashion designer Anna Hovet
Alexy Johnston, creative director, at Kittsona Lifestyle Boutique, models clothing by fashion designer Anna Hovet
She focuses on "boutiques that specialize in local designers, local artists and clothing made in America," she said. "Their customers know the store's items are special, and that they only carry a few of them."
Hovet is a staunch proponent of the "Made in America" trend, even though it pushes the price a bit higher than items produced out-of-country.
"I take pride in manufacturing right here in the U.S.A.," she said. "It's nice to employ Chicagoans."
And since her garments have been produced at a local plant for years, she has gotten to know the seamstresses who sew her clothes, which end up ranging in price from $30 to $140.
"The majority of my garments sell for about $100," she said.
Some have caught the eye of people in the entertainment industry. Her garments have worn by actress-singer Jennifer Hudson, TV host Giuliana Rancic and comedian Hannibal Buress, who recently landed his own show on Comedy Central, Hovet said.
Her clothes have also been featured in Lucky magazine and the Chicago Tribune.
In addition to her fashion design business, Hovet runs a tutoring business for high school students—a business she launched to earn money while she was trying to get her clothing design company off the ground.
She also teaches fashion illustration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in 2007.
But the biggest kick she gets is seeing a stranger walking down the street, wearing one of her garments.
"It's mind-blowing," she said.
"Even if I see just a part of garment in a photo—like on Instagram—I know it's mine."
Monday, September 28, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
Sexy Lingerie Outlet Online for women
It may sound obvious, but always find out your partner's lingerie sizing before you go shopping. "If you are really unsure, opt for a baby doll or slip to ensure an embarrassment-free Valentine's Day," says Sarah Shotton, creative director of luxury lingerie label Agent Provocateur.
Related articles
Valentine's Day gift ideas: what to buy and what to avoid
Valentine's Day gifts for men that we want too
Bypass boring
"Avoid buying white cotton for women!" adds Shotton. The same goes for flesh tones and styles that say 'practical' as opposed to 'present', like T-shirt bras and seam-free briefs. Those might be the things she buys for herself, but they're not necessarily what she wants to receive as a gift.
Focus on fabric
Similarly, avoid cheaper, scratchy fabrics like nylon and polyester if you can. "Every woman loves the sensual feel of silk, so glamorous lingerie from our exclusive Rosie for Autograph range is the perfect treat," recommends Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design at Marks & Spencer.
Name your price
"There are so many great options out there at different price levels now that there's no excuse to buy anything less than beautiful anymore," says Shotton. "We have our mainline Agent Provocateur collections but we also have our new brand L'Agent which is designed by Penelope and Monica Cruz that offers some really beautiful sets for a much lower price point."
Stella McCartney's lingerie collection is also perfectly priced for a special gift, as are Ell & Cee's delicate offerings, Gilda & Pearl's hand-finished beauties and Damaris's sweet little-sister brand Mimi Holliday. On the high street, Topshop , &OtherStories and ASOS.com have great, super-affordable sets.
Think for two
"It's important to buy lingerie that you will both like as you want your partner to get as much wear out of the gift as possible," advises Shotton, "but bear in mind her tastes and find out her favourite colours or materials if you can."
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Though the thought of asking for help selecting underwear for your significant other may be mortifying, it really could save you a whole lot of bother come Valentine's Day - particularly if you haven't done your research. "Agent Provocateur boutique staff love to offer advice to make sure you chose the right gifts and interact with female customers every day and so are aware which lingerie sets suit certain skin tones and hair colourings," assures Shotton.
Sexy Lingerie Outlet Online
But lingerie isn't the only option
If the world of lingerie is boggling your mind, think outside the box and instead opt for luxurious lounge or nightwear. "This year, boyfriend styled pjs in silk and satin are bang on trend," says Jenkinson. "If she simply loves flirty nightwear then our feminine negligees will hit the mark."
And if you're still stuck…
"I think black lace is always a great option as it's normally very flattering and can be worn on an everyday basis," says Shotton.
"You can never go wrong with knickers," advises Soozie Jenkinson. "Knickers make a very cheeky Valentine's gift, from Brazilians to boy shorts, fun floral prints to bright colour pops, we have a knicker to fit and flatter every woman's shape and suit her style."
Related articles
Valentine's Day gift ideas: what to buy and what to avoid
Valentine's Day gifts for men that we want too
Bypass boring
"Avoid buying white cotton for women!" adds Shotton. The same goes for flesh tones and styles that say 'practical' as opposed to 'present', like T-shirt bras and seam-free briefs. Those might be the things she buys for herself, but they're not necessarily what she wants to receive as a gift.
Focus on fabric
Similarly, avoid cheaper, scratchy fabrics like nylon and polyester if you can. "Every woman loves the sensual feel of silk, so glamorous lingerie from our exclusive Rosie for Autograph range is the perfect treat," recommends Soozie Jenkinson, head of lingerie design at Marks & Spencer.
Name your price
"There are so many great options out there at different price levels now that there's no excuse to buy anything less than beautiful anymore," says Shotton. "We have our mainline Agent Provocateur collections but we also have our new brand L'Agent which is designed by Penelope and Monica Cruz that offers some really beautiful sets for a much lower price point."
Stella McCartney's lingerie collection is also perfectly priced for a special gift, as are Ell & Cee's delicate offerings, Gilda & Pearl's hand-finished beauties and Damaris's sweet little-sister brand Mimi Holliday. On the high street, Topshop , &OtherStories and ASOS.com have great, super-affordable sets.
Think for two
"It's important to buy lingerie that you will both like as you want your partner to get as much wear out of the gift as possible," advises Shotton, "but bear in mind her tastes and find out her favourite colours or materials if you can."
Don't be afraid to ask for help
Though the thought of asking for help selecting underwear for your significant other may be mortifying, it really could save you a whole lot of bother come Valentine's Day - particularly if you haven't done your research. "Agent Provocateur boutique staff love to offer advice to make sure you chose the right gifts and interact with female customers every day and so are aware which lingerie sets suit certain skin tones and hair colourings," assures Shotton.
Sexy Lingerie Outlet Online
But lingerie isn't the only option
If the world of lingerie is boggling your mind, think outside the box and instead opt for luxurious lounge or nightwear. "This year, boyfriend styled pjs in silk and satin are bang on trend," says Jenkinson. "If she simply loves flirty nightwear then our feminine negligees will hit the mark."
And if you're still stuck…
"I think black lace is always a great option as it's normally very flattering and can be worn on an everyday basis," says Shotton.
"You can never go wrong with knickers," advises Soozie Jenkinson. "Knickers make a very cheeky Valentine's gift, from Brazilians to boy shorts, fun floral prints to bright colour pops, we have a knicker to fit and flatter every woman's shape and suit her style."
Friday, September 11, 2015
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The classical musician turned TV presenter, turned author, businesswoman, mother and fashion designer, took time out of her undeniably hectic schedule to talk to us about her new collections, Chanel and her admiration for Jessica Alba.
You’re launching a fashion, beauty and lingerie line. You must have been so busy! How did you manage to juggle the work load with being a mum?
I constantly wonder what I spent all my time doing before I became a mum. From the minute I wake up to the moment I go to bed, it’s completely nonstop in casa Klass. I've basically had to get really organised and everything is now planned around my daughters' school plays and the school run. I forward the school diary to my management at the start of each term and we all work around that!Not very showbiz!
Do your young girls, Hero and Ava, enjoy mummy designing clothes?
They don't know any different. It’s funny to observe how it influences them both. Ava makes 'mood boards' and dolls fashion shows with her friends on play dates and Hero constantly walks about with her toy camera trying to get her Grandmas cats to pose for her! I don't want either of my girls to be concerned with fashion other than with the fun, dress up element of it. That level of consciousness isn't necessary for kids.
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Myleene's clothing, lingerie and beauty lines
1 of 24
Fur Trimmed Camel Cape
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Fur Cape
Leather Fishtail Maxi Dress
Sequin Maxi Dress
Cut Detail Tea Dress
Floral Spot Bow Back Dress
Heavy Lace T-shirt
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Illusion Maxi Dress
Leopard Fur coat
Leopard Intarsia Sweater
All Over Lace Padded Bra
Satin Chemise
Teddy
Satin and Lace Half Padded Bra
Leopard Print Satin Longline Bra
My Iconic Bronzer
Fabulous Brow Kit
Makeup Bag and Brush Collection
Eyeshadow Palette
Lipstick Collection
Lipglaze Collection
Nail Polish Collection
Next
Fur Trimmed Camel Cape
PU Mini Dress
Fur Cape
Leather Fishtail Maxi Dress
Sequin Maxi Dress
Cut Detail Tea Dress
Floral Spot Bow Back Dress
Heavy Lace T-shirt
Heavy Lace Pencil Skirt
Illusion Maxi Dress
Leopard Fur coat
Leopard Intarsia Sweater
All Over Lace Padded Bra
Satin Chemise
Teddy
Satin and Lace Half Padded Bra
Leopard Print Satin Longline Bra
My Iconic Bronzer
Fabulous Brow Kit
Makeup Bag and Brush Collection
Eyeshadow Palette
Lipstick Collection
Lipglaze Collection
Nail Polish Collection
What sort of girl did you have in mind when designing the pieces for both the clothing and lingerie collections?
I recently held a launch party and invited around 50 women to come and view the collection and choose a dress to go home with. It was a total buzz to see each women choose a different item. I always intended this collection to include something for everyone and for every occasion and the variations in size (8-24) and choices have been well and truly catered for. I’ve recently returned from Paris fashion week and have seen Size 4 models in beautiful diaphanous gowns fit only for the catwalk, which has only made me more determined to achieve the diversity of beautiful yet practical clothes I create.
You always seem very fresh-faced, was this beauty line a chance to experiment a bit more with beauty products?
It was a chance to deliver some hero pieces, items that I use daily. The capsule collection contains everything you could ever need from day wear shades through to vampy evening tones and all presented in a fab little make up bag.
If you could see any celebrity photographed in a piece from your line, who would it be?
Jessica Alba. She's a smart, classy, fearless mum that I admire immensely.
Who is your favourite designer and what do you love so much about their collections?
Chanel. The bags and the simplicity of the designs are works of art. My girls fill my bags with Lego, dolphins and toy phones so they equally enjoy them.
You’re launching a fashion, beauty and lingerie line. You must have been so busy! How did you manage to juggle the work load with being a mum?
I constantly wonder what I spent all my time doing before I became a mum. From the minute I wake up to the moment I go to bed, it’s completely nonstop in casa Klass. I've basically had to get really organised and everything is now planned around my daughters' school plays and the school run. I forward the school diary to my management at the start of each term and we all work around that!Not very showbiz!
Do your young girls, Hero and Ava, enjoy mummy designing clothes?
They don't know any different. It’s funny to observe how it influences them both. Ava makes 'mood boards' and dolls fashion shows with her friends on play dates and Hero constantly walks about with her toy camera trying to get her Grandmas cats to pose for her! I don't want either of my girls to be concerned with fashion other than with the fun, dress up element of it. That level of consciousness isn't necessary for kids.
Wholesale Classy Dress
Myleene's clothing, lingerie and beauty lines
1 of 24
Fur Trimmed Camel Cape
PU Mini Dress
Fur Cape
Leather Fishtail Maxi Dress
Sequin Maxi Dress
Cut Detail Tea Dress
Floral Spot Bow Back Dress
Heavy Lace T-shirt
wholesale bodycon dresses Heavy Lace Pencil Skirt
Illusion Maxi Dress
Leopard Fur coat
Leopard Intarsia Sweater
All Over Lace Padded Bra
Satin Chemise
Teddy
Satin and Lace Half Padded Bra
Leopard Print Satin Longline Bra
My Iconic Bronzer
Fabulous Brow Kit
Makeup Bag and Brush Collection
Eyeshadow Palette
Lipstick Collection
Lipglaze Collection
Nail Polish Collection
Next
Fur Trimmed Camel Cape
PU Mini Dress
Fur Cape
Leather Fishtail Maxi Dress
Sequin Maxi Dress
Cut Detail Tea Dress
Floral Spot Bow Back Dress
Heavy Lace T-shirt
Heavy Lace Pencil Skirt
Illusion Maxi Dress
Leopard Fur coat
Leopard Intarsia Sweater
All Over Lace Padded Bra
Satin Chemise
Teddy
Satin and Lace Half Padded Bra
Leopard Print Satin Longline Bra
My Iconic Bronzer
Fabulous Brow Kit
Makeup Bag and Brush Collection
Eyeshadow Palette
Lipstick Collection
Lipglaze Collection
Nail Polish Collection
What sort of girl did you have in mind when designing the pieces for both the clothing and lingerie collections?
I recently held a launch party and invited around 50 women to come and view the collection and choose a dress to go home with. It was a total buzz to see each women choose a different item. I always intended this collection to include something for everyone and for every occasion and the variations in size (8-24) and choices have been well and truly catered for. I’ve recently returned from Paris fashion week and have seen Size 4 models in beautiful diaphanous gowns fit only for the catwalk, which has only made me more determined to achieve the diversity of beautiful yet practical clothes I create.
You always seem very fresh-faced, was this beauty line a chance to experiment a bit more with beauty products?
It was a chance to deliver some hero pieces, items that I use daily. The capsule collection contains everything you could ever need from day wear shades through to vampy evening tones and all presented in a fab little make up bag.
If you could see any celebrity photographed in a piece from your line, who would it be?
Jessica Alba. She's a smart, classy, fearless mum that I admire immensely.
Who is your favourite designer and what do you love so much about their collections?
Chanel. The bags and the simplicity of the designs are works of art. My girls fill my bags with Lego, dolphins and toy phones so they equally enjoy them.
Amelia Racine impressed several social media
Amelia Racine impressed several social media fashion observer with her sensual lingerie Milan, Italy photo shoot and left many fashion fans thinking that she is a model whose immense potential is starting to be realized.
Amelia Racine modelling lingerie
When some of her fans and social media fashion observers look at her modelling photos, in particular her lingerie and swimsuit photos it becomes immediately apparent that she has the ability to be an elite model.
She is a model whose sensual poses and sensational body immediately attract attention and have resulted in her inclusion in several men's magazines and have made her a model who has the attention of many male admirers on social media.
Amelia Racine modelling white lingerie
Amelia Racine modelling white lingerie
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Amelia Racine has the body and personality that is not only gaining her attention within the fashion industry but also with some in the entertainment industry and there are some social media entertainment observers who feel that she is a model who also needs to pursue acting as well.
Not every model has the physique and 'look' that can make her an appealing actress on the small or big screen but Amelia Racine is one of the fortunate models who could be successful as a model/actress.
For some social media entertainment observers it is very easy to envision her as the object of affection or as a femme fatale in a music video or movie as she possesses the stunning body that makes lingerie look spectacular and the sultry facial poses which can mesmerize men.
Her lingerie pictures in the month of September 2014 taken by photographer Marc Evans show a model with the potential to be very successful as both a model/actress.
Amelia Racine is a model who looks ready to fulfill her immense potential which could soon lead to her becoming one of the surprise fashion/entertainment stars of 2014.
Amelia Racine modelling lingerie
When some of her fans and social media fashion observers look at her modelling photos, in particular her lingerie and swimsuit photos it becomes immediately apparent that she has the ability to be an elite model.
She is a model whose sensual poses and sensational body immediately attract attention and have resulted in her inclusion in several men's magazines and have made her a model who has the attention of many male admirers on social media.
Amelia Racine modelling white lingerie
Amelia Racine modelling white lingerie
Wholesale Long Dresses Wholesale Sexy Classy Dress
Amelia Racine has the body and personality that is not only gaining her attention within the fashion industry but also with some in the entertainment industry and there are some social media entertainment observers who feel that she is a model who also needs to pursue acting as well.
Not every model has the physique and 'look' that can make her an appealing actress on the small or big screen but Amelia Racine is one of the fortunate models who could be successful as a model/actress.
For some social media entertainment observers it is very easy to envision her as the object of affection or as a femme fatale in a music video or movie as she possesses the stunning body that makes lingerie look spectacular and the sultry facial poses which can mesmerize men.
Her lingerie pictures in the month of September 2014 taken by photographer Marc Evans show a model with the potential to be very successful as both a model/actress.
Amelia Racine is a model who looks ready to fulfill her immense potential which could soon lead to her becoming one of the surprise fashion/entertainment stars of 2014.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
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