Tarina Tarantino was founded in 1995 by Tarina Tarantino and Alfonso Campos. An alternative to minimalism, the designer jewellery is super large, chunky, colourful, and animated. The theatrical pieces are wonderfully nostalgic in the way they incorporate cartoons, storybook characters, and Americana. Designs include Hello Kitty, Alice in Wonderland, Barbie, and Kidrobot. The line has been worn by Pink, Rihanna, Hilary Duff, Heidi Klum, Katy Perry and many other celebs. The designer’s line is pricey but definitely worth it for anyone who loves Swarovski crystal and colourful, unique, bold accessories.

Fashion Jewlery, Tarina Tarantino

From 1989, G-Star has made its name with a cutting edge and innovative style. The appeal of the brand is the rough and raw look of the denim. Since the premier of ‘Raw denim’, G-Star has spread the label with an edgier concept, appealing to all ages and trends. At once, unorthodox and traditional, far-out yet classical, the brand crosses boundaries and styles making it easily recognizable.

Fashion G-Star

Tokidoki meaning “sometimes” in Japanese is the Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand created in 2005 by Italian artist Simone Legno and business partners Pooneh Mohajer and Ivan Arnold.

Tokidoki produces clothing, footwear, and accessories using cartoonish anime-style graphics which combine sassy street attitude and a punk inspired feel. I love the bright colours and unrestrained combination of patterns in the apparel and accessories including purses, t-shirts, vinyl figures, jewelry, and small toys.

Tokidoki has created the Tokidoki for LeSportsac line of handbags in collaboration with LeSportsac and has also collaborated with Hello Kitty, Smashbox cosmetics, New Era, Iskins, Fornarina, and Ride snowboarding gear.

The line is recognizable with its variety of characters such as animals in funky cactus suits or cows geared up with weapons. Here are some of the characters: the Cactus Friends include Sandy, Bastardino, Polpettina, and the Cactus Pups Series. The Moofia include Mozzarella, Bulleto, Leche, Latte, and many more. Adios & Ciao Ciao: the Grim Reaper and his girlfriend. Skeletrino & Skeletrin. And finally, Captain Coco and various Asian girls who are unnamed.

This line is a unique fusion of Italian named Asian images that is sure to please anyone who loves fun, playful clothing.

Fashion Tokidoki

Young, Fabulous, and Broke designers Heidi Cornell and Brad Zions have come out with their latest collection. 32 Flavors includes t-shirts, tanks, and dresses that come in 32 shades and prints. Inspired by the girls of Hollywood, the rayon and cotton tees can be worn with many pieces, casual or dressed up, day or night. I really like this rock star inspired grey owl oversized t-shirt dress. What is even more retro about the shirt is the grey owl sequined design reminiscent of the late 70’s; it seemed that every household loved to decorate with owls back in the day. The t-shirt is edgy with its daring cut out in the back that has a cute tie to accent the look. This is a great piece for a party or to wear in the summer time with leggings or shorts.

Fashion YFB

Straight from the land of the rising sun, this Japanese denim line  founded by Hidehiko Yamane passionately searched for the best products to import from anywhere in the world. Originally called Evis, after the Buddhist god of prosperity, Yamane’s jeans boast high quality loom spun denim. Today the little Osaka trademark has become famous all over the world, with 400 shops and more than 50 in Japan. Evisu continues to expand with its newest additions including ‘Evisu Shoos’, ‘Evisu European Edition’ and ‘Kizzu’. The Evisu signature logo is eye catching and recognizable when painted on the back of the pockets. The unisex label offers a variety of fits for all you fashion looks from skinny fit, slim, high waist to baggy. Evisu is definitely a nice fitting pair to add to your denim collection.

Fashion Denim, Evisu

New Zealand born designer, Karen Walker is known for her unique vision without being pretentious. Walker doesn’t let anything hold her back in her vision. Pieces include ultra vintage hemlines, ankle acid wash length stretch denim, wide-legged pants topped with floppy hats, knotted scarves, and huge sunglasses. The line’s zippered jackets and high-waited pants give the clothing a kicky, tomboyish look. The designer also turns basics into large bold logos with unique unexpected cutouts and graphics. I love the combination of classy and bold, the perfect combination for an androgynous look.

Fashion Karen Walker

From the streets of New York to the mainstream trend setters, graffiti artist turned fashion designer, Claudia, whose last name cannot be revealed for legal reasons, has brought her signature claw logo: a fat paw with three claws, to the fashion industry.  Edgy and urban, there is a definite coalescing of street culture and couture in Claudia’s designs. One piece I find particularly interesting is the hoody made up of scarves. This particular jacket, made up of 100% silk vintage Hermes scarves runs for about $1000 US. The jacket also includes metallic bands around the waist and sleeves as well as patent leather trim. Claudia’s line is definitely inspired by her art and the world around her. A unique brand to watch out for in the coming year.

Fashion Claw Money, Graffiti

A line that was inspired during a vintage shopping spree involving a rare collection of antique ceramic fawns. The image of the fawn today remains the symbol for the brand’s beginning as well as its vintage appeal. The designs are clean and modern while staying very unique and stylish. A strength of the brand is its functionality and comfort: A stylish mix of city, nature and aesthetic quality. The line also has a distinct flair in the designer’s fabric choice; the combination of fabrics and patterns help add a touch of uniqueness to anyone’s wardrobe.

Fashion Gentle Fawn, Vintage

Grant Krajecki is the master behind this ultra retro 80’s inspired line that rocks the LA Sunset Boulevard fashionista crowd. The line captures vintage especially in its lines: big shoulders and tent dresses, ponchos, one-shoulder blouses and tight-fitting jeans. That is not to mention the ultra sheen, glitzy fabrics that are prominent on many of the dresses and trapeze drawstring tops. I love the oversized shirts and shimmery evening wear. The line is also very much about neutral colours and dresses in the latest holiday 2008 collection. There is even a dress that looks like a tuxedo with pink and black hues. The juxtaposition of bold versus neutral is what gives this line a little something for everyone. Definitely excellent for anyone who loves to make a statement with retro clothing.

Fashion Grey Ant

The ‘Born Bad’ Collection 08′ features a true bad ass vibe inspired by the femme fatale Mae West. Since 2005, this bold clothing line boasts clothing with a statement; As opposed to ultra-feminine deep, low cut necklines or bias cuts, Hellz Bellz offers the fashionista a variety of denim, jackets, and shirts sporting subversive designs which challenge one’s typical idea of a graphic tee. I can see the inspiration of the 60’s/70’s women’s sexual as well as political revolution working behind the mastermind of each image. This is definitely a brand that speaks to the type of fashion statement many of us want to make; being a female who not only has an eye for individuality and strength but also looks ‘hella’ good in a variety of styles. Hellz Bellz incorporates a combination of plaid, leather, graphic lettering, and contrasting colours to make a new type of fashion statement, challenging the onlooker’s gaze.

Fashion Hellz Bellz