We're looking for a female model for our Fall 2013 Lookbook! The shoot will take place mid-December in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Requirements:
Height: 5'9"-5'11"
Age: 18-36
Contemporary dress size: 2-4
If interested, please send a photo and information about yourself to info@ryuryuclothing.com. Please feel free to contact us for more info as well.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Best of Spring 2013
Some of our favorites from Spring 2013:
Best deconstructed collection: Celine
Best grunge collection: Dries Van Noten
Most anticipated collection: Dior by Raf Simons
Most inspirational collection: Lanvin
all photos via style.com
More to come!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Spring 2013: NY Fashion Week Report
Long time, no post! Apologies for putting this blog on the back burner. Although we didn't show for Spring 13, I've been preoccupied with other matters--RYU RYU related of course. But I've been generously endowed with an unspeakably thoughtful birthday gift this year of a WWD subscription from a friend who is very dear to my heart, so I've been lucky enough to keep up with all the shows that've been going on just right around the corner.
I think if I were to wrap up the NY shows in one word, it'd be interesting. Marc Jacobs is stirring up quite a commotion for doing something so unusually simple yet familiarly far from bland; a blast from the past that's oxymoronically current. Donna Karan swung ultra-feminine for Spring after a much more masculine Fall 2012 collection. Victoria Beckham came up (successfully, IMHO) with a sportswear collection that's more than just hour-glass dresses. Helmut Lang is playing with colors and prints for Spring!
And ah yes, then there's The Row--probably my favorite brand and designers (Mk & Ashley Olsen) of the moment. Can I just say their work is the epitome of effortlessly chic? Their target market is the woman in their mid to late 30s (whose age everyone is constantly guessing, because she looks that good) who literally rolls out of bed with that enviable sexy. wavy hair, can wrap herself in nothing but a silk robe and step out to pick up the Wall Street Journal looking more sophisticated than any wrinkle-free twenty something year old who's spent countless hours lengthening every itty bitty lash for a GNO. Ironic that it's two 26 year old designers without any "formal" training who are able to convey such natural maturity in their work. They did say that they developed their taste from the cut-down-to-size designer clothes they wore as kids, because they didn't care for the kids clothes that actually fit them. Oh, the woes of a young celebrity!
Anyway, I've digressed. Their Spring 2013 collection is yet again another winner, at least in my book. They've definitely softened their tailoring that they've been known for in their previous collections. They stated that their inspiration came from an eighteenth century Japanese artist as well as American folk. Again, it's just pure simplicity with a touch of elegance that really pulls all the looks together. Bravo to The Row! (images below)
I think if I were to wrap up the NY shows in one word, it'd be interesting. Marc Jacobs is stirring up quite a commotion for doing something so unusually simple yet familiarly far from bland; a blast from the past that's oxymoronically current. Donna Karan swung ultra-feminine for Spring after a much more masculine Fall 2012 collection. Victoria Beckham came up (successfully, IMHO) with a sportswear collection that's more than just hour-glass dresses. Helmut Lang is playing with colors and prints for Spring!
And ah yes, then there's The Row--probably my favorite brand and designers (Mk & Ashley Olsen) of the moment. Can I just say their work is the epitome of effortlessly chic? Their target market is the woman in their mid to late 30s (whose age everyone is constantly guessing, because she looks that good) who literally rolls out of bed with that enviable sexy. wavy hair, can wrap herself in nothing but a silk robe and step out to pick up the Wall Street Journal looking more sophisticated than any wrinkle-free twenty something year old who's spent countless hours lengthening every itty bitty lash for a GNO. Ironic that it's two 26 year old designers without any "formal" training who are able to convey such natural maturity in their work. They did say that they developed their taste from the cut-down-to-size designer clothes they wore as kids, because they didn't care for the kids clothes that actually fit them. Oh, the woes of a young celebrity!
Anyway, I've digressed. Their Spring 2013 collection is yet again another winner, at least in my book. They've definitely softened their tailoring that they've been known for in their previous collections. They stated that their inspiration came from an eighteenth century Japanese artist as well as American folk. Again, it's just pure simplicity with a touch of elegance that really pulls all the looks together. Bravo to The Row! (images below)
Narciso Rodriguez's collection is definitely worth mentioning as well. Who knew teal and moss looked so good together?
Speaking of celebrity clothing lines, have you guys checked out the anticipated Holmes and Yang collection (designed by Katie Holmes and her stylist Jeanne Yang)? 14 looks that can be mixed and matched or worn individually and designed to "fit into a woman's closet." Check it out and let us know what you think!
-B
The Row photos courtesy of The Row via style.com
Narciso Rodriguez photos by Gianni Pucci via gorunway.com
Thursday, August 2, 2012
NK Children Support Program
We are so excited to share with you about our partnership with YPF's NK Children Support Program! As much as we aim to create beautiful designs for our clothing, our vision doesn't end there; instead, we strive to create designs that will be utilized as a vehicle for everyday people to contribute to an imperative cause.
Our desire is to give and help others give to this particular cause. Why? NK Children Support Program is special in that it provides much needed items such as food, medicine and clothing to children within North Korea. Most people are not permitted to travel freely in and out of the country, so to be able to give to those within is indeed a very special opportunity. Furthermore, rather than contributing a lump sum from the two of us, we felt that it'd be much more beneficial to invest that amount in building a creative system for many others--even beyond our social circle--to give as well.
We must attribute credit for this idea to companies that inspired us to go beyond just selling a product; Toms and Warby Parker are just two of now many others.
In the end, we hope that you'll be satisfied with a desirable product, while simultaneously helping to fulfill a need.
You can check out our website for more info.
-J & B
Our desire is to give and help others give to this particular cause. Why? NK Children Support Program is special in that it provides much needed items such as food, medicine and clothing to children within North Korea. Most people are not permitted to travel freely in and out of the country, so to be able to give to those within is indeed a very special opportunity. Furthermore, rather than contributing a lump sum from the two of us, we felt that it'd be much more beneficial to invest that amount in building a creative system for many others--even beyond our social circle--to give as well.
We must attribute credit for this idea to companies that inspired us to go beyond just selling a product; Toms and Warby Parker are just two of now many others.
In the end, we hope that you'll be satisfied with a desirable product, while simultaneously helping to fulfill a need.
You can check out our website for more info.
-J & B
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Looking for a Fit Model in NYC!
We are looking for a fit model in the NYC area to start ASAP! Time commitment is minimal (seasonal position with possibility for extension.) Compensation will depend on experience (can choose monetary and/or clothing perks.)
Looking for:
-women ages 18-35
-contemporary size: 4; S or M
-height: 5'6"-5'8"
If this is you, please email info@ryuryuclothing.com and send us your name, age, location, bust/waist/hip measurements, height, contact #, and preferably a full-length body photo.
Please pass the info along to anyone that might be interested. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
*edit: Just to clarify for those that might be confused: a fit model is different from a runway or even print model. The sole purpose of a fit model is to have the garments fitted to her body for drape and accurate measurement during the production process. We are looking for someone who fits the body type of our target customer.
According to wikipedia: A fitting model (sometimes fit model) is a person who is used by a fashion designer or clothing manufacturer to check the fit, drape and visual appearance of a design on a 'real' human being, effectively acting as a live mannequin. A person is selected to work as a fitting model primarily on criteria matching the desired measurement specifications of the designer or manufacturer. These specifications generally consist of height, bust-waist-hip circumference, arm and leg length, shoulder width, and a myriad of other measurements as indicated by the garment type.
Looking for:
-women ages 18-35
-contemporary size: 4; S or M
-height: 5'6"-5'8"
If this is you, please email info@ryuryuclothing.com and send us your name, age, location, bust/waist/hip measurements, height, contact #, and preferably a full-length body photo.
Please pass the info along to anyone that might be interested. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
*edit: Just to clarify for those that might be confused: a fit model is different from a runway or even print model. The sole purpose of a fit model is to have the garments fitted to her body for drape and accurate measurement during the production process. We are looking for someone who fits the body type of our target customer.
According to wikipedia: A fitting model (sometimes fit model) is a person who is used by a fashion designer or clothing manufacturer to check the fit, drape and visual appearance of a design on a 'real' human being, effectively acting as a live mannequin. A person is selected to work as a fitting model primarily on criteria matching the desired measurement specifications of the designer or manufacturer. These specifications generally consist of height, bust-waist-hip circumference, arm and leg length, shoulder width, and a myriad of other measurements as indicated by the garment type.
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Perfect White Tee Pt. 1
If I HAD to choose ONE top to wear for the rest of my life, it would definitely be the perfect white tee. Despite (and also due to) its simplicity, its versatility is limitless. It can be worn alone or as a layering piece; daytime or night; dressed up or dressed down.
Although one might resort to a cheap version of a white tee due to the common perception that it's a what-to-wear-when-I-have-nothing-else-to-wear piece (I'm guilty of this as well), I realize an investment in a premium tee will go a long way.
I will say the key differentiating factors between a cheap and premium tee (other than the obvious factor of cost) is the fabric and fit:
While a cheap tee will appear soft at first glance and maybe even touch, you'll most likely be left with pilling and change in behavior once it's put through the wringer i.e. the wash. Excuse me for digressing, but doesn't this comparison sound alarmingly similar to meeting the right guy? Ahem* moving on. A premium tee on the other hand will go through several washes and the tee will actually feel softer as it's broken into with time (unfortunately, due to the nature of cotton, it will eventually have to be replaced at some point but much later than the former.)
A cheap tee will most likely do for most body types especially when worn as a layering piece, but it's not the most flattering when worn alone. It tends to cling to areas where you'd prefer it not to and/or hang awkwardly in others. Not to say that this is always the case, but I found this to be true with most lower end shirts. However, a premium tee can hold its own, so to speak, no matter how you wear it.
Another factor that often differentiates the latter from the former is country of manufactured good. This topic can be discussed on another day but to keep it short, most tend to overlook this, but consider quality-control, job suppliance, etc.
Considering all this, premium shirts are the clear winners, right? Except we should reintroduce the small factor of cost. When you look at the booming popularity of companies such as Forever 21 and H&M, we all know that cost is actually a HUGE factor in determining what you buy. I'm not pointing any fingers here... I gravitate towards stores such as these (especially Zara) when it comes to buying the newest and fleeting trends. But that's exactly it. Trends come and go and unless you're Ivanka Trump or J. Lo, most people don't (and shouldn't) shell out the big bucks for the neon stretch dress inspired by scuba wear. However, if it's something that will be worn time and time again, wash after wash, it might actually be worth the extra dollars to invest in say...that beautiful white shirt :)
Here are some that are made with high quality fabrics--(su)pima cotton, modal, tencel and/or silk--with an amazing drape (costs range from $50-$250):
Although one might resort to a cheap version of a white tee due to the common perception that it's a what-to-wear-when-I-have-nothing-else-to-wear piece (I'm guilty of this as well), I realize an investment in a premium tee will go a long way.
I will say the key differentiating factors between a cheap and premium tee (other than the obvious factor of cost) is the fabric and fit:
While a cheap tee will appear soft at first glance and maybe even touch, you'll most likely be left with pilling and change in behavior once it's put through the wringer i.e. the wash. Excuse me for digressing, but doesn't this comparison sound alarmingly similar to meeting the right guy? Ahem* moving on. A premium tee on the other hand will go through several washes and the tee will actually feel softer as it's broken into with time (unfortunately, due to the nature of cotton, it will eventually have to be replaced at some point but much later than the former.)
A cheap tee will most likely do for most body types especially when worn as a layering piece, but it's not the most flattering when worn alone. It tends to cling to areas where you'd prefer it not to and/or hang awkwardly in others. Not to say that this is always the case, but I found this to be true with most lower end shirts. However, a premium tee can hold its own, so to speak, no matter how you wear it.
Another factor that often differentiates the latter from the former is country of manufactured good. This topic can be discussed on another day but to keep it short, most tend to overlook this, but consider quality-control, job suppliance, etc.
Considering all this, premium shirts are the clear winners, right? Except we should reintroduce the small factor of cost. When you look at the booming popularity of companies such as Forever 21 and H&M, we all know that cost is actually a HUGE factor in determining what you buy. I'm not pointing any fingers here... I gravitate towards stores such as these (especially Zara) when it comes to buying the newest and fleeting trends. But that's exactly it. Trends come and go and unless you're Ivanka Trump or J. Lo, most people don't (and shouldn't) shell out the big bucks for the neon stretch dress inspired by scuba wear. However, if it's something that will be worn time and time again, wash after wash, it might actually be worth the extra dollars to invest in say...that beautiful white shirt :)
Here are some that are made with high quality fabrics--(su)pima cotton, modal, tencel and/or silk--with an amazing drape (costs range from $50-$250):
Net-A-Porter
1. Helmut Lang 2. T by Alexander Wang 3. Splended 4. James Perse 5. Kain 6. The Row
How it's worn as a layering piece:
whowhatwear.com
Kate Moss
wenn.com
Charlize Theron
whowhatwear.com
Alone:
Agyness Deyn & Dree Hemingway
whowhatwear.com
Mary-Kate Olsen
skinnyblondegirl.com
Kate Bosworth
whowhatwear.com
-B
Monday, July 16, 2012
Simplicity is beautiful
J and I are finally back from our vacation in Europe. As much I didn't want to leave our last destination (Paris--who would, right? sigh) I knew we had to get back soon to complete a daunting number of tasks. But to transition slowly back into work mode, I decided to post an entry.
Over the years, I've come to learn who I am as a designer. When I got my first sewing machine at the age of 12, I was nothing close to a prodigy designer or anything of that sort. I simply took pieces I already owned and wasn't wearing for whatever reason and mended them to make them wearable. I turned an outdated blouse into a simple, sleeveless shirt. The plain old long-sleeved knit transformed into a shirt with the trendy 3/4 sleeve. Fast forward to fashion school and I was still designing pieces that were minimalistic and classic.
Even now, the designers that I'm inspired by (Alber Elbaz, Phoebe Philo, Derek Lam among many others) are all insanely creative but they're all about sophisticated clean lines. And although many avant-garde designers produce beautiful, awe-inspiring pieces, it's the simple yet chic designs that still catch my eye.
Some of my favorites from Fall 2012:
Over the years, I've come to learn who I am as a designer. When I got my first sewing machine at the age of 12, I was nothing close to a prodigy designer or anything of that sort. I simply took pieces I already owned and wasn't wearing for whatever reason and mended them to make them wearable. I turned an outdated blouse into a simple, sleeveless shirt. The plain old long-sleeved knit transformed into a shirt with the trendy 3/4 sleeve. Fast forward to fashion school and I was still designing pieces that were minimalistic and classic.
Even now, the designers that I'm inspired by (Alber Elbaz, Phoebe Philo, Derek Lam among many others) are all insanely creative but they're all about sophisticated clean lines. And although many avant-garde designers produce beautiful, awe-inspiring pieces, it's the simple yet chic designs that still catch my eye.
Some of my favorites from Fall 2012:
style.com style.com
Raf Simon's last collection for Jil Sander. The beautiful simplicity just takes my breath away...
style.com
The Row. Love the beige on beige. So dreamy and feminine!
(side note: it's amazing that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for the Row were the 2012 recipients of the coveted CFDA womenswear of the year award! They have come long ways since Full House, producing their girls' line at Wal-Mart and their tabloid days. LOVE their line!)
-B
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Fabrics, fabrics and more fabrics!
I feel pretty fortunate that we're starting a fashion business right in the fashion capital of the US. We have ample access to all the resources in the garment district plus many seasoned experts in the field that are willing to give you a word of wisdom if you get on their good side.
Today was one of many days meeting up with fabric suppliers and scavenging around the good ol' garment district. We pretty much selected all of our sample fabrics for our first collection, but we're just doing some last minute rounds.
The costs of the fabrics are daunting in comparison to those overseas. We'll be getting most of our fabrics and doing all of our production domestically, God willing, unless we come across any unforeseen events... let's pray that doesn't happen! We're striving to get the best quality fabrics made in the highest quality controlled environment in the most price efficient way possible. Is that possible? We hope yes and we think yes too :)
Stay tuned!
-B
Today was one of many days meeting up with fabric suppliers and scavenging around the good ol' garment district. We pretty much selected all of our sample fabrics for our first collection, but we're just doing some last minute rounds.
The costs of the fabrics are daunting in comparison to those overseas. We'll be getting most of our fabrics and doing all of our production domestically, God willing, unless we come across any unforeseen events... let's pray that doesn't happen! We're striving to get the best quality fabrics made in the highest quality controlled environment in the most price efficient way possible. Is that possible? We hope yes and we think yes too :)
Stay tuned!
-B
Saturday, June 16, 2012
It all starts here...
We are beginning a new journey. After many years of dabbling in different projects, we are on our way to fulfilling our dream. We know many challenges lie ahead, but we're just taking it one day at a time. We are beyond thankful for all the support and encouragements we've received so far and we're excited for each new day.
Our purpose always lies within the foundation, which is in Christ Jesus. We hope the beauty you see in our work is a reflection of our awe in the Truth. We love what we do, because we get to utilize our gifts and find purpose in doing so.
These entries are not only meant to track our progress but to also inspire others to live out their passions as well. We hope you enjoy the ride with us.
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