Look out, New York City! Chris and Elliott Roberts moved to the city in November, with plans to make their marks on the fashion industry. The two designing brothers, who grew up in Toledo, Ohio, are in college – Chris is studying art, while Elliott is studying international business. In their spare time, they both enjoy painting, video mixing, shopping in thrift stores and listening to newly discovered music.

Chris and Elliot began sketching when they were children; their artistic endeavors flowed naturally into a focus on fashion design and construction. “We’ve always been intrigued by clothing. We began taking a serious approach towards fashion in the end of 2007. We started off by creating silkscreen skateboard/pop art inspired t-shirts and customizing denim jeans. Our first fashion show opportunity arose in the start of 2008 and we started our first collection from there and never looked back.”

They admire the artistic works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Ira Cohen, and their favorite fashion designers are Alexander McQueen, Oscar Da La Renta, and Hussein Chalayan. “Our inspiration comes from everywhere, but we’re most inspired by natural conditioning--you know, like warped wood, rust, gum under restaurant tables; the random things in life.”

When asked for their definition of fashion, Chris and Elliot responded, “Fashion is life.” They pride themselves on their innovative designs and solid construction techniques. “Our goal is to change the way people perceive high fashion; if everyone had their very own sense of style the world would be a much better place.”

Chris and Elliott have enjoyed a relatively trouble-free start to their design careers. ”So far, our career as designers has been fairly hassle-free; our biggest struggle is moving to New York. We’re both eager to illustrate our talent and claim a place in the industry.”

The Rogers brothers’ design label, Cris | elle, features fun men’s and women’s “streetwear” styles with a touch of sophistication that would also work for a night at the clubs. They are excited about the future. “We’re passionate about growing as artists and using our talents as strengths, to encourage everyone near to find their way in life”

Their cryptic advice to up-and-coming designers is, “Use what you have.” Chris and Elliott Rogers are featured designers at UsTrendy.com, where you will find the Cris | elle portfolio.

Johanna A. Boccardo describes herself as a “Venezuelan born illustrator-turned-fashion designer.” Her company, Beautiful People, designs and makes timeless, classic and functional handbags.

Johanna has distinctive interests; she has illustrated children’s books and designed jewelry. “If I wasn’t an illustrator or fashion designer I would be dedicating my days and nights to the film industry. I’m passionate about the special details that make a movie special. I love traveling, indie music and improvising in any given situation. Nothing I dislike more than gossip.”

She first dreamed of becoming a fashion designer when she visited a friend in Spain who worked with a fashion designer. “I loved listening to her while she talked about work, I realized then that some day I would add fashion design to my professional plans.” True to her word, she now has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts/Illustration.

She enjoys the artistic freedom her career allows, and feels fortunate to be able to turn her “passion for creation into a business.” She explains that her inspiration is drawn from “people, music and my own vision of life. Words also offer visual images that I turn into collections.” In Johanna’s world, fashion is defined as art. “From a creator’s point of view, fashion is another outlet of my own artistic expression.”  

Beautiful People is a family company dedicated to creating a “legacy” line of beautiful handbags of the finest quality. In her quest to create an exclusive line of superior leather accessories, Johanna works with only the best Peruvian and Columbian leathers. Although a young brand, Beautiful People handbags are known for their fabulous color, luxurious feel and expert design details.

Johanna was recently honored when one of her bags was nominated for a prestigious 2009 Independent Handbag Designer Award in the “Best handbag in overall design” category. She is proud to have been selected as one of five finalists from a field of 700 contestants.

Johanna Boccardo and the Beautiful People portfolio are featured on UsTrendy.com at http://www.ustrendy.com/beautiful-people/.

Dawn Oliveira is an artist, designer, textile manufacturer, teacher and environmentalist. She advises emerging designers to “[b]e original, be daring, and be confident. And really consider your impact on the planet if you are designing product.” Although she acknowledges that she has much to learn, Ms. Oliveira is increasingly in demand to speak on the subject of sustainable manufacturing at green design events.

Her ecological concerns were rooted at an early age. “Growing up in both a small Massachusetts mill town and later a seaside town in Rhode Island, I am influenced equally by both urbanism and the rural beauty of the countryside. I’m a graduate of UMASS Dartmouth with a BFA in Textile Design, and I have a passion for textiles.”

Dawn lived in New York City for more than 20 years, where she worked as an in-house artist for Liz Claiborne for several years. She then spearheaded the opening of an independent design studio, D.O.T. Studio, Inc., in New York’s garment district. She developed an impressive client base that included Ralph Lauren, Andrea Jovine, Stark Carpet and Emanuel Ungaro.

When she moved from New York City, Dawn recognized and realized her dream of creating a textile company that utilizes sustainable processes. “With a renewed sense of environmental responsibility -- directly related to an unexpected return to my native state of Rhode Island – I launched Oliveira Textiles in 2007; a  woman-run company. The company’s debut line, “Ocean Collection,” featured bold colors, sea-inspired motifs and most importantly, sustainable and organic fibers as well as non-toxic, low impact dyes.

She explains that the considerations that face an aspiring green designer require research and contemplation. “Just beginning the journey is important. Thorough research and asking tough questions is mandatory. As a designer, are you considering the responsibility to our planet when you conceptualize your products?  Begin by thinking about what's going to happen to the finished item when the end user is done with it. Is it Reusable? Recyclable?  Compostable?”

Dawn draws inspiration from objects and plant forms found in nature, and her son’s drawings: “amazingly spontaneous,  so fresh and uncluttered. As an artist, every single experience informs your work. I hope to have opportunities to create many collections over the course of my career.”

Dawn Oliveira is a featured UsTrendy Designer. View her blog and portfolio at http://ustrendy.com/oliveira-textiles/.

Dean John is an emerging fashion designer who was born and raised in New York City. He loves the nightlife, the city, and all the diversity and urban influences that ultimately impact his designs. And when he's not designing in the city, he loves to rollerblade or go out dancing.

Dean can't pinpoint the exact moment he realized he wanted to be a fashion designer. It was an inevitable career choice, rather than a sudden decision. “I can’t really say. It's like I was born to do this and I just always knew.”

He now creates for his own label – Dean John Fashions – which has already proven to be successful. “I have done over 20 fashion shows and wherever my line is available it sells out really fast.”

Dean's inspiration often comes from the colors he sees surrounding him. “I like color and light so when I see the two together I make it happen.” Some of his favorite designers are Mark Echo, Betsey Johnson and Pat Fields.

When designing, he loves the freedom he has with his own collection and the individuality of his creations. “I love that I can be as free as I want with my designs and [I love] the response I receive from the public and models. I wish there could be less copy cats.” His biggest struggle as a designer is finding the “capital for producing, housing and selling my garments and sewing skills.”

“In the city it's hard to be different but I manage by just making my own style and looks.” Dean feels fashion is a way for individuals to communicate and express themselves. “Fashion to me is a movement and it can speak many languages without saying a word.”

His advice to aspiring designers is simple: “Learn how to sew and don't follow the rules!” You can view the Dean John Fashion portfolio and blogs on UsTrendy.com at http://www.ustrendy.com/dean-john-fashion/

Kelly Louise doesn't have small hopes for her jewelry designs – she's dreaming big. “I desire to be to the new millennium, what Art Nouveau was to the turn of the century!”

Kelly graduated from Rutgers University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She also did independent study work at Northern Arizona University and The University of Pretoria, South Africa. Her company, K. Louise Designs, is currently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Kelly unveiled her one of a kind jewelry pieces in April of 2003, with collections inspired by nature, landscapes, fantasy and various cultures of the world. “Being connected with nature is a significant part of my life, and I enjoy incorporating that into my designs. Traveling to other countries has allowed me to enjoy other cultures and environments which has been a tremendous source of inspiration.”

With the knowledge gained from her 2002 thesis on blown glass and metal, Kelly is able to incorporate many other materials into her K. Louise line: blown glass, vintage glass, and recycled glass from local and world venues. She strives to transform her visions into “specialized designs which encompass an array of styles, materials, and inventive concepts.”

“Precious stones are also woven into intricate motifs initiating a colorful spectrum of sparkling jewels. Exotic woods from Hawaii, South America, and South Africa are individually selected and transformed into authentic collections.” Her quest for innovation and exploration has inspired Kelly “to create extraordinarily beautiful renditions of one of a kind contemporary wearable art forms.”

Since 2003, Kelly has acquired an impressive list of accomplishments. Her work has gained popularity in newspapers, galleries and numerous cutting-edge boutiques that look for new and unique designs. The K. Louise jewelry line has received press in the October 2007 Philadelphia Weekly Fall Fashion Guide, the October 2007 West Reading Eagle Newspaper Life& Style Section, and the April 2008 Philadelphia Style Magazine Spring Fashion Guide.

Kelly was also voted Philadelphia's “Best Jewelry Designer” by the Philadelphia Weekly Image Awards 2009. K. Louise Designs is featured on UsTrendy.com at http://www.ustrendy.com/k-louise-designs/