The Creative Cookie

Meet Zwade Devenish

Last year The Creative Cookie teamed up with Zwade Devenish, a group of his classmates and teachers at the Marta Valle High School on the Lower East Side. We produced a fashion show in response to their school's enforced dress code. The outcome was a success -- we even landed an article in the Villager! 

Fast forward to November 2012 when I received an email from Zwade that he was officially launching his line 'Devenish' & pursuing work as a professional stylist -- I squeeled with glee:

My 1st student to find their way into the fashion industry!

I invited him to my studio were we sat to chat. One of the things that always struck me about Zwade is his professionalism. In a world where many young people feel entitled, he attributes his budding career to having the right attitude, following up on leads, and staying in touch with his network (wink, wink:).

"These are the things that will get you far if you are willing to work hard too", says the now 19-year old designer & stylist.

Comfort with an edge is how I would describe Zwade's work if I had to use few words.  I'm sure you'll be reading more about him in posts to come -- for now check out his spot on the web!

Zwade dressing his model, Diadra, before a shoot

photographer Jaslyn Reynoso

*Throwback photo* Zwade in 2011 on the red carpret being interviewed before the fashion show at Marta Valle

photographer kamau ware

Outrageous AMA Fashion

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the American Music Awards! It's always fun to watch the outrageous performances and style on stage. Let's look back at some of the most memorable AMA fashion moments:

I loved Jennifer Lopez in this stunning Giambattista Valli gown (2011)

Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' look left me 'Speechless' (2011)

Remember Rihanna all strapy and twirly for 'Wait Your Turn'?  (2009)

Beyonce, always on top of  fashion (2008)

photo credit: dick clark productions

Be sure to watch, on ABC, this Sunday at 8p! Have a fab Friday.

Suede is Blue Project Runway All Stars

Last night I watched the latest Project Runway All Stars season 2 where Suede Baum, from Season 5, was the next to be sent home. In this episode the remaining designer created a print, using spray paint, to turn into a graffiti art inspired look. Suede made a one shoulder hankerchief dress, covered in 100s of dots, when he should have enhanced a look from his line with Simplicity Patterns to be safe. But as they say, one day you're in, the next day you're out.

Image from MyLifetime.com. See more photos here!

I snapped this photo of Suede, Blayne (also of PR Season 5), and some of their friends after meeting them during New York Fashion Week in 2009. Project Runway Peeps are ususally pretty sweet but Suede was extra. Hopefully he can dust himself off and get back to the cutting table!

From L-R: friend, Suede, Blayne, friend

photo: Lesley Ware © 2009

Creativity in Queens

This fall The Creative Cookie launched a collaboration with the Queens Library! My nimble team of fashion instructors and I are moving about from branch to branch offering, free hands on, 2-day workshops. Kids can stitch the perfect pillow, a back to school tote, or a super scrappy scarf. If you know a pre-teen in Queens who may be interested email me. We'd love to have her or him participate in our workshops.

Here are the deets for this week and next:

• Laurelton 4p-5:15p, perfect pillow, 11/6 & 11/13
• Lefferts 4p-5:15p, scrappy scarf, 11/8 & 11/15
• Long Island City 4p-5:15p, back to school tote, 11/8 & 11/14

Here's a photo that I snapped with my iPhone of a participant as she was putting the finishing embelishments her perfect pillow at the Rosedale Branch. Sew Fab!

Be Sm(art) Vote

Election Day is almost over! There are only a few hours left before the polls close. Make sure you vote (if you haven't yet). You can find your polling place here. I saw this pup in line this morning. If found his way humans can too;). Spread the word -- voting is contagious!

Solange -- Losing You

I heart everything about Solange in her new video -- especially the quirky slightly off beat dance moves and rad fashion:). So cheery on a chilly Monday.