For accessories this night, I chose to wear a silver layered necklace with black tassels.  I recently bought it at Forever 21 and I am in love with it!  It makes simple outfits look much more trendy and put together.  For shoes I decided to wear these semi-platform heeled sandals surprisingly from Primark!
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The second night of StyleWeek I based my outfit around these black jogger-like pants.  I wore them with a simple black turtle neck tucked in which made the outfit look a bit more formal.
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Designers such as Jonathan Joseph Peters (Project Runway), Jess Abernathy, Jeffery Dickerson, Nick Pini, and Alexandra Nam (who created a dress for Lady Gaga), etc, got to showcase their new lines for the upcoming season. ​

I was lucky enough to stumble across Behnaz Farahi’s “Caress of the Gaze”. What struck me about the work by the 3D designer and architect located in Los Angeles is the seamless integration of art and science. Her work explores the possibilities and pushes the limits of how we define what we know as normally immobile objects. Imagine clothing no longer being inanimate, but something that responds and reacts to the person who perceives it and the environment in which it exists. Farahi’s 3D Printed Gaze Actuated Wearable does precisely this.
The vest piece that covers the shoulders and chest is made of porcupine like monochromatic quills and is equipped with a small hidden video camera that observes its surroundings.
The video (filmed by Charlie Nordstrom & Elena Kulikova) created to originally portray the attributes of the piece shows the model moving ever so slightly, accentuating the flow of the vest. Her hair is braided and twisted mimicking the curvature of a snake. Her make up is a mirror of the tones of the piece, and as the vest shifts it responds to the man’s eye movement in front of her. The camera flows up and down smoothly, flawlessly displaying the key elements of the design. There is a synchronicity in the video between the flexing of the vest, the tones, and the music that is reminiscent of an animal’s dance.
Behnaz Farahi’s designs are not limited to garments. Her work extends to walls, and architecture, incorporating the same elements of movement in these usually stationed designs.
“Her goal is to enhance the relationship between human beings and the built environment by implementing design/motion principles inspired by natural systems.” – http://behnazfarahi.prosite.com/204244/gallery
I am so thrilled to see the evolution in design through the innovation of great artists turned inventors, and to see how the potential in this field is being reached.

DD: What was the inspiration behind your first design?

JC: My first design was a corset inspired by the life and style of Marie Antoinette, and luxurious French culture. It was made of silk and embroidered.

DD: What influence did Switzerland bring to your designs?

JC: I lived in Switzerland, and learned German and French while in Europe. It opened my mind to how people dress in different places and what is important for the people in each country. People’s mentality in each country is different. For example, people in Switzerland, need to be comfortable, they could wear a gown with tennis shoes. Italy: fashionable. In Honduras they don’t mind being less comfortable for beauty and they have a sexier element to apparel. I mix different aspects from these cultures in my designs to produce dresses that you feel comfortable in but (being Latina) they are form fitting, and classy. You look prepared for the occasion because I focus on details.

DD: What is the signifigance of the butterfly in your design and branding?
JC: The butterfly is important in the brand. It’s the logo, and my initials “JC”. The butterfly has a strong meaning in a lot of countries and signifies transformation. I wanted to encourage women to transform into something that they want to be, do things that they love, become sure of themselves, confident, and to always better themselves. The transformation is to pass through stages like the butterfly and to realize your goals. It’s a sign of femininity. The logo has a real meaning behind it.
DD: I see your yellow skirt with black embroidery in a couple different silhouettes. Do you create custom designs as well?
JC: I have done custom work in Miami. I love to design for a specific person. They often want something for a special occasion. They will love my style, but maybe it doesn’t fit. So I recommend something with the same fabric in a different shape. I focus on a specific event, and client’s personality. I also do image consultation for body shape, face, and best colors. This comes into custom design. I love seeing the satisfaction of each person. Seeing people happy about the designs makes my day. A friend came to me for a figure competition and we created a beautiful fantasy dress made of feathers.
DD: What trajectory do you expect your company/ designs to take in the near future?
JC: I am taking classes at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) right now. This was my first objective when arriving to NY. I want to increase my knowledge about the most important fashion industry in the world (NY). I’m taking illustration classes, and the first few months of the year to learn more. It’s been interesting to see castings in fashion week. We’ve been casting for mens Hickey Freeman. I’m also taking classes for figure skating. I wear my jackets each time I go. In the skate rink they comment on my style and designs. My hope is that I can get the chance to design for ice skaters. I like it because it’s a fantasy outfit, very creative. I have two designs in mind. One with the yellow skirt and black embroidery and another is black with the logo and embroidery.

It was wonderful to have the chance to speak with Johanna! Thank you for taking the time for the interview! I very much look forward to following your design journey.

Find Johanna on instagram so you too can follow her design journey: @johannacastillodesign

If you are interested in her having one of her designs as your own visit her www.fashionbyjohannacastillo.com

For more great articles by this writer visit:
deenadanielle.com

For many years now Omega has had a significant partnership with the Bond franchise. The go to watch for Omega and the Bond universe has been the Seamaster, which is an excellent watch for the character. With a connection to the Royal Navy it makes sense for Bond, who’s a commander in the Royal Navy to wear one. They were issued to RN Drivers during Flemings time.
 
This unique Seamaster 300 comes in a robust stainless steel case. The numbers on the bezel go from 1 - 11 and then a 0 instead of the number 12. The watch comes in a beautiful box, including the black and grey NATO strap, a steel strap and some tools. The movement is revolutionary and is resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss. 
 
The watch is worn in the movie in several scenes and like you would expect works as a gadget for the character. This masterpiece of horology embodies the timelessness of the Bond series as well as the man playing the role, Daniel Craig. 
 
This watch is a must have for any dapper gent and man of prestige. Omega has come a long way and with this watch has elevated its status as a watch any man of class and distinction would love to show off. 
 
Movement
 
Caliber: Omega 8400 self-winding movement with Co-Axial escapement for greater precision, stability and durability. Power reserve: 60 hours
 
Crystal
 
Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. 
 
Features
 
Anti-magnetic
Bi-directional rotating bezel
Chronometer
Liquid metal ®
Black dial
Case Diameter: 41 mm

In October, McCartney released a line of mastectomy-friendly bras in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The collection featured fuchsia geometric lace Alina Playing soft cup and contour plunging bras with matching briefs, designed to bring awareness to consumers and remind women to have regular examinations. She also designed the revolutionary Louise Listening bra, a post double mastectomy compression bra built to provide support and comfort that these women no longer have access to. The bra is nude with a delicate light rose overlay, McCartney’s signature feminine touch.

“We just wanted to make something that allows women undergoing this to have something to be proud of, something with no shame attached,” McCartney said. “We wanted women to know that you can still be feminine, have your sensuality, have all the things that are attached to being a women and that part of your body can still feel beautiful on the outside, as well as the inside.”

Part of the proceeds from the Alina Playing set will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundations in the United States and Australia and the Linda McCartney Centre. The center was established in 2000 in honor of Stella’s late mother who passed away from breast cancer and provides care and support for patients of this disease. All the proceeds from the Louise Listening bras will go to the Hello Beautiful Foundation in the U.K. whose goal is to get rid of all the taboo surrounding breast cancer.

To also benefit this foundation, McCartney collaborated with photographer and author Laura Dodsworth to create the social media campaign #NoLessAWoman. Based off of Dodsworth’s book “Bare Reality,” the campaign features the stories of 12 breast cancer survivors. The women break barriers by revealing the most difficult time in their lives, meanwhile proving that breasts do not define femininity.

Since 2012, she has paired with the Kering Foundation to launch the White Ribbon For Women campaign in tribute to International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov. 25. She designed a limited edition brooch that is distributed in stores all across the country.
In addition to the campaign, McCartney is currently leading the social media campaign, #BetterVoice, showing the realities of just how many women are coerced, beaten, and abused within their lifetime.
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On top of all that, she has received significant buzz from her Winter ’15 collection, sparking the hashtag #FurFreeFur in reference to her eco-friendly outerwear.
People or animals, Stella McCartney loves them all and she is determined to use her artistic gift to create a better existence for them.

Their diversity is simply endless—having the ability to be worn in any form and for any occasion. Somehow they embrace both the edgy, bold and elegant, sophisticated looks, whether worn as an accessory or the main event.

            There is nothing better than walking into a room and having all eyes on you. And what’s a sure way to make that happen? Showing up in Saint Laurent’s solid gold slip dress with a high slit from their Spring ’16 line should do the trick. Need something a little less formal? Try Emporio Armani’s SS16 silver suit separates. You’ll dazzle the room and look like a million bucks.

            Actress Charlize Theron proved this point when she showed up to an event in Hong Kong wearing a full length, long sleeve, gold gown. She looked so flawless she was compared to an Academy Award. You think her Hollywood good looks had anything to do with that? Well maybe a little, but it was mainly the metal.

            In Antonio Marras’ SS ’16 line, he created the perfect statement piece, a gold trench coat. Paired with a simple white dress and sneakers, it makes a noise without screaming too loud. He also utilizes gold for subtle touches in the form of bows and belts, adding just the right amount of pop.

            Dres Van Noten even utilized metals in patterned pieces in their new line, giving fashion fanatics a happy medium.

            Metals don’t have to be big deal either, you can still wear them with your more casual outfits. Saint Laurent dressed a metallic dress with a camouflage military jacket and rainboots and Etro mixed all three metals in a sundress. You simply can’t go wrong.

            But it doesn’t even stop at clothes. Prada models sported vivid gold lipstick on the Spring runway, an bold contrast to the dark, edgy designs. Dior is releasing their “State of Gold” makeup collection this winter, giving you everything you need to make your face glow.

            Plus, imagine how much money you would save on jewelry. You are the jewelry.

            Metallics offer endless possibilities to make you sparkle, so don’t pass on it. Glisten all year round.  

Stella McCartney, Fendi, Balenciaga all showed white and creams in a mix of creamy knits and feather detailing, for that luxe feel. Spectacular old school glamour made a comeback with structured yet feminine cocktails dresses with the most delicate black sparkle for good measure.

Max Mara showed white pencil shirts in soft fabrics for a gentler edge on a timeless classic. Pair with heavy cable knits for a relaxed look in the office in the run up to Christmas.

Luis Vuitton showed its fluffy side with gorgeous white coats to cozy up in for the colder months, contrast this softer side with a sharp edge metallic trunk. The trend of contrasting fabrics and textures continued with Ralph Lauren using a mix of fur, leather and silk for his creamy creations.

Celine offered up oversized fur collars and cuffs set against a heavier cream tone of a long over coat guaranteed to fetch attention. Wear with long flowing hair to ramp up this cleaned up bohemian look.

But this season isn't all about looking as pure as the driven snow. Edge up this look with shiny black leather boots, or a patent leather bag. To get the most out of this look, be bold and opt for some statement accessories to avoid looking too clean.