Stylish with Substance

A 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer is already well on his way!

[caption id="attachment_3200" align="alignnone" width="330" caption="10-year-old Christopher Abella shows his fashion sketches"][/caption]

Although I wish I had the same sorts of opportunities, I must admit the pictured 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer, Christopher Abella, appears to be more talented than I was at his age. I was still thinking Juniors/t-shirts/prints/swim and he's on to sophisticated women's clothing, even as a young boy.

His sketches were discovered to hold talent by a teacher (presumably* grade school at that point) who passed along word to designer, Tracy Ellyn.

Then he apparently* started design school in Miami and is being mentored by Ellyn, who sees great potential in the young man.

*I apologize for this story's fuzzy facts as there's only one poorly written article on this phenom, and unfortunately I even find it homophobic (although possibly due to an unlucky non sequitur). So I won't support the writer, but the source is flashnews.com.

[caption id="attachment_3178" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Crafting a Louis Vuitton handle"][/caption]

Louis Vuitton is letting you take some big peaks into their daily working lives. From construction to runway. Some of us are more interested in the craftsmanship (and we can get little tips) and many of us are definitely interested in the perhaps more glamorous behind-the-scenes of Fashion Week Paris.

Visit the site here: Louis Vuitton - The Journey of a Wardrobe. But I'm also going to take you on a smaller journey through my favorite photos. I couldn't not collect them! This is like the holy grail of a blog topic pour moi!!!

(Their website is in flash, so you may be grateful for the pictures. Apologies for including some of my Purpley Windows theme on my PC, haha.)

[caption id="attachment_3180" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Woot! This is "Edge kote" or their comparison. Know it & love it well. Looks similar to my process - I use a q-tip, and this really compares. Go me. (Yes, I'm still practicing on my leather sewing/crafting. Patience.)"][/caption]

Bonus: in this rare case, the soundtracks are enjoyable and thrillingly realistic. I like to listen to the sounds of the workshop in Paris and feel a little less alone either in my 1-person office or 1-person studio. Ha ha!

[caption id="attachment_3182" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Schmancy!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3184" align="alignnone" width="449" caption=""Emporte pièces" Hehe."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3185" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="Man! Inspiration! How would you like such a clean studio? Clean, Ella, clean!"][/caption]

Here are some more photos - click on the thumbnails for full.

Big thanks to Nookie for the head's up!

Fin.

Good news for budgetistas, this $75 Zac Posen for Target dress seems to be worth the price. The fabric is thick brocade, and it shimmers. Reviewers tell us the zippers are of poorer quality however.

Beyond that, I think the visuals of this design speak for themselves: figure-enhancing tie detail, oh so feminine, and so on and so forth. Add the florals and the frock is not only trendy, but with the dressiness of the fabric, perfect for any of your upcoming Summer weddings.

You need to budget this one in fast. Target.com is sold out and I'm sure all the chicest cities have sold their stock as well. Get on this!