Design For Humanity

Design For Humanity 2011 event teaser from Billabong Girls on Vimeo.

With only a few weeks left in school it’s time to start thinking about how to kick off your summer. What better way than a huge party for a great cause. This years Billabong Design for Humanity on June 15th is benefiting VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The event mixes fashion, art, and music all on the legendary NYC street Back-lot of Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA. It is set up like the coolest, most massive block party ever. There are art auctions, live art installations, a bikini fashion show, the best food trucks LA has to offer, multiple bars, street performers, t-shirt screen printing, and two stages. Throughout the night there will be performances from DJs and bands; Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros will be headlining. Tickets are $30 but it is totally worth it. They will sell out so get them while you can. For further info/ to buy tickets visit
For more information, visit here.

-TREND Guest Writer Alex R.

Tuesday Accessory:

Destination: Italy. Travel locally or globally this summer with new bags featured in Alviero Martini's 2011 1A Classe collection that draw inspiration from the world map which is trademark to his designs. Carry your travel necessities in these backpacks, bag, and wallets accessorized with map and travel stamp designs as you set out for your long awaited vacation destinations. Global, trendy, explorer, fashionista-- the prints define an intellectual chic woman, curious yet ready to take on the grand journey ahead of her. You can find more of Martini's products along with other map-themed goods such as jewelry, shoes, and travel luggage on Forzieri, an online Italian boutique packed with timeless luxurious creations by Italian and other European designers. Literally, fashion rocks the world!

Celebrity: Emma Watson

While many of us associate the name "Emma Watson" with the witty, sensible character of Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series, few know of her high fashion background which developed along with her acting career. Featured in Burberry's Autumn/Winter 2009 and the Spring/ Summer 2010 issues, Watson was soon viewed as the epitome of high fashion, especially after her cover shoot on the December issue of VOGUE. Although her role in the Harry Potter series may be coming to an end, Emma Watson's fashion journey is sure to be a long one.

Introducing: Paul & Joe

Today's featured designer is Paul & Joe. The head of the company is Sophie Albou and she does not limit her creativity to only clothing, but she creates shoes, and purses as well. Also, her clothes are very unique in their cuts and patterns. In an interview with Vogue Albou stated "the spirit and vision of Paul & Joe does not cease to evolve and to build on its already internationally renowned success." Her fashion line is very different each fashion season, but it is always extremely creative and fun.

Liya Kebede

For this absolutely stunning model's full portfolio visit: here.

Tuesday Accessory: Kate Bosworth Designs for JewelMint

Bullet Necklace

Charleston Earrings

Mint blossom Bracelet

Trinity Rings

Lunar Blue Necklace

Jackie O Earrings


Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter

Want to give your accessories collection a fresher taste? Need a mint? Two years ago, fashionista Kate Bosworth has teamed up with her personal stylist, Cher Coulter, to launch JewelMint, an online jewelry boutique with handmade pieces designed by them based on their own personal inspirations! Their pieces reflect timeless elegance while balancing modernity with chic and edgy twists at the same time. JewelMint has been a hit as its pieces have been making increasing appearances on television shows, features in magazines, and on celebrities as seen in their blog. Don't expect to splurge because each piece can be a part of your wardrobe for only $29.99, and every month, a new collection of jewelry is recommended to you by Kate, Cher, and the JewelMint team themselves. Especially in a time when the same trends are being produced everywhere, this site will definitely become a personal favorite knowing that these $30 designs cannot be found elsewhere when certain in-store cliche items can cost up to a hair-ripping 50!

Having been a JewelMint customer for over half a year now, every month I return to the site eagerly to see what new items Kate and Cher have instore for us. In the photos above, I have shared with you some of the pieces from my personal "Storeroom" that were recommended to me this month. More recommended pieces?

Rachel Earrings

Recently, Rachel Bilson has teamed up with JewelMint for a cause! For every purchase of a pair of Rachel Earrings, 50% of the proceeds will go to Invisible Children to help fight for peace in Uganda. Although the last time I checked, these amethyst delicacies were out of stock (sadly), Kate and Cher continue to support other celebrity activists and their charities. You can support DoSomething.org with Jared Eng from Just Jared by purchasing these earrings which are still in stock! Join the club and give back with JewelMint!
Brixton Earrings

-Stephanie

TREND Editor

AKPsi's Suit Up for Japan: A Charity Fashion Show

People, regardless of age, never cease to amaze when it comes to taking action for the welfare of people around the globe. We have been increasingly exposed to a variety of international problems throughout our lives and then the people and organizations that make the relief of these problems their goals. Since we were kids, teachers introduced us to the idea of being penpals, then canned food drives, homeless shelters, book donations, bake sales, Relay for Life, and many more until we just realized that what we are capable of doing is anything but endless.

On that note, fashion show for a cause anybody? In response to the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan over two months ago, students of UCSD's business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi), hosted a charity fashion show on May 17th of which all proceeds went to Japan Red Cross. The fraternity teamed up with members from Delta Sigma Pi (also a business fraternity), Circle K, Japanese Student Association, and many other on-campus organizations for this cause. Students were runway-ready as they donned business attire ranging from sophisticated dresses on the ladies to classic dress shirts and tailored pants on the gents. One can call them fashion models, but better yet, models of our world.

Missed out? Want to see more photos? Check out UCSD's student and photographer, Mingee Do's website for more original photos of this event!

Remember: Keep sending your love to Japan!
-Stephanie
TREND Editor

Designer Spotlight: Cynthia Rowley

We don't think that Spring would be complete without some good, old-fashioned fun with bubbles. And if you are a bit too old to frolick on the grass with them, why not have some fun with your wardrobe? Designer Cynthia Rowley must agree that bubbles are essential to the season because she incorporated adorable, bubble-like cut outs into her Spring 2011 collection. Featuring eccentric twists on "ladylike" fashion, Rowley's collection is not for the faint of heart. Jaw-dropping bright colors mixed with retro silhouettes and the previously mentioned peekaboo cut outs make for a daring collection. We love it. What do you think?

Tuesday Accessories: Brass Monki Footwear

We have all seen those T-shirts that express the individual's moods, favorite bands, and senses of humor embedded in witty cartoons. Now...imagine getting more expressive than ever with shoes! Brass Monki's Daniel Reese will take your favorite Nike Dunks and turn them into the most unexpected works of art. The designer is only a ripe 22 years old, and has been running Brass Monki Customs since July of 2009. The sneakers are all hand-painted and design inspirations range from movies and television to video games and music, and from our favorite favorite search engines like Google to other media services like Twitter! The designs featured above are only a few of his "pre-designed" footwear already available for purchase--but there's more. Reese's business is a collaboration of innovation and creativity with his customers. Register with Brass Monki and you can request an exclusive design that is created by you and brought to life by him. So change up your outfit by showing off a pair of these loud yet fun accessories, for change cannot be better expressed than wearing a pair of Reese's Nike Dunks featuring the president that advocates it!