Hasta La Ideas

If anyone has had the misfortune of breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, then you’ve probably had the urge to stay in your room all day, watch bad movies, and wear the same thing for 2 weeks straight. While I can’t help you with your choices of movies, it may be worthwhile to take a look at Nina Nikicio’s newest diffusion line oneandahalf. Her first collection, entitled “Heartbreak” boasts affordable prices from $16-$55. Instead of wearing sweats that have seen better days, “Heartbreak” features shirts and blazers with detachable arms, collars, and cuffs that provide endless variations. That means no one will ever know that shirt dress you wore yesterday is the same as the sleeveless vest you’re wearing today! With a monochrome black, white, and gray color pallete, it’s easy to mix, match, and never clash. Indonesian-born and Singapore-based designer Nina Nikicio started her eponymous fashion line in 2006 after attending Lasalle College of The Arts in Singapore and earning a diploma in fashion design. She’s certainly keeping busy with two fashion lines! I got a chance to find out what inspired Nina for her latest collection and what we can expect to find in the near future. Click here to visit the oneandahalf site and contact them directly to order. Read on for the interview and click the slideshow to see her oneandahalf line.

Fashion designer Koi Suwannagate first came to my attention when she collaborated with Phillip Lim for his Spring 2007 collection (remember those rosette dresses that were sold out everywhere?). Also in 2007, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue chose the designer as a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award. Born in Bangkok and now designing out of Los Angeles, Koi is known for her romantic designs and signature draped cashmere pieces. It’s easy to see why Kirsten Dunst, Oprah Winfrey and Christina Ricci have all worn pieces by Koi! We got a chance to talk to Koi, amidst her busy schedule, about who her favorite designers are and what we can expect from her next! Read on to see the interview and check out the slideshow to see her favorite pieces from her Spring collection, as well as a few beautiful looks that you can purchase from her online store.

Ever wonder what things are like down under? As if you didn’t already wish you were in the land of Oz, just one look at awesome Aussie designer Maurie and Eve’s collection and you’ll be ready to book your next vacation. This Australian label already has a pretty sweet history, having been inspired by the love of designer Kelly Davies’ grandparents, but it’s seen through by the camaraderie of family, (brother Scott) and like family, Maya Clemmensen (Scott’s girlfriend). The clothes are definitely a far cry from any Crocodile Dundee undertones and are the ultimate in chic fashion. Each piece calls out its own bold character, as it’s beach and bohemian-driven with a bit of an 80’s edge. Their lovely pieces exude a free-spirited confidence that will have you greeting your friends with “G’day” and insisting that they call you Sheila. So, calling all trendy US style-lovers — allow us to introduce you to a down under designer that’s most definitely blossoming. Click READ MORE to a sneak peak at the designers’ fun personalities in their interview, and see some of their many addictive looks in the slideshow!