SUE ROCK ORIGINALS AT FLIRT, BROOKLYN, NY

Sue Rock Originals is excited to be presenting their Global Pants and Halter Tunic at FLIRT in Brooklyn New York. Flirt is a fabulous boutique with two locations and an open teaching studio in Brooklyn New York.

Sue Rock Originals Global Pants and Halter Tunic wil be at the Flirt Fifth Avenue and Baltic Street location.

According to Flirt, they are "...about more than just shopping. It's about your unique way of thinking about clothing, fashion, what you wear, and how you wear it. "

Thanks Seryn!!

Sue Rock Originals Crochet Bolero

Sue Rock Originals Handcrocheted Bolero
Materials – Wool Blend
Colors: Red, White, Purple, Teal
Bust sizes – Small (30-32), Medium (34-36), Large(38-40)

Cost - $200

Sue Rock Originals Halter Top and Wrap Pants

Sue Rock Halter Tunic –
Materials: Cotton Blend, reclaimed Men’s shirting.
Colors Available: Various stripes
Bust sizes 30, 32, 34, 36 (larger sizes to order)
$70

Sue Rock Originals Global Pants –
Materials: Cotton Blends, Polyester Sheers and 100% Cotton
100% reclaimed fabric
Colors Available – Various prints
Sizes Small (26-28 Waist) and Medium (30-34 Waist)
$80

Sue Rock Originals Poncho

Sue Rock Originals Poncho
Materials: Hand Crocheted Wool
Colors: Red, White, Purple, Lavender, Pink, Rust
One Size Fits Most
$100

SRO for Draco Photography's Janine Addison

On going "Green" - a Sue Rock take on things....

When you look in all the magazines, clothing companies are awash with "green" products. Organic cotton tees, silk dresses - an entire Green section of the recent LA Fashion week feature companies using organic products in the production of their products. The changes in our industry continue across the country and around the world.

Sue Rock has taken a multi-faceted approach to the "Green" fashion trend. Being based in New York affords us a unique opportunity to be in the center of production for some of the largest worldwide brands. We have chosen to create our ENTIRE LINE from reclaimed fabrics - both from individuals and companies.

Most people don't realize the extensive selection process design directors go through to come up with their final choices for their lines. All ideas have to be fabricated and reviewed before the final choices are made. This means that boxes and boxes of fabrics are discarded on a regular basis.

The interior design side of the business regularly discards quantities of fabrics as trends go in and out of season. These beautiful fabrics have a myriad of uses and come in a wide variety of colors and blends. With the trend towards organic fabrics increasing, the ability to reclaim fabrics that include coconut fiber, silk fibers and woven combinations becomes effortless.

These photos show just some of the design concepts of Sue Rock Originals. Most recently, we reclaimed discarded cotton fabrics from a top house. The weight and body of these fabrics, saying nothing of their variety made for a brilliant choice for a delightful selection of spring apparel!

Attending my first photo shoot!

its marvelous working with fine people - normal people - you know, the kind who believe in phone calls, email confirmations and being on time. People like Janine Addison of Draco Photography. Draco Photography is a growing photography studio headed by Janine Addison. Based in Brooklyn, Ms. Addison is one of the growing generation of professionals who has claimed what some might call old school values. Genuine, time-sensitive and with a keen attention to the people she is working with, Janine was my entre into the world of fashion photography.

The shoot started promptly at 10:00am. In a small studio in Williamsburg, I met three models, a stylist and her assistant and the owner of the studio - Tony. Everyone was friendly and talkative and I began to sort through clothes and accessories. There was a rack there and with Janine's steamer I got out some the final wrinkles in the skirts.

Janine moved happily and smoothly from models to stylist to makeup artist - making sure everyone was accommodated and that Tony was up to date on the timing of the shoot.

Soon the models were ready and it was off for a road trip, Tony with keys in hand. as they set outside on a beautiful breezy April morning for some shots by the water.

Femi, my husband and tailor for this wonderful venture, had spent the week working and reworking our wrap skirt patterns for the shoot. Our line had the theme "Back to Basics", using that as an anchor to showcase our one of a kind fabrics. Consistent shapes with variable fabrics was the goal. We worked on an A-Line Skirt, Halter Top, Wrap Pants, Wrap Skirt and I came in with a Crochet Bolero with ruffle accents and Crochet Poncho. We had just come into some delicious cotton blend men's shirting which would work well for both the top and the wrap skirt.

I was able to very comfortably and successfully photograph the majority of items brought, including multiple images of the skirt and pants. A number of key compliments came from those at the shoot about the clothing we brought and I left feeling buoyant and full of hope!

Images from the shoot to come!!

For more info regarding Draco Photography - see www.dracophotograpy.com

The Husband and Wife team of Jerome and Susan Rock launches Spring, 2008

Fashion World of GREEN Textile and Merchandising

On Friday, November 14 I had the opportunity to see just what was going on in the consumer fashion world of GREEN textile and merchandising. Titled Eco-Fashion and held at the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre in the Fashion Institute of Technology, this panel focused on the growing trend of organic and green textile production.

From FIT - "1st floor Sustainable fashion is no longer a niche market concern. Beyond the current trend for organic materials, consumers are becoming more aware of the apparel industry’s impact on the environment as media coverage on global warming increases. From consumer lifestyle shifts to fair trade practices, panelists will define and discuss the complex issues surrounding eco-fashion or green fashion. Julie Gilhart, senior vice president and fashion director of Barneys New York; Britt Bivens, director of 4.5 Productions; Susan Cianciolo, designer and artist; Johanna Hofring, entrepreneur and owner of Lower East Side boutique Ekovaruhuset; and Sass Brown, professor of Fashion Design at FIT, designer and fair-trade fashion consultant, will explore this timely topic. "

I had the opportunity to meet quiet unassuming Aussie Britt Bivens from her generous contribution of fabric samples to my non-profit Sue Rock Originals EVERYONE, Inc. Her generosity was abounding as she spoke about her work in the industry. As she mentioned her anticipation of an upcoming Green seminar at FIT, I considered attending. Little did I realize that not only was she director for 4.5 productions a cutting edge Trend forecasting agency, but she was also director for Promostyle US - a top Trend forecaster in the US.

The program began with Ms. Bivens discussing green trends in the market and how the public is setting the tone with merchandisers and manufacturers, creating a need for change in the textile market.

The program moved on to Julie Gilhart, senior vice president and fashion director of Barneys New York. Ms. Gilhart shared the dilemma of high end businesses in finding organic/green products of the quality of their other merchandise. This challenge brought them to rediscovering the organic quality of products they already had and requesting unique design for the Holiday season. They also approached designers Philip Lim and Heather McCartney to create organic items espeically for Barney's. This plan was a unique success. Barneys is looking for energy and dynamism in their designers. Their customers desire the luxurious - want to have things that are handcrafted. The commitment to have a Holiday Season catalog committed to Green Products speaks volumes for the future textile market.

Next was Susan Ciaciolo, internationally reknowned artist and fashion designer. She currently is working on handsewn commissioned pieces for clients. Her focus was on recycled denim and reworked vintage clothing. It was wonderful how she passed pieces of her work to the audience to get a real feel for her work. She stated that when working in Japan, she created an entire collection from organic materials. This process for her was amazing showing that working organically preserved an actual "energy in the fabric."

More about this on our next installment.

PLUS SIZE FASHION MAKES WAVES IN NEW YORK

Art of Curves was an event hosted by HSSAINC, Bigger and Better Thangs and Smooth Z Productions. Their focus was to feature designers whose focus is creating dynamic designs in size 12 and up to an audience interested in creativity and form.

To a full house, models strutted their stuff down the runway to wild applause.

New York City is all about fashion in September. With the industry's top designers showcasing their spring collections on the catwalks in Bryant Park and other choice venues throughout the city, everyone gets fashion fever.

Bigger & Better Thangs (BBT) Entertainment and HSS&A, Inc. are bringing the hype to the "curvier" community with the first annual The Art of Curves plus-size fashion show.

"The Art of Curves, is not just a fashion show, it's a movement," said Blacque Southerland, CEO of HSS&A, Inc. "It's will show the world that plus-size fashion is not just one dimensional."

Scheduled to take place September 21st at New York's Westside Loft, The Art of Curves will be showcasing some of the plus community's top designers including: Svoboda, Trentacosta, House of Sir Charles , Sue Rock Originals, and BGU.

In the wake of the last year's ban of "skinny" models on the runway, this event is garnering a lot of interest. Divabetic, Nova Intell and The Fat Girl Flea Market are some of the sponsors who are throwing their support behind The Art of Curves showing the response to the increased influence the plus-size community is having on the fashion world.

"We are stepping up the game, in fashion and plus size entertainment community, no longer with we be on the back burner," said Michael Belgrave, President of B.B.T, Inc.

And Sue Rock Originals was there!

Sue Rock Originals at ART OF CURVES

Fall is in the air and if you know anything about the Fashion capital of the world - New York is the home of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. On Friday, September 21, 2007, Sue Rock Originals will be featured with more than seven other designers focusing on bringing fashion to those of us who are larger than a size 2!!!

Art of Curves presents itself as "...not just a fashion show, it's a movement". We are thrilled to be a part of this extravaganza. Scheduled to take place September 21st at New York's Westside Loft, The Art of Curves will be showcasing for a cause, some of the plus community's top designers including: Svoboda, Trentacosta, House of Sir Charles , Sue Rock Originals, and Big Girls United.

We will be focusing on Fall fashions with seven new skirts, Ponchos, coverups and vests!

See you there:

what: THE ART OF CURVES PLUS SIZE FASHION SHOW AND AFTER PARTY
where: 336 WEST 37TH STREET 6TH FLOOR
when: SEPTEMBER 21, 2007 8PM
cost: $40 AND $80 VIP ( open bar, food, preferred seating, gift bags and more)
online ticket sales: http://biggerandbetterthangs.com/fashionshow.htm
contact: info call 866-239-5534 or http://us.f510.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=theartofcurves@gmail.com

It is Extraordinary working on a long project....

....so I met this amazing woman at the Golden Krust restaurant - medical student working her way through roti and peas and rice behind the counter, mulling over whether to come to New York or stay in California for her residency. Alas my effusive spirit rose to the occasion spreading mirth and sunshine in the form of accolades regarding her choice to go into medicine. On and on I went, disregarding the ever growning line of hungry and irate Caribbean folks waiting for their jerk chicken. We spoke and I shared some of who I was and what I do..... She shyly mentioned how she had always wanted a "Crochet Kimono" -

SURE~!!! - I said - NO problem, in fact you DESERVE a Crochet Kimono - well you get the drift.

Buzzing in a world of my own, I hestitated to think just HOW I was going to create this Crochet Kimono, but in the world of crochet Heck! anything is possible -

Well.......
One fitting
Three payments
Two orders of yarn from Elann
and three months later
(and of course countless emails)

My client came to pick up here Crochet Kimono -

Which I present to you now!

I have to of course thank Janine Addison who came by to take these fabulous shots of the work.....

I have never taken on the challenge of a long project - the entire kimono was made with an F hook. I used a fabulous yarn called Mister Joe Blanket - it is an Italian yarn made up of 50% Wool/ 46% Acrylic/ 3% Nylon/ 1% Elastane. I was hoping that by using this almost fingering weight yarn and an F hook, the drape would work and I think it did great!

Crochet Bathing Suits created for TBA to be featured at Bikinis Under the Bridge!!!

Internationally renowned swimwear designers from the Caribbean and the U.S. converge at the chic Tobacco Warehouse in Dumbo to showcase the latest in sensual and innovative swimwear.

Brooklyn, New York: JRG Entertainment is announcing its second annual Bikini Under the Bridge Swimsuit Fashion Event, a crowning event in its ten year resume of outstanding fashion shows in Brooklyn. The event will be held at the Tobacco Warehouse at Water and Dock Streets in Dumbo on June 24th, 2007. Doors will open at 4pm with the event slated to begin at 7pm. Headlining the event will be the brilliant designer and Creative Director of both Barbados and St. Kitts Fashion weeks, Roger Gary; Michael Awards 2000 Best New Menswear Designer of the Year, Francis Hendy; and Brooklyn's William Fleet's TBA (To Be Afrikan). TBA hired Sue Rock Originals to create these custom designs for his company!

WBLS' vivacious Wendy Williams will open the show, and Sister2Sister magazine's fashion editor Walter Greene will serve as host. The show will also feature a vibrant after-party (included in ticket price) where attendees will be able to rub shoulders with who's who in Caribbean politics, sports, business, and of course, fashion.

In a no-holds-barred media blitz, JRG has partnered with the MTA to plaster the side panels of 100 buses, and the inside of 50 bus stops with the image of a pouty, 6 ft., bathing suit clad model. With the juxtaposition of platinum hair and dark skin she dares you to miss this great show of eye candy. WBLS's Steve Harvey as well as 93.5's Irie Jam will advertise the event with model/designer interviews and ticket give-aways. National television channels such as VH1, BET, E!, and Lifetime, in addition to local Caribbean channel CIN, will feature commercials of the show.

Sue Rock Originals and Draco Photography!

In the quest for more BUZZ about my line, it became clear that it was time for some new images. When I went through the studio, I realized that many items that were going through the door without being photographed.

I surfed the pages of Model Mayhem and discovered brilliance in the photography of Janine Addison, photographer of Draco Photography. Her images are clean, innovative and just plain good - no kitsch or stage drama here. Just excellent lines and the desire to feature the clothes. It also doesnt hurt that she is right in the neighborhood.

When we met at her Brooklyn, NY office, she shared her vision of working in the industry and her three year plan - a notable quality in a young woman under 30! Add to that her diligence to her work and sense of detail (hey- she emails back!) and you have a win win situation all the way around.

Janine and I will be working together to pull together common themes in the Sue Rock line and put together the look book - I look forward to sharing these all with you during the summer. If you are fiending for a little more creative flow, however, make sure to log on to IQONS. IQONS is a website featuring fashion professionals, students and devotees from around the world. Its free and available for all of us. They have shown me alot of love and its worth taking a minnit to check them out! I am listed there at http://www.iqons.com/Sue+Rock

ENJOY this Spring!

the music that I LOVE

Get your own playlist at snapdrive.net!

Happy New Year

January.......... A time of new beginnings, renewal, planning... During this time we’ll be planning for the spring, 2007 and Fall 2008 seasons. I have finally found a consistent location. I was in 4W Circle of Art and Enterprise for a hot second...... I basically need to learn who my customer is. No one can do that for you, you have to see these people yourself, and spend some time. I think as a crocheter I was intimidated by an audience and shy about meeting people and talking about my work.

If you want to see and purchase the current products for SRO, I am in Brooklyn, Saturday mornings on the west side of Grand Army Plaza, next to the weekly Greenmarket Farmer’s Market. On Sundays, you can find SRO items at PS 321 at the Park Slope Flea Market.

The holidays of ’06 did being some sales, lots of gifts and a fashion show in Irvington N. J. (thanks Valon!)

We will continue into the beginning of the year with our very feminine ruffle scarves and a new addition, knit fabric hats – designed by Ifasina.

From the Spring ’07 collections sheers, ruffles, interesting necklines and bows (or tied fabric) are key to every designer’s look. I don’t know how many “regular” folks are going to rocking black, dark plum or navy this spring but the pink/grey trend will remain consistent, as well as whites, yellow and bright red on the women’s apparel color palette.

4W Circle of Art and Enterprise features Sue Rock

It is wonderful in New York - the fall air is crisp and warm for November. 4W Circle of Art and Enterprise will be featuring items from sue rock originals for Fall, 2006. Despite many requests, I kept my focus on accessories for this season. Beautiful rich fall fabrics came into my possession last month and I just HAD to try some scarves. Seems like some scarves are just never long enough don'cha know, so working lengthwise and with a ruffle flair, I designed something fabulous and feminine for Fall, 2006. Scarves are running $83 at 4W and are selling fast!

Make sure to stop by and pick one out for yourself or a friend (or both!)

Love

sue rock

Fashion Week brought major contacts!!

Welcome to "Autumn in New York!" Well fashion week is over and I had to most amazing time - thanks to the magic of Craigslist, I was able to get some advertising production done while make some fantastic new acquaintances. I was introduced by plus size fashion model Teresa Steele to some amazing and positive women. Stylist and buyer, Michele Martinez of Dulce Style has made an art of finding hip, stylish clothing for the curvy and sophisticated. With her encouragement (and Teresa's prodding) we made a bee-line to the penthouse where plus lines SVOBODA and Anna Scholz were camped out. They loved the lush and beautiful fabrics I pulled out and they gave me some serious business tips. It was a marvelous nite! Thanks - you women are fantastic!!

Northern African Tambour gives birth to crochet

Research suggests that crochet probably developed most directly from Chinese needlework, a very ancient form of embroidery known in Turkey, India, Persia and North Africa, which reached Europe in the 1700s and was referred to as "tambouring," from the French "tambour" or drum.

In this technique, a background fabric is stretched taut on a fra me. The working thread is held underneath the fabric. A needle with a hook is inserted downward and a loop of the working thread drawn up through the fabric. With the loop still on the hook, the hook is then inserted a little farther along and another loop of the working thread is drawn up and worked through the first loop to form a chain stitch. The tambour hooks were as thin as sewing needles, so the work must have been accomplished with very fine thread.

At the end of the 18th century, tambour evolved into what the French called "crochet in the air," when the background fabric was discarded and the stitch worked on its own.

(from the Crochet Guild newsletter)