Old Blog of Lisa

Trend ALERT: The Undercut

Lisa Malanij — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 06:20:59 +0000

Hate it or love it. THE UNDERCUT.

Blurring the lines between feminine and masculine. Beautiful and ugly. An extreme cut that looks good on both boys and girls, curly or straight, medium, short, or long hair! It also is a commitment and a b**** to grow out. My fascination with the undercut began in 2008 after seeing a photo of Cassie sporting on side of her head shaved. I proceeded to give draw all the girls for my senior illustration portfolio sporting the same extreme buzz cuts (it was a System Shock cyberpunk themed resort collection). It wasn’t till around Feb 2010 I saw my first ever photo of platinum-hued rapper chic Yo-Landi Vi$$er from Die Antwoord that I wanted the hairstyle for myself. Around the same time I began to see many photos of this intriguing and ugly/awesome cut on my tumbler dash. (Most of which are from the fuckyeahundercuts! Tumblr community which are posted below). I made the commitment leap soon after. My hairstylist, Laurel Krysten, gave me my first undercut and it’s been hairstyle love ever since.

The undercut trend has been around originally and again more modernly among the streetwear styles in places like London, Germany, Stolkholm, Japan, NYC’s most edgy for a while and now is becoming more prevalent in the midwestern states thanks to celebrities rocking this ‘do.

Of course the undercut originally was a haircut associate with the goth, new wave, punk, and post punk movements of the late 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s. And also the awful Hot Topic “mall goths” of the late 90′s and 00′s (which is topic for another day). *shudder* The difference between the two for this blog is one is fashion and the other is… I won’t go there. The bowl cut is also a similar resurgent hairstyle believe it or not.

We’ve been seeing a lot of side-shaved heads on runways, lookbooks, adventurous fashion students and style aficionados, alternative models (like Alice Dellal, Cole Mohr), and the more daring RB pop stars (Pdiddy’s girl Cassie, Rhianna, Willow Smith). I’ve got a feeling we will only see more of the undercut. And when this style has hit it’s peak, everyone will be sick of it. But for now, it’s edgy again in a daring direction.

Below I present you for inspiration a treasure trove from my undercut save folder (many of which were my inspiration to get mine).

There are two main types of the undercut, and various combination between the two.

Variation 1: Back of the head (My undercut by Laurel Krysten <3)

Variation 1: Back of the head

Variation 1: Back of the head with curls

Variation 1: Back of the head, long front

Variation 2: Side shaved

Variation 2: Side shaved (Annabella Lwin of Bow Wow Wow)

Variation 2: Side shaved (Cassie)

Variation 3: All Under = Connecting Sides + Back of Head , Bowl Cut Top

Variation 3: All Under = Connecting Sides + Back of Head

Variation 3: All Under = Connecting Sides + Back of Head (Cole Mohr)

Variation 3: All Under = Connecting Sides + Back of Head (Kate Lanphear, style editor of ELLE)

Here are some more creative and extreme versions of the undercut:

Variation 4: The 50/50 a.k.a. half and half (Model - Alice Dellal)

Variation 4: The 50/50 a.k.a. half and half (Alice Dellal and Cassie)

Variation 5: Tiny Shaved Sides (Yo-Landi Vi$$er of Die Antwoord! Ninja's got an undercut too)

Variation 5: Tiny Shaved Sides on bottom

Variation 5: Tiny Shaved Side Square

Variation 6: Undercut with Long Hair (for extreme contrast)

If you have been contemplating getting an undercut, do it! The sooner the better since this trend is at the cusp of coolness. Don’t wait till every hipster/scene/party kid has one.
If you like the look but don’t want the commitment, why not try looking at this “faking the undercut” a la Kelly Osborne tutorial instead?

More UNDERCUTS? Check out the following blogs + articles below:
Refinery29 – Hot New Hair Buzz: Shaving! It Ain’t Just For Guys Anymore
Refinery29 – Halfway House: Dellal’s Shaved ‘Do Gains Street Cred
Fuck Yeah, Undercuts!
Scalpture
Bleach London

Trend ALERT: Pastel and Ombre Hair

Lisa Malanij — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:27:37 +0000

This ain’t your manic-panic ‘do from high school. I’m talking about the colored hair trends that have been prevalent on the runways, style blogs, and fashion mags of Spring/Fall 2010.

Turquoise and platinum ombre hair.

Ombré, from the French ombrer meaning “to shade,” is a dip-dye effect given to fabric (or hair!) in which the color is graduated from light to dark. In the past months I myself made a leap of faith and jumped aboard the grunge/pastel hair color train. In fact, I am currently redying my hair a shade of Manic Panic’s Bad Boy Blue as I type this post. I had been coveting the girls of the Proenza Schouler S/S 2010, Scalpture.com, or the I<3Fake Magazine’s #17 Grunge Issue. Being a platinum blonde was extreme and fun but got to be a bit boring since it had been my style for the past 4 years. I basically had the same ‘do as drivers license from when I turned 21. Not to mention with the economy and my freelancing income I couldn’t afford the bi-monthly salon cost upkeep.

Because of the vigorous trend hunting I do as a designer, I have been seeing many editorial fashion shoots sporting models with brightly dyed hair in odd hues, brightly tipped ends, or faded pastels with waaaay overgrown roots. Such as these links from Refinery29.

Refinery29: Hot New Hair Trend: Ombre Color, Rad Or Bad?

Refinery29: Hair Trend: Go Rainbow Bright With Colorful DIY Streaks

Around this time Scott Pilgrim advertisements were being blasted everywhere. Every boy’s dream girl Ramona Flowers sports brightly hued hair throughout the comic and seeing the character live in her hair glory made me itch to get some colors back in my hair. The turning point was reading an interview with blue-haired Japanese model/DJ/stylist Mademoiselle Yulia where she “described her blue hair as her manicure’ in which she dyes herself every two weeks.”

Ramona Flowers, every geek + gamer's dream girl.

: Mademoiselle Yulia

Perfect! With the mindset of refreshing your hair and treating it like a bi-weekly manicure gave me the motivation I needed. Besides, the whole before mentioned pastel punk hues and grunge roots are totally acceptable in fashion editorial standards these days. You could say it’s cutting hype. Also it is super easy to do and even upkeep if you have basic knowledge of hair care and the patience and motivation to upkeep the colored look. In my next posts I will post my personal styling tips and share links to blogs that give optimal advice to make that colored hair last longer.

Here are ombre, brights, and pasteled hued photos that inspired me! (Click through images to go to their source pages!)

S/S 2010 Proenza Schouler

Lady Gaga look #1 @MTV 2010 VMAS

Sophia by Scalpture

KATIE SHILLINGFORD (Style Editor for Dazed & Confused)

Want more OMBRE and COLOR Ideas? Check out these blogs + articles:
Refinery29 – Hot New Hair Trend: Ombre Hair, Rad or Bad?
Refinery29 – Hair Trend: Go Rainbow Bright With Colorful DIY Streaks
Alex Brownsell, Hotest Hairdresser in the UK: Bleach London
Fashion Indie: Mademoiselle Yuli’s Suitcase
Scalpture.com

LOOKBOOK.NU: Music Inpsires Fashion contest #TOXIC TEETH

Lisa Malanij — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:31:09 +0000

One of current contest Lookbook.nu is running is Sony PIIQ Music Inspires Fashion contest. A neat contest where you can post your music inspired look along with your own 8tracks.com mix to enter.
So on top of making custom mixes, you can show off your awesome fashion style. So if your stylish and love making playlists, give it a whirl! You can also have more than one entry.

I’ll be posting my looks in the future. For now, check out my first entry and themed playlist titled: TOXIC TEETH!
Make sure to click the “HYPE” button to give me lots of Hype. More Hype gets me more attention!
Listen to my specially crafted playlist for this look too!: TOXIC TEETH 8track Playlist: http://8tracks.com/llvlss/toxic-teeth

http://lookbook.nu/look/1188211-TOXIC-TEETH

About this look: http://lookbook.nu/look/1188211-TOXIC-TEETH

My entry for Lookbook.nu’s “Show Us Your Music Inspired Look” titled TOXIC TEETH.
I saw this White Mouth Rot T-shirt by FreshJive in a window display in the notorious sneaker store, Training Camp, near Bryant Park. I just had to get it – I mean, how often do you find shirts with snarling teeth oozing neon goo? They only had XL so I made a tank dress out of it. Bonus – It even glows in the dark! One of my favorite shirts to wear out dancing.

About this mix: TOXIC TEETH 8track Playlist: http://8tracks.com/llvlss/toxic-teeth

Twelve tracks including music by Matthew Dear, Die Antwoord and IAMX.
My entry for Lookbook.nu’s “Show Us Your Music Inspired Look” titled TOXIC TEETH.
This mix was crafted to go with this look sinks its teeth into your skin and oozes into your brain. Synth beats, dark infused pop over electronica pulses makes for perfect dark-lit dance floor or summer night drive under the starry sky. So have a listen! I’m sure you’ll enjoy

Lisa Malanij on LOOKBOOK.NU

Lisa Malanij — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:24:24 +0000

For those of you familiar with the fashion style collective, LOOKBOOK.NU, you know it’s one of the best open access style sites on the web. As a designer and trend hunter, I check Lookbook.nu often to assess the current pulse of streetwear and it’s style movements. Many Lookbook posters wear and display new trends and styles that haven’t reached the dreaded common mainstream yet, and display new ways to layer, wear garments and show off their individuality. Chictopia.com is also a similar open access fashion site.

I use my Lookbook.nu page as a personal catalog of daily outfits. My way of sharing my personal style back to the style community. I’m certainly no professional model, but it is fun to showcase my own interesting, cute outfits and ideas with others. I will even post some of my favorite looks here on my blog. Though I strongly encourage every fashionista to start their own LB page :]

So fellow fans, friends, and fashionistas, I please encourage you to “Fan” me and PLEASE “HYPE” ME a lot!

SHOW YOUR LISA LOVE!
My Lookbook.nu page: http://lookbook.nu/user/147231-Lisa-M

Pledge on Kickstart for Buzz & Growl – Cleveland Fashion Incubator on Kickstarter

Lisa Malanij — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:15:44 +0000

Pledge $1-2000+ to Buzz & Growl on their Kickstarter page!

I just got off the phone with Valerie and found out about another fabulous way besides the Pepsi Refresh contest mentioned in my previous post that you can support Buzz & Growl, Valerie, and local CLE designers!!!

You can pledge any amount of money to Buzz & Growl’s Kickstarterer page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yellowcake/buzz-and-growl-clevelands-new-fashion-incubator

And as an expression of thanks, gifts will be given to each price level donation, such as $1 will get you eternal thanks, $10 donation will get you listed as a supporter on the B&G website, $20 will get you website cred and a limited edition Buzz & Growl book, $40 will get you a signed one of a kind sketch, so on and so forth.

I personally will be donating in the $20-$40 range.

For more info on the Cleveland Sewing Co-op Buzz & Growl, check out their official website: http://www.buzzandgrowl.com/

Vote for Co-op Sewing Facility & Fashion Incubator in Cleveland, OH

Lisa Malanij — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:11:48 +0000

Wondering what you can do to help out Cleveland’s Fashion Industry?

Cleveland’s Project Runway Season 8 designer darling, Valerie Mayen of Yellowcake, is creating a sewing Co-op in downtown Cleveland titled, Buzz & Growl. (Named for the “buzz” of sewing machines and the “growl” the machines make when sewing as well as putting the “growl” in designers careers). This sewing co-op will give students, local designers and seamstresses access to proper space, industrial equipment, and network support for bettering themselves and their careers. Not everyone is lucky enough to have sufficient studio space to make collections or access to specialized machines to make sellable professional looking garments. (We young designers often end up drafting and sewing collections in cramped apartments or kitchens). With the many fashion schools in Ohio, fashion students once graduated have little resources locally to continue education or their own business in Ohio.

This Pepsi Refresh contest gives ideas a chance to win grant money to fund projects that will help communities. The Buzz & Growl sewing co-op is in the running for $50K in money.

Take a look at the Buzz & Growl website entry for Pepsi Refresh, and please pass this link on to others. The more votes, the better chance for $50K for this wonderful project!

Pepsi Refresh website: http://www.refresheverything.com/buzzandgrowl
Buzz & Growl project video: http://vimeo.com/13888905

You can vote 2x a day: once by Facebook/email, and by text message. (Text* 102925 to Pepsi (73774)

Voting ends Oct. 31st, 2010! MAKE SURE TO VOTE DAILY!

———————————

Below I copied and pasted the info for the Sewing Co-op project:

Goals

Create a Co-op Sewing facility/studio for young designers & students
Provide a resource for designers who may not have funds/space to work
Stimulate the sewing industry & domestic manufacturing in OH & US
Create jobs to sustain local talent/seamstresses in need of work
Provide workshops and classes for those unable to afford so otherwise

Overview

“Buzz & Growl”gives designers and seamstresses space and resources to continue their work & education where they might not otherwise be able. Most designers don’t have access to costly professional equipment or space to create proper, sellable work. Left to sewing in confined spaces with improper tools halts their creative potential and success. A burgeoning group of designers and students come to Cleveland to study such skills but have no resource to continue their development post-graduation. The Co-op will facilitate development by providing workshops, studio space and contract services at a low rate or no charge, stimulating the sewing industry in the Midwest & manufacturing in the U.S. Members can book time slots, work on projects, learn professional standards, collaborate and grow in their field at a healthy pace. A movement of sewing entrepreneurs is sweeping the continent. If supported ardently, it will help create jobs and revitalize the industry.

How will the 50K be Used?
Budget Notes: Wages for employees listed is partial salary. Part time sewing contractors will be paid fair living wages above what is comprable tothe going rate in the sewing industry in the US. Wages will also be received through business growth.
$ 13,000	Studio space and utilities
$ 7,000	9 industrial sewing machines (3 different functioning types)
$ 1,000	2 Fabric Cutters & 2 industrial buttonhole machines/plier kits
$ 1,600	4 custom full size dress forms
$ 1,600	2 20 ft. industrial cutting table
$ 1,500	2 steel based fabric catchers and spreaders
$ 1,000	3 pressing stations & 2 professional steamers
$ 2,400	2 refurbished Mac computers
$ 1,100	3 Wacom tablets, drafting tables & taborets for drawing stations
$ 1,300	Misc. tools/supplies (i.e.-cutting shears, pattern paper, rulers, etc.
$ 800	12 lockers for members, employees and students
$ 1,000	2 Fabric dyeing station kitchens
$ 800	Fees for professional workspace planners/moving costs
$ 13,500	Part-time Seamstress wages for 2 employees
$ 1,200	2 Head Intern Stipends and 5 jr. intern food allowances pckg. for 1 yr
$ 1,200	Misc. furniture

Klaxons @ 9.28.2010 The Basement, Columbus OH

Lisa Malanij — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 03:57:49 +0000

Because this is a fashion blog and my work is most inspired by music, I thought it would be cool to post recaps of concerts and bands I like to celebrate the fashion/music/pop culture I so strongly believe in.

In case you didn’t know, the Klaxons are my favorite modern band. Their breakout album, Myths of the Near Future, won many prestigious awards and earned them many loyal fans alike. Their magic-realist lyrics and ethereal science fiction subject matter make for all kinds of intellectual cool. Not to mention they are all extremely talented and handsome English gentlemen.

I was fortunate enough to see them play in Chicago during the 2007 Pitchfork Festival. This time around they were promoting their second album, Surfing the Void. I was lucky enough to see them in Columbus with my dear friend Miss Megan Anne. Opening band, Baby Monster brought the lo-fi synthy shoegaze goodness. As for the Klaxons? Oh they were incredible. I rarely mosh or jump around in pits anymore but I totally let myself go during my favorite song Magick, and Gravity’s Rainbow.

All photos in this post are copyright to Miss Megan Anne. I left all the photo taking to her since she has a fancy Nikon which trumps my Casio Exlim camera.

Here is a photo of myself and James, sweaty and squinty from the show but I don’t care it’s a fan girls dream. :]

At the end of the show, I had the chance to talk to James Righton, who also is my favorite Klaxons member. To which I gushed they are my favorite modern band and I love em. I even got to pass on a business card, to which he said, “Oh wow fancy a business card! How professional!” I wish I wouldn’t have been so starstruck I wish I could have asked them a million things. Including how they came up with their concept for their Magick music video. Eh, I’ll save that for next time.

So yes, my Klaxon boys, keep making excellent music, and I would love to make you guys stage outfits any day.

Please Vote for Me Twice! Florence & The Machine Design Contest

Lisa Malanij — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:33:34 +0000

Hello everyone!

I recently entered a neat little fashion design contest to design an outfit for the musical artist, Florence & the Machine to wear at her Terminal 5 concert in NYC. The winning design will be worn by the singer with a $500 prize. The Top 10 designs with the most votes will only be considered for judging and get recognition in smaller prizes.
As you know, I like avant garde fashion, and my dream job would be styling and creating looks for musicians, rock stars, stage artists, etc. I think I have a decent shot with my design, I just need more exposure and votes!

The contest will only be judged from the Top 10 designs with the most votes. SOOOOO I NEED MORE VOTES! The current top 10 designs are not that good, but they have more internet minions and fans than me I guess. So please help a fashion designer out!
Luckily you can vote twice, 1) by Facebook, and 2) by text message.
Voting ends in 4 days (Oct. 11th)
So please ask your family and friends to vote on their Facebook accounts and send a text message for two easy votes and I’ll be doing well in no time

To send a vote by Text Message – Text: M3HRQK to: 53295
Here is the contest Link: http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/a367b8a22a951c4f47fc2eba8b0474bb/120

Remember, please vote twice if you can, and please pass this on to friends and family members to vote too. Hijack their phones and facebook accounts if you need to. Thank you!

Much love to you all, and thank you for supporting me!
xoxo Lisa Malanij

Lisa Malanij and 3xHearts Official labels!

Lisa Malanij — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 19:56:02 +0000

I received my official sew-in labels I made and ordered in the mail a few weeks ago, finally just got around to posting pix of them on my blog. My labels were designed myself through Illustrator and contracted out. I’m Pretty proud of myself, starting to get for real official!

One label is for my exclusive Lisa Malanij original clothing. The front is my name logo, and on the reverse is my CIRCLE.SQUARE logo with website. Clever, no?

My 3xHearts label is for my reconstructed, up-cycled garments with a certain Lisa-twist. (Also a word play on retro video games where a player starts with three lives, usually represented as three heart icons). More on that later.

Aren’t the awesome??? <3

FGI Cleveland and 20/30 Young Professional Club present: 4TH ANNUAL DESIGNER SHOWCASE FASHION SHOW

Lisa Malanij — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:25:50 +0000

It’s been an exciting and busy week, and an even more busy weekend for me!
Myself, as well as designer friends Laurie Allen and Katie Wolfrum will be showing collections to support the fashion industry in Cleveland. This will also be the LAST CHANCE to see my CIRCLE.SQUARE collection live on the runway. Don’t miss out!
My favorite model who was killer in my CIRCLE.SQUARE photoshoot, Stephanie Giammarco, will be modeling some of my looks.

Come show your support for local fashion designers and Cleveland as the Fashion Group International Cleveland chapter and Cleveland’s 20/30 Young Professionals Club come together to present their 4th Annual Designer Showcase Fashion Show!
For $10 Pre-sale tickets email marlene@vmcf.org
Facebook event: FGI Cleveland and 20/30 Club: 4th Annual Designer Showcase Fashion Show
PRESALE TICKETS: MEMBERS $10 | NON-MEMBERS $15
Friday August 27th
Doors open at 6PM – Meet the Designers
8PM – Runway Show
…
FEATURING
Cleveland Based Designers
20/30 Club Member Models
Special guest Emcee Daune Robinson – MIX 106.5 on-air personality

Article from the Plain Dealer Style Events – August Wed. 26th 2010 paper:
• Eight local designers, including three who participated in Fashion Week Cleveland in June, will show their collections Friday to support the Cleveland chapter of Fashion Group International and Junior Achievement. The program, sponsored by FGI and Cleveland’s 20/30 Club of young professionals, will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Fortress Nightclub and Lounge, 1360 West Ninth St. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. E-mail marlene@vmcf.org or call 330-635-8444