Posted Jan. 7, 2010

Today I want to introduce you to Ema Koja, the lady behind Ema Savahl Design. Specializing in unique hand-painted pieces, Ema transforms silk and gauzy fabrics into sweet and feminine wearable art sparkling with beads, glitter and Swarovski crystals against brush stroked elves, dandelions, birds, or English garden backdrops.

The 305 Urbanista stopped by Ema’s Liberty City warehouse where she chatted about growing up in a communist country, her natural aptitude for design and being inspired by South Beach drag queens.

How did you get your start in designing?

“I started very humbly. I grew up in Albania where the government only released two different styles of coats per year. So it was like the whole country was wearing the same thing…To stand apart I would do little delicate stuff to my clothes to set apart from others.”

“It was like egoless couture”

Did you receive any any formal training?

“No, I was born with it… in my country everyone sews. It’s not until I came to America that I realized everyone can’t.”

How do you feel when you see celebrities wearing your pieces?

“This is funny, but I don’t even own a television so when I hear about a celebrity wearing my clothes I have to look them up on the computer because sometimes I’ve never heard of them.”

And in case you were wondering her fans include:

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

“I  love art, I go to galleries and stuff like that, but I don’t really keep up with other designers .”

“Years ago when I worked in South Beach my favorite customers were the drag queens. They had so much life and personality. I love them so much, they inspire me.”

Ema’s last word to upcoming designers:

“When you blur your eyes you see the big picture. Sometimes the less sharp it is, the clearer it can become. When I design I blur away.”

www.emasavahl.com

Posted Jan. 5, 2010

You may remember Laury Prudent from Make Me A Super Model Season 2 on Bravo. This self described international freelance model and native Miamiette talks to The 305 Urbanista about traveling around the world, “reality” TV and more

We met up on a random street in the Design District so I can shoot some images of her displaying what she said is a mix of her personal style. “I’m sassy, I like to get glammed up but I’m not limited. I have no problem going to the thrift store to find some pieces.”

When asked about her experience on Make Me a Supermodel, she pauses “I think that the show was very limited, they’re not really open to girls who look like us.”

“It was like ’shes a black girl’ so I heard stuff about my walk being too ghetto and stuff like that. I felt stereotyped, I would not do that show again.”

What exactly is a freelance model? Laury who is not represented by an agency at the moment said she pretty much goes out and find herself in the right company to secure jobs.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but I was modeling long before the show. I’ve been to Hong Kong, Singapore, Madrid…I’m what you call a go-getter I sell myself.”

“In Asia there aren’t too many girls who look like me, so it’s easier to secure modeling and acting gigs over there. I know I don’t speak any of the languages, but I wasn’t worried or scared, I was ready.”

Any parting words for aspiring models out there? “There are a lot of horny bastards with cameras, be careful.”

And…”If you’re an ethnic model, be ready to be lumped into one category. Today an Asian might be in, a black…we all can’t be “in” at the same time because the industry has not evolved that much, so have a very very very tough shell.”

Posted Jan. 3, 2010

I got wind of this release before New years, apparently according to the infamous Reverend Fred Phelps, God hates Lady Gaga. On Jan. 7, the “rev” and his followers will be outside of Lady GaGa’s concert at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis to tell her so.

Pretty strong words, but I’d like to think God isn’t sweating the little things like bubble dresses and (gasp) pantless outfits.

Posted Jan. 2, 2010

Happy belated Haitian Independence Day!! For those who don’t know, yesterday Haitians (like yours truly) around the world celebrated their 206th anniversary of independence.

From the paintings on lotto banks to light airy dresses, Haiti’s vibrant and rich colors of tropical greens, pinks, and yellow can be seen as soon as you step outside of Port-au-Prince National airport.

As this urbanista can attest to, on a recent trip Haiti was refreshingly inspirational with locals rocking bold colors and daring prints. Even the landscapes bright pink bougainvilleas added a little flair.

I’m sure many of you have noticed Miami is home to many Haitians and in some circles, Zoes.

This isn’t quite the Caribbean, but its close enough. Look exotic in some of these  Haiti inspired pieces:

Posted Jan. 1, 2010

Its that time of the year, nothing like the beginning to make you feel hopeful even and optimistic of the coming months. For some of us its our chance to claim success, dismiss haters, get that grind we’ve been putting off up and poppin, and in general– brand newness.

No need to rehash the ills of ‘09: economy, jobs…blah, blah, blah.

Here at the305urbanista I haven’t really commited to a resolution, but I will try my best to keep it fresh and fab.

Upcoming new posts will include:

Salon Reviews, Shop Local features, People You Want to Know, Snapshots of Real Style in the 305 and so much more, drop by often. Wipe your feet.

Peace

Yes its true, this blog is only a few days old and I’m already taking a break. Hey, a girls gotta eat, shop and be merry too.

Don’t worry, I’ll be back on Jan 1st with new posts including spotlights on local boutiques and salons, I know…you’re welcome.

If you’re having any sudden withdrawls follow me @the305urbanista on twitter or just go read a book.

Smooches,
The 305 Urbanista

Posted Dec. 22, 2009

Tis the season to be sparkly…fa la la la la, la la la laaaaa

OK not quite so literally, you don’t want to be blend in with the Christmas decorations, but a little sparkle here and there will def jazz up your holiday look. A nude dress with sparkling beaded details, shimmery smoky eyes or maybe you’re a dorthyesque glittering pair of pumps kind a lady?

Go ahead and twinkle a little holiday cheer.

Posted Dec. 21, 2009

Alright ladies, with the holiday partaays, shindigs and what not coming up The 305 Urbanista knows you already have your game plan on how you’re going to work it on the dance floor and give “them” the business.

Only thing is you don’t want to be encumbered by a purse, I know. After a few merry drinks that cute little clutch might end up left behind and abandoned on a table where another (ehm) merry person is likely to help themselves to an early gift.

Thankfully, someone over at The Rack Trap has your back.

www.theracktrap.com

This golden bra pouch which also comes in four other colors is a modern day hypoallergenic response to granny’s money in bra cup routine. As an added bonus: its roomy enough to stash your ID and maybe a few sticks of minty gum.

Posted Dec.20, 2009

I shot this image of Myya Passmore an upcoming Miami entertainment PR pro and radio personality a few months ago.

Shoes look familiar? That’s because these are Steve Madden’s lush blue suede version of the Satin Ruffley Fiessta which are featured below.

Not sure if you’ve heard the buzz, but Myya represents one of Miami’s hottest: DJ Sam Sneak, the official DJ for Rick Ross’ Maybach Music.

Posted Dec.20, 2009

More Steve Madden…

If you’re searching to add a little punch to that simple yet chic holiday outfit, these super high, ruffled detail satiny black sandals might make the perfect statement without breaking the bank. They’re only going for $75