Featured Artist

So I will now be doing a section called featured artist where I will show you collections from new and upcoming designers in the local area. My first featured artist is Kevin Mathews who is the owner of the new accessories line Zeno + Marie.

Kevin Mathews recently started Zeno + Marie launching their first collection this year.  This fashion forward accessories line throws away all the traditional rules and takes accessories to a unique and interesting place.

Here is what Kevin has to say about his line.

1. What inspires your designs?

• ME DREAMING ABOUT SOMETHING NEW AND COOL TO WEAR.

2. Where does the name Zeno and Marie come from?

• IT IS THE COMBINATION OF MY PARENTS' MIDDLE NAMES. MICHAEL "ZENO" MATHEWS &   COMSTANCE "MARIE" BELL. MY PERSONAL STYLE IS SUCH A HYBRID OF MY MOTHER AND FATHER'S APPROACH TO FASHION AND GETTING DRESSED - SO IT JUST FELT RIGHT. 

3. I see that you have a 2011 collection. Does this mean you are doing one collection per year?

• NO, THIS IS THE FIRST FULL-FLEDGED COLLECTION THAT ZENO AND MARIE HAS OFFERED. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON NEXT FALL AND WILL FOLLOW A REGULAR FASHION CALENDER THEREAFTER, WITH SPRING AND SO FORTH.

4. When does your next collection come out? What is the theme?

• ALL OF THE ITEMS YOU SEE ONLINE ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. I AM ALSO CURRENTLY  SHOOTING SOME NEW SPRING PIECES. THESE ARE HEAVILY FOCUSED IN COOL EMBELLISHMENTS LIKE FEATHERS, DICE AND SPIKES TO NAME A FEW.

5. What is your favorite piece you have created so far? Do you have a picture of it?

• "MR. ROBINSON" -  A BLACK SILK BOW TIE EMBELLISHED WITH MULTI-COLOURED DICE. ALL HAND DONE.  ACTOR ALAN CUMMING RECENTLY WORE THIS TIE TO THE PREMIER OF THE SPIDERMAN BROADWAY SHOW HERE IN NYC. 

 

6. What made you decide to design bow ties out of all the things you can go with?

• I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN STRONG ACCESSORIES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN. BOW TIES ARE A KEY ACCESSORY FOR MY WARDROBE - I ALWAYS LOVE WHERE IT TAKES MY LOOK.  EVEN BEFORE THEY BECAME THE LATEST RAGE, LIKE THEY ARE RIGHT NOW, I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THEY WERE A CLASSIC BUT FUN WAY TO UPDATE ANY LOOK; FROM JEANS AND A GREAT JACKET TO A NEW SPIN ON  A SUIT FOR WORK. 

7. Do you think you may expand to other accessories? If so what kind?

• DEFINATELY - IN TERMS OF ACCESSORIES, BAGS AND JEWELRY. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON A SMALL MEN'S APPAREL LINEUP AND A CAPSULE OF WOMEN'S PARTY DRESSES. 

8. Now that fashion week is over, what do you see happening for Fall 2011 for accessories?

• I THINK THE OPERATIVE WORD IS "FUN!" ACCESSORIES DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE TREND THAT SHINED THROUGH OVER ANOTHER. DESIGNERS REALLY HAVE BEEN STAYING TRUE TO THEIR OWN DESIGN AESTHETIC WHEN PRODUCING COLLECTIONS LATELY. AND THIS APPLIES TO ACCESSORIES AS WELL. SO IT WAS ALL ABOUT DIFFERENT SHAPES, SIZES, MATERIALS, PROCESSES, EMBELLISHMENTS, COLORS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

Thanks Kevin!

You can currently purchase any of these items from the Zeno + Marie collection online at www.Zenomarie.com This collection ranges from $85-$150.