SoHo Exchange

Archive for the 'News' Category

SoHo Exchange, turns 7!

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

7 years ago today, SoHo Exchange came to life in Minneapolis, MN. On that first day, Amy Michielle went to the MN Film Board’s Town Hall meeting. She met some producer’s of a feature film, titled Strange As Angels. 4 weeks later she was in pre-production for that film as the Costume Designer/Wardrobe Stylist. Check out her credit on www.IMDB.com. Thanks to everyone for their support over the last 7 years! Here’s to many more.

Road to Commingle – Model Spotlight

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

Things are really heating up in preparation of the upcoming collection. This week’s big project was finalizing the models for the upcoming show. We are happy to announce one of our favorite models we have ever worked with, Meghan G., will be walking during the Commingle show and modeling SoHo Exchange designs. Here is a look at one of her previous appearances on the runway modeling SoHo Exchange.

Photo Credit: Zao Photography

Photo Credit: Zao Photography

The saga continues with sewing. One gown is complete and gorgeous; however it will not be unveiled until the Commingle show January 27, 2010. Tickets go on sale next week.

The jacket, shown in previous entries is not finished. There were some fit problems and it was not rushed to completion. The photos of the other entries for the contest, were professionally styled and photographed, so the decision was made to wait until next year after our Lookbook is complete and our brand would be represented up to the standards of the rest of the competition.

As part of our continued effort to make clothes that every woman can wear. We would like to include one full-figured look in our runway show. If you know a full-sized model with a 38″ bust (hip is negotiable) please email us at soho@sohoexchange.biz.

Road to Commingle – Part 3

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

So I woke up in a panic this morning, remembering that I hadn’t written this week’s installation. I usually begin writing it Sunday, but if you followed the posts on Twitter…the last 48 hours were really busy and crazy.

Last week I mentioned the pant leg of the recycled jeans were not large enough for the pattern piece. Well, I come from the school of thought “If there is a will – there is a way!” I finagled the pattern piece, and cut it in a way that the compromised portion would be in the seam allowance.

The jacket as it looks now…

It's Coming Along

It's Coming Along

As the jacket is evolving, there are some things I will do a little differently next time. For instance, I will take the time to dye the denim or give it some type of treatment, to give it a less “patchwork” look, but I still like how the shading in the denim plays with the modeling of the vinyl.

Back of Jacket

Oh well, you live and learn!

The good news is, I have a dress 95% completed (you will have to wait to view it with the completed collection), this jacket will be done by Friday and the contest I want to submit these items to, has granted an extension for submissions. WooHoo!

Talk to you next week or get the day-by-day saga, on twitter.com/SoHoExchange.

Road to Commingle – Part 2

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

It has been a busy week at SoHo Exchange. Beginning with not using the billboard shown in part one. Welcome to the world of creativity. After reviewing the sketch for the two items included in the blog, that billboard was just not going to work. So here is a picture of the newest billboard.

So Many to Choose From!

So Many to Choose From!

Often patterns are made simultaneously while selecting the vinyl. You will be spared the tedious details of pattern-making. Let’s just say there is lots of physics involved. We will be highlighting 2 looks, one a formal gown and the other a jacket accompanied with either a skirt or pants…stay tuned…it hasn’t been decided yet. Also, part of the not being locked into a path and letting the creativity evolve.

After selecting the vinyl, the pattern is cut. One of the challenges with using such a big section of textile, it is filled with a lot of wrinkles making it necessary to trim up the pattern to make it more accurate after the initial cutting.

Takes a Steady Hand...

Takes a Steady Hand...

Working with recycled billboards takes a lot of elbow grease. The signs are filthy! So after the pattern is cut the pieces are washed (scrubbed actually) and hung to dry. Once it is dry, we transfer the markings from the pattern on the textiles so that we know how to put the puzzle together.

It Dries Pretty Quickly

It Dries Pretty Quickly

In conjunction with vinyl billboards we use recycled denim, leather, fur, silk, yada, yada! For the jacket, it will also be entered into a contest that has specific guidelines on materials that may be used. One of the acceptable textiles is denim…so I found some old men’s jeans. I usually do a 1-piece set-in sleeve…but as part of the evolution of this garment and the ever changing design…it has a 2-piece raglan sleeve (think of a sleeve on a jersey). Problem! The back piece of the sleeve was not fitting on the leg of jeans. Grrrr! In the next life, planning will be more a part of our makeup!

If you would like to see a daily (sometimes moment-by-moment) account of this venture, please find us on twitter.com/SoHoExchange.

Road to Commingle – Part 1

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Here is your first opportunity to get a glimpse into the creative workings of SoHo Exchange. Currently, we are working on Fall/Winter 2010 collection. And per usual, we are under the pressure. The runway show is January 27, 2010. In the ideal world we would have 2 looks completed by December 1st! Eeeeek! That is a week away…well here we go. The inspiration for this collection is the “Patrick Kelly Woman” – Where is she now? She is 20 years older, but feels like she is still 21. She cares about our planet and wants to include a green lifestyle into her fashion. Our collection begins with the vinyl billboards you pass on the highway every day.

Step One of Creating Design

Step One of Creating Design

The billboards start out 50′ x 15′! They are huge. So during the warm, summer months in Minnesota, we cut our inventory down to more managable pieces. So that we can work away all winter long…until we get a huge warehouse space, this is what we have to do!

Stay tuned next week to see how it progresses…

Happy 6th Anniversary SoHoExchange.biz

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Yep, it was 6 years ago this week that www.SoHoExchange.biz was launched. And we are still on a learning curve, but having the time of our lives! Thanks to all our supporters, clients and motivators! Stay lookin’ cute!

Extra! Extra! Read All About it!

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

It has finally hit newsstands! Rush out and get your copy of the April Issue of Twin Cities Luxury and Fashion magazine! There is a great article featuring Amy Michielle, SoHo Exchange and SHE Signature rain hats on page 58. The magazine can be found in most retailers featuring MN regional publications, i.e. Barnes and Noble, Beyond Shinders, Target, etc. As always remember to Stay Looking Cute!

Can I Get An Upgrade!

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

Okay, so that is not our favorite song, but it is appropriate in this situation. The SoHo Exchange website is going through some maintenance, updating software, slightly new design and other computer stuff that I don’t understand, but luckily our Webmaster does! If you have questions, please give us a call 612.578.2588 or email soho[at]sohoexchange[dot]biz. Stay lookin’ cute!

SoHo Exchange Now on Twitter!

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

Are you addicted to Twitter? Now you can follow your favorite stylish site! Find us at Twitter with SoHo Exchange. As always! Stay looking cute!

JP DeLaire Music Video

Thursday, June 12th, 2008

SoHo Exchange provides wardrobe and hair/makeup for JP DeLaire’s first music video In My Life. This passionate and gritty video takes you through the trials of our society, while paying homage to 2008 U.S. Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama.