You are what you wear

Gabor Norman of G-CUT Inc.

Gabor Norman was born and raised in Europe, but he’s been living in Los Angeles for ten years. With a decade of L.A. life under his (very fashionable) belt, he’s managed to capture the essence of the city’s spirit of freedom to create a bold, new men’s accessory…the G-TIE.

“We are in Hollywood, we’re here to make a difference,” said Norman. “It’s not like in London, where there’re different rules and regulations. Here, people really can make statements and make them well.”

The G-TIE, which stands for both Gabor (Norman’s first name) and gentleman, is a small, metal, triangular piece that attaches to men’s neck-ties. It is available in five colors such as, Sterling Silver Charcoal finish and Sterling Silver bronzed finish, and can be purchased in regular or skinny.

 “This accessory is for any masculine guy who wears formal or evening wear and wants to look a little different and exciting,” said Norman.   The G-TIE can be worn for any occasion that requires a suit or tuxedo, from red carpet appearances to a day at the office. “Guys that have to wear a suit every day just love it,” said Norman. 

The G-TIE provides the perfect balance of flashiness and subtlety.  “It’s a very obvious piece,” said Norman. “It’s right in your face, but it’s still super minimum and sharp in appearance.”

·         Singer, Adam Lambert wore the G-TIE at Clive Davis’ 2010 pre-Grammy party

·         G-CUT Inc. will soon be launching the G-CUFF (cuff links) and G-BOW for bow ties

Sara Kirsner of Doie

With her Spring/Summer 2010 Collection, Doie founder and designer, Sara Kirsner, combines style, comfort, versatility and environmental consciousness to create the perfect pieces for the quintessential L.A. woman. 

Working, socializing and looking and feeling good are things that are important to women residing from the San Fernando Valley to the beach cities and Kirsner was sure to take these concerns into consideration when creating a line of clothing that could be worn from working at home, to meeting up with friends for lunch. “Whenever I would come home from doing anything, I would immediately put on my pajamas,” said Kirsner. “I wanted something I could go out in, yet be comfortable enough to keep on at home, around the house.” 

Though Kirsner (who was raised in Northern California and currently resides in Santa Monica) received her Associate’s degree in design from Parsons and internship experience at Marc Jacob and DKNY in New York, her inspiration for Doie comes strictly from the Golden State. “In New York, I wore a lot of black and solids,” said Kirsner. “This collection is brighter, lighter and casual. Everything can be worn with flip flops.”

Made from fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo jersey and silk, the pieces are natural and breathable, making it easy to stay cool on a hot and sunny day and great for layering, as night falls and a breeze engulfs the city. 

The Spring/Summer 2010 collection is full of Japanese-inspired prints on fun and flirty dresses, tanks, tees and pants. “The clothes evoke a sense of effortless elegance, and I think that’s what California’s all about,” said Kirsner.

·         Doie items are locally produced in Los Angeles in order to reduce the company's carbon footprint and provide jobs for people in the community.

·         Doie is Kirsner’s grandmother’s nickname (her real name is Dorothy)

Chris Stamp of Stampd' Los Angeles

Chris Stamp took his love for artwork and design and turned it into a young and fashion forward footwear company, Stampd' LA. It all started in his college apartment, where he would customize Chuck Taylors, while attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.   “I wrote a business plan for Stampd’ LA for my Entrepreneurial Business Management class,” said Stamp. “Then, one thing led to another and I moved to L.A. the summer after graduation.”

For Stamp, Los Angeles has provided more than a home to his footwear company, which is based in Hollywood. “We get our inspiration from the eclectic vibe of the city, said Stamp. “It’s something I couldn’t find in San Diego where I grew up, or in Central California, where I went to school.”

The spring 2010 collection is characterized by light colors and fabrics and low profile souls that are lighter on the foot, perfect for springtime in L.A., said Stamps. The collection features a plethora of sneakers that can be worn by both men and women, especially those looking for a “cool sneaker at a somewhat affordable price.”

Stampd’ shoes can be found at Joyrich on Melrose, Traffic, on Beverly Blvd. and Kingsbury, on W. 3^rd St. in Los Angeles. Shoppers can also purchase the shoes on the Stampd LA website.

·         Stampd’ shoes are sold in ten different countries

·         Stampd’ will soon be launching an accessories division