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Sienna Miller in Yoana Baraschi

Who is Yoana designing for? Who is she envisioning when sketching my collection? Any woman can wear her clothes when she wants to feel effortlessly gorgeous- they are not for one specific type of woman or occasion but are clothes clothes to feel special in.

A perfect example of that is one of her celebrity fans, Sienna Miller. Sienna is a young, modern celebrity with amazing personal style who looks fabulous in anything (but especially in Yoana’s designs because the clothes are as authentic as the person wearing them!). We love that she’s accessorized the outfit with a simple sandal and oversized bag, letting the dress and her own personality shine through. Sienna is a perfect example of a Yoana Baraschi woman- young and spirited, eclectic, gorgeous, and always effortlessly best-dressed.

A look from my Resort 2008 collection

Yoana loves bright, fun floral prints with a retro feel, and I know a lot of you do too! So many women only wear florals in the summer. That’s understandable- the juicy colors and bold patterns just feel so right when the sun is shining and flowers are blooming all around you. What about trying to wear florals is in the winter- it’s the chicest way to stand out in a sea of boring black. Here’s a dress from Yoana’s new Resort collection that’s a perfect example of a winter floral.  Slipping it on will remind you of your last island adventure- even if it’s snowing. Try wearing this with black tights on your next night out and you’ll feel absolutely confident and pretty. 

  

 

 

Heidi Klum wearing Yoana Baraschi in June 2008

One of the most exciting things for me as a designer is seeing my clothing out in the world on women. Nothing is as satisfying as knowing that people love to wear my clothes and that they make women feel pretty. That said, it’s really exciting for me to see my clothes on celebrities- especially a trendsetting star like Heidi Klum. Click through to see more pictures of Heidi wearing m designs.  

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As I’ve mentioned before I find my inspiration in many different places–and media.  Here’s a fun video I found online.  It’s a behind the scenes look at one of my favorite photographers, Bruce Weber, on-location in New Orleans for an amazing pictorial for W magazine.  I love how Bruce doesn’t just shoot the clothes- he tells a story.  This one from New Orleans is particularly powerful, and it gives a real sense of how our favorite fashion photos are captured.  Doesn’t the model, Karen Elson, look striking and alive?  She’s not just sitting around striking a serious pose like you might think - she’s dancing, laughing and truly enjoying the clothes.  Should I shoot a video at my next shoot?  Let me know what you think! 

A beautiful floral skirt!

Sometimes inspiration comes just by taking a walk. One of Yoana’s favorite things to do on the weekend is walk around New York and admire the great personal style of the women who live here.  This a shot from a street style photographer she loves- Pete Miszuk. Doesn’t she look like a Yoana Baraschi woman? Yoana loves how confident she looks and how she paired a simple tee and tough, studded belt with a ladylike floral skirt and classic trench. Click through to see a similar skirt style from my collection. (more…)

One of Redon's most beautiful bouquets!

When I’m designing I find inspiration in a myriad of different places. Sometimes it comes from looking at the night sky or walking through the park. Sometimes, most often that is, faith brings forth the needed element that will be the bases of the new collection- as when inspiration strikes on a trip to a museum.

There are a couple of painters that I consider masters of color. Their work touched me and permanently imprinted my artistic vision. Bonnard, a French painter and contemporary of Henry Matisse, paints liquid color and moving light in the guise of mundane domestic portraits and landscapes with such clarity and dedication that color and light become an all embracing force that bathes your soul.  A second constant source of inspiration in my life is Odilon Redon.  He also was a French painter named the “prince of dreams” who discovered joy and happiness in the later part of his career when he dedicated his work to the joyous exploration of color.

What do you think? Read more to see some of my painterly prints and let me know who your favorite artists are and where you find inspiration.

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A photo of models in ballet flats by Gilles Bensimon

One of my favorite magazines (or should I say a personal obsession) is French Elle. Week after week the magazine’s vision is fresh and modern and oh so French! For years the man who made Elle look so amazing and inspiring was Gilles Bensimon- the former Creative Director.  I continue to find inspiration in Gilles’ work. One of my favorite things is to peak at his photo diary.  As he travels the world of photo shoots and fashion shows, he documents it all with his personal camera and emails the pictures to his nearest and dearest.  I love seeing the world through Gilles’ lens- the people, places and things that he finds interesting. Here’s a glimpse at some of my recent favorites. Enjoy!

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