By Candy Washington
New York, NY, February 19-21, 2011 – Just a few blocks from the über-trendy and infamous Meatpacking district located in the heart of Manhattan, fashionistas, press girls, buying belles, and stilettoed socialites alike poured into the Chelsea Art Museum, home of this year’s Designers & Agents fashion trade show, a melting pot of the latest and greatest designers to infiltrate the New York scene.
Horiyoshi the Third definitely stood out as one of the greatest. I literally stopped in my fashion tracks when I came across this booth. Perhaps it was because of the charismatic gentlemen’s, Stephen Ledezma, a representative for the line, friendly introduction, but most likely it was because of the devastatingly fashion-forward duds dangling from the racks.
As I spoke more with Stephen, he explained that Horiyoshi III of Yokohama, the genius behind the brand, is one of the world’s most revered tattoo masters and perhaps one of the last of his kind. His artistry shines through his designs, with Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson as fans of the line. Horiyoshi the Third has received accolades from The New York Times, Vogue UK, Inked Magazine, and Style.com to name a few.
What makes this brand truly unique is that every piece seems as though it was hand-painted, or inked, just for you. It was tough narrowing down my editor’s picks from their Spring and Summer 2011 collection, but read-on for some of their must-have pieces.
For that special guy in your life or your little brother, opt for the burnt orange hoodie with black flames blazing up the arms and a fierce Eagle-like bird on the back, or the sheer lime green v-neck with a faint dragon design. The top pick from this season’s men’s collection is the heather grey sweatshirt with Horiyoshi’s very own image inked on.
Now for the ladies. Whether you are headed to the Hamptons or to Venice beach, the green silk halter with brushed on brown leaves is ideal to throw over a bikini or pair with a mini skirt. On a humid day, stay cool while looking hot in the light grey tank with matching boy-cut shorts and if it gets chillier by cocktail hour, throw on the red-orange cardigan with an intricate leaf design.
Easily go from day-to-night in the grey form-fitted long dress featuring an Asian-inspired navy blue design down the right side. The top selection from the Spring and Summer women’s collection is the poncho-esque white top with minimal fringe and wave design. Don’t forget to nab one of their signature scarves, both guys and girls, to complete any look.
What’s next for this breakout brand? They are heading to Paris for the European leg of the D&A tour.
For more information:
Stephen Ledezma
Horiyoshi The Third
711 S. Olive Street., Unit 504
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Email: stephen@horiyoshi-thethird.com
Website: www.horiyoshi-thethird.com