Posts tagged designer clothing care

Sudsies Uncovers Gem Designer Picks… Right In Our Backyard

Designers in South Florida

As South Florida’s top luxury dry cleaner, we at Sudsies appreciate great fashion talent. We also love our community and the people that make Miami the “Magic City.” So, we thought we’d combine two of our favorite things and highlight some local designers who are, or who we predict will soon be, turning heads across the globe.

Contemporary I

Transparency is always a good thing, especially when it comes to fashion. And Viviana Gabieras (Vivian G) is superior when it comes to luxury knits and stretch fabrics. Her line, Petiti Pois, fuses everything Miami – wild prints, vibrant colors, spicy silhouettes – with a mastery that captures attention without overwhelming. In fact, we could say her work captures the best of best worlds in a lot of aspects. Her pieces make for statement staples on their own or can be combined for a powerful look and effortlessly transfer from day to night… All are proudly made in the USA via her manufacturing company in Miami, FL.

Through her work in design, humanitarianism and mentorship, Vivian G has a loyal following not only among Miamians. Television personalities, supermodels, actresses have all sizzled in her design; among them Shakira. Need we say more?

 

Contemporary II

With his clothes in more than 500 boutiques, Julian Chang has grown his brand worldwide, but he’s still Miami’s darling designer. His designs send strong statements with taste. Landscape prints, graphic patterns, and vibrant colors cascaded down the body with ease. Even Chang’s simpler separates make for great basic pieces, but with a fashionable edge.

Chang also specializes in evening wear, as well as custom creations for his celebrity clientele, including Brittany Spears and Gloria Estefan. He claims that his garments merely outline the style within each its wearers. This may be the case, but then it should be noted that his works always seem to bring out their confident side.

 

Red Carpet/Black Tie

Miami is filled with highly-talked about affairs – social extravaganzas, that is – and Nicolas Felizola is the designer to covet. Described as a modern Renaissance Man, Felizola draws from a range of intellectual and art forms, adding photographer and attorney-at-law among his list of practices. As a fashion designer, he’s known among the “Best Designer[s] of Miami Week”, “Universal Excellence Award” winner, and Forbes’ listee of ten influential Hispanic designers in the US.

His designs are clean, yet architecturally interesting with origami-like silhouettes or unique patterns created within his selection of lux fabrics. Collections include red carpet-worthy dresses, bridal gowns, and a men’s line of sleek suits that any woman wouldn’t mind placing their arm upon.

Designer Natalya Eberjey

Swimwear

When you live in Miami, swimwear quickly becomes a wardrobe staple too. Russian-native, Canadian-raised Natalie Toporova quickly embraced beachside fashion, launching and running with her namesake collection based out of Miami. Bold lines and unexampled cutouts challenge the traditional bikini, fusing fashion with athleticism, and a touch of Bond-girl appeal. Custom suit creations are also available to best highlight favorite features… and creatively flatter those that are not.

 

Lingerie

Fashion versus function is perhaps never more apparent when if comes to intimate apparel. No matter how much accumulated, stylized lace and satins remain dormant in drawers in lieu of the go-to comfy, albeit dowdy, favorites. Co-designers Ali Mejia and Mariela Rovito set out to create a line that would flatter women’s bodies, yet feel good against their skin too. Since 1996, their brand Eberjey has been doing just that. Starting with the Boy Short, Eberjey has conquered one part of the body at a time with thongs, bralets, camis, pajamas, and loungewear that defined girly-sexy-comfy style. Lush fabrics delicately cling to the skin, while touches of perfectly-laid lace seamlessly contour the body’s curves.

Eberjey has since expanded its soft, feminine style with a swimwear line, but even more enticing is its darling Girls Mini swim line of suits trimmed in delicate ruffles.

 

Rugsies’ Bonus Picks: Furniture Design

 

B. Pila Design

As an interior designer, Bea Pila uses space as her model to convey her clients’ personal style. The hallmark of her work is custom-like pieces and other one-of-a-kind finds that are not only beautiful, but inspire use and enjoyment. But uncovering these unique pieces wasn’t always easy. In fact, it was sometimes impossible.  This prompted her to expand into furniture design to fill in these missing gaps.

Thus began her game of Hide & Seek, a furnishing and accessory collection highlighting vintage acrylic in unexpected ways. Organic-meets-glamour with cushions of hair-on-hides combined with the sleek lines of acrylic and chrome, while heavy woods and mirrored tabletops seemingly float from their translucent bases. What we really love about this line is the high fashion-inspired details, as seen in the leather straps with stitching and metal accents via buckles and end caps. The results are striking statement pieces for the home that somehow fit in with any design environment.

 

Michael Wolk Design Associates

Michael Wolk sees no differentiation between art and furniture design. With a formal education in painting and sculpture before focusing on industrial design, he claims to use the exact same processes across all three mediums in bringing a vision to life. Furniture just happens to have the functionality. As with any artist, Wolk finds inspiration all around when creating his pieces – noting that a simple landscape hedge was the impetus for his signature Miami Chair. With vast experience, technology, and drive, Wolk’s team has evolved into master technicians in supporting an idea with the highest quality materials, processes, and form. The result is a portfolio of pieces that are clean, yet stylized…. we’d call them utilitarian sculptures.

 

As you seek out these local gems, remember that Sudsies specializes in the cleaning and care of all types of clothing, including couture & designer labels, bridal, hand-sewn pieces and other delicate items. Our sister company, Rugsies, cares for the “garments of your home” with upholstery, drapery and rug cleaning, including stain removal services.

THE GUY’S GUIDE: SUDSIES 2014 MENSWEAR TREND REPORT & CARE TIPS

Let’s hear it for the boys!  The recent Milan Men’s Fashion Week showed that the male wardrobe has evolved way beyond the suit, t-shirt and jeans triad.  In fact, we too can have a little fun with our fashion selections with retro references, rockstar appeal, and even a little sheen.  After following all the major label runway shows, we compiled a 2014 Menswear Trend Report sharing our top picks for what should move on from the runway to street.  Of course, being the clean fanatics we are, we shared some care tips for each as well.

 

Vivienne Westwood
Photo by: Davide Maestri
Milan Men’s Fashion Week 2014

Activewear:  Understanding the active lifestyles of today, top designers introduced a more comfortable, albeit still luxe, side to their lines.  Marni upgraded traditional sweat pants and shirts via knitted materials, while Calvin Klein toppers included quilted-satin sweatshirts.  Vivienne Westwood presented three distinct versions of a track suit: one tight and grey, one baggy with black trim, and one a statement in all metallic gold.

Care tips:

  • Before purchasing, check the quality of the neckline and waistband to prevent over stretching
  • Don’t let the term “sweat” or “track” deter from proper care.  Even some athletic clothing require special treatment depending upon the fabric.  Check the labels carefully to determine if the garment is even safe to wash.  Easy-care or even delicate cycles may be best to maximize the life of the garment and reduce the dryer heat to “low.”
  • For knits, be mindful when putting on and taking off, so as not to stretch the neck.

 

 

 

Giorgio Armani
Photo by: Giovanni Giannoni
Milan Men’s Fashion Week 2014

A Softer Side:  Even traditional suits featured a softer silhouette.  Giorgio Armani fashioned his jackets after the cardigan to make them more relaxed.  Tailored pants were flecked with baggier trousers, yet still exuded the fine Italian tailoring.  Fabrics included velvet and corduroy.

Care tips:

  • Ensure proper hanging of these garments, using broad or heavily padded hangers to avoid warping.
  • If purchasing a two-piece suit, try to wear and clean together as much as possible to avoid uneven wear of one piece over another.
  • Never iron velvet – it can crush the fibers and leave an imprint.
  • While velvet should be dry-clean only, corduroy can be washed.  However, turn garment inside-out before placing in machine.  If ironing, run it over the wrong side of the fabric.

 

 

 

 

Gucci
Photo by: Giovanni Giannoni
Milan Men’s Fashion Week 2014

Rock On:  The soft and comfy were contrasted with rock-star influences.  Emporio Armani showed biker jackets of ponyskin underneath skinny pants of reflective sheens.  Gucci got tight with leather trousers and t-shirts, but also nodded to retro figures with pea coats and greek fisherman hats.

Care Tips:

  • The average consumer will probably own only one pair of leather pants, hence take care to find a pair that fits properly, yet comfortably.
  • Before wearing, treat with a leather protector to shield damage from rain… or beer spills.
  • Be selective about your cleaner, choosing one that specializes in leather.

 

 

 

 

Armor:  Dolce & Gabbana marched on with 11th century, Norman soldier-inspired gear, including open-faced chain-mail like balaclavas, sheepskin sweaters with Gothic crosses, and silk-covered overcoats painted with references to the Norman period in Sicily.

Care Tips:

  • Do not wash sheepskin with a darker colored pelt, as bleeding may occur.
  • Sheepskin can withstand some moisture, though it’s not ideal to have the garment soaked or used in lieu of a raincoat.  If this happens, gently blot with a clean towel.  Do not rub, as this will force moisture into the pelt.
  • Gently use tweezers to pull out any debris trapped in sheepskin.
  • When wearing silk, be particularly careful of snags from watches, rings or briefcases.

 

Mixing it Up:  In addition to looking good, garments on the Milan runway felt good too.  Designers played with unique fabric combinations to create new looks.  Flax was woven into cashmere for a bolder silhouette and outwear was refreshed with neoprene bonded to Tuscan wool.  Cavalli even created an ombre effect, fusing herringbone and zebra prints.

Care Tips:

  • Even if combined with another fabric, do not hang cashmere tops, as they are easily susceptible to shoulder “horns” left by hangers.
  • Cashmere can be washed in mild detergents or shampoo and cold water only.  Keep in mind that the material can take days to dry.  The material should not be wrung, but laid flat out to dry.  Press a clean towel on the garment to help remove excess water.
  • While neoprene can traditionally a tougher material, it is usually best to dry clean wool.  Gentle washing is possible, but understand it could result in shrinkage and/or loss of the material’s softness.
  • When pressing wool, set use steam heat only, never dry.

 

Remember, among Sudsies’ specialties are designer garment and couture care processes.  So feel free to leave the dirty work to us, so you can just focus on looking good.  Now, that’s a trend worth picking up!

 

For other resources on how to care for your most delicate garments, check out our Cloth Behind the Clothes Series by following the links:

References:  All photos used for Sudsies 2014 Menswear Trend Report were taken from the Women’s Wear Daily website and featured in this year’s Milan Men’s Fashion Week.  To view all of the Men Collections/Runway looks for the Autumn/Winter 2014 season, please go here:

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Sudsies AD – Skills of a Ninja!

www.sudsies.com

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The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Five – WHITE COLLARED SHIRT

The next pick on our Fall Fashion Fabric Guide is perhaps our favorite – yep, we’re talking about the white collared shirt!  Stock up, as this single garment is perhaps the most important staple, and most versatile, for any closet.  The white collared shirt is a timeless classic for its ability to complement any style.

Feeling empowered?  Pair with this year’s menswear looks, choosing a traditional look or adding a sexy twist.

Feeling flirty and feminine?   Take a cue from Carolina Herrera herself and her signature look by pairing a white blouse with a full skirt.

Not a fashion risk-taker?  A blouse can also tone down any bold trend pieces, so you still look conservative, but current.

Any hairspray, makeup and perfume should be applied before putting on a dress shirt, as these are the biggest culprits that contribute to yellowing and stains.

CARE CAUTIONS:

  • Cleaning these shirts are not as simple as their appearance.  It is recommended that white collared shirts are not placed in the dryer, or if so, for a very minimal amount to of time on low heat.
  • Avoid keeping in hamper too long, as sweat and oils can start to seep in and help premature yellowing.
  • Shirts should be ironed when slightly damp.

Take a look back at the previous parts of this blog series by clicking here:  Part One – KNITS, Part Two – LEATHER, Part Three – CAPES, and Part Four – FAUX FUR.

The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Three – CAPES

Ok, in South Florida we may be limited in picking up the cape trend, but it IS a more reasonable alternative to traditional coats with more air flow to the body.  No superheroes here, just super fashionable.  Coverlets have been modernized in a range of ways, from cropped, to short and feminine, to long and sweeping.  For those anomaly cold days, capes can be paired with long leather gloves for an uber chic look.

CARE CAUTIONS:

  • Though probably not often worn in South Florida, these garments should still be cleaned at least once during the “winter” season.  As outerwear, they are touching public spaces and coat checks, as well as accumulating makeup and hair product residues.
  • Before considering a cashmere option, understand that this fabric is very delicate and susceptible to microscopic abrasion.  Those with an on-the-go lifestyle may want to consider a wool/cashmere blend.
  • If opting for the wizard-style, bear in mind the longer hemline attracts debris from the floor and streets.  As such, buyers may want to go with a darker color to help camouflage this effect in between cleanings.
  • Before placing back in storage over the Spring/Summer months, be sure to professionally clean and store in a breathable garment bag of tissue to prevent mold build-up.

Need to catch up on the other parts of this series?  Check them out here!  Part One – KNITS and Part Two – LEATHER

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The Cloth Behind the Clothes: Part Two – LEATHER

In continuation of our Fall Fashion Fabric Guide series, we now bring our attention to leather.  A stand-alone statement piece or used in a hybrid form with other fabrics, leather was this year’s “it” material.  Leather is traditionally associated with a biker or rocker vibe, but this season, designers quilted it, used as trim or paneling, and fashioned into sleek silhouettes to present it in a more sophisticated light.

Care Cautions:

  • This material is an animal hide, not derived and woven from plant materials; therefore is prone to some imperfections.  A leather tanner will treat and color the materials to hide much of these imperfections, but over time, these treatments will wear away, re-exposing them, much in the same manner that makeup covers up blemishes but wears off over the course of the day.
  • Many professional cleaners recommend recoloring after cleaning to replace the finish that is naturally lost over time.
  • With leather and suede, it’s especially important to store in a cool place over the summer months.  Hides will stiffen from heat and humidity.  These materials are also more susceptible to moth damage.  That being said, never store in plastic, for this will only trap in heat and moisture.  A muslin cover stored indoors is the best alternative.

In case you missed it, check out the other Fall Fashion Fabrics in this Series by clicking here:  Part One – Knits.

The Cloth Behind The Clothes: Part One – KNITS

The Sudsies Fall Fashion Fabric Guide includes six of the 2013’s top fall trends.  Up first is knits! Slouchy, oversized, form-fitting, patterned, tightly woven, or intricately crocheted, knits are a classic fall go-to.  In his show, Marc Jacobs paired sweaters and pencil skirts for a new kind of “suit”, while Mara Hoffman showed large pullovers with skinny pants.

Care Cautions:

  • Before purchasing, keep in mind that knit fabrics are often stretched before even making it to stores during the processing process.  Knitted loops should be round.  Elongated or long loops are a sign that the garment had already been stretched.
  • Have extra drawer or shelf space available.  Ideally, knits should be stored flat with tissue.
  • If knits must be hung, use a properly-sized padded hanger for tops.  For bottoms, use a soft-clip hanger and clip so that the garment does not sag, stretch or droop.  Even if the article has hanging loops, do not use, as they will pull and distort the shape over time.
  • Networking is an important part of business, but try not to wear knits for functions that may require name tags, as the adhesive can create “fuzzy” damage when removed.
  • Avoid pushing up the sleeves.  Over time, the fabric will lose resiliency and hang shapelessly over the forearms. For South Floridians, save the knits for assuredly cool days to avoid the urge to hike up the sleeves.

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Sudsies Bubbles Over: Second Location in North Miami

Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry has announced the expansion of its services with the opening of a second location in North Miami. Located at 12711 Biscayne Boulevard, the 8,000 sq ft space will act as both a customer storefront and processing facility. Coupled with its original location in Miami Beach, Sudsies offerings span Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

“We’re continually striving to enhance the quality of our work, and this new location helps us do just that,” says Founder and President Jason Loeb. “Now, our customers can expect and enjoy even more services and faster response times.”

With the location expansion also comes the expansion of the Sudsies team. Its fleet of vans offering free pick-up and delivery is expected to double in size to reach all corners of the South Florida market.  New cleaning experts and equipment bring with them new operational and managerial techniques to increase production capacity and turnaround times. While primarily a processing facility, a storefront component allows for customer pickup, drop-off, alterations and general cleaning consultations. Both Sudsies locations incorporate EPA-sanctioned green cleaning initiatives including wet cleaning processes, gentle detergents, water-conserving machinery and recyclable hangers and packaging.

Sudsies’ many core services include eco-friendly dry cleaning, laundry, alterations, restoration and preservation, couture work, on-site home cleaning and complimentary pick-up and delivery across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. High-tech facilities, in-depth skills and expertise and customer convenience are a part of the Sudsies S.M.I.L.E. mantra to provide friendly, impacting experiences for its clientele. More information about Sudsies and its many offerings can be found at www.sudsies.com or by phoning 1.888.898.SUDS (7837).

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Clothes that are Wrinkle Free

In a society seemingly obsessed with eternal youth and perfection, it’s no surprise that “wrinkle-free” clothing has become as prevalent in American closets today as Lava Lamps were on desks in the ’70s.
 
There’s also the matter of time – something fewer and fewer of us seem to have in today’s go-go-go world. Who really has time to painstakingly remove wrinkles – unless they happen to pop up around our eyes? And even if we do have the time on our hands, do we really want to spend it
smoothing out wrinkles?
 
So it’s easy to see why a trend that started in the early 1990s with men’s pants has become a virtual mainstay in today’s fashion world. And while it’s nice to have a closet full of wrinkle-free garments, it doesn’t guarantee that your clothes will never end up looking at least a bit like Clint Eastwood on a hot summer day.
 
After all, you’re still at the mercy of a conventional dryer when you go the wrinkle-free route. Which means you can’t ensure that all your cuffs and collars have the perfect amount of starch. A spot or two might hold on to excess moisture. Stains and smudges may rear their ugly heads. A crease could creep in when you can least afford it. You get the picture.
 
The fact is, the only real way to assure your garments remain wrinkle-free – even the “wrinkle-free” ones – is to take them to a dry cleaner. And not just any dry cleaner, but one that specializes in special care. Like hand-checking. Hand-cleaning. Hand-pressing. And hand-finishing. Your dry cleaner should personally and meticulously examine every inch of every piece according to material type, ornamentation, construction of garment and designer detail. For the best results, look for a dry cleaner who’s professionally trained by the National Cleaners Association(there are only two accredited dry cleaning schools in America).
 
So why not bypass the wrinkle-free label, and buy the clothes you really want to wear and love? And bring them into Sudsies for the proper cleaning care.
 
Because we take the time to assure that your special clothes receive extra special care. Which means that all designer garments, delicates and specialty items are cleaned, treated and pressed by hand. Whether it’s a Giorgio Armani suit, a Christian Dior silk gown or a custom-crafted dress shirt, they’ll all receive this specialized level of attention from us.
 
It’s this meticulous attention to detail that has earned Sudsies a reputation as the finest luxury, or couture, dry cleaner throughout South Florida. It’s why area celebrities, luxury clothiers and the best-dressed Floridians (both full- and part-time) bring their beloved garments to us – or have us pick them up, free of charge.
 
And it’s the best way to truly eliminate wrinkles – and worries.
  
 
 
 
 
 

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