eMerge Summit: Women, Innovation and Technology

You get the eMerge Women, Innovation and Technology Summit. You also get a room full of powerful and prominent women who are ready to change the game. With thousands of people in attendance on May 4^th, 2015 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, it was a great opportunity to network and engage with others in the field and see how women are making an impact in the world of technology and innovation. 

The WIT Summit was a new initiative created by eMerge America and featured 3 Keynote Speakers, Martine Rothblatt, Abigail Posner and Genevieve Bell. Rothblatt is the Founder and served as Chairman and CEO of Sirius Satellite Radio, which is now referred to as Sirius XM. 

Martine Rothblatt welcoming guests to the first annual WIT Summit on May 4, 2015 at the Miami Beach Convention Center

Posner was added to the Google team 3 years ago and helps develop creative and strategic ideas for the digital space. Bell is Vice President and director of User Experience Research at the Intel Corporation. The Summit also had various breakout sessions facilitated by speakers in different aspects of innovation and technology, as well as, an impressive interview with a #CertifiedCOOL 11 year old fashion designer, Ariel Swedroe, who uses technology in her work.

1. GET TECHY. Women need to access technology in order to be attracted to the field. They need to engage more.

2. DON'T BE A HATER. The success of women should be the success of another. Celebrate each other.

3. BE THE PROBLEM-SOLVER. You will be remembered for one of two things... the problems you create or the problems you solved.

4. FEAR IS GOOD. When you experience fear in your career, it can be sign that you are moving in the right direction... the unknown... the unfamiliar. Fear can be healthy if it moves you to action.

5. POWER OF PERSISTENCE. You will access the power of persistence when you do things with love. Amen! This is one of our core principles at COOL.

By: Joanne Joseph

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FASHION FILES: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Could it be true that Alexander McQueen be the new face of the 20 bill in the UK? 

This legendary English Fashion Designer, raised in the East End of London was considered by the Bank of England to be a part of the group of visual artists with a great historical significance in order to take place of pride on its new £20 note. 

The UK has had very talented individuals in the Visual Arts field whose work have challenged British artistic perspective all around the world. Especially when it comes to leadership, innovation, and social interaction among society.

So, what would be the one unique single thing everyone would love to see come out of an ATM? Why not see your favorite fashion designer?! It would definitely be a fashion upgrade in your wallet.                   

                                                                           

Dresses from Alexander McQueen pertaining to different collections from 2011-2013

McQueen making dress alterations

McQueen didn’t have the perfect childhood. While he was growing up, he did challenge himself and endured hardship. All of this helped in shaping him into the fashion icon that he is today. 

He was brave, sure, enthusiastic, self-exposed, unique… He was and is a legend...

“McQueen was an uncompromising pioneer in design; because his clothes were engineered with a precision and invention that put his contemporaries to shame; because he led a French haute couture house to international critical acclaim and commercial success.” 

said Alexander Fury, The Independent’s Fashion Editor. 

A selection of gowns designed by Alexander McQueen worn by (far left) Naomi Campbell, Taylor Swift at the Met Costume Gala in 2011, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Middleton's wedding dress in 2011 and First Lady Michelle Obama in Flame Red" at a formal dinner at the White House in 2011.

McQueen is one of the most respected designers in the world. His resumé includes working as Chief Designer for the French Haute Couture House Givenchy and taking the title as Creative Director for the Gucci Group. With awards such as International Designer of the Year by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, 4 British Designer of the Year awards and let's not forget a Most Excellent Commander of The British Empire (CBE) by the Queen herself in 2003; we would say that McQueen seems like a prime candidate to be featured on one of the strongest currencies in the world. 

With such a #CertifiedCOOL icon imprinted on the new bills I wonder if people would even spend the haute notes or covet them as priceless keepsakes. 

By: McKenna Martinez Crozier

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FASHION FEATURE: INDIE SOUL

 SOUL BIKINI HITS THE COVER OF SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT ISSUE


Magazine features four of the brand’s swim suits in the 2015 edition

So the new cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for 2015 is out and we’re really excited about the cover. Not only because Hannah is stunning within her own right, but also because of what she’s wearing. That, my friends, is a two-piece customized swimsuit from our good friends at Indie Soul! Take a look:

 

The global luxury bohemian clothing and accessory brand, born right here in Miami, created this customized swimsuit (along with three others) specifically for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. In order to see the other three pieces, however, you’ll have to grab a copy of the issue, which we highly recommend you do.

Ok, so let’s talk about the piece. Following the Indie Soul tradition of quality handcrafted garments; they wanted to create a piece that was inspired by outfits from the ‘30’s and 40’s with a nude and black color scheme. They created the piece by hand-stitching the vintage lace from France over the brand’s luxurious hand-dyed fabric. Indie Soul stated that it was tailored for a “Downton Abbey” theme, which we feel they pulled off quite effortlessly.

When asked about making the cover Tim Gorgol, Indie Soul’s Creative Director, said: “We are thrilled to have one of our suits on the cover of the Swimsuit Issue”. Adding lastly that Indie Soul wanted to thank “editor MJ Day and the whole team at Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. "We’re very grateful for this opportunity.”

It’s great to see locally based companies get this kind of exposure, and if making the cover of a very well-known magazine is any indication, you should definitely check out the rest of Indie Soul’s #CertifiedCOOL clothing and accessories! Visit them at www.myindiesoul.com.

Check out the unveiling of the swimsuit cover on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon:

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COOL PEOPLE: JAMES ROBERTSON

Hard Work is as COOL As It Gets

Our lives are interesting rollercoasters, aren’t they? It is easy to say that all we have to do in life is work hard and that through hard work, we will give our lives meaning. But what about when times get tough? What do you do then? Well, if you’re someone like James Robertson you find a way to keep going.

As a 56 year-old Detroiter, James has most likely had his fair share of hard times, but I’m not sure he was prepared for what was to come. You see he works at a factory in Rochester Hills, which is 23 miles away from his home. And up until about 10 years ago he would take his 1988 Honda Accord to work everyday; but that all changed when the car died on him.

Because of that James had to find another way to get to work, so he started using public transportation. Since the public transportation system could not take him all the way to the factory he worked at, he had to walk the remaining distance. “So what?” – You’re probably asking, “people walk to work all the time”. Well, as true as that may be I doubt they’re walking as much as he is. The closest he can get using public transportation is 10.5 miles. That means James is walking an extra 21 miles every weekday.

Now here at COOL Creative we like to celebrate amazing fashion, art, design, innovation, and such, but we also believe in celebrating amazing individuals. Individuals like James, that continue to show hard work, dedication, and passion for their work regardless of profession or how tough life is. We consider this as #CertifiedCOOL as it gets. Because even though he has to embark in such a journey every weekday he still maintains a perfect attendance record. He has never missed work. And even more so he never complains, simply stating that he can’t see himself not working.

Because of this, the Internet in all of its glory has banded together to create a kickstarer campaign to get him a car, and after only one day over $50,000 has already been raised. If you’d like to be a part of helping this hero of a man, just click here: http://www.gofundme.com/l7girc

The world needs more people like you, Mr. Robertson. You are an inspiration, and in our eyes, #CertifiedCOOL.

By: Oliver Pernt

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FASHION FEATURE: Creative Convo with Demestiks New York's, Ruben Reuel

Impeccable styling. Inspirational designs.

Reuben Reuel of Demestiks NewYork is the center of this month's #CertifiedCOOL Creative Convo. The setting was Cecconi's Miami Beach, one day after presenting his collection at the Guinness World Record Breaking 24 Hour Cotton Fashion Show. COOL Creative Curator and Creative Director, Johanne Wilson, had a creative conversation with Reuben Reuel over Sunday brunch. She learned more about the designer's background, design philosophy and business operation.  

The humble Bedstuy, Brooklyn based designer cuts his pieces made to order from his  gorgeous New York basement studio and ships them all over the world. Although a small operation, with only 3 seamstresses and a production assistant, Reuel's pieces are coveted by some of the most influential celebrities, bloggers and fashion editors across the globe. Beyonce recently posted pics of herself wearing Reuel’s clothing line, Demestiks New York, on her Instagram feed. “I’m still Reuben” responds Reuel when asked about the exposure from Beyonce.

Beyonce posted herself in Demestiks on instagram

The Virginia beach native began his fashion studies at Virginia Beach Tech Center where he learned the majority of his fashion and design skills. Reuel continued studying at Norfolk State University and then transferred to New York Institute of Fashion and Technology to further his education. Reuel moved on to work for a bedding company prior to starting his own line, Demestiks New York. After being fired, business took off. Bloggers and fashionistas have widely sought out his Ankara wax African print clothing through his e-commerce shop on etsy.

Ruben is very hands on with his business, traveling to Holland to understand the prints and fabric used in his line of classic silhouettes. His design philosophy is not to reinvent the wheel in his designs. Using stock styles and simply changing the fabric works well for him. “I know the basics so I build my designs from that”, he says.

Reuel’s early influences come from church. “God is a major influence”, says Reuel, “the bible is simple, design and fashion is simple to me, I’m simple”. Ruben grew up in the church. Both of his parents were children of pastors.  He would later pull from that influence when he began to freelance and make church clothes for women.  

"My collection is like a puzzle.”

He figured out that his pattern book from his training days had all the puzzle pieces for his designs.  He just had to mix, match and reconfigure the basic parts to make his own creation. He believes that clothes are for going to and from work, church and going out. Clothes should be interchangeable. 

The consistent message of “live to create and create to live” can be seen throughout his work ethic and production methods. He works hard because he knows what it is to not work. Freelancing became his salvation. Reuel’s sentimental connection with his work makes his pieces all the more desirable. He has no interest in producing wholesale garments.

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“I like that people get something directly from me, I don’t want to water it down, I like oneness with the designer, it’s a gift from me to you”

Although known widely for his African prints which he describes as African style elevated, we can look forward to more unisex designs using color schemes from NYC with black, white, neutral and army green palettes. He describes the future as the way it looks today, and how the future is now. Designing and sewing American made garments are important for Reuel.  He strongly supports Domestic commerce and the NYC garment district. 

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Reuben concluded the conversation with a cool thought.

"If people are mad at you for doing what you do that's their problem.”

Reuben’s pieces can be found on his online store. 
Tag us on Instagram at @CoolCreativeinc with you in your Demestiks New York pieces.
We look forward to his new work set to release some time next year.

By: Steven Francois

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