Conquer the mountain in golden tones and glamorous metallics.
Iconic Style for the Modern Age.
Our original inspiration for the Rock and Gold editorial was a color palette of ivory, gold and champagne. The silhouettes of the Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2016 Ready to Wear runway show were on our mood board along with super model of the 70’s: Veruschka.
We paired soft textures of lace, ruffles, lingerie and tulle with the hard lines of the bold handmade jewelry collection by Ursula Guderian to create the story of the warrior princess.
To offset the dominant neutrals of our location and garments I incorporated pops of fiery reds in the makeup and accessories.
Safari Chic is a style that incorporates military elements with tribal vibes and earthy tones. The muted beiges give it an edge and the feeling of androgyny. Leather accessories and metallic jewelry make it very luxurious. It’s so iconic, when done right, and looks timeless. Perfect for the summer season.
Think: Luxury travel wardrobe.

​The Warrior Princess aesthetic feels young and rebellious while incorporating elements of the past. Perfect for the modern woman who loves romantic lines and colors but doesn’t need rescuing.
All royalty must demonstrate status with a collection of amazing treasure, so incorporating statement jewelry is a must.
Think: modern cocktail party.

​http://thelafashion.com/2016/08/01/warrior-princess-vs-safari-chic/?fbclid=IwAR21eS-TSXEZzWCZdodbpu24pK71ygtUTPLXkPG2gqF31ZUKpzGcKtVwwHk

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When the holiday season is over and a new year is upon us, there is a moment when we start to feel as if winter might last forever. Sometimes what you need is a little escape. Whether you are booking your flight right now or just making a wish list, the Paradise Collection is like a warm tropical breeze drifting in on the sunset.
In the early spring of this year Dark Pony Designs started creating this collection. Inspired by the idea of taking a glamorous jet set vacation to a far off island. The color palette and fabrics invoke lounging in the Palm Springs sun, while the jewelry was easy, it had to capture the fantasy that is L.A.

The Paradise Collection is versatile, wearable separates that will take you from the beach to a cocktail party. Completely handmade in California and designed by yours truly. That botanical Eden is just a click away. So mix up a fruity drink and shop the Dark Pony Designs 2015 Resort Collection

For Oprah, daring means “coming to the edge. Seeing the space between where I am and where I want to go. It’s pretty wide! But having the faith to take the leap anyway and knowing that no matter where you land, it’s going to be okay.”

I can’t say I have always been an Oprah fan, but since becoming a woman in business, I now realize how amazing her drive is. Sure, she was “The Oprah Show” on NBC hosting celebrities and giving away cars like candy, but I really didn’t appreciate her efforts at the time. It’s amazing how easy it is to get used to a phenomenon – that is the plight of being American I suppose. However, in recent moments I have come to appreciate her wisdom and effervescent energy.

Oprah attained the tippy top of fantastic financial success, then called it quits on her own show after 25 years in 2011. You might think she was ready for retirement, or maybe some down time, or a permanent vacation. Oh no! She was quickly on to the next challenge. What could be bigger and more difficult than her own show, well how about her own channel? It is known as OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) which is experiencing the ups and downs of a fledgling channel . ”When you have reached the peak of a mountaintop, which is where I was with the Oprah show, you have absolutely no worries,” she explains of the ambitious undertaking. “I’d been in the right space at the right time, and I’d done that in the best way possible for 25 years. But you have two choices: You can come down from the mountain and spend the rest of your days thinking it was so beautiful there, or you can create a vision, look upward, see the next mountain, and start the climb all over again.”

As a fashion designer, her words give me an understanding of why I keep pushing myself and my brand forward. When you have taken your design dreams and ideas and woven them into a single look or an entire collection, or maybe taken the next step in your business plan, you may feel as though you have conquered the mountain and come to the end of the challenge. However, the real challenge comes when you realize that in order to keep moving forward you must see the top of the next mountain off in the distance and start preparing yourself to climb again. To reach the next pinnacle and know that there is no such thing as DONE! Adopting this attitude is what creates success. Learning from your process, staying humble, and knowing that hard work is what keeps us creative, fulfilled and perhaps alive. Take it from Oprah, money isn’t everything and being idle doesn’t change the world.
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So raise a glass to your next big idea, collection, or business venture- it might just take you to the summit of your life!

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The Creative Process by Robin Fator
The name Rick Rubin might not ring any bells, and his image certainly doesn't conjure up the idea of a multimillion dollar music producer. Even if you've never listened to the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Jay-Z there is a lot to be learned from this amazing man.
After listening to Tim Ferris interview him, it dawned on me that Rick's simple ideas and willingness to try new things without resistance are part of what has made him so successful personally and professionally. 

​He is able to get the best of the best from the artists he works with. How does he do this? By breaking down problems into small steps. For example, a singer songwriter he was working with was having trouble getting his ideas out on paper or in song. He was having a severe case of writers block. So...