Creativity

The Witchcraft Dresses

There is a difference between what I can do and what I will do. My creativity is no hypocrite! It has a loud voice. It will not copy.. it will not thrive on ideas that are not mine... it will not betray its taste and at times it evens refuses to duplicate its own creations. It is what is... a Moment of My Mind!

~Kiki Hamann 

When you have walked into my life you have become living characters of my life story, our life stories.  Your enthusiasm, ideas, memories, stories and histories have touched  my heart and triggered my imagination.  Creation involves this exchange of energies, of views, of experiences.  I tell stories with my hands... I write with my eyes. I am so alive and loving every minute of it! Thank you God!

Creating for you, inspired by you, understanding you , translating you...and yet, adding a piece of me, is what I live for!

~ Kiki Hamann

Reflection

Montecristo Travels - Visit http://montecristotravels.com/

The dogs I create for are very special little creatures! In common, they are unconditionally loved by their owners and own them back in return! They are never left behind... they go places... they see things... they are the subject of hours of great conversations... they are links, they are net-workers, they are sincere happiness, they are angels ... so I suppose the point I am making is not about us humanizing our dogs... is about us becoming more like them!

Creating for you, inspired by you, understanding you , translating you...and yet, adding a piece of me, is what I live for!

June 20, 2013

When I do couture to represent an idea, a country, a culture, a thought, i have one thing in mind! The overall creation is to be an impression of my perception and not a souvernir-ish image.  I do impressionist couture! 

~ Kiki

The Furoshikis, tribal and trendy carrier

 It is summer time and this is Miami, the city of the Trendy, the in , and the VOGUE!

When I sat down to create my new line of summer carriers, I had a few considerations in mind:

Summer is practical
Summer is light
Summer is colorful
Summer is laid back
Summer loves going out!

So Summer, here is Kiki Hamann's New Furoshikis.

These carriers are IT. Each is reversible, so you get two looks out of each bag. They are light and colorful. I can say a million things about this product, however, one fact stands out: This is the most comfortable way to carry your puppy around town! Comfortable for you... extra cuddly for the dog. It is just like a personal hammock. We have tested with several breeds and they all loved riding their Furoshikis! (Pronounced Furoskis)

Big enough for two tea cups, this bag is so very comfortable to carry. It can also be tossed in a washing machine for super easy cleaning.

It was a hit on our runway show... and it stopped the streets of Miami, during our photo shoot.

If you are travelling this summer and taking your dog with you.. you need a Furoshiki in your suitcase.

With or without the dog... this bag IS IT!

It is my newest favorite items.

I have 7 and want more!

--------------------------------------------------------
Outfits provided by Palm Produce Boutique of Coconut Grove - @Palm Produce Resortwear
Coco Walk : 3015 Grand Avenue Coconut Grove, FL 33133. Tel. (305) 445-5533.
Mayfair: 2911 Grand Avenue Coconut Grove, FL 33133. Tel. (305) 448-0777

The photography was done by Walter A. Chacon

The human models: Courtney Cox, Lauren Sparkman, Katia Danilova

The dog models: Nina, Miu Miu and Fiorella

Furoshikis by Celebrity Designer Kiki Hamann

The Humann Collection is Here!

A Kiki Hamann just for Humans, did you see it coming? The Humann line is here and it begins with THE MINI, in this case, the model is the Burlesque.

Mini enough to be Haute... big enough to carry your belongings!

 

So I needed a small bag that would go out, look glamorous while sitting at the table.  I needed a bag that would drink wine and tapas, enjoy the theater, the arts, the movies. I needed a bag that would represent my style. That would be sophisticated while carrying all my needs:  make up case, wallet, key-chain, glasses.  

So little black dress in my closet, you have just met your match!

Vintage Brooch

 The Burlesque is quite seductive! Where did I find the inspiration to make it? The Moulin Rouge, of course.  The mini bag… elle parle francais!  

The Burlesque is made from several interesting and highly textural layers.  A base made from micro suede in dark blood red receives a skirt made of tulle and black lace.  It flirts, I am telling you!  The lacy skirt is gathered by a trim made of Venice lace and black dangling beads.  On the side, I have added a very classic bow of gross grain black ribbon, topped by a Vintage golden brooch.  There won’t be another brooch like that; it came from my personal collection.

Dazzling Beads

 

I have lined the interior in fuzzy silky fabric, so it feels good on your hands while you are looking for your keys and other needs.

The body of the Mini is 8 x 5 x 7”

The Burlesque is here. Dare to flirt!

This time... not for the dogs!

 Kiki Hamann

Fit for a Brit: The Yorkshire Terrier Tote

So the story goes that on of my first customers  bought one of my handbags before she actually bought her dog. The dog in question was a Yorkie.

Yes, that breed.. it does something to us poor humans! Although I am still not owned by a Yorkie, I already have the tote set aside!

Because details matter!

I just had to sit down and create something o…f regal inspiration to honor the delightful and spirited Yorkshire Terrier.

 

I wanted it to be elegant so it could double as a handbag even when furry does not get to go out!


I’ve chosen colors that blend in with breed’s wonderful medley of shades. Blues, caramels, beiges, tans… so you would think of your Yorkie even at those times when you are using the tote to carry your laptop. It really helps too, that those wonderful hues by God also match easily one’s wardrobe!


For the design I wanted it to be irreverent and audacious, portraying the spirit of the terrier. But what is a Yorkie without a bow!



This tote bag is made from 4 layers, making it sturdy enough to carry either your baby dog or your personal items.It is lined in super soft fuzzy fabric that can be pulled out for spot cleaning.

A safety chain is included so you can clip your dog in for safety.The tote can be carried either over your shoulder or on your arms.

Gorgeous brocades are arranged in collage  composition. Attention to all the details. Lace, velvet ribbons and Victorian inspired buttons signal the very British inspiration of my design.



I had the best time conceiving this tote bag. I hope you love it as much as I did creating it!

Kiki Hamann

Self Expression

When you are able to dig into yourself and express who you are to the world through your thoughts, your art, your fashion, your words or whatever expression vehicle you feel comfortable with.. then and only then you are truly happy. Self Expression is liberating!

 

More Notes on my Creative Process

My creative process is very very selfish. The remote thought of executing something of not mine by conception bothers my intellect. I can be inspired by a character, but when I create that piece, it will be 100% MY interpretation of the role.
I am sorry if I disappoint, but I won't replicate dresses! Not even Oscar ones! I create for Beauty's sake and not entertainment's sake. It is just who I am and I am truthful to my essence!


As for artistic expression this is how I think:  Art contained is not Art! It needs an outing. It is exhibitionist, it needs an audience!  :)

Urban Elegance, The New Collection

With summer around the corner it is time to launch a lighter collection. I am so excited. Warm weather means dogs go more places and are seen more often. When I sat down at the sketch board to design my newest collection - Urban Elegance, these are the considerations I had in mind.

Phantom Harness, Lexi Harness and New York Harness

1) A dog wears his fashion for the duration of their lifetime.  So each piece is an investment and it should be durable, functional and beautiful.  I also added season-less to the bowl!

The Kenzo Set (Harness and Belly Band)

2) Many countries are not yet into Dog Clothing per se. With that in mind, I will design great harnesses and Couture Carriers.

The Phantom Tote Bag and Matching Harness

3)  The social dog goes places, attends events blends in with people and therefore, I would like for their style to represent their owners and pair up with human fashion so there is no clash!

After putting these three major points on my visual board, I sat down armed with charcoal and colored pencils and began sketching away. The theme for this collection is the Urban Lifestyle. I am totally seduced by the upbeat elegance of Metropolitans.  Practical + Stule = Metro Elegant.

Dressing up for the city life means keeping accessories, details haute and investing in quality elements. I love how color is added to solid canvases.  I also love how color is washed and less vibrant so it travels through time.

So here's a toast, Cosmo of course, to my newest intense, uplifted, totally gorgeous Summer 2011Collection of Canine Couture.  On with the new.  Old ideals, new ideas!

Reinvent your Dog!

Kiki
info@kikihamann.com

The Phantom Tote and Matching Harness

This is a gorgeous tote, and you don't even have to have a dog to have it! Wish the pictures would do it justice so you could see the complexity of the design. It is made from three different black fabrics: A heavy matte brocade, a satiny thin stripped and a larger satiny striped as well. The fabrics are put together so best accentuate each one's properties. It is really beautiful! To this medley in black I have added two beautiful Lacey trims for yet more texture, they frame the fabric composition accentuating the differences.

It is from my new line Urban Elegance and it is all about the buzz of the city. Please notice how I play with the negative spaces in this brocade composition. Chains add pizazz to the modern lines of the tote. It is black, it goes with every color. It is super!

The handles of the tote were planned so you can either carry it over your shoulder and have puppy next to you, or to carry it on your arm and stroll around showing it off.

This tote also features two side pockets for your sunglasses, wallet, leashes, cell phones, keys, etc. It comes with a light weight safety chain that can easily be clipped to the back of a harness.

A matching harness makes it just city perfect!

I have created The Tote for all the dogs that understand their royalty status. Yes, they like to be carried around (never ever left behind), don’t really do well in leashes and demand comfort. I have also created it for the humans like me with a fondness for practical products that remain functional while being haute. This handbag is all of the above and then some. It is hop in-hop out practical and always ready to go.

It is all about the details!

I spent a long time designing this tote. It had to be perfect all the way. The perfect size, the perfect shape. I chose to give it an oval shape so doggie is as comfortable lying down as standing up. The bag sits right under your arm, so your baby feels secure and safe at all times and you have her / him right under your vigilant eye. It is light and feels very comfortable when you wear it over your shoulder.

The bag is engineered in four layers, which means a lot of sewing time, no short cuts and hours of hand stitching. On the other hand, this hard work translates into perfect shaping and durability.

Two large side pockets for your trinkets!

The inside of the tote is lined with a soft mattress, making great bedding on the go. The fuzzy lining can be pulled out for easy spot cleaning. A safety chain attached to a d-ring allows you to clip your baby to the handbag.

My goal for my new Totes is to bring the same couture treatment I have devoted to my garments into a practical, easy to handle carrier that loves going places and getting attention!

Styling Your Dog Goes Beyond Clothing!

We got up early this morning and headed straight to Miramar to visit Charliston and Shirley at The Pet Club. Kenzo was due for a new look worthy of my new collection and I wouldn’t trust him to anybody but the only Pet Stylists in the Miami area. Yes, that’s right, pet stylist is exactly who they are, much more than just groomers.

As you walk into their Shop, a delightful Spa / Boutique, you are immediately struck by color! Yes, bright Brazilian colors completely fill the place with so much charm, energy, bringing a boost of happiness to any breathing being. Charliston and Shirley are indeed people of color.

They work their magic that goes beyond just using their clippers. Charliston, takes Kenzo from my hands, hugs him and analyzes carefully the work in progress. It had been months since he had had his last grooming and my fur ball is in desperate need for some serious styling. Kenzo is to become the new face of Kiki Hamann. The transformation is about to happen. Shirley runs to the back room and comes back with a pile of books on Poodle grooming. She illustrates with pictures all the ideas they have in mind. It is so visual and easy to understand, my grooming anxiety quietly fades out! I am so relieved to be dealing with professionals. We decide on a shorter cut to enhance my fashion. We keep his pom poms for extra charm (my French heart needs the pom poms) and we style his ear to tassels for added personality.

We leave our boy in the careful hands of our experts and go out for a bite. I can’t wait to see my Kenzo, transformed! Oh My, and what a beautiful transformation.
He looks exactly how I wanted him to look. He is elegant, he looks smart, stylish and metropolitan. The barking picture of my new collection!

Thank you Charliston and Shirley,
My very personal pet stylist, for the awesome job. Now I need a professional photographer to shoot our model . Shooting a black dog is not easy!

Muah!

The pet club is located in Miramar , FL
http://www.thepetclubfl.net/

All thumbs up, I totally recommend!

The Tote

I have created The Tote for all the dogs that understand their royalty status. Yes, they like to be carried around (never ever left behind), don’t really do well in leashes and demand comfort.  I have also created it for the humans like me with a fondness for practical products that remain functional while being haute.  This handbag is all of the above and then some.  It is hop in hop out practical and always ready to go.   

I spent a long time designing this tote. It had to be perfect all the way. The perfect size, the perfect shape.  I chose to give it an oval shape so doggie is as comfortable lying down as standing up.  The bag sits right under your arm, so your baby feels secure and safe at all times and you have her / him right under your vigilant eye. It is light and feels very comfortable when you wear it over your shoulder.

The bag is engineered in four layers, which means a lot of sewing time, no short cuts and hours of hand stitching.  On the other hand, this hard work translates into perfect shaping and durability.

The inside of the tote is lined with a soft mattress, making great bedding on the go.  The fuzzy lining can be pulled out for easy spot cleaning.  A safety chain attached to a d-ring allows you to clip your baby to the handbag.

My goal for my new Totes is to bring the same couture treatment I have devoted to my garments into a practical, easy to handle carrier that loves going places and getting attention!

The Victoria Tote is the first of a series to come. These are the first pieces of my 2011 Summer Collection.

Madison Ave with Very Haute Canines

It is 29º F in Manhattan, and a few hours from arriving all the way from Miami. Here we are my friend Darsey and I strolling down Madison Ave with our very chic Canines, Millie LaRue and Miu Miu. The scene is so Metropolitan perfect! The dogs are sporting their Kiki Hamann Fur Coats made just for the occasion! Ahhh Manhattan never misses the unpredictable!

Posing the dogs under such harsh weather is no easy task, especially when so many walkers cannot help but stop to greet the elegant pooches. There are clicks coming from android phones, cameras of all nature, iPods, Blackberries. We are indeed causing a commotion. My heart fills with warmth from witnessing my Canine Fashion getting all the attention.

Suddenly a man, as if provided by the universe, comes running our way at speed of light. He throws himself on the floor and tells us with confidence, “I will get the shot!” The man is photographer Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York (www.humansofnewyork.com). I will remember this moment forever. Brandon is fun, full of energy, with a superhuman eye for what's happening. He is the buzz!
On his website he mentions “ The crowd has a face” and I will add to that… and the city has an EYE!

 

And this is where Brandon met us

 

Miu Miu Hamann, the Chihuahua and Millie LaRue, the Yorkie

Best Friends and International Top Models. The models are wearing the Manhattan Coat by Kiki Hamann

Darsey holds her Millie and my Miu Miu