Quick background, Ricarte fell into the world of fashion when she couldn’t find an adequate accessory for her pretty little head that matched her ensemble, style, and, most importantly at the time, that would help disguise her hair (it was in on of those awkward “growing out” phases).  Naturally, as any person with a high degree of creativity would do, Ricarte took a detour before heading to her event.  She dropped by the craft store to buy supplies to make her own headband.  As it turns out, she never exactly made it to that event.  Instead, she rocked out and made her first dozen BAMBAKO pieces.

And now, on with the interview:

Why headbands? I always liked wearing headbands but never found anything I really loved, unique, and at the right price. I really wanted a headband to wear for a friend’s birthday one night but couldn’t find anything so I took a detour to the craft store and made my own. I’d like to start doing other accessories in the future, but for now I just really really love making headbands.

When did you first start making headbands? February 2009

What inspires your designs for Bambako? Everything… From a woman’s outfit to a guy walking his dog to a store with a bright awning to a red coffee mug next to retro teal fridge. Colors are everywhere- the combination of colors of my headbands comes from just being aware of the natural color combination of the everyday life that work so well.

Who’s your fashion hero and why? Yves San Laurent, Rodarte, Marchesa, and Marc Jacobs. Geniuses in their craft.

If you could choose anyone you wanted to rock a Bambako headband, who would it be? M.I.A. or Little Boots.

What’s the fashion scene like in New Jersey? What scene.

What are you doing when you aren’t making fashion-forward headbands? Blogging about music, going to shows, trying to play the ukulele…

If you could let the world know about one thing or person, who/what would it be? Red velvet cupcakes at Brown Betty’s in Philly. Oh yes.

What is the one thing the world should know about you? Dang- what a hard question!  The world should know that the best from me is still to come… But it’s coming soon.

Where can someone purchase your headbands? Bambako.com or at Henri Bendel in New York.

Pretentious? Maybe. Relateable? Not really. But innovative? Without a doubt.

Portent is an impeccably-crafted fashion film produced collaboratively by The Corner and SHOWstudio, the brainchild of legendary photographer Nick Knight. It is an ornate and ethereal celebration of the human form enblazoned by exquisite couture, and a dramatic yet blissful period piece at the same time. Oh yeah, and did I mention it’s an ad?

Among the designer labels featured in the short film are Viktor & Rolf, Proenza Schouler, Kris Van Assche, Masion Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, just to name a few. What these brands all have in common, apart from their refined point of view and ungodly price tags, is that they each have their own “mini-store” on the virtual high-end fashion mall that is The Corner. The site stands out by offering visitors an especially creative and interactive shopping experience, dialed up through an array of stunning multimedia projects and campaigns which accentuate the unique DNA and design sensibility of each of its specially-selected brands.

Regardless of where you shop, how you shop, and your level of financial and artistic interest in what you wear, this film, “Portent,” and The Corner it was born on provide provocative insight on the future of retail, advertising and the notion that sex sells.

What could be better than your favorite hoodie? Try, your favorite hoodie tricked out with one-of-a-kind custom applique a la the funkiest and freshest fabrics around. And what’s even better than that is that Apliiq brings their magic touch to every element of your look: tees, sneaks and jewelry included.

Based in Los Angeles, Apliiq was started by Boston-native slash style maven Ethan Lipsitz in 2007. He created the line with equal interest in bringing a new breed of customization to the apparel world and giving back to the planet in his own unique fashion (pun intended). As such, Apliiq products use second-hand upcycled textiles to create simple, yet dynamic pieces. Choose from pre-made Apliiq Limiteds or create your own ensemble on apliiq.com. With an ever-growing catalog of fabrics to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

Apliiq products are available through apliiq.com as well as Cultist and Karmaloop. Each garment is handmade in the Apliiq work space in downtown L.A. Keep a look out for new products, including headbands, hi tops, bike accessories, baby clothes and dog wear.

Looking at her paintings, I am both vulnerable and hopeful.  Her work is colorful, feminine and romantic yet somehow triggers something unnerving inside me.

great expectations

prom 97'

by corine michel

Interview with Casey O’Connell:

When did you discover painting was you favorite medium?

I wasn’t really introduced to paint until my second year of college. I had an assignment to paint many different shades of gray, in between silently cursing my teacher and painting, I fell in love.

Did you paint when you were a child?

Yes. If it was sunny, I was in the ocean but when it was raining, I was painting the ocean.

Do you remember what some of those looked like (if any)?

They were all pretty cheesy…think super 8 motel art, but with a lot more hot pink.

Do you use your art to chart your life, in other words, do most of your pieces have significance to you personally or are they just streams of consciousness?

My work revolves around my day-to-day existence. It’s truly a visual journal of the moments that feel significant to me.

You had a show recently, when and where was it?

My last show was last fall at Google.

How many shows have you done? Do they get easier?

I’m not sure how many shows I’ve done. No, they’ve yet to get easier. I’ve had numerous panic attacks before attending openings and drinking champagne doesn’t help.

When you are not painting, what do you do?

I like to be in the water…oceans, lakes, rivers, bathtubs, anywhere I can float. I also really enjoy naps.

What other art forms do you appreciate?

Fashion, I heart Balmain. Food, I really heart my boyfriend’s macaroni and cheese.

Titles as “the enabler”, “the things we carry”, “great expectations” in sense have a vulnerable insecure side to it but you’re in a happy stable relationship, can you expound?

I’ve found the only way to find true happiness is to really explore my insecurities. By looking at the things I fear I can find a balance that is real, and not just some Hollywood ending.

Do you work in complete silence or listen to music while you work? If so, what kind of music do you listen to?

I’ve recently moved to Savannah GA. I’m enjoying the crickets.

the things we carry

Where did you study?

I attended Flagler College in St Augustine Florida.

Are you inspired by your youth or by your adult life, by the lives of others?

For a long time the inner 12 year old played the biggest role, but lately there’s been a fundamental shift, it probably has to do with turning 30.

When did you start incorporating camouflage/ blending backgrounds to your subjects in your painting? What is its’ appeal to you?

That is a hard question for me to answer. Again, it could be the process of growing up and being a more confident person. Before I felt I had to spell everything out, explain every detail, I was terrified of being misread. Now I try to trust myself more.

What are your favorite colors or palettes?

Yellow is pretty fantastic.

What are the next events coming up for you that you are excited about?

Is it too early be excited for Halloween? I love me some candy corn pumpkins.

What is your fundamental goal of your artwork?

It’s to explore.

Who inspires you?

Howard Roark

Where can someone purchase your work?

caseyoconnell.com