CUSP Designer Interview: Danielle DiFerdinando of Danielle Nicole

Handbag designer Danielle Nicole DiFerdinando studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and in Europe before launching her own line of Danielle Nicole handbags in 2007. Her luxury bags of Italian lambskin, crushed patent leather and French embroidery were quickly picked up by high-end retailers and specialty stores all over the US, including CUSP.

Name: Danielle DiFerdinando

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD

Sign: Aquarius

How often do you read your horoscope? Almost everyday

Current favorite song: "Kids" by MGMT

Childhood celebrity crush: Leonardo DiCaprio and Devon Sawa

The movie you would watch whenever it is on TV? Pretty Woman

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: Amalfi Coast, Italy

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? The Tipping Point [by Malcolm Gladwell]

What’s on your IPOD? Everything!

How many air miles do you log a year? A LOT!

What is your favorite piece from your current collection? The Kristi Mini hobo. This bag is very light weight. Easy to travel with and I can wear it from day to night. Very boho chic!!

How would you best describe your client? The Danielle Nicole client is confident and smart. She has a classic yet unique sense of fashion. She likes to be active and needs a bag that can adjust to her dynamic lifestyle. Her handbags need to be able to fit everything she needs during the day, and complement her trendy outfit at night.

What are your favorite hometown stores? Yellowfin and Cross Roads…where you can find the best seafood and crabs in Maryland!

Who are your personal style icons? My three beautiful sisters

What style secrets do you have right now? Figure out what current fashions do and don’t work for you. Just because something is in style, doesn’t mean you should wear it. Just like if something isn’t the hottest trend, doesn’t mean you should rule it out. The best style secret is to wear what flatters you the most and use it!

Right now, every girl needs a ___: Sarah Clutch! It’s the bag that people stop you on the streets to ask about!

What do you buy at the newsstand? WWD, Wall Street Journal, New York Post and New York Times. It’s very important to know what’s going on in the world.

Your ideal day/night? Going out for a really good dinner and then crashing on the couch!

 

Danielle Nicole Gina Shoulder Bag ($395)

CUSP Designer Interview: Matt Bernson

Shoe designer Matt Bernson strives to design shoes that are as stylish as they are comfortable. His sandals have become a fav of celebrities, and we're thrilled about the arrival of his new Spring collection. One of his latest creations, pictured here, will be in CUSP stores and online mid February for $195.

Name: Matt Bernson
Hometown: Born New York, NY, grew up in South Salem, NY, now live in NYC. Full circle.
Sign: Gemini

How often do you read your horoscope? 4 times a year maybe. But my mom often updates me weekly. So I don’t have to really check.

Current favorite song: TI – “What up, What’s Happenin’”

Childhood celebrity crush: Kim Basinger

The movie you would watch whenever it is on TV: Point Break

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: in Noosa Heads, Australia

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? On The Road, Kerauac.

What book are you reading now? Just finished The Beautiful Fall – Fashion and Excess in 1970’s Paris

What’s on your IPOD? (or CD player): mostly a workout mix with Lil Wayne, TI, MIA, and Meowskers.

How many air miles do you log a year? My guess is over a hundred thousand, but all on different airlines, so I never accumulate miles.

What is your favorite piece from your current collection? The Nouer III. But watch out of the Nouer IV, it is going to be pretty cool.

How would you best describe your client? High arches, slender elegant toes, skinny ankles, but she pretends like her “feet are so ugly,” when she knows they are not.

What are your favorite hometown stores? I grew up in a small town and the hot spot was the grocery store Scotts Corners Market. I used to try and get my mom to buy me sugar cereal, it rarely worked.

Who are your personal style icons? My wife and my friends.

What style secrets do you have right now? Oversized galoshes are cool for guys. And guys do like leggings, so let’s keep this trend rocking.

Right now, every girl needs a ___: comfortable sandals and a high paying job?

What do you buy at the newsstand? Monocle, French Vogue, and gum.

Your ideal day/night? Staying home with my wife and dog reading. Dog curled on my feet. His name is Abe and he is a very sweet boy.

Read more interviews with Matt Bernson talking about his Spring line here on Running With Heels and on The Fashion Time.

Designer Interview: Jozette Hazzouri (Bloch)

We're currently obsessed with designer Jozette Hazzouri's collaboration with Bloch London, so naturally, we were thrilled when Jozette decided to answer our questionnaire! Jozette turns out to be just as darling as the Bloch ballet flats (in a "right now" shade of violet).

Name: Jozette Hazzouri

Hometown:

Sydney

,

Australia

Sign: Libra

How often do you read your horoscope? Whenever I get a chance to sit down with a coffee and magazine.

Current favourite song: I really like the new song ‘closer’ by Ne-Yo.

Childhood celebrity crush: I know it’s a classic, but it has to be Brad Pitt.

The movie you would watch whenever it is on TV? Anything starring Audrey Hepburn - I love her elegance and style. "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" and "Roman Holiday" are favourites.

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, México … otherwise home in bed looking out over Bondi Beach, waking up to the sound of the ocean.

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? Lots of books have touched me, but I couldn’t say that one book alone has profoundly changed my life.

What book are you reading now? A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini.

What's on your IPOD? (or CD player) A real mixture – I like all sorts of music, but I’m a bit lazy really, I never go out and buy CD’s. I always ask friends to download their favourite itunes for me.

How many air miles do you log a year? Far too many!!

What is your favourite piece from your current collection? A gorgeous pair of heels from my Jozette Hazzouri for Bloch collection named after the Roman Goddess of Beauty…. Bellona

How would you best describe your client? Women who are independent, confident and inspiring.

What are your favourite hometown stores? I’m definitely not a shop till you drop girl. However when you travel excessively your wardrobe collects an eclectic mix of designers from Burberry in

London

to Azzollini in

Sydney

. When I’m in

Sydney

I’ll go to stores like Zimmermann, Ksubi and scanlan. Since

London

is practically my second home you’re more likely to catch me shopping in Bond Street, Regent Street or Portobello Road… My favourite designer at the moment has to be Jean Paul Gaultier.

Who are your personal style icons? Anyone who can put together their own personal style and be confident to wear it - from people I see every day in the street to Sienna Miller and Carla Bruni.

What style secrets do you have right now? Wear what suits you - don't follow every trend, and be confident to make your own decisions and pull it off.

Right now, every girl needs a…pair of dress up or dress down super comfy ballerina flats.

What do you buy at the newsstand? Vogue, Harpers, Marie Claire, Collezioni

Your ideal day/night? Day: Not a single airport in sight, waking up in my beautiful house in Bondi with my boyfriend, having a lie in, late breakfast, a walk down to the beach and then just letting the day unfold. Night: A good night out, no work, relaxing with close friends and dinner at my favourite fusion Thai restaurant in

Sydney

: Jimmy Liks.

CUSP Designer Interview: Lana Fertelmeister (Lana Jewelry)

Name: Lana Fertelmeister
Hometown: Chicago
Sign: Leo

How often do you read your horoscope? On my birthday

Current favorite song: “Beat Goes On” by Madonna

Childhood celebrity crush: Michael Jackson…before the surgeries!

The movie you would watch whenever it is on TV? Flashdance

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: right at home with my Fiancé Rob and Golden Retriever Rocco in Chicago.

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? Catcher in the Rye and, Are you there god? It’s me Margaret… (I am serious!)

What book are you reading now? Moscow Rules, Daniel Silva.

What's on your iPod? Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Estelle, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Beastie Boys, JayZ.

How many air miles do you log a year? Too many.

What is your favorite piece from your current collection? I love the Solar Earrings, they are delicate and perfect for every day.

How would you best describe your client? She is confident, stylish and smart.

What are your favorite hometown stores? Stinky Pants for great kids stuff, Fox and Obel for upscale foods, and Lulu’s On the Belle Kay for the best designer vintage.

Who are your personal style icons? Madonna, Bridget Bardot, Talitha Getty, Cher in the 70’s, James Bond Girls(all of them), anyone who is sexy and strong.

What style secrets do you have right now? I love rose gold right now, its decadent and fresh at the same time, it looks good on all skin types. I am obsessed with blue mascara, the Dior Show in blue is a great contrast to brown eyes.

Right now, every girl needs a __Luck N’ Love Necklace, the name says it all!

What do you buy at the newsstand? The local hip paper, I love to read about places I am visiting.

Your ideal day/night? At my home being in the center of my favorite city, Chicago. It sounds so simple, but being on our deck overlooking the panoramic skyline at night as pure magic. We have a flat screen TV up there and watch movies and the planes go by in the sky, being there with friends and family and our dogs is heaven to me..Really!

Lana Jewelry is available at CUSP Northbrook Court. Meet Lana at CUSP Northbrook Court on Sept. 4 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm!

CUSP Designer Interview: Pierre Colorado (Blake Standard)

It's hard to fade into the background with a name like Pierre Colorado. And that goes for his talents in fashion design too. Colorado, who studied at F.I.T. in New York, has been working in the industry for 12 years at some of the top fashion brands. In 2006 he launched Blake Standard, an effortlessly chic collection of contemporary sportswear for women. Let's all say hello to Pierre Colorado, who will be appearing at our brand new Chestnut Hill boutique on Saturday from 1p - 3p.

Blake Standard is available at all CUSP Boutiques.

Name: Pierre Colorado

Hometown: New York City

Sign: Libra

How often do you read your horoscope? Only when I find it in French Vogue.

Current favorite song: Rihanna's Shut up and Drive. I love to listen to it when I'm driving.

Childhood celebrity crush: Cheryl Tiegs. I even had a poster of her on my wall.

The movie you watch whenever it is on TV? Pride and Prejudice- It's visually stunning.

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: In Paris...anytime.

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? Love In the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

What are you reading now? The Dead Sea Scrolls. I love history.

What's on your iPod? Too much! I love anything from Bossa Nova to R & B to dance.

How many air miles do you log a year? This past year I only had about 80,000. That's a 7 year low.

How would you describe your client? She is naturally chic, loves fashion but needs it to work with her lifestyle needs.

CUSP Designer Interview: David Giordano (Pour La Victoire)

David Giordano, the dashing co-designer of Pour la Victoire, took a moment to sit down and answer our questionaire!

David will be appearing opening weekend at CUSP Chestnut Hill, Friday August 29 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Pour la Victoire shoes are available at all CUSP boutiques.

Name: David Giordano
Hometown: New York, NY
Sign: Gemini

How often do you read your horoscope? Almost daily

Current favorite song: Rich Girls by the Virgins, Underdog by Spoon

Childhood celebrity crush: Alyssa Milano

The movie you would watch whenever it is on TV? American Psycho or anything directed by Martin Scorsese.

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: in Paris

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav

What book are you reading now? The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort

How many air miles do you log a year? Around 100k per year

What is your favorite piece from your current collection? A zip front satin, patent, vegetarian leather banana heel called the Babette

Who are your personal style icons? Fashion model Irina Lazareanu and Audrey Hepburn

What style secrets do you have right now? Vintage mixed with new with no fear of color. I'm into classic with an edge.

Right now, every girl needs a _____? Men's tailored oxford in her shoe collection.

What do you buy at the newsstand? I consider myself a pop culture junkie so I buy anything to do with High Fashion, Movies, Music, Art and Business.

Your ideal day/night? Sleep in. Gym. Then brunch with friends, a visit to some art galleries, an early evening movie, cook dinner with my fiancée and then go to bed early!

Inder Bedi (Matt & Nat founder/designer) @ CUSP Chestnut Hill Opening

Matt & Nat founder and designer Inder Bedi will appear at CUSP Chestnut Hill on Thursday, August 28. Stop by to meet and greet this fabulous vegan handbag designer while checking out our brand new Chestnut Hill boutique!

Thursday, August 28: 1 - 3 pm @ CUSP Chestnut Hill

CUSP Chestnut Hill
The Mall at Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Name: Inder Bedi
Hometown: Montreal
Sign: Virgo
How often do you read your horoscope? Once every six months

Current favorite song: Ghetto Fabulous by The Crystal Method

Childhood celebrity crush: Rina Roy

The movie you would watch whenever it is on TV? The Blues Brothers

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: in Iceland

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? No

What book are you reading now? The Dalai Lama’s biography

What's on your iPod? It’s still in its original packaging in my drawer.

How many air miles do you log a year? 50,000

How would you best describe your client? They’re looking for more.

CUSP Designer Interview: Paige Adams-Geller (Paige Premium Denim)

 

Name: Paige Adams-Geller

Hometown: Wasilla, AK

Sign: Gemini

How often do you read your horoscope? Every time I see one in a publication!

Current favorite song: "Moneymaker" by Rilo Kiley

Childhood celebrity crush: It was a toss-up between John Taylor from Duran Duran and Rob Lowe

The movie you would watch whenever it is on TV? Less Than Zero, Notting Hill, Pretty Woman

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: In Italy eating gelato and pizza!

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? “Dry” by Augusten Burroughs. He is a perfect example of someone who has been able to turn lemon into lemonade!! Which is why I also read daily meditation books. I really believe it is important to start the day with a positive attitude and to be grateful for everything I have. I read daily thoughts on many different subjects to stay focused on the light.

What book are you reading now? “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert and “Spirituality of Imperfection” by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham.

What's on your iPod? Maroon 5, Feist, Cia, Rilo Kiley, Matchbox 20 and Keith Urban

How many air miles do you log a year? A couple hundred thousand! I have been on a plane nearly every week this year!

What is your favorite piece from your current collection? The Cavendish Dress! I feel sexy and powerful when I wear it.

How would you best describe your client? She is a perfect combination of beauty, brains and has a little bit of sass! She wants to look polished but sexy at the same time.

Who are your personal style icons? I love Charlize Theron’s style on the red carpet! Angelina Jolie epitomizes Paige Black Label as well as being my girl crush! And my pals Amber Valetta and Emmy Rossum have personal style that is picture perfect!

What style secrets do you have right now? Ponte di Roma! I am obsessed with pants, dresses and jackets in this fabric! It holds you in in all the right places, travels well and looks so chic!

Right now, every girl needs a _____? Leather bomber jacket to wear with dresses or denim!

What do you buy at the newsstand? Weeklies, monthlies, mints and gum (usually in an airport).

Your ideal day/night? I love traveling and music. So, ideally, I would be out in nature taking in the beauty and new sights or exploring new cultures by day and going to a concert at night.

Paige Black Label is available at CUSP boutiques.

CUSP Designer Interview: Ivy Kirzhner (Dolce Vita)

Name: Ivy Kirzhner, a.k.a. "The Thrillah from Manila!!!"
Hometown: Queens, NY by way of Manila, which explains the "Thrillah."
Sign: Gemini. But according to the ancient Chinese astrologers, I'm a Metal-Rooster

How often do you read your horoscope? I often test the astrologers' abilities by reading the horoscopes from previous weeks/months to see if they match up with my life. Freaky enough, they sometimes do. But I remain in denial.

Current favorite song: "Chinese Children" by Devendra Banhart.

Childhood celebrity crush: I've always had a thing for Speed Racer... even today.

The movie you would watch whenever it is on TV? I must admit that I love Lord of the Rings. It's because of the lovely, lovely elves.

If I could be anywhere, I'd be: peeking through a Parisian discotheque and deciding whether to dare or not to dare…

Is there a book that has profoundly changed your life? Anything about the Law of Attraction.

What book are you reading now? The Secret (but ssshhh... it's a secret.)

What's on your iPod?: Radiohead, Thom Yorke, Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service, The Rapture, Muse, The Republic Tigers, Lupe Fiasco, Mr. Bungle, Devendra Banhart, Blonde Redhead, Sufjan Stevens, Queen, The Pixies...

How many air miles do you log a year? About 120,000+. Does my boat ride through the Panama Canal count?

What is your favorite piece from your current collection? I really love the ADAM, our thong bootie flat sandal in the kidsuede. They're from the future!

How would you best describe your client? Our client possesses a greater sense of self, and truly understands and celebrates her own individuality. She does not follow trends, but rather relishes in her own ability to go well and beyond any trend. She is hip, young, creative, care-free, enjoys putting outfits together (particularly mixing vintage/ thrift with boutique items) and is confident enough to know that she could make anything look good... Ok, at least, that's the picture of the little muse I carry around in my head all the time.

Who are your personal style icons? Audrey Tautou's character in "Amelie" and my (make-believe) celeb besties: Natalie P, Kirsten D, Keira K, and Maggie G!

What style secrets do you have right now? I like adding something strange to a perfectly great outfit just to throw people off -- myself included. I am totally digging my large Cazal prescription glasses (think Run DMC) and I do plan to wear them to a wedding.

Right now, every girl needs _____? Tall Gladiators! I mean the sandals... not the guys running around in armor. Although those are pretty hot too.

What do you buy at the newsstand? Canada Dry Sparkling Seltzer in Cheerful Cherry. It makes me happy every morning.

Your ideal day/night? Spending the whole day/evening working on a creative project… and actually finishing it and be happy with it. Hmmmm... I don't think that has actually ever happened. Let me work on that right now.

Dolce Vita is available at all CUSP boutiques and at CUSP.com

CUSP Designer Interview: Robert Rodriguez

A graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Robert Rodriguez started his own line in October 2003. The collection incorporates the principles of haute couture. Perfectly tailored pants, luxurious cashmere sweaters, hand-worked jackets are all the staples of his extremely successful line. Rodriguez counts Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman and Oprah Winfrey as just as a few of his many, many fans.

Hometown: New York
My Sign: Leo

How often I read my Horoscope: Whenever I have a chance.

Favorite Intern on "Grey’s Anatomy": Christina Yang (played by Sandrah Oh.)

Song I’m Currently Rocking: "Deja Vu" by Beyoncé.

Last Book I Read: Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser

Current Celebrity Crush: Jessica Alba

The Movie I’ll Watch Whenever It’s On Television: "Overboard"

If I Could be Anywhere I’d be: In Italy.

How Many Pairs of Jeans I Own: 25

What made you know you wanted to be a designer? When I started sketching at age 8.

How would you describe the Robert Rodriguez woman?
Contemporary, sophisticated and fashion forward.

What is it like to design out of L.A. instead of New York?
It is a more eclectic mix of people, which allows me to be more creative and open to new trends.

What Robert Rodriguez piece should every woman own? A cashmere sweater.