Fashion Finder: Crochet Scoop Tank Top

We love this lovely, vintage-inspired crochet tank top on Nasty Gal. It's a summer layering essential. At $38, it's a real steal too!

An Exclusive Interview with "American Idol" Costume Designer, Soyon An

If you don’t know her name, you probably know her work. Soyon An is the head costume designer of FOX’s hit TV shows “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” She has worked in the music, TV and film industries, and her past experience includes Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Sean Kingston, Kate Bosworth, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne and Pink. Soyon earned her second Emmy award for her work on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2010, after winning in 2009.

Hip Chick Zine: Did you always know you wanted to a designer?
Soyon An: No. I grew up being the biggest Tomboy. All I wanted to do was play outside.

HCZ: [Laughs] Me too. Your looks are so beautiful and unique! How do you get your inspiration?
Soyon An: Thank you! I draw inspiration from everything. Colors on a day after the rain, traveling, walking around in a busy street. And of course runway shows, magazines, movies, TV shows... The list can go on and on because it truly is from everything. And I'm very much into detail.

HCZ: Describe your personal style.
Soyon An: I see myself as a bohemian, rock-n-roll, and geek. [Laughs] I like to keep things low-maintenance.

HCZ: How did you get involved in “So You Think You Can Dance?”
Soyon An: I got my start as an assistant to the costume design on Season 2. That was the first season the show was going on tour, and I was the designer and supervisor of that show.

HCZ: How has winning not one, but TWO, Emmys changed your career… and life?
Soyon An: It definitely made me more confident in my work. It's an amazing feeling to receive an award like it. The fact that people who have been doing this for decades take notice of your work is life changing. I am now pushing myself to do better than the last, especially in my work and even with myself. I want to give more to the world... I don't know who's paying attention, but I want to give it my best.

HCZ: What’s the process like for designing a look on “American Idol?”
Soyon An: Well, to start, I only get 2 hours with each idol. It ranges, but a lot of idol's image styling is off the rack clothes that I tailor. This season, I have done a lot of custom pieces... The girls are smart this season! The fashion world is their oyster with me as their stylist, or if we can't find it the stores, I'll make it for them.

HCZ: What other projects are you working on right now? Future plans?
Soyon An: I am a fashion editor for Jimon Magazine, I'm helping to re- brand a company, possibly a boutique... Check out my upcoming website www.soyonan.com, follow me on twitter @soysfashion or read my blogs for the latest!

HCZ: Who would you love to collaborate with next?
Soyon An: I would love to collaborate with JLO, Gaga, or Rihanna... and maybe Banksy!

HCZ: What advice do you have for women who would like to become designers/stylists?
Soyon An: Get hands-on experience. Be prepared for long hours, a lot of schlepping, and organizing. Keep positive and when you see your work, or assistant work in a spread, on TV, or in a film, it's very rewarding.

HCZ: Off the topic of style, what’s your favorite travel destination and why?
Soyon An: I've had tons of fun all around the world, but I'd have to say Cusco, Peru was amazing. That's where Machu Picchu is, and when you get to the top, you know that anything is possible.

Photo Credit: Collin Stark

SPECIAL FASHION PROMOTION JUST FOR YOU!

We'll be featuring a special promotion with additional savings just for HCZ readers at the awesome LA-based sample sale site http://www.365hangers.com THROUGH FEBRUARY 28TH! Designer styles are ALWAYS 70% off, but HCZ readers can take an EXTRA 10% off already reduced prices with THE CODE "365hcz."

Fashion without boundaries: that’s the objective behind sample sale site 365hangers. Since its debut in the summer of 2009, 365Hangers has continued to deliver fashion’s most coveted designers ranging from Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Elie Tahari, and many more, at unprecedented 70% off retail value, every day, 365 days a year.

Unlike other sites, 365Hangers showcases models of all shapes and sizes, ranging from pear to hourglass, helping shoppers discover what outfits compliment their shape the best. After all, designers make clothing for all women, despite what’s seen on the runway.

** No minimum purchase required. Cannot be combined with other promotional codes. Enter the code in the "promotional code" box. Valid from Feb. 7-28th, 2011.

Jewelry We Love: Asta International

I love culture and anthropology, but I also adore jewelry, so you can imagine how delighted I was to discover Asta International! These beautifully crafted pieces from South America are truly wearable pieces of art (not to mention conversation-starters!). Inspired by a trip to Colombia, Asta Rockwood, who is originally from Lithuania but now resides in Boston, decided she wanted to bring the jewelry to an even larger market. Asta makes sure that the crafters receive fair wages to help support their families. In addition, 100% of every Jewel of the Month purchase, and ten percent of every web purchase goes towards the non-profit Asta International Fund, which helps to provide low income families in Asta's native Lithuania with educational scholarships. Asta says, "I chose this idea due to my personal experience years ago that made me make my drastic decision to move out of my home, and away from my family to pursue a better life, an education [in the US]. I believe that hard work and perhaps a little help from Asta International, all determined students can achieve their life's dream as I have." Yes, each piece is more than just a jewel...

Pictured: Some of Asta's personal favorites.
Visit the Asta International Website

FASHION FINDER: Eyewear Lady Gaga Would Approve Of

I went to the opening show of Lady Gaga's new "Monster Ball" tour in Montreal this past weekend, and I made sure to wear my pair of Stevie Boi sunglasses. Started by designer Steven Strawder, SB shades are the perfect holiday gift for the creative, fashion-forward girl or boy in your life who seems to have everything. Ranging in price from $15 to $200, the sunglasses are unlike any you've seen before.


If you happen to run into Lady Gaga on the street, she would probably ask to borrow your shades. Check out stevieboi.com to view the entire collection.

FASHION FINDER: Victorian Legwarmers

We absolutely LOVE these "Ivory Lacy Lady Victorian Legwarmers" by Mademoiselle Mermaid (Etsy). Double crochet (available in four colors) with white lace and a pearl button make them romantic and unique. Pair them with Fall's new booties for a sophisticated, Old-World European look. To order your pair(s), click here. While you're there, take a look at the beautiful crochet jewelry, which will nicely complement your new legwarmers.

FASHION FINDER: Suede Peep Toe Booties

Looking for the perfect shoes to wear to ring in the Fall? Charlotte Ronson Renata suede peep toe booties on a wooden platform with a back tie may be a bit of a splurge ($184), but they're well-made and worth it. They're comfortable enough to wear while walking to work, and are perfect with dark, slim jeans for an evening out. Edgy, yet elegant. Visit ShopBop to order them!

The September Issue PREVIEW

Vogue. Anna Wintour. The September issue. You've seen The Devil Wears Prada, but how about seeing the real glitz, glamour, and fear? The September Issue is the long-awaited documentary about the most important issue in the fashion magazine world, and the person who has the final say.

FASHION FINDER: Boots We Love

What can I say? It's raining today!
Rain isn't very much fun when you have a busy day ahead of you, but these "Raindrops on Roses" boots from Modcloth will have you singing (and skipping) in the rain in no time! They're so classy, you can even wear them to work. $114.99 at ModCloth.com

Fashion Finder: The Perfect Trench Coat for Fall

A black trench is a fashion staple. Classy, elegant, and easily paired with everything, no hip chick should be without. How do you find "the one" though? HCZ discovered this convertible trench coat on ShopBop.com (we love this site!), marked down from $595. By Elizabeth and James, now $297.50. This is a 3-in-1 steal: the sleeves come off so it becomes a sleeveless trench dress, or wear the sleeves as a chic bolero on their own. This is a seriously stylish investment that you will be able to wear for many years to come!