Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Our Newest Spread at Regard Magazine with Alyssa Diaz

We are ecstatic to share our newest spread on Regard Magazine that features Alyssa Diaz of Army Wives, looking beautiful in an array of Octavio Carlin pieces. Check out the photos and tell us which ones are your favorites. Every piece is available at the Octavio Carlin Atelier: 309 N. Kings Rd. LA CA 90048. 

Teal Column Gown - $1300

Electric Blue Silk Gown - $1200

Houndstooth Coat - $500; LBD Jersey - $195

Laser Cut Suede Gown - $2000

Gold Cowl Gown - $250

Laser Cut Suede Gown - $2000

Black Triangle Gown - $500

Gold Cowl Gown - $250


Monday, February 11, 2013

Our Favorite Fashion From The Grammy's



The fashion at this year's grammy's was a little disappointing. They guys were looking incredible, especially Maroon 5 with their all black get-up and John Mayer with his velvet jacket & matching bow tie. But the women, the women who usually leave us in awe with their choices of beautiful gowns were just not doing it for us this year. The only note-worthy mention was Rhianna's captivating red dress, custom made by Azzedine Alaia. There have been a number of red dresses from other recent award shows, but none of them looked as amazing as Ri-Ri's. 


Thursday, February 7, 2013

Dress Talk: Vintage Florals

Octavio Carlin One of a Kind Dress

Octavio Carlin is notorious for one-of-a-kind dresses, dresses that he'll make out of exquisite fabric that may only be enough for one piece. Why bother making something out of limited fabric? Well, why let that gorgeous fabric go to waste when he can make a beautiful dress for a woman to enjoy? To Octavio, it's not about quantity, but quality! That is exactly the story behind that floral creation you see above. It is made from vintage silk chiffon that Octavio found during one of his sourcing trips. Everything about this dress is simply divine, the print, the pleats, the colors, and the sharp neckline that balances the softness of the fabric. This and other one-of-a-kind pieces are available at the Octavio Carlin Atelier located at 309 N. Kings Rd, LA, CA 90048. 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Happy Black History Month!

It's no question that the many of the benefits we enjoy in our daily lives would be non-existent without the intellectual, artistic, creative, courageous, and innovative contributions of countless African-Americans. Sadly, many of us are unaware of these contributions, for whatever reason that may be. So, in honor of Black History Month, we thought it would be fun, educational, and apropos to share and highlight some of the gifts that our African-American brothers and sisters have bestowed upon us. 

Madame CJ Walker - widowed at 20, Louisiana-born Sarah Breedlove Walker supported herself and her daughter as a washerwoman. In the early 1900s she developed a hair care system and other beauty products, that women will be forever grateful for. 




George Crum - A chef who invented the potato chips. Without him, we'd never know the joy of indulging in these tasty snacks nor would we have a multi billion dollar potato chip industry.

Dr. Charles Richard Drew - a medical doctor and surgeon who created the idea of a blood bank and a system for the long-term preservation of blood plasma. This man will continue to save lives.

Frederick McKinley Jones - without this man, many of us would not be able to enjoy fresh produce and many other perishable foods. He invented the automatic refrigeration system for long-haul trucks in 1935 (a roof-mounted cooling device).   

George Washington Carver - best known for developing crop rotation methods, that led to the discovery of 100 uses for sweet potatoes and about 75 for pecans, including synthetic rubber and material for paving highways. He also discovered 300 different uses for peanuts, including peanut butter, an American favorite. Where would Skippy and Jif be without this man and more importantly, what would we eat with our bread & jelly?