The Creative Mixx: Has It Been A Year Already???

Well, I can't believe this, but it's true. The Creative Mixx officially turns one year as of today.
It all started with my desire to introduce creative individuals to the masses. Sometimes you got a bit of my randomness, along with interviews, fabulous finds, event coverage, videos and more.

I've met a lot of wonderfully talented people because of my blog and I am excited for the future of The Creative Mixx. I have made a list of goals that I'd like to accomplish this year and it got me thinking......

Have you done the same at some point? If so, I'd love to hear about it.

Basically here's a glimpse as to what I'd like to do over the next year.

*get blog business cards printed
*change the layout
*there are a few key people that I'd like to interview this year (I'll keep that as a surprise)
*incorporate street style photos (both locally and worldwide)
*reconnect with fellow bloggers (I used to read and comment on my fave/new blogs religiously and I want to do that again)
*encourage comments either with polls, questions, suggestions - I'm definitely up for ideas to improve

To celebrate, I have an interview tonight and hopefully a giveaway & "etsy shop" showcase later on this week.

I heard about Nina Rahal-Kharey (a Calgary-based designer), through her publicist during Alberta Fashion Week. I had been invited to her Fall/Winter 2010 show back in March but was unable to make it. After a bit of Internet researching, I learned that House of Nonie designs are a perfect blend of contemporary & vintage glam. So, for those that have been following me for a while, you know that I have a "thang" for vintage "anything" - which means that I was pretty bummed out for missing it.

Well I now have another chance to catch a House of Nonie Show. This Saturday at the newly opened nightspot West, I'll have the pleasure of seeing "JR2010". There's a special story behind this collection which Nina has gracefully shared on The Creative Mixx.

I am pleased to introduce you to very talented Nina Rahal-Kharey.

What is the inspiration for your latest collection JR2010?
My older brother. I lost him 5 years ago to violence and my life hasn’t been the same. The pain of losing a sibling is extremely difficult to cope with for me, but finding ways to keep him alive bring me peace. I’ve been wanting to do this for him for so long now, and I finally feel ready to handle it.

Describe the colour scheme & fabrics used in this line?
I used a lot of black silk and some black wool. I wanted to keep the dresses simple, bold, and timeless. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. I do have a red dress dedicated to JR (something that will be consistent in every JR Holiday collection I do). I also have a soft classy grey chiffon dress to represent more of the delicate nature of life and peace it needs to flourish.

Will you be pairing accessories with this collection?
I won’t be for the Calgary show. I want my brother to shine that night, and the way to do that for me is to have all the focus on the art in the dresses.

JR2010 will be showcased at a Charity Fashion show on July 24th. Why have
you decided to host a show this summer?
I wanted to do something special for my life and my family. I didn’t want the collection I dedicate to love to be mingled with spring/summer, or autumn/winter. I wanted it to be on its own and work on delivering the message. Presenting it in the summer let’s me sell it in the winter during the Holidays: what better time for peace and love?

It seems that the recent "House of Nonie" show in Toronto was a huge
success with many celebrities in attendance. Can we expect the same for
Calgary?
Calgary being the home town of Nonie will be nothing short of a success! There’s a story for the city in this collection as well and I hope it will touch a lot of peoples hearts.

How would you describe your personal style?
Simple. It really depends on the mood I’m in, but most of the time I like to have on something simple, but with some sort of an odd twist. I don’t like to look ordinary, and I don’t like to have too much going on. Just simple and sharp with something to talk about.

Name one thing that you can't live without.
My husband. He’s my strength. He keeps me going on this. Without him, there’s nothing in me.

Do you incorporate "trends" when designing?
I tried not to. Trends come and go and are great at the time, but I wanted to focus more on the art of fashion. I wanted to keep it timeless and have the message live forever.

Other than your site (www.houseofnonie.com), where else can I get a "House of Nonie" item?
Coco&Violet will be carrying the line in Sept 2010. I will also be looking into boutiques in Toronto soon.

Do you have any advice for up & coming designers?
Do it because you love it, not for the fame or recognition. If you love something, you shouldn’t let any fear hold you back. Work hard at it and keep yourself going...the world really isn’t as big as it seems.

The photos below are from the JR2010 Holiday Collections (photographer Christine Buijs).