Shooting with the winners of Nolcha's ruffle.

Tuesday, June. One of those days with high temperatures and humidity in which you expect that it will start raining any second. This is how the day started on the planned shooting with the winners of the ruffle Beiñ organized for Nolcha Fashion Week.

Where did we meet? The north entrance of the High Line in NYC.

Who did we meet?
- The winners and amazing models Kate Ramsay (winner of this Ecoology dress) and Verónica Cruz (winner of this Angradema shoes).
- The Spanish fotographer and future collaborator of Beiñ, Sheila Curiel sheicreative.wordpress.com, who also brought the stylist Belén Vargas from BVR Stylist.
- And Cristina Merino representing Beiñ and coordinating the shooting.

At 2 o'clock we were all ready to start shooting with Kate and her Ecoology dress, but just then the rain fall on us! We managed to get some cover under the bridge and decided to wait until the rain stopped while doing the make-up and stylism to our two winners. Just like a miracle, the rain stopped at the same time as we finished preparing the two models and we managed to go on with the whole shooting without any more problems and with the perfect light to shoot.

2pm Make-up and stylism.

2.45pm Shooting with Kate Ramsay for Ecoology

3.15pm Shooting with both winners and their Beiñ hand-painted bags

3.30pm Shooting with Verónica Cruz for Angradema

Guillem Llull Vila designer and creator of GUIËM

When did Guiëm start?

Fashion is something that I love specially men´s clothing. When I was a little boy my mind was full of designs and new kind of clothes that I have never found in the streets. Is for that Guiëm was born is a way to create.

¿Cómo definirías el estilo de la marca en una frase? 

Nordic cut and mediterranean Style

What is the philosophy of the brand?

Guiëm  defines a men with a string style, someone that has clear ideas and wants to be different from the others. Guiëm is a way to express yourself trough out what you are wearing.

I think there are a lot of stereotypes in men´s clothing and we want to be free in this thinking.

What are the influences in Guiëm?

Trully I have inspiration from everything. I put special interest in details, they go to my mind and after I put these ideas in designs, Guiëm is a brand that Guillem Llul will wear. 

Celebrity crush?

I love and admire Patrick Harris: elegance and easy manner in one person that I share as Guillem Llul 

Any celeb wearing your brand?

Not until this moment.

What have been the key moments in Guiëm life?

Guiëm starts in March of 2014 so is very soon to say something or analyze what are the past special moments in the brand. But I have to say that is amazing the support from bloggers and media...is a reason to continue in this industry.  

What does USA mean for the brand?

USA is a very important market for Guiëm and new for us, something that we have to explore and explote. EEUU is the country of opportunities so we hope to meet our costumers. 

9. Tell us what is  Beiñ. for you

Go out from Spain, know a new market and an amazing opportunity. 

Shooting day with the winner of Nolcha Fashion Week Raffle. Veronica Cruz

First of all, congratulations for becoming the winner of the Angradema shoes we raffled during Nolcha Fashion Week and thank you for accepting modeling for us with your brand new shoes!

We would like to know a bit more about you. What can you tell us?

Thank you, it was such a thrill to be the winner of the gorgeous Angradema shoes!

I moved to New York City with my husband last January- by way of Arizona- and have been loving our time settling in! I find life here to be constantly inspiring, exciting, and stimulating- especially for those of us with an interest/obsession in fashion, styling, and media. Almost immediately upon moving here, I connected with some really great, like minded people. I have since started working on creating my own blog and have gotten to participate in and attend some amazing local fashion events, including Nolcha Fashion Week. It's been such a wonderful experience. I am having a blast..and the adventures just keep coming! 

The raffle you finally won lasted two days during Nolcha Fashion Week: the day of the runway and the day of the bloggers & media brunch. When did you meet us? How was your experience talking to Beiñ’s team? Did you expect becoming our winner?

I first met your team at the runway show, where I was drawn to the promotion for airfare to Spain, as it is one of my dream destinations. The girls and I chatted about our wanderlust and passion for international travel, a topic I can talk about for hours. When I first saw Bein set up at the media brunch, the first thing that caught my eye were the shoes- I even took a picture with them! Of course I signed up for the raffle but never expected to win. The first time I actually win a drawing and the prize happens to be a pair of shoes I had already fallen in love with!

Once you were selected as the winner of these shoes, we contacted you in order to get your measurements as the shoes were going to be handmade FOR YOU! Moreover, we went to give you your new shoes in person. How was the whole experience with us? Did you like the bag Beiñ’s team hand-painted for you?

The entire experience was surreal- from the moment the announcement was made to getting them delivered in person- it felt so intimate. The delivery and hand painted bag was such a lovely and personal touch- it made my handmade shoes feel all the more special. All these little details are what really made my experience with Bein so exceptional.

Then, next surprise: you would be modelling for us and the designer! Tell us where did Beiñ’s team take you for the shooting and how did you like it?

I loved it! We met at the Highline- one of my favorite New York spots- and got to take pictures around the Chelsea area. I felt like Carrie Bradshaw for the day- posing and modeling my new favorite shoes in the middle of NYC... every girls dream, right?

Which of the designs in our website are your 3 top picks (apart from your fantastic shoes, of course)?

Anything by Beatriz Penalver. I love the white bell sleeve dress featured on their lookbook!

And I know I would live in Taller's silky fringes for summer, as well as Red & Rouge's floral turbans.

Any style you are missing in our website that you would like to get a hand on?

I would just love to see Bein continue to showcase and support independent designers who are committed to a higher level of craftsmanship. It is really exciting to see Spanish designers go global and have such a presence in NYC! Quality and talent are meant to be admired in every language and culture.

How would you describe fashion from Spain?

Luxurious, sleek, and modern but with a nod to rebellion. Sophistication with touches of romance.

How likely are you to recommend Beiñ’s store and designers to your friends and family? And how likely are you to become one of our customers?

Very! I've already shared some of Bein's links and posts on my personal social media sites, as well as mentioned my own unique experience with them to everyone I know. It is something I will always treasure

Interview with Melissa Gonzalez (Pop-Up Architect)

CEO of The Lion’esque Group & Co-Founder of THE MARKET

1. In New York City everyone knows about Pop Up Stores and there are dozens of new ones opening each day. In Spain, though, this concept is just starting to spread. Could you describe, with your own words, the concept of “Pop-up store”?

 A pop-up store is an event. It’s an opportunity for a brand to connect with customers, press and influencers in a unique and authentic way. A pop-up store is an temporary time to make a permanent impression.

2. Which would you say are the benefits for any designer to open or be part of a pop up store?

There are a number of benefits for a designer to open a pop-up store. Benefits will vary depending on the over-arching goal, but universal benefits include: testing a new market or product line, customer engagement and brand awareness. Designers can test price points, styles and deeply immerse their customers into the story behind their brand and design process.

3. And specifically for emerging designers from abroad wanting to enter into the US market, what does it bring to them?

 By launching a pop-up store, designers can test the US market, gather customer feedback. They can test fit, pricing with customers; they can present to wholesale retailers and they can grow awareness among press, bloggers and stylists. 

4. These days, the pop up concept has spread all around the city and the offer is overwhelming. What makes RS POP Shop different?

RS POP, part of THE MARKET at the Roger Smith hotel is truly a turn key solution for designers. Setting up a pop-up store can feel overwhelming, especially when entering a new country and market. At THE MARKET we offer comprehensive packages, which include features beyond simply renting a space. Our packages include rent, wifi, electric, alarm, have bathrooms, a painting crew, design guidance, a brand video and social media and marketing support. 

5. Are there any specific actions you carry on in order to help the designers connect with the fashion industry (in terms of buyers, media, etc.)?

We work with our clients months before arrival to be sure they are prepping the necessary assets for press, calendar of events and where possible strategic sponsors and partners for cross-promotional opportunities. We also work with our clients to prepare an editorial calendar for social media campaigns.

6. Are there any specific requirements that a designer should fulfill before deciding to open a Pop Up Store?

First and foremost, a designer should understand their goals before moving forward with planning a pop-up store. Goals, brand voice and customer profiles are crucial in order to effectively plan successful pop-up activation. Understanding these elements will inform location decisions, size of space, design and marketing choices.

7. You are one of the two heads and masterminds of THE MARKET. How would you describe your role and Mr John Knowles? How did you come up with the idea in the first place?

John and I co-founded the revolving pop-up store concept at the Roger Smith hotel together in 2009. We began with one store, called RSPOP and we have since grown the concept to 3 revolving storefronts, ranging from 300 to 800 square feet. We also have a 4^th space under construction, which is set to launch at the end of the year.

The idea was born out an experiment with a model casting which evolved into a trunk show and ultimately a pop-up store. It’s has been running monthly since Fall 2009.

 8. Last September Beiñ opened its first Pop Up Store in RS POP Shop space. What did you think about Gloria López (founder and CEO of Beiñ) and her team?

Gloria Lopez is an extremely passionate businesswoman. She is truly dedicated to bringing up and coming talent into the US market. See this video

9. And last, but not least. All emerging designers are young entrepreneurs and you are an entrepreneur yourself… Some words of wisdom to share with them?

As an entrepreneur, my biggest piece of advice is take it all in stride and remember this is a marathon, not a sprint and there will be hills and valleys, and sometime sprints. They key to success is being adaptable and nimble, and remember to have fun.

Lower East Side , is the oldest and biggest area in  New York. The Lower East Side was very poor and full of inmigrants. Some parts inside this area have other names such as East Village or Greenwich Village;  

Artists and night club is what you could find in these street full of people no matter what time of the day

Lower East Side had one of the most important club of New York e CBGB (315 Bowery) where bands such as  Ramones, Blondie and Talking Heads played.

You also can find Kosher shop and bakeries, one you may know is Katz’s Deli, popular for the scene of the movie  When Harry met Sally (1989)

In Fashion Orchard st is the most important and famous

The best boutiques you should know are vintage clothing by David Owens and the amazing designs of   The Dressing Room Boutique. 

The most trendy shops are  Proyect nº 8 (nº 38), the hats of Victor Osbourne (nº 160), emerging designs from  The Dressing Room Boutique & Bar (nº 75ª) or the wonderful watches of   Dedegumo (nº 188), the only japanesse shop out of Japan.

If you don´t know what to wear to visit the Lower East Side, visit our Onine Shop  http://shop.beinfashionspain.com/en/