Fashion Shoot and Q&A with RumpleMunkeh

 

 

Story and images by Stefhan Gordon, Special Correspondent

 

After studying Fashion Design at Los Angeles Trade Tech, and working for high profile fashion companies selling their designs in Beverly Hills boutiques and national retail stores such as Macy's, Rochelle decided to pursue her own passion. Comparing her late night sewing sessions to the fairy tale Rumplestiltskin and combining that with her nickname of "Monkey", "RumpleMunkeh" was created in May 2009. RumpleMunkeh is a fashion line with no age limits. Rochelle wants women to feel beautiful and have fun while wearing her clothes, the same concept of when little girls "play dress-up".  Rochelle finds inspiration in pretty much everything, cultures, movies, nature, etc.....One of Rochelle's main goals is to help "change the world through fashion, one garment at a time."  By working with various charities, planning fundraising events and donating a portion of sales each season, RumpleMunkeh hopes to increase awareness and bring everyone closer to the world we all hope for: One garment at a time.

LAFW: For your spring line we photographed, what were your inspirations, and what are you trying to achieve? Did movies, materials, and or textures provide inspiration?

 

 

 

RM: For this collection, I was inspired by the Geishas of Japan. I love and have so much respect for the Japanese culture.  There is so much elegance and beauty and I wanted to capture that in modern day dresses.  I researched Kimono fabrics and fell in love with the colors and textures. While I was working, I had the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" playing in the background on loop.

 

LAFW: For the pieces photographed, do you have any specific comments regarding these items? E.g. descriptions of the materials, where you sourced them, et cetera?

 

 

 

RM: I wanted each garment to tell a story. I chose a lot of prints and bright colors because I thought they truly represented the authenticity of the Kimonos.  I designed and constructed each garment myself.

 

LAFW: Finally, where in LA can one purchase your items?

LAFW: Is your website inclusive, or are you going into more and new stores in 2010?

 

RM: These garments are from my Spring 2010 collection which will be available starting in March 2010.  You can purchase from my website, www.rumplemunkeh.com   I am also selling my clothes in Taylrz Joynt boutique in Sherman Oaks.  I hope to move into more stores in 2010.

 

LAFW: Thank you very much
RM: You’re welcome, thank you too.

 

About the Photographer: Due to his father being an avid photographer with a dark room in the basement, Stefhan of SHGfoto.com has quite literally been shooting a SLR camera since the age of four. His photography ranges in style and content from fashion and beauty model portfolio development for agency models in Los Angeles to runway, event, and concert photography for LAfashionWEEK.com, Examiner.com, and numerous up and coming bands. Stefhan also reports on the fashion and music industries for these two dot coms. In Stefhan's "other" life, he's an award winning Ivy League educated architect and interior designer.

LAFW Note: This is the second of a series featuring Los Angeles area designers. If you are a LA Designer and would like your work featured, please email Stefhan Gordon at stefhan.gordon@shgfoto.com