Priscilla Campbell (aka silla moda) is one of Atlanta’s hottest new designers to break into the industry.  4 years ago, she had her first show at a local live show venue in Atlanta, at her second show she did refurbished shoes worn in a Betsey Johnson show and since then she has designed and styled for a variety of clients.

She has her own unique flair for design.   She is a true multi talent….whether it’s refurbishing clothes, shoes and handbags or designing sexy, trendy, high fashion women’s apparel from scratch…this local star on the rise has her eye on the prize!  

Recently, I caught up with Priscilla during a photo shoot for her unique T-shirt line…..here are the results:

1. As a designer; who are your main influences?
Barbie, of course. My first styling gig at 5 years old. It wasn’t until high school I got my first taste of high fashion from my best friends Elle and Vogue. That’s when I discovered the greats. Versace, Coco, Senor De La Renta, Valentino, the list can go on. I could not get enough of those awkwardly posed models trying to figure out how those garments were constructed.

2. When did you start? And what made you start designing clothes?
There never really was an exact date. When it comes to something you love doing its more of a progression. At least with me it was. First, it was dressing up your dolls as a kid, then spending hours upon hours drooling over the most gorgeous gowns in editorials you’ve ever seen by designers whose names you can’t pronounce to attempting fashion designs of your own. Now I can design pieces that show my own interpretations and inspirations through fabric and structure of a garment. That’s what made me start designing my own pieces.

3. Did you make clothes for yourself and friends in high school?
No. I didn’t get the courage until after high school. I always took pieces I already had and would tweek them a bit but a garment from scratch? That didn’t happen until after high school.

4. What inspires you?
Anything. Friends, cultures, current events, past events, street signs, etc. That’s what I love most about fashion. You make the rules and can change them whenever you like.

5. What is your process like when designing a new piece?
Most of the time it starts with the fabric. The pattern, color, texture and then my mind starts to wonder. Some fabrics work better as a dress, some as a jacket but more often than not I tend to use the most challenging fabrics I can find together. It’s not because I enjoy making my designing process difficult but because I LOVE combining textures. Today, Wolfgang Joop from Wunderkind does it best!

6. Your personal style is so trendy, funky and your own…what are your thoughts when buying clothes for yourself?
Haha! Thanks! I just buy what I like. I don’t necessarily gravitate towards the latest and greatest. I just love clothes so whatever sparks a certain emotion whether it reminds me of a Jimi Hendrix jacket or a blouse my mom used to wear in the 80′s more than likely I’m going to get it.

7. I feel art music and fashion are in sync, all part of each other…what do you think about all that?
Absolutely. They are all apart of the creatives. Designers may seek inspiration from art, artists may seek inspirations from music and the wheel keeps going. It’s amazing how recently we have seen more of a connection in all this with Fashion’s Night Out having a special on network television with celebrities, music, and runway. I don’t know when the movement started exactly but I’m pretty sure Victoria’s Secret had something to do with it. Do you remember that?! I do. It was a huge deal and it was amazing!

Bella: Yes I do, It was a huge spectacular show!  With all genres of live music!  Also MTV did it way back a long time ago when they had music!

8. How often do you wear your own designs?
I try to wear them as often as possible. There are a few designs I’ve created just for me but there are several others that I won’t wear. Not because I’m not proud of them but because they’re not for me. When I start designing I have a certain person in mind, where does she work, where does she party, does she travel? I design for you not for me. Making pieces for other people is way more fun.

9. What are your aspirations?
One to have a successful fashion company. I don’t have to have my own manufactured line one day but I most definitely want to make enough profit so I am able to help other aspiring designers through school. It did’t take me an extremely long time to get where I am today but it was a bit of a slower process than I wanted it to be. Having the funds to attend school and school alone, no side job working late nights serving tables, would have made a difference. Hopefully I will be able to fund some dreams for many others in the future.

10. And your upcoming projects in womenswear?
I’m working on a blog site for Silla Moda and also will be setting up on online store through Etsy. I will definitely keep you posted on that…

11. What is signature silla style (as far as in your designs, not what you wear?)?
If Sophia Loren, Jimi Hendrix, and Betsey Johnson could have a fashion love child, then that’s what Silla style would be.

Since this interview, silla has launched her blogsite with etsy storefront coming soon…

http://www.sillamoda.wordpress.com/

Looking forward to tonight! My first FNO without my major fashion diva extraordinaire, silla moda, in tow. But if I must I must. Many posts to come this weekend!! Stay tuned!

September 8th is Fashion’s Night Out. I just went to fashionsnightout.com to plan MY NIGHT OUT. Here it is:

Betsey Johnson

Perimeter Mall Atlanta, GA 30346

http://www.betseyjohnson.com

770-393-9209

Giorgio Armani

Phipps Plaza Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.armani.com/

404-814-0086 http://www.facebook.com/ARMANI http://twitter.com/#!/ARMANI

Intimacy

3500 Peachtree Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.myintimacy.com

678-244-0525 http://www.facebook.com/IntimacyBraFitStylists http://twitter.com/#!/IntimacyBraFit

Jedal Italian Fashion

3500 Peachtree Road, NorthEast Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.jedalitalianfashion.com

404-816-3024 http://www.facebook.com/JedalItalianFashion http://twitter.com/Jedalitalian

Love & Labels

1380 Atlantic Drive Atlanta , GA 30017

http://www.rockbgc.com

404-482-9728 http://www.twitter.com/rockbgc

Neiman Marcus Atlanta

3393 Peachtree Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.neimanmarcus.com

404-279-5804

Nordstrom Phipps Plaza

3500 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.nordstrom.com/fno

404-442-3000 http://www.facebook.com/nordstrom http://www.twitter.com/nordstrom

Phipps Plaza

3500 Peachtree Road, North East Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.phippsplaza.com

404-261-7910 http://facebook.com/phippsplazabuckhead http://twitter.com/shopphippsplaza

Saks Fifth Avenue

3440 Peachtree Road North East Atlanta, GA 30326

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com

404-261-7234

Tootsies

3400 Around Lenox Drive Atlanta, GA 30326

http://Www.Tootsies.com

404-842-9990

Saks Fifth Ave Phipps Plaza
Sage Boutique Buckhead
Fabrik Midtown

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Authentic Beauty Salon in Buckhead.  I left feeling amazing and just with a couple of the services that they have to offer.  It’s really a fabulous way to relax and recharge!  You can get anything from a full spa day of massage, facials to organic spray tan.  Not to mention hair cut, color and styling, makeup application and brow arching as well as lash extensions.    But it’s Authentic Beauty’s image journeys, which is their signature service, where they can take you through all of your makeup and you bring your own ideas on looks and they will teach you how to accomplish these looks on your own like a pro.

Owned by Alyson Howard-Hoag, who has 20 years experience in the industry, Authentic Beauty‘s moto is “you shine through”.  She is an educator and trainer as well as Atlanta’s premier “brow guru” and makeup pro.    And I am here to tell you they definitely back up that moto with the an extensive menu and superb customer service, to really make a person feel great from the inside out!

I had the brow arching service by Crystal Rock who very skillfully tweezed and trimmed her way to a natural looking arch.  She has been working with me for almost a year to regrow overplucked brows and we have almost reached perfection with this project!

Next up was the organic spray tan applied by Gabriel.  They have an organic spray with vitamins and minerals to make your skin look healthy and instantly glowing.  I felt so revitalized and now presentable just after a small amount of what they have to offer.   I really need to do that more often!

 xo, Bella

Before

After

 EASY CAULIFLOWER MASH 

This is a great substitute for  mashed potatoes, especially if you are trying to stay away from carbs. 

Ingredients: Cauliflower(a head or a bag of already cut), milk, cream cheese,and either pepperjack, monterey jack or cheese slices plus a packet of country gravy mix. 

Steam cauliflower in microwave either in the bag or cut cauliflower into florets(removing the chunky stems) and put in a microwave safe bowl.  Add half milk/half water until the bottom is covered and cook until soft. 

Once cooked, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese(low fat preferrably) and a tad more milk, also sprinkle in about a tablespoon of country gravy mix.  Add salt and pepper to taste and then mash until it is the consistency you would normally like for mashed potatoes.  Then add either 2 slices of cheese or about an inch of cubed cheese.   Place back in microwave to reheat for about a minute and then let cool a minute before serving. 

A delicious and nutricious and pleasantly easy side dish!

Click here for cauliflower nutritional benefits

Last month, an already well known festival in California, made it’s rounds through the country to relax and rejuvinate hundreds of thousands of yogis.  Each studio came out and marked their spot with a flag to represent them and had a leader for their studio.  It was a beautiful and very relaxing practice  which was so amazing to see that many people in the different poses.  Exhale was led by our lovely Mind/Body Manager, Brianna, and was represented by teachers, Brandy, Aly and Kristin as well as Guest Experience manager, Anne-Marie.  It was a very hot day, but such a fantastic day full of love, light and energy!

Below is a picture of some of the exhale Spa  Atlanta ladies, including mind/body manager, Brianna Norton!

Yesterday while shopping with my fashionable mom at Belks, we walked by customer service and noticed this lovely collection of homemade art bras.  It turns out that each department was in competition and all to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.    Each vote was $1 and which was donated at 100%.    What a fun and creative team building activity for the employees!

Here is a selection of my favorites…I will follow up soon with the winner!  xo, Bella

Love the leopard print, my very fave animal print!

Rhinestones with bright colors...not my style, but too cute!

This one got one of my two votes! Am in love with the turquoise!

This had a menswear feel, using newspaper with a vest…very creative!

And here's the back, feathers! This bra got my second vote!

 

Canvas and mixed blends--all sustainable!

With eco friendly and sustainable fashion being the wave of the future, many designers are coming up with creative and fresh ways to incorporate recycled products in their lines.

The first line we will premiere is Earth Axxessories, a company out of Austin, Texas that designs fashionable and functionable handbags, beach bags and totes.  Their handbags are all completely made out of natural fibers such as jute, straw, canvas, silk, hemp and raffia.   Their designers also constantly experiment with  new designs, fabrics and products all of the time.   Not too mention, their bags are extremely and surprisingly affordable!

Adorable new clutches for Fall 2011 circa 1970s!

Next week exhale Atlanta welcomes back the superfit co-creator of Core Fusion, Lis Halfpapp.   As you know from previous articles on this site, she and Fred DeVito developed the amazing Core Fusion and Yoga program at the exhale Spas across the country and beyond!   We will get not only a taste of her amazing and motivating class but we get to experience the brand new Bootcamp class with a premier party!

This is sure to be a blast and a great workout, plus stay for refreshments after and to meet the lovely Lis along with exhale Atlanta’s teachers!

As most people know the eldest Prince of England, William, and his bride to be, Kate Middleton will marry Friday, April 29th as the world watches!  Modern Luxury is hosting several events throughout the day starting of course with the viewing of the Royal Wedding at Piedmont Park on the big screen!  The park will pack out with Atlantans excited to see this historical event!

Secondly, in British tradition, will be the afternoon Tea and Royal Wedding Celebration at St. Regis!  Lovely fine teas will be served along with light bites to get your second wind for the night’s events.

Last but not least The Atlantan Brides Magazine,  The British Consulate General in Atlanta and  and The Bert Show will be hosting a celebratory event that evening to top off the day.  Bert from The Bert Show will be the emcee for the night, along with live music and entertainment, as well as a fashion show produced by Bella Moda  with Bella Moda Models!   After dinner, toasts, dessert, wedding viewing and  fashion show; dancing and celebrating ensues!   All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation!

BCBG MaxAzria is streaming now live followed by Richard Chai and tonight Christian Siriano at 7pm!

http://www.youtube.com/liverunway

Bella Moda correspondent, Jessica Jade (aka @Obsessica on twitter), will be reporting from NYFW 2011′s shows by Cynthia Rowley and Elle/Style360. 

Posts coming soon…..