The Beat of Eco-Fashion

CHIME Creates a New Sound With Well Worn Cymbals

Written by Erica Mansfield
Photos by Brianna Baggett

In the Fall of 2006 Leslie Barrett of CHIME took a cracked drum cymbal, cut it up, and made a pair of earrings for herself. Leslie was taking a Jewelry Fabrication course at her local community college and because she was dating a drummer at the time, there was always old drum cymbals lying around. What she saw as a hobby, slowly turned into a profitable business. She now has over 50 designs, presences in online boutiques and brick and mortar stores internationally. With the cracked and beat up drum cymbals, Leslie handcrafts unique earrings, necklaces, bracelets and has recently introduced belt buckles to her collection. She also receives recognition from drummers across the country, who continually send her their old cymbals for her to work with.

We went behind the scenes with Leslie to see her in action! Check out some of our footage and our favorite pieces!

The full article about Chime will come out in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine on June 5th.

Products now available at ShopGraffitiBeach.com

For more info about Chime visit ChimeJewelry.com

An Agate for Unconditional Love

Written by: Kallah Oakes

Full article to be released in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine! Coming this week!

Sara Reichert was at the Sundance Hotel for a business meeting when she stumbled upon a jewelry-making class that was being offered as part of a sales convention. Curious, she tried it out… and to her amazement, discovered a gift. “I loved working with the materials,” she gushes. She went home from the business trip and began taking apart her many pieces of vintage jewelry that she had collected over the years, and began reassembling them with her own artistic flair. She signed up for one local jewelry-making class after another in her surrounding area of New Jersey and New York.

Today, four years later, her average piece of jewelry sells for about $158, and can often be seen gracing the likes of Maria Menounos and Jaime Pressley. These celebrities are just a few of the many who are fans of her jewelry.

Here are some of our favorite pieces by Sara!

For more info about 1OAK CLICK HERE

To shop her line visit ShopGraffitiBeach.com

Full article coming soon! Stay Tuned!

Follow the Travels of Cameron Hawaii

Written by: Erica Mansfield

Full article will be released in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine, coming out next week!

“Over a drink and a dare,” that’s how Mike Clegern describes the beginning of the brand Cameron Hawaii.  Over the last three years, Robert Ikeda (aka Bobby-Doo) and Clegern have combined their unique styles and design expertise, along with their experience, passion and personal ties to Hawaii, to create a one of a kind brand. Their main focus has been on combining vintage elements with specially developed fabric, “girly” graphics and great fits, all while staying true to island style.  The clothing line is a celebration of the life and travels of “Cameron,” the company muse.  She is a girl hailing from the islands of Hawaii who moves up to the sunny coast of California where she takes in every ounce of the culture.  “Cameron,” who has a lust for travel, and a carefree attitude, is a born trendsetter.  She incorporates her beach lifestyle into every aspect of her wardrobe.  Whether it be soaking up the sun, or heading out to a party for the night, she brings her Hawaiian soul wherever she goes.

If any of you have set foot in our new San Diego store, you will know that Cameron Hawaii is one of our favorite women’s lines. We are so excited to show you what you have to look forward to this Summer! Check out some of our favorite looks which will be online and in our store coming this June!

For more info about Cameron Hawaii check out CameronHawaii.com

Also stay tuned for the full article of Cameron Hawaii in our Summer Issue. You can shop some of their collection HERE as well!

Rebel With a Cause

Emily Kilimnik is changing the common perception of the violin one performance at a time.

Written by: Vanessa D’Amico
Photos by: Vincent Martinez

Full article will be released in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine debuting in the next couple weeks!

If you have never heard an electric violin played live before you must look up Emily Kilimnik right now! She creates beautiful, unique instrumental melodies with an electric vibe that will appeal to any mood you are in.

Age five was her first introduction to the violin.  “My dad dusted off his violins he played when he was in grade school and pulled them out from underneath his bed.  I picked up the violin and knew immediately that I wanted to play it.” Emily is classically trained and learned the basics before jumping into experimental methods, such as the electric violin she is known for.  She started with the Suzuki Method (a Japanese method of instruction), the first song she learned being, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”  From that moment on, her playing has been a non-stop tour de force.

Not only is Emily gifted musically, she has great fashion sense, is beautiful and is a pleasure to be around! Check out some photos taken while we went Behind the Scenes to interview Emily!

Check out her electric violin at - electricviolinlutherie.com

More info at – www.facebook.com/emily.kilimnik

Look out for the full article about Emily in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine!

Brave New and Stylish World

A New Twist on Military Inspired Fashion by Redhawk Brigade

Written by: Vanessa D’Amico
Photos by: Brianna Baggett

Full story coming soon in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine! Stay Tuned!!

Redhawk Brigade is an incredibly unique clothing line from Los Angeles based designer Joshua Lee.  Lee’s designs for Redhawk Brigade are inspired by the bravery and strength of the U.S. armed forces.  The entire company is based on the concept that “Bravery Never Goes out of Style.”  He is dedicated to producing high quality products that represent the concepts of courage and honor.

Joshua built the company on his own business savvy and creativity, and he is a natural.  Joshua explains, “I did not study to be a designer. I went to school at the University of Kentucky, and graduated with a degree in Finance and International Business.” He moved to Malibu to begin an acting career.  He was unimpressed by what was being offered in stores, so he started to make his own custom clothes.  “I was buying bags of 2nd hand clothes and cutting them up, distressing, painting, you name it, whatever I could come up with that I thought was cool.  Then I started making gear for my friends as well and it steamrolled from there.”  He started introducing his clothing to the public in 2007 and hasn’t taken a break since.  He is a complete natural in the world of fashion design.  This drive has made Redhawk Brigade into the brand it is today. “It took me a while, but I started professionally producing shirts in 2007, and haven’t stopped since.  “In August 2010 former Air-force Captain and Fighter Pilot Leo Spens joined the Brigade, and we are working hard to take this brand to the next level.”

Check out some of our behind the scene shots while we visit Josh and Leo at their LA production facility!

Joshua Lee and Leo Spens, Owners of Redhawk Brigade

One of Redhawk’s newest tees. 50% of all profits from each shirt will go directly to help the children of Haiti. CLICK HERE

For more info about Redhawk visit their site – www.RedhawkBrigade.com

The full article about Redhawk Brigade will come out in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Issue. You may also shop Redhawk’s collection here – www.ShopGraffitiBeach.com