Elsa Blaine Keynote Speaker

Elsa Blaine

Assistant Buyer
Articles
1,086
Views
15,233,000
Location
Ontario Canada
Member Since
Mar 2008
Graduate of Industrial & Landscape Design. Now working as an Assistant Buyer. I have a passion for the well designed and edgy and I'm finding my trends are highly based on visual aesthetics. I've also always loved advertising, in print and on television. My sense of humour and outlook on the world is sometimes up for debate.
What is unique that's not in your bio?
I have seen 13 Grateful Dead shows, travelled in a '75 Dodge van with a 'turtle top' for 2-1/2 months and used to care for tropical plants in offices for a living. The van? Poor thing met with a dramatic end in a barn fire.
What's your favorite accomplishment?
Surviving through breast cancer surgery and treatment. 3 years and counting!
How do you define cool?
Most things that I am not.
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
I let the images guide me. I try to avoid reading into details already exposed and allow my visual inspiration to reveal the undiscovered trend.
What do you enjoy most about Trend Hunter?
It's a common theme with Trend Hunters - the freedom to write about whatever grabs me at the moment.
What is your favorite trend?
I love writing fashion trends the most. It's my virtual life of glamour. My favorite current fashion look is anything with fringes and layers. I love the 'Fringed' Lily Donaldson video for Vogue. It's so fun and makes me want to dance.
What are your tips for writing a juicy post?
Create excitement through your own enthusiasm of the discovery.
How do you reset to be creative?
Leafing through glossy monthly magazines. They may be a few weeks behind but the photos are often stunning and inspirational.
What inspires or excites you?
It's all about the visual to me. Music with incredible drum beats come a close second.
Predict something awesome for 2020?
Many, many more woman world leaders.
Insect-Inspired Bicycles
Insect-Inspired Bicycles
The Grass Chopper by Mateusz Chmura is Buggy but Beautiful
Inspired by an insect, the Grass Chopper bicycle designed by Mateusz Chmura is as stylish as a cruiser bike can be. A glossy hardwood and lawn-green elegantly curved frame is the body that holds the cycle… MORE
3D Pork Packaging
3D Pork Packaging
D-Torso's Cardboard Box Houses a Ham Within a Pig
The D-Torso System 3D pig cardboard packaging keeps a ham safely protected and presents it as only a maple glazed should be – as itself. Designed by the innovative creatives at the Japan based Aki Co.,… MORE
Eerie Eyeball Jewelry
Eerie Eyeball Jewelry
These Twisted Sister Arts Pendants Have Their Eyes on You
If you have ever wished you had a third eye, this creepy eyeball jewelry could be just what you are looking for. Twisted Sister Arts designer Jill Lawrence uses glossy glass eyes and a wrapped wire technique… MORE
Pet House Planters
Pet House Planters
Mini Garden-Topped Pet Homes by Pousse Créative
Plant some cat grass on the roof of this pet home by Pousse Créative and you’ve got a little feline utopia for your kitty. The Kokon Kennel is a perfect 2-in-1 abode for pets; it’s a cozy contemporary… MORE
Abstract Suspended Vases
Abstract Suspended Vases
Nendo Growing Vases Mimic Modern Flower Vessels
This whimsical suspended work by the folks at Nendo is titled Growing Vases, and the story behind the Salone exhibit is quite fascinating. They were given “the abstract theme ‘cocoon’, and asked to create… MORE
Chained-Up Booties
Chained-Up Booties
Iris van Herpen's Crystallization Collection is Rockstar Footwear
These fabulous Iris van Herpen X United Nude Crystallization shoes have "rockstar" written all over them. Individually handmade with Italian leather, these booties are absolute beauties. Intricately woven… MORE
Fake-Leg Footwear
Fake-Leg Footwear
Prada's Mary Jane Boots Have Built-In Shoes
Prada’s Mary Jane leather boots are the boots that are shoes, or perhaps they are shoes that are boots. Either way, these two-in-ones are definitely footwear we haven’t seen before on the runway. The… MORE
Spiky Skeletal Leggings
Spiky Skeletal Leggings
TwistedLamb & Skingraft Wrap Your Legs in Spiny Bones
TwistedLamb and Skingraft have teamed up to create these fantastically edgy skeletal print leggings. Rows of white spiky bones from creatures unknown entwine down the entire length of the skin-tight black… MORE
Fantasy Firepower
Fantasy Firepower
Dr. Grordbort's Realistic Ray Guns Cross Space Age With Steampunk
If you’re in the market for a ray gun, then Dr. Grordbort is your man. Designer Greg Broadmore dreams up this fantastic intergalactic weaponry and then each incredible unit is sculpted and hand built out… MORE
Futuristic Felt Fashion
Futuristic Felt Fashion
Avant-Garde Viktor & Rolf Coats are Woollen Wonders
The Viktor & Rolf Fall 2011 collection highlights these futuristic felt coats strutted down the runway by red-faced models. A fantastic black ultramodern version of the origami-inspired jackets has structured… MORE
Wild Runway Faux-Hawks
Wild Runway Faux-Hawks
Junya Watanabe Rocks Punk Subculture with Massive Mohawks
Fabulous faux mohawk hairstyles were rampant on the runway at Japanese designer Junya Watanabe's show during Fashion Week in Paris this weekend. The crested coifs emphasized the collection’s punk subculture… MORE
Floaty Celestial Fashions
Floaty Celestial Fashions
Dolce & Gabbana Shines With Stars for Fall 2011
The Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011 line is spilling over with stars (not the celebrity kind, but the celestial type). Gorgeous flowing star-printed chiffon gowns are unexpectedly teamed with mens dress shoes… MORE
Industrial Chic Handbags
Industrial Chic Handbags
Aluminum, Diamond Plate & Rivets in Studio724 Modern Designs
Industrial chic is a hot interior design trend and now we are seeing it in handbags. Studio 724 teams waterjet-cut diamond plate and brushed aluminum with leather, plastic and wool felt to creates these… MORE
Elegant Exterior Pockets
Elegant Exterior Pockets
Emporio Armani Ultra Chic Answer to the Fanny Pack
Eternally chic fashion house Emporio Armani has revealed the most elegant external pockets ever in their Fall 2011 collection. Designed with a suggestion of the ubiquitous fanny pack, these pouches in… MORE
Minuscule Marine Tanks
Minuscule Marine Tanks
The World's Tiniest Fish Tank by Anatoly Konenko is Adorable
This miniature aquarium by Anatoly Konenko is the cutest pet house I’ve ever seen. It’s touted as the world’s small fish tank, with teeny dimensions of 30mm x 24mm x 14mm. The tiny tank holds only 10ml… MORE
Haute Handbag Marketing
Haute Handbag Marketing
Exclusive Alexandre Herchcovitch Clutches Create Serious Buzz
Brazilian fashion designer Alexandre Herchcovitch’s faux lava rock handbags were a big hit during his recent runway show in Sao Paulo. Alexandre Herchovitch created the 8 exclusive multi-toned bags specifically… MORE
Anatomical Smoking Accessories
Anatomical Smoking Accessories
Golden Spinal Cord Cigarette Holder by Dilan Walpola
Luxurious cigarette holders were once a must-have accessory for chic women like Rita Hayworth or Audrey Hepburn. Falling right in line with this opulent fashion trend, New York-based artist Dilan... MORE
Hot Dotted Fashions
Hot Dotted Fashions
Polka-Dots Get Futuristic in David Koma's Fall 2011 Collection
Dots are hot in the David Koma collection for Fall 2011. The designer has transformed the once-retro fabric pattern into graphic and futuristic fashions. The majority of the collection is black, with splashes… MORE
Tarp Surfing Ads
Tarp Surfing Ads
Soaring Simulated Surf Found in Mountain Dew Waves Commercial
Mountain Dew ‘Waves,' the carbonated beverage’s latest commercial, shows a group of skateboarders tarp-surfing a simulated surf. Massive fake barrels are created as huge sheets of blue nylon material… MORE
Body Part Jewelry Pieces
Body Part Jewelry Pieces
Missy Industry's Pelvic Bone Pendant is a Hip Accessory
Missy Industry's Pelvic Bone Pendant is definitely one that many would consider "hip." This steampunk-inspired silver pendant is part of her collection of body part necklaces and earrings. Missy Industry’s… MORE
Kooky Colorful Fashions
Kooky Colorful Fashions
The Louise Gray Fall 2011 Collection is Funky Fun
The Louise Gray Fall/Autumn 2011 collection is a playful series of color and delight. Multicolored polka-dot and plaid fabrics and tassels are layered, woven and folded origami-style into funky fall outfits… MORE
Upcycled Oil Drum Cabinets
Upcycled Oil Drum Cabinets
These Schrank Oil Can Cupboards Create Industrial Chic Storage
Oil drums become industrial chic furniture in the hands of the creatives at the Lockengeloet design studio in Hamburg. To make these Schrank cupboards, the designers repurpose the reclaimed oil drums by… MORE
Alarm Clock Water Streams
Alarm Clock Water Streams
This Funky Moen Shower Head Ad Wakes You Up
Flowing water is depicted as soap, clocks and dinner plates in these ‘Buy it For Looks. Buy it For Life’ Moen shower ads. In these prints, blue retro alarm clocks are spraying out of a modern square shower… MORE
Shadowy Street Art
Shadowy Street Art
'The Night Shadows' Project by Michael Neff Highlights New York City Darkness
The Night Shadow project by photographer & artist Michael Neff highlights silhouettes found in the semi-darkness of a New York City night. Neff travels the city outlining the intriguing shadows cast by… MORE
Multipurpose Designer Shades
Multipurpose Designer Shades
These Chanel Sunglasses Hide a Handy Secret
These stylish Chanel sunglasses are perfect for the red carpet, when your designer handbag is so teeny that a makeup mirror won’t fit. The shade’s uber-fashionable wide arms, which are covered in signature… MORE
Lace Menswear
Lace Menswear
Marwood Neckties are Lacy But Not Too Frilly
Men will be wearing pink and orange in full force this year, so why not lace too? These luxurious ties by Marwood are sewn from fine English spun lace over black silk and are suited for all men, from urban… MORE
Fantasy DSLR Add-Ons
Fantasy DSLR Add-Ons
The Bokeh Kit for Cameras Creates Magical Nightscapes
The Bokeh Kit lets you easily shoot creative nighttime photographs with dazzling special effects. In Japanese, the word "bokeh" means "blurred," and this technique is one of the hottest themes in digital… MORE
Foam-Inducing Dispensers
Foam-Inducing Dispensers
The Beer Hour Gives Your Brew a Good Head
If your brew's head isn’t robust enough, the Beer Hour dispenser may give you a pleasurable experience. Once fitted onto a any can of brewski, the gadget creates an airtight environment where bubbles cannot… MORE
Designer Bottle Glasses
Designer Bottle Glasses
Prada Sunglasses Collection for 2011 is Geek-Chic
Prada sunglasses for 2011 are ornate, awesome and in some cases just peculiar. Two clearly distinct designs were spotted on the runway in Milan, both embracing precisely round lenses. One style is a… MORE
Latex Sock Suspenders
Latex Sock Suspenders
Hose Harnesses by Lickorishlatex are Too Hot to Hide
Latex sock suspenders by Lickorishlatex let you never have to worry about slouching socks ever again. These sexy, stretchy hose harnesses are not just functional but are a hot accessory -- far too cute… MORE
Wearable Wooden Dresses
Wearable Wooden Dresses
Technology-Inspired Fashion by Thrive is Haute Geek Chic
This eye-catching dress made of wooden blocks laid in a brickwork pattern is, for me, the highlight of the Thrive Spring/Summer 2011 collection called Bits & Bytes. As the name suggests, the collection… MORE
Hot Pink Retail Shops
Hot Pink Retail Shops
The Paagman Bookstore in the Hague Has a Dazzling Design
After the vibrant pink shelving of the Paagman bookstore catches your eye, the curved bookshelf design by CUBE Architects draws you in to discover the latest bestsellers. Located at the entrance of the… MORE
Crystal Ball Landscapes
Crystal Ball Landscapes
This ‘Life Through a Marble’ Series by Cabe26 is Mesmerizing
‘Life through a Marble’ is a stunningly beautiful set of photographs by 16-year-old Cabe26 from New Jersey. Using his Canon DSLR camera, Cabe26 takes captivating photos while focusing on a small glass… MORE
Cute Tin Can Jewelry
Cute Tin Can Jewelry
Shixie's Mini-Dress Earrings are Adorable and Intricate
Cutting up vintage tin cans may make antique collectors cringe, but that’s just what Shixie does to make these absolutely adorable earrings and necklaces. The artist upcycles old food and drink cans, toys… MORE
Reincarnated Feather Sculptures
Reincarnated Feather Sculptures
Evacuate by Kate MccGwire is a Story of Dinners Past
Evacuate by artist Kate MccGwire is a fantastical feather sculpture with a rather dark narrative. Installed in the kitchen of a historic mansion in Tatton Park in the UK, the piece resembles a giant serpent… MORE
Reptilian Metal Gowns
Reptilian Metal Gowns
Shiny Scales and Chainmaille Mesh in Dress by Fannie Schiavoni
Known for fabulous chainmaille body adornments, designer Fannie Schiavoni has now created this sexy scaly armour-like gown. A combination of draping interlocking chains and overlapping reptilian scales,… MORE

Featured Ideas

See-Through Dresses
See-Through Dresses
Sheer Black Rocks the Red Carpet
Panels of sheer black fabric have been showing up on dresses since Madonna wore see-through Chanel to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony earlier this year. Malin Akerman and model Hana Soukupova… MORE
Baby Travel 2.0
Baby Travel 2.0
The 'Tot Pod' Concept for Samsonite
Aldo Barreto, industrial design student from Ontario Canada, has designed this ultramodern baby car seat for competition for luggage company Samsonite. Barreto’s goal with this project was to, "Design… MORE
Glamour Girl Makeovers
Glamour Girl Makeovers
Sensational Susan Boyle in September Harper's Bazaar
Susan Boyle of 'Britain’s Got Talent' fame has turned glamour girl for Harper’s Bazaar magazine. She was given a fabulous makeover and has a multi-page spread in the September 2009 issue of the glossy.… MORE
Weight Loss Lip Gloss
Weight Loss Lip Gloss
FUZE Slenderize by Too Faced Cosmetics
Cosmetics company ‘Too Faced’ developed ‘FUZE Slenderize’ lip gloss inspired by Fuze energy drinks and has added to their label ‘Guilt Free’. Okay I ask, when have you ever felt ‘guilty’ applying lip… MORE
Hammer Pants Flash Mobs
Hammer Pants Flash Mobs
LA Store is Rushed by Dancers in Golden Pants
Some unsuspecting skinny jeans-buying shoppers were stunned when they were flash mobbed by a horde in golden Hammer Pants. The crowd ran into the trendy Sunset Boulevard store and began dancing to “U Can’t… MORE
Crystal Figurine Purses
Crystal Figurine Purses
Leiber's Luxury Evening Bags
American luxury brand Leiber hand crafts these extravagant Austrian crystal encrusted handbags in the United States. Talk about a statement piece. The snake bag, called the Rattle minaudière, is 4 1/2”… MORE
Retro Sequin Gowns
Retro Sequin Gowns
David and Phillipe Blond Spring 2009 Collection
David and Phillipe Blond's Spring 2009 collection reflects the sparkle and glitz of the New York City nightclubs. There was little boring black on this runway, fashions were comprised mostly of bright… MORE
Recycled Metal Wall Art
Recycled Metal Wall Art
Michelle Stitzlein's Moth Collection
Michelle Stitzlein's beautiful butterfly sculptures are made from recycled materials. At first glance you may think that they are small pieces of jewelry. No, these moths and butterflies have a massive… MORE
Curvilinear Poolside Chaises
Curvilinear Poolside Chaises
Lofoten Lounger by Corey Baker Channels Mod Design
The Lofoten Lounger is a super sleek piece of eco-friendly furniture. Designed by Australian Corey Baker, it is made of bamboo (a renewable and sustainable resource) and aluminum, making it suitable for… MORE
Botanical Shoes
Botanical Shoes
Shoe Fleur, A Footwear Fantasy
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing when I saw Michel Tcherevkoff’s photographs of shoes and purses fashioned from plants and flowers. "It all started with the underside of a banana leaf," Luxury… MORE
Fashionable Dog Safety Devices
Fashionable Dog Safety Devices
Puppy Bumpers
Puppy Bumpers are certainly an innovative design for puppy safety. Puppy Bumpers are lightweight, stuffed, fabric donut shaped rings that are slipped over a puppy or small dog's head. The Bumpers then… MORE
Vintage Wine Glass Lighting
Vintage Wine Glass Lighting
The 'Nebu' Chandelier Made of 250 Repurposed Goblets
The Nebu is one of the most ingenious chandeliers I have ever seen. The fixture is based on a sheet of powder-coated black aluminum with 250 spiral designs cut out of it, which hangs from the ceiling.… MORE
Splashtastic Photography
Splashtastic Photography
Fashion Shots Without Fashions by Iain Crawford
Photographer Iain Crawford is the talent behind these paint splash fashion images. With bright colours, beautiful models and fantastic stop motion photography techniques, Crawford’s images convey movement,… MORE
Collaged Victorian Dolls
Collaged Victorian Dolls
Seiko Kato Figurines are Macabre with a Sense of Humour
Taking inspiration from the Victorian Era, these Seiko Kato dolls are on the edge of macabre. Excited by old medical books and drawings, Kato uses bits and pieces of lace, old watch parts, beads and other… MORE