Tracy McClain: MaCavelli and Trajet

By: Katie Pavlish / iamthekatie@gmail.com

Tracy McClain is an insurance territory manager by day, but her creative outlets far surpass her day job. By night, Tracy keeps herself busy as a jewelry designer, business owner, crafter and remodeler. Faction’s “Day Drifters” and “BoHo Chic” photo shoots feature Tracy’s jewelry lines, MaCavelli and Trajet. Tracy creates jewelry through the use of found vintage pieces mixed with chains and sometimes leather. Her jewelry can be purchased on the Country Club Plaza at Standard and Halls’ Trunk Show May 20^th and 21^st .

Digging deeper into Tracy’s inspiration, we sought to find out how she created the jewelry featured in Faction’s newest issue (V8, coming out on April 27^th, 2011). What was the inspiration for each of these pieces? Which materials were used to construct them? How are some of the main features of the jewelry interchangeable?

Tracy acknowledges the ideas for her pieces come from a variety of places, such as her inspiration for body necklaces seen on a website from California. Because the body necklaces on the site were a little too “bondage looking”, Tracy chose to design her own version with a bit more vintage, feminine edge, allowing it be worn both as a body necklace or, more traditionally, by clasping the waist/hip segment around the neck.

Other pieces of jewelry were from a single piece gifted to Tracy by a friend, who wanted Tracy to make something for herself. Transforming this one necklace into four different pieces, allowed Tracy to “re-gift” one of the pieces back to her friend. Tracy also uses music as a source of inspiration during the jewelry making process. Listening to heavy rock music of the 60s and 70s resulted in a “boho influence” in the necklace transformation.

The third set we featured in v8 was a result of Tracy’s fondness of natural stones and gold meshing together. The fringe of this necklace is a weave from three to four separate pieces with Tracy’s artistic eye deciding the outcome. She said,“The agate piece needed a little bling, so I added a vintage diamond cut chain. I love that you can wear it long, layer it or double the chain up for a shorter necklace.”

Her fourth piece was inspired by what she calls her “Rocker within”, so adding leather to the pendant was a necessary addition. Tracy chose light leather to keep with the Bohemian theme, added stones to the eyes to give the owl needed “Pop”, and she finished by fixing vintage pieces on both sides.

We think pairing layered jewelry, like Tracy’s, with the recent popularity of layering clothing with sequins and shiny jewelry on sheer fabrics will be the hot style for Summer 2011. We hope Kansas City will embrace this trend, displaying assorted jewelry over sheer summer dresses and tops. This subtle flash of sexiness can make any outfit appealing, whether going out on the town or staying in during cool summer evenings.

Nationally-recognized fashion expert, Jenn Falik, agrees. She suggests the layering of “long necklaces to accessorize in the most flattering way possible. They create a line that draws the eye vertically, giving the illusion of a longer torso - a very slimming effect.”

With the summer season starting, we encourage readers to be imaginative with their wardrobe, dig through their closets, and search those blogs for new inspiration. Layering your clothing and using different jewelry will make your creativity thrive. In summer fashion it is about having no set rules, being creative, and more importantly layering it up.

ATC Anniversary

Happy Anniversary ATC!

Arizona Trading Company, a buy/sell/trade clothing company, has been featured in many issues of Faction Magazine. On May 1^st , ATC will celebrate the 13th anniversary of the opening of their store prominently located in Kansas City's Westport entertainment district. The Lawrence, KS location on Massachusetts Street will have a birthday this year in December. Each location has its own look and feel, inspiring visitors with great ideas on how to transform their wardrobe. We at Faction always find ourselves fascinated and inspired by ATC's visual displays!

We spoke with Venus Starr, General Manager/Head Buyer of their Westport store, to get the scoop. Despite the job requirement of having to deal with “boring paper work” as General Manager, Venus has a passion for moving inventory and creating a fun environment for her employees and customers. Her daily inspiration comes from national magazines such as “Nylon”, and taking note of other people's attire. Venus takes delight in seeing how different personalities evolve in people based on what they are wearing.

As a note for those who are spring cleaning, ATC is currently buying and taking trade-ins for Spring and Summer wear. Venus has observed current trends leaning toward a lot of lighter denim than ATC has seen in the past. "We are always looking for skinny jeans, bell bottoms, and denim shorts" says Venus, “and boot-cut denim for men is selling well for us right now.” Other hot trends moving well, are floral prints, mod patterns, clothing in the peach and cream color family, long thin t-shirts and men's vintage cowboy shirts.

We hope you continue to support our local shops as they continue to support Faction Magazine.
Happy Anniversary ATC!

Interview by Amanda Fenimore / Written by Faction Magazine

Congrats to Sarah Nelsen!

Faction Magazine featured Sarah Nelsen's designs in "Faction Magazine V5 Issue" where we also added her as a contributor. She is also responsible for the graphic elements in the recent spread "Alabaster Sirens" in "Faction Magazine V7 Anniversary Issue". This girl does it all and to top it off, she just got named winner of "Master Mind - Fashion & Design" by The Pitch for 2011.

We are very proud to be working with her and we can't wait to see what she does next!

Photo Info: Designer Sarah Nelsen (pose: "Portrait of a Noblewoman," Lavinia Fontana)

Inspiration from a Costume Designer

Some may wonder what it takes, and specifically how one gets successfully involved in the fashion industry? Faction Magazine recently had the pleasure of interviewing Erica Sword, the costume designer for Quixotic Fusion, who led us through her journey of experiences in fashion. Initially, Erica had the full intention of becoming a fiber artist after graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute with her BFA, but over time her work evolved into costume. Her next step was graduate school at UMKC in the theater department; after earning her masters she started teaching at the University of Central Missouri. While at UCM she met Daniel Parks, which led to her involvement with Quixotic Fusion. The pairing was a fantastic fit for both parties involved. Erica's interest in costuming for a circus complemented Quixotic's penchant for brilliant costume. Most individuals that work in costuming generally go the direction of television, opera, or theater. However, Erica always had the desire to "run away with the circus", which probably started when she had a summer experience with Feld Entertainment, the parent company to Ringling Brothers.

Erica's design inspiration comes mainly from nature, fashion history, and architecture. Continuing her career, Erica hopes to cement her affiliation as the resident costume designer for Quixotic into a full partnership. Expanding into the circus arts community is a huge opportunity to make fabulously beautiful costumes. Erica explains, "Many people might say I’m lucky to earn a living doing what I love to do and working in the arts, the truth is, in order to be truly successful you must be disciplined and work everyday to refine your chosen craft". She couldn't have said it any better!

Written by Amanda Fenimore

FACTION V7 now on the Web.

In this issue, Quixotic Fusion, graphic design by Sarah Nelsen, and a lookback at the year that has been.

Open publication - Free publishing - More carman stalker

Faction Magazine One Year Anniversary

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