Floating World Gallery

Yosef from Fluxcore TV interviews Elias Martin, Director of Exhibitions at Floating World Gallery in Chicago.

DAMstyle

David McKnight is founder and owner of DAMstyle, an iconic multi-dimensional image and lifestyle consulting operation in New York City.  Serving as a one-stop enterprise for individual’s or organization’s image needs, the DAMstyle scope offers Color Analysis, Wardrobe Assessments, Personal Shopping, Event Design and Planning, Seminars, Workshops, and so much more. DAMstyle’s holistic methodology works by analyzing and assessing specific areas of image, identifying critical needs and gaps, and working comprehensively towards implementing solutions to create an indelible lasting impression.

Ron (Fluxcore): Describe what you do in one sentence.

David (DAMstyle): I do image consulting, which is basically helping individuals and organizations project an image that is in line with their goals, identity, and core values.

Ron: What is the difference between style and fashion?

David: Fashion is about trends, labels, and designers. Style transcends those concepts and is ultimately about personal self-expression through your appearance and lifestyle. To be truly stylish you don't necessarily have to wear the hottest brands or succumb to the latest trends, however, having an awareness of what is current, and then successfully incorporating your own interpretation is ultimately what style is about.

Ron: What do you love about your job?

David: I love seeing my clients cry with joy when they look in the mirror and see themselves looking like they've never imagined they could look. I like the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction I get from helping a client de-clutter their wardrobe so that they can get dressed with ease and pleasure. I love making a client's room over so that they can live in peace, comfort and style. Overall, I just enjoy making others feel good and look good -- the two certainly go hand-in-hand. It's about creating a seamless image between your appearance and life that is in harmony with your internal identity.

Ron: What is the biggest misconception people make about image consulting?

David: Most people think that image consulting is about fashion. However, my approach to image consulting has very little to do with fashion. Instead, I educate my clients on how to dress for their body type, regardless of what's on the runways or in the magazines. I also take a holistic approach to assessing image by first starting with the internal and then moving to the external. With this in mind, image consulting is not just about how you look, but it's also about how you feel and how you live. Everything around you is a reflection of your image, from your home, to your desk at work, to even the parties you host.

Ron: What is your favorite article of clothing? And why?

David: Lately I've been wearing a lot of vests, or waistcoats as they're called in the UK. I love them because they can add a little bit of formality to an outfit, without looking too stuffy or dressy, and without being uncomfortable. I like my vests fitted and buttoned, with a pocket square for a pop of color. To amplify your elegance quotient or channel the spirits of our dandy forefathers, add a bow tie in a complimentary color.

Ron: Tell us about your tv show Concrete + Cashmere.

David: This summer I was the "Den Father" of an online fashion reality show called Concrete + Cashmere (http://www.concretecashmere.com/). The show was sponsored by Alize, the liquor. My role as Den Father was to mentor the contestants and also introduce each new challenge to them. I actually found out about the casting through a message that someone tweeted on Twitter. I submitted my application online and the next day I went to the interview. I was originally applying to be a contestant on the show, but the producers liked my experience and background and asked if I would consider the role of Den Father. For four weeks I lived in a fantastic loft in Tribecca with 8 contestants. One by one the contestants were eliminated through a serious of fashion design and styling challenges. We were even flown to Miami for one of the challenges. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I got to meet some really cool guest judges and contestants.

Ron: Tell us about the new film you are working on.

David: I'm managing wardrobe for a short film called Visions of Yvette. It's written and directed by a talented young director who is making waves in the film industry. His name is Patrick Pierre. His last movie, The City is Mine, received praise by several critics. My job will be challenging because in a short period of time I need to show the evolution and digression of the main character, as she transitions from a bright, young, focused college student to a down and out drug addict. I'm very excited to be working on the film. I hope that this will be the first of many more to come.

Ron: What do we need to get rid of in our closets for the new year?

David: In 2010 I would advise both men and women to say goodbye to harem pants. There aren't many body types that these baggy bottom trousers look good on. If I had three wishes from a genie in a bottle, one wish would be to destroy all harem pants.

Ron: Ha!  OK, I don't have to worry about that one since I don't own harem pants!  What are the trends to look out for in 2010?

David: In spring/summer 2010 we're going to see lots of over the knee socks, hot shorts, and boy shorts on women. We're also going to see a return to longer skirts with high splits. Bold patterned pants, ripped jeans, and boyfriend blazers will also be atop of the list of must haves for spring. For men, the color orange will be everywhere. I'm looking forward to that because I look good in orange.

Ron: Oh great!  I look good in orange too!  Where do you see DAMstyle in the next 5 years?

David: In 5 years DAMstyle will be a mult-million dollar company that is seen as a thought leader in the image industry. We will have bi-coastal offices, and we'll work with celebrities, politicians, and global business leaders, advising them on strategic image moves. We'll also have an arm which provides image consulting solutions to young professionals, entrepreneurs, and artists. It will be an exciting time. I wish we could fast forward to 2015.

Check out DAMstyle online at www.damstyle.com