JLynn Hausmann is a young and talented denim designer who launched a new denim brand called JHaus.  Her fresh and progressive brand is steadily gaining attention for its trend-setting styles. Hausmann credits her Midwest roots for the inspiration behind her collection and has developed a style that is uniquely her own.  She incorporates Americana motifs in a way that few other designers can.

JLynn attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln but took the opportunity to study abroad in London and Paris. There she became increasingly exposed to and interested in fashion.

JLynn proceeded to obtain her master’s degree in Business Administration in Arizona.

Raised on a farm and ranch, JLynn grew up with a less-is-more mentality. These genuine Midwest roots inspired JLynn’s use of denim in her designs. Using strong basic fabrics, she is still able to capture a flowing beauty in the designs. 

When wearing jeans with embellishments was a major trend, JLynn saw the gratuitous bells and whistles as adulterating the true nature of the fabric.  Her designs use denim in a completely different way – employing restraint and achieving beauty through the rugged fabric.

Fearlessly taking the conventional and making it unconventional is what drives JLynn. Her work with JHaus Denim is gaining momentum, as well as critical acclaim, in the industry.  Deidre Crawford, Technology Editor of the Fashion Industries Guild, lauded JLynn’s work in California Apparel News: “one of the most innovative creations of the night was a backless stretch-denim dress adorned with chicken wire, created by mid-West designer JLynn Hausmann of JHAUS premium denim.

Described as "fabulous vintage-inspired clothing", Unique Vintage has made a lasting impression on the world of reproduction vintage clothing that would bring an eyebrow raise from one Joan Crawford!

Based in Burbank, California, the online retailer has come a long way. Having started in a garage as a hobby for owner Katie Echeverry, the company has grown into an amazing collection of vintage-touched but ready-to-wear-now pieces. The Unique Vintage brand itself consists of everything from flirty, full-skirted swing dresses to all-around fabulous mid-century looks. With a focus on detail and design, Unique Vintage is leading the way in the "fabulous parade" and hope to carry that baton for many years to come.

Leah Ketcham (left), the co-founder and designer of Krickette, was highly influenced by the vibrant culture of India during a trip she took back in 2009. In awe of the embroidery, color dyeing and block printing, as well as the unique fabrics and beads artistically woven into the material, Leah became passionate about creating a handbag line that reflected the culture of lands so distant, yet near to her heart. Leah developed collections to share with kindred spirits who have a hunger for travel, crafts, and the work of local artisans. 

Krickette is respectful of the issues that affect our daily lives as it integrates "green" and organic materials such as natural beads and jute. The brand embraces the local workforce and manufactures some of its products in the garment industry in downtown Los Angeles. This colorful handbag brand seeks to improve the lives of mothers and children by securing its textiles and artisan touches from charitable community groups in foreign lands.

Krickette’s handbag and travel bag collections are timeless and do not fall into a seasonal category. They are to be enjoyed by women around the globe who appreciate fun, chic and leisure-oriented clothing. Krickette’s clients are citizens of the world, with a sense of whimsy and irreverence.

Zappos loves an entrepreneurial spirit. That’s how we came to be in the first place! With our Emerging Designer program, we’ve given up-and-coming designers a platform to showcase their passion and talent on a nationwide scale. 

That’s why when Alison, our trend manager, and Karrie, one of our buyers, got approached to be on the show All On The Line, we knew it was the perfect fit. The show guides struggling fashion designers onto the road of commercial success. The aspiring designers get a chance to share their creative vision in a make-or-break presentation to real buyers. With so much at stake, their dreams really are “on the line”.

We had the exciting opportunity to ask Joe Zee, Creative Director of ELLE magazine and host of All on The Line, a few questions. Read on to delve into his lifelong love of fashion and of course get some of his expert advice on what’s hot this season!

What was the biggest influence that motivated you to pursue a career in fashion?

JZ: I loved the visual imagery and the stories that fashion photography told and the general makeup of fashion magazines. I loved how clothes could define your mood and your personality.
  

As someone who is constantly surrounded by fashion in every facet of your career, where do you personally find the most creative inspiration outside of your normal day-to-day routine?
JZ: Mostly pop culture. I am a huge pop culture fanatic and love and am intrigued by things that are immensely popular whether it's books, movies, art or music.
 

What was the best piece of style advice anyone has ever given you?
JZ: To be genuine. Being authentic and exactly who you are has been able to afford me certain opportunities because that's what fashion should ultimately be: a true expression of yourself.

What are your top 5 fashion essentials for this fall (women)?
JZ:

*a statement coat
*a peplum dress
*riding boots
*a pantsuit
*something in a ‘60s inspired optic print

Which fall/winter trend are you most excited about and why?
JZ: Winter White. I think its looks incredibly fresh right now and I love that it shatters the rule of white after Labor Day.

With holiday party season just around the corner, what are some of your party fashion faves?
JZ: Festive colors. I love fun colors around the holiday season. It's such a cheery season that wearing something fun makes me smile even more.

If you could have your pick of any super power to have, which would you choose and why?
JZ: To be invisible. Sometimes I think it would be fun to just be a fly on the wall and being invisible would allow me to do that.

Alison Callaway, Brooke Rodd, Karrie Meiklereid and Joe Zee

In tonight’s episode of All On The Line, our very own Alison and Karrie evaluate a capsule collection designed exclusively for Zappos by Brooke Rodd. What does Zappos think of her beach-inspired designs? Tune in tonight at 9PM on the Sundance Channel!

And, last but certainly not least: Click HERE for a chance to win a $1,000 Zappos Gift Card!

“A personality so unique deserves a handbag to match.”  This is the mantra behind Crave by Carli Rae Vergamini.

A true entrepreneur at heart, Carli Rae was always destined to start her own business from a young age. During her first year of high school, she rebelled against the norms of high school fashion and started her own line of custom tees and accessories with her best friend called Vergamimi & Smith.

After studying apparel design at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and London College of Fashion, the Wisconsin native started Crave as a creative outlet and a way to get her foot into the competitive fashion industry. Taking her love for fashion and sewing along with the inspiration she gained from her semester in London, the young designer was inspired to take Crave to the next level!

After a year of seeing success with Crave in local boutiques and online, Vergamini knew that working in a cubicle or designing under someone else’s name was no longer an option. She was ready to venture out with her own brand for good.

Crave by Carli Rae Vergamini handbags use fun and eclectic resources such as up-cycled leather, vintage findings as well as fabrics fresh from the bolt. Using a handmade process, each Crave handbag is designed to be truly one of a kind!

ICJUK (Inspired by Claire Jane) is a line of custom vintage feathered handbags and hair accessories described by many as “sophisticated rock n’ roll’ taking colorful fabrics, exotic prints, feathers and eye-catching vintage embellishments to create the ultimate in rocker chic and elegance. Claire Jane’s one-of-a-kind accessories are proudly worn and adorned by a growing list of exclusive clients from all over.

Claire Jane Vranian started work in the film industry at the legendary Pinewood Studios and moved to Los Angeles in 1994. She was recruited by ‘Two Hours in the Dark’ a makeup effects/production company. Over the next 17 years she would work on various commercials, television shows, pop promos as well as over 40 motion pictures - working closely with writers, directors, painters, sculptors, actors and artists of every kind. 

Back in 2009, Claire Jane felt the need to express herself creatively with something that was personal to her. After working in such a rich environment of creativity for so many years, along with her life-long love of fashion and music, ICJUK  was born. 

“I feel if you are going to wear accessories, make it count and make a statement! Growing up in England, I was influenced by so many different things--traveling, theatre, films and of course, music. The Royal Wedding was very high fashion and formal and that also inspired me to create more of my hair fascinators, I think it’s imbedded in my British culture!,” - Claire Jane.

Kimberly Goldson first entered the limelight as a finalist on the popular Bravo show Project Runway. The talented Brooklyn-based designer is an FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) alumni and is completely self taught when it comes to the design side of the business.

Her Kimberly Goldson collection is focused on using luxurious fabrics in classic shapes with a dash of modern aesthetic—making them the type of pieces you will keep in your wardrobe forever.

As the Kimberly Goldson brand continues to evolve, she stays true to her creative process, designing pieces built to work seamlessly into the modern woman’s closet. We’re so proud to have her on board as our latest addition to the Zappos Emerging Designer Program!

New York City stylist and jewelry designer James Murray designs his beautiful line of jewelry with the city as his biggest source of inspiration. “I am fortunate to have so much to inspire me,” says James, “New York itself is an endless source of beauty – its glittering buildings, restaurants and the men and women who live here.

From dramatic statement necklaces to his more subtle and sparkly pieces, James Murray designs all his jewelry with great love and passion. Each crystal, each color is meticulously hand-selected to make the wearer feel and look spectacular in any setting. “Jewelry that goes from the Bowery to the ball”…that is the very essence of James Murray Jewelry.