Chanel Ward
Friday, December 28, 2007
Named after a certain fashion maven known for her simple, elegant style, Chanel Ward should have been pre-destined for a life of haute couture. But high-end fashion didn’t appear on her radar until she was 14, when her grandmother bought her a subscription to Mademoiselle.
Now a full-fledged fashionista (she subscribes to a dozen fashion and gossip magazines), this graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles has taken the fashion world by storm. She’s editor and creator of hipcandy.blogspot.com, the uber popular Internet blog site bringing fashion, beauty and celebrity trends to the masses.
Editor and creator of the popular style blog Hip Candy
Hometown: Baton Rouge
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Launched in June 2006, Hip Candy has caught the attention of readers across the globe as well as industry insiders, earning Ward recognition from the producers of Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. A self-described reality show junkie, just one month into blogging Ward was a top 10 finalist in Project Runway’s Fan Blog Contest and was granted exclusive rights to interview all of the models eliminated from America’s Next Top Model, which she’s done for the past two seasons of the show. In the fall she made her professional debut at Fashion Week in New York for the spring 2008 shows at the request of more than two dozen designers, including Anne Bowen and Malan Breton.
“I got the first invitation from Kati Stern who designs for Venexiana, and then they just started rolling in after that,” she says. “I’m still shocked by some of the opportunities blogging has offered me. It’s really amazing.”
This spring she plans to launch her own clothing line, Hip Couture, with a capsule collection of five to seven pieces. Think “cutesy cocktail dresses.”
“I’ve spoken with several of the local boutiques,” she says. “But, I’m not sure where it will end up. Ideally, I’d like to hold a trunk sale to see what kind of interest exists.”
“Hip Candy has the right combination of fashion, celebrity and entertainment that women like. Her tone is very friendly and you feel like she’s your best friend sharing information.” —Julieta Alvarado, Glam Network marketing
Comments
Posted by ronnieedbr on January 1, 2008 at 3:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent issue! Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the People to Watch in 2008. A diverse line up of achievers and most especially proud of the Ward article since it embraces a non-traditional approach to those interested in fashion, graphic design and celebrity blogging.
Compliments to the writers, photographers and the editorial staff!
Posted by maryjudson on January 8, 2008 at 5:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How wonderful and exciting!!! The article about Chanel Ward's Blog peeked my interest. What an innovative way to reach the fashion industry. I am a fan of America's Top Model.
Congratulations to Chanel and to the 225BatonRouge Staff.
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