Funktional Fall 2011 Lookbook

Since first catching LA based designer Jennifer Park’s Funktional line in 2009, Lani and I quickly became fans of the modern luxurious feeling line with the very accessible price points.

For Fall 2011 the collection had a 70s glam meets 90s cleaned up grunge look. The flowing long skirts, draped silk blouses alongside the color palette's of burnt oranges and turquoise are definitely 70s.   While the cozy heather knits, layered looks and strong shoulder makes me think early 90s.

I’m personally a fan of pretty much every look on page 3, even the power-shoulder working woman look!I had the opportunity to see many of these pieces in person and feel the high quality fabrics and check out the construction firsthand.  Here are some detail shots of some of my favorite pieces.

As I’m sure you’ve realized by now I’m such a  fan of silky tops and pants and the Funktional collection had a great variety of them.  From roll sleeve casual blouses to silk tees and geometric cutout/lace blouses into wrap blouses.  I personally was a huge fan of the wrap blouses in both the plaid and the silk versions.  It has such a unique shape and casual easy feel to it.

In the bottoms, I was drawn to the geometric knit maxi skirt and the beetle printed pants.  They were so visually stimulating without being overwhelming.  Also, had to admire another great pair of silky pants.

The dresses had so many great unique details like inset lace or back cutout panel that I would never have noticed from just looking at the lookbook.

I really loved the cozier pieces for Fall, especially the draped jackets and fur coat. The fur was amazingly soft and had a really unique coloration.  I also was drawn to items like the little cardigan with elbow patches and the jacket on the bottom right that felt like wrapping your favorite blanket around yourself.

In NYC, Funktional is available at OAK, Pixie Market, Court, Mini Mini Market, Babel Fair and more. For a full list of stores nationwide, check out FunktionalCollection.com to find a store near you.

Even though Summer in NYC has only begun, my mind is already looking forward to wearing Fall pieces thanks to this collection.  Do you have a favorite look or piece?

Interview with Funktional's Jennifer Park

We finally had a chance to catch up with Funktional designer Jennifer Park. After checking out her clothing line back in October, Lani and I seriously fell in L.O.V.E. with so many of the super wearable and trend right pieces by this up and coming LA based designer. Much to our delight her pieces are high in quality, flattering and friendly on the wallet.

You can buy the Funktional collection online at ShopNastyGal, eModa and ShopUnica

Jennifer talks to us about her top 5 picks for Fall, her greatest influence and what's on the plate for Spring 2010. Hope you enjoy :)

SRC: What does Funktional stand for?
JP: Fun funky functional

SRC:When did you know that you wanted to be a designer?
JP: Ever since I was a child I would alter my clothing to look different than others but my true calling was when I bought my first sewing machine in college and started buying vintage clothing and transforming them.
SRC: Who/what has been the greatest influence in your life?
JP: My parents, they have always been supportive and showed me with determination and hard work you can achieve anything.
SRC: If every experience is valuable, how does your background in economics help you in your day to day?
JP: It helps me to make important decisions regarding the business aspect of our company.

SRC: After graduating from FIDM in LA, you worked for several companies. I'm sure you must have learned a lot. What was the most helpful piece of advice or experience that you got in preparing you to launch your own line?
JP: Most helpful experience was always working closely with production from start to finish of a garment. But when having your (own) line there are new obstacle everyday, and I feel I am still learning. Nothing prepares you for all the challenges, until you’ve actually experienced it hands on.
SRC: You have such amazing prices, and unique fabrics! Do you always keep price in mind when you design?
JP: I try not to limit my self when designing but try to think as a consumer as well. We all love to shop but sometimes can’t afford everything we want.
SRC: One of our male readers asked if you plan on launching men’s wear one day. Is it a possibility?
JP: Not in the near future but hopefully one day I can gain the tools to launch a men’s line as well.

SRC: What are your five must have items for fall?
JP: Power shoulder jacket, sequins anything, leather motorcycle jacket, thigh high boots, a great fitting moto denim pant.

SRC: What trends can our readers expect to see more of from Funktional next spring?
JP: Mixture of great fabrics, asymmetrical silhouettes, cutouts, and basics with a twist.

Funky Fresh New Clothing Line: Funktional

Lani and I are always on the lookout for affordable, wearable, cutting edge fashion. That is why we couldn't contain our excitement when discovered Funktional, a brand new LA based label that just launched earlier this year. Designed by Jennifer Park, a former economics major who went back to school at FIDM pursue her passion, she launched her line after toiling for several contemporary brands. She wanted to create a modern luxurious feeling line that was accessible to every woman in high quality fabrics. Therefore no piece will set you back more than $150 except for the leather goods that max out at $400. 10/20 Update: The designer will be adding a few more expensive pieces to her line, but everything with the exception of leathers will be under $200. You can find pieces from the line like the blazers and cage dress on shopnastygal.com and styleq.com.

Thanks to the lovely folks at Dietch PR we got the chance to check out the clothing hands on. I was seriously impressed by the prices as many pieces are in a similar price point with H&M or Zara but with a significantly higher quality of fabric and detailing.

Some of the clothing looked even better on than it did on the hanger. I was only attracted to the zip front dress because of the fabric and color but once I had it on, I realized it was also super flattering. Lani even told me I look curvy and that almost never happens! Lani was obsessed with the ponte dress with caged shoulders! So fun!

As for myself, I thought that this jacket with the Balmain shoulders was super versatile and the leather skirt with the corseted was unexpectedly flattering.

In addition, I felt that the leather vest was a great staple piece

Lani had fun with this great sweater piece that loops around and can be worn in multiple ways. She also notes that it is super soft and fun to touch like a ball of cotton. The denim sweetheart dress incorporates boning which allows it to have a bell like skirt!

I wasn't sure what to make of this studded harness vest but it's definitely a fun statement piece that can add some flair even to the plainest tee.

Overall, I really felt like everything was super wearable, the color palette is easy enough to integrate into ones wardrobe and pieces are spot on trend without being fashion victim-y. Fabrics are really great feeling, sewing looks neat and prices are definitely decent. Fit wise, it feels slightly snug in the waist but still looks good, I might size up for bottoms. I'll definitely be picking up some Funktional to add to my closet :) For now it's available at the Belljar in San Francisco. ; 415-626-1749. Also, look out for Funktional on ShopNastyGal.com. I'll update you additional retailers when the information becomes available.