I LOVE anything that feels vintage. Give me diamonds, lace, brass and gold gold gold.
Luckily I live in good ol’ NYC where every day you can discover a new spot with the best finds… and since NY has had some amazing weather recently I’ve been able to come out of hibernation and enjoy the outdoor city life.
This past Saturday I came across a flea market I’ve been to this time last year and ended up wondering why I haven’t been back since this past weekend! There were a ton of amazing… amazingggg…. statement rings & necklaces along with these incredible bags with brass handles and out of control belts made from brass! If I could have bought everything I saw even just to be decor in my room… I would have.
These past couple months have been busy busy! I moved to a new apartment (yay :) I’m taking a course before my bachelors program begins this fall and I’m interning with two different companies. Having spare time unfortunately isn’t on my to do list…oh well. ;)
The class I’m taking teaches how to use a program called U4ia which is used to design and place textile prints on fashion flats. It’s more technical then Adobe programs but just as exciting to use once you actually figure out how to use it. Our first project is to work on a children’s wear design so I’ve leashed out the simple graphics to bring something to life. :)
U4ia looks like an old school program and is actually really expensive but interestingly enough is still used in the industry. Here’s an idea what u4ia looks like.
As for internships, my first one is at Oscar de la Renta. I’m working in production which is part of the process of bringing designs to life. It involves a lot of traveling throughout the garment district here in the city whether rain or shine to find and pick up fabrics, hardware, threads and so on. There’s never one day that’s the same and thats just how I like it. ;) Shout out to my Oscar de la Renta girls, their so great to work with!
Here’s a look into Mr. de la Rentas Fall Ready-to-Wear collection shown earlier this month here at New York Fashion week:
My second internship is with a company called Holstee. They’re a great greattt company. Founded by two brothers a couple years ago who left their corporate jobs to do something they’re passionate about. They have products that are Eco friendly and extremely well made. Ten percent of their profits go to an organization called Kiva (which deals with micro lending www.kiva.org) and they are all about doing what they love while helping others do the same.
I’ll be posting a more in depth post about Holstee soon, but until then….. I strongly suggest you check them out! www.Holstee.com
With all that said, 2010 has commenced as a busy year and definitely started out on the right foot. I’m looking forward to what the rest of the year has to offer as I continue working hard to make it a fruitful year full of opportunity and growth!
I recently went to the Japanese Society here in New York and saw the exhibition on Living National Treasure Serizawa Keisuke (1895–1984) He used stencil-dyeing techniques to create irresistible works of art that range from screens and kimonos to book covers and magazine designs.
I learned that he continued to do all his work by hand and stencils during a time when everything began to become industrialized. He stayed true to his craftsmanship creating amazing work using ridiculous color combinations and unique imagery.
After seeing all his work I left feeling more inspired to get back in my art mode and create. I use to spend whole days sitting in front art supplies, cutting out paper and creating textured work. Lately I haven’t made time to do much art and now more then ever I want to get back in the zone. I hope whatever I do with my creativity inspires others the way this “Textile Master” has done for me.
Tavi Gevinson is only 13 years old and this past September was at the Spring 2010 Fashion Week in New York City…sitting front row!
This young Chicago native started a fashion blog “Style Rookie” and after only 8 months of having it up got noticed by some influential people in the fashion industry and was invited to the shows. She skipped school to live every grown woman’s dream. She fit right in at the shows despite the fact that in her blog she describes herself as a “Tiny 13 year old dork that sits inside all day wearing awkward jackets and pretty hats”. Apparently, the fashion world wouldn’t have her any other way. :) Remember her name, I’m sure we’ll hear about her again.
You are a thrivingfashion forward city full of artists and a variety of people from around the world. And even though you lack sunshine a great majority of the year, every time I go to the suburbs I am reminded that I do in fact love you. So, thank you.
Lately, I have seen the same homeless man on the train. He’s a tall and slender African American probably in his 40s and week after week, he wears the SAME clothes, pants held up by a string for a belt with a dirty grey sweatshirt and no shoes, yes, NO SHOES. I have never seen him in shoes, he walks the subways barefoot asking for help or food. He doesn’t come off as whining but instead empty and weak. My heart goes crazy when I see this man. I want to know why he’s here? What’s his story? I want to know why he’s on the train begging? Has he tried to help himself? What kind of help is there for him to take? And simply, what’s his shoe size??! I want to get him some shoes!!!
Tonight I asked myself those same questions. I was on the train about 11pm heading home and there he was. Again, my heart swelled up for him. Looking the same from the last time I saw him (a week ago). I just wanted to stop him and talk to him, take him to a store, a restaurant and shelter. BUT I know thats not a safe thing to do, alone at least. So I just sat there, gave him my water and melted when he looked me in my eyes and said thank you 3 times in a row. As I watched his bare-feet walk away I asked myself: how could someone have nothing and no one? I thought how frustrating it is that the next day for him was going to be another day of begging all to survive and do it again.
I’m really just left with questions. What is there to do? How can I help? can I even help?
I have seen tonssss of homeless people since living in New York City and it has become normal to see them. There are those who are putting on a show while others are sincere. It’s those whom my heart goes out to. And this man continually being at the same place at the same time as me has touched me in a more personal way. I can’t imagine being in his position and I’m incredibly moved by his challenge and courage to ask others for help. For now, I’m just asking questions, but I hope to somehow give back more. Whether it continues to be through small acts of giving food and water or something bigger, either way I’m awakened.
