Fashionably Late at West 4th St Station

An Evening with Tord Boontje

Attended a marvelous lecture last night with Dutch design innovator Tord Boontje as part of the exhibition Lace in Translation at Philadelphia University. It was a fabulous opportunity to *get inside his head* and learn in-depth about his creative process.

Lace in Translation features the collaborative work of Tord Boontje, Dutch design studio Demakersvan, and Canadian artist Cal Lane. Their respective lace interpretations celebrate Quaker Lace and Philadelphia’s critical contribution to American textile design. For more information, please visit the exhibition website. The exhibit runs through April 2010.

A Style All Her Own

The vanity plate on her scooter says it all.

Fashion's Night Out - Recap

Five hours simply wasn't enough!

So many attractions, so much positivity, such FUN crowds, young and old. And...so much FASHION! If I could have one, make that two, wishes, it would be to have this as an annual event, extended over the weekend. I had a wonderful time!

Highlights:

Having my portrait done by designer/illustrator Bruno Grizzo...what a treat! Will treasure this memento forever!

Fashion's Night Out - September 10, 2009

Join fellow Fashionistas for glamorous festivities the world over as we jump-start the Fall Fashion Season and sneak-peek Spring 2010. Shake out your wallets, buy a T-shirt, or a new wardrobe, and feel good that you supported the September 11th Memorial and Museum with your purchases. Let's put the *fun* back in fashion.

Click the logo below to start planning your itinerary of retailers.

"Fashion From The Inside Out", Isabel Toledo at F.I.T

Finally had an opportunity to catch this wonderful exhibit, a sort of mid-career retrospective on Isabel Toledo's remarkable design work. And yes, included was the lemongrass ensemble worn by Michelle Obama for the Presidential Inauguration of her husband Barack. But it was the other treasures that awaited in the downstairs exhibition space that made it well worth the effort to squeeze in a trek over to F.I.T. between the Indigo and Printsource trade events.

I've been an admirer of Isabel's work for many years, having heard of her quiet genius via the fashion grapevine, although finding photos of her masterful pieces has been challenging. As yet, neither she nor her husband Ruben have a website or a blog. Hopefully, with her new-found notoriety that will change. In the meantime, I will definitely purchase her newest book based on this exhibit.

If you were not able to attend, here is a video tour from New York Magazine.

RIP Koko Taylor

They don't make Blues women like this anymore. Koko singing her hit "Wang Dang Doodle" at age 79.

My Etsy Shop is Now Open!

I'm very excited to have a new avenue for my designs and vintage merchandise, and invite everyone to stop by and check out my latest offerings.

Kutztown, PA - College Town for the 21st Century

In her most recent trend seminar Li Edelkoort, one of the fashion industries most prolific and respected forecasters, told of a return to a simplified lifestyle, extolling the virtues of The Farm and The Country aesthetic, translating to pure forms and honest, built-to-last design.

Nestled among the eclectic boutiques and eateries of Main Street, a healthy stroll up the hill, you'll find Kutztown University, and what better place to seek out the creative visionaries of tomorrow than among the populace of a college town.

           

I personally find my seasonal visits to Kutztown and the surrounding Bucks County area a welcome escape from the more hectic life I lead in the suburbanopolis of Central New Jersey.

Extravaganza, Kutztown, PA

Three times a year dealers, vendors and collectors descend upon this countrified haven to forage, haggle, indulge their obsessions and quench their thirst for the "thrill of the hunt." Finally, after several wet and soggy seasons, this glorious weekend yielded the promise of sunshine and the aroma of fresh funnel cake.

In addition to the usual estate castoffs, country primitives and handcrafts, there were notable emerging trends in an increase of Mid-Century as well as several booths of tribal art. Color was more pronounced, leaning towards mid-tone brights and eclectic blues.

People-watching has always been interesting at these events, and you just never know what delightful surprises will show up.