Monday, November 22, 2010

Channeling Carly Simon

I was struck by this photo of Kim Kardashian and immediately reminded of the cover of one my mother's favorite albums when I was growing - Carly Simon's No Secrets.  I love the look  - big brim hat, long hair, the casualness of jeans and tees.  I really love Kim's addition of a faux fur vest, I wonder if she even understands the reference she was/is a stylist after all but I wonder just the same...



Sunday, October 31, 2010

Wild Horses Revisted



One of my favorite photographers recently emailed the following note, and I am super happy to say that he was just back on Sable Island visiting it's stunning four legged inhabitants.  Roberto and crew write below:

"Dear Friends and Supporters of Dutesco Art,

We just wanted to take a moment to welcome you back from summer and all of your various holidays.  We hope you have been well and have enjoyed time with your family and friends.

We have had a lot of developments here at the gallery. The most exciting news of all is that Roberto is currently on Sable Island!  He is spending two weeks there taking photographs and filming video footage for the gallery and the Mobile Project.  We look forward to sharing these new images with you upon Roberto’s return next week.

Also, we have completely re-hung the entire show.  We are attaching a couple pictures to this note so you can take a look.  Of course if you are able, please stop by the gallery and see it in person.  We think it has never looked better.

In the mean time, welcome back to the city.  We hope you have a fantastic fall and hope to see you here in the gallery soon!

Kindest Regards,

Roberto, Giuli, Emy, Emilie, and Michael"






I can't wait to see what he came back with!!!

Plastic is Forever @ Barney's NY

I posted a while back about my friend Barbara de Vries, who started creating amazing jewelry out of beach plastic.  Quite a bit has happened since then and I want to share some of her progress with you.  Barbara started experimenting with the plastic as an embellishment on clothing and scarves, and last year won a green design contest at Barneys for one of her beautiful tanks.  The pieces are fantastic and have led to a collaboration with Loomstate (Rogan's Eco-Chic colleciton) to create a colorful collection of super fun and beach sexy tees to be sold at Barney's next Spring.  I love them, and can't wait to get one...but which color???  I really love the blue, it's like the water just off her beach.  For more photos and info on her process of creating 900 (!!!) hand made pieces, check out her blog http://itsamanmadeworld.wordpress.com.


 

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Knock on Wood

Back in February, CDB posted about all the wood detailing she was seeing at ISPO trade fair and it doesn't seem to be letting up. I was recently at the Grand Hyatt in Taipei and they have this enormous wooden ball, consisting of cross-sections of trees, in their lobby.

Here are some more inspiring works using timber.

Occasional Table/Stool by Blue Nature: imprisoned wood in acrylic glass

Wayco International stool as seen at the Singapore Trade Fair 2010


Small garden house designed by Piet Hein Eek in Hilversum, Netherlands. The log house was commissioned by Hans Liberg.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Nature's Dish



Nao Tamura's leaf inspired silicone dishware is flexile, rolls up for storage and is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Birds of a Feather


Trend Union's, Fall Winter 11/12, trend presentation uses birds as the inspiration for the season.
They have an inspiring take on the texture's and color's of birds and translate them into beautiful textiles and silhouettes that have a hint of whimsy or fancy.

Coincidentally, I just bought Andrew Zuckerman's newest book, entitled 'Bird', where he showcases more than 200 photographs of nearly 75 different species of birds. What feels very modern about his photographs is the juxtaposition of the birds against a stark white background in order to showcase the personalities and extraordinary details of his subjects. The book is available on Amazon.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Wicker Thinking


I'm not usually a type of person who enjoys wicker. For me, it conjures up thoughts of bad Easter baskets and the imprints left on your thighs after sitting it your grandmother's lawn chairs. But Lise Bech's baskets have me reconsidering my previous opinion. She lives and works in the Southern Uplands of Scotland, where she grows a wide range of willows that she uses to create these very modern baskets.

Opera, Your Suite in Nature



The Opera, "Your Suite in Nature", is a new take on a camper hitched to the back of your car and has me thinking of summer expeditions.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Project CRYSTALLIZED™



A chance to bee creative and win big!

CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements has partnered with the 4th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards, co-hosted by Tim Gunn and InStyle,
to create a unique category dedicated to crystal innovation, titled “Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements.”

This collaboration inspires handbag designers to incorporate crystals as a creative ingredient, resulting in one-of-a kind, luxury designs.

The FIVE best designs will be chosen by a panel of judges including InStyle, Carlos Falchi, Deborah Lloyd of Kate Spade New York and Lisa Smilor of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

These five selected designers will have access to CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements to execute their final handbag for the annual awards ceremony on June 16th where the final winner will be announced.

The winner of the “Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements” category will receive a crystal sponsorship with access to crystal and Swarovski know-how.
It will also be featured in several CRYSTALLIZED™ channels and communication tools in the US and internationally.

Submission Requirements:
- Sketches of bags must incorporate CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements
- Sketches must include the silhouette type and which materials (e.g. lambskin leather, suede, PVC, canvas, etc.) and CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements used
- Please be as detailed as possible including measurements, prospective swatches, hardware, embellishment and color palette where applicable

To Apply to the 4th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards:

Attached is the Color Card, as well as several options of CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements
For additional information and crystals, visit: www.swarovskicrystallized.com

Applications will be Accepted until April 15, 2010 and Open to All


Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Woodworkout


At ISPO (Europe's largest sport & outdoor tradeshow), this week, I came across a lot wood detailing - both real and synthetic.  I have to say that the out come in even the most common items is an amazing beautifully luxurious feel.  I am especially fond of the dumb bells by Hock.  The Germany based brand looks at everything as an expression of beauty.  Their products include leather sand bag weights that are hand sewn with heavy whip stitching.  I also like how wood texture is being combined with really artifical brights as in the Salomon FreeSkis.  However, the execution and old world charm of the full wood inlay ski by Volkl is undeniable.