Nelson Mandela had STYLE.

For me, watching the many news stories reviewing the life of the late Nelson Mandela conjured up many thoughts, but the thought that kept bubbling up for me was: "That man had STYLE."  In more ways than one. So in addition to the many things he will long be known for, I would like to celebrate his fashion sense, his choosing to have a signature look.

To read more in depth about the philosophy behind his style choices, here is a great article in GQ about The Madiba Shirt.

The Art of Hermes. Right in my own backyard.

Anyone who knows me, knows what a scarf addict I am. So when I heard that Cleveland Museum of Art was hosting a presentation on how Hermes make the Hermes scarves, I couldn't miss it. Plus, any excuse to head over to the museum, which if you have never visited–you should–it is absolutely WORLD CLASS. This event is a perfect example. I wasn't sure what to expect – would it be a slide show or video with a narrator? I was amazed to discover that, in fact, actual artisans form Hermes, master printers, as they referred to them, presented a hands-on demonstration of the silk screen process right there in the Atrium. It was a very interesting "show" with lots of inside scoop on the culture over at Hermes and how their standard of excellence drives every detail. Quite inspiring. I know Hermes is a luxury brand, but I had no idea that each scarf is literally made by hand, each color of ink silk screened with precision. A very informative, entertaining and inspiring presentation. 

You can read lots more about the details of the process at Cleveland.com. 

Henri lines up the screen, using his 26 years of experience to "eye it up"

A screen for every color, plus one solely to print the Hermes name and copyright.

Of course, they make their own inks in the "kitchen" in Lyon.

Good thing they weren't giving away any scarves, I would not have been able to choose!

Flirting with Black & White

I love color! But that doesn't mean I can't be inspired to play with some black and white patterns. I recently did some backyard research using over 50 designs ranging from classy to sassy in various different palettes. Every design that was in a black and white "color" scheme got high marks. I know this trend has been around a while, but it is not going away.
I tried to design patterns that were more for the Free People customer but would also appeal to White House | Black Market shoppers.

Hip Hop Flip Flop Collection

 

So I have been submitting surface designs to various manufacturers. This collection was created specifically for Sandalista, makers of fine flip flops. They did give me some positive feedback but needed to see more before they would be interested in committing. So then I took a few of those designs (above) and submitted them to Tigerprint (a division of Hallmark Cards) for a gift wrap product competition. Again, I heard thanks— but no thanks! I have to say I really do not mind rejection. Well, I know it's only been a few times, so far, but I am just getting my feet wet in this industry. And the more I move forward the more I learn. So every time someone says no, I see an opportunity to take a look at what they DID like and what rises to the top. I know I have a lot to learn, but I am OK with that. That is the fun part for me. See the entire collection in the studio here.

Window Shopping: Trina Turk

Banana Republic's window really caught my eye, featuring the Trina Turk Collection. Lovely, luscious color and free-spirited patterns.