Can I tell you…about my obsession for vintage fashion. As it goes, “Someone’s trash is someone’s treasure” and I’ve been collecting vintage “treasures” for the past 10 years! My appetite for acquisition remains insatiable. Fortunately for me, two times a year vintage sellers from all over the US come together for the Manhattan Vintage Show. The exhibition lasts only two days, usually beginning on Friday and ending on Saturday. On the first day, designers, stylists, die hard fashionistas and random drag queens show up to get first dibs. The second day is open to the general public. It’s first come first serve so the earlier the better. Teams from big firms go in groups so they can divide and conquer. This ‘treasure hunt’ is a vintage addict’s dream!
There are aisles and aisles of vintage fabulosity and the varieties are endless. There are sellers who only sell mens fashion, some who only deal in prints and remnant fabrics and others who sell only accessories. Some sellers specialize in designer vintage because they usually fetch higher prices and others have random pieces they’ve bought at yard sales or flea markets.
In terms of handbags and shoes, I’m adverse to designer vintage because they are so recognizable and usually cost more than I want to pay. I like the more obscure or never heard of labels. They are usually more interesting and full of surprising details. Although, every now and then I can’t resist and will end up buying Charles Jourdan, Maud Frizon, Walter Steiger or Stuart Weitzman. Their shoes from the Eighties rocked!
There are some amazing costume jewelry in the show but their prices have gone through the roof recently, especially the casted pieces that are in relatively ‘wear now’ condition.
At the entrance there was a vendor who was selling Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage as well as other objects covered in the monogram fabric. I loved the LV covered toilet seat cover. I thought that was kitschy and hilarious.
Over the years I’ve ammassed such a large inventory I’ve had to label them and index them so I can access them easily when I’m working on the next season. Vintage fashion is a huge source of inspiration for me and other designers as you may already know.
This particular show didn’t yield as many ‘treasures’, which is just as well given the times. I should just shop my own vintage closet.
Discouraged, Steffanie and I went to City Bakery for a coffee break before heading back to the office. Right as we’re about to finish, in walks this cute blonde girl wearing a Rafe bag. She circles the counter then walks out of the cafe. As she approaches the door we recognize her. It was actress Julia Stiles!
Steffanie urged me to run out and get a snapshot. Thank God for my Iphone. She was surprisingly accommodating and really sweet. Once she realized I was who I am, she relaxed and posed for me. She loves the bag and still wears it after all these years. Now that was a New York moment!
Archive for April, 2009
Treasure Hunt
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009Treasure Hunt
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
Can I tell you…about my obsession for vintage fashion. As it goes, “Someone’s trash is someone’s treasure” and I’ve been collecting vintage “treasures” for the past 10 years! My appetite for acquisition remains insatiable. Fortunately for me, two times a year vintage sellers from all over the US come together for the Manhattan Vintage Show. The exhibition lasts only two days, usually beginning on Friday and ending on Saturday. On the first day, designers, stylists, die hard fashionistas and random drag queens show up to get first dibs. The second day is open to the general public. It’s first come first serve so the earlier the better. Teams from big firms go in groups so they can divide and conquer. This ‘treasure hunt’ is a vintage addict’s dream!There are aisles and aisles of vintage fabulosity and the varieties are endless. There are sellers who only sell mens fashion, some who only deal in prints and remnant fabrics and others who sell only accessories. Some sellers specialize in designer vintage because they usually fetch higher prices and others have random pieces they’ve bought at yard sales or flea markets.
In terms of handbags and shoes, I’m adverse to designer vintage because they are so recognizable and usually cost more than I want to pay. I like the more obscure or never heard of labels. They are usually more interesting and full of surprising details. Although, every now and then I can’t resist and will end up buying Charles Jourdan, Maud Frizon, Walter Steiger or Stuart Weitzman. Their shoes from the Eighties rocked!There are some amazing costume jewelry in the show but their prices have gone through the roof recently, especially the casted pieces that are in relatively ‘wear now’ condition.At the entrance there was a vendor who was selling Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage as well as other objects covered in the monogram fabric. I loved the LV covered toilet seat cover. I thought that was kitschy and hilarious.Over the years I’ve ammassed such a large inventory I’ve had to label them and index them so I can access them easily when I’m working on the next season. Vintage fashion is a huge source of inspiration for me and other designers as you may already know.
This particular show didn’t yield as many ‘treasures’, which is just as well given the times. I should just shop my own vintage closet.
Discouraged, Steffanie and I went to City Bakery for a coffee break before heading back to the office. Right as we’re about to finish, in walks this cute blonde girl wearing a Rafe bag. She circles the counter then walks out of the cafe. As she approaches the door we recognize her. It was actress Julia Stiles!
Steffanie urged me to run out and get a snapshot. Thank God for my Iphone. She was surprisingly accommodating and really sweet. Once she realized I was who I am, she relaxed and posed for me. She loves the bag and still wears it after all these years. Now that was a New York moment!
American Dream
Sunday, April 26th, 2009
Can I tell you …about my ad for American Express OPEN®. A few months ago I was selected by American Express as one of three entrepreneurs that had won their “My Rewards Story” contest. The winners would be featured in an ad campaign for using the American Express OPEN® Card. It all started when I received a letter asking me to fill out a questionnaire about how I use the card. Then I got a phone call to schedule a telephone interview which was a more in depth Q&A about my business, how I use the card and what I use my rewards points for, etc. Finally, a couple of weeks later I got “the” phone call to tell me that American Express had selected me and two other business owners to be featured in an ad. As you can imagine, I was beyond thrilled!
The advertisement would be in the May issue of Fortune Small Business magazine. At a time when the economy is in a depression and every small business is struggling, this could not have been better timed and appropriate. Perhaps serve as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs out there.
A few days later, art photographer Mackenzie Stroh came over to scout my studio and showroom. She thought my space was photogenic and full of possibilities. I loved hearing that and I was excited to be photographed by such a talented and well respected artist.
American Express sent a crew of 20 people to my studio! Super stylist Lulu Chen, Mackenzie and her crew, Set designer Robert Sumrell and makeup wizard Bryan Lynde, plus the advertising executives from Winkreative who had flown in from London. Flowers (birds of paradise) were sent over, breakfast and lunch from Le Pain Quotidien. Lulu brought an entire wardrobe (Dries van Noten and Paul Smith) for me to choose from (even if I ended up using my own for the ad shot).
We spent the whole day here shooting different vignettes. Some were solos of me posing in the showroom and in my office.
The other scenes involved my girls Esi, Steffanie and my sister Tesa, in a “pretend design meeting”. Of course they all had to get their hair blown out and their faces made up. Can I tell you…it was all very glamorous but smiling all day can be exhausting! But I would do it again in a heartbeat. Anybody who wants to help me promote my brand is heaven sent as far as I’m concerned. Thank you American Express for supporting my American Dream!
American Dream
Sunday, April 26th, 2009Can I tell you …about my ad for American Express OPEN®. A few months ago I was selected by American Express as one of three entrepreneurs that had won their “My Rewards Story” contest. The winners would be featured in an ad campaign for using the American Express OPEN® Card. It all started when I received a letter asking me to fill out a questionnaire about how I use the card. Then I got a phone call to schedule a telephone interview which was a more in depth Q&A about my business, how I use the card and what I use my rewards points for, etc. Finally, a couple of weeks later I got “the” phone call to tell me that American Express had selected me and two other business owners to be featured in an ad. As you can imagine, I was beyond thrilled!The advertisement would be in the May issue of Fortune Small Business magazine. At a time when the economy is in a depression and every small business is struggling, this could not have been better timed and appropriate. Perhaps serve as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs out there.
A few days later, art photographer Mackenzie Stroh came over to scout my studio and showroom. She thought my space was photogenic and full of possibilities. I loved hearing that and I was excited to be photographed by such a talented and well respected artist.American Express sent a crew of 20 people to my studio! Super stylist Lulu Chen, Mackenzie and her crew, Set designer Robert Sumrell and makeup wizard Bryan Lynde, plus the advertising executives from Winkreative who had flown in from London. Flowers (birds of paradise) were sent over, breakfast and lunch from Le Pain Quotidien. Lulu brought an entire wardrobe (Dries van Noten and Paul Smith) for me to choose from (even if I ended up using my own for the ad shot).
We spent the whole day here shooting different vignettes. Some were solos of me posing in the showroom and in my office.The other scenes involved my girls Esi, Steffanie and my sister Tesa, in a “pretend design meeting”. Of course they all had to get their hair blown out and their faces made up. Can I tell you…it was all very glamorous but smiling all day can be exhausting! But I would do it again in a heartbeat. Anybody who wants to help me promote my brand is heaven sent as far as I’m concerned. Thank you American Express for supporting my American Dream!
Yeah, Kooza
Sunday, April 19th, 2009
Can I tell you…about the new Cirque du Soleil show entitled Kooza. Ever since David took me to my first Cirque show back in 1993, I’ve been a fan. We’ve seen most of their shows here in New York and in Las Vegas. What I love about their shows is that it’s not only for kids but also for adults. Their themes, choreography, costumes, music, special effects and the variety of acts make their shows unforgettable and like nothing I’ve ever seen.
Kooza was inspired from the Sanskrit word “koza”, meaning box, chest or treasure. This is Cirque’s 20th production and with this show they went back to their classic circus roots.
The focus is and always has been about the performers and their talents, whether they are clowning around, walking on a tight rope, contorting their bodies or flying on a trapeze.There was a hint of the exotic East with the music and reminded me of the soundtrack of “Slumdog Millionaire”, which I love. There are 175 costumes, 160 hats, 125 artists and employees, representing 17 different nationalities. Imagine that?! They’re like the UN of circuses!
The show was spectacular and undeniably had the Cirque sensibility. The clowns were funny and up to their usual antics picking people from the audience. I think this formula works every time no matter what show you see. Its fun seeing somebody else being embarrassed as long as it’s not me. Some standouts for me were the Spineless Sisters ( that’s what I’m calling them). They bent, twisted, intertwined and spiraled their bodies into the most impossible combinations and poses that it was almost uncomfortable to watch. The woman beside was cringing in her seat. They made it all look so easy, smiling as they performed.
They also had Jenga Joe (again my made up nickname). One by one, he piled one chair on top of the other creating a 23 foot tower, with each addtion balancing with one hand as he lifted his entire body up in the air with such percision and grace it was mesmerizing. I’d like to add that he had zero body fat and a six pack to die for!
At one point in the show, they had a group of guys on a tight rope, hopping, skipping, biking (yes, biking!) and somersaulting only to land back on the rope but one guy slipped. He lost his headress but managed to grab the rope and get back up. Everybody gasped and held their breath as he gathered his wits and continued to perform. Can I tell you…that made the show even more incredible and real. That slip made me realize how precarious these acts are and that someone can get hurt. Often times you see these shows and everything is done to perfection that you forget these performers are people and that accidents can happen.
I highly recommend the show and I don’t want to spoil the fun by telling you too much. Taking the water taxi from 35th Street to Randall’s Island Park is also part of the fun. It’s like going off to an adventure to a strange land to see these fantastic creatures visting from out of this world. Be prepared to be blown away because its yeah…Kooza!
Yeah, Kooza
Sunday, April 19th, 2009
Can I tell you…about the new Cirque du Soleil show entitled Kooza. Ever since David took me to my first Cirque show back in 1993, I’ve been a fan. We’ve seen most of their shows here in New York and in Las Vegas. What I love about their shows is that it’s not only for kids but also for adults. Their themes, choreography, costumes, music, special effects and the variety of acts make their shows unforgettable and like nothing I’ve ever seen.
Kooza was inspired from the Sanskrit word “koza”, meaning box, chest or treasure. This is Cirque’s 20th production and with this show they went back to their classic circus roots.
The focus is and always has been about the performers and their talents, whether they are clowning around, walking on a tight rope, contorting their bodies or flying on a trapeze.There was a hint of the exotic East with the music and reminded me of the soundtrack of “Slumdog Millionaire”, which I love. There are 175 costumes, 160 hats, 125 artists and employees, representing 17 different nationalities. Imagine that?! They’re like the UN of circuses!The show was spectacular and undeniably had the Cirque sensibility. The clowns were funny and up to their usual antics picking people from the audience. I think this formula works every time no matter what show you see. Its fun seeing somebody else being embarrassed as long as it’s not me. Some standouts for me were the Spineless Sisters ( that’s what I’m calling them). They bent, twisted, intertwined and spiraled their bodies into the most impossible combinations and poses that it was almost uncomfortable to watch. The woman beside was cringing in her seat. They made it all look so easy, smiling as they performed.They also had Jenga Joe (again my made up nickname). One by one, he piled one chair on top of the other creating a 23 foot tower, with each addtion balancing with one hand as he lifted his entire body up in the air with such percision and grace it was mesmerizing. I’d like to add that he had zero body fat and a six pack to die for!At one point in the show, they had a group of guys on a tight rope, hopping, skipping, biking (yes, biking!) and somersaulting only to land back on the rope but one guy slipped. He lost his headress but managed to grab the rope and get back up. Everybody gasped and held their breath as he gathered his wits and continued to perform. Can I tell you…that made the show even more incredible and real. That slip made me realize how precarious these acts are and that someone can get hurt. Often times you see these shows and everything is done to perfection that you forget these performers are people and that accidents can happen.I highly recommend the show and I don’t want to spoil the fun by telling you too much. Taking the water taxi from 35th Street to Randall’s Island Park is also part of the fun. It’s like going off to an adventure to a strange land to see these fantastic creatures visting from out of this world. Be prepared to be blown away because its yeah…Kooza!
Fall in line
Monday, April 6th, 2009
Can I tell you…about Topshop in New York. There was so much hype and drama about their opening this past year that when they finally opened I couldn’t wait to check out the store. As I assume you already know, Topshop is THE hippest and most successful high street retailer in London. In fact, the last time I was in London, there was a crowd outside the store before they opened their doors and once I got inside it was absolute chaos. There was a feeding frenzy as shoppers filled every corner of the store. Getting a dressing room was a nightmare and paying for your purchase was even worse.
In 2006, they took their cool quotient up a notch by collaborating with fashion icon Kate Moss to design an exclusive collection for them. Also this month, they’re introducing a line by Barbara Hulanicki of Biba Fame.
What were we thinking? Apparently, thousands of New Yorkers had the same idea. Fashionistas came out in full force and patiently waited in line for hours before the store opened. Kate Moss was on hand for the ribbon cutting and I was hoping to take a snapshot of her. Well, after seeing the line that circled all around the block, I had to go to plan B. There was no way I was going to wait in line. There’s nothing I hate more.
Undaunted, we walked around Soho, had lunch at my favorite Malaysian restaurant NyoNya and came back. Ugh, the lines were just as long and showed no signs of thinning. All that unrequited shopping got us hungry for something sweet and something we didn’t have to line up for.
So we trekked over to the Meatpacking district to Pastis for a little ‘merienda‘. I love desserts and Pastis makes a mean ‘crepe Suzette’. It was so delish and certainly satiated our appetites.
Steffanie wore her new Rafe bag in red pearlized patent satchel. As we walked in she got several envious stares from other girls. This is a daily occurrence when you own a Rafe bag, I swear!
We may not have gotten into Topshop but we had a great dessert! Isn’t that sort of the same thing? Besides, in a week I’ll be able to breeze into the store. This New Yorker does not fall in line, not if he can help it!
Fall in line
Monday, April 6th, 2009Can I tell you…about Topshop in New York. There was so much hype and drama about their opening this past year that when they finally opened I couldn’t wait to check out the store. As I assume you already know, Topshop is THE hippest and most successful high street retailer in London. In fact, the last time I was in London, there was a crowd outside the store before they opened their doors and once I got inside it was absolute chaos. There was a feeding frenzy as shoppers filled every corner of the store. Getting a dressing room was a nightmare and paying for your purchase was even worse.In 2006, they took their cool quotient up a notch by collaborating with fashion icon Kate Moss to design an exclusive collection for them. Also this month, they’re introducing a line by Barbara Hulanicki of Biba Fame.What were we thinking? Apparently, thousands of New Yorkers had the same idea. Fashionistas came out in full force and patiently waited in line for hours before the store opened. Kate Moss was on hand for the ribbon cutting and I was hoping to take a snapshot of her. Well, after seeing the line that circled all around the block, I had to go to plan B. There was no way I was going to wait in line. There’s nothing I hate more.Undaunted, we walked around Soho, had lunch at my favorite Malaysian restaurant NyoNya and came back. Ugh, the lines were just as long and showed no signs of thinning. All that unrequited shopping got us hungry for something sweet and something we didn’t have to line up for.So we trekked over to the Meatpacking district to Pastis for a little ‘merienda‘. I love desserts and Pastis makes a mean ‘crepe Suzette’. It was so delish and certainly satiated our appetites.
Steffanie wore her new Rafe bag in red pearlized patent satchel. As we walked in she got several envious stares from other girls. This is a daily occurrence when you own a Rafe bag, I swear!We may not have gotten into Topshop but we had a great dessert! Isn’t that sort of the same thing? Besides, in a week I’ll be able to breeze into the store. This New Yorker does not fall in line, not if he can help it!
Fall in line
Monday, April 6th, 2009Can I tell you…about Topshop in New York. There was so much hype and drama about their opening this past year that when they finally opened I couldn’t wait to check out the store. As I assume you already know, Topshop is THE hippest and most successful high street retailer in London. In fact, the last time I was in London, there was a crowd outside the store before they opened their doors and once I got inside it was absolute chaos. There was a feeding frenzy as shoppers filled every corner of the store. Getting a dressing room was a nightmare and paying for your purchase was even worse.In 2006, they took their cool quotient up a notch by collaborating with fashion icon Kate Moss to design an exclusive collection for them. Also this month, they’re introducing a line by Barbara Hulanicki of Biba Fame.What were we thinking? Apparently, thousands of New Yorkers had the same idea. Fashionistas came out in full force and patiently waited in line for hours before the store opened. Kate Moss was on hand for the ribbon cutting and I was hoping to take a snapshot of her. Well, after seeing the line that circled all around the block, I had to go to plan B. There was no way I was going to wait in line. There’s nothing I hate more.Undaunted, we walked around Soho, had lunch at my favorite Malaysian restaurant NyoNya and came back. Ugh, the lines were just as long and showed no signs of thinning. All that unrequited shopping got us hungry for something sweet and something we didn’t have to line up for.So we trekked over to the Meatpacking district to Pastis for a little ‘merienda‘. I love desserts and Pastis makes a mean ‘crepe Suzette’. It was so delish and certainly satiated our appetites.
Steffanie wore her new Rafe bag in red pearlized patent satchel. As we walked in she got several envious stares from other girls. This is a daily occurrence when you own a Rafe bag, I swear!We may not have gotten into Topshop but we had a great dessert! Isn’t that sort of the same thing? Besides, in a week I’ll be able to breeze into the store. This New Yorker does not fall in line, not if he can help it!
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