Whew, it has been a very busy couple of weeks. This title makes you think I have been vacationing, but not so. I was in NYC (check NYC page for my favorite finds this round) shopping feverishly for clients both in NYC and SEA. Then, came home to spring shop for SEA clients and do all my spring fittings. It has been busy, but a fabulous season thus far. I did get the last Seeds of Compassion concert in. The headliner band, Yuval Ron Ensemble, was amazing. It really brought home how I was raised in harmony with many cultures and religions. The group represents several cultures and religions. Not only is the music amazing, but the dancing was fabulous. It is rare that we get to see authentic sufi whirling . Top it off, I was invited by my dear friend Kysena and it was truly a wonderful night. Yuval Ron is going to be in residency at Seattle University in early 2009; Something I hope you all will check out. I just got back from our weekend of Spring Barrel tasting in Yakima Valley. We had a terrific time with our friends and found some incredible wines. Another fun reason to be based in the Northwest. I have a lot of style notes to catch up on, so, there will be a few more blogs this week. RL
Its super busy and while I would love to blog every day to keep you posted…it is a bit challenging with all running around. A quick update on the shopping. I spent a couple of days mid-town and got some great basics done for clients. Yesterday, I shopped in Greenpoint and Williamsburg…really love it there. It is chill and I feel like I can find some unique pieces…I also feel like I am supporting a local biz and that feels good. Style notes? Gals, it is all about the loose shift dresses. if you are uncomfortable with that look, think twice. It is comfortable and can look terrific if you accessorize. Boys, continue to rock the blazer….more about that soon.
Last night I went to an Ernest Sewn fashion event (photo coming soon) that was in conjunction with the Cotton folks. The event was all for this cool campaign…check it out…recycling your jeans and creating a new product out of it…you know what I am thinking here of course…you got it…so “sustainable”. Here is the info ~ Cotton from Blue to Green” campaign and fashion show sponsored by Ernest Sewn and National Jean Company
More soon. RL
Hey, I know I should be updating you on fashion in NYC…that will come. I had a great day shopping with my client on Friday. However, one my highlights of the week so far was the Kirov Ballet performance at New York City Center. I was completely blown away. Dance is a huge part of my life beyond fashion and art…so you can imagine how giddy I was. All the way there, I was singing the song from “A Chorus Line”…”everything is beautiful at the ballet…” And, it was. The dancers were exquisite. The performances were pristine and the costumes, oh the costumes. We had terrific seats and it was a lovely evening. Off to a poetry reading now…more from NYC. RL
Hey from NYC…the trip has just started and the week promises to be busy. However, since it was a travel day yesterday, I thought I would fill you in on a film short that I did wardrobe for last week. In the midst of all my prep for Portland and NYC travel, I forgot to mention the film. The Fly Film program is pretty cool and it is done through the Seattle International Film Festival. Four indy directors are selected and then given certain parameters to work within…pretty cool. Megan Griffith was selected this year and she asked me to do the wardrobe…cool,” except we can’t spend any money..”The challenge was on and it was fun. I did all the fittings of the 5 actors and pulled the wardrobe together in 24 hours. I couldn’t be on set for the shooting, but apparently it went really well. Can’t wait to see it. Megan is the writer/director of a film I plan to work on in the future some time called The Off Hours. RL
Portland Fashion Week organized a great opportunity to educate folks at the Better Living Show about the sustainable stories behind the landmark designers/brands showcased this weekend. Nau, Lizzie Parker and Anna Cohen all have one thing in common and that is, they are pioneers in the industry. With limited resources in the past available to fashion designers, each of them have been innovative in their use of and sourcing sustainable options. With great design that is appealing and yes, even stylish and sexy, consumers have options now more than ever to make a sustainable choice with the clothing they wear. My favorite quote of the event was one that related to the stylish and sexy approach to sustainability. It was from Lizzie Parker who said, “In the end, it’s about a hot chick in a great dress”. I love this and interpret it to really mean…it’s about great design.The Eco - Panel was a well attended event that garnered many excellent questions and observations from the attendees. We can look forward to future practices by the fashion industry that will help consumers make sustainable choices by a seal of sustainable approval by Sustainable Style Foundation, as well as, a standard by fashion designers that includes a baseline of sustainable business and design practices. The lively discussion led by me representing Sustainable Style Foundation, and Leslie Hoffman (Earth Pledge/Future Fashion - NYC) had a honest and open tone that led to sharing and creating a sense of community that will be necessary for us all to make sustainability a mainstay in our world.Had a great night out with some of the PFW crew and rounded out my last day in the city at Portland Art Museum checking out my favorite painters, Degas, Toulouse- Lautrec and Forain, and thier work on one of my other favorite arts, Dance. If you have a chance to check it out by May, 11. I would. It was done exceedingly well.On my train ride home, I was ready to get back to lovely SEA and prep for NYC. RLphoto credit | Tana Thurman, Portland - OR