Goodsh*t: Creative Process Weaponry

So I thought I would give a little peek at my workspace and all the things that help my mind in the creative process. A few obvious items (itunes, camera, subwoofer) are left out, because I like to have a strong emphasis on fine art and using the computer only when necessary. Makes for more challenging projects.

The Sh*t: SF vs NYC

So I have eased up on my boycotting of the entire state of California, you might recall my previous trip to Los Angeles. This Thankgiving I am headed on over to San Francisco, the seemingly "other best city in the states"! Oh, I am skeptical due to my New Yorkerness and in denial because I know I am gonna love it, either that or it might have something to do with this sweet ass ride I get to use while I am there! Stay tuned, my bike burgling adventures to come...

Bullsh*t: Me The Lackadaisical

I am tired and a little burnt out and hoping to rejuvenate my creative mind soon. In the meantime, enjoy some awesome illustrations etc. by Jon Burgerman. I love his work, helps get my gears going. Take a looky at his flickr too, it's a nice visual for his creative process.

Goodsh*t: Hell Hath Frozen Over...

I caved. I bought. Life change.
(Pssst, I can't photograph it, so I thought I would show my fancy shoes.)

Inspiration: My Long Lost South African Transplant

Yigal Azrouel Spring 2004

Plume Jewel's "Silkworm"

Posh Hussy © 2003 by me

I thought I would pay tribute today to one of my most dearest friends, Lexi Sparling. After taking a hiatus from her career in fashion here in NYC, she found herself in the wilds of South Africa and ultimately decided to stay. She is getting married next weekend in Cape Winelands, South Africa and due to work, I am sadly unable to attend. I was lucky to work side by side with Lexi and had the pleasure of witnessing her geniusity in women's design come to life. I admire her for her quick unabashed wit and sweet disposition which in my opinion is the perfect harmony to describe her personal work. Our working time together in the "real world" was brief but we did branch out to create a brand of our own, Posh Hussy, which is still in the trenches due to other opportunities for us both. She went on to be the head designer for womens at Yigal Azrouël along with her equally as talented counterpart Pamela Johnston of Plume Jewels. I wish her all my best and I miss the days of bumming around Williamsburg, being neighbors and of course, the helmet incident.

PS I tried to include some of the work Lexi did at Yigal and while it is beautiful, it's not necessarily her style. Nevertheless, Yigal has some very nice frocks!

Inspiration: Tsumori Chisato

One of my bosses goes to Japan every year for trend shopping and this year she brought me back truckloads of delicious books and Kawaii by Tsumori Chisato was in the mix! Now I have always kept my eye out for her well known melodic bohemian cuteness, it's a bit of a rarity here in the states, so I was DEE-lighted to induldge in her book of creative processes and how she gets from start to finish. Chisato even included a little Q & A for more insight, enjoy the beauty! (Click on the images so you can read what she wrote!)

PS Sorry for the crap scans, I was in a hurry!

Bullsh*t: Eating a Corgi is NOT an Artform

George Rodrigue

It is ever sooo rare that I will take my opinions on here and turn them nasty, I like to keep things fresh, positive and hopefully inspiring. But it has come to my attention that one said "artist" Mark McGowan decided in protest against an alleged mistreatment of a fox which was shot during the hunt on the Queen's Sandringham estate in January, by eating a corgi, (the sweet unedible breed that is associated with the Queen). WTF? This is NOT art. This is merely a stunt to get media attention this so called artist thinks he deserves. Come up with some REAL ideas, aside from rolling a peanut down the street with your nose and eating dogs. This is disgusting and the laziest art bullsh*t I have ever heard. Wanker.

In the meantime, it is 7:30 AM Eastern time and this makes me want a drink. So enjoy this old school Absolute ad of Tiffany by George Rodrigue, who while is blue, to me, slightly resembles the beloved corgi.

PS Make a wish when you see a corgi walk by...

Inspiration: Before the Factory

Cano (1948)

Unicorn (1956)

Progressive Piano (1957)

Female Head with Stamps (1959)

Who's Pussyfooting Around? (1960)

Andy Warhol is one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century and continues to make headway even after his death. While he is not my favorite I find myself over and over again drawn to his early work as an illustrator in the early 1950's in New York City. He was well known for his loose hand and ink blotted watery style. After finishing up my Girls Fall 2008 line, looking back I can see hits of Warhol in my hand! (This work also seems to have inspired my favorite graphic designer Laurie Rosenwald.)

PS With all the recent hype of Factory Girl, I have refrained from posting about Warhol, I just wasn't impressed with all the brouhaha. Skip seeing Factory Girl, and go directly to Ciao! Manhattan. Now that, to me, is the REAL Edie Sedgwick.

Goodsh*t: The Met in the Evening

Frans Hals (Dutch, 1582/83–1666)

Young Man and Woman in an Inn ("Yonker Ramp and His Sweetheart"), 1623

Gerard ter Borch (Dutch, 1617–1681)
Curiosity, ca. 1660

Frank Stella (American, born 1936)
Chinese Pavilion, 2007

I usually go to the Met when it's light out and I have a weekend day free so I can spend more time perusing the pricelessness. The current exhibition of interest: "The Age of Rembrandt" features one of the largest collections of Dutch paintings. It was a mental revival from previous art history studies from college, and I really enjoyed reacquainting myself with the Dutch phenoms as well as getting to know the prints and lithography that I was not too familiar. It was suggested to me, why not take in the Met in the evening and then make my way to the roof for a beautiful view of the city at dusk? Mojitos, wine and tripping over Frank Stella's massive pieces made this visit to the Met, certainly a memorable one.

Goodsh*t: Hel Looks

Juulia (14)

"I've had this style for about a year now. I like to wear jewellery and a big hairdo. My style role models are Madonna in the 80's, Joan Jett and Mötley Crüe.
The boots used to belong to my father. They were bought in the 70's in America."

Ossi (18) and Mimosa (18)

Ossi: "I bought my Ash shoes yesterday. The belt is a gift from Mimosa.
Karl Lagerfeld is my style role model. I think super skinny jeans are not stylish anymore."
Mimosa: "Horses inspire me. Old people are stylish."

Johannes (25)

"The corner stone of my style is the golden chain.
I couldn't live without my sunglasses and my mullet.
Suburbs are stylish. Making music inspires me."

Juha (20) and Lasse (18)

Juha: "I like the 80's music and the 80's styles. All my style role models are from the 80's. Now I'm wearing second hand except the boots which were dirt-expensive."
Lasse: "My friend bought the blue tights in Tampere. The jeans I customized myself. The shirt is from a women's department. My style tip: always check the women's department!"

I am completely obsessed with all things Scandinavian, and I am in love with this site: Hel Looks. Bringing you fashion from outside of the clubs in Helsinki, Finland! I should have posted this ages ago, I found it while doing a little online research and just reaquainted myself because I am trending for Holiday 2008. Not only is it addictive and updated regularily, the commentary is priceless.

Goodsh*t: Brooklyn Gang

Le Jeff's Roomie, Le Jeff, Lizzy, Me, Tara, Robert, Niki, Mark

Some of my most favorite photos. Thx A!

Goodsh*t: Ruffian

Claude Morais and Brian Wolk

I have been to Ruffian's shows for the past year or so and thanks to my badass friend Jen, I usually get a good seat! Always running the gamut, with, in my opinion, befitting yet contradictory themes: Madame Pompadour meets 70's punk. The show started with a booming remix of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" which could not be more appropriate: crisp clean lines with hits of ruffled layers, curling skyscraping collars, shiney silver buttons and most recently hot hot pink which has been popping up in spurts. The floral prints reminded me of what might be on the walls of a whorehouse or a mansion in Dallas. OH! I am keeping a watchful eye on these guys! What will they get up to next?!

PS I have had the pleasure of meeting the designers at a party, which had the delicate theme of "Come as Your Own Vice". They were so cool and down to earth, as I was most likely falling all over myself .

PSS Don't even think I won't be donning that black pants suit! NICE!

PSSS Yet another couple, who works together, lives together and continues to inspire.

Coming up: Paul Smith/GQ party. Thanks Ada! Can't wait!

Goodsh*t: Saturday in the City

Got to enjoy a litte NYC Fashion Week this morning, and while I was getting ready I found some good good love in my letter box! Thx J!

PS Stay tuned! More to come!

Goodsh*t: Honduras

So the boss took a little trip to Honduras where we do a lot of our screenprinting. Basically, we needed to find out all the things that we can do to the designs that we were unaware of and are available. I was excited to find out that I can use foil (which should be sweet for all the fonts i design), clear foil (clear shiny shiny foil, it looks fantastic and subtle on black!) and possibly this shimmery hologram stuff! NICE! And of course the boss always brings us "kids" back some love. The K reminds me of trips to New Mexico (which I frequented as a baby and until I moved here.) and I love how the colors pop off! It's important to stop and smell the local art. Maybe next time they will send me.

Inspiration: Eley Kishimoto

Wakako Kishimoto & Mark Eley

A/W 2007

Wakako Kishimoto and Mark Eley make up one of my most favorite and visually stimulating labels. They founded Eley Kishimoto together in 1992, designing prints for Hussein Chalayan and Alexander McQueen amongst many others. In 1995, Eley Kishimoto produced their first collection "Rainwear", printed PVC coated fabrics turned into umbrellas, waterproof coats and coats and gloves. Eley Kishimoto has not only gained a reputation for their print commissions (Jil Sander, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Clements Ribeiro), but also for their own trippy yet sophisticated take on fashion. The married duo presented their first show during London Fashion Week in 2001: a series of afternoon tea parties, rather than a traditional catwalk presentation. The label has also expanded to include cookware, furniture, wallpaper, luggage, sneakers, lingerie and sunglasses. Eley Kishimoto are commissioned by international designers including Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, but despite the scale of their industry, the couple works quietly in a workshop in South London.

PS I am always impressed with couples who can work together, live together, etc. and continue to inspire.

PSS I was lucky enough to score a skirt and a bag! Both are hand printed!

Goodsh*t: The Basics

This week, while I was scurrying around trying to finish up for Fall 2008, I got my brushes out and reacquainted myself with watercolors. This was the first step in creating what I like to call "Subtle Nature" for a womens project I am currently working on. Proving that the computer should not be the only tool when creating graphics and print and pattern. (Plus, I thought I should post a little botanical love to honor the last days of summer.)