{A R T} Organized Chaos

A few months ago, Beth and I popped into MoMA and of course had to stop into the museum gift store. I was so enamored by the Jackson Pollock Table Textiles—a collection of placemats and runners that feature the master painter's signature splattered look. I just knew that one day I'd have to post a blog about all the things that inspire me to take calculated risks, have fun and let loose.

Below, I've shared a video—"The Anthropologist," directed by Alistair Banks Griffin—that rethinks freestyle painting entirely. It's the work of Etsuko Ichikawa, an artist based in Seattle who uses molten glass to create freeform pyrography. Watching her work is completely entrancing. Take a look and enjoy! 

Slideshow image credits: 1/Drip Wallpaper, Jonathan Adler. 2/Yellow Brushstroke Lamp, Jana Bek. 3/The Medium Transport Tote: Splatter Paint Edition, Madewell. 4/Hinson Wallpaper, Photo by Maura McEvoy, House Beautiful. 5/Nesting Bowls, Chris Earl. 6/Hinson Wallpaper, Photo by Maura McEvoy, House Beautiful. 7/Suite One Studio. 8/Drip Wallpaper, Jonathan Adler. 9/Oyster Colored Velvet. 10/Jackson Pollock Table Textiles, Runner, MoMA. 11/Wing Chair painted by Kerry Irvine Fine Art for EKB Interiors.

{F A S H I O N} Taking Flight

“It’s not enough to have feathers. You must dare to fly!”

— Cass van Krah

Image credit: Balenciaga Fall 2017 / Monica Feudi / Indigital.tv via Vogue

Feathers have been popping up on catwalks, in my favorite boutiques, and just about everywhere you turn nowadays. They're the perfect mix of flashy and fun, and I can't help but find inspiration in them. From feathered fashion accessories to Balenciaga's latest runway show, to Blake Lively’s gold and peacock-hued plumed Versace gown from this year’s Met Gala, these beautiful quills are sure to make your imagination take flight.

Top row: 1/ Heari Feather Bib Necklace via Anthropologie. 2/ Sunrise Feather Hoop Earrings via Anthropologie. 3/ Lisa Blue Bathing Suit, Gasoline Glamour Feather Collar, Glynneth B Necklace. Photo by Ben Cope via Very Very Chic. 4/ Kate Spade Belle Elliana Feather Clutch via Nordstrom. 5/ Prada Slingback Sandals via Barneys New York. 6/ Balenciaga Satin Pumps via Net-A-Porter. 7/ Couture Hat by Arturo Rios via The Feather Girl. 8/ Blake Lively, Atelier Versace, Met Gala 2017. Photo via Harper's Bazaar Singapore.

{H O R I Z O N} Best in Show: Salone del Mobile 2017

                                                                  Image via CC-Tapis

Every April a plethora of talent descends on Milan for one of the design industries biggest trade shows, Salone del Mobile. This fashion-minded city pulls out all the stops and the creative energy can be felt far and wide. From the gallery exhibitions in the Brera District all the way out to the main event at the Fiera Milano, the best in design is front and center everywhere you turn. Unfortunately I couldn't make it this year, but I've been glued to my Instagram loving all the new products and inspired installations from some of my favorite design houses.

I had to get in on the action, so here are some unforgettable moments.

Grazie Milano!  

1/ Matter Made 2/ Germans Ermics 3/ de Gournay + Aquazurra 4/ Apparatus 5/ Marni Playground 6/ Dimore Studios 7/ Calico 8/ Sabine Marcelis 9/ Lee Broom 10/ Brühl 

{A R T} April Showers Bring May Flowers

Spring has me revisiting one of my favorite artists: Meredith Wing of Moo Mooi. She combines two things I really love—fashion and flowers—so her work instantly puts a smile on my face every time I come across it. She's a fashion illustrator who lives in Australia and sketches the most adorable, dainty women in haute little dresses and skirts made from beautiful blooms and sometimes other fun things like produce, or even fringe, which makes me happy as a designer.  She's already collaborated with Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff and Pantone, so I can't wait to see what's next for her! Follow Meredith and her series #SomeFlowerGirls on Instagram at @moomooi! But first, check out some of her drawings here.  

Images via Moo Mooi

1/Bok Choy. 2/Deauville. 3/French Babes. 4/Swing Dress. 5/London Balloons. 6/Mandarin et Cabbage. 7/Marie Antoinette. 8/Magic in the Air. 9/Wildflower Frock.

{F A S H I O N} Taking It To The Streets

“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will be.”

— Bill Cunningham

Bill Cunningham said it best: "The best fashion show is definitely on the street." I couldn't agree more, and that's why I can't get enough of The Sartorialist and all the fabulous men and women Scott Schuman captures along his travels. I always say that everyone has his or her own unique creative footprint, and the choices you make with your fashion even in your everyday life is such a fun way to express that footprint and leave your mark on a given day. Come people-watch with me on the streets of Paris, New York and Milan. I hope it inspires your individual creative confidence!

Images via The Sartorialist

{F A S H I O N} Chloé Spring-Summer 2017 Collection

I realize it's February, but Chloé's Spring-Summer 2017 Collection has me daydreaming of springtime in Paris. The Grand Palais—one of my favorite landmarks in the city—lends such a gorgeous backdrop for these free-flowing garments and pretty florals to strut down the catwalk. And I just love the way Clare Waight Keller abandoned tradition with her sinuous setup of the runway and the audience. Enjoy the show!

{F A S H I O N} Haute Couture Week 2017 in Paris

                                                                      Image via CHANEL 

It's hard to believe that Paris could get any more beautiful than it already is, but during Haute Couture Fashion Week the city appears to get an extra dose of effervescence. I look forward to this show every year—the dreamy collections are packed with more inspiration than I know what to do with. I find myself tacking up dozens of looks onto my inspiration board and filling piles of manila folders. 

So, why are the haute couture shows so invigorating? I want to experience fashion that excites me and makes my heart race—like hearing a powerful song for the first time or a new taste you can't get enough of. And, that's exactly what these runway shows do. Each of the following collections are emotional. They're about perception and visual fantasies. I hope you'll get as lost in them and as endlessly inspired as I do.

                                                           VALENTINO: Subtle Impact

This collection really spoke to the power of simplistic forms expressed through a very curated range of colors. It begs the question, what do you want to say without saying anything at all? Highlights for me were the subtle pleating details and long statuesque silhouettes—the entire collection felt very architectural. Bravo Pierpaolo Piccioli! Hard to believe it's his first time showing at Couture Week! 

                                                             ELIE SAAB: More is More

From jaw-dropping jewels and billowy feather accents to strategically embellished patterns displayed on sumptuous fabrics, Elie Saab's couture collection is beyond stunning. What a story teller! There is truly so much to love about each perfectly put together ensemble, and what struck me most was Mr. Saab's effortless use of accessories—everything from belts, headbands, sunglasses, and to-die-for statement earrings. Man after my own heart!

                                                SCHIAPARELLI: Wearable Architecture

When I first laid eyes on this collection, I immediately felt that each look acted as architecture for the body. As the models moved down the runway, structures and formations came to life and morphed with each step taken. The color pairings are are pure magic and I'm just loving all the geometric shapes!

                                                                DIOR: Fantasy at Play

Haute couture is theatre. It's about making a statement. The creator imagines a women in the piece, pondering where she will go, who she will see and how she feels in it. Here, Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri took us on a journey through a whimsical garden set at the Musee Rodin where her imagination revealed free-flowing, ultra-feminine masterpieces straight out of a modern-day fairytale.

                                                           CHANEL: Classic & Current

Last, but certainly not least—Chanel. True to form, Karl Lagerfeld did not disappoint. From meticulous embroidery and unexpected sequin moments to archetypal tweeds and chunky wools, the collection is flawless. Like a beautifully composed song, this couture line really moved me and reiterated for me the importance of making an impact and leaving a lasting impression.

{F A S H I O N} Inspiration Is Everywhere

Above images via Tomorrowland New York

A few weeks ago, Beth and I went into the city to meet with a client. We were walking down Broome Street in Soho and just as we were about to pass by Tomorrowland, a beautiful art display caught my attention and we just had to go inside to see it. It turns out the uber-cool Japanese boutique had taken its collection of scarves and artfully suspended them in frames as an art installation. I'm constantly inspired by fashion and the intersection of design in all forms, and seeing these silky, wearable works of art were no exception. Not to mention the great design books, sartorial eye candy and chic jewelry all housed in a really fun space. My creative wheels have been turning ever since!

{F A S H I O N} Mish New York: Experiential Jewelry

Image credit: Mish New York

Walking into Mish's 30 Bond Street studio in NYC isn't like shopping for jewelry at just any jewelry boutique. It's an unforgettable experience that speaks to all of the senses. Beth and I paid a visit to Mish a few weeks ago on a trip into the city—the purple door and green facade called to us immediately of course. (With the fashionable charm and historic architecture outside, you'd think you were on Bond Street in London.) Once we stepped inside, the feast for the eyes continued, from the hand-painted malachite mural, to the upholstered walls with nailhead trim, to the jewels themselves, all on display like pieces in a museum. Made with South Sea pearls and precious stones, Mish Tworkowski's fancy and whimsical baubles, bracelets, brooches and more will stop you in your tracks. See for yourself!

1/ Poppy Clasp Pink Pearl | 2/ Hydrangea Tassel Earrings | 3/ Pink Pearl Necklace | 4/ Rivergod Willow Pearl Necklace | 5/ Hanalei Stud Drop Earrings | 6/ Honeywood | 7/ Ratu Rings | 8/ Wakaya Cuffs | 9/ Lotus Brooch | 10/ Trapiche Cufflinks | 11/ Watering Can Cufflinks