We have been feverishly working on designing, hammering up a storm and merchandising away getting ready for our trade show. I had exhibiting for many years in New York but recently took a hiatus when I had my son. Nothing gets the creative flow going like having that show deadline! Sharing a space with me will be dear friend, hero and iconic designer, Lisa Jenks. Known for her graphic large silver pieces, Lisa is also exhibiting for the first time after several years of taking a break. I remember being bowled over by her work in Barneys the first time I ever visited the store in the late 90's. She had an entire vitrine at the entrance. I am looking forward to spending time with her, she is the funniest, warmest, most even keel designers I know.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
On The Road Again...
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sea of Possibilities by Melissa
Book of poems by Patti Smith, 1996
J.W. Waterhouse The Mermaid, 1900
The very first thing that came to my mind when I saw the Enclosed Coral necklace was Patti Smith. She has a deep love for the sea and has used it as a metaphor over the course of her career as a singer and a poet.
Another image that comes to mind when I think of the sea is the famous Waterhouse painting of a mermaid, which is what Jeanine's latest collection also reminds me of. You'll find textures and motifs that seem romantically both Victorian and marine - like lost treasures you might find in a old shipwreck...if you're lucky.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
In Progress for May
My son had a very slight case of pink eye, or allergies, so we stayed home from work/school. We went to the San Francisco zoo and saw the most amazing bugs in the bug museum. WOW. Walking sticks are the grossest and yet strangely beautiful creatures on earth. I ended up at the Japanese tea garden when Will went down for his nap--Dad was home by then. Hojicha tea and a drawing book in the tea house in Golden Gate Park. During cherry blossom season. Holy nirvana.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
It Has Come To My Attention...Alexis Bittar Is Coming To San Francisco
When Alexis Bittar was on the street corner selling his lucite jewelry in front of NYC Moma, I was taking my closet door off to make a design table in my SF studio apartment. We launched ourselves into business at the same time. We met in New York selling our wares and we have been dear friends ever since. Alexis has his feet on the ground and his eyes on the stars. And I mean realones. The last time I was staying with him he was having a glamorous photo shoot with Lauren Hutton. Just another day in the life of my friend, Alexis.
Six reasons I love Alexis:
- He knows how to rock a fanny pack.
- He has achieved the state of Grand Master of the fine and ancient art of Japanese Karaoke, (his skill second only to mine.)
- He is a visionary.
- He recently won the prestigious CFDA award for Accessory Designer of the Year.
- He is a pretty grounded cat and the best pal a gal could ever have.
City Lights
City Lights is one of our favorite bookstores. The beat poet, Lawrence Ferlingetti, is the owner of this historic landmark. The epicenter and birthplace of the beat poetry movement...and we only have to walk a few blocks up the street to get there. Another great place to celebrate National Poetry Month! Go Po Mo!