May 2009
It Always Feels Like Somebody’s Watching Me...
Submitted by Laura Thomas on Wed, 05/27/2009 - 10:10My last name is Thomas. This, coupled with the fact that I have seriously considered carrying binoculars during evening walks along Central Park West, is why I jokingly refer to myself as a “Peeping Thomas” with my friends. I love to see how the other half lives, as a member of the other “other half,” and thanks to the Internet I can do this legally each and every day. Here are three of my top picks.
The Selby
Lordy, I love photographer Todd Selby and his fancy friends who let him take intimate snaps of their inner sanctums. The best ones lately have been Sally Singer’s digs at the Chelsea Hotel—where can I get some Gouda’s Gilde Siroopwafelen?—and Julia Roitfeld’s minimalist enclave. The images documenting the contents of Roitfeld’s medicine cabinet had me considering the removal of the contents of my own to create a replica. I still can’t believe she uses Kiehl’s—shockingly bourgeois!
The Sartorialist
Scott Schuman is the talisman of taste for all tastemakers. (Don’t lie, Kate Lanphear. You tune in before pulling for upcoming editorial. I can see it!) Fast Company just named him one of the 100 Most Creative People in the Business and Time magazine dubbed him one of the Top 100 Design Influencers. And the best part is that he always seems genuinely surprised by his own influence and all of the accolades. It’s as refreshing as his images.
Sea of Shoes
I just got to know 16-year-old Jane Aldridge through a random link and I like it. The Dallas teen’s taste in edgy shoes and vintage designer clothing is awe-inspiring. (I was wearing Salvation Army tees that said things like “Vin’s Tow & Tackle.” No, I’m not kidding.) Anyway, this little lady is doing it right....and she refers to Karl Lagerfeld as “Dad.” Uh, so witty!
The Selby
The Sartorialist
Sea of Shoes
I HEART DEMOCRACY
Submitted by Laura Thomas on Wed, 05/27/2009 - 21:38
I love to vote. I once paid nearly $200 in text messages to vote more times than I like to admit for Kelly Clarkson to win American Idol—for which I take complete credit and once told her in person. Suffice to say, I was thrilled when I saw on my Google Reader that the Council of Fashion Designers of America is giving out a Popular Vote Award this year! The only thing that could make this news better is if each of the nominees was forced to run a campaign: “Republicans for Rodarte!” “Yes Wu Can!”
Who is the Contemporary Contemporary Woman?
Submitted by Laura Thomas on Fri, 05/29/2009 - 16:12
I was over at my client Cynthia Steffe’s showroom last night prepping for a very important interview (stay tuned) when an interesting conversation began between myself, Creative Director Shaun Kearney, President of Sales & Marketing Annette Mathieu and VP of Communications Sasha Stiles. What is the contemporary women’s fashion market anyway these days?
Shaun, who is a Central Saint Martin’s grad and industry vet, commented that the contemporary market was all about “feminine, head-to-toe looks even a year ago.” But it couldn’t be less true a scant year later. Now, contemporary that sells is far more complex: Pretty, but tough. Feminine, but edgy. And those brands that are transitioning quickly are surviving while those who are not are shutting their doors.
The sch
olar in me can’t help but consider that the changing face of the women’s contemporary market reflects the changing face of women today. Shaun, a Brit, made a really interesting observation that when he travels to the UK he can barely tell that he’s left New York from the look of the women around him. Style seems to be far more global and far less local now than ever before, which makes sense. I can see what Alexa Chung is wearing on the streets of London hours after she leaves her flat thanks to my favorite blogs. I can buy gold jewelry from India from the comfort of my bed thanks to global marketplaces such as eBay
. And I travel globally for work and play several times a year—something my grandmother can’t really say.
From where I sit, the change in the women’s contemporary market is promising. It signals a change in the position and lifestyle of women everywhere. I like to think that I’m pretty, but tough. Feminine, but edgy. So bring on the leather jacket and the ruffled skirt. I’m ready, sister.
Sources: www.elleuk.com, www.zimbio.com