CUTTING EDGES: ISRAELI FASHION & DESIGN

Cutting Edges: Israeli Fashion & Design at the JCC Manhattan

Once stricken by civil unrest and a variable identity, Israel's political rhetoric has come to the forefront of design on fashion's global stage. As Israeli sentiment progresses, growing interpretations of nationalism are powerfully evident in the materials and methodology adopted by Israeli designers. Drawing from inspirational themes "Nature," "Free Form," "Craftsmanship," "Beauty and Brutalism," "Urban Jungle" and "Challenging Identity," Cutting Edges: Israeli Fashion & Design presents a view into the diversity, community and identity of contemporary Israeli fashion. Thirty designers are represented in the bifurcated display, curated by Keren Ben-Horin and set in the lobby of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Keep reading for more...

-WEEKEND WINDOWS-

 Banana Republic Rockefeller Center

Semantics sell... 

How much more enticing is 'a mouthful of silky decadence' than plain 'chocolate candy.' Similarly, 'generously proportioned' and 'fun sized' seem more palatable than "big" or "small." While attending a charity fundraiser Tuesday night, young philanthropists speak about giving to the 'poor' and 'marginalized.' The targeted generosity to those "less fortunate" is commendable, but what would make it more dignified? Sympathy or sharing? Are we equals or are there 'lesser'? Keep reading to see Banana Republic's Rock Center windows...

INSPIRING BEAUTY: 50 YEARS OF EBONY FASHION FAIR

Opening wall of Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair at the George Washington University Textile Museum

At a time when society supported segregation, Ebony Magazine founder John H. Johnson and wife, Eunice W. Johnson, afforded people of color an unexpected gateway to fashion. Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair at The George Washington University Textile Museum summarizes five decades of Fashion Fair, the cultural extravaganza that brought designer clothing to African American audiences. The exhibit, with stunning life-like mannequins donning relatable pieces by still-relevant designers, highlights how the essence of black beauty fared in the challenging climate of a Jim Crow society. Keep reading to see more...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Moschino + Transformers capsule collection

Happy Birthday, USA. Another year, another president, another archive of memories made. With symbolic vigilance, Americans align around women, LGBT equality, refugees, and immigrants. Solidarity sings a shared song of acceptance and 'freedom.' This week's windows at Moschino showcase the Moschino + Transformers capsule collection; to me, it's  representative of modern-day Americana--the drama, the plot, (the product placement!), love + loss + lies... man vs. machine... and the entertainment industry--all in one franchise. Keep reading to see more of this week's windows...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Moncler, Soho // Preview of the Fall/Winter Collection: Moonray

Robots are re-fashioning retail. From the spray painting robots on Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 1999 runway to Chanel's chic model-bot mannequins, technology has embedded itself in fashion. Beyond tech wearables (think Google Glass, fitbit, Nike self-tying sneakers) and innovation in manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing and laser-cutting), Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly tapped to trend customer behavior and create competitive advantage. Videos, thermal imaging software and accelerometers are part of a new crop of retail technology that capture and analyze consumer cravings. Creepy or creative--what do you think? While you debate, have a look at Moncler's F/W Moonray windows--Remember when the moon landing was technology's next big thing?....

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Anthropologie, Rockefeller Center

A mini skull scepter rests between the jaws of a jeweled salamander, serving as the silver handle that transforms an ordinary "bag" into a Masterpiece. My recent bargain basement acquisition--a Spring 2015 Red Salamander Alexander McQueen knuckle duster--satiates a decade-long curiosity of what it would be like to own a high society handbag. Beyond the 'brand,' product design and craftsmanship commands as much elitist discernment as the targeted clientele. Luxe products have long fascinated--with lavish embroidery on bespoke dresses, deep interpretations of thought applied onto wearables and bulletproof hardware with extravagant detailing. While impeccable styling + fast fashion works just fine, there's an embedded 'extra' in luxe product, apparent on even the simplest of pieces. Having grown up in an era of hand-me-downs and the side-hustle, I respect both the artistry and the price associated with exclusivity. Keep reading for this week's windows at Anthropologie, showcasing the balance between art and style...

CACTUS DE CARTIER

 Beautiful Cactus de Cartier rooftop lounge at the Fifth Avenue Flagship (on a rainy day)

Opulent 'out-of-reach' luxury paired with tight security often marks Cartier as less inviting, when compared to Fifth Avenue counterparts. Yet since a dramatic re-opening of its Fifth Ave. flagship in September 2016, the fine jeweler has been strategically successful in connecting with new and diverse clientele. This month, Cartier invites the general public onto its rooftop for cocktails and to view a curated selection of its Cactus de Cartier collection. Keep reading for a look inside...

MASTERS JEFF KOONS x LV

Masters: Louis Vuitton x Koons pop up

$790 Million for the Mona Lisa may be perceived as outlandish, especially in an age of rampant reproductions. Fortunately--for a fraction of the cost--fine art is now portable, bathed in history and wrapped in luxurious sophistication. Honoring the artistic greats of all time, Jeff Koons and Louis Vuitton pair to produce a collection featuring mysterious 'Mona' and recognizable masterpieces from da Vinci, van Gogh, Reubens, Titan and Fragonard. Presenting a 'new context for old Masters,' Girl with Dog, Mona Lisa, The Tiger Hunt and A Wheatfield with Cypresses reface Speedy, Keepall, Neverfull, Zippy and other classic LV silhouettes. In lieu of walking into a retail store, experience styles from Masters: LV x Koons up close at the NYC pop-up at 655 Madison Ave. (60th St. and Madison Ave.) until July 31st. Keep reading for a look inside...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Jeff Koons x Louis Vuitton Masters windows at Fifth Ave and 57th St.; Rubens' The Tiger (1615-1616)

Fascinating reads this week: Why I Risked My Life to Drive in Saudi Arabia and Why I Risked My Life to Photograph an Assassin--both happenstance in the wait for public transit. The experiences of others begs the question, "would I have done the same?" and inspires a proclivity towards the 'strong independent woman' mindset. This week's windows at Louis Vuitton echo the sentiment of 'going bold' with a new take on old art. Keep reading for more and stay tuned for my post on the Jeff Koons x LV collaboration and pop-up...

BREAKFAST IN BED WITH @THESTAYCATIONERS

Breakfast with the Staycationers, hosted by Céline Bossart of Taste the Style at the Garret East

Sunday Funday starts off lazy, soon escalating into an epic pajama party at The Garret East. Breakfast (bagels + booze) hosted by Céline Bossart and The Staycationers serves up the perfect situation for a sunny East-side Sunday. City-based staycationers in sleepwear stop in to sip on champagne + rosé supplied by Ruffino and snack on Blackseed Bagels. A large Helix bed with Loomstead sheets serves as the backdrop for photos and sampling at the the back of the bar. Makeup artists from NOMI Beauty are stationed near the door to primp and prime guests on their way in...or out. Keep reading to see some snaps of the event...