-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Choices Choices... at Harney & Sons, Soho, NYC

Messages on "living life to the fullest" are on trend for summer (and pride month). Coach brings to NYC its Life Coach popup and assorted ateliers market their merchandise with inspirational quotes and quips--spotlighting strength, inclusion and success. This week's windows at Harney & Sons carry the conversation. Foster freedom and let love loose. In the mean time, have a look at this week around NYC...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Gucci windows at 55th and 5th with dynamic video in the background

Both Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain were "successful" public figures with signature empires and adoring fans. What happened? While suicide remains a deeply personal decision--unintelligible to most, I understand the premise of deep-rooted hurt; I've been there. Watching The Staircase this weekend, the subject of the mini-series, Michael Peterson declares, "I can't share my experience for the last 8 years with anybody-they wouldn't understand it. They have no way of knowing what that means. I could say, 'well.... I was in prison for 8 years.' People could say, 'oh.... that must have been terrible.'  It was.... No matter what I tell you can make you understand that or realize that. And so therefore, your world is very different from everybody else's world..." This week's windows at Gucci project support and solidarity; be reminded that someone you know may be suffering in silence. Take a minute to text someone a hearty hello; it may change their world... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Photos by Leila Jeffreys (in association with Olsen Gruin Gallery) in the windows of Bergdorf Goodman, 58th St

Self expression is an anomaly, strengthened by empowerment and dimmed by doubt. Despite the deluge of self help services, sometimes absolution is as easy as an open mind. Art is therapeutic, illustrative, provoking; try it as a medium of communication this week! Leila Jeffreys bird photos in the windows at Bergdorf's closes out NYC x Design this week. Keep reading for a peek inside at a look at sights over the past 2 weeks... 

-WEEKEND WINDOWS-

'Untitled' Installation by Hannah Levy at Bergdorf Goodman 5th Ave. NYC

Design influences, inspires, incites. In pursuit of a creative career some 20 years ago, the thrill of creating, educating and visually articulating... boasted promise. While, "art" signifies a piece of work meant to invoke a feeling or thought (sometimes confusion!), "design" prompts a creative conceptualization and communication process; there's something unduly satisfying in translating ambiguity into tangible, relatable reality. In honor of NYC x Design (May 11-23), have a look at the window installations at Bergdorfs featuring installations by Hanna Levy, Hayden Dunham and Lena Henke...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Mulberry, Soho, NYC

Some days, I miss simplicity. Other days, I embrace the complexity of life's challenges that goad me to think outside the box. Life hasn't been easy. It hasn't been terrible. It's just been slightly abnormal and measurably uncomfortable. When "Living Plan B" becomes BAU, you learn to embrace change and roll with the punches while furnishing a "forever ok" facade. It's taxing, but certainly a respectable lesson in strength and endurance. I don't think I'm a "better" person because of it--definitely a bolder one. That said, enjoy the Windows at Mulberry, Soho this Wednesday and come back for a peek at the MET's Heavenly Bodies exhibit later this week... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Windows at ETRO, Soho NYC

One of my best friends passed recently. Figured that I'd share the remarks I presented at her memorial this past weekend:

As we travel through life, there are people that we're naturally drawn to, be it their well-spoken words, common interests, a fancy flair of fashion or just the way they smile. These people join our network, a few enter our inner circle, and the lucky ones secure a spot as a best friend, spouse or lifelong companion. Keep reading for more...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

 Moschino, Soho NYC

The endless appeal of Hallmark Hall of Fame movies rides in a formulaic fairytale where individuals meet--happenstance--and fall in love. While the road to redemption is often wrought with drama (as required for storyline), the "happily ever after" never fails to tug at heart strings. Growing up awestruck by the allure of love, happiness, and chance meetings, I always wonder what the cards will bring next. While the road less traveled hasn't been easy, I'm saving hope in 'the future.' Here's to health and happiness in the months ahead... 

LA FRONTERA: ENCOUNTERS ALONG THE BORDER @MAD MUSEUM

Son Necesarias las Fronteras (2013) by Iacov Azubel (Argentina)

Serving as a catalyst of socio-political conversation, the subject of the MAD's current jewelry exhibit fossilizes the hope and devastation that America's southern frontier represents. La Frontera: Encounters along the Border presents a view into the "complex physical, economic, cultural, social and emotional landscape of human interaction" [MAD Press Release] experienced at the most frequently crossed border in the world. Forty Eight artisans across the globe interpret the inspirations and aspirations of Mexicans, Central Americans and American citizens who interact with the Border between the U.S. and Mexico. Keep reading for a look inside...

LOOT 2018 @ MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN NYC

 Neckpiece by Gian Luca Bartellone

Spotless glass cases carry the "loot" of 35 of the world's most innovative jewelry designers. Unlike the strands of sparkles at Cartier or Tiffany's, the spread at the Museum of Arts and Design's LOOT: MAD About Jewelry takes the conceptual "statement piece" on an artistic adventure. Representing 15 countries, this year's curated selection of contemporary art jewelry brings together an assorted aesthetic with emphasis on non-traditional materials (e.g. 3D printed nylon, safety pins, crocheted textiles, bicycle tires and more). Offering celebrated artists a "public platform for their creative practice" this is MAD's 18th year of being true to its commitment of presenting jewelry as an art form. Keep reading for a peek inside...

IDEAS GET DRESSED: WORKS BY ZAC POSEN, MANOLO BLAHNIK, ROLAND NIVELAIS, RAQUEL DAVIDOWICZ and GEOVA RODRIGUES

Eva by Geova Rodrigues at Sapar Contemporary's exhibit Ideas get Dressed 

Starting out in solitary suspension, inspired ideas materialize into thought-turned-tangible triumphs of design. Whether napkin drawings, formal sketches or direct-on-mannequin draping, fashion designers engage in a ritualistic conjuring of creativity with each new collection. From initial vision to conceptual clarity, the precursor to perfection is a uniquely individualized prepatory process. In an intimate exploration of the drafting of daydreams, Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer (granddaughter of Audrey Hepburn) embarks on her first solo curatorial endeavor, Ideas Get Dressed: Works by Zac Posen, Manolo Blahnik, Raquel Davidowicz, Roland Nivelais, Sara Zielinski and Geova Rodrigues at SAPAR Contemporary in Tribeca. Keep reading for a look inside...