-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-

 Gucci F/W 2017 windows on Fifth Ave.

Five letters manifest a movement founded on a premise of power--first the situation, then the silence, and now empowerment to come forward. The predatory prominence of Harvey Weinstein predicates an outpouring of #MeToo and a comraderie through comisery. Yet beyond the American entertainment industry, different views between men and women continue to fuel controversial conversation (See this article on foreign policy.com). This week's windows at Gucci seems to fit the mood. Keep reading to see the rest...

THE REAL BUY @MILK GALLERY

 Milk Gallery and Trouble Andrew present The Real Buy @ 450 West 15th St.

Life is Gucci--slang for "Life is Good" rolls off the tongue of Trevor Andrew and onto tees and tiles that line the streets of NYC and beyond. Better known as "Trouble Andrew," the creator of GucciGhost (also a musician and former Olympic snowboarder) has "re-interpreted" the Gucci appeal with a sleek slogan and street-art spin on the classic double G's. Since being discovered by the brand in 2015, Trouble Andrew has been tapped to collaborate and proliferate his artwork, which has transformed from street art into swanky streetwear. Starting fashion week and spanning most of September, Milk Gallery hosts the Bed-Stuy based artist, as he brings his Brooklyn studio space to Manhattan. Keep reading to have a look inside... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Gucci Fifh Ave

What... happened? Though fairly general (and yet fiercely specific), the question begs for a descriptor of a subjectively positive or negative, intentional or accidental occurrence. This week's windows at Gucci, Fifth Ave. present a view into a luxury brand at the brink of breakthrough. A year after Alessandro Michele replaces Frida Giannini as Gucci's creative Director, the drama of the moment has been eclipsed with sweeping moderninity, bohemia and "romantic androgyny." Staid style has transitioned into a street-meets-Renaissance amalgamation where Michele confirms, "creativity has no rules." While still recognizable, the brand grew attitude and started taking stylistic limitations a little less seriously... and that's "what happened" at Gucci. Keep reading to have a closer look...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Gucci, Fifth Ave.

Often accused of workaholism, the drive to complete commitments hasn't waned with time. "The office" has become a puzzle of politics, personalities and pride. Professionalism has taken a back seat to prescribed perfection. Disagreements define destiny, along with the agreement that failure isn't an option. This week's windows at Gucci present a view of the 'working woman' with 70s appeal! Keep reading for more...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Gucci, Fifth Ave, NYC

When lightning fast becomes the pace of progress, hang onto humor to help you through. Springing forward sets back sleep schedules. Days disappear; weeks become blurred in expedited engagement. This week's windows at Gucci showcase sentiments of the semi-annual style cycle. Keep reading to see the rest...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Gucci, Fifth Ave

Walking wallflowers pepper the City with ethereal energy. Taking a humdrum approach to happiness, silent heroes hope to be heard and not seen. This week, the windows at Gucci Fifth Ave. invite us to stand up, blend in and make a statement. Keep reading to see this week's windows...

FOREVER NOW @ GUCCI MUSEO, FLORENCE, ITALY

Visit to the Gucci Museo in Florence, Italy 

Once upon a rags-to-riches experience, Guccio Gucci built a leatherworking business and transformed it into an empire with paramount recognition and multi-million dollar earnings. A trademark of Italian luxury, Gucci and its interlocking G's--the initials of its founder--reached a milestone anniversary in 2011. To commemorate 90 years of Italian pride, the Gucci Museo was established in Piazza Della Signora in Florence, both as a tribute to Gucci and as a means of interacting with the public. Emphasizing Gucci's philosophy of "Forever Now," the exhibit space articulates the history and evolution of the Gucci brand and its forté of "re-interpreting the creativity of the past as inspiration for future enterprise" [source: Museum brochure]. Though my closet does not contain Gucci, visiting the museum was a definite highlight of my trip to Italy (second, behind gelato and other consumables). Keep reading for more...

SERIOUS STRIDES IN SUSTAINABLE STYLE

Origami dress made (by me!) from an Anthropologie magazine page with instructions from ideasmag

For the most part, flavor-filled concoctions and mouth-watering desserts made with eye catching artistry can be more appealing than a handful of unsweetened fiber cereal or dirt-encrusted fruit. Given the choice, what style-minded maiden would opt to reach in the dirt for a raw root vegetable over being served the mesclun medley at a Michelin-star restaurant… just because it’s “better” (for the body and the environment)? Welcome to the world of sustainable fashion...