ART//Salon 94 Bowery
Salon 94 Bowery is the newest space to add to the Salon 94 family. Like Salon 94 Freemans, it is an amazingly quirky space. We love Salon 94 Freemans on that small alley in the Lower East Side with its exposed beams and other worldly feeling, tucked away in a very un-New York block. The grittiness of that space is only amplified in the new Bowery location which literally has no door and you can see the drywall, well drying. It was truly a different kind of raw space with a totally exposed ceiling with bundles of wires and harsh lighting and not in that fake “rustic” way. It was a space completely devoid and devoted to art– a real blank canvas. We love the space. While the new gallery location debuted in May, tonight was the first time we went to check out for the opening of the Liz Cohen – Trabantimino.
via salon94.com
STYLE//Home Decor: Tiles & Tabletop from Lubna Chowdhary
I am officially obsessed with every item Lubna Chowdhary has to offer. Her tiles and hotplates are amazing but if I had to choose one item I could afford to buy, it would be one of her containers. It probably sounds a bit odd, being so into a container, but once you see these you’ll understand.
They fall into the category of pretty, white, decorative objects I find myself constantly collecting but at the same time add a shot of color into any space. If I didn’t already store all of my spices in Mason Jars I think I’d store them in these beauties! Find more info about Lubna and her work here.
STYLE//The Right Way to Embellish an Envelope: Jewel Tape
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again; I have such a weak spot for gorgeous print products these days! So it’s only fitting that I share with you my latest find via Design Sponge this week, Jewel Tape.
I love this tape and when I read that the creator had lined the edges of a wall in her home with it I actually considered it for a brief moment until I remembered that I’ve already filled my apartment with loads of girly things and understandably, I think this would just put the boyfriend over the edge. Thus I’m sure I’ll find another purpose to excuse buying tape from overseas. We were discussing the idea of potentially creating some custom Aroc Urtu tape with our stones for packaging purposes. Thoughts?
Oh, and the tape can be ordered from nonesuch things – a site that carries many other lovely items.
ART//Fall Museum Round Up
It’s time to check out the museum shows coming up this fall. We are particularly excited to see the Abstract Expressionist show at MoMA and John Baldessari at The Met.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
John Baldessari: Pure Beauty
October 20-January, 2011
Baldessari (b. 1931, National City, California) turned from an early career in painting toward photographic images that he combined with text, using the freeways, billboards, and strip malls of Southern California as his frequent sources. In his groundbreaking work of the late 1960s, he transferred snapshots of banal locales around his hometown onto photo-sensitized canvases and hired a sign painter to label them with their locations or excerpts from how-to books on photography.
Check out the video of the artists via metmuseum.org
Abstract Expressionist New York
October 3-April 25, 2011
Drawn entirely from the Museum’s vast holdings, Abstract Expressionist New York underscores the achievements of a generation that catapulted New York City to the center of the international art world during the 1950s, and left as its legacy some of the twentieth century’s greatest masterpieces.
Check out Roberta Smith’s review for The New York Times here.
Jackson Pollock. Number 1A, 1948.1948. Oil and enamel paint on canvas, 68" x 8' 8" (172.7 x 264.2 cm). Purchase. © 2010 Pollock-Krasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York via moma.org
Modern Life: Edward Hopper and his time
Modern Life: Edward Hopper and His Time traces the development of realism in American art between 1900 and 1940, emphasizing the diverse ways that artists depicted the sweeping transformations in urban and rural life that occurred during this period. The exhibition highlights the work of Edward Hopper, whose use of the subject matter of modern life to portray universal human experiences made him America’s most iconic realist painter of the 20th century.
Edward Hopper 1882-1967, South Carolina Morning, 1955. Oil on canvas, 30 9/16 × 40 1/4 in. (77.63 x 102.24 cm) Frame 38 1/8 × 48 1/8 in. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Given in memory of Otto L. Spaeth by his Family 67.13 © Whitney Museum of American Art, NY. via Whitney.org
STYLE//Fall Wrap Up: Ash&Dans
When one of my friends from high school and another friend from a long ago and faraway teen tour teamed up to form the design duo behind Ash&Dans, I was anything but surprised. After living together as roommates all through college it was obvious that the girls were a perfect fit on every level – they get along fabulously, work well together, and share the same eye for accessories! After spending three full days working side by side at our Aroc Urtu + Ash&Dans pop-up shop this summer in East Hampton, I wondered how it had taken me this long to hit them up for an interview.
I’m so impressed with how Ashley & Danielle have grown their business from a few scarves sewn in their living rooms to an entire line with 40+ store accounts. Their advice was incredibly helpful to me in working on Aroc Urtu and hopefully it will be for all of you out there aspiring to launch your own business as well!
the gamine: What sparked the idea to start a line of scarves?
ash&dans: We have both always been obsessed with scarves, even before they were the “it” accessory. In college, a large portion of our closets were dedicated to scarves- we even had hanging shoe racks filled with rolled scarves. After college, when decided we wanted to start a business together, we knew that in order to find an entry into the competitive fashion world we would have to fill a very specific niche that was underdeveloped.
There were very few companies, if any, that were specializing exclusively in scarf design. We wanted to create a collection of comfortable yet dressed-up scarves embellished with the latest trends- lace, leather, feathers, fringe- a way to wear what’s “in” without going overkill on the trend. Of course, not everyone understood our concept at first; people thought it was such a random idea. But we knew it was perfect because there was space in the market for us and boutiques were attracted to our line because it was different than anything else out there.
We also felt that it was smart to start a line of scarves because we were beginning right as the recession was worsening. People were shopping less, or if they were shopping, they weren’t buying entire outfits. We noticed that if women were going to spend money that they were spending it on accessories. We knew our scarves could be that one new piece women were adding to their wardrobe: something versatile and special, something that could add style and sophistication to a variety of outfits they already owned without breaking the bank.
tg: With neither of you having gone to school to specifically study fashion, how hard has it been to teach yourselves the ins and outs of the industry?
a&d: It’s been a wonderful learning experience! We have matured and grown as designers and entrepreneurs tremendously over the past two years. That’s one of our favorite things about having our own business- we love to educate ourselves and soak up everything we can about the business side of the fashion industry.
Although we didn’t have what you would call “conventional” fashion training, we have both had experience in the fashion world that has contributed to our fashion education. Ashley was a pro with a sewing machine since she was a little girl. She would take any t-shirt, sweater, anything she could get her hands on and redesign it to fit her style. She also enrolled in a costume design class in college, studying costume history and pattern making. Danielle also had her foray into the fashion world before starting ash&dans, interning for Diane von Furstenberg for two summers where she learned the ins and outs of fashion merchandising.
tg: you recently developed some pieces outside of what has become the identifiably ash&dans product, scarves. Your one shoulder slouchy t’s and dresses and chain accented cardis look great! can we expect to see the line continue to grow with more clothing?
a&d: Thanks so much! We love our clothing, and we definitely want to continue including special pieces in our collections even though we are focusing primarily on accessories now. A lot of the clothing we design we consider “accessory” pieces- unique pieces that add the same extra oomph as our embellished scarves. We have some really cute tanks and cardigans for spring 2011, specialty pieces that tie in with our scarves for the season. It’s all very ethereal.
tg: are there any great new pieces that you are especially excited about?
a&d: We love what we are currently showing for Fall- especially the luxurious crushed velvet tube scarves backed in jersey. The gem toned velvet tubes flatter everyone we’ve seen them on- they bring out the color in their eyes and the flush in their cheeks, a definite bonus as we enter the drab, pale winter season.
For spring, we are super excited about the “Essie” double hang scarf with pearl and a gold antique button. It’s amazing- layered sheer materials that can be worn 5 ways. You’ll have to stay tuned to see it…
tg: if you had to live the rest of your life with only one scarf – which one would it be?
a&d:
Danielle: I could live in the “Sadye”: our oversized, open-bottom bias cut ivory lace scarf backed with camel jersey that is part of our current Fall collection. It gives off the illusion of layered scarves, so it’s twice as nice. It is so luxurious and yummy, I could sleep in it. On a recent trip to Paris, I didn’t take it off for more than five minutes and got compliments all over the city.
Ashley: I could live the rest of my life in the “Leah” leopard velvet infinity with black jersey. Animal print is so hot right now, but it’s also timeless. You always need to have at least one good animal print piece in your wardrobe. There is nothing chicer than throwing on a black outfit with a pop of leopard. But I love mixing and matching patterns and textures- I love even rocking it with color. I’ll be able to wear this scarf forever.
tg: you guys have managed to get into 40 + store in just over a year . I think it’s safe to say you’re doing something right! Do you have any advice for other young, budding designers out there?
a&d:We feel extremely fortunate with the success we’ve experienced thus far. In just two years we’ve been picked up by over 40 boutiques, including Henri Bendels, Bloomingdales and Harvey Nichols. In the past year, we’ve began to infiltrate the international market, which we’re super excited about. We’re now sold in Tokyo, Bahrain and Dubai. One thing about us- we are never complacent with ourselves. While are happy with our success we constantly want to keep growing, learning, pushing ourselves and getting into more stores.
Our advice to young, budding designers: if you have a unique idea, follow your dream. There are a lot of creative people and good ideas out there, but if you don’t have the drive and charisma, you can make it happen. You have to be willing to put yourself out there and face rejection. You know your idea is brilliant, but not everyone will think so, and that’s ok. You just need to believe in yourself and your product.
Since the moment we came up with the idea to start our own accessories line we have been dedicated 110% to our company. You need the commitment, drive and creativity to make it work. Most people don’t understand how much work goes into starting your own company. The successful entrepreneurs are the ones who do understand and don’t give up.
THANKS ASH&DANS! Be sure to check out their new collection here (or at one of their many retailers) and scroll down for images of some of their latest pieces.
STYLE//The Perfect Tote: Rennes + Ilana
I love these hand dyed totes from Rennes + Ilana and how each one is slightly different. I especially love the denim colored one with the saddle brown leather and think it would be perfect this Fall for toting around all of my notebooks and Aroc Urtu samples (more on Aroc Urtu progress later!).
(all images via Rennes + Ilana)
STYLE//The Right Way to Address an Envelope: MaeMae Paperie
Right now I’m really into personalized stationary products. I have this romantic notion that I’ll start handwriting letters to people if I have the right stationary, stamps, and pens. I plan on investing in this sweet little initial stamp to get my collection of letter writing materials started (and to stamp all over EVERYTHING I can get my hands on). If only I could stamp all of my emails too…
(stamp via MaeMae Paperie – click here to purchase)
LIFE//Love, Loss and What I Wore
This post is actually a combination of life, art and style. We saw Nora and Delia Ephron’s “Love, Loss and What I Wore” off Broadway and it is funny, cheeky, sad, honest and overall worth seeing. It is like Chicken Soup for the Middle Age Woman’s Soul and we enjoyed it even though we are of the quarter life set. Five woman sit on a bare stage and recount stories of their families, clothing, and relationships. It is predictably irreverent and could be benefit from being less cliched. But it is thoroughly entertaining and the intimate theater makes it seem like you are talking to friends. Best part: Stacy London from What Not To Wear in currently in the cast!
via lovelossonstage.com
STYLE//Fall’s Lace-Up Booties
So here at the gamine we believe in trends and for fall we need a pair of lace-up booties. We found a great deal of inspiration and some affordable pairs. Let us know if you find some…
See by Chloe Wedge Lace Up Booties, $408 via shopbop.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs, $350 via piperlime.com
Rag & Bone, Odval Desert Wedge, $450 via rag-bone.com
And the affordable options:
CO-OP Barneys New York Lace Up Ankle Boot on sale for $159 but only in size 6 via Barneys.com
Kelsi Dagger Fortune $120 via piperlime.com
ART//How Low Can You Go? Editioned Prints at 20 x 200
So we have lived in our loft for over a year now and there is still one sad, bare wall. And with the changing of the seasons (happy last day of summer, by the way) we have just realized exactly how much time has passed since we last decorated! With a big wall and a small budget you have to get creative. 20 x 200 could possibly be our savior! 20 x 200, a Jen Bekman project, is a small gallery and BIG website that makes art affordable…like starting at $20 affordable.
According to their website,
We introduce at least two new editions a week: one photo and one work on paper. Most are available in three or four sizes. When we first launched, the smallest size was reprinted in the largest batch — an edition of 200 — and sold at the lowest price — $20. Hence the name 20×200. (We say it: “twenty by two-hundred.” 200×20 just didn’t sound as good.) We also offer 11″x14″ editions of 500 for $50, 16″x20″ editions of 20 for $200, 20″x24″ editions of 50 for $500, 24″x30″ editions of 10 for $1,000 and 30″x40″ editions of 2 for $2,000. We may occasionally offer editions at other sizes and price points. Usually, the original artwork is also available so let us know if you want the one-and-only!
Check out some of our favorites here and maybe our wall will be full and happy soon!
Sugarcoat by Michelle Hinebrook via 20x200.com
Ideal Bookshelf 6, GW by Jane Mount via 20x200.com
Untitled (I'm an island of such great complexity) by Mike Monteiro via 20x200.com
Winter Flags (East Village, New York) by Youngna Park via 20x200.com
