The Current Exhibits at FIT Museum

Yesterday, I stumbled into the Museum at FIT to see the "Shoe Obsession" exhibit.  I do not consider myself to be among the shoe "obsessed", but as a sculptural exhibit, wow was it beautifully curated, and definitely food for creative thought.  While one extraordinary pair of shoes relentlessly called my name, I wandered the room, listening to the conversations people were having.  Amid the gasps and purrs, I heard "You'd need to have  a big, strong man next to you to walk in those shoes."  and "No... no... you can't buy them.  We're just looking at them.  No, there is nothing to buy here!"

What did I learn?  Above all, shoemaking is an engineering challenge.  You have to understand the anatomy of the foot, the balance points, and the motion of walking, running, and standing to create a show that actually works.  To give it beauty, on top of all of that effort?  Now, that's a feat!

My advice is to watch the video upstairs before seeing the exhibit, because it will help you to think differently before you enter.  This is an exhibit you can appreciate just on its surface, as in "Oh, look!  Pretty shoes!", and well as "Whoa.  Maybe those aren't just expensive shoes after all... Maybe they are works of art."  Either way, great for your brain and heart. Oh, and your pocket.  You can't buy them! or even try them on!

Not in New York?  Watch the slideshow.  Wanna see it? It closes this weekend, so hurry up!

There's a book, too!

Then, I stumbled upstairs to take a peek at the Fashion and Technology exhibit.  The name of this exhibit didn't inspire me, but I just thought I'd check it out.  And wow... Wow.  What I saw, was an amazingly well curated and explained collection of inspiration, design "magic", and innovation, that I was totally blown away.  Can't get to NYC?  See the the online version.

Fashion "will renew itself through technology, new fibers, new ways of making clothes.  Without risk, nothing changes the world."

-Ariele Elia and Emma McClendon, curators.

"Bravo!"

-Me

Every single time I decide that fashion is frivolous, silly, and I need to think about other things, I am re-energized by this amazing museum.  I think about how many exhibits there have just moved me practically to tears, and I am just thankful that they exist, educate, and remind me of the importance of this art form. I'm in.  Yes, I'm still in.

So... you wanted a better way to shop for fabric online...

Fabrics & Fabrics has launched a new website, and it is amazing.  You are literally among the very first to know. The photography is particularly great. Just visit, and you'll see. 

"Pantone-ology"

I like to consider myself ahead of the design and color curve, marching to the beat of my own drummer,  making the things that make me happy...

But ultimately, my color moods are likely influenced by the palette I find in the fabric stores, refelecting current and upcoming seasons.  Being "in fashion" isn't important to me, but, out of curiousity, I looked up the Pantone color forecast for spring 2013.  No longer a "forecast", as much as a "currentcast", with the exception of nectarine, the colors don't particularly speak to me.

But what does? Fall 2013, which is EXACTLY where I find myself now...

I am loving the idea of that deep, blood red as my new "neutral".  I would love some shoes that color.

Keep your eyes open for the upcoming post, showing this color and others in some new pieces I've recently made.

The scoop on the March 22 Speakeasy...

The blogosphere is full of "sneak peeks", "secrets", and "pssst... Look over here! Just for you" etc...

That approach has grown tiresome for me.  While I do a "Speakeasy" tour, for me the "pssst" factor is not a gimmick.  One thing about the garment district in general, is that the stores are constantly rotating inventory.  New things to see, new shipments of fabrics, new suppliers, vendors' fabulous scores on overseas buying trips, and new fabrics and notions to delight and excite you.

I do the research first, find out which stores have the fun offerings of the moment, see who is a good match within the mixture for each speakeasy trip, and avoid the obvious, most popular spots you can easily find on your own.

At the end of our time together, with hours left in the shopping day, I set you free with your own Speakeasy map, mentioning new finds, exciting finds, hard-to-finds, and more.

Every trip usually offers at least one or two celebrity sightings...  The most recent one offered a chance encounter with a sewing celebrity who stopped to chat, and a Project Runway contestant, shopping in one of our Speakeasy stops...

After lots of time spent scouting before the tour, I grabbed a couple of energetic folks to join me in an extra stop, that didn't fit within our pre-lunch timeframe... and oops, a bit of my own shopping.  I picked up a length of soft cotton fabric I couldn't resist.

Participants on the tours are free to take and share photos, as long as participants agree, but I am notoriously absorbed and averse to experiencing something this fun through a camera lens, so instead, I am extremely present for the tours, and deliriously happy doing them as a result. I hate seeing myself in "candids"... I am neither a supermodel, nor an everywoman, so I feel that I always stick out a bit in photos, and frankly, it weirds me out.

If you are a person for whom designer names often inspire shoulder shrugs, and you know what it is to dance to the beat of your own drummer, I already know you.  On the tour, we look at fabric that can be categorized as fancy, casual, textural, washable, etc.  All the stuff you care about...

While all are welcome, This recent tour had a wonderful blend of people creative and confident enough to just open themselves to what is fabulous, bringing their own ideas, plans, dreams, and patterns along for advice and consideration.

We topped off our visit to six fabric stores and one notions store with a great NYC prix fixe lunch (prepaid in the Speakeasy fee), and our fun Australian in the bunch got to try a knish! Offerings for any common dietary concerns (gluten free, vegetarian, etc.) are on the menu, with no extra charge.

After the tour, I shared my growing secret speakeasy list... which is not of value if you don't come, and have a conversation regarding the things that interest you specifically, since I suspect it would just become an endless list for you otherwise...

I do try to make money by doing the tour, since it is meant to be a profitable thing after all.  But I confess... after all was said and done on this one, did I spend as much as I earned?  Yes...

Scowling... And it was worth every *bleepin* dime.

So, where did we go?  I'll tell you soon (after the next tour), since some are doing such exciting things, we may need to visit them on the next one, too!

The next Speakeasy is April 12.  No others are planned right now, but I will add future dates soon, as my schedule permits.

Note: I will be adding a May 24, 2013 speakeasy date shortly.  Memorial Day weekend, FYI.

So... let's say you're coming to visit New York...

Short post for the non-New Yorkers!

If you are traveling here from out of town, there are affordable places to stay. Really!  Now that someone has taken the time to write an entire article about it, I can just share the link with you, and you can make your New York City Garment District Tourism dream a reality!

March 22 Speakeasy Tour

March 22 Speakeasy... 

The purpose of a Speakeasy tour is twofold sixfold...

It exposes you to the merchants you might not otherwise find on your own, unless you begin your own personal exhaustive research.

and...

It exposes those fantastic merchants and their wonderful products to you.

Oh... and you can shop in an energetic, fabric-loving group.

Oh... and you can have a great route mapped out for you already.

Oh... and you can have a great lunch.

Oh... and things I can't tell you here.

That's why it's a "speakeasy".

Shhhhh....

I'm excited to see all of you who have registered on Friday!

Fabric store binge!

Yesterday, I took a client on a private tour of the garment district, showing her the best places for the kinds of things she loves.  While we could have spent a week visiting stores that would have delighted her, we settled on a specifically curated (by me) selection of stores, which she adored.  I, for one, felt like a fabricaholic in a sea of temptation... but I resisted the urge to splurge, just deciding on a few things I will be picking up after the snowy weekend passes... Yeah, I know... stop it - you're not the boss of me!

I've had quite a bit of coffee today... can you tell?

First off, I have to tell you that B&J Fabrics (reviewed not once, but TWICE on this blog, but could use an even FRESHER take now) has a KILLER assortment of printed cottons going on right now.  The colors will make you swoon.  As always, some will really challenge you bank account, but there is also a healthy amount of affordable goodness there, too.  Just dig in, and you'll see! (Note: Don't start on the walls and hangers.)

B&J Fabrics - March 7, 2013

B&J Fabrics March 7, 2013

B&J Fabrics, March 7, 2013

We also stopped into Royal Fabrics.  While not one of my usual haunts, we were lured in by the windows, featuring a beautiful  cotton lacey 1960's inspired... I dunno what you'd call it. Very cool though.  Cue Goldie Hawn and some go-go boots, and we're on! All kidding aside, they really do have some very pretty things.

Spandex House.  Need I say more?  If you want to make a swimsuit, this is where you go for your fabric. The colors, variety, prices and quality are fantastic, so that one was a no-brainer.

DIY Fabrics for home dec fabulousness.  I am almost certain the sign on the store read "DIY", and I've even called it "DIY" myself, but I think their business card or something may have read "Day to Day"  In any case.  This post, and the one it is linked to, will still get you to the proper place on the planet.

Mokuba Ribbon.  A deep sigh.  I have written an article in the current Vogue Patterns Magazine about this land of wonder.  An audible sigh was heard from my client as she explored the beauty of their offerings.  Don't just look.  Touch.  You'll be a believer.

SIL Thread.  Because they have plenty of what you need when it comes to thread, among other things.

Panda - Because they have lots of supplies and tools people need.

Daytona Trimming - Because I've been going there since I was little, and it feels like home to me. I love their old-fashioned approach to business, and that they've got all the swim cup sizes, and crazy-wide elastic!

Steinlauf & Stoler - Because they have quite a range of interfacing types.  I buy my muslin and pattern paper there, too.

Joyce - Because they are all kinds of awesome! And they have all of the handbag stuff, swimwear D-rings and cool closures, feathers, and leather trims.

Metro fabrics - with a deep sigh.  Right now... and I mean RIGHT NOW. The texture and sheen of some of the new fabrics he's got are awesome.  Ask Kashi to show you the new turquoise silk... He'll know what you mean.  Heaven... Also, look at the dotted/spotted pearl shade of silk that looks like a home dec fabric or a jacket.  Absolutely to die!

Fabrics & Fabrics (formerly Lace Star) - Psst... Just take  a gander at the printed silks right now. Oh, and EVERYTHING ELSE!

So, yes.  We squeezed that into ONE day, and it was a FLOOD of information and inspiration.  We both loved every minute of it, though.

I haven't been pushing the Speakeasy tours lately, since both are nearly at capacity now, but you may still inquire, or ask to be notified about any trips to be planned for later dates.