Bodysuit

Bodysuit photographed by the wonderful Armando Rafael + modeled by the beautiful Marianna

True Oasis: Prada, Marfa

Back in August, I went on an art extravaganza road trip with Steve. The idea was to fly to Houston, rent a car and drive through Texas, New Mexico and Arizona in ten days, while making pit stops at as many museums and exhibitions of some of our favourite artists. My favourite stop had to have been this Prada store in the middle of nowhere, between the cities of Marfa and Valentine, in Texas. It is literally plopped on the side of the "loneliest highway in the United States", miles away from any sort of civilization, so it's not very hard to miss! 

The "store" is a site specific, permanent land art project created in 2005 by artists, Elmgreen and Dragset. It is modeled after the typical Prada boutique and houses the Fall 2005 collection of handbags and shoes. Unfortunately, store hours are not very accommodating, as holidays, weekends and every other day in between, they are closed. PERMANENTLY!!! All those wonderful accessories so close, yet so far! I'm beginning to think it was built as one giant tease for all us fashion lovers. You've been driving hours and hours in the blistering hot Texas summer sun and in the distance you see the words "Prada"... is it an illusion?! NO! Can you get in? NO! 

There are a few shelves of shoes on the back wall and two display tables of handbags, and because of the incredibly bright sun, I was able to get some pretty trippy reflection shots.

The ever innovative house of Prada, does it again - like everything else they do - taking window shopping and destination shopping to a whole other level! A true oasis.

Peruvian Dolls

Speaking of dolls... I went on vacation in Peru in August, and ended up snapping a ton of shots of traditional hand-made dolls (along with purchasing a ton too many!). I've decided that you can never have too many dolls though, and if I'm going to start a collection, I need a variety, right?!

In any case, Peruvian dolls were definitely varied. Here are some shots:

Peruvian man doll wearing a chullo.

Dancer and and her pet llama.

Doll family!

I love the two shots above of the 'mother and child' dolls. 

These dolls are made out of burlap and stuffed with old newpaper.

Life size doll!

Dollyland Dreams

There is an overwhelmingly large time gap between my last post and this one due to busy schedules, holidays aaaaand... (you know, the usual excuses). My hiatus has come to an end just in time for fashion week and, more importantly, because HOLY SMOKES, I am so completely blown away by something I saw yesterday during Fashion's Night Out, that I have to share it...

Artist and illustrator Andrew Wang, the brilliant mind and hands behind The Kouklitas dolls, was present at Barneys for a special exhibition showcasing over thirty of his handmade rag dolls dressed in the latest fall fashions or posing as fashion icons.

Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington

The resemblance in appearance and personalities of these fashion icons is remarkable and their hand painted facial expressions are spot on. I instantly recognized the dolls of one of my favorite couples, "Rusabeledo", through the unique character that shines through their faces and outfits. Looks just like them!

Ruben and Isabel Toledo

There were even tribute dolls to Alexander McQueen...

...and dolls wearing miniature garments inspired by a variety of other designer's collections.

Nina Ricci

Céline, Rodarte, Proenza Schouler

Alaia

Marc Jacobs

The best part is, Andrew makes custom dolls. Now, who wouldn't want a 27" version of themselves complete with perfect skin tone and favourite outfit?!?!!!

Whereabouts...

I've been MIA. Resting. Relaxing. Taking a breather and turning off the old noggin for a little TLC in good old, calming SouthEast Asia. Precisely what I needed.

I've been back in NYC for almost a month yet my brain is still in vacay mode, even with the millions of projects that need to get done with impending deadlines. MILLIONS. I need a little magic from Mother Time here. The kinds of time for doing and not the kinds of time for procrastinating.

So, as I sit here and think a little about what I should be doing... why not post pics from VIETNAM?

... Unforgettable trip.

Rags in Rubble and Love

Egon Schiele's reckless allure + 'Grunge Era' attitude

= a knitwear collection by Angélique

Dark Stitches

After intensely working with knits for half a year, I have a new found love for the material.

Check out the sweater I designed. Chained Hooded Cardigan with braided knit tie, ribbed sleeves and ribbed hem trim.