The Creative Cookie

Upcycled Aprons, w/ Cookie!

I'm so excited about all the fashion camps and workshops that I'll be leading this summer! Here's the link to the Upcycled Apron class that I'll be teaching on Monday, June 18, and July 2, from 6:30pm-8:00pm at Brooklyn Brainery...unplug and hand sew with your favorite Cookie, xo!

The Creative Cookie Partners w/ Red Hook Fest

The Creative Cookie is one of many partners for this year’s Red Hook Fest on June 1st and 2nd presented by Dance Theatre Etcetera on the fabulous Red Hook Waterfront (yay!). kamau is the Festival Producer the theme for this year is Women’s Work: Healing Our Community. Drop by the Festival and stop by The Creative Cookie booth to see what we're up to:). 

Manhattan Vintage Show

The Manhattan Vintage Show is a two-day shopping extravaganza that draws celebrities, designers and the fashion savvy. For the past few years it's been a hot spot for me when seeking inspiration and shopping for unique vintage pieces. I almost purchased my wedding gown from a dealer at the show a few years back. There are many oldies but goodies to choose from!

This year's show dates fell, at the end of April, during the time while I was traveling. So, I asked Liza & Reina, a stylish mother daughter duo, to attend in my absence.

Check out some of their finds:

Reina in 1960's groovy shades with chain earring combo

1970's Silk Maxi Dress- to die for!

 

Eye candy from Olive's Very Vintage, Brooklyn NY

Yes, DROOOLING! 1970's Lizard and snake skin shoulder bag

More vintage eye candy -- we can never get enough - Dolce Gabana, Christian Dior, Bulgari, oh my! Duchess Arts & Antiques, NYC

Reina trying on a tiara from Olive's

Gloves & assorted broaches from Daybreak Vintage Clothing, Albany NY

photos: Liza Quinonez © 2012

Happy 10 Years, TranquiliT!

I'll be co-hosting TranquiliT's Spring launch with Julia Coney this Saturday (3/17) at Tranquil Space in DuPont Circle:). So, to all my friends & family in DC come out and see me, new designs, colors + vintage finds (we'll also have tea & yummy treats)! Hope to see you there. Love me in TranquiliT...

 

Essence Style 24/7

Last week I attended Essence Magazine's Style 24/7 breakfast celebrating New York Fashion Week. The event started so early that I practically slept in my clothes to be on time, but I'm glad I went. Held on the Strand Hotel's rooftop the posh affair featured a presentation of designer Mimi Plange's collection for fall, manicures by Ginger + Liz, and an ultra-glitzy Swarovski bracelet bar. In attendance were Essence Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Constance C.R. White, top fashion press, trendsetters, and of course, The Creative Cookie:).

It was a morning full of sunlight, robust coffee, and love. Here's a taste of what I saw:

photos: Lesley Ware © 2012

You can view more Essence related Creative Cookie posts here.

I'm still s l o w l y rolling out the Fashion Week coverage...stay tuned!

 

Don Oehl Artist Talk - video

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthy Food in Fashion fall gala

I'm drinking kale, carrot, and celery that I juiced as I write this post. I like eating healthy almost as much as I like fashion;).

So, I was intrigued to learn more about the efforts of the NY Coalition for Healthy School Food (NYCHSF) after picking up the Healthy Food in Fashion flier recently. Funds raised at the gala will support the plant-based work that the NYCHSF is implementing in schools statewide. I'm happy to support this worthy cause of helping students to become food- and health-savvy.

The gala will take place THIS evening at the New York Academy of Medicine. Guest will enjoy healthy food and drinks from 24 different vendors + see a 'green' fashion show!

Online ticketing is now closed but you may purchase a ticket at the door!

TranquiliT fall launch

To all my friends in DC. Be sure to check out the TranquiliT fall launch THIS Sunday at Tranquil Space in DuPont Circle. Tea, treats, and sustainable style will be served:).

OMG, look at me on the e-invitation! I ♥♥ the ruffled short & the caftan.

Creative Cookie artist talk w/ Don Oehl

I always find fall to be a highly creative, fun, and productive time. Sooo, in the spirit of the season, I'll be presenting and hosting an artist talk with an amazing fashion illustrator, Don Oehl at Clic Gallery & Bookstore in Manhattan this Sunday, October 2nd from 3p to 5pm.
 
Don Oehl's illustrations explore fashion, movement, shapes, and color—all with lots of whimsy. I'd LOVE it if you could join the fun and conversation. We'll have a fun photo booth provided by kamau studios and goodies from 16 Stone Vintage. Of course I'll have some updates to share too!

If you can attend, RSVP so we'll know how many cupcakes to bake:-).

Raul Penaranda: S/S 2012

One of the highlights for NY Fashion Week SS12 is being able to see several designers work over time. One of my favorite examples of this is Raul Penaranda  who I have interviewed last September and this September, I got to speak with him casually before his show. (I even sat next to his mother during the show :)

Honestly, by the time I got to Raul's show, I needed to see something different and he did not disappoint. I would be happy to wear everthing that came down the runway AND the production value made the work pop. There was a spotlight following the models as they graced the u-shaped catwalk. The DJ did his thing while we sat in pitch darkness, impressed by the fashion in the light. 

photos: kamau ware © 2011

New York Fashion Week SS12 Day 1: Tadashi Shoji & Fashion's Night Out

It's fashion week for Spring Season 2012 in New York. I'm excited about attending fashion shows and events to report what I see and love and the things that I'm not so sure about. This season is special - it marks the 1 year anniversary of New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center. Per usual, I'm looking to be inspired and have loads of fun....so here it goes!

This is the first time that I've been invited to see, Japanese designer, Tadashi Shoji's work. The inspiration for next season's collection is conveyed by photographer Ron van Dongen which pays tribute to the enchanting beauty and splendor of the tulip.

The collection was rich in color but not over saturated. I deeply admire Tadashi's ability to manipulate fabric into delicate 3-dimensional forms. The palette was very floral and included shades of fern, magnolia, rosebud, and willow. Tadashi is known for his use of exquisite fabrics. Silk linen, embroidered lace, and draped tulle are some of the choices incorporated. Also included are hand painted brush strokes to mirror the tulip’s petal markings. Some of my favorite pieces dripped with beads like dewdrops on a spring morning. I'm inspired by Tadashi's ability to play with the weight of fabric. Some pieces were very light while others were heavy and perfectly draped. Bravo!

one of the first looks on the runway from the collection

 

Tadashi Shoji, designer

After the show, I jumped on the Downtown B train to Second Time Around for our Fashion's Night Out Event. I had a blast yapping it up with our clients and customers while workin' with my girls, Tara and Ambria of Fashion Hunters  (airing October 4th on BRAVO). A good friend, DJ Sharri Sutton, had us dancing between racks and into the night. A cute dress, shopping, music, rosé, and good people -- what more could a Cookie want?

DJ Sharri & a guest serving up some Fashion's Night Out Fun

 

Ambria & our shirts and tops  

 

Tara & fun friends

 

 

Me & an art deco dress

 

Wilson & his signature pocket square

More NY Fashion Week coverage & photos soon...