Must See...Inventing Abstraction at MoMA

"In 1912, in several European cities, a handful of artists—Vasily Kandinsky, Frantisek Kupka, Francis Picabia, and Robert Delaunay—presented the first abstract pictures to the public.Inventing Abstraction, 1910–1925 celebrates the centennial of this bold new type of artwork, tracing the development of abstraction as it moved through a network of modern artists, from Marsden Hartley and Marcel Duchamp to Piet Mondrian and Kazimir Malevich, sweeping across nations and across media. The exhibition brings together many of the most influential works in abstraction’s early history and covers a wide range of artistic production, including paintings, drawings, books, sculptures, films, photographs, sound poems, atonal music, and non-narrative dance, to draw a cross-media portrait of these watershed years." (MoMA exhibition notes) Roberta Smith's review of the exhibit for the New York Times is particularly brilliant.

The Creatives: An Interview with Christina Tyler

Christina Tyler of Madewell was one of the best shop-keeps around for a brand that has easy cool written all over it! It is my go to source for tees and tops and I absolutely love that they have partnered with Sessun, See by Chloe, H by Hudson and hard to find Attic and Barn that makes the most gorgeous retro patterned silk blouses.  Quick with a smile and spot on fashion advise, I had come to trust her eye for fit and fabric, along with the way she championed the individual in every Madewell gal. Currently working in the Home Department of Urban Outfitters at their Philadelphia corporate offices, I caught up with her recently for a Creatives Post.

What are your predictions for trends in the New Year?

Camo is having a MAJOR resurgence this year, I can feel it already! Army green and canvas jackets have been everywhere, but I think we’re going to see a smattering of modern camo prints on everything from bags to jackets and denim, you name it!

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I can’t say I have them very often… I just get fashion-excited when fashion week hits and looks come down the runway that I never knew I needed! I mean, 3.1 Philip Lim’s tribute to punk rock 90s vibes? And Dries Van Noten’s light & airy grungey plaids? LOVE!

What is your favorite High brand, low brand? How do you mix high and low?

I’m obsessed with Richard Chai, Philip Lim, Band of Outsiders, and I’m loving the Rochas revival! I mostly shop at Madewell, J. Crew, Free People, and Urban Outfitters, and try to emulate the looks I love most on the runways with what I have. Work with whatcha got, ya know?

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

I’m lucky enough to work in an environment that has no dress code, so you can always find me in a pair of skinny jeans and biker boots and a few layers on top. Chambray, all the way! 

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

I love the drape circle & barre drape necklaces… I used to be really into statement jewelry, but I’ve recently discovered an appreciation for all things dainty, and these guys are the right mix of tough/industrial and delicate!

Who are your style icons?

Marina Munoz is the ultimate. She has an impossibly cool style and manages to look super feminine and sexy while living in menswear. Taylor Tomasi Hill is an obvious choice, but I love her bold color choices and silhouettes… and that she can rock some high tops with a tulle Comme des Garcons skirt! I also love Jenna Lyons, Caroline de Maigret, and Ada Kokosar.

What I love about...March

Ilsa Loves Rick at Nickey Kehoe in Sunny LA

I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available at the Nickey Kehoe  on Beverly Blvd in LA.   Stop by to pick up a Wrap cuff in 72% Dark, Terra, or Smoke. Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe merged their design backgrounds in early 2004 forming the partnership of Nickey · Kehoe, Inc. This duo splits their time and energy between running a design firm focused on residential and commercial projects and the retail shop which houses their vintage finds, private label products and a selection of handpicked goods from around the world.

About a Girl...An interview with Anna Hallahan

Anna is a high school junior, an excellent photographer, and a really fast runner.

What gets you excited about the future?

The future holds endless opportunities that are bound to be great. I cannot wait to travel to new places, meet new people, and indulge in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The idea of freedom and the ability to do anything I want to, to shape my own life is exciting.Especially because I am  at the time now when I am just beginning to break away from confinement and make my own decisions. 

Who are your heros?

I do not have one specific hero right now that I can identify with. However, recently I have been admiring Abraham Lincoln. His strong work ethic and rise from poverty, along with his high moral standards and good leadership skills- especially prevalent in the recent media buzz- definitely intrigues me. 

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style has a classical and sophisticated feel with a blend of a simple, earthy easygoingness.Almost similar to a london schoolboy, I enjoy a classy look that is still comfortable and not overdone. I enjoy putting a unique twist on my outfits, such as vintage oxfords, but still appearing effortless. 

What I have been reading....

Covetable...Blackstone

Blackstone established in 1992 is a Dutch brand from a third generation family company. It started as a worker brand, and evolved into a design driven brand with a clear signature.  Very hard to find in the US and they as yet do not ship outside of the EU. But you can shop there collection online here. Blackstone footwear combines modern styling with high-quality materials. Already a major player in the European fashion industry, Blackstone is making a splash in North America by producing shoes that are as comfortable as they are fashionable.

Scenes from...Sunny Santa Monica