So when I got back last night from the fabulous Wonderland Fashion Flea Market, I have to admit I was a wee bit exhausted and excited and depleted and encouraged and... The truth is that I wasn't sure I was going to have a story in me, but as per usual I was compelled to write. You see not only was I surrounded by awe-inspiring talent today, but also by friends, family and business colleagues who continue to to amaze me, motivate me and most importantly make me smile!!! So I want to express my deepest gratitude to those who braved this brutal winter and to the brands who took a leap of faith to support something that I deeply care about and believe in...
You see my big picture dream is to build this into something bigger, something important, something that helps emerging talent weather the storm and that may just excite the consumer enough to get them to part with just a little cash from time to time. Luckily many share my passion for this dream and today that was supported more than ever!!!! Fashion editors, fashion marketing gurus, publicists and just us plain old folk like me who love design reinforced my vision...
So I quickly want to share some of yesterday's highlights... Hooch Bags by The Elegant Thrifter (ex-fashion editor Stan Williams) and one of his muses the BEYOND fab Bevy Smith served up one of the most creative new lines I have seen in a long time. The idea is genius!!!! He finds these amazing vintage bags and basically "hooches" them up by filling them with clever little gift items such as mini-bar bottles of booze, funny money, candy, cookies, faux jewels and so many other must-have little finds. I think I was the most intrigued with his Marilyn Bag. This jewel green, broach laden, little clutch was so me. Oh did I mention they are all named and inspired by someone famous...Lindsay and Britney and Jennifer and Kathryn were all there. The bags range in price from $25-$400 for a vintage Louis Vuitton. They are perfect for individual and corporate gifts and could replace the tired party gift bag. His section was also where the action was...so much fun!!!!
Next was the unbelievably chic Natalie Kates and her to-die, one of a kind jewelry. She finds amazing materials in foreign countries such as amber and lava rock and creates these BIG, BOLD pieces. That said, my favorites were actually made from hardware store chain link...so freakin cool!!! She is one of the execs at Q Models, so we all need to thank her from bringing in the eye candy. I have never seen so many good looking men at a shopping event.
My favorite collection of the day, came from Alex Elliott. Her newbie skin bag line is just what the doctor ordered in the deep of winter. Just imagine the most lux, bright, jewel-toned clutches. The turquoise, yellow and hot pink are must-haves. Her metal snake buckle belts are also major statement pieces. I barely got out of there without splurging on the ivory one. Oh, I say splurge lightly, as they are only $250. The bags retail for $195-$595...yes for real skin!!! Alex is also one of the loveliest people you will ever meet so she was a pleasure to have as a participant.
The next brand is Nathan & Moe, designed by my friend Nancy Leibowitz. Since I am on a snake theme, I have to say I am in love with her serpant rings ($95). They come in gold and silver and are the perfect statement ring if you have cocktail ring burnout. I also adore some of her nature-inspired pieces. The line is delicate, feminine and somewhat refined and was a great addition to the flea market.
Haute Hippie was also there en force. Theirs was one of the hottest sections of the day. Their cozy cardigans, embellished tees and my favorite piece of the day, a peach studded tunic/dress were the big winners!!! Check out my column about them from a couple of weeks ago to learn more.
Last and definitely not least was the gang from the best store in the Hamptons, Bellhaus. If you haven't been yet, make it a point next time you are out there. It is right in Wainscott, where the old surf shop used to be. You can't miss it. They came ready to dazzle with amazing Nina Ricci frocks and some of the most killer shoes of the season. The owner Shawn Bell has impeccable taste and a keen eye for what women want. They are the Hamptons answer to Jeffrey!!!! Shawn couldn't make it as he is buying away in Paris, but Hector his fearless second in command made the haul all the way from the East End and we loved having him.
Well maybe not so brief after all, but you know once I get started I just can't stop. Several of the brands are truly emerging, so if you have an interest in finding a way to buy the pieces, email info@gracegroup.biz. Anyway, we were all so thrilled with the success of the Wonderland Fashion Flea Market that we will be back with one, maybe two (one for the guys as well) in March, so stay tuned!!!!
All your work is beautiful! I love your designs, but I'm very partial to those blue colors.
Thanks for posting,
Merlyn
Posted by: Jewelry Making | February 18, 2009 at 06:39 AM