GIGI STOLL: BACK TO KENYA

Photographer Gigi Stoll recently traveled back to Africa taking herself, a camera, and the cotton voile gown from the Spring 2011 Camouflage collection inspired by her previous journey to Egypt.

“I traveled to Amboseli Park for a safari & stayed in the 'Tortelis Camp' in a big tent. The game drives were amazing with so many different animals. Next, I flew to Lamu Island on the east coast of Africa/Indian Ocean. 4 days in a Private house - the house had indoor/outdoor rooms with pink coral walls, beautiful Swahili architecture & furniture and a roof-deck overlooking the 1000 year old fishing village. I also stayed in the 'Ngong House' in Nairobi - a fabulous treehouse in the jungle.
My favorite parts: the Maasai tribe, the endless sky & land, the beautiful birds & elephants, the vibrant colors, the delicious meals and all the stories from people about survival & determination. Kenya has forever settled within my heart.” www.gigistoll.com

CARING FOR YOUR KNIVES

It's that time of year again, when the sharpening service makes it's way around Brooklyn.

OBSESSION: DE VERA, OBJECTS

Federico de Vera created a book called Objects. Like everything else he does, this book is something you want to own and keep forever. An artist, jewelry designer, stylist, and curator de Vera is one of a kind.
http://www.deveraobjects.com/

FALL 2011 INSPIRATION: PH JOSH PAUL

The inspiration for the Fall collection began with the forest, specifically Bohemian Grove, a Northern California campground. Men congregating in the woods, dressed in traditional sportswear, plaids and heavy coats, coupled with the mystery of dressing for the evening, wearing capes and dark colors that blend into the night defines this season's mood.

LORNA SIMPSON: ARTIST

A polaroid of Lorna in the Dakota dress from Fall 10, taken in her Fort Greene, Brooklyn studio. http://lsimpsonstudio.com/index.html

Cloud, 2005
Serigraph on 9 felt panels

THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS AT MONTEREY POP

The Mamas and the Papas with their cool 60s look and sound have really inspired the Chadwick Bell look, especially when the weather changes in Fall. We love their songs, California Dreamin' and Monday Monday.
In 1967 the Mamas and the Papas performed at the Monterey Pop international music festival in California. The festival changed the course of music and style forever. You are missing out if you haven't seen D.A. Penneker's documentary. http://www.criterion.com/films/720-monterey-pop?q=autocomplete

SOHO: THE SPOTS

BDDW
The best space on Crosby Street hands down. Tall archways and painted white brick are the perfect backdrop for BDDW's orginal collection and furniture. www.bddw.com


DE VERA
One of the most amazing collections in the city. Our obsession with Filipino santos and antique Spanish rosaries can be traced back to early visits to de Vera. www.deveraobjects.com


DESPANA
Must try their Chorizo Bocadillo and Afuega Cheesecake. Also a great place to pick up some espadrilles. www.despananyc.com


LAFCO
The iron gates lead you to a major selection of Santa Maria Novella products. SMN has the best packaging and the most unexpected gifts, like shaving kits, olive oil and honey. www.lafcony.com