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

IRIS APFEL: THE COLLECTOR

We've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a worldly woman. Iris Apfel the collector definitely comes to mind. She's created her iconic look through years of traveling and bold acquisitions. A few years ago we were lucky enough to see her self-curated exhibition at the Met, Rare Bird of Fashion. These are some of the best looks.

A TEA GROWERS TOOLS

PH Sebastian Beckwith, www.inpursuitoftea.com

SPRING 2011 INSPIRATION: PH GIGI STOLL

"Me in the desert. The Sahara desert/Morocco. I couldn't get over the color of the sand. It was like a burnt ORANGE. The scarf was a gift. We entered the desert by camel from the Moroccan side to spend the night in a Tuareg Tribal tent. My Tuareg guide walked two hours in the sand while we rode camel. The sand was blowing everywhere. My cameras were in plastic bags. My guide showed me how to wrap the red cloth around my head to protect me from the elements so I could enjoy the incredibly vast hills of sand & sky. (The Tuareg tribe are excellent craftsmen renowned for their indigo cloth, gold and silver jewelery and carved wooden masks.)" - Gigi Stoll

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Arabian Desert, Bedouin Tribe Horse Guide

Benha City, Egypt

BEAUTY

CASTING: MATTHEW KRISTALL www.matthewkristall.com
HILDIE, FORD / BRENDA, ELITE / ILONA, TRUMP / ZUZANNA, NEXT / POLINA, FORD / NASTASIA, NEXT / ROZA, SUPREME / YULIA, SUPREME / STEPHANIE, ELITE / YANA, FORD / JENNIFER, FORD / TUGCE, SUPREME / KATHARINA, SUPREME / KELLY, FORD / KAT, NEXT / NADIIA, NEXT / ANASTASIA, MUSE

BACKSTAGE

PH ELLE MULIARCHYK, T: THE NEW YORK TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE

FALL 2010 SHOOT

PH: Matthew Kristall www.matthewkristall.com, Styling/Make-up: Chiho Omae www.chihoomae.com, Hair: Kanoko Mizuo, Model: Georgia Hilmer, Chadwick Bell Fall 2010 Collection