Technicolor Daydream

One of the greatest pleasures of being a jewelry designer in New York is becoming part of a tight knit community, and meeting other emerging designers. We met Chris Habana in this way, and come to see him as an older-brother type of figure. Not only is Chris an amazingly talented designer, he's also incredibly fun and radiates great energy, which comes through in his work. Chris always manages to incorporate vivid colors into his pieces, and for spring, he presented two dual collections: his classic line Chrishabana, and his diffusion line, My Enemy. Both collections take popular morbid motifs like skulls, bones, and upside-down crosses, and give them a decidedly acid-house spin with technicolor enamel coating. There is always an edge to Chris's work, but it's also balanced by a sense of humor, mischief and merriment. Much like Chris himself.

You can see more of my photos from Chris's show on Un Nouveau Ideal.

-Tiffany

Twenty Years of Daryl K

It's hard to believe that Daryl K is celebrating her 20th Anniversary. I remember when she first launched the brand, and reading about the distinctly downtown New York brand in Paper Magazine.  Being a preteen with my first taste of label-lust, I knew that I had to get a hold of a piece of Daryl K, even if it was way beyond my budget. Through sample sales and consignment stores, I got a graffiti print long sleeve top that I still own today, as well skintight pair of stretch jeans, which I have long since outgrown and parted with.  A lot has changed since the nineties, and though many other designers have since cycled through the spotlight as "it" designer of the moment, Daryl Kerrigan's  same sense of ageless, timeless chic remain.  Minimalist garment construction was enlivened with an abstract print by artist Spencer Sweeney, depicting swaths of color that looked like giant brushstrokes swept across a blank canvas.  And just in case you thought Kerrigan lost her downtown cred, Lizzie Bourgatsos of Gang Gang Dance provided the show's soundtrack of wild drumbeats.  Twenty years have past, but it's still the same Daryl K.

-Tiffany

CALLING ALL PANDAS, MONSTERS AND ZOMBIES

In case you haven't heard, the Nicola Formichetti store opened in the middle of fashion week, with a big ol' steamy party full of assorted pandas, monsters, and zombies, all hoping to catch a glimpse of Nicola.  Launched as part of BOFFO's Building of Fashion program, Nicola collaborated with Gage/Clemenceau Architects to build the mirror-covered space, which looks a bit like an imploding Bucky ball. It also resembles the famous Telephone Hat that Lady Gaga wore in the Telephone music video, which happens to be on prominent display, along with several other infamous Gaga outfits.  As if being surrounded with a million reflections of yourself wasn't overstimulating enough, there are strobe lights strategically placed around, so the entire interior is constantly flashing and reflecting a trillion watts of lights. Obviously not built for the seizure prone.

Anyway, Christina and I are really proud to have Triskaidekaphobia on sale at the store, alongside some of our besties like Chrishabana and Zana Bayne.  The store is only open until September 21st, so hurry down to check it out before it all disappears!

Telephone hat!
 

Triskaidekaphobia Teeth necklaces
 

Vintage Versace from Screaming Mimi's 
 

Zana Bayne harness

Zombie Boy Skateboards

PANDAS!

-Tiffany