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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

SMF Couture Raises Money For LiNK Global

SMF Couture (SET MÍ FRÉ), a new line of men's street wear, recently raised money for LiNK Global (Liberty in North Korea) to build awareness for North Korean refugees.  Held at the Bennett Media Studio in the Meat Packing District, SMF showcased their collection during a live fashion show and sold T-Shirts that were created specifically for this event.


The graphics on the front of the t-shirt was inspired by "North Korean flag made by 20,000 kids" made by the Arirang Mass Games Flag Formation, in which 20,000 North Korean children held massive flip cards creating a display for the audience.  The back of the shirt had a verse from the bible about humility and giving back to those in need.  All of the proceeds from the shirts were given to LiNK Global.

“As Korean Americans we at SMF felt it was important for us to help build awareness of
LiNk Global and their fight against the human rights crisis in North Korea.” – Jin Kim

SMF Couture will make its debut in a variety of boutiques this January first collection, which features significant dates and scenes from New York, is entitled In The Beginning, inspired by old New York. Although their clothing is made in the USA, creator's Jin and Mike always connect back to their roots in South Korea.

SET MÍ FRÉ Couture (SMF) is a collection of men’s street wear that breaks the mold and stands for individuality. Established in 2010, SMF Couture was first coined by a group of New Yorkers whose family lineage extends into the garment district. Originating from Korea, Jin and Mike were determined to create a brand that represented men globally.  For more information about SMF Couture and Link Global please contact Lidan Long Lidan@smfcoututre.com or Tony Kim Tony@smfcouture.com

Friday, October 14, 2011

Thrillist & H&M Party

For those of you in NYC!

7:00pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday, October 19, 2011

H&M
435 7th Ave (at 34th St)
New York City

Party with Thrillist at H&M’s Grand Re-Opening. Guests will get 25% off their entire purchase all night long (word to Lionel), and the first 100 guests to spend $200 (after discount) will get two exclusive tix to the Versace for H&M pre-shopping party. As guests romp through four freshly redesigned floors of modern classics, they'll jam out to a live DJ, grub on tasty bites, sip mouthwatering cocktails, gain knowledge from professional stylists, and score candy treats from cigarette girls, who promise to be smoking hot, but not terrible for your health.

Drop your deets at http://thrillist.com/HMBash to experience the Grandest. Re-Opening. Ever.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The King Collective Sample Sale - Thursday 10/13 11am-6pm

I stopped by the King Collective's sample yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to see a few racks of current and past seasons of Ivana Helsinki along with some of their other designer pieces.  I had attended Ivana Helsinki's show a few seasons ago and loved it - check out a pic from 2010 collection here. The King Collective is making space for their new collections, so the prices were at significant discount from wholesale prices.  If you have time today, you should definitely check it out!  There were plenty of unique pieces from a little black dress with fringed sleeves to a previous season's sailor themed printed dress.




The King Collective is making room for the new collections headed our way!

One of a kind pieces at amazing prices
Ivana Helsinki
Evenagamba
Pink Chicken

Thursday 10/13 11am-6pm

530 Seventh Avenue
(38th St/39th St) , Level M1

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Tusk Semi-Annual Sample Sale October 14-22

Tusk is having their  Semi-Annual Sample Sale.  Check out my previous  interview with the founder and designer of this beautiful leather purse and accessories line - here



- Save more than 50% - 70% OFF select fine leather bags & accessories for women, men and travel.

- Receive an additional 10% OFF purchases of $300 or more.

- Enjoy 15% OFF ALL REGULARLY-PRICED merchandise in our retail store.

- And to sweeten the deal, receive a
complimentary canvas shopping tote to use again and again!

Event Begins: 10/14/11 (closed Sunday, 10/16/11)    
Event Ends: 10/22/11
Sale Hours: 11am - 7pm (doors open at 11am)
Location: 242 W. 26th St. between 7th & 8th Ave.
Phone: 212-242-8485
Payment Methods: Cash/Visa/MC/Amex
Website: www.tusk.com
____________________
___________________________________
Select Price Points

    * Women’s Leather Wallets: $40 (Regularly $95)
    * Men’s Leather Billfolds: $30 (Regularly $70)
    * Travel/Messenger Bags: $100.00 (Regularly $275.00)
    * Women’s Leather Totes: $80.00 (Regularly $255.00)
    * Gift Items: $25-35 (Regularly: $65-75)

Friday, September 30, 2011

Interview with Meehee NY - Handmade Unique Jewelry

I met up recently with the Sungu Kim, one of the owners of Meehee NY, an intimate jewelry boutique on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  Sun and his wife Meehee worked in different fields before they decided to follow their passion for creating beautiful handcrafted jewelry.  They collaborate with their customers to craft one of a kind pieces that their clients treasure.  Imagine getting a piece where you actually work with the artisan!   Read on to find out about Meehee and their thoughts on fall trends.


How did you get started?
My wife, Meehee actually studied German Literature.  But her passion was in fashion.  She worked at her sister's graphic design company while she was making handmade jewelry and sold some of her designs to a couple of boutiques around the SoHo area in NYC.  She sold in trade shows and did very well.  We went to holiday markets at Bryant Park and became very popular. I was also working in another field. I studied computer programming and worked at a computer database company.   After starting Meehee NY Inc., I completed comprehensive jewelry making at Studio Jeweler inc.   Her style is a great style for city people - not too overwhelming.  They are simple, everyday pieces.  Very wearable pieces.  Understated and elegant with lot of delicate feminine touches.

How do you come up with ideas?  
I have metal and stones at my workshop.   I may pass by it many times and the materials don't talk to me.  But sometimes the idea just comes.   Maybe when I'm drinking coffee, the idea just pops up.  The metal will talk to me and I could work on something for 6 hours straight.

What's your specialty?
We allow our customers to give input.  Sometimes a customer may see a piece they like, but they want something a little different. Everybody loves different colors. For example, some customers come in looking for wedding rings that are not too commercial, not too fancy.  They work with us to design it, so it has meaning to them and they love it.  It's like getting an heirloom. It becomes a more personal piece. 


What are your most popular pieces? 
Something you can wear everyday piece.  Right now, people do not like to have chunky pieces.  Red and Black pieces always sell well.  People prefer more simple pieces.  Diamonds sell very well. Cocktail rings with gemstones like ruby, citron, and blue aquamarine are also popular.



What pieces are popular for the fall? 
Red pieces are always good for fall and the holiday.  Gold.  Some black for the winter.


Where are your products manufactured and where do you source materials?
90% of my products are hand made in our New York workshop.  Materials are from Brazil, India, and China. 

What's your price range?
The price range is from $35 for smaller pieces to $600 for a real gold or diamond piece.  We could spend more, but right now the cost of metal is too high.  We're creating pieces now using unique combinations - I even put diamonds with silver pieces.  I don't use too much gold now because of the cost. 

What's something that you do for your community that you are proud of?
We really like talking and getting to know our customers.  We have customers that come in and they don't always buy, but we enjoy developing these relationships. Recently Meehee donated a piece for the local school to auction off. 

For more information on Meehee, please visit Meeheeny.com.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Malan Breton Spring/Summer 2012

Malan Breton Spring/Summer Collection

Taiwanese born, self-taught designer Malan Breton opened his spring/summer 2012 fashion show with a graceful ballerina pirouetting to the melodic strums of live harp and violin music. 
His collection that followed was just as elegant but with a modern edge.  The ladylike womenswear had plenty of show stopping see-through hats and fascinators. The dresses had bold patterns in stripes or flowers in primary colors.  There was an evident Japanese influence in the silhouettes with kimono pieces and gowns with interesting oragami shapes, especially in the back.  Sheer seems to be a popular texture, with lots of organdy and chiffon.  But the menswear was where Malan Breton really stood out with classic looks in unique and bright color combinations, such aa silver and gold paired with neutral espresso, grey or blue trousers and shorts.  The men looked as if they belonged in another era with their slick pompadours.  I could see these pieces being worn in any time period. The show closed with the famed and ageless model Irina P. gliding across the catwalk in a Black Silk Organdy Chrysalis Corsetiere Gown.







Friday, September 16, 2011

Fashionable Tots

I can't believe Fashion Week is over! It was really hectic.  I drank too much coffee, carried way too many bags (does that count as exercise?), and saw a record breaking amount of shows, which means I have much catching up to do with writing.  But I feel so fortunate to have been part of this Fashion Week.  I loved seeing all the stylish (and dressing up myself).  Anyhow, I thought I would share pics of these adorable and fashionable children I spotted at the recent Daryl K show.  More pics to come!