SOFA - The International Exhibition of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art

I stopped by the SOFA (Sculpture Objects and Functional Art) Art and design show which is taking place at the Park Avenue Armory on 67th St for a press preview.  There are over 20 booths showcasing whimsical sculptures, furniture, and fantastic jewelry!  I had a hard time tearing myself away from a booth that featured silicon/silk jewelry created by French designer Tzuri Gheta, who creates pieces that have been worn during runway shows for couture designers like Christian Lacroix, Chanel, and Balenciaga.  Another booth that caught my attention was the Ornamentum Gallery which featured some amazing emerging artists from around the world, including Yong Joo Kim's velcro jewelry, and elaborate handmade pieces by Swedish Designer Hanna Hedman.  The show ends on Monday April 23rd and is a must-see for art and design lovers!

Clutch designed by Tzuri Gheta

Love these earrings by Tzuri Gheta

I couldn't resist trying on this gorgeous red "coral" (actually silicon/silk) piece by Tzuri Gheta

A Tzuri Gheta piece was featured during a Balenciaga show

Pieces by Swedish designer Hanna Hedman

Designer Yong Joo Kim with her eyecatching pieces made from velcro (in gray and black).

Mango Neon Spring Fashion Show

A fun trend that has been "popping" up lately has been neon.  MANGO, Swarovski and Irresistible Jewelry recently held a Neon Spring Fashion Party at the Queens Crossing Mall in Flushing and I got to see how they incorporated neon colors into their spring collection.  The show started with pretty crystal accessories from Swarovski and Irresistible Jewelry.  The Mango clothing line had great options for women and men.  The collection of separates and dresses in electric blue, neon yellow, hot pink, orange, and red were very wearable.  There were fun floral prints, stripes as well as solid colors.  Silhouettes ranged from short sporty mini dresses to a flowing white maxi dress with watercolor like print.  Neon colored accessories like sunglasses, crossbody bags, bracelets, and scarves added an extra dash of energy to outfits.  For those looking to inject some electricity into their wardrobe this spring, definitely check out Mango's spring line.

 

Spa Week April 16 - 22

Spa Week is this week!  From April 16th – 22nd, hundreds of spas (day, medical and resort), yoga and Pilates studios, fitness centers and other health and wellness practices will offer up to three signature treatments at the major discount of just $50 each. As always, Spa Week partners with some of the most prominent, respected names in the industry to deliver the most current trends in spa and wellness services.
From introducing new massage therapies like Acupressure and Bamboo Massage and advanced,
clinically proven, skin-perfecting facials to weight-loss and nutrition classes, Spa Week is
responsible for educating spa-goers on how to incorporate specific treatments into their lifelong
health regiments.  In order to take advantage of Spa Week, consumers should register on SpaWeek.com for exclusive information on participating spas and their $50 services. It is recommended that spa-goers sign up and book their appointments as early as possible.

Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Joining Spa Week for the Spring 2012 Event, sponsors include Exclusive National Media Sponsor: Allure magazine; Exclusive Spa Association Partner: ISPA; Exclusive Skincare Sponsor: American Laser Skincare; Exclusive Wine Sponsor: Rioja; and introducing Exclusive Book Sponsor: Where We Belong by Emily Giffin and Exclusive Cosmetic Sponsor: Christopher Drummond Beauty. Co-sponsors include CEW and Spa Chicks On The Go®. Spa Week donates a portion of the proceeds from the Spring and Fall Events to CancerAndCareers.org.

Korean Fashion Festival

The New York Korean Fashion Festival, held at the Daedong Manor in Flushing, was organized by KAMA, the Korean Apparel Manufacturers Association of Greater New York.  The event had a packed program with a Natural Dye Exhibit and four fashion shows. The exhibition featured textiles using natural ingredients like cork.  The four shows included a Traditional Hanbok (Korean Clothing) Show, a Fashion show made up of four fabulous award-winning designers and graduates of Parsons and F.I.T., and and contest among KASA (Korean Apparel Student Association) in NYC.   For the contest, the students had to create 2 outfits with the theme "sex and the city".  The winner was Eun Seok Lee of F.I.T.

Tamar Daniel Fall 2012 Collection Preview

I recently attended a cocktail party featuring Tamar Daniel's Fall 2012 Collection at Lifestyle Trimco.  The Israeli-British-American designer has previously designed for Topshop and Anthropologie before launching her namesake collection.  The pieces are "low maintenance, high style", machine washable and packable.  The designer's inspiration for the fall season is her mother's pottery and it is evident in the warm colors and silhouettes.  The fabrics used ranged from soft jersey to textured and fine cashmere with flattering draping and also more structured looking pieces.  Tamar described her line as a collection for the working girl who is on the go.  The pieces are versatile and can be mixed and matched and are perfect for transition from the office to a cocktail party.  To see more of Tamar Daniel's designs, check out her website.

Designer Tamar Daniel

Fall collection inspiration: Pottery by designer's mother

A guest wearing Tamar Daniels Design

Style Society Spring 2012 Styling Class

For those who are interested in becoming a stylist, check out this Styling Class offered by Style Society this Spring!

Style Society Spring 2012 Styling Class for the career switcher* Do you dream of a new career in fashion styling?  Learn what it takes to become a successful stylist and how to break into the business.  Gain rare insider knowledge about different styling careers, the skill set every working stylist needs and how to access the right clientele. for the entrepreneur* Have you always wanted to start your own styling and consulting business?  Learn how to translate your passion for style into a viable business doing what you love.  Gain knowledge about fit and wardrobe development as well as client interaction and business promotion so you can succeed on your own. Learn more about Essentials of Styling. Upcoming Dates:      April 21st & 22nd 10am-1pm     All classes are developed and taught in Manhattan by professional stylists currently and previously working with What Not to Wear, InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, Lucky, Bergdorf Goodman, and more. Learn more about the stylists and read about us in the news and blogs! Class size is limited to ensure a highly personalized learning environment.  Register now to get your first choice.  Students receive 15% off with code SMS3P with current college i.d. Not going to be in NYC soon?  Try out our DIY e-book series and get started at home!   Catch up with us on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr

Karim Rashid and Bo Concept

Bo Concept and famed industrial designer Karim Rashid have collaborated to create a new dining collection for the spring.  A special event was held at their Madison Avenue location, and I had the opportunity to hear Karim Rashid speak about his designs.  Dressed in his signature color, pink, Rashid said he has long been a fan of Danish furniture, and was influenced by his father who believed in saving up to buy one quality piece for the year.  Karim Rashid had been following Bo Concept since its first store opened in Paris in the early 1990's.  Although he didn't think he would be designing for them, he had always admired their work.  He felt that with Bo Concept could reach the quality of high end furniture but because of volume, could offer it for middle market prices.

The collection was nostalgic for him, because he had studied the history of Danish design during his university years in Ottawa, Canada.  Thus, his collection is called Ottawa.  A lot of products shift from one function to another, for example, the expandable table, which is great for city dwellers.  Karim Rashid worked on the collection for about a year and a half with Bo Concept, starting with 50 pieces which were edited down to 10.  Rashid described the collection as "friendly, soft, and more seamless with everyday life".  The aesthetic is sensual but minimal, with high functionality and comfort.  The collection echoes nature, with soft, organic lines.  My favorite piece was the Ottawa chair, which has a shape reminiscent of a leaf.  Besides, the table and chair, there is a room divider and sideboard with an changeable color accent board in green.

In terms of accessories,  Rashid has imprinted his thumb print on a 100% wool rug as well as cups. The cups and plates have other prints, including one that he created during his university years.  There are 4 colorful acrylic neon vases that can fit together like a puzzle or used individually. The Ottawa glass pendant in white and orange and touch-activated table lamp are an ode to Scandinavian design.   To check out more of the collection, visit BoConcept.