Kid, Don't Be Crazy

Wearing: Turtleneck by AQUA, trousers by Mango, Blouse by The Kooples, Vintage Chanel shoes

Art is a strange thing.

Although not a necessity like eating or breathing, art is a significant part of the human existence, evident even in the most ancient civilizations. 

The evolution of art is seen and closely correlated to shifts in our culture's values. Even though there are some who say "anything can be art these days", the contemporary art offers an increasingly interpretive, interactive, and thought provoking process to its creators as well as viewers. 

But simple straightforwardness was Dan Flavin's point of view. Stepping into his exhibition space felt like rolling onto a time traveling playground. With each fluorescent light installation isolated on an entire side of a room, everything feels futuristically architectural. There was something about Dan Flavin's philosophy - It is what it is. It ain't nothing else. (hey Dan, I like your no bullshit style) Rather than a piece of work directing implications at its viewers, these installations are invitations for the viewers to create context. It is about a heightening of the senses, an experience in the midst of other bodies in motion in an enclosed space. 

A different story is told with each person interacting with these colors, lights, and space. Inspired by the minimal and architectural feels of the space, I decided a simple silhouette is the most powerful. 

So with a black turtleneck I go!

It is decidedly my most obsessed new staple for the season, also for reasons of just being straight forward, versatile, and actually practical. So please don't get tired of seeing me in turtlenecks.

I'll keep it interesting, I promise.

Photos by Nuno Da Silva

Forward Nostalgia

Wearing: Coat by Asos, similar here, shirt by The Kooples, skirt by Aqua, vintage Chanel mary janes.

   

 I guess you can say I'm a nostalgic person.

It's the lyric of certain songs, smell of the post-thunderstorm air, and sight of a forgotten

corner bodega, that instantly trigger vivid memories of a "once upon a time". I appreciate memories. And whether it's the past of individuals or past of a community or society, they form a significant influence in shaping our current perspective and dynamic, with ourselves and others.

The funny thing about fashion and nostalgia is that everything always comes back. The bohemian chic of the 60s, the bold shapes and mod sihlouettes of the 70s, the rebellious punk vibes of the 80s, all serve as inspiration for elements of the modern design. I'm a big fan of modern, minimal, and architectural design, but details always fascinate me. There's always romance in the nostalgia of vintage pieces, because with each worn imperfection, it is a part of a story that unexpectedly continues to the next chapter.

So there it was, a menswear inspired pinstripe long coat paired back with ivory silkiness and black onyx button details. Do I normally wear my heels with socks? Not really, but somehow those white socks ended up working with the vintage Chanels. 

In this case, not sure if I should call that grandma or grandpa chic.

Photos by Nuno Da Silva

Look Right, Look Left

 

Wearing: Top & Belt by The Kooples, Faux Leather Shorts by Urban Outfitters

A few weeks go, via my usual walking path home from work, I was stopped by white pages lined up along the walls inside a curiously deep space. 

It was black ink, white 8.5 x 11 paper, and all different handwritings that filled this exhibition. As the wind picked up and swept up the tips of these pages, they waved for my attention, as if craving to be discovered by the rest of the world.

The Strangers Project is exactly what it sounds like. Anonymous stories collected in Washington Square Park, freshly air dried ink and soul revealing stories. People from all walks of life shared their each of their unique journey, struggles, and revelations. There is the mother of a 20 year old son who left her life in the midwest behind to start anew in NYC, and the girl who struggles to find lasting relationships in the height of her wanderlust years. 

I was inspired by every story in a different way, and as a reader I was brought to an introspective place to also reflect on my own life. This exhibit felt like the epitome of life in New York. The never stopping motions of this big city drives us towards speed, efficiency, and an ever so goal oriented mind. As we are running from one destination to the next every single day, we are passing by and perhaps completely neglecting these stories and the people who create them. 

 All of this circles back to my conversation with my creative partner in this post, my photographer Nuno. As we talked about the source of our creative fuels, there was a common passion for discovering the overlooked beauty in unexpected places. Nuno told me that he truly discovered photography after recovering from an accident, which became a turning point that led him to pursuing the work he's doing today. It leads me to think that pain and misfortune at the moment can be turned into blessings in disguise, and I guess this is what continues our resilience in this big, crazy world. 

So in short - slow down, focus on the journey, and when in doubt, always wear black.