Buttons

Some of the hand sewing that has occupied my time in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts

Well I have found my self about 250 miles away from Parsons this week as my husband had to have some somewhat serious surgery in Massachusetts and I traveled up this past Tuesday to be with him.  Alex was released from the hospital and is recovering at his parents house.  I have since taken over my mother-in-law's dining room with all my thesis paraphernalia. (see photo)

Additionally I have been doing a lot of pattern corrections and hand sewing as that was easier than bringing bolts of fabric and Lulu (my sewing machine) up.  I hope to be not too much behind when I return next week and quite dread the work I'll have to do to catch up.  But, life sometimes happens.  

New York Fashion

What is it about New York's fashion industry that makes it unique and interesting?

I believe New York is the center of American fashion.  I am American, and I am a New Yorker, so it only makes sense that I attend Parsons to pursue a career in fashion.  I had hoped to attend St. Martins in London for a semester, because I wanted a different perspective, and I love London more than anything.  However, I had to settle for a summer.  But back to New York.... I think what makes New York unique is the breadth of its designers.  Although it is "market driven" and "sportswear oriented" for the most part, for every Michael Kors or Ralph Lauren there is a Yeohlee Teng or Isabel Toledo.

Sally

This is Sally and what I am looking at or for most of the day.  

February 8th

Friday night and I left school early (7 pm) to search for some shoes to use in the look book fashion shoot at my parents house....I didn't find them.  I spent the day hand stitching my coat for my first look (yes, I am all ready behind) and finalizing a pattern for a dress.

A brief introduction to me: I was born in New York where I have spent most of my life.  I trained as a professional ballet dancer until I was 20 but alas, my height got the better of me and I left Philadelphia where I was living to return home and get a job "with the least amount of responsibility possible."    Over the next few years I found myself as a sales assistant, hostess in a Mexican restaurant, accessories designer, a ballet teacher and again a dancer. Oh and I met Alex - my husband.  For many many reasons I decided to go back to school.  I laugh because at my interview the admissions lady said I would be well suited for the school because all my years of ballet training would prepare me for the strenuous workload at Parsons ( I thought she was joking.)  However, there are many similarities between the two.  Both are very hard work, quite subjective,  a wee bit competitive, and of course most of the guys are gay.

As far as my designs go, I like to look at the composition of my inspirations to create structural clothes with dynamic silhouettes that combine a modern sensibility with feminine and traditional details.  I tend to work with stiffer fabrics but I like to add handmade details or finishes to my pieces as well.