Anthropologie Presents - Vera: A New Look

When you hear the name Vera in regards to fashion these days, most people automatically think of designer Vera Wang, and her gorgeous gowns for made for weddings and other fancy occasions. But before Vera Wang came along, the name Vera was synonymous with the bold textiles created by the early feminist icon - artist turned designer, Vera Neumann who in 1946, started to screenprint images from her paintings onto place mats after she and her husband George, and partner Werner Hamm founded the Printex textile company in New York City. Together, they built an extremely successful business manufacturing silk scarves out of surplus army parachute silk, that became coveted by women worldwide. The company eventually expanded into apparel, manufacturing women’s sportswear, and licensed her designs  for dishes, household linens and other home goods. By the 70’s she had built a $100 million business with products that all started as original pieces of art created by her own hand, carried in 20,000 stores around the world.  Her company was essentially the prototype Martha Stewart brand.

Installation of Vintage Vera Scarves

Vintage collectors worldwide have not lost their fervor for collecting Vera goods, and in response, retailer Anthropologie has worked with The Vera Company to license the original artwork of Vera Neumann to create a modern apparel and home goods line called We [Heart] Vera, which debuted in their stores this spring.  Continuing and building on this relationship, Anthropologie collaborated with The Vera Company to curate an exhibit that debuted last week in their Rockerfeller Center flagship store, putting an eclectic mix of 40 original Vera scarves from the company’s archives on display with original film print negatives that were originally used to create the screens to print Vera scarves. The exhibit also includes a video installation entitled “In the Company of Vera” which was made by the company in the mid-70’s, and shows viewers an inside look of the Vera showroom, workroom, vertical manufacturing process in the company’s Ossining mansion, and introduces the individuals integral to Vera’s life, and business. In one scene, you can even catch a glimpse of designer Perry Ellis, who was one of Vera’s many protégés.

Anthropologie We Heart Vera Spring '09

Anthropologie We Heart Vera Fall '09

Vera once said “Color sings to me. Color is such a marvelous way of expressing emotion. We have so many problems in this world, color just brings a little bit of joy into our lives”  and I couldn’t agree with her more.  I was turned on to Vera by my mother. Vera’s energetic designs are synonymous with my earliest memories because my parents had a few sets of Vera sheets for their king size bed, and they eventually became the sheets we would take to lay out on our trips to the park and beach, always garnering much attention from passersby. The sheets have been passed down to me, and I continue to collect Vera scarves, clothing and textiles when I find them in thrift stores, or can manage to scrounge up the loot to battle it out on Ebay. Everything about her work to me just feels so accessible, vibrantly pedestrian and like home.

The Vera: A New Look gallery will remain open at the 40 Rockerfeller Center Anthropologie store through August when the new collection will be hitting stores for fall.  The collection of skirts, dresses, and tunics will have a modern feel in keeping with the tone of the designs, chosen from artwork painted by Vera from 1961-1969.  Print negatives are available for sale at the gallery for $280 - $380. Some of the spring items from the We [Heart] Vera collection are still available on Anthropologie.com.

Photo Of The Week: MJ Altar At The Apollo Theater By Amanda Lopez

The photo was shot in front of the Apollo theatre in NYC. Its a close up shot of an altar dedicated to the King of Pop

It was really moving to see all the people gathered in front of the theatre to pay tribute to one of the greatest musicians of our time.

I can’t believe he’s gone.

That its an altar for MJ. Its unbelievable.

Canon 5D

Studded, fierce and fancy. Kerin Rose models her yet-to-be-named studded frames, retail $310.

Love this lady. Perhaps one of my favorite people, which would make sense as I met her through some of my other favorite people…my girls roll deep and in the most excellent of company, TRUST. And when you roll with such style and grace, please believe that the pool of creativity runs deep. You’ll remember Kerin Rose from our Women’s Making History interview series this past March. Piece by piece this lady creates everything by hand, atttention to detail and quality craftswomanship have gotten her noticed by the likes of Katy Perry and Cassie and others who I can not mention at this time (but know they are real, real good!!!). On my recent trip to NYC I had the chance to hang with my lady at her HQ, her home, the place it all happens. We did our girl thang: ate waffles and burgers followed by cake, talked about men NOT BOYS, squealed over vintage hooker heels, toured her home/workspace and of course checked out the “new new” from A-Morir.

Where the magic happens: A-Morir's work station.

Kerin models the Love/Hate Convertible Chain sunglasses.

Kerin could probably glue anything to a pair of sunglasses, I’m really starting to believe that. From heavy chain on her Love/Hate Convertible Chain Sunglasses, as worn by Cassie, Jazmine Sullivan and MTV’s Erin Lucas to killer studs on the most vicious and fierce frames ever (Lady Gaga you kinda NEED THESE), the lady Rose is making a life of what she loves, one Swarovski crystal at a time (only the finest). Her world famous Schubert Heart Shaped Sunglasses, as worn by Katy Perry, are being jeweled up in orange and a lighter shade of pink these days. AND she’s adding fancy fringed arm adornments to her offerings too…so MAJOR.

A-Morir's latest addition...her "MAJOR" fringed fingerless opera gloves.

Stay posted, Kerin Rose is on the up and up and one to watch…TRUST that.

Fawning Over Ms. Gehweiler

Fawn Gehweiler’s characters are extremely recognizable. You have probably seen her sweet little dames from the logo for vintage store Screaming Mimi’s, or from the website from our very own Treasure Hunter, Liz Baca. Fawn has been busy with numerous concurrent projects, including illustrations, paintings, and a collection of vinyl toys. Check out the following events coming up in the life of Fawn:

1. Compound Gallery

On July 2nd at 7:00 PM, Fawn will be featured as a guest artist at the Compound Gallery located in Portland, Oregon. She will unveil paintings that will serve as a preview for a new series, which she describes as “a tribute to Regency ragamuffins, dollies, and dandies with a little bit of Buster Keaton thrown in for good measure.” She also slips in that the pieces will be very affordable, with “depression era pricing.”

“Sundae Girls” for the Necessaries Toy Foundation: “I Want Candy.”

2. “Sundae Girls” for the Necessaries Toy Foundation

Move over, Kid Robot! Fawn gives M.I.S.S. a sneak peak of the first of three dolls in the upcoming series “Sundae Girls”. Her first doll, manufactured by the Necessaries Toy Foundation and currently in production, is named “I Want Candy.” Yum.

3. Showing at Retrospect Galleries during the “Splendour in the Grass” Music Fest

Fawn G.’s (that sounds like a rapper) work will also be included in a group show at Retrospect Galleries in Byron Bay, Australia during the music festival known as “Splendour in the Grass”. The so-called “Revolution of Art” set of works will be on display Friday, July 24th. All of our Australian readers should check out Fawn’s installation and then mosey to the “Grass” festival to get a glimpse of Bloc Party, the Flaming Lips, Jane’s Addiction’s, Low Budget, etc.

4. Fawn Blogs, too!

Click on Fawn’s new attempt at blogetry, or peep a little more of her work at her annex and at HMS Carousel.

M.I.S.S. July 2009: Reebok Basquait Freestyle Hi Beat Bop

There is so much to celebrate this July! Besides the obvious BBQ filled days that are fast approaching this 4th of July weekend, this month is also another release in the Reebok Basquiat Freestyle Hi Beat Bop series.  This ongoing series has an offering of two styles for the ladies and two for the men. This Fall 09 pack are in a black and white color pallet and continue to pay homage to Basquiat’s art. His artwork graces the Freestyle Hi and nails to match. Keep your kit tight.

M.I.S.S. July 2009: Reebok Basquiat Freestyle Hi Beat Bop

Reebok Basquiat Freestyle Hi Beat Bop, Chanel Le Vernis nail colour in Black Satin and White Satin, and Big Apple Red from OPI.

Download the M.I.S.S. July 2009 Calendar and the M.I.S.S. July 2009 Desktop.

You can download the M.I.S.S. June 2009 Calendar and the M.I.S.S. June 2009 Desktop.

You can download the M.I.S.S. May 2009 Calendar and the M.I.S.S. May 2009 Desktop.

You can download the M.I.S.S. April 2009 Calendar and the M.I.S.S. April 2009 Desktop.

You can download the M.I.S.S. March 2009 Calender and the M.I.S.S. March 2009 Desktop.

You can download the M.I.S.S. February 2009 Calender and the M.I.S.S. February 2009 Desktop.

You can download the M.I.S.S. January 2009 Calendar and the M.I.S.S. January 2009 Desktop.

Lady Behind The Lens-Melina Matsoukas

Ever wonder exactly who it is behind the visionary work of your favorite musical artists? From the stylists to the dancers, there is always a collaboration between the artist and the crew behind the scenes.  Knowing all the hard work it takes to execute, it’s only right that MISS shows some appreciation for one of our favorite music video directors, Melina Matsoukas.

Melina is one of the most demanded music video directors since her work for Snoop Dogg's "Sensual Seduction".

Melina is signed to Black Dog Films and broke onto the scene with Snoop Dogg’s “Sensual Seduction”, Beyonce’s “Greenlight” and Eve’s “Tambourine”. In more of her recent works, Melina has been the eyes responsible for Beyonce’s “Diva”, Lily Allen’s “Not Fair”, Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance”, Ciara’s “Work”, and Ne-Yo’s “Closer”. Outside of music, Melina has also ventured off into film for the cinematography of Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves back in 2006. Make room, Hype Williams because Melina Matsoukas is doing the damn thang!

Street artist Above has hit the road again, embarking on what’s sure to be another epic tour of painting, stenciling, and general havoc across Europe. Well known for his social and political stencils, witty word play pieces, and the infamous spinning arrow mobiles (hung in cities across the globe), he’s been kind enough to give us a heads up to what he’s been working on.

Above hits Copenhagen, Denmark with The Naked Truth.

“The Naked Truth” - a mixture of stencil and proverbial wordplay...

First stop was Copenhagen, Denmark, where Above worked on the site-specific installation titled “The Naked Truth” - a mixture of stencil and proverbial wordplay, along with the physical elements of the shower head and curtain. Taking into account how the piece would interact with the surroundings, Above made a point of tucking it away so the “naked truth is only found by those who look”.

Peep the vid to have a closer look:

THE NAKED TRUTH from ABOVE on Vimeo.

Next up, a set of three works – “Ears, Tears and Fears” – in Madrid, Spain. Where better to have a piece featuring a flamenco guitarist and dancer?

The flamenco dancer is dependant on the sounds of the guitar to tease her ears and make her dance.

The juggler on the unicycle by Above encourages it's audience to rise above their fears.

The three characters all interact and depend on each other for the piece work. A sombre guitarist plays in the hopes his music will make the woman dance, as Above says, “helping ease his tears”. In turn, the flamenco dancer is dependant on the sounds of the guitar to tease her ears and make her dance. “The relationship and co-dependency of both characters in need of the others interaction to find happiness is sensual and vulnerable.” The final piece with the juggler on the unicycle is a bit trickier, so I’ll leave Above to explain: “I have been searching for over 9 months for such a situation! I finally found what I was looking for. This character and piece completes the Ears, Tears, & Fears word-play.” Interpret that as you wish!

EARS, TEARS, & FEARS. from ABOVE on Vimeo.

I definitely recommend checking out Above’s site – the amount of countries he’s left his mark on is insane, not to mention jealousy-inducing!

Review of Claw Money Pop-Up Shop @ Fred Segal Flair

Claw Money is taking over the world! Well, not yet…but last night Claw Money did take over Fred Segal Flair in Santa Monica setting up her Pop Up Shop for the launch of her new limited edition denim tote.

Fred Segal and Claw did a great job of merchandising the shop and giving it a true Claw Money makeover. The Pop Up shop was filled with Claw’s SS09 collection of tees, jewelry, accessories, signature vintage bomber jackets, eyewear, book and of course denim totes. Spray cans and Claw pillows adorned the shelves and finishing off the look of the shop is Claw’s graffitti piece on the back wall of what else, her signature claw. Guests sipped on cocktails by Belvedre Vodka and M&Ms as they shopped the racks that were full of Claw Money hotness!

So if you’re in LA, the LBC, or even the OC, don’t sleep on Claw Money’s goods being here on the West Coast! The Pop Up Shop runs thru July 9th. Remeber Fred Segal Flair Santa Monica is just up the street from the famous Santa Monica boardwalk; you can pick up a new tee and tote, take a ride on the ferris wheel, then go home a happy camper : )

Photo Of The Week: Theek by Amanda Lopez

Where did you take the photo?

I took this photos on a summer afternoon in Sacramento

What were you thinking before you took the photo?

Theek is one of my favorite people to photograph so i am always happy to work with him. He is a natural infront of the camera so our shoots are always successful. I was thinking, “thank you jesus for the pretty light.”

What were you thinking after you took the photo?

I was thinking that the light, location and subject were perfect and couldn’t wait to get the film back.

What’s interesting about this photo to you?

Theek’s expression and the natural light make this photo interesting.

What camera did you use?

Canon AE1

Women Making History: Nubby Twiglet

One day, not so long ago, Yves Saint Laurent invited Max Miedinger over for tea to discuss a super-secret project he had been dreaming of for a very long time. Both were excited to work together because Fashion and Graphic Design are very similar worlds.

The two created the most amazing mood boards and quickly applied their visions to the super-secret project in a super-secret studio somewhere in the Pacific Northwest.

The world waited and anticipated the reveal of a collaboration by these two great visionaries.

After many days, they finally emerged from the super-secret studio to introduce a doll unlike any other created before.

They named her Nubby. She was lovely, had a fantastic wardrobe and an eye for design!

Upon her reveal, she magically came to life and with dreams and visions of her own, she hit the ground running, turning back only to wave fondly at YSL & Miedinger, who waved back at their dear Nubby proudly knowing she would soon create many great things on her own.

…at least that’s how M.I.S.S. would tell it!

We’ll let Miss Nubby Twiglet tells us her story:

My name is Nubby and I’m a graphic designer and blogger based in Portland, Oregon. During my high school years, I developed a love for graphic design and advertising but put my passion on hold to instead earn a B.S. in Business Administration. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After taking some time off to travel, I began studying graphic design in 2006. Upon graduating in 2008, I was immediately hired by award-winning ad agency Nemo Design as a Graphic Designer / PR & Marketing Developer. Currently, I am a freelance designer for my business Nubbytwiglet.com, which I founded in 2005. My blog Nubbytwiglet.com averages over 80,000 visitors per month and is packed with an aesthetics-laced blend of fashion and style that is seamlessly mixed with marketing and self-improvement articles.

Nubby likes her nails like she likes her fonts—black and bold!

Nubby took a break from setting type to hand-write the M.I.S.S. Survey.

Nubby was kind enough to take a break from her busy schedule to answer some questions from M.I.S.S. to give our lovely readers some insight on what makes her a women making history!

M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

The women that I find inspirational are self-made, strong-willed and set out to make a difference. And, they aren’t afraid to be themselves, even when media pressure to conform mounts against them. Women that immediately come to mind are Hillary Clinton, Oprah, Bjork and Angelina Jolie.

M.I.S.S.: How did you get your start?

I’ve always been an artist, but wasn’t sure how to make a living at it until much later, when I discovered graphic design. I didn’t know any other designers, so I had to discover it for myself. In 2005, I started getting offered freelance design work and though I had a defined style, I felt like I was lacking in the technical abilities. So, I enrolled in a two-year design program, landed an internship and started a blog. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to be approached by an amazing array of clients, both big and small. I look at each new job as an opportunity to try something new.

Mickey & Minnie's love child and a sample of some CD packaging she created.

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite piece logo/design and/or artwork that you’ve created?

Some of my most favorite work is still in production! I worked on a line of headphones and also some snowboard goggle designs earlier in the year that won’t be out for awhile, along with a collaboration with Forever 21 that I’m beyond excited about. My favorite work that I’ve done in the past was CD packaging including a hand-collaged 12 page booklet for Virgin Records partially because it was very organic and bright, unlike a lot of my other work.

M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with?

There are so many people out there that I admire! Fabien Baron of Baron & Baron in New York is at the top of my list because his work is simple, effective and fashionable. And, André Balazs has major style when it comes to a vision for combining business with art and design. Agencies that I would love to work with in the future include Turner Duckworth, Portland’s own Wieden + Kennedy and Ziba Design, Chandelier Creative (their offices are the best looking, hands-down) and Wolff Olins.

A t-shirt design by Nubby Twiglet.

M.I.S.S.: What part of graphic design/creating logos is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

Most of the time the client doesn’t pick the option that is your personal favorite and you have to be okay with that. After all, they’re the ones that are paying you for a service. Design can be so subjective. Sometimes you’ll think that you’ve done your personal best and a client will hate it and others, you’ll be unsure of your work but they’ll love it. As long as you’re proud of your output at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters because it’s impossible to make everyone happy.

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?

Design is not the easiest profession to be in, but it can be hugely rewarding. It’s nice to find great role models in teachers, art directors and peers early on that will give you honest feedback and encouragement. If you take criticism too personally, it can break you down. Instead, use it as encouragement to do even better on a project. And finally, never be embarrassed to ask for help! Design is hard work but if you’rew truly passionate about it, it won’t really feel like work at all.

Believe it or not, this is what Nubby looks like on any average day! Some people make fashion look so easy!

Thanks Nubby!

You can find and follow Miss Nubby Twiglet on the following sites: Flickr, Twitter and LOOKBOOK…and of course, NubbyTwiglet.com!