Black Friday Launch of POP SHOP NEWARK

Now more than ever, it is time to support your own community. Shop local this Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and more throughout the year. Empower the businesses that IMPROVE, & SUPPORT the lives of those around them. 

POP SHOP Newark 2014

at Gallery Aferro

73 Market St

Newark, NJ 

The Lifestyles of The Authentic & Creative: HUSTLE GUIDE

HUSTLE GUIDE is now available! This 50-page eBook is jammed packed with inspiration, sage advice and resources to make your dreams of creative entrepreneurship a reality from successful, creative dreamcatchers who are paving the way!
A compilation of interviews that I've conducted over 4 years here on LOTA-N-C with interior & fashion designers, fashion stylists, musicians, filmmakers and more. How do they make make a living following their passions? And how can you do the same? 50 pages jam-packed with sage advice and resources from successful creative entrepreneurs. 
Available now for $5.99. Grow, share and prosper! 
http://store.blurb.com/ebooks/486188-lifestyles-of-the-authentic-creative-hustle-guide

Jypsea Leathergoods at JC Fridays PLUS Etsy Craft Party 2014!

Join us on JC Fridays, a quarterly city-wide celebration of the arts in Jersey City, as the latest work from designer/artist Terina Nicole, founder of Jypsea Leathergoods is presented at Ed's Salvage Co.
Participate in a fab design DIY project and goodie bag giveaway! (while supplies last) in conjunction with Etsy 2014 Craft Party!

Free and open to the public.

June 6th, 6:30-8:30pm at 672 Bergen St., Jersey City

Terina Nicole is a New Jersey City University graduate student, Fashion Institute of Technology alumni and creator of Jypsea – a home & body luxe line of leather goods. The collection’s focus is jewelry, handbags, small leather objects and furnishings. Materials used includes exotic skins, up-cycled finds, wood and metal; with all, she provides an infusion of soul.

See the full art crawl line-up at http://jcfridays.com/

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/303702259796999/?ref=22

Also, now until midnight on Friday, all of Jypsea Leathergoods earrings are 20% off at the Etsy Shop!

The Style Social in Philadephia

Annually in Philadelphia, the Style Social brings international fashion to buyers, press and consumers in a local market to present collections that might not otherwise be seen.   

Each Style Social also draws fashion, art and design talent from the community to offer local artist and designers an opportunity to present their work alongside international fashion designers.  This year's Style Social and Launch Party, happened on Wed, Faeb 12, 2014 and featured Macy's Fashion Incubator as wwell as fashion designers from Italy, Hungary, Colombia and Franc. It occurred to celebrate the success of the Incubator designers as they launch their collections in the international fashion market.

In a unique setting combining art, fashion, design, with an emphasis on sustainability, the event was hosted by The Transfer Station, an ambitious entrepreneurial project imagined to revitalize the Manayunk neighborhood, with local businesses and restaurants supporting the event with their signature offerings.

The Style Social and Launch Party was a collaboration between Macy’s Fashion Incubator, which is a one-year intensive designers-in-residence business training and ongoing mentorship for selected Philadelphian fashion designers to provide all of the resources they need to launch or grow their companies in the city of Philadelphia; and international showrooms Bel Espirit and Showroom International.  These two Philadelphia-based showrooms carry international ethical fashion designers and well as highlight and support each brand’s ethical principles and global ethical initiatives such as Andes Made, a line of premium alpaca scarves, socks and accessories for me and women .

Andes Made

The event was a combination of a runway fashion show with a complementary display of fine art, accessories, home décor and furniture; much of which was available for sale through the Transfer Station. As an innovation resource center for entrepreneurs located on Main Street in Manayunk, the Transfer Station provides a retail market space, co-working spaces, artist studios, creative labs and tailor-fit solutions to work, create, sell and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

Some of the works of the fashion designers were proudly displayed on the handcrafted furniture from one of the area's finest emerging makers: Don Yacovell. 

"...(my) designs are simple. They are meant to highlight the natural look of the wood, not fancy moldings. I mostly work with local domestic hardwoods such as cherry ,black walnut or maple.I look for wood with "character" cracks ,knots ,holes, and color variation. I like to highlight any marks left behind by the original craftsman when I work with salvaged lumber. Seeing the history in an old piece of lumber just enhances this style of furniture."

Don Yacovella has work for sale at The Transfer Station in Manayunk.

Learn more about Don Yacavella here.

Stay in the loop of what's happening on Philly's style scene by following Bel Esprit showroom in Twitter @bel_esprit.

Heidi Lee, Custom Hat Maker

Yesterday, design alchemist Heidi Lee hosted a hatmaking workshop at the Brooklyn Museum. It was a great opportunity to join her to fabricate a hat of your own, or even a fascinator inspired by the awe-inspiring designs of John Paul Gaultier, which are on view currently at the museum. The workshop was $25 and free for members. See the website for details. I'm excited to learn that Lee designed hats for the last Barat Foundation Art Parade, which I attended downtown Newark (my hometown). Nice!

Ambersand hat

Glass hat

Hats for the Art Parade

Learn more about the work of Heidi Lee.

The Debut of The Brick City Design Market

Every Saturday, in conjunction with THE VINYL SWAP, come shop & mingle with the most talented indie fashion, accessory, and product designers in the tri-state area!
Vintage records spinning. Inspiring art exhibits. Food & libations abound in a chill atmosphere. Networking with the creative community. And SHOPPING the best designers around. Each & every Saturday at Seed Gallery.
Curated by me,  Meca McKinney of  
Jypsea ~Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods.

Brick City Design Market
12-6pm at SEED GALLERY
210 Market St. in Newark, NJ.
Free admission
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/659617510745878/

See you there! 

Designer Profile: Blacksmith & Cobbler

Keith Kirkland

Who: NJ-born Artisan/Engineer/Designer Keith Kirkland
Where: Harlem, USA
What: Handbags and leather goods, lighting, dog wearables, innovative drawing devices, props, drinking glasses, mailboxes, women's footwear, kinetic sculptures and conceptual product and space design.

Latest projects: Hand-painted custom skateboards and accompanying leather carrying straps for them, as well as Mondrain-inspired mailboxes.

Hand-painted Maple Wood Skateboard

Mondrian-inspired mailbox includes Mondrian's story inside.

Pedigree: Engineering degree from Rutgers University; Accessory Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Currently earning MFA in Industrial Design at Pratt Institute.
Has designed for Calvin Klein, LeSportSac and Coach.

International pursuits: Recently returned from Mexico with a group of designers that individually worked one-on-one with local artisans to create their one-of-kind, handcrafted creations. In his collaboration, he and the artisan produced a metal, leather and hand-knitted lounge chair. Keith is headed to Japan next!

Hammock-inspired chair by Blacksmith & Cobbler

Artist statement: The underlying theme for my work is simple, rustic and modern. It has to be interesting and it has to be challenging. I am also very technical, both in my idea generation and execution. I enjoy works that create simplicity through complex considerations.


Shop Now! Prices range from $28-$170.

Giveaway Alert! Free Copies of "ENVISION: The Young Designer's Guide to Collection Development"

I'm giving away 25 FREE copies of the e-book version of my $30 softcover book, "ENVISION: The Young Designer's Guide to Collection Development."
Made for emerging designers and those curious about how to turn their accessory making hobby into a professionally designed collection, this book is a GAME-CHANGER and until 5/31/13 it is yours for FREE.
Just email me and I will send you the link to download it.
Enjoy!
Be sure to reply with your reviews.

The Young Designers Collective: Designs for Giving

As an indie designer, I am always seeking opportunities that allow me to use my God-giving gifts to be a gift to others. I don't make things strictly for consumption but the hope is to improve the end user's living experience, even if by just a tad. A luxurious leather clutch in your hand that gets compliments all evening will make a girl want to SING. Same for a supple suede pillow or a fun pair of fingerless gloves. And on the back-end, using a generous portion of the proceeds I earn to donate to causes and help individuals is another way I am blessed to use my gifts to give.


So finding out about this group of artists and designers based in New York City who design for non-profit organizations to promote good will as well as gain exposure for the causes they believe in totally made my day. Their mission is "...to bring appreciation back to the artist behind the designer, to quality or handmade products, and to a more sustainable future. From design to production we believe in fair trade and source our materials with this in mind. By “doing well by doing good” we connect our designers to non-profit organizations in order to create a favorable outcome for both parties."

Love that!

The Collective consists of 3 designers, including the founder and CEO Shilpa Iyengar; Harmony Pilobello; and Hanh Lam. All are graduates of Parson School of Design.

Recently, YDC presented their designs at Christie's Auction House and auctioned online. All proceeds went to the Navigators USA, a national youth scouting group formed in response to the discriminatory practices of the Boy Scouts of America.  
Check out their publication to see the full collection.: http://www.blurb.com/books/4055520-designs-for-giving

 

All pieces are custom made and still available for purchase. Feel free to contact YDC if you are interested.  
It is great sustainable fashion for great causes.

Find out more about The Young Designers Collective here:  http://www.youngdesignerscollective.com/







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Born Again Vintage: The Collective. {Bigger & Better!}

On Thursday April 25th, I had the pleasure of dropping in the fabulous new location of Born Again Vintage to visit and congratulate it's owner, my friend Bridgett Artise. It's barely 3 weeks old and yet it feels like a mainstay on this charming winding road that leads to Bloomfield Avenue and luckily, she sits only a few feet from the Glenridge Avenue/Bloomfield Avenue intersection. Location is EVERYTHING.
Bridgett is the proprietor and designer of the brand, Born Again Vintage, which is an eco-friendly line of upcycled/recycled vintage garments made new, FRESH, and post-modern.
Un-altered vintage clothing and accessories are sold here as well as her book, Born Again Vintage. 

Storefront window of BAV

Besides her line of fabulouness, Bridgett shares the spotlight with The Collective: her curated list of indie brands that she carries in this hip space.  Check out these designers' website or shop them in person. The boutique is a treasure trove of funky, fly designs; handmade body products;  and original art. You're certain to find something amazing there.

Vibrant, fashion-forward look from BAV

BAV on the runway

Fun t-shirts. Leather Skirts.

Vintage Chanel hardware becomes jewelry at BAV

Me (on left) with Bridgett Artise in her beautiful boutique with my gift to her, an upcycled fur pillow from my new collection Jypsea HOME.

Clothing:

BunnFunn collection

Lois eastlund
http://www.loiseastlund.com/

Clash and lime

http://clashandlime.wix.com/clash-and-lime2

Vintage by vintage Shaun

T-shirts:

Vernakular

http://www.vernakular.com/

The d-list

Indie Chicago designers

Accessories:

Eldenwa designs

http://www.eldenwadesigns.com/

Jewelry:

Banjo and bone

Blue Bettie's

Love me like a rock

Handbags:

Marcelle decaille 

Sarah Djarnie

http://www.sarahdjarnie.com/

Body:

Butter by keba

http://www.butterbykeba.com/

Fsl cosmetics

http://fslcosmetics.com/

Shop Born Again Vintage: The Collective at 219 Glenridge Ave., Montclair NJ 07042.

Wed - Sat: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sun: 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Visit the website: www.b-artise.com and Like BAV on Facebook for updates, events, and fresh new haute merchandise!

2 Fashion-Forward Events in North Jersey this Weekend

Born Again Vintage “The Collective” Boutique Opens in Montclair, NJ on April 5^th

New Boutique To Feature Sustainable Clothing and Indie Designer Apparel and Accessories

New York, NY— March 14, 2013— Author, designer and vintage connoissuer Bridgett Artise has teamed up with New York and New Jersey area independent fashion and accessories designers to create Born Again Vintage “The Collective,” a Montclair, NJ based vintage, recycled clothing and indie designer boutique. Artise, the co-author of the eponymous book “Born Again Vintage: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent, and Recycle Your Wardrobe,” (Random House 2008) and designer behind the Born Again Vintage recycled clothing line, has extended her brand to now include a retail shop that will cater to vintage and sustainable goods enthusiasts in the Montclair, NJ area.

Scheduled to open on Friday, April 5^th, Born Again Vintage “The Collective” will feature high-end, affordable, one-of-a-kind apparel and accessories brands by area designers. Offering a wide range of new and vintage apparel, the boutique serves as the newest addition to a handful of vintage and sustainable clothing shops in the area.

“Born Again Vintage the brand is known for its unique, exclusive pieces as well as its sustainability,” said Artise.  “ We launched ‘The Collective’ as an innovative and creative space that highlights independent designers, promotes sustainability and a provides an extension of our brand as a retail platform. We are thrilled to be bringing this concept to the Montclair community and look forward to providing a distinctive retail experience to the area.” 

In addition to its standard offerings, customers will have the chance to participate in workshops and seminars given by several of the featured designers, including workshops on teaching customers how to make their own recycled clothing. The store will also offer regular special events, shopping parties and fashion presentations as a means to include the local community in its endeavors.

The store will open with a launch event on Friday, April 5^th from 6pm – 9pm,  which will include a fashion presentation featuring designers from “The Collective.” Some of the participating brands/designers include: Clash and Lime, a line dedicated to “clashing everything together with a splash of lime,” as well as BUNNFUNN Collection, which is dedicated to simple, interchangeable vacation-wear pieces, casually-elegant holiday separates  and its signature fleece BUNNFUNN Body Wraps outerwear. Other designers include: Hollywood Foxx Jewelry, Lois Eastlund, Vernakular, D-list, Pomi Power, Butter by Keba, FSL Cosmetics, The Art of Fashion, Tess Home Living, Eldenwa Designs, Banjo and Bone , Beads by Blough, Love Me Like a Rock, Vintage Shaun, Metal Taboo and many more. 

Learn more about Bridgett Artise and Born Again Vintage at http://www.b-artise.com.

 

If want to be "in the know" about the most fashion-forward and innovative thing happening in Newark, this is it! Studio58 will premiere this wknd, a live tv studio taping of the best of international fashion/art/music talents who just happen to be from "Brick City" (my hometown). 2 incredible talented fashion designers will be interviewed and showcasing their work, celebrity designer Marco Hall and Tyrone Chablis.

 I'm hosting a designer meet & greet for my own line Jypsea Leathergoods. See you there!