I always have a tough time with spring jackets. As an extremely polar person, I don’t see the point in having a light jacket that doesn’t serve its function for much of the season. Today, though, as I’m mindlessly going through Barneys (again, this time for competitive pricing), I come across the real life version of this trench I’ve been eyeing for a while.
The coat is even cuter in person <3
I went to the famous Billion Dollar Babes sample sale yesterday, and as expected, everything seemed like a billion dollars (still interning for free, keep in mind). But as the rightly self-proclaimed guru of “buy cheap, look expensive,” I found a Stella inspired light weight cotton cardigan.
Am I awesome or what?
Heyyy guys… I haven’t posted in a while because I was running around in circles.
So I went to the two interviews I mentioned in the last post, and haven’t heard from them yet. It’s still early butttt I don’t think I got either. Not to worry, being questioned about your career in a professional manner often makes me reflect whether I’m going in the right direction.
I kept talking about marketing marketing marketing – market research, branding, e-marketing… things too operational and hands on for me to appreciate. Just now, in the official Matthew Williamson office (apt 10a…) I flipped on New York radio for the first time and listened to a community program discuss sustainability program initiatives. That got me SO EXCITED, way more than the fashion opportunities I’ve encountered in the past while. And that is to say I’ve been in some pretty amazing environments, including in the Diane von Furstenburg design studio in the Garment District, meeting Allegra Hicks at her Upper East Side retail store, and helping out with the charity trunk show party for the evening. This may come to a surprise, but I felt like I was doing “oh my god i hate my job” work.
I know this about myself. I know as an Aries, an ENTP, stubborn Ox, I can succeed in a variety of industries, as long as I’m interested. Technically, I can probably work in publishing, entertainment, a physics lab, so long as I’m in a pioneering role. The issue is double-edged: if I don’t see the big picture, this Ram becomes lost.
Without entirely dismissing fashion, things haven’t worked out lately because I’ve been surrounded by things too operational with no hope of doing bigger and better things. The biggest impact is being at MW. We’re in our infancy: scouting a flagship location, office space, and show room, while expanding to new multi-brand designer retailers… but I’m excluded from all that. All I’m here to do is this market research project.
Anyway, what I’m trying to get at is I’ve come to (re)discover my true passion and talent is to make BIG positive changes: seeing a seemingly unrealistic vision, getting others enthusiastic about it, and doing whatever it takes to make it come true. I’m an idealist at heart and that’s what drives me. We’re talking about the type of person who gets the biggest satisfaction from being called clever. Thinking back, my proudest achievements were all based on this philosophy; I build (or reconstruct) the foundation and leave it in the hands of people who will add their own perspective/style/values and keep improving it. Life is a collaborative effort.
And I’ve been doing this for the past 7 years… Templeton Sun Run team (named Renegades of Funk grace a Jason Bakas), the high school grad dance off at the Talent Show, the Commerce Snack Bar, Style and the City, BizzComm, Murder Mystery. These are all things that have become part of my identity that I’d enjoyed every excruciating moment conceptualizing and organizing because they’re solid ‘landmarks’ in which I added value to my schools.
After much rambling, I shall cease this shameless monologue. I would like to ask you guys for a favor though: if you know anyone who’s pioneering, entrepreneurially-minded, likes taking big risks to make big changes, would you be kind to let me know? I’d love to connect with like-minded people, share the ups and downs, and to solidify my current plans of leaving the operational to Dream Big.
Love & Hugs to all my f.r.i.e.n.d.s.
The management at the design label I’m interning at basically told me there would be no way in hell I’d be hired after the internship. New North American branch, low resources… fair enough. So I’ve been battling it out with myself – why am I still working on this project for them?!
So in between these two weeks of working independently, I’ve applied to a few other places… and oh my gosh! I have two interviews this week. One at a new accessories firm, and the second at an established Contemporary designer. Both with great prospects of getting a (paying) job.
As much as I couldn’t stand my family/friends pushing me to “Get a real job!!!!!” I’ve gotta appreciate my thanks. This is another example smack in my face of going for what I want. If we don’t try at all, we won’t make mistakes, but we also won’t move forward from where we are. I’ve definitely come to live by this philosophy:
“As you have sown, so shall you reap” – Marcus T. Cicero
I’ve been seeing this Japanese designer’s latest collection in West Village, and I LOVE! They’ve got really great gladiator sandals which I couldn’t find the pictures of. They retail for about $300 but the best part is that the husband of this husband-wife designer team is a podiatrist. All the shoes are made for fashionable comfort! Cost benefit analysis: Anyway, check out Chie Mihara.
Compare those with the MBT Swiss Masaius physiological footwear I came across in the Upper East Side…
You guys aren’t gonna believe what I did last week… I went for a round of speed-dating! So the deal is the ladies stay seated while the guys come around every 4 minutes. Get to know them, jot down their number, and awkwardly make comments about them when you hear the whistle blow. Here’s a rundown on some of the guys:
Omar #33: Asked me to name 2 things I wouldn’t tell the other guys. Expecting something sexual, much? He was so used-car salesman I probably should have told him something absurd like “I cut up my underwear when I get angry.”
Chris # 41: Worked at Club Monaco. Came in Club Monaco clothing. We talked about Club Monaco. During the break he sat at the barstool by himself.
Mankeet # 34: The Indian guy who has an Indian accent at Deutsche Bank. Sounded like he was there to ask for your hand in marriage. Um… no thanks, and please don’t come again.
Andrew # 39: First thing he said: “The weather is good.” This was a conversation 4 minutes too long.
JC # 42: Last thing he said: “I hope you choose me too.”
(* You can see Club Monaco guy on barstool in the 3rd pic!)
It was entertaining, to say the least. After about four conversations, I was a financial banker of Korean descent who got offended when they asked me whether I could speak Korean. I recommend it if you are bored hell out of your mind and need easy entertainment.
Yet, my night was only beginning. I walked up to a different group of people and introduced myself, thinking they were in the other speed-dating circle. Turns out they were having drinks for their friends’ Bon-Voyage-for-Global-Travels party and they kidnapped me for a round of late nite sushi. Cheers to New York randomness!
” If you stay in a box your clothes will be the same.”
- Edward Wilkerson, Designer of LaFayette 148 New York
Never been much of the clubbing type. It takes a lot of time and alcohol for me to start expressing myself freely with movement. (Fact: the first FB group I joined was “Holy Shit! I’m Awkward” 
) But I was at the Asian-themed HIRO to support Queena who was performing in Carnival: Choreographer’s Ball, an event similar to America’s Best Dance Crew
Throughout the performances, I noticed there were quite a few pieces themed futuristic galaxy, national defense, and other forms of art (mime, ballet). There was a lot of American apparel silver wear, animal print tights, neon – your current trends worked to an extreme! The styling was out of this world too: from wigs to the sunglasses, to the way one guy wore orange coveralls… I wish I had remembered to stick the battery into my camera. I would have loved to show you guys their ‘costumes’!
I entertained the idea of being a stylist for a little… wouldn’t it be so fun to conceptualize their outfits, scrounge the city for the pieces, create new ones, then put it all together for a complete look? Thought bubble popped when I recalled my new friend telling me how Kanye’s stylist didn’t want her help because she didn’t want to lose her job. Oh well, I have Me, Myself & I to style, and we always have fun!
Being in new environments and meeting new people is always exciting, fun, scary. It places you in uncomfortable situations and you learn what you don’t like, and why you don’t like it. New experiences could make you feel like you don’t want to wait another second before taking over the world. Then you know you’ve got something going on for you… as long as you’re willing to accept what you ask for.
In my case, I thought I would enjoy the production aspect. As you know I’m a fashion show coordinator extraordinaire! At coat check though, I was next to Carnival’s producer and had little interest in starting up a conversation. On the other hand, my mind wandered to the dancers’ outfits, how some were so unique you’d need a personal tailor to create them. Someone could make a job out of that! Interest also piqued when the host announced a choreographer was starting a clothing line. Miranda’s brain: “Oh my gosh! I want a clothing line! That could be me! I could do it!”
One really important thing I’ve learned during this journey away from home is to listen to your heart during those little AHA! moments. You know what’s best for you, and those are moments of clarity that put everything into perspective. It’s what got me to NY in the first place. Try it and maybe you’ll surprise yourself.
xoxo, Mir
I’m usually not the star struck type, but Project Runway is definitely one of my favourite shows. I totally respect that these designers go through Heidi hell & pick themselves back up again. At Runway #5 auditions, I was lucky enough to meet Malan Breton of Season 3 and Christian, winner of Season 4!
Malan’s doing lots right now – he’s got a miniseries on BravoTV.com and his collection will be carried at Holt Renfrew.
This guy’s so tiny I feel fat next to him!
“As you know in fashion, one day in you’re in, the next you’re out,” says Heidi Klum on every episode of the uber successful Project Runway. But that statement hardly prevents designers from chasing dreams of becoming the next big fashion star.
Production for the fifth season is starting, and auditions for the next top designer took place from Saturday April 5th to Monday, April 7th. I caught up with Project Runway hopefuls auf the catwalk, just moments before they were escorted into the W Hotel in Times Square for Season 5 auditions. Here are some designers who we just might get a chance to see more of on TV. Will they make it to become Heidi’s catwalk kill? You be the judge.
Hopeful #1: JUAN COLON
Juan’s a designer from Peurto Rico who designs for REAL women: pregnant, curvy, whatever their size may be (and even for their beloved pooches). He describes his style as classic. And as we can tell, he sure is! The two piece ruffle blouse and highly detailed black pants are stylish in their own right, though I’d suggest to wear them separately. Juan’s not a stranger to Runway. No, siree! Last season he was the first in line at the Miami auditions, got there at 4:30am. I joked about how he probably has strategized coming at a better time. Being the sacrificial audition’s not the best way to go… Good luck this 2nd time around!
Hopeful #2:
Demetrius here is all about the full stylized look. “I zoom into the style, and magnify it!” It’s no wonder, since he’s a former fashion stylist. If you could only see his shoes, which were made from these wonderfully ombre croc skin. This easy-going Atlanta, GA designer reminds me of Season 3 favourite Michael Knight. But when asked who his fave from that season was, and without hesitating, he said Laura. (She was the mother of 5? 6? 7? who went a little crazy on the beadwork on all her dresses). Not my cup of tea, but cheers to a world of different perspectives!
Hopeful #3: IVY H.
Forget getting inspired by someone else’s visions of what a woman should wear! Ivy H doesn’t look toward vintage clothing for ideas, instead she’s Inspired by art & nature. And sure enough, she incorporates art into her clothing as well. The tree inspired blouse she’s holding up is all hand painted. She’s got street cred too, having interned at Donna Karan (I’m jealous!) and now working on her eponymous label. For more information, be sure to check out her website when it officially launches. I’ll keep you posted!
MAKE IT WORK, Juan, Demetrius & Ivy!
Hugs, MIR
* Please excuse my lack of computer skills… Photos were taken in upright position but I have no idea how to get them to show that way. Help, anyone?
