please, please, please

the perfect holiday movie came out: a story of a humble, hardworking girl, a frog, a prince and a dream come true: the Prince.

  through the words of my daughter, “once, her father once told her to seek for the North Star and make a wish. at night, when in bed, she peeked through the curtains, found the star in the dark blue sky, squeezed her eyes and heart and … please, please, please… made her wish”.

it was her gift for her birthday: all he could afford. he was not there anymore when it came true, however it did and it was his life’s celebration.

touching thoughts for the best time of the year to make a wish, under the mistletoe or looking at the star, it doesn’t matter. what it does is the intensity of that squeeze.

  may this be my wish for the biggest wishes come true for each of you. remember not to say it loud nor to share it with anybody, just squeeze your heart and look at it before shipping it to the North Star. 

  believe you can, accept yourself and the dream will come true.


the "workerist"

we have heard it one too many times. 

no more splurging, just cautiously adjust to the times and pause. 

so here’s how it goes.

"how could I resist those perfect black platform booties I have been searching for since the September Vogue came out. that’s an investment I will wear every day." 

then.

"remember I always wanted that black Tuxedo jacket with satin lapels? they called me they had my size left and it’s a sign. it will last forever, it’s a closet staple that even girlie will be able to enjoy it when she grows up." 

now, I must complete the look with a white tank and black sequined leggings and I can easily do it with less than $50 and still be fabulous. the perfect envelope clutch and some bib black onyx necklace I found at the Sunday’s flea market.  here is where the ”workerist” comes out. that’s where Haute Gamme meets Hobo. it is the Depression Era of 2009. they also call us “frugalista”, which for some reasons reminds me of the latest Paris Chanel show: barn, hay and Couture. 

the question is : are we wearing Couture in a demure, understated way or are we launching to the stars regular, basic, everyday, washer and dryer clothing. 

are we finding an excuse to wear Couture on a daily basis taking it a notch down with the ribbed white top and flip flops? or are we “dressing up” the basic with some glamorous, stunning piece of Couture? the difference is subtle, the message is bold. 

before it used to be: you are either the aspirant (able to only acquire one couture piece for the season and got to mix it with my closet) or you are the “got to possess the entire look n.14 from the fall runway and will have to  be the first”. 

to me, no matter which role you cover, the new Depression era allows everybody to enjoy, own, interpret High Luxury. 

am I right?

either lipstick or foundation generation, everything started with potatoes.

It was a pleasant conversation with some journalists: after dinner drinks and a post interview of a well known CEO of a luxury yacht company.  the thought came out after discussing about the sequence of worldwide depressions and the economical theories of the potato, lipstick and foundation factors.

The Early Thirties main Depression produced  the potato factor: an increase of the use of potatoes as a mean of feeding families. cheaper way of filling stomachs in times of misery and lack of cash availability.

The 9/11 economical downturn had as a result an increase in lipstick sale. The “Lipstick Index” raan instant gratification for women to cheer themselves up. 

The 2009 version of these sadly cyclical events created another mass produced effect, the foundation and its unexpected rise in sales. 

Is it really the Kardashians effect? That flawless, perfectly hair brushed, photoshopped skin color that looks great in TV and at night?  But if that is, aren’t the numerous and ubiquitous sisters the exact and specular opposite of economical depression?

We live in a dichotomy. 

Is it the same that happens in fashion and the “recessionista” effect: high and low, luxury and mass, Bottega Veneta + The Gap. Or is it only me?

are you an elephant or a baboon?

What do you look at first when you meet someone?

The picture says it all. 

I cannot refrain myself from looking at the shoes. As soon as I am shaking a hand, the corner of my eye discretely and subconsciously slips down (same as when you get undressed). 

Clean, worn out, classic, latest edition fresh from Vogue, trendy, passee’, sneakers, knock offs, wrong season, chipped pedicure, smashing combination, original color, fabulous, inadequate occasion, trying too hard, could not be better …

It is not frivolity and I have a theory to explain it. It is either you are an elephant or a baboon. That is, it is a thermometer that measures how much impact you leave after I have met you. I’s a scale that goes from the bold, indelible elephant footprint to the one of a baboon, imperceptible to the senses. It is as a natural instinct as wildlife, it is not fashion discrimination. The variable is odd, I accept it: personal standards can be pretty high. Too much style can be boring. But I would love you guys to help me understand if the world is really full of elephants and baboons.

an interview

1. If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?

Effortless style.

2. What role does your family play in your art?

100% … my everyday life (breathing, colors, perfumes, food, work, love) is the main form of inspiration.

3. Where do you live and what is it like?

sun, ocean, beach, sand, brightness, happiness.

4. Where did you learn to create?

living.

5. Who is your favorite craft supplier?

Nature . I only use stones, shells, silk, cotton, paper, some leather, some vintage, heritage from my grandmother.

6. If there is a new craft you could learn, what would it be and why?

Oil painting: mixing colors, textures, nuances and ombre’.

7. What are your goals?

Share: receive in giving. Empathy is the best energy drive.

8. Where do you receive your inspiration, in general?

Nature. I replicate and interpret colors, emotions, perfumes, vibrations that I perceive.

9. How did you come to selling crafts?

I was making jewelry for myself and my friends became my biggest fans in convincing me I should sell them.

10. Who are your favorite artists?

Leonardo (fascinating and convoluted), Giacomo Puccini (harmony and rigueur).

11. How do you share your creations?

various forms of Inbound Marketing such as web page and social medias. Although the best way to promote f.b.creations is being myself.

12. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?

Persevere and believe.

13. What is the most treasured thing in your craft stash?

The turquoise rosary (overall, it all begun there).

14. What is the best compliment you have received of your jewelry?

Every time I realize how people “experience” them, mine is jewelry at free interpretation.

15. Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?

This is stretching it, however  I hope one day I will be able to share my income to address hunger and poverty.

I always thought I needed to be ready in case some important magazine would ask for an interview …