Friday, November 28, 2008

When You Leave


leave an impression.

Last Saturday





at the Sanctuary, Patch showed up to work on his painting but the Art Center was too popular and the lottery system went into play. He had to wait on the porch with several other young people in the hope that a "winner" would leave. The place has the room and the inventory to host quite a few people but the staff/client ratio has to be kept in check; its a hard thing to have to shut doors against people ....
Patch is still working on his jacket....he says its always in process...like life.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Not a Label


Well it has been awhile but before i move away from the London Experience i have to say a bit about Not Just a Label and that is...they are innovative because of perspective and they are a good source for independent and new design and designers.
The gent i spoke with mentioned shows and networking but if you go to their site they will speak for themselves.
The toy soldiers are readymades with glitter added. They were chosen because they are easy to come by...which goes to show how fear, the commodity, is a cultural (almost global) norm. It takes courage to speak up and challenge the whole of tradition, the foundation of power and all the many facts that really aren't!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

more FFS


Orsola de Castro started the label From Somewhere in 1997 to address pre-consumer waste and reproducibility in recycling for the fashion industry.

In 2006, Orsola and her partner Filippo Ricci, started Estethica, the sustainable fashion area at London Fashion Week. Her pro- active style has helped push sustainable fashion into the light of the everyday world.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Sanctuary Art Center

Michael in self style

Saturday morning i volunteer at the Sanctuary which is a drop in art making space for homeless teens. Next Saturday we are starting a quilt block wall hanging with patches, paint, fabric and what all ...if it can be sewn or applied in some way....well I am excited about actually having a project rather than just fixing the machines (again) and spontaneous sewing help.

This will be wonderful in multiple ways. I have met some talented, intelligent, eclectic, lovely people (new friends!) and i am happy to say that i have apologized for the mess some of us have made of this world out of ignorance, greed, fear and "its not my job" etc.

OK it's covered, we are forgiven; now let's work together for recovery, spirited growth and a better evolved look at our species, our capabilities and our responsibilities. No big deal just total 360 degree awareness and action and we can do it, pardon me
We Will Do It and the perk -it creates joy!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

F F More


Timothy Han
handcrafts all-natural luxury products for the bath body and home. In the home line are soy candles which are a healthier alternative to paraffin based candles.

Remember, scent is molecules that detach from their origin and float up into your nose; where they attach themselves to receptors deep inside your nasal cavity. SO you are not only what you eat but what you breathe as well.

Think about it!

If you want to know more about the cosmetic industries mad science approach do a search on toxic makeup or cosmetics or....
ps: the EU has more stringent cosmetic guides; known carcinogens are banned faster than in USA.
PPS: That is my calling card in his hand, repurposed from my out of date sewing class flyers.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Fashion Future Summit cont.


Elena Garcia ecoCouture:
"Small designers need more support and suitable business models to follow in the aftermath of the financial meltdown of late. We no longer need to look at growth for growth's sake. We need people to appreciate craft and give us back our dignity."
October 28th 2008

Thank you Elena; I believe she speaks for many designers, artisans, artists and thoughtful people that are following their life's work potential and not the marketplace and it's distorted visions. However, we of the aforementioned need the support of the people in order to be economically viable. That is how we will all build the new sustainable model of our species life on this planet.

economic sustainability
social justice
ecological balance

Monday, November 3, 2008

Fashion Future Summit photos








as designed by the students of the London College
of Fashion. It was dark and I tried to adjust levels but it was catch as I
could and yes, I should move around for shot variety. The show was very pro
and a delight with a good soundtrack; we've come a long way from the beige
hemp canvas that started it all. I know, I tried to work with it. There was a shop in Pioneer Square that sold it as yardage and there were maybe 3 weights and maybe a couple whites and blacks.....but the natural color was dominant.

Fashion Future Summit

day2

This morning caught the underground and knew how to navigate the circus of Oxford Circus.
The day started with speakers and then we broke into one of 3 groups. I was in the luxury group.
What is it and how will we design it? How has it been appropriated by the likes
of Gucci and Lois Vuitton who have "democracized" it with a fast fashion business model?
What will be the new vision; olde world craftsmanship, will the full lifecycle of products be considered as well as their impact on the sustainable model (sustainable economics, social justice and ecological balance) will their be smaller companies, resource wise limited production....?

I have met and will connect back with some great people ..... designers, media rousers, professors and other stakeholders.
This is it for now as I need to shuffle my notes and get some concise outcome sentences formed. This has been one of the most exciting sustainable related events I have ever been involved with or even attended as a spectator.
More later, L, deborah

Fashion Future day 1

On Tue, Oct
28, 2008 at 11:46 AM, deborah barnes <faithinart04@yahoo.com>
wrote:

hello SSF,
The Fashion show last night with student designs was amazing with good tunes and gracious hosts. It was an "I need a camcorder" event...I have pics to show when I gte back. Will need to run thru
Photoshop for darkness issues.....We got a bag from Adili with goodies so
will write on it later...too much for now.