Yesterday, I stopped by the Prada store in Soho to check out their exhibit of designs created by Miuccia Prada in collaboration with the film's costume designer, Catherine Martin.  What a treat - each one was more gorgeous than the last.  I only had my iphone on me, so the photos really don’t do it justice.  But trust me, if you’re in any way interested, it’s well worth a visit.

Now, for the movie.  I can’t wait!

If you remember, I recently posted about the collaboration between ArtStar and illustrator, Megan Hess.  Of course, I had to have one of the prints for myself, so last week I excitedly schlepped The Chic Hotelier home on the subway.  She was perfect!  The only blot on the landscape was the rather unfortunate South Western vibe that was emanating from he opposite wall.  You see, the apartment was my husband's long before I came on the scene and one of his decorating choices included the hanging of a rather large Bull's skull.   I honestly didn't mind Billy the Bull that much (though don't get me wrong, I never would have chosen him) and we all co-existed pretty well for a few years.  But now that Meg's print was here, and it's refined beauty just made Billy the bull look like overkill (or road kill).

It was time for Billy to move on to pastures new, so I decided to broach the subject with my husband.  I know he was pretty attached, so I had my reasons ready.  Steffen was a total champ about it and, with only a little push back, agreed that we'd find Billy a new home.  He's now installed in the apartment of one of Steffen's colleagues and apparently his fiancé is cool with it (haha....for now!).  Everyone's happy!

What do you love most about your apartment?  Did you have to persuade your significant other to part ways with relics from his or her past?

Have a lovely weekend!

image courtesy of The New York Times

"playing with the studio 360 staff for an afternoon under laurie rosenwald's yoda-ish supervision was, like eating a certain candy bar, indescribably delicious. and unlike eating a candy bar, it was also sublimely useful."

-kurt andersen
host of the peabody award-winning public radio show studio 360

I'm beyond excited to go! Want to come?  You can sign up here.

Luckily for me (and you!), illustrator, Megan Hess has teamed up with Henri Bendel to create a collection of silk scarves just in time for Spring. The four themes: Circus, Sporty, Tropical and Pretty come in several colors, so why don't you pop on over to the Bendel's website and see which scarf has your name written all over it!

Henri Bendel Scarves

click on image to read full interview

That is, until I came across this post about fledgling company, Artifact Uprising.  I checked out their website and loved what I saw...I was going in!  The interface is easy to use, they use 100% recycled paper (none of that nasty shiny stuff) and the cover options are modern and gorgeous.    I spent the weekend doing our wedding album (finally) and just received the finished product – I couldn’t be happier!

So go ahead, turn your happiest moments into beautiful artifacts.

The series, named 'The Chic Set’ consists of three illustrations: The Fashion Editor, The Gallery Owner and The Chic Hotelier. The prints – which work as a series, or alone - are fully authenticated and printed to museum quality standards.

For more information, please visit ArtStar.

It got me thinking about how important it is for a brand to identify who their customer is.  To understand her lifestyle, her aspirations and dreams.  Just like any other relationship, the more you connect with someone, the more effortless the communication.  

Do you know who your brand girl or guy is?  It's never too late to get to know them better!

Whether it’s a brand identity for a minimalist clothing label, or packaging for a Marc Jacobs fragrance, Tommy’s work is characterized by a graphic (and often riotously colorful) sensibility and an eye for the tiny details that make the difference.

You can check out more of Tommy’s work here.

Tim Hamilton - Men's look book

Coty, Inc - Marc Jacobs fragrance packaging conceptMarc by Marc Jacobs Standard SupplyCoty, Inc - LoveStruck fragrance by Vera Wang

Together, they came up with a modern take on gift tags that gave each product a distinctive personality that appealed to a specific customer.  All you have to do is select a personality type and get shopping.

It’s not too late to find the perfect gift.  Pick up a copy and let the gifting begin!

He’s also a pleasure to work with.  Nice (he is Canadian after all), responsive and fast.  What’s not to love!

Check out his reel below.

Jason Guerrero SHOWREEL 2012 from Jason Guerrero on Vimeo.