The Creative Cookie

Fashion + Compassion

I'm instantly drawn to stories featuring fashion & philanthropy.

When I saw Los Angeles photographer Doug Inglish's portrait series, Model Citizen, on StyleCaster I was all in. The series showcases inspirational interviews and portraits of 7 models who are using their influence to sir positive change in the world. As Jenny Shimizu verbalized to reporter Kerry Pieri: 

"it's a lot of power to be a model, having this much... access to reach people in different countries and all over the world...why not use some of this...power for good, rather than be just a beautiful girl in a magazine."

photo: Doug Inglish courtsey of StyleCaster

View the series & read their words here.

Miss Al Boogie's Lo-Fi Sci-Fi Summer Soiree

I'm pleased to be partnering with Miss Al Boogie on her summer soiree -- happening this evening! Stop by Common Grounds Coffee House, in Bedstuy, for live music, dancing, and surprises:). 

What : Miss Al Boogie's Lo-Fi Sci-Fi Summer Soiree
When : Wednesday August 17
Where : Common Grounds Coffee House, 376 Tompkins Ave. (Bedstuy, Brooklyn)
From : 7p to 9p

Catch the C to Kingston/Throop or burn some calories walking.

Why : Because Sumertime is FUN!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

On Saturday night I waited in the longest line of my life.

It was the eve before the closing of the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Savage Beauty. Kamau (my husband) and I inched along in a snaking line of turns and twists. If you have to wait in line the MET is the place to do it, I suppose. We slowly journeyed, with 1000s of museum goers, from the outside of the building to the adorned walls on the 1st & 2nd floors. 

Thankfully I wore my favorite flats. 

After 5 hours the trek was over. I put way my notepad, realizing that my mood to take notes had been zapped. As we entered Alexander's potent vision of Savage Beauty I was instantly inspired, transfixed, and curious about the designer's short life.

I'll never forget the experience or the exhibition. I guess Alexander was right:

"I am going to take you on journeys you've never dreamed were possible."

--Alexander McQueen

It felt appropriate to buy postcards of the pieces we saw -- afterall, it was a mini voyage. Check them out:

white cotton spray-painted dress with black and yellow w/underskirt of white silk -- from spring/summer 1999 collection (watch the video of this dress being sprayed  here)

winged bodice of balsa wood w/ wool trousers -- from spring/summer 1999 collection

photo: Solve Sundsbo / Art + Commerce

Read more about the exhibit in the New York Times here.

Fun at Fashion Camp

Last week I taught fashion design at Camp Gowanee during Spoke The Hub's Street Art, Dance, and Fashion multi-arts day camp.  In addition to design, I taught them how to strut their stuff on the runway. Camp ended in a fab fashion show where students modeled their creations for parents, siblings and babysitters! Read their run of show (they wrote their own outfit descriptions -- cute!):

Some campers were inspired to sketch outside of class. Here's some of their work:

 They learned to sew by hand and machine. We also explored the lives of designers and even dyed fabric.

photos: Lesley Ware © 2011

I had just as much fun as the campers did. They knocked my socks off with innovative designs and loads of enthusiasm. I'm so looking forward to the next time!!