LotusHaus

Kate Quinn Organics Summer Collection!

I LOVE KATE QUINN ORGANICS! Check out the new summer collection of sumptuous organic cotton options for you and baby!!!

Flower & Gift Project for Teens } Project No. 8

No flowers in the budget for this class, so instead, we made fabric/wood beaded bracelets for my St. Luke's class. It's so easy!

Materials:

• 7-10 pcs of 1/2" diameter wooden beads
• strip of fabric approx. 3 1/2" w x 36" l
• glue stick
  

Instructions:

1) Start
Place glue along the long edge about 6" down. Fold the strip into thirds and tie a knot. This creates a finished "tie" for your bracelet. You will do the same step when you get to the end of your bracelet for the other tie.
2) Insert beads, apply glue, and knot.
Just past the knot, dab some glue on the long edges of the fabric and roll the wooden bead so that the fabric covers it. Twist the fabric after the bead and tie a knot. Make the knot as close to the bead as you can. Repeat until the length fits around the largest part of your hand.
3) Tie off and finish.
Once you have the right length of beads, tie a knot and repeat step 1). You can make a matching necklace by using a longer strip of fabric and more beads.
4) Enjoy!

 

Kuga Designs } Wearable Floral Design!

I don't know how she did it, but Bree from Kuga Designs created this absolutely stunning "Retro Glam" wearable floral dress (including shoes!) and other fabulous couture with her design partners for the Bouquets to Art event in San Francisco! I want one!!!! Girl, you rock!

Vivienne Tam's Peony Clutch Mini HP Laptop!

I'm a MAC user, but who wouldn't want a mini laptop that looked like a clutch and sported a Vivienne Tam peony print!!! Sheer bliss! Check it out here and read more about it here and here. It's fierce, baby! If you don't need a clutch laptop you can get a dose of Vivienne Tam's style by clutching her fashion book China Chic.

Love this modern sari style in orange and green!

This is Mandira Bedi, a famous Bollywood actress who is shown rockin' this mod sari in India's Republic-Day colors of orange, white and green! Love it! Check out the back of her sari and more sari style at Saree Dreams.

Wear this kimono hair pin on Valentine's Day!

I *heart* the beautiful textile jewelry and hair pins by etsy seller TidaBeads in Tokyo! I love this hair pin, this knotted necklace and this crochet collar!

Gap and Pantone Pop Up Store in NY

Check this out... A colorful merchandising concept... Gap and Pantone Pop Up Store in New York on 5th Ave. Via Lintcoat.

Lucky Wang and Nonchalant Mom

Do any of you have some cultural traditions to enhance my fertility??? I can just picture a pint sized version of me in these incredibly adorable kimono style onesies and mandarin style jackets from Lucky Wang! Buy these cuties and other fabulously modern and colorful selections over at Nonchalant Mom! (Photos by Lucky Wang and Nonchalant Mom.)

Qipao } Inspiration for Holiday Attire

I love the look and history of the kimono and Chinese Cheongsam or Qipao. Check out Alkemie's post on The Traditional Chinese dress - The Cheongsam or The Qipao... I have several qipao style dresses that I had sourced from vintage stores in my college days, but sadly, they don't fit me anymore. (photos from Alkemie)

My Design Work } Tasche Logo & Pallet Concept for Sam's Club

It's always fun to see one's own design work come to life! Most of my clients are private label and B2B so many times it's a touchy subject to post about my new work (boohoo)...but here is one I can show you! I designed this logo for Tasche, a private label collection of genuine leather handbags with matching wallets available right now at many Sam's Clubs. Reminiscent of Hobo and Matt & Nat, two of my favorite brands, the Tasche set is available in so many gorgeous colors and at the great price of only $69.32 for the set! My client took this picture in the store and said that ladies were buying more than one so they could have multiple colors! The logo and brand identity were inspired by a hint of Tuscany with stylized vines. The "T" represents a pergola with a single sprig or vine. The vibe I was going for was upscale, classic and sophisticated...new luxury with a modern twist. If you have a Sam's Club near you go check it out!

In the Mood for } Sultry Charcoal & Purple with a Kiss of Red

Images from Emilia Pelech/Trevor Brady, Villa Collection, W Hotel, Vital Furniture and Kråkvik & D´Orazio.

Dirk Rees } A Moment Captured

Lovin' these images by Dirk Rees... discovered via Oh Joy!

Li Xiaofeng } Reclaiming Porcelain

Wow! At the Asian Contemporary Art Fair in New York, Chinese artist Li Xiaofeng showcased wearable art made from porcelain pieces! Amazing! Via Le Zèbre Bleu.

Tang Dynasty Beauty } Yang Gui Fei

Figurines of beauties and goddesses always inspire me and this one is no exception. I would love to have this incredibly gorgeous doll! "This doll was inspired by the image of Yang Gui Fei from the Tang Dynasty, one of the renowned four beauties of ancient China. It reveals the elaborate craft of dress making in the Tang Dynasty." I want to do my hair like that one day! You can collect this doll at China Sprout. They also have many other beautiful fashion dolls and figurines. For an Indian inspired doll check out Jewel of Bollywood by Devout Dolls.

Wafrica } Kimono ala Africa

Serge Mounage is an African born, Tokyo based designer and well-traveled artist who has created Wafrica, a series of kimonos and obis made with beautiful African fabrics. Instead of calling Wafrica a "collection," Serge refers to his work as a "variation of experiences that evolve as a seasonal, rhythmic dialogue." I truly appreciate this example of international inspiration! 

Related Posts:

Fair Trade African Fabrics } Ananse Village

Vlisco } African Wax Prints

Lalesso } Kenyan Fashion & Fair Trade

Silk Spun a Different Way

 

This is really interesting...
"Designer Elsbeth Joy Nielsen from the Netherlands has discovered a way of producing silk without killing silkworms. Normally the worms die when their cocoons are boiled to loosen the silk; Nielsen's technique allows them to create a patch of pure silk while crawling back and forth over a platter looking for a place to build their cocoons. Once the panel is complete, they are left to pupate naturally. The resulting scarf demonstrates the material's exquisite beauty."
The photograph is so stunning! Via Dezeen and Roger Live.

Bunka Women's University } Japanese Fashion Student Showcase - Sneak Peak

I have a busy week so my posting will be on the light side until things settle down. In the meantime, here is a sneak peak at the annual Bunka student fashion showcase that I attended this past weekend at my fashion alma mater Seattle Central Community College. Bunka University is in Tokyo and the whole production is a traveling show put on entirely by students! My girlfriend and I go every year and are amazed at the creativity of the fashions and the ingenuity of the production crew.

Devout Dolls } Jewel of Bollywood

I recently saw the Bollywood exhibit by the Center on Contemporary Art (COCA) and was amazed by this absolutely gorgeous handmade doll by Sara Lanzilotta of Devout Dolls! I saw this doll in person and every detail was divine including the matching silk covered shelf that it was on!

Sexy, Hexy and Fringy } Retail Inspiration

I'm loving the texture, the hexagonal style and the muted brown colors of Ferrer, a new fashion store in Nieuwpoort-Bad, Belgium. Designed by Studio Arne Quinze the retail vibe is clean, modern and tactile. The wallpaper has linear texture and I absolutely love the fringe beaded curtains. Great ideas for party or wedding decor! via Dezeen.

Rainbow Raffia Clutch

I really like this raffia clutch that was posted by the fantastic Fly blog...

Kimono Style Bangles

These gold bangles are on my wishlist! I love that these bangles are inspired by Japanese design icons and graphic elements often seen on kimono textiles and paper. Buy them here.

Color Inspiration } Japanese Hand Colored Photos

Check out these beautiful hand colored photographs by flickr user Okinawa Soba! Also check out these color palettes over at Color Lovers inspired by one of the sets featuring Geisha in swimwear fashion.

Trend de la Crème

Introducing Trend de la Crème, a fantastic fashion and design blog by a detail-obsessed trend addict living in San Francisco, California. My jaw dropped when I saw a couple of posts with trend boards juxtaposing Chanel's Spring 2009 collection with exotic flowers and André Lima's Spring 2009 collection inspired by geometric/origami effect. Check 'em out!

Ornamental Things of Beauty

 

I'm drooling over of these gorgeous handcrafted charm necklaces by Ornamental Things. Courtesy of Earth Friendly Weddings (30% off with code FOURYEARS)

Ikat Weave Inspired Wardrobe for the Summer

Growing up with Ikat & Batik textiles all around the house (like runners, placemats, bags, sarongs) has instilled in me a sense of awe and amazement of the weavers and community of craftspeople that instinctively create the colors and intricate handwork that affords us these wonderful textiles. For me, no matter what the season, global culture and craft will always be in style. Ikat fashion spread via InStyle Magazine.

Fun with Polyvore } Create Your Own Trend Boards

Look what I put together on Polyvore, a cool site for collecting and collaging fashion and accessories from around the web! Register and download the bookmarklet, then when you surf you can "clip" images and add them to your "scrapbook". With simple drag and drop functions, you can create your own trend board in minutes (or hours if you get hooked)! I call this one Asian Gold Lacquer - inspired by the Japanese Gold Leaf painting in the background. (I added my own border in another program). You can see a few other of my collages here.

Peony Pop Print } by Shanghai Tang

Inspired by our favorite flower, this stylized Peony Pop print by Shanghai Tang is colorful, inspiring and sophisticated!

Japanese Textile Hairpins } Tsumami-kanzashi by Yonuko

These beautiful hairpins are called Tsumami-kanzashi (tsumami means the act of pinching) and they are handmade from tiny squares of thin silk called 'habutae.'  These hairpin designs usually resemble filigree flowers or butterflies and the history of this craftwork dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867). Today they are only worn in Japan on special occasions however, artist Yonuko is reviving the craft with her modern style tsumami-kanzashi made from old kimono fabrics. Read more about this artist and her beautiful creations here! Watch some demos on YouTube here! Buy some similar hairpins here!

Portico India } Global Fashion for Your Boudoir!

Today I discovered Stylekist, a fabulous design and decor blog from Mumbai, India! I also discovered Portico India, a most sumptuous home textile company with some amazing collections! Shown below are selections from the fashionable Urban Monk line. I love the intense colors, the artwork and the styling. Portico collaborated with the Lakme Fashion Week (would love to attend someday!) in India this spring to create an amazing fashion collection using their Urban Monk textiles. Go to the Portico site and click on the Lakme Fashion Week image to learn more about the collaboration and to watch the incredibly inspiring fashion show! Um, hello, I'll take all of those fashion pieces along with the coordinating bedding!!!

Sex and the City } A Stylish Ladies Night in Seattle!

(Photos by Barbie Hull Photography, graphics and styling by LotusHaus Creative Services)

Check out this stylish event for the Ladies that I helped design, inspired by, you guessed it, Sex and the City! Hosted at the beautiful Ibiza Dinner Club, we pulled out all the stops to create a lovely ambiance for the ladies (and gents) to lounge, lavish and dance the night away.

Sex and the City } Carried Away in New York!

Check out the uberhip Sex and the City Movie Screening & After Party in New York! Despite the rain, thousands of fans came out to watch the premiere at the Radio City Music Hall. The after party was held at the Modern Museum of Art (MoMA). Production, design & decor by 1540 Production and Floral Design by Oscar Mora. To read more about New York movie premiere and after party click here! Let me know if you've seen the movie and if you did anything special to make a night out of it! Some of my gal pals went all out!

Aviva Stanoff } Nature and Design - An Everyday Celebration

I have long been inspired by Aviva Stanoff and her amazing body of work since I discovered her Brooklyn design studio many years ago. (Check out my eco-luxe color & trend board). Aviva embodies the union of her Japanese heritage and the modern metropolis lifestyle.

"From her North Hollywood roots in 1970’s bohemian California to tending to the flowers surrounding her grandfather’s Buddhist temple in Okayama, Japan, Aviva Stanoff represents a cultural tapestry...She finds inspiration in the subtle palette of nature, the deliberate minimalism of tradition, and the city sunset seen every night from her design studio window. She translates these inspirations into pattern, color, and beautiful environments."

With roots in the fashion textiles industry, the Aviva Stanoff collection is known for its high end, heirloom quality pillows and soft goods that are hand-dyed, etched, and painted one at a time in her Brooklyn studio by skilled artisans. Real foliage is used to create the prints you see and with a special technique these elements are embossed into plush velvet leaving the texture and essence of nature for you to enjoy. For more inspiration, check out this video and watch Aviva explain how she creates her work. I guarantee it will awe and inspire!

Goodie Bags from Matt & Nat

"choose life, choose positivity, choose the golden rule, choose to be at peace with yourself, choose salvation." Choose Matt & Nat vegan handbags! By choosing vegan, you are supporting cruelty free, non-leather goods that are made of the highest quality synthetics. Influenced by east and west, yin and yang, Matt and Nat embrace a positive philosophy and call us all to choose life, salvation and peace within ourselves. I'm in!

GlobalFlora } Coral Fixation

Featured Event Theme: Coral Fixation via ThirteenMinutes Magazine

This post is inspired by an amazing fashion spread I saw in ThirteenMinutes, an avant garde Asian American magazine. I just love this sleek and modern take on the traditional "Seaside" theme. Coral is fascinating with it's varying textures and dynamic forms. Hair styling by Philippe Paschkes, photography by Richard Warren, and makeup by Viktorija Bowers. Seashell takeout favor idea by Pink Pearls, rare black coral ring by Art Deco Rings,  modern seashore tablescape by Rebecca Thuss, and coral sea shell arrangement by Zofia Design.

Escada Summer 2008 } Wedding or Special Event Color Inspiration

I drove by the Escada boutique and was inspired by the window display. I just love the color story for the Summer 2008 collection. With saturated brights and sophistication, this palette of purple, fuschia, orange, caramel and chocolate would be an amazing color theme for a wedding, shower or special event.

Next to the color pegs, you will see some beautiful Mokara Orchids that could be used to carry this theme. For you event planners and DIY brides, check out FiftyFlowers.com for bulk flowers, DIY flower combos and wholesale prices. They even carry organic roses. Gerbera daisies come in these lush colors as well! Flip through Organic Style magazine and read about B&H Flowers an amazing organic gerbera daisy farm in California. Make sure to watch the cool video tour on pg 37.

P.S. Christy Turlington looks gorgeous in this ad campaign (did you know her mother was Salvadoran?)! She's simply stunning!

Ann Demeulemeester Boutique } Green Seoul

Here's some more global green! Check out Ann Demeulemeester's green boutique in Seoul, Korea. Designed by Minsuk Cho of MassStudies. All I can say is WOW!!!! Click here for a slideshow and click here for more examples of modern greenery in retail environments.

Ikat } Beauty and the Weave!

In a world full of fast paced technology, the latest and greatest gadgets and hyperlink surfing, it's comforting to believe that global textiles and culture will never go out of style. I pray that as a global culture we will preserve and support the ancient and traditional techniques of arts and crafts, like Ikat weaving. Having grown up with Ikat textiles from the Philippines and Thailand, I have enjoyed seeing Ikat being used in modern fashion and lifestyle. Above is the latest Trend Alert from Elle Decor's April 2008 issue via the fabulous Chaikhana blog and below is another Ikat trend sheet from Elle Decor in August 2007 via Style Court.

H&M } Blesses Seattle with Affordable and Fashion Forward Style!

H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), the Swedish fashion department store chain is finally coming to Seattle!!!! It's like IKEA for fashion...seriously! I just read that H&M will open three stores this Fall. One in the University Village, one downtown Seattle and one at Southcenter mall, in my own backyard! Oh man, this is big news for Seattle fashion. I have been to the many H&M stores in New York and it's madness. You can expect to wait in line for a dressing room and then again to check out. I always love their textile prints - you can imagine the awesomeness of finding a plethora of summer wrap dresses in prints reminiscent of Marimekko, Orla Kierly or Dianne Von Furstenberg for $24.99! It would make any mild mannered fashionista's heart race and blood pulse. Oh and don't feel too bad. H&M is also working on their corporate responsibility & sustainability initiatives by providing its followers with affordable organic cotton options too.

Amazing Art Direction via Love Made Visible

Saw this awesome calendar spread over at Love Made Visible. Amazing! Reminds me of the Spring 07 Christian Dior couture collection.

Jewelry Finds on Etsy

So much brilliant work comes out of Australia! Here are some beautiful Japanese inspired pendant necklaces by Australian designer Ceeb Wasserman via Etsy.

Vixen Australia } Purveyor of Global Modern Style

Via Desire To Inspire I discovered Vixen Australia, a purveyor of timeless, global modern style and luxury! Take me to Australia!

Niwaka } Lovely Japanese Jewelry For Wedding Couples

Via NotCot, I learned of Niwaka, a Japanese Jeweler with stores in Japan and New York. The top photo shows the beautiful attention to detail in the Niwaka jewelry experience and the middle photos shows their wonderful rings that convey heartfelt sentiments like, "Moonlight is glittering in the water, guiding us to the path of our journey," and "Knowing each other from the bottom of our hearts." (web site english translation) The bottom photo shows the awesome modern architecture of one of their locations in Japan. My hubby and I will be getting new rings for our 5 year anniversary, so I think we will take a lil' trip to NY next year to check these out :) I just love the stories and special details surrounding Niwaka's products!

Texuba } Vintage Kimono Finds

Check out my sweet textile finds from the Texuba sale in Seattle! These are hand embroidered pieces of vintage kimonos! I just love the feeling of history, the detailed motifs and the beautiful brilliant colors!

Bunka Women's University } Japanese Fashion Show in Seattle

My fellow fashionista friend, Carlisia of Mac Fashion House, and I went to an innovative student fashion show on Sunday at our fashion alma mater, Seattle Central College. It was so inspiring! The Bunka Women's University in Tokyo has an amazing fashion program that includes not only fashion design, but also Fashion Styling, Fashion Event Production, Fashion Journalism and Stage/Film Costume Design. This annual fashion show, which is shown in the US and France, was entirely designed and produced by Bunka University design students. The goal of the Bunka Fashion Department is to "Create global minded leaders that are able to contribute to the International Fashion Scene."

The fashion show was extremely well choreographed and the lighting and music created the kind of dramatics and theatrical vibe you would expect from high end fashion houses. I was so incredibly impressed. Not to mention, I enjoyed seeing all of the lovely Japanese models with their sweet faces and normal heights. The students, who worked in groups, wowed the Seattle audience with their 11 distinctly themed fashion sets. The highlights for me included COSMIC: a space age mod/Matrix set, MATSURI: a neo-traditional Japanese festival theme, KNIT: a completely crocheted, precious, pastel colored collection, and EMBROIDERY: a collection of A-line dresses with elaborate embroidered flowers. I messed up and forgot my camera or else I would have more photos for you, oh well...take my word for it, it was fantastic! Make sure to go next year!

Seattle's First Ever Green Fashion Week!

This week Seattle will have it's very own Green Fashion Week! Check out the event schedule for some pleasantly unexpected fashion events like style consultations, green panels, book releases and spa pampering. I hope to attend some of these events and will be back to report on them!

Shanghai Tang } Fall/Winter 07

I'm salivating over the Shanghai Tang ad campaign for the Fall/Winter '07 line called Khotan: The Silk Road Collection. I love love love the coat in this ad!!!! I also love her hair! Don't leave the site without watching the Spring/Summer Shanghai Modern Fashion show video here ~ it's like Donna Karen goes to Shanghai (but better in my eyes!) For more Chinese fashion inspiration check out the book China Chic by designer Vivienne Tam.

Texuba } Vintage Kimono & Textiles Sale in Seattle!

Texuba, a vintage kimono & Japanese textile stockist is retiring and having "humongous" sales in Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Make sure you don't miss it! Sale prices advertised are from $15 to $200, and their opulent collection of wedding kimono will go for $300 and up. The Seattle sale is next weekend, October 6-7 from 10-3pm, in Columbia City at the Wedding Hall on Rainier and Genesee.

Free People } Kimono Inspired Storefront in Texas

I love the look of Free People's new store in Austin, Texas. Look at the kimono inspired painted storefront. Check out the Free People blog for the inside scoop on this great free spirited, urban boho brand. Anthropologie has a vibe similar to Free People...see photos from their cool headquarters in Philadelphia here (via Decor8).

Angela Adams } Sustainable Fabric Wallet

I know I'm not going Back To School (BTS - retail term) this fall, but I just feel in the mood for some good ol' BTS shopping. These superhip & sustainable wallets by Angela Adams just might do the trick! Check out some other great sustainable shopping at Design Public.

Kate Quinn Organics } Organic Kidswear from Seattle

I have always loved the Kate Quinn Organics line of organic cotton baby clothes, baby bedding, & childrenswear, but I never knew the company was based in my home town! Today I discovered that there is a showroom and store just a short drive from my home in south Seattle. You've got to check out the very adorable organic baby gift sets available online or at the store.