VeridiAum - GALVANIZED

2011-01-15T12:26:00.001-05:00

have i told you how much I love terrariums?

These are by litill.

Definitely check out their site - some of my favorites (there's one with pyrite chunks) can only be viewed there and the site design itself is worth a peek.

2011-01-10T19:29:00.001-05:00

In addition to designing, one of my favorite things about working on VeridiAum is connecting with stores and their owners. More often than not, behind a drop dead creative and beautifully designed store is an equally interesting person. When one of these people seeks out my work I'm always a little stunned and hugely flattered. It's so inspiring to learn about their passions while researching their stores, especially knowing that VeridiAum will be a part of their vision.

Daniela Bettoni is one of these people that I have been so happy to get to "deal with" through VeridiAum, and her store, Rua Confettora 17, couldn't be more like what I would dream of running myself.

The store itself is located in the ancient city center. Once a bottega specializing artisanal restoration, it is now a contemporary laboratory showcasing young, independent, sustainable design.

"Rua Confettora 17 is both the street and the name of the gallery. I propose especially handmade limited edition collection (furniture, lighting, accessories and jewelry) but also pieces of industrial design. As Piet Hein Eek says, good is what remains."

The Prism Collection is now on it's way there and should be available by the end of this month. Check it out!

2010-12-20T16:19:00.001-05:00

Peter Nencini

2010-11-24T11:31:00.000-05:00

2010-10-03T14:02:00.001-04:00

2010-08-30T21:41:00.000-04:00

synapticstimuli.com

2010-08-23T16:33:00.001-04:00

Sam Winston

2010-08-20T08:38:00.001-04:00

Lee Bul

2010-08-12T08:41:00.002-04:00

Elena Damiani - Palimpsests I

2010-06-10T18:09:00.000-04:00

weekend project

2010-04-30T11:57:00.003-04:00

oh so fun to slop around paint and make a huge mess...I think i need to make another one this weekend

2010-03-15T20:49:00.000-04:00

2010-03-10T22:32:00.000-05:00

2010-03-09T22:48:00.000-05:00

2010-03-07T19:39:00.001-05:00

"Nature transformed through industry is a predominant theme in my work. I set course to intersect with a contemporary view of the great ages of man; from stone, to minerals, oil, transportation, silicon, and so on. To make these ideas visible I search for subjects that are rich in detail and scale yet open in their meaning. Recycling yards, mine tailings, quarries and refineries are all places that are outside of our normal experience, yet we partake of their output on a daily basis.

These images are meant as metaphors to the dilemma of our modern existence; they search for a dialogue between attraction and repulsion, seduction and fear. We are drawn by desire - a chance at good living, yet we are consciously or unconsciously aware that the world is suffering for our success. Our dependence on nature to provide the materials for our consumption and our concern for the health of our planet sets us into an uneasy contradiction. For me, these images function as reflecting pools of our times."

-Edward Burtynsky

coming soon...

2010-01-21T18:37:00.004-05:00

The VeridiAum Spring collection is on the way...stay tuned and shoot an email to info@veridiaum.com if you'd like to receive an update when the collection is up and ready to be shopped!

2010-01-17T18:13:00.004-05:00

I've designed a special limited edition VeridiAum piece to raise money to aid Haiti in the aftermath of the recent earthquake.

Colorful eco-friendly bracelets feature a vintage double pointed arrow piece and recyclable climbing rope.
$25 of your $30 purchase will be donated to Haiti emergency relief through Yele!

Check them out here

Wear your heart on your wrist!

xo
Eileen

pinch me

2010-01-14T09:45:00.003-05:00

Check out these amazing bits from Pinch Design, a London based husband and wife design team. Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon founded Pinch in '04. Although not officially 100% sustainable, each piece is hand made to order using local materials and craftsmen whenever possible which is a great start! Their designs are so beautiful as to make me want to move into their showroom...

PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES MERRELL

PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES MERRELL

PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES MERRELL

PHOTOGRAPHER NATO WELTON

PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES MERRELL

2009-10-11T23:43:00.000-04:00

Carlotta Manaigo

2009-10-09T15:03:00.000-04:00

2009-10-08T10:21:00.002-04:00

futureclaw

2009-10-04T17:18:00.001-04:00

DZ bank building, berlin, 1996 -2001
image © designboom

Valerie Hegarty

2009-10-04T15:53:00.002-04:00

2009-05-18T16:01:00.001-04:00

some new pieces for the VeridiAum collection on Etsy...

shoe renew

2009-05-07T15:20:00.008-04:00

I love these shoes, and it shows. They've been worn to a ghost of their previous glory and I missed having them as my go-to easy flats. Perfect with jeans or leggings or a dress...and they're comfy. The fake little ostrich print going on on the leather gives them some extra interest, but not too much.

That is why I decided to take matters in my own hands and attempt a little recessionista (ek-cringe. I find the word cheesy and slightly annoying, but can't deny yet its perfection in some cases, including this one) action on these babies!

Paint :) Haha, yes, not just another excuse to revel in another messy painting project afternoon, but one that will save me some green as well! And it really wasn't even that messy...

and voila - Shoes I can actually wear again that I like even better than before!

VeridiAum in the works...

2009-05-06T17:08:00.003-04:00

I just started a new project for VeridiAum yesterday afternoon (maaaaybe a Summer pop-up collection!). I hand dyed some strips of recycled jersey using dip and splatter techniques and basically made a big mess. Much fun :) More to come...

My Piu Cara Friend, Sandra...

2009-05-05T10:01:00.007-04:00

and her friend Vanessa just started this slick gorgeous line, KAEL. They also just opened a store in Belgrade under the same name - I'm so excited for her! I love the details in their debut collection - interesting sporty/bodycon lines, peepholes, great jackets and this pair of leggings with a cutout/gathering detail that is to die for. I have to talk to my girl about those...

Sandra Lalovic was one of my best friends at design school in Milan, we both graduated in '06 from Istituto Marangoni's 4 year fashion degree program. She's such a unique and lovely person and I was always very inspired by her design style. She has an eye for very modern yet sensual and sensitive lines with a subtle menswear/tailoring edge (something you'll see in the pieces). She was always the best in our patternmaking class and could cut anything with great intuition and a centered sense of fit... She was also always game for aperitivo (oh how I miss aperitivo! Someone needs to start an NYC aperitivo movement!) and/or a night out at Plastic :)

I miss her a ton (she divides her time now between Milan and Serbia) and am so proud of her! The collection is available at their namesake store in Serbia and I'll update on the possibility of it being available online and hopefully add a bit about Vanessa. I'm going to try to pull up some photos of their grad collections too. You can see the whole collection here at their facbook page. For now, here's a sneek peek of the debut collection and the KAEL store - enjoy!

Dancing Shoes!

2009-05-04T13:00:00.006-04:00

Just put these puppies in the VeridiAum Vintage Etsy shop... It's killing me that they're not my size :(

2009-04-29T19:31:00.003-04:00

Gilles Balmet Rorschach, 2004

All of those CR illustrations with "plaster" masks somehow turned me on to Rorshak type ink blots...

2009-04-28T09:10:00.005-04:00

I ran into this Yazbukey Cult poster at Linlee Allen (super talented writer/photojournalist) 's blog yesterday. I love love love the illustration style and it reminded me of the series of sketches of Kate that Cedric Rivrain did for Numero a few years ago. Ha - yes, maybe I could have looked in the lower corner of the poster before spending 10min trying to google an answer (argh! must stop using google search like a crystal ball or something!). So yes, it is him! I haven't seen any of his work around in a while, so I dug up some images... I can't get enough of the jellyfish/rorschach test hair on the poster!!!

So now I'm wondering how I had never heard of Yazbukey before. After doing a bit of research I guess it's because their previous collections aren't really up my alley...the Cult collection, however had my nose pressed up against my poor little mac screen in notime! Check some of these out:

New VeridiAum Vintage Finds...

2009-04-27T12:22:00.003-04:00

Yarn Theory

2009-04-23T13:23:00.003-04:00

PS122 takes part in the knitting blowup with:

"Yarn Theory, an exhibition which highlights the vibrant and deep interrelationship between the sciences, mathematics, crocheting and knitting. From mathematicians looking for clear and visual ways to model their theorem to home-knitters and artists looking to create unique sculptural objects, the world of contemporary yarn work is rife with cross-pollination between the disciplines. The explosion in the popularity of knitting and crochet has yielded an interest in using the medium to go far beyond sweaters, socks, and wearables into the worlds of geometry, biology, natural sciences, and to push the medium’s sculptural boundaries."

For any of you who have tried your hand at pattern making, or even better - making a piece with a "made by me and recorded only in my brain" pattern, you can appreciate the spatial and exponential subtleties that go into the process (especially if your pet project comes out looking like a sea monster). I'm looking forward to checking this one out! Looks like they're trying to stay away from fashion and go the "other uses" route, but I wish they had some Sandra Backlund in there. I can't get her stuff out of my head lately and would love to see some up close and personal...

Here's the info:

PS122 Gallery
East Village / Lower East Side
150 First Avenue, 212 288 4249
April 25 - May 17, 2009
Opening: Saturday, April 25, 5 - 7PM
Web Site

Curator: Martha Lewis

Artists: Ted Ashton, Emily Barletta, Sarah-Marie Belcastro, Nancy Cohen, Rita Cohen, and Anschel Schaffer-Cohen, Christine Domanic, Kate Fenker,

Amanda Gale, Miyuki Kawamura, Martha Lewis, Margaret Oomen, Gail Rothschild, Daina Taimina, Daniel Yuhas

Guerrilla Knitting Project: “9th Street Fence,” organized by Karen Eubel

Hallway Project: Robyn Love, “The Knitted Mile”

Performance: Lisa Daehlin in an OperaKnit Cabaret, with yarn antics by Flash Rosenberg and piano accompaniment by Louis Menendez

In the Web

2009-04-22T17:38:00.004-04:00

Sandra Backlund

Mark Fast

It's been around for a while and I'm still tring to egg myself into making a little crazy crochet top out of some organic cotton thread to layer this summer... Although Sandra Backlund is still my fave, these pieces by Mark Fast - St.Martin's Masters Grad - get me going too. I love the macreme/crochet feel made super-modern. The pieces here are from his earlier collections. Since then he's been developing in a decidedly architectural direction, give yourself a treat and check out his new stuff.

Top Knot

2009-04-21T13:01:00.006-04:00

New York Times

Therese Rawsthorne

Emma Rea

The Topknot:
I've loved this one since I was a kid! Can't wait for neck-bearing weather...

V Magazine Editorial/ Inspiration

2009-04-13T20:26:00.001-04:00

I love the light and dark play going on with all of the layering...

The Dead Weather

2009-03-12T10:30:00.004-04:00

I have gotten so much flack for liking The Kills...friends and loved ones just don't seem to share my appreciation, but whatever - now I'm prepared to take even more for being so pumped about the fact that VV is the lead singer in Jack White's new band, The Dead Weather!! (wooohoo!)

How could I not have a crush on Alison Mosshart? (Doesn't she look like Kate Moss in that photo?) She's like a modern day Ann Wilson with a touch of Grace Slick - she rocks hard, has great style, and that voice... The way she saunters around on stage ...sigh. Yes, I wish I was her. So - the rest of the line up isn't too shabby either. QOTSA (another guilty band-love of mine)'s Dean Fertita on guitar, and Jack Lawrence of the Raconteurs on bass.

I'll admit that the single didn't bowl me over, but its vibe made me hope for an album that will be a guilty tryst with late '70s style rock. It's supposed to hit in June - my fingers are crossed for something to fall in love with and strut out to all summer long.

The Dead Weather "Hang You From The Heavens" (mp3)
The Dead Weather “Are Friends Electric?” (Gary Numan cover) (mp3)

Twinkle Toes - I wanna get MINXED!

2009-03-03T09:09:00.004-05:00

Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!! Someone has answered my prayers and brought the world Minx. Seamless, perfectly mirrored, metallic nail-ness! Hot as hell AND eco-friendly, no chemicals are needed to apply or remove Minx. They're some sort of heat applied sheeting and they supposedly actually protect the nail. Why do they have to cost $50? :( I'm holding out for a recession special but may have to break down if some play money comes my way. Apparently these puppies last without a chip for 2 weeks.

You can also have tiger stripes or even an actual photo or logo (holla VeridiAum!) fused in there too... maybe I'll save that for my front incisor.

Damn you New York Magazine for making me want things I don't need!

VeridiAum and Old Hollywood in NY Mag

2009-03-02T14:36:00.004-05:00

VeridiAum gets a shout-out in New York Magazine's annual "best of" issue! Old Hollywood, our favorite Brooklyn shop, gets the ultimate nod as "Best Jewelry" store in NYC. Not too shabby :) VeridiAum gets a mention in there too. Congrats OH!

Keep it clean, kids!

2009-03-01T17:48:00.000-05:00

We're transforming!

2009-02-23T15:06:00.002-05:00

As a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, so must we become...More Green!

As of today, VeridiAum will not be accepting any further orders until our reopening on March 16th. More details to come!

Spring/Summer '10 inspiration

2009-02-23T13:13:00.003-05:00

I found these old tears today with some sketches from my school days - I'm liking them as both color and embellishment/texture inspiration. Love all that white!

My DIY Spring Wardrobe - Outfit #1

2009-02-20T09:39:00.005-05:00

This year I'm actually going to do it - make all the stuff I've been wanting in my closets for this Spring! Nevermind that my studio is littered with the scraps of this abandoned dream from years past...
Article #1: 1' square knitted mohair - was once to be rodarte like sweater

Article #2: hand painted dress still lacking a zipper (I'm convinced I'll ruin it if I do it myself :S) and needs a hem job

Article #3: cut out pieces of recycled clothing in "me made" pattern for drapey cardigan, yet to see a needle

The list goes on and on.

This year I am going to change my project abandoning ways and make at least 5 pieces! (notice I have not yet mentioned any sort of deadline :)

So without further adoo, here's outfit #1 (yes, it's Rodarte inspired)

I've been fantisizing about delicious layering possibilities that owning a nude unitard (don't laugh - you'll want one too by the time I'm through!) would allow... Like slouchy sheer chiffon pieces, lace, or best of all - a lace knit mohair dress. I already had this amazing blue/grey mohair blend yarn and my big fat knitting needles (sz17 or 12.75mm). I plan on knitting a tube and then topping it with a draped off the shoulder piece. I started working on it a bit 2 weeks ago and haven't touched it since (yes, my old habits begining to take over), but I think that if I work on it for an hour a day it'll be done in 2 weeks.

So now - deadline time. Let's say March 6th? Wish me luck :) I'll share the details when it's done.

Need... More... Beirut

2009-02-19T11:53:00.005-05:00

Why oh why is the new Beirut album not 3x longer? When I heard it was a double EP I was all excited for a binge type fix, but alas - they meant EP in the true sense of the word :( Oh well, it's still a gorgeous album. I haven't decided which half is my favorite...

Here's a video from the first EP, March of the Zapotec - "La Llorona"

and a track (in video format, not sure what's up with the pooh...) from the Holland EP - "my wife, lost in the wild"

Necklace "Collage"

2009-02-17T10:04:00.003-05:00

Sometimes storage solutions lead to inspiration :)

Papercuts - "Future Primitive"

2009-02-17T09:30:00.004-05:00

There's nothing extraordinary about this track, but I'm liking it just the same. It's buzzy swing is just the thing thats been hooking me this year.

I love the drum - something you'd expect to hear in a song by The Temptations! It's similar to the sound of the percussion in that Department Of Eagles song "No One Does It Like You" which get's more than it's fair share of play on my ipod these days. Both have this really cool motown-ish like vibe that feels really '60's...

The band is Papercuts and You Can Have What You Want is out 4/14 via Gnomonsong.

Papercuts - "Future Primitive" (MP3)

Persepolis and the Library

2009-02-16T09:28:00.003-05:00

I know I had been aware of this film's existance, but I'd never taken the time to read up on it (why?!) and/or watch it until this last weekend when I discovered my local library! This isn't just any library - it's the library of 2009! (Well maybe just "post 1990's") I ordered 3 books (just like on amazon, but free!) and rented (yes - you can rent DVDs for free!) Persepolis and Grey Gardens for kicks.

Persepolis had me hooked in the first 3 minutes - it's AMAZING! The way the black and white cartoony medium contrasts with the exoticisim of the subject is perfect. It neutralizes just enough to universalize and allow any viewer to see just how easily Marjane's story could be their own. I cried in the first half of the movie - and cackled like an old crow for the rest. I love how the characters aren't all "Incredibles"/"online car insurance" gumby like cartoons - these ladies actually have boobies and some back :)

The film was animated and illustrated entirely by hand and you can feel the difference. I loved all of the black with touches of white...think I'll start working on some prints with that feel.

VeridiAum in Refinery29!

2009-02-12T13:32:00.003-05:00

Oh happy day :) Check out Refinery29's writeup of VeridiAum!

Hell's Kitchen Vintage Market 2.8.09

2009-02-12T10:25:00.008-05:00

I did mean to post this in a timely manner - i.e. not a week after the fact, but oh well. I'm a big fan of the Hell's Kitchen flea market. I always find something there that I can't live without, and if I had the money and space in my apt., I would furnish the whole shebang with goodies picked up there. About half of my wardrobe and vintage jewelry collection comes from this little gem.

In an attempt to keep the budget tight and "not buy anything unnecessary" (which I warn you is IMPOSSIBLE if you go to this place!) I had purposely avoided it like the plague for the past 3 or 4 months. This was no simple feat, especially as the location is a mere 8 blocks (the small ones!) away from my humble abode. Last weekend, however, I had the excuses of a freelance project and a gorgeously 60 degree and sunny day in the middle of winter :) Yeay!

I found some amazing prints for my client, some cool old chains, beads, and bits for VeridiAum, and several vintage necklaces that I justified buying by promptly opening an Etsy Vintage shop and listing them for sale the second I got home :)

Ahhhh midtown...

a small sampling of the eclectic mix of treasure/trash to be found... (I love crystals. It's a miracle I was able to resist buying this thing.)

Some of my booty - I'm thinking of doing something along the lines of a chunky Lanvin-esque piece with the crazy crystal clusters.

My favorite of the vintage pieces I picked up is this neck collar - it has this amazing persian looking relief.

The prints - they came out a little blurry, but you get the idea. My favorite is the feather - it's a little over a meter long and has a lovely sketchy hand to it. Can't wait to stick it on a dress!

Hells Kitchen Flea Market- Located on West 39th Street between 9th & 10th Avenues and open 9 AM - 6 PM every Saturday and Sunday

Warpaint

2009-02-11T09:12:00.003-05:00

I've been listening to this band for a few weeks now and am nothing less than in "crush" with them and their first EP, Exquisite Corpse. Warpaint's harmonies are shiver inducing, hauntingly beautiful confections that I could listen to for hours. "Billie Holiday" is a great example of this and one of their sweeter songs.

mp3 - "billie holiday"

Here We Go Magic - "Tunnelvision"

2009-02-10T12:44:00.002-05:00

"Tunnelvision"mp3

Ladytron - "Tomorrow" and Ryan McGinley

2009-02-10T11:12:00.007-05:00

So, I may not be the biggest fan of Ladytron's music (they're great for what they do, it's just not my thing) , but I think they are absolutely brilliant when it comes to their videos. "Tomorrow" is off of their 2008 release, Velocifero and is beautiful. Ethereal, enegmatic, and magical it caught me even before the jellyfish scene (at which point I would have been bought entirely even if the rest of the video was a closeup of someone's inner ear). I watched it the second time around without the sound and could imagine it working well with something like Goldfrapp, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Black Moth Super Rainbow, or MGMT.

It brought to mind the work of NYC (I think he's originally from NJ) photographer Ryan McGinley, who's work I've delved into recently and can't seem to get enough of. Mostly capturing happy young things frolicking about shamelessly, giddily, and bare as the day they were born. His photos, to me, transmit a light innocence and the weightless happiness of childhood. Their subject matter, kids in their early 20's who are clearly past that phase in their lives, gives the work an extra kick of something...well, it's hard for me to put my finger on. Take a look for yourselves! Here are some of the images that the video made me think of - for the rest of his works, check out his site www.ryanmcginley.com

Monday Morning - photo inspiration

2009-02-09T10:48:00.006-05:00

In an inspiration hunt this morning I stumbled across this amazing photostream by "superbomba" on flickr. It's a huge collection of random vintage photos that you should NOT link to unless you have 2 or 3 hours that you can toss out the window without guilt...I had to force myself to stop after an hour (which felt like 10 minutes) and if left to my own devices I would have looked at all of 'em!

I love these and how each one could inspire a whole novel...or collection. Enjoy :)

(woah - the more I look at it, the more the first image with the skull reminds me of the cover of the Violent Femmes self titled album even though it looks nothing like it... weird)

Quote of the...

2009-02-07T10:43:00.003-05:00

"...sees fashion in the broadest sense of the word, as a form of expression of the emotions of our times. Clothing reflects society or, adversely, questions it. Fashion people are not a self-absorbed clique, but committed people who question prevailing concepts of ethics and aesthetics and take a stand for or against aggression, rejection, denial, helplessness. In fashion, there is a freedom of expression which can at times be shocking, alarming, astounding, or tempting" - Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts

Design Inspiration: pieced and layered lace, web, and net

2009-02-06T08:17:00.008-05:00

It started with Rodarte's SS '09 collection and has recently become an obsession of mine - a collage of lace and net, threadwork, and transparencies. The images I've put together are all black, but I think this would look amazing in a pale warm grey or neutral with a shot of a brighter color here and there or in the stitching holding it all together...

And did I mention that I need these leggings?!? They're by LA designer Brian Lichtenberg and you can buy 'em online here. I'm considering attempting to make a pair, but without a serger I fear certain doom.

Okley by M.I.A

2009-02-05T18:11:00.006-05:00

God I love this girl...and now I can have her leggings!!!

M.I.A.'s new line is a fun mix of crazy printed jackets, leggings, aaaaand BODYSUITS! (aaah I want it I want it I want it!!!). You can pick some up for yourself here at her site or snag the gear at Opening Ceremony. Sadly, the Afrika leggings - my fave are gal gone :( Looks like I'll just have to save my little pennies for the Mexico body (and start doing some mad leg lifts). By means of presentation she put together this crazy little film, "The Real Pirate of the Caribbean" - check it out (and beware the doggie porn)

I will dream about these...

Dark Was The Night

2009-02-03T11:10:00.003-05:00

Dark Was The Night will be released on February 17th, 2009. With 31 exclusive tracks from artists like Beiruit, Dirty Projectors, and Yeasayer it would be on my want list automatically - add the fact that sales will benefit the Red Hot Organization – an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through popular culture and it's impossible to pass up!

Check out some of the tracks below on the little widget and check the bottom of the post for a free mp3 of the Dirty Projectors + David Byrne track, "Knotty Pine"

Too bad it's not coming out in time for Valentines :( Although... you could advance order it here, paint a perdy little place holder, and voila! An unbeatable cheese free Valentine :) You can thank me later.

Add this to your ipod
mp3 Dirty Projectors and David Byrne: "Knotty Pine"

VeridiAum for Old Hollywood!

2009-01-30T11:55:00.007-05:00

VeridiAum is now being sold at Old Hollywood in Brooklyn! Cute and quirky, OH has a great mix of well curated vintage clothing and accessories iced with a great collection of jewelry. Check out their piece on VeridiAum here and take a look at the rest of their blog while you're at it - they've been posting some great inspirational pics!

Maison Martin Margiela Artisinal S/S 09

2009-01-29T13:32:00.005-05:00

Maison Martin Margiela Artisinal S/S 09

Margiela's Artisinal collection featuring reclaimed materials such as paper towels, shoelaces and plastic price-tag fasteners, among other things. Take a look at WWD for the complete collection as well as Dazed & Confused's coverage - make sure to check out the video... so SO good.

www.VeridiAum.com

2009-01-29T12:18:00.001-05:00

VeridiAum site in the works - give it a look