ArtPrize ... and the Fun Continues!

Earlier this evening the ArtPrize entries voted into the Top 10 were announced.  Mine was not one of those.  However, I'm very happy to say "The Lake" was voted into the Top 75.  There are 1,713 entries in this exhibition.  Woo Hoo!

It pleases me greatly that my art piece is so well received.  There has been a steady stream of viewers through my venue, DeVos Place, which is a conference center in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Most stopped to study my piece.  Many were surprised it was NOT a painting.

Men, women, and children were intrigued.  An occasional viewer, most of whom were men, would lean back against the rail and contemplate for a while.  The few I asked what they were thinking, responded to the effect that they were enjoying "a moment on the beach".  One of the comments I liked hearing was, "I keep expecting the beach grass to move."

Several kids asked for my autograph.  Over the weekend there were kids who were intrigued enough to stop and watch me demonstrating my "ortwork" technique.

One of them convinced her grandmother to see the art in DeVos Place without her so she could stay and make her own lake piece.

It's been a wonderful first week.  The ArtPrize exhibition runs through October 10th.  I'll be sharing some of the other entries in future posts.

Change of Plans

We are now under construction. We will have to keep you waiting until NEXT week. Shine on Fashionistas!

-Bridgett
TREND  Staff Writer

Vixens are Back

After creating a variety of mixed media pieces over the past few weeks, I came to realize that it had been quite awhile since I'd created a piece full of sass and attitude. And so, my vintage vixens are back and full of spunk.


When I first began creating in mixed media a number of years back, these lovely ladies took center stage on many of my collages; I enjoy giving new life to such exuberant spirits.


And so, ladies, welcome back.

Collages available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Diet Coke collaborates with Johnny Rocket and Selfridges

Diet Coke is joining forces with jewellery designer Johnny Rocket and Selfridges, to create the limited edition ‘Diet Coke Crystal Collection’ made with Swarovski Elements. For two weeks from the 14 October, Diet Coke girls are invited to Johnny’s workshop – ‘the Diet Coke Crystal Customisation Boudoir’ – housed in Selfridges’s Ground Floor, to create their own bottles. Inside, Johnny and his team will help create individual bespoke designs, with shoppers choosing from a selection of striking Swarovski Elements to be embellished onto a limited edition pink Diet Coke glass bottle. There will also be limited edition pink Diet Coke bottle, pre-customised by Johnny.

RENACIMIENTO

Visit PRISARTS GALLERY for paintings for sale

Drapers Awards shortlist is announced

Fashion trade magazine, Drapers has unveiled the shortlist of its annual awards. The 20th Anniversary Drapers Awards will be announced on 17 November 2010 at Grosvenor House, London. The event will be attended by key industry figures and will celebrate the best in fashion retail. 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the prestigious awards, recognising the achievements of businesses as diverse as independent boutiques, high street chains, innovative etailers, best-selling brands and inspirational collections. There will also be a special award for one individual who has made significant contribution to the industry.

Best New Business of the Year, sponsored by Noa Noa
Boudoir Boutique, Liverpool
Colonel Mustard, Bristol
Hervia Bazaar, Manchester
Lewis Yates, Billericay, Essex
Number Eight, Stirling, Scotland
Paper Scissors Stone, Leeds
Ten Little Monkeys, Wilmslow, Cheshire
Wolf & Badger, London

Best New Store or Department of the Year
Debenhams, Newcastle
Eton Clothing, Sheffield
John Lewis womenswear floor, Cardiff
Moss Bespoke, London
Pennyblack department within Lynx Womenswear, Harrogate
Toast, Cheltenham
Topman, Oxford Circus revamp, London
Topshop, Knightsbridge, London

Buyer/Buying Team of the Year
Anthony O’Hagan, Camp Hopson, Newbury
Helen Spencer, John Lewis
Mark Bage and the buying team, Sarah Coggles, York
Martyn Sole, Infinities , Cheshire

Department Store of the Year
Beales
Debenhams
House of Fraser
John Lewis
Psyche, Middlesbrough
Selfridges

Smaller Etailer of the Year, sponsored by PayPal
asuitthatfits.com
coggles.com
getmyfashion.com
girlmeetsdress.com
notjustalabel.com
pretaportobello.com
stand-out.net

Larger Etailer of the Year, sponsored by PayPal
asos.com
boden.co.uk
clarks.co.uk
Debenhams.com
johnlewis.com
my-wardrobe.com
newlook.com
republic.co.uk
vente-privee.com

Larger Multiple Retailer of the Year
All Saints
H&M
M&Co
New Look
Reiss
Republic
Topshop

Lingerie Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Panache
Barbarella, Worcester
Chantilly, Rochdale
Debenhams
Orchid Lingerie, Belfast
Plums Lingerie, St Helier, Jersey
Pudding, Reading
Sadie the Bra Lady, Consett, Co. Durham
Voisins Department Store, St Helier, Jersey

Marketing Initiative of the Year, Sponsored by global Blue
Beales
eBay Fashion Outlet
French Connection
John Lewis
Joules
Lipsy
New Look
Wrangler
Xile Clothing

Menswear Retailer of the Year
Kiosk 78, Leeds
Pritchards, Hereford
Psyche, Middlesbrough
Sarah Coggles, York
Seasons Clothing, Sheffield
Signature, Aberdeen
Six Whiting Street, Bury St Edmunds

Smaller Multiple Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Prologic
Fran & Jane
Hallett Retail - The Concessions People
SuperGroup (Retail)

Womenswear Retailer of the Year
Attic, Rutland, Leicestershire
Donna Ida, London
Foundation, Cheltenham
Michelle.b, Barrowford, Lancashire
Psyche, Middlesbrough
Sarah Coggles, York
Stripes, Worcester
The Women’s Society Boutique, Hertford

Young Fashion Retailer of the Year
25 Ten Boutique, Rochdale
Fusion, Wadebridge, Cornwall
Hurley, Bury, Manchester
Sarah Coggles, York
Sunday Best, Rossendale, Lancashire
Xile Clothing, Edinburgh

Menswear Brand of the Year
Boss Orange
Brook Taverner
Douglas
Paul Smith
Polo Ralph Lauren
Pretty Green
Tommy Hilfiger

Womenswear Brand of the Year
Bolongaro Trevor
Emreco
French Connection
Gerry Weber
Joules
Religion
Young Fashion Brand of the Year
Sponsored by McCarthur Glen
Diesel
Firetrap
Fred Perry
GStar
Luke
Superdry

Short Order/Quick Response Brand of the Year
American Vintage
Ichi
Motel
Rare
Ruby Rocks
Traffic People

Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Part Two
To be announced on the night

Drapers Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by The Ashton Partnership
To be announced on the night

Hair Magazine Award Winners 2010

Hair magazine has announced the winners of its annual awards. T4's Jameela Jamil and Rick Edwards (pictured) were the hosts for the evening, while singer Paloma Faith DJ’d at the party which took place at the Vinyl Factory in Soho. Last nights ceremony, which was the 5th, recognised the best hairdressing talent in the industry - both new salons plus stylists. Some of the winners included John Frieda who was awarded a Special Recognition award. This award recognised an individual or organisation within the hair industry who has helped to make a difference to the lives of others through their hairdressing skills and contacts. HAIRaising, which John Frieda founded has done just that. He started the charity and persuaded a host of leading hairdressers and salons around the UK to raise money for much needed operating theatres at Great Ormond Street hospital. Below is a list of the winners from the Hair Magazine Awards 2010:

Regional Salon Group - sponsored by Paul Mitchell - KH Hair

London Salon - sponsored by Fudge - Percy & Reed

Local Salon - sponsored by Fudge - The Chapel, Tunbridge Wells

Backstage Stylist - sponsored by Hair - Ben Cooke

Salon Stylist - sponsored by ghd - Ami-Lou Cassidy, Hooka

Talent Scout - sponsored by California - Dan Spiller, Marc Antoni

‘I want that Hair!’ - sponsored by ghd - Gary Hooker & Michael Young, Hooker & young

Special Recognition Award - HAIRraising

Art and photography gallery LUMAS launching in London

LUMAS is a new space for art, where pieces can easily be discovered, experienced and acquired. It offers new collectors and all art-lovers a diverse selection of works by some 160 established artists and promising newcomers including Nobuyoshi Araki, David Armstrong, José Manuel Ballester, Charles Cohen. More than 1400 works are available as original photographs in editions of 75 to 150, each signed by the artist. These editions allow the gallery to offer affordable prices between €120.00 and €800.00. LUMAS’s goal is to make top-class, museum-quality art photographs affordable for everyone – even in large formats. The team – made up of experienced photography experts – has created a diverse portfolio of contemporary artistic perspectives, which is constantly updated and expanded. The artists are chosen selectively, promising newcomers from the major academies and established artists are equally accounted for. The selected pieces exemplify the artistic concept and work of their creators and are produced as original photographic prints in cooperation with leading professional labs. There are 13 LUMAS Editions Galleries in five countries worldwide as well as a magazine that is published twice a year in English, German and French. one can take The entire portfolio can be viewed online at www.lumas.com along with virtual exhibitions, images and texts on the artists and comprehensive information and overviews. All works from our portfolio can be purchased online. The grand opening of LUMAS London is taking place 14 October at 50 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2YT. (See DIARYdates)

Milan Fahsion Week: Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2011

Dolce &Gabbana S/S 2011

This is definitely the longest post I've ever done and this is due to the fact that the amazing duo, that is Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana, presented an 80 piece collection during this season's Milan Fashion Week. The collection that confirmed the colour of the season as white, was presented marvelously as models paraded down the catwalk non stop, making it appear like a runway party.

Lace was the star of the show, incorporated into dresses, shorts, skirts, and jackets. with the odd black, leopard or floral piece making its way down in between.

I managed to catch the show on the live stream, by pretty much eating my lunch at my desk at work, and it was amazing. Yet again another online experience that is unforgettable as we were shown everything from the designers prepping the models, their big entrance to the runway and the post show celebrations back stage.

The show of course would not have been complete without a D&G's special touche, which meant sending all the models on a one way trip down the runway one last time in their under garments.

John Lewis introduces a host of new fashion labels

John Lewis has unveiled new boutique brands for Autumn/Winter 2010. New brands to grace the fashion floor include chic womenswear label Mint Velvet, BZR, the diffusion line of Danish fashion house, Bruuns Bazaar, will be a department store exclusive for John Lewis. Inspiration for this season is Italian style, with double breasted sailor coats, fluid dresses, shortened skirts and trousers with narrow legs. John Lewis womenswear welcomes a collection of raincoats, coats and leisure wear from notable British brand, Aquascutum. Mayfair Richard James, exclusively stocked by John Lewis in Europe, is a 40 piece collection of ready-to-wear suits by the Savile Row tailor starting from under £400.00, as well as outerwear, shirts and accessories. The collection will debut in four John Lewis stores and online at johnlewis.com, while US department store Bloomingdale’s will be launch the collection simultaneously in the United States. John Lewis also welcomes Lauren by Ralph Lauren – menswear and womenswear. The Lauren menswear collection is exclusive to John Lewis and will include a range of dress shirts for 15 stores. Fin’s footwear for men will be showcased in John Lewis this season. The colourful leathers and suedes are bespoke dyed and the moccasin structure hand-stitched. G Star and Diesel will also be sold in John Lewis stores this Autumn/Winter, expanding the range of denim.

Calvin Klein to launch new ck one apparel line

Calvin Klein has announced the launch of a new lifestyle brand of contemporary men’s and women’s jeanswear, underwear, and swimwear under the existing fragrance brand name ‘ck one.’ This new apparel line will take inspiration from the globally recognized ck one unisex fragrance brand and will be supported by a new global marketing and advertising campaign. The ck one Spring 2011 offering will be available at retail in January 2011. It is planned that these new lines will be available in Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Underwear and Calvin Klein Jeans retail stores, as well as major department and specialty stores around the world. The introduction of the new ck one offering represents a move to engage younger, fashion-conscious male and female consumers. The ck one Underwear offering includes cotton stretch and microfiber fabrications, with a mix of basics and novelty prints. The ck one Jeans line centers on a new slouchy slim silhouette, available for both men and women in variety of washes, and is complemented by woven and knit pieces. The ck one fragrance was first introduced as the world’s first unisex fragrance and at its height, there were 20 bottles sold every minute of every day, around the world.

Bam Bags original American Zip Purses have launched in the UK

New to the UK, Bam Bags have been sold in the United States for the last eight years and are the original American Zip Purse. The bags are made from a continuous high strength zip and are available in a number of shapes, sizes and colours and are suitable for women, men and children. Created by American-born architect and designer Beth A. Metsch she successfully battled to protect her patents and Bam Bags, the original Zip Purse, are now a household name in the US. From wristlets to totes, there are several styles and colours to choose from. The larger bags start at £69.99 and are available online at www.bambags.co.uk.

Ballet Flat Shoes from Moschino and Kartell

The BowWow ballet flat shoes are a joint venture between Kartell and Moschino and were presented at Pitti W in June. They will be sold exclusively in monochrome on the Moschino and Kartell e-commerce websites from the end of November. The lightweight BowWow ballet flat shoes are made entirely from interwoven plastic finished off with a Moschino bow. The new shoes are manufactured by the design brand Kartell with an Italian industrial moulding process using a 100% recyclable, non-toxic thermoplastic technopolymer. The shoes, which are part of the Spring/Summer 2011 collection, will be available from next January in red, white and black, plus a wide range of Summer colors – peach, geranium, forest green and periwinkle blue. The MoschinoYKartell collection will be on sale from January in leading multibrand boutiques, single-brand Moschino stores and Kartell flag stores throughout the world with a price of €85.00.

Interpret This - September

"Nelliephant" - 23"x 17"

fabric, tulle, yarn

oil stick pastels, watercolor pencils, ink

Go to the IT link to read more about my interpretation of this photo of a fence in Indonesia taken by Debra.

PS:  ArtPrize News!  At this point in time my entry, "The Lake" is one of the top 100 vote getters!  Woo Hoo!

Tesco introduces F&F Couture Autumn/Winter collection

Tesco has continued its diffusion line F&F Couture with the new Autumn/Winter 2010 collection launching exclusively online at tesco.com/clothing today (27 September 2010). The new premium collection incorporates 21 garments, ranging from a skinny crochet top to a printed maxi dress. Combining elegant separates with dramatic eveningwear, the new F&F Couture collection comes in a rich colour palette with deep reds and flashes of blue punctuating the neutral tones of nude, tan and grey. Wearable separates in nude and grey tweed come in the form of equestrian style jackets and trousers or structured skirts, which can be dressed up or down. There are a number of dresses available, including a lace maxi, a peek-a-boo panelled style, a textured velvet chiffon tunic and an exaggerated shoulder dress in tweed. As a statement piece, there is a velvet maxi dress in a shade of midnight blue or a bold floor sweeping dress in a vibrant red print with crochet detail at the neckline. Both a have individual design details, with panelled shoulders on the blue maxi and elegant button down sleeves featuring on both. Priced between £40.00 and £120.00, F&F Couture is available in sizes 8-18 and has launched exclusively online at tesco.com/clothing today.

Camper reveals Jasper Morrison collaboration

Camper has collaborated with Jasper Morrison on ‘The Country Trainer’ - an essential shoe developed for people who enjoy walking. This design was born while discussing the shoemaker’s origins and the first shoe they ever sold - the Camaleon. This was a practical show for the Mallorcans of the late 1920s, the first version was a hand-stitched product made from tyre treads, canvas and cut-to-size hemp thread. Many developments later, Camper’s reinvention of the Camaleon was released in 1975. Renamed ‘The Country Trainer’, Morrison’s design retains the functional nature and spirit of the original model in a more contemporary and sporty shape. The shoe has a combination of canvas fabrics with suede leather that gives a discrete look, while the Ideal Stitching Construction provides Camper’s comfort ensuring maximum flexibility. This new design is available from Camper stores in Spring/Summer 2011, Jasper’s shop at 24b Kingsland Road, London E2, and online at www.jaspermorrison.com priced at £60.00.

Mixed Media Monday ~ ART

This week's challenge offered by Mixed Media Monday is ART.

I encourage you to visit the Mixed Media Monday blog and view the wonderful creations inspired by this prompt.

© Nancy Lefko

Wolsey launches Scott of the Antarctic anniversary collection

Heritage brand Wolsey is launching a 100th Anniversary Scott of the Antarctic ‘Expedition’ capsule collection on 1 November. British brand Wolsey provided legendary explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his team with most of the clothing they wore for the expedition to the South Pole’s Antarctic - which began 100 years ago this year. In celebration of this event, the 11-piece collection keeps true to the originals of the time, complete with real leather, metal and horn buttons for a taste of authenticity while remaining well crafted pieces fit for today. In a letter dated 23 January 1911, Captain Scott wrote: “I have much pleasure in informing you that the Wolsey Woolen Goods supplied to this Expedition by you have been highly satisfactory. The materials are excellent for our purpose, and I am very grateful for this careful attention you have paid to all the details.” Launching this autumn, with original Wolsey branding and vintage-inspired labels, the collection consists of cable knit cardigans with leather buttons, White Henley waffle knit undershirts, jersey loose cut pants, cotton jersey and twill weave shirts in ocean navy and oatmeals. Key pieces include the Nordic inspired knitted jumper made in England from English wool, the Scottish Fairisle knit Waistcoat with leather buttons and the thick cable knit cardigan with leather buttons. Outerwear includes the waxed cotton overcoat in off white. Key accessories include 100% sheepskin mitts made in England, knitted hats from Merino wool, the Longstaff socks knitted in Merino wool and the Wolsey House check scarf woven in Scotland from 100% lambswool.

CULEBRA

PRISARTS GALLERY

TREE AND SKULLS

PRISARTS GALLERY

VIVA LA VIDA

PRISARTS GALLERY

Milan Fahsion Week: Emilio Pucci S/S 2011

Emilio Pucci S/S 2011

If there's a designer that knows how to create a collection that exudes femininity in the most rebellious way, it's Peter Dundas. Infamously known for his out-there pieces, the designer showcased a 45 piece strong collection of absolutely stunning dresses, blouses, jackets and pants. Chiffon, Suede, Leather and Crochet, all reflected the designer's bohemian style. Dresses kept with the natural hippie theme in hues of nude, blue, brown and orange.

When Freja Beha Erichsen opened the show wearing those thigh high lace-up boots, i fell head over heels. Suede with leather lacing and braid around the knee, they truly are perfect and I'm taking a not-so-wild guess here and saying they will be one of the most coveted items of the season.
-Meho xx