Actually, we are ALL loving eyelet around here this Spring. We like to think of it as Lace’s sturdier cousin, or as The Guardian UK puts it, “[Eyelet] is for eating ice cream, lace is for drinking cocktails…”
The fabric itself is a descendant of 18th Century embroidery techniques, developed in Western Europe. The French version was called Richelier Embroidery, Italians called it Cutwork, it was called Broderie Anglaise in England, and the Spanish called theirs Madiera Work. But the White-on-white Broderie Anglaise is probably closest to what we call eyelet today. It’s characterized by patterns composed of small holes or eyelets bound with overcast or buttonhole stitches to keep them from fraying. It was a time consuming, tedious, and intricate technique. We have several samples of Victorian Broderie Anglaise in our inspiration-archives, which you can see below.
In the mid 19th century, a Swiss hand-embroidery machine was invented that could both pierce holes and finish raw edges. By the 1890s, Broderie Anglaise, or as it became known in America, Eyelet, could be produced in elaborate patterns and with much greater speed. Today, there are nearly infinite varieties of eyelet patterns available. Our fabric team couldn’t pick just one- so we sprinkled the entire Spring collection with fresh, modern and novel eyelet fabrics. Below, a sampling of some of our favorites.
L to R: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9
Also: The pages from the antique Italian Cutwork book show above are available for purchase here.
It’s finally spring here in NYC, and we couldn’t be happier. We’re kicking up our heels (our Lexa Linen Espadrilles to be exact- worn by our Colorist- extraordinaire, Susanna) and getting ready for some warm-weekend R&R. And we thought this fun pink-drink sounded like just the thing to have on hand! Happy weekend everyone!
You can find the original recipe and others at Skirt.com.
And if pink isn’t your fave, you can find our Espadrilles in a rainbow of colors here.
Each season, we go through a process we call “concept.” During this time, we decide what sorts of things are inspiring us (like Red and Turq from the previous post!) and what the feel of the collection should look and feel like for each month. This means determining the palette (all those gorgeous linen colors this season aren’t an accident!), the types of prints we think you’d like, and the fabrics that will make the collection special. Last April, I took a few snapshots of this creative process, and we thought you might like to take a peek!
- A few of our more vibrant vintage finds. These really helped influence the palette for April.
- A stack of multi-coloured tweeds waits for our R&D team to sort through.
- Inspiration research- we love photographer Slim Aaron’s book “Once Upon a Time.”
- A grouping of tonal swatches and vintage finds that we tacked on the wall to help guide us.
- Examining some vintage jewelry. The necklace I’m holding (a chain of giraffes!) gave our design team the idea to do “critters” for spring, like our ladybug and honey-bee accessories. (see my two favorites here and here)
This spring, we’re just loving red and turquoise. They’re the perfect spring duo- vibrant, cheerful and bold enough to shake off that winter gloom! Below are just a few of the ‘red and turq’ things inspiring us this season. From turquoise vintage convertibles (we’d tie our Floral Stripe Wrap around our hair, Thelma and Louise style!) to raspberry ice pops, we just can’t wait for that warmer weather….
Image credits, L to R:
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9
We can’t end our month of art and artists with out mentioning a few more of our favorites. First, we love Matisse. We found a beautiful multi-hued paisley print at a market, and it reminded us so much of the French painter’s portraits and still-life paintings that we even named the print “Panted Paisley.” We’re particularly fond of his “Spanish Still Life,” pictured below.
And finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Kandinsky. Kandinsky was considered one of the first true abstract painters. His bold colored shapes and forms are truly inspirational. You’ll find bold, artful color splashed all over our February and March collections in homage to both these artists.
We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of our artistic inspirations this month. We’ve been inspired all over again to go visit some new exhibits this spring in NYC. But no matter where you are, your local museum has a world of patterns, textures and colors just waiting for you to discover. Visit Museumsusa.org for more info.
Washed Silk Blouses and Painterly Paisley Top at Talbots.com
Image credits: Matisse; Kandinsky 1 & 2
This is artist Mark Rothko’s ‘Untitled’ (Red and Orange) from 1968.
Mark Rothko wanted viewers to experience his pictures in an intimate, intense manner, which is why he recommended viewing them from just 18 inches away, to feel their energy and vibration. We love almost all Rothko work, but we especially love the intensity and vibrancy of this piece.
Our front pocket leather satchel also glows in a bright red Tomato color. We think it packs a pretty vibrant punch too. But don’t worry- we don’t mind if you get closer than 18 inches (in fact we encourage it!) It’s the perfect accessory to brighten up any mid-winter ensemble. See for yourself here.
Street Painting – Franklin’s Footpath / Photographer: Henry Groskinsky, 1972
Artist Gene Davis putting finishing touches on his 414-ft-long painting. “Franklin’s Footpath,” painted on the street in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. At the time, it was the world’s largest artwork.
Aleah Rainbow-Stripe Sling Back Pump in silk dupioni- Talbots.com only
Our newest delivery is all about life as a canvas- the art of fashion. In honor of this, we’ll be posting some of our favorite artists and works of art all February long. On this gloomy, rainy day here in NYC, we especially love the bold colors of this Eames piece!
You can find a rainy/snowy day pick-me-up of your own here.
Gorgeous paper-cuttings by Sarah Dennis. We love the graphic navy on white.
There’s just something refreshing about the mix of navy, pink and green. And after the holidays, couldn’t we all use a little palette cleanser? January calls for crisp, clean, classic silhouettes. They’re perfect for layering up right now. And later, when you put your snow boots away, they’re perfect pared-down with a little sandal or mid-heel. These shades give you a little mid-winter ‘zing!’ that will carry you (and your wardrobe) into spring.
Lately, we’ve been spotting this palette everywhere- decor blogs, street style snaps, and fashion blogs have been celebrating these shades. Some of our favorite pics are below, as well as a few of our own favorite January pieces. Enjoy!
{Above: our palette in progress}
Credits: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12 {from pinterest, chictopia & thepinkpeonies.com}
3 & 9: Talbots Highland Plaid Raincoat and Ponte Knit Jacket
Hope everyone had a very happy New Year and a wonderful start to 2013!
Our accessories designers were very busy this season, sketching and crafting and designing a whole bevy of bejewled and brilliant scarves, clutches, jewelry and giftables. We are obsessed with jewel tones this season: emerald, ruby, sapphire and amythest- they look great on everyone and add some festive pop to any holiday look. You can check out the entire treasure-chest of jewel tones over at Talbots.com.
Growing up, the arrival of the holidays meant one thing: Cookies! We had a beloved book called Cookies for Kids (now out of print, but available on Amazon, used). The holidays meant that mom would let us pick out the wild, crazy, messy and/or complicated recipes and let us give them a go. It was the best: a whirlwind of sprinkles, icing and candies. Some of our favorite memories are of baking cookies with mom.
To that end, we’ve gathered a list of fun holiday sweets and treats to try out this season from all around the web. Get messy and make memories of your own with these edible projects.
L: Eggnog cheesecake squares from The Gallery Gourmet R: Try freezing whip-cream in a layer. Then use cookie cutters to punch shapes for cocoa. Such a clever idea, at Lovesome!
L: Almond Breton Biscuits at BH&G. It wouldn’t be the holidays without sprinkles. R: Melted snowman cookies. A co-worker brought these to the office the other day and we were just charmed. Tutorial at SmashedPeasandCarrots.
L: Cherry Snowballs (kids love the cherry surprise in the middle) from Chef-In-Training R: Cut notches in your cookies so they easily perch on the rim of your mug (ready to dunk!) via 79Ideas.
//image credit: top right image found here//
