Some of the best advice I’ve been given was from a friend who had studied graphic design. A professor once told him that in order to overcome the fear all creatives feel faced with a pristine sheet of blank paper is simple, just doodle on it. Then it’s no longer pristine, and creation can begin. I understand this paralyzing fear, though my fear does not manifest itself with paper (or canvas), but rather with new fabric. The more I love a piece of fabric (and I love most of them), the harder it is for me to transform it into a garment.
What if I ruin it?
What if my design isn’t good enough for the fabric?
What if I think of something better after I’ve cut out my pattern?
What if…?
You can see how the fear can easily overtake the process. So my equivalent of “just doodle” is just cut. Just cut. So simple. Once the fabric is cut it’s no longer perfect, no longer pristine, no longer untouched, and can both mentally and literally be transformed. So that’s what I’m going to do. Now… which scissors should I use?
“Today, it’s about compliance: Don’t include materials from a restricted substance list, don’t violate human rights, don’t burn down buildings. It’s more about don’t do the wrong thing. But there is an emerging trend that says maybe we can actually be doing the right thing, and I think 10 years from now, it’ll be very different. People will take compliance for granted. The consumer presumption is actually turning to be ‘it’s not good enough to not do the wrong thing; what are you doing to do the right thing?’”
—Jeffrey Swartz, CEO of Timberland in an interview with WWD.
I spent a few hours merchandising and setting up at the Eco-Lux sale at Grand Central Station last night. Thought I’d share some of the pics with you. I know I overdid it with all the pics of the hangers, but I love the way they look all lined up with the Study logo on them, like a fashionable eco army ready to go… or maybe I’m sleep deprived!
I also included some pics of my new friend Auralis who has her own beautiful sustainable collection. She contacted me about a month ago and I’m always happy to bring new members into New York’s small but growing eco design community. Also, I want that convertible jumper!
The sale at Grand Central runs until this Saturday, so get there fast before it’s gone!
