BEHIND THE SCENES: Kevin O'Brien Studio


    Have you ever looked at a drop-dead gorgeous fabric and wondered how it came to be? From the moment I met the burnt-out silk artistry of a Kevin O'Brien Studio scarf I tried to imagine how that complex pattern and iridescent shimmer could possibly be achieved.  Ten years later, I still delight in the lush texture and ever-changing color of the scarves I've snagged over the years at KOB Studio's holiday sales in their Old City, Philadelphia workroom.  So when I came upon their booth at last month's High Point Market, I felt like I was meeting an old friend, now grown up and expanded into pillows, bedding, rugs and very soon upholstery.  And it occured to me:  why not ask if I could take Style Maniac readers (and myself!) on a behind-the-scenes tour of the studio that supplies luxury goods to Neiman-Marcus, ABC Carpet & Home and Antrhropologie?


    "Sure," was the quick and easy answer.  And despite it being Thanksgiving week--and the heart of the retail season--Kevin O'Brien personally greeted me, chatted over coffee at a table piled with luscious velvets and then gave me a tour of the studio.  A trained architect, accomplished painter and successful entrepreneur in a tough retail niche, Kevin's so talented the words "Renaissance man" come to mind--except that he's so easy-going and down to earth that would give you the wrong impression.  When asked how his studio has survived and thrived, he gives the credit to his staff, a tight and loyal group of mostly women, who chimed in often during our tour.  "The best parts of this job," Kevin told me, "are designing ... and being their 'boss.'"


    The designs--medallions, twirling vines, snakeskin, woodgrain--begin in Kevin's head.  They are then transferred to a computer for refinement and to work out various colorways.  Despite the kaleidoscope of finished colors, fabrics all start out the same way:  as solid white velvet.  A screen print and acid process erases away parts of the velvet to create the various patterns.  Color comes from non-toxic dyes sprayed on one at a time using a myriad of recipes and techniques developed over the years.  A steamer sets the dye, fabrics are rinsed in a large sink and then put in a regular old washing machine for a final rinse (the part of the process that surprised me the most).


    From there the glimmering fabrics take on life as pillows, duvet covers, throws (and still some scarves) destined for high-end retail stores, custom designer projects ... and lucky homes. (This year select items will also be sold at holiday pop-up stores and sample sales in Philadelphia and New York.)  Pillows retail for $100 to $400.  Pricey for a pillow, perhaps ... but not for a work of art.


    Kevin O'Brien Studio
    www.kevinobrienstudio.com   215-923-6378
    Year-round boutique at ABC Carpet & Home, New York City.   
    Pop-up holiday shops & sample sales at these locations:

    Kevin O'Brien Studio Shop 
    Annual Holiday Sample Sale offering scarves, pillows, robes, bedding, fabric, stuffed animals and more. Up to 75% off retail.  Through December.  8428 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118  215-923-6378

     

    Echo Of The Dreamer Holiday Sample Sale 
    Handmade jewelry plus Kevin O'Brien wares.  Through December 18, 2010.
    242 West 30th St., 14th Floor, NYC 10001  212-594-8022  www.echoofthedreamer.com

    Kevin O’Brien Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Store 

    Up to 30% off retail.  Through January 3, 2010.  215-684-7960  www.philamuseum.org

    Stacked bedding, closet and blue pillow collection images courtesy Kevin O'Brien Studio.  All other photos by Doreen Creede.Source URL: http://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/2010/11/
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My Dirtied Soles

Jamie by Katya

Bookshelf

Jamie Del Moon

the headpieces



    Vogue glitter Vogue Italia November 2010
    Model : Dree Hemingway
    Photographer : Richard Burbridge
    Stylist : Robbie Spencer
    Hair Artist : Esther Langham
    Make-up Artist : Sally Branka
    Manicure Artist : Michina Koide
    Set Designer : Michael ReynoldsSource URL: http://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/2010/11/
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Fashion Jewelry For Fadz

    Costume jewelry is also called “Fashion Jewelry” as it is used mainly for the purpose of fashions. Everything that glitters is not made of gold. Costume jewelry is that which is made of less valuable materials like plastic, base metals, synthetic stones and glass. Basically, in jewelry expensive materials like gems, metals are used but in costume jewelry expensive materials are replaced by the inexpensive materials.
    It is an asset for those who use jewelry for fashion purposes. It is so called “costume jewelry” because it is used frequently for stage costume.
    Gold over silver and silver over brass are the best combinations. Crystals are also having their own importance in the fashion jewelry. Ivory is mostly used in the preparation of jewelry for men. Acrylic and plastic are involved in the manufacturing of low value jewelry. Most of the products of costume jewelry are handcrafted.
    Bracelets, Rings, chains, earrings, necklaces and pendants are most renowned items of costume jewelry. Gems like amber, aquamarine, and garnet, opal, freshwater pearl and amethyst are used in crafting of costume jewelry.
    However, care should be taken of the costume jewelry to preserve the shiny appearance of it. You must wipe out the costume jewelry with a soft cloth since its shininess will be lost due to the sweat produced by the body. They must be preserved in smooth pouches and velvet boxes so that they may not become dull and its originality remains same. Dipping this jewelry in some strong solutions may disturb the glowing outlook of the jewelry. It may alter the color of stones on it and sprays, perfumes must be used before the wearing of this costume jewelry. They need some periodical maintenance like they should be rewashed in gold or silver. Dull gems in the costume jewelry are replaced by brighter and new gems to get brighter look.


    Fashion Jewelry
    Fashion Jewelry
    Fashion Jewelry
    Fashion Jewelry
    Fashion JewelrySource URL: http://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/2010/11/
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BEFORE & AFTER: Eco-Chic Living Room

    AFTER Living Room (right corner)
    BEFORE Living Room (right corner)
    BEFORE Living Room (left corner)
    AFTER Living Room (left corner)
    Here's how some of those scary-tuned-chic vintage pieces from "Before & After: Vintage Furniture Rescued & Revived" (posted 11/15/10) came together in my clients' living room.  We've submitted this project to some shelter mags and sites, so I can't reveal the entire space.  But these images should give you a taste of how sustainable can be simultaneously good for the environment, comfortable to live in, and pretty to look at.

    Design by Doreen Creede and Gina Pierantozzi for The Redecorators LLC.  Photos by Doreen Creede.
    Source URL: http://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/2010/11/
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Fashion Hairstyle Fall-Winter 2010-2011. Photos.

    Fashion-conscious women were twisting and plaiting their hair. Today a ponytail is the trendiest hairdo of this season.

    The ponytail was consummated at Louis Vuitton fashion show. Stylist Michael Kors made the hairdo more volumetric and textural with backcombing. It is the best hairstyle for windy weather. Preen refused of common scrunchies fastening the ponytails with complicated knots. We see an example of minimalism at Stella McCartney's fashion show.

    Source URL: http://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/2010/11/
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The Party- H&M Magazine, Winter 2010

GUESS WHO's COMING TO DINNER

    Fashion, meet Decor.  These designers have you covered from your tabletop to your toes.  See if you can guess who's coming to dance and dine.  {Answers will be posted in the Comments on Friday.}  Have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday!



    Source URL: http://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/2010/11/
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Toms Shoes

    Tom’s shoes was founded in 2006 when an American travelling to Argentina observed the plight of the local children who would walk long distances and go about their everyday working to help provide for their families without a pair of shoes on their feet. Their feet were tattered by the elements, blistered, bloody, and infected or at the very least at a high risk for infection. It’s easy to turn a blind eye when the problems of the world aren’t literally staring you in your face; but when you see it right outside your front door you can no longer pretend that these people aren’t alone; and need help and that’s what this American (whose name is Blake Mycoskie) did. He made a commitment to himself and those in need to create a cost efficient shoe that for every pair of shoes he sold, he’d give a pair away to a child in Argentina. Blake Mycoskie became a social entrepreneur overnight because he like all of us had a responsibility to make a difference when we can.

    Toms Shoes for Woman
    Toms Shoes for Men
    All Colors from Toms Shoes
    Full Size and Colors Toms Shoes
    Toms Shoes Logo
    Milk Coffee Toms Shoes
    Duo Toms Shoes
    New Models from Toms Shoes

    Black Toms ShoesSource URL: http://thesoap-box.blogspot.com/2010/11/
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