LA Visit: Parachute Market

B-Zippy Design

Brendan Ravenhill Light Fixtures

Wolfum

Agnes Baddoo

Ermie

Lisa and Kagan of Knotworks LA

Twenty Two Hours Jewelry

Silvia Song

It's always nice to go home especially to see the ever changing neighborhoods around my hometown of LA. It was great to check out this spring's Parachute Market -a seasonal design fair held at the LA Arts District. It was great to explore the new designs and catch up with one of our designers Bari. She was showcasing some of her gorgeous new creations including vases and lamps from her B-Zippy line. Whether jewelry,textiles or homewares, it was a great opportunity to meet the makers and discover some new finds for our Vuela shop. I've been wanting to add some wooden pieces to our shop and love these wooden bowls by Silvia Song. And there are the lovely wooden utensils, rattles and other sculptural pieces by my favorite teachers, Lisa and Kagan of Knotworks LA. It was definitely a workout making some wooden spoons (sanding away!). I have a deep appreciation for the craft especially after taking their one day spoon making workshop. What a treat to chat and explore the designs by such talented makers. I love how this city has grown to be a hub for such creative talents and artisans.

Fashion Love: Alpha60

They may be in opposite season and well known for their modern edgy shoes, but the Australian label Alpha60  AW14 collection is just as relevant and easy to wear no matter what season it may be. They've somehow integrated some of my favorite elements in an ensemble lately...from their neutral greys, the monochromatic look, pops of reds, stripes (can't have too many stripes in my wardrobe) and simple comfortable silhouettes.  And who can resist those striking shoes?Yes...definitely in my closet wishlist!

All images via Alpha 60

Textile Love: LUCKYBOYSUNDAY

It's time some for some colorful playful textiles with the bloomin' colors of spring. And the present and previous collections by Danish line LUCKYBOYSUNDAY may just fit the bill. With a background in fashion and art, textile designers Camilla Koerschen and Camilla Ebdrup founded the line featuring knitted art toys and home furnishings in 2007. According to the designers:

"We try to capture poetry. We adore the unsaid -it inspires your own imagination to create"

Design Function: To Showcase and Hang Clothes

I'm loving the open design of clothing racks and other systems out there right now. Minimalist approach, yes...but it definitely requires some organization and thought to showcase your favorite wardrobe pieces. Maybe it'll get me to purge the clothing I haven't actually worn in years.Inspired? Now it's time to edit and organize!
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New Ceramics: Workaday Handmade

 

There's no doubt I love pottery and enjoy discovering new ceramics. There are so many talented ceramic artists and I just want to collect all the wonderful designs out there. So I was thrilled when ceramic artist Forrest Lewinger introduced me to his line of functional ceramics, Workaday Handmade. Maybe it's the constant color of the skies and access to the ocean here at home, but blue has always been my favorite color. Featuring my favorite blue in all it's glory... whether marbled, dotted or as a geometric pattern, I couldn't resist adding his ceramics to our shop. And he hand paints all the dots and patterns that are showcased on his creations. The versatile shapes and glazes (love the egg bowl matte glaze) makes you want to touch them. Plus the pattern of the bowl is somewhat mesmerizing. I keep admiring my small fruit bowl as it adorns the table-top. Just pretty!

Fashion Love: Atelier Delphine

I love loungin' around and warm weather... so I was thrilled to spot the new collection over at Honey Kennedy blog from a local label, Atelier Delphine, by designer Yuka Izutsu . Her new pieces are the ultimate comfy loungin' wear or an out-and-about ensemble, especially for the heat wave we've been having.  Plus the clothing line is based out of one of my favorite cities in the LA area-Pasadena, the home of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl (and to think I use to jog around that stadium,yikes!). I had the pleasure of meeting Yuka last year at the Echo Park Craft Fair and I had to pick up one of her designs. I love the combination of chambray, pops of color and the easy breezy vibe... and now which one to choose?

All images from Atelier Delphine