I have recently discovered the very fresh, and eco-friendly designs of Ashley Watson and can’t wait to buy my first piece. Ashley designs handbags exclusively from recycled materials including leather. She began in early 2005. Each bag she creates is unique, utilizing the distinctive characteristics of the material. She sells worldwide. For a list of online and brick and mortar shops visit http://www.ashleywatson.net … and enjoy!

The car company BYD (Build your Dreams) plans to start selling the first plug in electric car in China next Month, Dec. 15 to be exact. The model is the F3DM Hybrid sedan and can travel about 60 miles on a full electric charge or 267 miles in hybrid electric/gas mode. The car plugs into a household 220V outlet and can fully charge overnight or to about 80% capacity in 15 minutes.

Rumor has it there is also an F3E full electric model coming that would have a range of 186 miles and a top speed of 100 mph.

The cars are rumored to sell anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000- not bad for the first electric plug in. Oh and BTW- Warren Buffet and Berkshire Hathaway just invested $230 million in BYD auto last month. I have a feeling the electric revolution may be here to stay this time.

Andy and Debb the design duo from Korea has made their NY fashion week debut, and all I can say is welcome- and thank you for coming!

The show was fantastic. Inspiration came in the form of a cupcake. While baking with her daughter Debb was fascinated by the candy colors, swirling textures and pleats in the wrappers. And what came to be was a line that is very elegant, fun and completely wearable. The micro pleating and intricate detail work was executed in such a way that each piece felt like a delicate creation. Their craftsmanship is absolutely impeccable.

Two of my favorite pieces were an ivory fine pleated organza top which fervently swayed as the model walked down the runway and a golden yellow silk blend sleeveless puff dress with a chocolate brown belt.

As an added bonus to attending this event we here at SKN provided our reusable totes as the gift bags. Upon entering the tent SKN bags were laid out in all of their colorful food inspired graphic glory. To Andy and Debb: It was a pleasure meeting you and being a part of this significant and inspirational show.

I’ll say it again:

Viva la fashion!

from left to right: Chris DeGregorio (SKN), Jennifer Stevenson (SKN), Andy & Debb

T. Boone Pickens is the founder of Mesa Petroleum, one of the United States largest and most well known independent exploration and production companies of oil and natural gas. He is also the founder and chairman of BP Capital Management, one of the nations most successful energy-oriented investment funds. With his wealth of knowledge regarding the oil industry it is interesting that his latest project doesn’t involve oil at all- but wind power and natural gas.

According to Pickens the world’s oil production peaked in 2005. Oil is getting harder to find, more expensive to produce and there just isn’t enough of it to keep up with demand.

Currently the United States spends 700 billion a year to import foreign oil. (That’s four times the cost of the Iraq war.) Over the next ten years it is projected that the cost will be $10 trillion, the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind.

Pickens plan of refocusing our energy needs onto wind power and natural gas will alleviate the outsourcing and put money back into our own economy. It will also be “clean” energy. According to the California Energy Commission, greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas are 30% lower than gasoline. It is the cleanest transportation fuel available today. Autos that run on natural gas are already available, and it is significantly cheaper than gasoline. In Utah and Oklahoma prices are less than $1 per gallon. Pickens calls the United States the ‘Saudi Arabia of wind power”. Studies from around the world show the Great Plains to have the greatest wind energy potential in the world- by far. A 2005 Stanford University study found that there is enough wind power worldwide to satisfy global demand 7 times over- even if only 20% of wind power could be captured.

To learn more about Pickens plan click on: pickensplan

This businessman and visionary may be on to something!

Color is in. As is the individual and consumer power. I can’t help but think about what these two things have in common and how wearing color gives us a voice without saying a word. 

It’s empowering, isn’t it? The bright bold color palettes that are taking over in today’s fashion and home trends convey emotion like never before. They correlate with today’s modern individual. The powerful personality walking our sidewalks – is a modern adaptation of the you of yester-year. 

Perhaps it’s all the “reality” TV or the over gentrification that has plagued many of our communities but I’m a little tired of “bland of the faux”. I want real, and I want it now. This gravitation toward bold palettes reintroduces style and the individual. 

Color can translate emotion, set a mood, and inspire. And I have to say, with all of the bright, bold palettes being consumed and fervently displayed, we hear you loud and clear. It’s your day- enjoy it! 

For some color inspiration check out:

The Sartorialist                                SKN                                        DWELL     
 

 

What is a good design?

In my mind, a well designed object is one that fits its function— doesn’t negatively disturb its environment and overall increases pleasure for its viewer/user etc.  

Shouldn’t well designed items—if they are so good— be sustainable and healthy as well? 

I am currently reading “Cradle to Cradle/ Remaking the Way We Make Things” by William McDonough and Michael Braungart, and I find it intriguing. The book makes the case for ecologically intelligent design and the term Cradle to Cradle implies that everything we create should either harmlessly biodegrade or be able to be recycled into a new item. In other words, there is no waste at the end of the life cycle— only useful materials and nutrients. 

They also brilliantly dispel the myth that sustainability and industry are inherently at odds with one another and one must suffer for the other. 

I think this concept is the future for design and the precept to a new industrial revolution. It’s a new way of thinking in terms of industry and design. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the subject and I would love to know your thoughts and opinions on the matter! 

We all know by now that refusing plastic and carrying your own reusable sack around is tres-chic. But where did this trend come from and why? And what’s all the hub bub about? The answer is quite simple. 

Up until the early 1900’s people bought what they could carry. You wouldn’t think of going to the store without bringing a basket or bag with you to carry home your purchases. In 1912 a small grocery store owner invented the paper sack to give consumers the option to purchase more. In the 1970’s the use of the plastic shopping bag took hold and they started becoming available in large grocery chains. The convenience and cost effectiveness made the use of plastic sacks take off. But today the bottom line has changed. We can no longer be the disposable society that we are. The effects of creating waste as a daily routine have taken hold, and we now realize we cannot sustain a life where we fill our planet with toxins and continually produce non biodegradable products designed to be single use and disposable. 

So the good old practice of bringing your own bag is back in full force but with a modern twist. Those fashion-conscious shoppers out there now have reason to rejoice. New reusable totes are becoming fashion and eco icons. Their visual aesthetic is now so fashion forward that boutiques across the country are carrying them for their most fastidious shoppers and on your arm they tell the world that you are not only trend savvy, but smart and conscientious as well. 

So enjoy the world’s greatest new accessory, and find a reusable tote that expresses your style as well as your ethos.