Simply Trae Chic

Rike Feurstein ~ Stylish Hats 'n Accessories with an Edge!

I'm loving these hats and accessories by millinery designer Rike Feurstein. Rike studied in London and New York before opening her studio in Berlin in 2006. She designs for both men and woman and her collections have a very modern-minimalist and often sculptural aesthetic to them! The Classic lines consist of iconic shapes which Rike takes and flips, putting her own modern twist on them. Her collections have been spotlighted in Vogue and other high profile fashion magazines in Europe and the US. and have been down the runway accompanied by the designs of C.Neeon, Joop! Jeans and Mykita Eyewear. See the video below! You can purchase these accessories in luxury department stores such as Barney's New York as well as exclusive boutiques across the globe!

 
Rike's summer 2010 collection "Urban Synestesy" was just presented at the Valery Demure showroom in Paris Oct. 2nd - 9th. This collection is based on Kandinsky and his alleged ability to hear colors. Summer 2010 also introduces a new line of luxury silk scarves, with vibrant colors and fun details. Be sure to check out all the hats and accessory collections on the Rike Feurstein site.

Acrila ~ Modern Furniture with a Funky Twist!

Acrila is a modern furniture company from France, founded by Jean Christophe Bernard and partner Isabelle Bernard, that designs acrylic furniture in a very innovative and edgy way. Creating incredibly stylish and fun designs, but at the same time still maintaining the functionality of their pieces.

 
By fusing imagery with acrylic, Acrila has given us a fresh, "sky is the limit" type approach on furniture design. Seems like they could easily apply this concept to the Varia eco-resin materials from 3-Form. I've worked a lot with this material and LOVE IT!!

 

These are some of my favorites from Acrila, but be sure to check their site to view other more funky collections. Also, check out their other company Tense'it which applies the same technique and concept to architectural wall and ceiling installations...very cool!!

London's Vanilla Restaurant & Lounge ~ A Modern Extravagance!

On one of my trips back home, I definitely want to experience the modern extravagance of Vanilla in London, England. I think the photo's below speak for themselves as far as the decor goes, but the reviews say the modern French cuisine is divine! The service, extremely accommodating and courteous! From the presentation, to the palette, to the ambiance, the entire experience is supposed to be simply, superb!

 

The lighting in the lounge area changes colors throughout the duration of the night, creating a whole new and exciting mood dynamic.

 

   

 Multiple companies have discoverd this venue and use it to host their corporate events, check out the set up for a Givenchy event. Would be great to throw a nice soiree in this spectacular space...can you imagine!

Dale Chihuly's New Book Series ~ Featured Works ~ Modern Glass Art!!

Portland Press has just announced the launch of their new website! Portland Press publishes Dale Chihuly's books, videos, and DVDs; and presents Studio Edition Glass and Original Limited Edition Prints by Dale Chihuly. The site features Chihuly's newest book releases. The first three released in a series of ten, are Baskets, Putti, Chandeliers & Towers. Each book comes with a companion DVD that includes artist commentary on the history of each series, all approximately 15 minutes long. They begin shipping this week, just in time for the gift giving season!

 

If your in Seattle or Vegas early this November, you can catch Chihuly doing a lecture and book signing at the University Book Store in Seattle on the 5th from 6pm - 7:30pm and another book signing at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas on the 7th, from 1:00pm - 2:00pm
 

Ancient Origami Meets Sustainable Modern Lighting!

Ancient origami techniques infused with modern lighting, comprise this delightful, eco-chic lighting solution. Self taught artist, Andrew Ooi, collaborates with print-based artist, Eric Mathew  to use screen-printed, recycled / recyclable Fabriano Tiziano paper with compact energy-saving florescent bulbs to create the hanging Sonobe light.
The freestanding version, again, uses origami that has been constructed into geometric shapes then attached to a reclaimed wood base. Very nice!

A Fashionable Halloween!

Shu Uemura lashes are pure lash artistry and add a bold dramatic statement for your Halloween occasion. Shop the Shu Uemura Tokyo Lash Bar and order up a pair of these mystic, nature inspired, chic accessories. They come in several unique styles and can also be purchased at Sephora.

Harajuku fashion is a fun way to inspire a hip, funky outfit for your Halloween festivities. Be sure to check out some of the Harajuku fashion sites like Japan Forum to get some cool ideas!

If elegant drama is what your going for...Dior will never disappoint! Dior runway hair and makeup artistry is a great resource to pull ideas from. Check out more Dior looks on the Love Affair with Fashion Blog. If your not too handy with a makeup brush, then these Color On Pro makeup strips will give you instant dramatic eyes (sold at Sephora). They come in an assortment of colors and have a selection of wild designs that will help you to achieve the Dior look. Embellish with the Shu Uemura lashes to add more drama.