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So many fashion events in the city. Why do people attend such events? Apparently some people use it to gain inspiration from other’s ideas.

The de Young Museum has done an event called Discarded to Divine in early April that turns in donated clothing that is stained or torn from St. Vincent de Paul Society and has professional clothing designers turn them into something fantastic. Their donations doubled in 2007 when they first did the event.

From this exposure a friend Miranda Caroligne was emailed from Anthropologie. The woman stated that she loved her clothing and wanted to schedule an ”inspirational meeting” with her creative team.  Someone starting out might find this flattering, but it is also insulting. Think about what she is offering. A free meeting to get ideas from a local artist to use for their mass productions. I can see how this would be flattering to a student just graduating and trying to make it in the retail/design world but, there is no offer that their work would be recognized.

The woman did not offer to pay her for the ideas, or offer Miranda a job. Nor, did she schedule an inspirational meeting with their team that discusses what makes each one of them inspired vs. finding it from a local designer. I understand it can be difficult to find inspiration within themselves but I do not believe it is okay to have a meeting with their creative team to “borrow” ideas from a local designer without giving her any credit.

This isn’t the first time I have heard of Anthropologie trying to copy other smaller designers’ work. So here is a cheers to Miranda for having such awesome ideas and refusing politely. 

To see work by Miranda click link. It is on page 15 on the flickr photos.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/discardedtodivine/page15

The first of each month is incredibly busy with events around town it’s hard to keep up! This weekend I managed to visit the de Young Museum to see Jenne Giles of Harelequin Feltworks selling her beautiful Felt Rose Scarfs. Along with her and some other textile makers who were apart of ARTWEAR, I quickly went through the Andy Warhol exhibit and had time to listen to a few songs by the local band Thee Oh Sees. 

Saturday, I unfortunately missed the fashion show for Opel but made it by Chillin’ Productions at 111 Minna and bought a great 20′s style hat from Behida D.

Sunday came and I was unable to attend Diwang Pinay for their 7th Annual Pinay Showcase, “an annual performance and silent auction showcasing Filipina/Filipina-American performers, writers, and artists” do to a splitting headache.  So much stuff so little time! This was only a handful of things going on the first of the Month.

This city that we live in is so amazing.  It really does make our lives richer when we step outside our comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary. I hope you all are able to take advantage!

Hope you enjoy the links. Sorry no photos this time :  (

Last Friday I had the privilege of not just taking advantage of the de Young’s Friday Night extravaganza, but celebrated in Christine Aiko Beck’s Jewelry on display in the museum’s store. Aiko Design was featured in our summer store and will also be featured this December when we reopen for our Temporary Consignment Holiday Store. 

Her jewelry was selected in honoring Asian American Modern Art.  I highly suggest going to the exhibit and checking out her jewelry.  One of the exhibits features Maya Lin’s Systematic Landscapes. Her work hangs outside of the California Academy of Sciences Cafe, mimicking the topography of the bay area with hung wire. It is worth the visit!

Christine’s jewelry is for sale online and in the museum until January 18th. If you don’t get a chance to visit the de Young, come check it out from December 6th – 21st here at SF Gallery 143 Local Artists Store!