a little muse

ESTELLA -NYC We met up with Rachelle Francey the editor of La...

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:24:00 -0400

ESTELLA -NYC

We met up with Rachelle Francey the editor of La Petite Magazine/Kenziepoo in New York for the launch of Estella-NYC’s Bamboo Collection and to shoot a video for the current issue of La Petite Magazine. It was lovely to finally meet Rachelle and so sweet watching her dress Tallulah in the the most beautiful dresses by Bobo Chose Dagmar Daley and Album di Famiglia! These were the dresses Tallulah chose to take home with her!! Look out for Rachelle’s cameo in the video! ENJOY!

You can see the new issue of La Petite Magazine Here.

Actress Kaylee DeFer “She looks like a princess,”...

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:34:00 -0400

Actress Kaylee DeFer

“She looks like a princess,” whispered Tallulah when we walked through the doors of The Chatwal Hotel in midtown Manhattan. A modern day Ariel with her flowing red hair! An Upper East Side Princess to be exact!! Move over Blake and Leighton there’s a new Gossip Girl in town and her name is Kaylee DeFer. Super excited to be commissioned by the uber-cool independently-spirited Filler Magazine -we went backstage on New York based photographer Nicholas Routzen fashion shoot with Kaylee. Knowing the high priestess of fashion would be in and out of bad girl mode on the day- I thought it would be fun to create a character for our film-a sort of guardian angel for Kaylee. The angels name? Tallulah of course!

Click HERE to see the current issue of FILLER MAGAZINE.

Tallulah wears dress, tights and headband by Crew Cuts. Angel wings by Atsuyo and Akiko.

The 16th Annual Webby Awards I am so very proud and elated to...

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:13:00 -0400

The 16th Annual Webby Awards

I am so very proud and elated to share the news that a little muse has been selected as an official honoree by the judges of The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences for this years Webby Awards. Thank you so much to everybody who has supported a little muse-we are incredibly humbled by this honor!

About The Webby Awards:
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising & media, online film & video, and mobile & apps. Established in 1996, the 16th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide.The IADAS, which nominates and selects The Webby Award Winners, is comprised of web industry experts, including media mogul Arianna Huffington, Martha Stewart, film maker Darren Aronofsky, musician David Bowie, Internet co-creator Vint Cerf, Skype CEO Tony Bates, SHFT.com co-founder Adrian Grenier, Instagram co-founderKevin Systrom and Harvey Weinstein.

Lorie Baker & son Beckett Where better to have a play date...

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:54:00 -0400

Lorie Baker & son Beckett

Where better to have a play date than outside your door particularly when the magnificent Jane’s Carousel is just steps away. Days before their big move to Miami, Tallulah and I met Lorie and her son Beckett at their loft in DUMBO which they share with daddy Bertil (the trio have recently starred in a Banana Republic Campaign). Looking like an oversized magical music box, the completely restored historic Carousel made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1922 is housed inside a glass Pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel. Skipping rocks in the river, numerous carousel rides and surrounded by the natural beauty of Brooklyn Bridge Park-I have to say- I was most in awe of the strength and ease with which Lorie carried both children simutaneously the few blocks to the famous retro Dewey’s Candy store!

Lorie- Since becoming a mother what has been your secret to staying so incredibly healthy and beautiful? You are too kind. I feel since becoming a mother and being a working mother there is hardly any time for me so I try my best to go to bed early and exercise so I have the energy for my very energetic Beckett..

What do you miss most about New York City? I miss walking around…I miss stumbling upon the unknown which New York offers so often.

Favorite family pastime? It would have to be snuggling in bed. Beckett is such a love bug and these moments are priceless.

Favorite bedtime stories? We go to the library and get books every week! Beckett loves any story that involves airplanes or trucks. He also NEVER gets tired of Jack and the Beanstalk.

A dream family vacation would be? A private island in the South Pacific where we could just explore all day. Very Robinson Crusoe.

Favorite children’s brand/s? I really don’t have a favorite brand. Beckett’s wardrobe is alot of recycled clothes from friends mixed with things we pick up from traveling. We then pass his clothes down to other friends.

Favorite designer/s you wish would come out with a children’s line? If Tom Ford came out with a childrens line it would be divine.

When Beckett grows up he wants to be… EVERYTHING!

A is for…ACCESSORIES Half Moon necklace MACKIE Crochet...

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0500

A is for…ACCESSORIES

Half Moon necklace MACKIE
Crochet hairclips MACKIE
Camera necklace ATSUYO ET AKIKO
Bird headband MACKIE
Jeweled headband CREW CUTS
Boris wears Cluster grape necklace MACKIE

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! A Coney Island Love Story was...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:13:00 -0500

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

A Coney Island Love Story was commissioned for the upcoming issue of the beautiful Children’s online magazine La Petite Magazine -out this week! I want to thank Rachelle the editor and all the generous designers who contributed to the film. Caramel Baby & Child, Wovenplay, and Appaman. AND of course our two Coney Island Valentines Jaden and Tallulah. May everyone’s day be filled with LOVE and HAPPINESS!

AREAWARE Kids Areaware is NOT just for kids. I’m still...

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0500

AREAWARE Kids

Areaware is NOT just for kids. I’m still buzzing over my recent delivery of Areaware 10 string light designed by Patrick Townsend. An exposed 10 bulb dimmable light sculpture that when on its lowest setting is incredibly beautiful and soothing. Now Tallulah and I have turned our attention to Ross Menuez’s designed colorful animal pillow dolls. Made with 100% organic cotton and inspired by victorian shaped pillows we have our eye on a gorilla, a kitty, a fox, a fawn and a pug. Decisions… Desicions… Tallulah’s dream is to become a mommy by age 5 to either a long haired chihuahua or more recently a black pug- as we’ve all been won over by our friend John Slattery’s (editor of A Wanted Magazine) ridiculously cute pug named Boris! The jury is still out on when the newest addition to our family will arrive so we’ll definitely include aforementioned pug and hope her motherly instincts are satisfied- for the moment anyway.

Jamie Isaia Tallulah keeps asking me when are we going back to...

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:41:00 -0500

Jamie Isaia

Tallulah keeps asking me when are we going back to see Jamie because she wants to introduce her to her new life-like stuffed Meerkat Olivia. Indeed, Olivia would fit beautifully amongst the array of taxidermy animals that inhabit the apartment where Jamie lives. That is -if Spider- Jamie’s miniature doberman pinscher gives Olivia the ok. We had been shown grisly but cute remnants of a stuffed animal sans stuffing- a mere shell of its former self and Spider’s favorite toy. Tallulah would surely have to keep a sharp eye on Olivia!! Jamie lives in Williamsburg which I always find a surreal architectural experience. Part industrial- part clapper board houses-its eclecticism really makes you want to dive deeper into its history and it leaves you with a feeling of nostalgia. Walking into the apartment Jamie shares with her husband Anthony Malat was like being transported through time-like stepping into a Victorian parlour where you want to dress up in your best frock for tea and scones. And what a tea party they had- with miniature porcelain tea sets! But mostly Tallulah enjoyed cuddling up next to Jamie pretending to be asleep on Jamie’s new life-changing Tempur-Pedic California King bed. Sleeping beauty never had it this good!

You can see Jamie’s beautiful fashion photography Here and follow her blog musings Black as Light.

Jamie-Tallulah and I loved exploring your flat full of treasures from the miniature tea sets to the crocodile skulls. It was a magical place for Tallulah. Where did your passion for collecting come from? —- My husband and I have always loved old and unusual things. We both have a passion for thrifting and antique shopping so I think once we found each other it was like -GAME ON! One of our favorite things to do is hunt for old treasures anywhere we are visiting.

I can envision Joel-Peter Witkin and Julia Margaret Cameron hanging harmoniously together in your space. What would be the dream photograph to own? —- I would LOVE to have a Julia Margaret Cameron in my house or an August Sanders portrait. Actually I would love this one Steichen picture of light coming through the trees with vapor rising from the swamp below. I think it is an untitled image but one of my favorite ever.

If you could shadow any photographer for the day -past or present -who would it be? —- Probably nobody. Seeing the process takes all the mystery out of it for me.

What magazine/s do you still get excited and look forward to seeing on the new stand each month? —- Acne Paper

If you could choose any designer to fill your closet this season-who would I find in there? —- A little Ann Demeulemeester and Dres Van Noten probably.

Finally-you’re looking forward to New York fashion week because…? —- Friends come to town that I don’t get to see that often. We hide out in dark corners of small bars and catch up.

Click HERE to view more pictures.

GOAT-MILK Kidware Spring is in the air and Goatmilk Kidware...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:27:00 -0500

GOAT-MILK Kidware

Spring is in the air and Goatmilk Kidware new Spring 12 looks are available. Inspired by a European aesthetic with green sensibilities and an emphasis on beauty. Goatmilk is made of 100% organic prewashed cotton and produced with a resolute commitment to quality, fair trade and the environment. I met Roland and Tania the designers behind Goatmilk at playtime ny and fell in love with their vision.

The imagery, the understated palette (white, heather, gray, rose) delicate pointelles and the buttery softness of the pieces. The new Spring collection brings us strong pinstripes -all beautiful to wear on their own. Now to wait patiently while they expand for the whole family…

Susan Diamond of Charles Of London The multi talented Susan...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:08:00 -0500

Susan Diamond

of Charles Of London

The multi talented Susan Diamond and her partner the lovely Mark Charles are the dynamic duo design team behind Charles Of London. Susan is one of my oldest friends-more like sisters-we made the move together to London when we were still teenagers. Although I’ve since moved back to the States-Susan stayed carving out a strong presence in the London Fashion and Music scene. It was only a few days after the London Riots ravaged through Hackney where they are based when we had plans to meet. Still a little on edge but determined to have fun and forget about the troubles plaguing London-we headed to their Shoreditch studio for Tallulah to customize her very own Punk Kitty Charles Of London Tee shirt! Officially I think Tallulah is their youngest fan. She is forever asking to wear her Rock and Roll Kitty! Next stop Hoxton Square where we had tea and cake then on to an exhibition by the bad boys of the British Art world Jake and Dinos Chapman. When Susan and Mark are not tending to fashion they are touring throughout Europe and the UK with their punk band Gobsausage.

Susan-How do you and your partner Mark share the creative collaboration?

Through visionary experiences and execution of hands.

What influences crept into this season’s collection?

A car crash of Bowie Glam Rock and Plasmatics Wendy O Punk Rock Attitude.

Music plays a huge role in Charles Of London-who are your music heroes?
CAN, Gun Club, David Bowie, The Cramps, Petra Flurr and of course The Plasmatics.
Favorite fashion era?
1973-1979
Three things you can’t live without…
Hydrogen, Oxygen and H20
The two of us wore a lot of Alaia in our twenties. We had some great pieces-regretfully I sold it all on to the Designer Consignment in Portobello. What was I thinking! Is there something you regret you got rid of that you wish you still hung on to?
An amazing Vivienne Westwood piece!
Favorite piece in your current wardrobe?
Charles of London black wool and Black metallic leather Killer Teddy Girl Drape coat.
What designer/s do you look forward to seeing each season?
Pam Hogg, Charlie Le Mindu, Thierry Mugler and Long Clothing
Finally- What woman would you love to see wearing Charles of London?
The Queen of England.

Lee Greene Lee Greene is one super cool chic. I LOVE this...

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:56:00 -0500

Lee Greene

Lee Greene is one super cool chic. I LOVE this girl-she is part sweetness part Rock n Roll with legs that go on forever! Tallulah and I met Lee when she was being photographed for my friend Katie Kiechel’s debut bag line K.Kiechel. Tallulah and her danced, giggled, made up funny walks and I was lucky enough to record all of this beautiful silliness. Apart from her willingness to play, Lee is also a philanthropist. She has teamed up with and co-hosted charity events for Artists for Peace and Justice. APJ is a non-profit organization founded by award winning filmmaker and friend, Paul Haggis, that works to provide an education, hot meals, clean drinking water and regular medical treatments to the children living in the slums of Haiti.

To make a donation and see all the wonderful work AJP have done for Haiti please visit www.apjnow.org.

Also, check out Lee’s stylish blog everythinglovelee-the name sums her up beautifully.

Atsuyo et Akiko The creative Gods truly made magic when they...

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:32:00 -0500

Atsuyo et Akiko

The creative Gods truly made magic when they brought together the accessories duo Atsuyo Yang and Akiko Mukae of Atsuyo et Akiko. Based in Brooklyn since 2007, Atsuyo with her backround in fashion and Akiko in fine arts, their jewelry and tee shirts (the Disney collaboration being a favorite of mine) are more than children’s accessories -they’re mini works of art!

Monica Botkier and Children Tallulah and the girls Sloane, 7...

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:08:00 -0500

Monica Botkier and Children

Tallulah and the girls Sloane, 7 and Olive, 2 went upstairs and raided their mother’s walk- in closet while their brother Saige, 3 stayed downstairs playing with trucks-naturally! It’s inevitable these girls will grow up fashionistas when your mother is one of New York City’s hottest Accessories designer Monica Botkier! We were invited to their beautiful Brownstone in Brooklyn where they live-we’re neighbors! Saige and Tallulah also attend the same school in this wonderful neighborhood of Fort Greene. Tallulah was in awe of Sloane’s pink Moroccan inspired-fit for a princess bedroom complete with a deep fuschia canopy from ABC Home & Carpet which I’m tempted to recreate in white at home. Monica and Sloane customized the canopy with butterflies and a dreamcatcher! Oh to be 7 years old again! After taking Monica’s closet hostage and leaving a trail of high heels behind them, Slaone led the way downstairs- playing piano and dancing to The Nutcracker.

I was struck by the strong photographs throughout the house particularly a portrait of a woman by the German photographer Gerald Forster. Monica started in the fashion industry as a photographer herself that is until in 2003 frustrated with non functional, over priced designer bags Monica designed herself the now iconic Trigger Botkier Bag-models and editors started putting in their orders and an empire was born! Fast forward to 2012 and every A-list actress has them draped over their shoulders!

Since 2009, Monica has teamed up with Michelle Trachtenberg, Joy Bryant, Minnie Driver and Lake Bell to design bags to help benefit Oxfam International.

The Botkier flagship store is located in Nolita, 246 Mott street, NYC.

Click HERE to view more pictures.

B… is for Bonpoint Merry Christmas!! Click HERE to...

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:42:00 -0500

B… is for Bonpoint

Merry Christmas!!

Click HERE to view more pictures.

Wovenplay Prussian Tutu I have always been mesmerized by...

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:52:00 -0500

Wovenplay Prussian Tutu

I have always been mesmerized by ballerinas-it started early when I discovered Degas’ paintings of ballerinas and was cemented when my sister Joan took me to see the Nutcracker when I was just six. I LOVE everything about them but particularly the costumes! The children’s brand Wovenplay have the most exquisite couture- like pieces that even prima ballerina Wendy Whelan would be proud to own. Their Prussian tutu is a favorite of mine! In the new year I want to shoot a film of @a dozen little girls in various states of Wovenplay tutus! In the meantime I have bought Tallulah a Jess Brown/Wovenplay collaboration ballerina doll dressed in a prussian tutu to put under the tree this Christmas. We’ll have to name her after one of the greats-Margot perhaps?

Natalie Joos What’s the perfect way to spend a day...

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:32:00 -0500

Natalie Joos

What’s the perfect way to spend a day heading towards the holidays? Vintage clothes shopping-in this case CHILDREN’s vintage with the Doyenne of all things vintage Natalie Joos! Natalie- New York’s fashionable casting director started her blog Tales Of Endearment a year ago-looking inside the closets of today’s It girls from New York to Tokyo and everywhere in between. We started at Natalie’s apartment in Williamsburg as Tallulah was keen to meet Natalie’s two beautiful cats Tyson and Mohammed. After a quick stop for some chocolate croissants and coffee we made our way to Fluke one of the best Vintage boutiques in Brooklyn. First out of the bag a mini sequined white shift dress-that would rival any of Tallulah’s many dresses at home! Natalie came away that day with a Miu Miu inspired fur collared wool coat! With Tallulah’s fashion wishes satisfied -left on Santa’s list- A kitten and all things princess!

Natalie what’s top of your Christmas list this year?

I want an espresso machine, an ipod and a new husband.

Where are you spending the holidays?

I am spending Xmas, my birthday and New Year’s in Punta del Este in the south of Uruguay. From there I will also take a boat to Buenos Aires for 2 days.

If money were no object -what would your indulgent vintage purchase be?

Probably a big fur (because I would NEVER wear a new one!)

Favorite piece of vintage you own?

A striped boatneck tee my grandmother gave me, my reversible elephant sweater, really I can’t answer this question-I have so many things and love everything I buy!

If you were locked up in one vintage store for the night-which would it be?

C. Madeleine’s in Miami.

Who has the most enviable vintage collection?

Michelle Harper has great pieces but I haven’t even scratched the surface of who’s out there…I need to continue my quest.

You can see all of Natalie’s quests at Tales Of Endearment

Jackie Dixon This post is play date, role model...

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:26:00 -0500

Jackie Dixon

This post is play date, role model and inspiration all wrapped up into one. I met Jackie a few years ago at our mutual friend the late photographer Corinne Day’s house. I had only just the day before read about the UBER stylist/photographer/blogger of the insanely stylish and successful Show Me Your Wardrobe in that month’s In Style Magazine. Michael introduced us and instantly I felt as if I had known her forever. My idea for a little muse was germinating and I shared it with Jackie. She was incredibly encouraging and supportive determined to tell me everything she wished she had known when she first started Show me Your Wardrobe. I am forever grateful to Britain’s top Fashion Blogger! The stars aligned this past Summer when we were able to spend some time together in London. I suggested we play croquet! We were in England after all and Jackie had access to the most beautiful garden where she lives in Kensington. The day turned out even more special as she was spending it with her best friend make up artist Emma White Turle’s daughter the ADORABLE Evie! Evie was being photographed in the square for a fashion story for ES Magazine. Tallulah watched wide eyed as Evie would flit back and forth changing dresses for her next shot. Excitement all around- particularly when at one moment a bike messenger brought a gift for Jackie from Emporio Armani-a new pair of sunglasses! Tallulah’s silliness and enthusiasm was off the charts that day not surprisingly with Jackie’s effervescent and playful spirit abound! You can see more of Jackie’s work at Show me Your Wardrobe and JackieDixonPhotography.com

Ozwald Boateng OBE Ozwald Boateng could be the next James...

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:02:00 -0500

Ozwald Boateng OBE

Ozwald Boateng could be the next James Bond if he wanted to. Actually…Minus the MI5…

He’s tall, striking, ridiculously charismatic- okay he doesn’t have a scottish accent (Sean Connery being the one true Bond for me) but he does drive the latest Aston Martin DB9 and there’s ALWAYS a beautiful woman close by. Barely twenty when we first met, I’ve witnessed his meteoric rise to superstardom -from the very early days when he started selling his suits in Neal Street, Covent Garden. He was the first tailor to ever produce a catwalk show -in PARIS-those were truly exciting days!! His appointment by LVMH president Bernard Arnault as Creative Director at GIVENCHY Menswear to his flagship store at 30 Savile Row the cornerstone of tradition!

It was a beautiful Summer morning in London when we headed just off Oxford Circus to meet Ozwald at his four story Townhouse. Tallulah had me running up and down hundreds of stairs (learning first hand the need for the lift inside the townhouse!) as she was curious to explore both his children’s bedrooms that were situated at the very top-particularly his daughter Emilia’s room with all her beautiful girlie possessions! We popped over to Ozwald’s local for lunch-the very posh Langham Hotel and afterwards Tallulah was showered with sweets and patisseries! He is treated like a super star after all! Tallulah and Ozwald were bewitched by one another- there was an immediate bond! It took me back-I met Ozwald that very first week I arrived in London and I knew I was in very good hands! We’ve had an amazing friendship over the years, we’ve bonded over our passion for Cinema - he was the first to pioneer fashion films in the industry-he’s directed several short films-one of my favorites No Boundaries you can see HERE. He has an extremely powerful, positive influence as a close friend always encouraging one to follow their dreams- to never give up. Not only a designer but also a visionary-he’s channelled this natural, positive energy into the charitable Made In Africa Foundation. Co-founded with his partner Chris Cleverly they believe infrastructure is the key to transforming the economy from a developing to emerging market. They are dedicated to bringing innovative ideas and capital to Africa, whilst also focusing on the first stage of funding for infrastructure.

First changing the way men dressed now helping to change the world we live in. Thank you my friend-here’s to your next 20 years!

A Man’s Story A full length feature Documentary chronicling the highs and lows of the past 12 years of Ozwalds life will be released early 2012. You can watch the trailer HERE. You can see more of his work and films at his website HERE and follow him on his blog HERE.

Three Little Pigs with Sara Ziff and Tallulah Rose

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:58:28 -0500

Three Little Pigs

with

Sara Ziff and Tallulah Rose

C… is for CARAMEL BABY & CHILD New S/S 12...

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:43:29 -0500

C… is for CARAMEL BABY & CHILD

New S/S 12 Collection