Part one: After 19 years of designing and manufacturing here in NYC under my own label, there are many things I have learned from this glorious and sometime riotous industry called FASHION. From construction to design, marketing to trunk shows, fit through production. But what remains at the core, is the importance of the hands on experience. Relying solely upon artistic instinct and the unforeseen magic which occurs when hands meet fabric or paper, that is where art, fashion and design are born.
That tactile experience is unfortunately taking a backseat to velocity and quantities enabled by a computer generated mania. Imagine not touching someone or being touched. What we experience through our tactile sensibilities goes beyond becoming familiar with the nuances fabric will organically produce or how pencil marks will organically take on a direction of their own, producing surprises. In designing and drawing hands on, there becomes an infinite supply and source for creative expression. Techniques and ideas develop on their own volition. Focus straddles the line between the consciousness of ones hands and mind and the unconsciousness of the fabric, folds, brushstrokes and lines. Beyond human perception and plan the fabric and pencils, if given the proper freedom of expression, move and design, dance and sing to a the rhythm of a creative universe.
Working with one's hand's, folding, manipulating, scribbling, coloring is such a precious act developing harmony and promoting well being within. So when the time comes during the day when you are becoming anxious and overwrought with, you know what, take a few minutes and a pen. Start to scribble and draw or doodle some ideas or buried thoughts. It's a refreshing and de-caffeinated break. Who knows that doodle could be the next big seller!