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Philadelphia Snap Shots

April 2, 2013 By Chie

Last week, I was in Philadelphia….again. The trip was unexpected, but I enjoyed staying in a hotel (I just love staying in hotels!! ), spending some time alone, walking around the city, collect inspiration for new clothes and sketching in my free time. The Philadelphia city hall architecture is just amazing, the pillars and statutes… Can’t imagine what kind of craftsmanship it took to construct that gigantic building.

{View on city hall}

{Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Philly}

{Sneakers for workout and pumps for work}
{Broadstreet}

{My favorite restaurant in China Town, Banana Leaf}
{Rittenhouse Square Park}
{Pretty little girl’s dress from Children’s Place}
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Mommy’s Diary: Crayons

March 30, 2013 By Chie

A few months ago, my sister, who works for a PR company, asked me to take photos of Kiko drawing. She was representing a company who makes these tear drop shaped crayons for kids. She was writing up a press release for the new crayons, but the company didn’t have any pictures to go with it. She volunteered Kiko to be the model and for me to be the photographer (of course without my knowledge or agreement), and I had one day to shoot photos of Kiko drawing.

In the photos, Kiko seems she is enjoying herself drawing, right? Unfortunately in reality was not as easy as that. She is really not into drawing or coloring at all. I wish she was a kind of girl who sat on her chair politely and colored for hours, but in reality, she is much more of a tomboy, who likes to wrestle with Andy and runs around in the park. Andy teaches her how to “roll”(play brazillian jiu jitsu), so she asks him to “tackle”, “horse” and “roll”. It is so cute!

Anyway, having Kiko pretend to draw was hard. It only lasted for about 3 minutes, and I snapped photos super quick! {find me elsewhere: shop, facebook, etsy, twitter, pinterest}

The French Renaissance

March 26, 2013 By Chie

I’ve mentioned that one of my goals in 2013 was to entered into the Design contest that is hosted by Japanese magazine, Souen. The deadline is fast approaching.The due by date is the end of April! The theme of the contest is very broad, basically whatever you want to submit is o.k. There is no set topic. Judging by past contestants, the common thread seems to be avant‐gardethe and creative, not particularly wearable. This is very hard for me as I like to make wearable clothes. I like to be able to wear VV clothes on casual business meetings, lunch out with friends and even taking Kiko out to a near by park. Personally I don’t really see a point in making clothes that cannot be worn. But most of the past contestants creations are expression of some emotive art.

Although this is not my first choice, I’d like to use it as good practice. I decided my theme for this contest to be “Transition”. This is because the last few years have been years of great transitions for me personally. I got pregnant, experienced significant body change, had Kiko, became a mother and entered back into the society to work. Also, Kiko is constantly changing and growing, and I need to do the same to adapt to her needs. The first part of transition (pregnancy) was more physical and happened gradually, and I think I made a pretty smooth transition to motherhood. The latter half of the transition, as having two faces as mom and a working woman came more difficult. I struggled with the feeling of guilt, whether I’m with Kiko or at work, feeling incompetent and insufficient to complete the both tasks well.

The topic “Transition” came up while Andy and I were talking one evening. He suggested, “how about transition?” I don’t really know what he meant by the word, but I took it as I described above. Transition from one to another. Changing. The struggles and the outcomes that come with it.

I have a few key elements that I want to include, such as using two different textured fabrics, maybe leather and chiffon. I am thinking combining something hard and soft.

While we were in NY in February, we had a change to visit the Metropolitan Museum or Art. I was able to snap some pictures which will help me guide this design process. I was particularly intrigued by the French Renaissance era. The Renaissance was a transition from the old world to new world. Seems to fit I think!

This little write-up about the French Renascence is very helpful. I will certainly try to incorporate some of the key elements, like “abstract patterns, natural motifs, and elongated figures”.