ACCESSORIES

I recently had the pleasure to speak with accessory designer Shara Porter, whose products are featured at various locales throughout New York City, about her experiences as a young artist. The rest, they say, was history – and is featured below for The Vogue City readers.

What got you interested in art, leatherware and design?

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve like making things. I didn’t realize it could become my career. I pursued a more straight and narrow path for awhile; I studied public policy in college. I just didn’t realize what else was out there.”

What was spark that helped transition it into your career?

“I started listening to my heart instead of listening to what I thought I should do, and gave myself the space to do that. After I finished college I searched for awhile to see what I could pursue. I worked in New York City on custom wood furniture and custom design projects. I’ve been thrift shopping since I was young, and love the idea of finding something, cutting it up and turning it into something entirely different. I actually started a line the mid-to-late 90s of slip dresses. I would go around the country, picking up these great old slips at thrift shops; then, dye and embellish them. I eventually took a class at a craft school in North Carolina and it changed the way I approached everything – I realized I’d been too practical about what I was doing. I learned how to take an image and transfer it onto fabric; it got me excited conceptually. I came back to Brooklyn and took a few classes at FIT and Parsons, then applied to graduate school without having too much of an art background, but figured I could find my way. These experiences brought me to where I am today.”

Do you look toward any artists or designers for inspiration?

“David Ireland [cite what medium he specializes in] is great. He bought an old house in San Francisco with the intention of renovating it and started to break it down and just stopped. He left the walls bare, with the foundation exposed, and exhibited the house through installations and photography. I like the idea of making every day special in some way and looking for details in the obscure. I’m touched by things that are overlooked; probably because I felt like I was overlooked for awhile. I look for things that are discarded to see if I can resurrect them in some way. I also admire Rei Kawakubo, of Comme de Garcones, for her unique designs and the way she puts together
unexpected elements.”

What about bag designers?

“I don’t look to other bag designers for inspiration for my own line. For me, it’s about shape – simple shapes – and quality, and letting those things shine on their own. I love old Aigner bags. Old things are made so much better than they are today.”

How would you describe your personal style?

I like things that are worm – things that have an age and clothing that has some wear to it. I love quirky, unique things that I can chop up; things that are asymmetrical and unexpected. There has to be an element of surprise – a slit in the sleeve of a shirt or a print on a bag – in my style. I appreciate the unpredictable. You’ll notice a recycled element to my work; there’s so much waste and excess that I’d rather not contribute to the problem.”
Describe your ideal customer.

My products tend to do best in big cities. I’d say that my ideal customer is a woman in her mid-20s to early 40s, but am sometimes surprised – I’ve had women in their 60s respond positively to my bags as well. I guess more than age, my customers tend to be people who already have a unique style and want something that’s different and one-of-a-kind.”

Do you have any advice for those who are interested in starting their own accessory line?

“Just follow what you’re passionate about and eventually other people will see that passion. Be willing to learn the ropes of the industry as you go. I came at it through the back door, which is not conventional.”

Would you go back to what you were doing before?

“I wouldn’t go back. I just love the freedom of everyday doing something towards my business, making it my own. I hope that I can continue for awhile.”

Shara’s work can be found at 4 Play BK, 360 7th Avenue (718.369.4086) and Neda, 302 Court Street (718.624.6332) in Brooklyn, or at The Clothing Warehouse, 8 Prince Street (212.343.1967) in Manhattan. For further information about Shara Porter, or to get the full list of where you can purchase her pieces, please go to HYPERLINK “http://www.sharaporter.com/”http://www.sharaporter.com.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

Size aside, there’s something refreshingly simple about statement jewelry.  With consumer attitude shifting away from the “More is more and less is bad” attitude of yesteryear, there’s no wonder that complex necklaces, bracelets and rings are standing their own this spring.  Whether you’re adhering to status quo or just don’t have the time to fuss with accessory overload, consider a cuff bracelet to complete your look – and let The Vogue City show you how to do it well.

Fendi gives a new meaning to bondage with their perforated suede cuff in aqua, $465 (Get Out of Jail Free card not included).  While this bracelet isn’t particularly busy, it’s loud – what else would you expect from an Italian design house? – and should be worn with something remarkably understated, like a neutral tunic and cigarette pants. 

This Luc Kieffer resin cuff, $286, is both demure and daring.  Golden floral details radiate warmth through the clear resin, while Swarovski details highlight the bracelet’s shine.  Resin, a durable plastic, scratches easily; consider leaving this at home while clawing through your next sample sale.

Of course, a trend isn’t a trend unless Forever 21 fornicates a version of their own.  In this case, they’ve done surprisingly well with their jewel burst cuff for less than $7.

With Saint Tropez-inspired design and a choice of (faux) gold or silver base, you’ll forget you’re dredging through the last bite of winter’s arctic blast as you march uptown with visions of little pink drinks with umbrellas pouring through your head. 

-Karyn Polewaczyk

new york bargains

With spring peeking its pretty head through the remainder of the neverending winter of 2009, what better way to show off your recessionista savings than in a fashion – and budget – savvy bag?  A handbag is not only functional (lip gloss in a jacket pocket often equals a date with disaster at the dry cleaners), but also gives leeway to test trends – say, animal prints or bright colors – without major commitment.   Whether your budget is peanuts or the whole carnival, The Vogue City has you covered faster than you can snap your change purse shut.

Chain link purses, with varying strap lengths and metals, are hotter than a New York minute.  Without a doubt, a huge wave of gratitude goes to Chanel for introducing this style – way back in 1955 – by pairing sleek chrome hardware with ultrasoft quilted lambskin.  Prices for the icon of French design start at $900 and average around $2,000 – priced to keep, for sure; but a purchase best made when you’ve got financial padding that goes beyond the scope of a bailout.  Luckily, nouveau designer Perlina offers similar styling for under $150 at Zappos.com.

For the minimalist, one can’t go wrong with a clutch.  Envelope clutches, typically larger than a traditional clutch, look especially fresh when paired with an otherwise busy ensemble. 

This leather clutch with metal detailing from Seven for All Mankind, $238, is worthy of rockstar status, while a floral fabric clutch from J. Renee, $98, hints at demure innocence.

 
If your purse is your home away from home, an oversized tote is perfect for storing everything from a laptop and books to an emergency pair of yoga pants and the phone number of that guy from Butter whom you’ll never call.  Stella McCartney’s limited collection for Lesportsac is effortlessly gorgeous as only Miss McCartney can do; the Picnic Tote, $250, is as delicious as its name. 

 L.L. Bean’s totes, as dependable as East Coast snow squalls in March, are classic, durable and inexpensive.  Their patchwork madras tote, $19, will cause prepsters to long for days of boarding school and private tennis lessons.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

Food & Shopping are my two great loves. Put them together in one place, and I am so there. Lulu Guinness is unveiling their new Spring/Summer 2009 Collection.

Check out their awesome new collection (pictures below) and also check out their Holiday Resort 2008 Collection as well; if you print & bring with you the evite below, you get 10% off the Holiday Resort 2008 Collection. So while you shop Lulu Guinness’ unique and fun pieces, enjoy tea & biscuits; true British style.

This weekend only; February 7th & 8th. Each purchase this weekend will be entered into a prize give away valued at $300.

394 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
Tel. 212.367.2120