fashion friends: cosmic thread

Cosmic Thread began in early 2011 as a concept of creating contemporary jewelry incorporating geometry and ideas of futurism. Their love for shapes lead them to create Cosmic Thread: The Beginning, a collection made from acrylic and reclaimed walnut wood. Cosmic Thread is the the harmonious collaboration of  sisters Taryn and Megan Slawson, based out of Colorado. Both girls studied apparel design and production at Colorado State University. Check our selection of Cosmic Thread in the Shop, and read our interview below!

Sarah: You describe your designs as "geometric hardware" and cite inspirations like space and the future. What images come to mind when you think about your inspirations? Films? Places?
Cosmic Thread: Shape is our biggest form of inspiration, you can find it everywhere and in everything making it such an important part of life and the basis for our designs. We go crazy when we see a shape we find unusual and different and think how can we incorporate it into our designs. We are deeply inspired by space and the space between, or the threads of energy connecting us all as one. The universe is deeply mysterious and full of organic beauty. Our pieces were all designed based off two basic shapes that we were so inspired by. The triangle and the semi circle. Both these shapes we found often in celestial and astrological charts, sun dials, and ancient carvings. We felt variations of these shapes to have a powerful connection to the universe that so inspired us.

S: Your jewelry is pretty statement making, but also tasteful. When do you like to push the envelope? Or do you enjoy a more minimalist style?
CT:Our aesthetic combines clean minimalist lines with ultra contemporary shapes. We are always looking to push the boundaries of the design industry following only our insights and inspirations. We want to make pieces that no one has ever seen before, pushing the standard of jewelry from accessory into hardware.

S: Have you always been interested in jewelry? Is it a major part of your wardrobe?
CT: We both studied at a very technical based apparel design in school. Our skills from piecing together patterns evolved into piecing together hardware. Our hardware is designed to be an extension of the wearer rather than an accessory to the outfit. Pairing our pieces with a simple silhouette can instantly transform any wardrobe staple. Our hardware is definitely a major part of our wardrobes. We each have our go to piece from the collection that we seem to wear with everything, I think our respective pieces we choose to wear say a lot about who we are and how we are so uniquely different yet very much the same.

S: How did you begin to work together?
CT: We started working together after finishing school. Our work has really evolved over the past two years and has become much more refined and structured. It's not uncommon for one of us to start a project and the other to finish it. In fact that is how we work best. Our design styles are very different and in that way we compliment each other really well. We are usually mind melding simultaneously, so we think in the same way and design in two different manners. It's great. 

S: Who is the most stylish person you have ever met?
TC: Taryn used to volunteer at the museum of contemporary art in Denver and met Zandra Rhodes once! She is a huge inspiration to us both, we love eccentric beings, our great grandmother was an eccentric and a great role model. A true free spirit indeed.

Time for a pop quiz!
Complete this sentence: My dreams will come true when... I see Claire and Jonah of YACHT wearing Cosmic Thread.
Earth or Space? Space is the place!
Mind or Matter? Mind over matter, although we are greatly intrigued by dark matter or the space between everything in the universe. 
Gold or Silver? GOLD
Mars or Jupiter? I would have to say Jupiter has always been one of my favorite planets.
Astronaut or Cowboy? We recently observed it through our telescope when it was aligned with four of its moons it was truly incredible! I would love to be an astronaut, it would be amazing to go beyond the reaches of our earth.

If you could live inside one film what would it be? The Fall. The movie was shot in 18 countries and did not use any computer generated images. The locations are ethereal and the characters are eccentric, the perfect combination to get lost living inside their story of pure beauty and wanderlust.

Visit the shop to view all jewelry from Cosmic Thread

my enemy and a haute mess

We are very excited about the Bag' o Bones Cuff in Colored Enamel, our newest piece from My Enemy by Chris Habana.  This accessory was prominently worn during the notorious "Haute Mess" by Steven Meisel (video and images above) for the March 2012 issue of Vogue Italia, which caused a major stir in the news media. The video features over the top looks with pieces from both Chris Habana and UNIF. Also newly back in stock is the amazing neon floral Funeral Cuff, seen below in Zink. These move fast so grab yours now!

FASHION FRIENDS: METALEPSIS PROJECTS

Metalepsis Projects is a collaborative effort - a true harmony of tastes. Victoria Cho and Astrid Chastka, previously employed as architects, took their language of design and structure and created something new. Taking inspirations from some fine art giants, the collection seeks to take jewelry to another level. 

SARAH: You are very inspired by heavy fine art and architectural influences (e.g. Sol LeWitt). Is there anything happening in contemporary culture that you find really significant and
motivating in that same way?

ASTRID CHASTKA: I am inspired by pretty much everything on the art blog But Does It Float. I’ve recently been seeing a lot of generative artworks there that are interesting; the computer is such a powerful tool. Although Victoria and I are both really interested in the balance between technology and handcraft, I’m equally impressed by extremes at both ends of that spectrum. Also, I think that the way musical artists like Nicolas Jaar and James Blake are chopping and distorting and pacing their music in new ways inspires me to try to think about wearable items differently.

VICTORIA CHO: Urban fabrics, such as New York City, Berlin, Mumbai, etc. are really inspiring to me. They are the greatest and most complex living organisms. Especially now I find the Occupiers around the country inspiring, not only because of the ideals that bring them together but also by how they physically inhabit and transform public spaces.

S: You work in bronze, a very sculptural metal. It makes your jewelry seem like little monuments. Tell us about that.

VC: We came across bronze in a more accidental way. We just fell in love with the material the first time we had a test sample made. Bronze is also a very common material for architectural hardware such as door knobs and knocks, and we have always been intrigued by these beautiful but utilitarian objects.

S: All the shapes of your pendants are related but different, like the way we were told to think of snowflakes as children. Whats the significance to each shape? Or their relationship?

AC: Some of the pieces have a direct relationship in that a negative space in one shape equals the positive geometry of another shape. They fit together like puzzle pieces but can’t be assembled as a necklace in that way. We then designed more detailed versions of the smaller, removed shapes that played on their geometries.

VC: The basis of the collection is more about the whole than the individual pieces. We designed for the possibility of relationships that the pieces are able to create.

S: When you guys are dressing, do you work around jewelry? Are you minimalists?

VC: Definitely!! All about accessories. More so lately, my wardrobe has gotten simpler and cleaner, but I love unique fabrics, textures and prints.

AC: I am a natural born maximalist who has undergone years of architectural training in an attempt to eradicate this tendency. It didn’t work, but at least now I am able to appreciate both ends of the spectrum. Some of the pieces in this collection are very minimal and others not so much; I like that.

S: Who are some of your favorite designers?

AC: I usually like to see what Maria Cornejo and Rodarte are up to. More often I’m inspired by people on the periphery of architecture like Do Ho Suh [the detail with which he manipulates fabric in 3 dimensions is mind-blowing] and Rachel Whiteread. I also think Confetti Systems is an awesome creative brand.

VC: Some of my friends. Their talents inspire me. Right now, I love everything from Tisci at Givenchy and I also really admire Hussein Chalayan.

S: If you could befriend anyone in the world who would it be?

AC: Buckminster Fuller! What an exciting man! He thought about so many things in so many different ways. He never stopped analyzing the universe and inventing things for a better life in it. He was interested in practicality and efficiency yet created some of the most beautiful designs of his time. I also hope he would take me for a ride in his Dymaxion car.

VC: James Turrell. He’s this old white-bearded man (and obviously a very well-respected and renown artist) with the most unpretentious attitude. I saw him once at a lecture and I was just imagining how awesome it would be to hear all his stories about the art scene in the 60s in LA. But i also find extraordinary his vision and ability to use light/space with such malleability. And if the famous Roden crater ever gets finished, I’d like a private tour.

S: How did you two meet and begin to work together?

VC: We worked at the same architectural firm in New York. Interestingly, we didn’t really became friends until after leaving.

AC: Our first idea for a collection was to laser cut patterns of Victorian lace into stainless steel. We learned a lot about how NOT to make jewelry doing that collection. Victoria moved to LA this fall so now Metalepsis Projects is a way for us to keep in touch and continue creating together over a great distance.

S: What is the relationship between art and fashion?

VC: I think fashion is art! Much of contemporary art/fashion is informed and shaped by new technologies, culture, craftsmanship and above all, a need for artistic expression.

Metalepsis necklaces are available for purchase in the IDLM store.

PINK LADY by Luv AJ

We really do love Luv AJ. This awesome teenage fantasy is most certainly too cool for school. Browse the collection in the SHOP, and check out the prominently featured Crystal Cross ring!  

ART WORTH LOOKING AT: I'm Mortality by BREYER P-ORRIDGE

BREYER P-ORRIDGE  I'm Mortality

February 17 - March 25, 2012

RECEPTION: Friday, February 17, 6-8pm

INVISIBLE-EXPORTS presents I’m Mortality, a solo exhibition of works by BREYER P-ORRIDGE. Genesis BREYER P-ORRIDGE is an artist, performer, writer, musician, and pathfinder in all ways of the body. Her most recent work, being shown above, derives influences from experiences that move between release and rebirth. These circulatory cycles, which BREYER P-ORRIDGE experienced on a trip to Nepal, are characteristic of BREYER P-ORRIDGE's study of areas between the mental and tactile. The artist has also released, in collaboration with Alice Genese, a set of editions available for purchase. Genesis BREYER P-ORRIDGE has become iconic for her talisman-like jewelry and this project is certainly a chance to have a piece of the magic.

FASHION FRIENDS: BOND HARDWARE

Dana Hurwitz and Vincent Barile were two fashion lovers with a penchant for the hard stuff. After they met and bonded over their love for deviance and high fashion they came together and founded Bond Hardware. BH is a line full of transformable and statement making jewelry that works in unique tandem with clothing. Read our interview with Dana and Vincent below, and SHOP MENS and WOMENS just in! 

SARAH: Hey Guys! Your stuff is really amazing and so versatile! Its unisex and can really suit a wide range of people. Another thing we love about your pieces is that they're totally bad ass but really polished, how do you straddle that line so effortlessly?

We try to balance the edgy-ness of our pieces with minimalism. This helps them maintain a refined quality that helps appeal to a broader market.

What kind of clothing do you see your hardware being worn with? What are your favorite designers? looks? or inspirations?

VINCENT: Ideally, our collection is to be worn with a collared shirt, but the great thing about it is that you are able to wear it however you prefer. Currently, my favorite fashion designers are Acne and Raun LaRose. Also, Gaspard Yurkievich has been an huge inspiration of mine.
DANA:  Some of the pieces look great as necklaces too. When I don’t feel like being buttoned up I’ll grab a Hitch ring, or the chain lock, the double clip and even the male window lock. My favorite designers currently are Haider Ackerman – Tilda Swinton looked amazing in his look at the Golden Globes, and always Iris Apfel is a flawless style icon of mine.

Is there anything that you can't stand as far as trends? Any pet peeves?

VINCENT: Well this is easy! Northface. Leggings. Uggs. Especially, Northface + Leggings + Uggs = Not cute.
DANA: I’ll just add that leggings aren’t a substitute for pants. No matter how amazing your legs are or if you just came from yoga.

Do you guys have any major fashion crushes? Who would be the dream person to wear BH?

VINCENT: Definitely, Jacob Coupe.
DANA: Lady Fag, or Obama, Mrs. or Mr..

Your tumblr is so great. Do you take a lot of fashion inspiration from the internet? Do you find it useful that way?

Yes, social networking is a huge part of our work. Tumblr is a great platform for collecting and curating our daily inspirations. It allows us to be inspired by people and places that we normally wouldn’t be able to be affected by and constantly share that with our creative network.

Did you guys meet in fashion school? Were you instant style soul-mates? How did you go about beginning to design together?

We met through mutual friends. We had an intimate moment in a taxi cab… and then started playing dress up together. Dana goes to Pratt for fashion Design and Vince goes to The Art Institute for graphic Design.

Where did the name Bond Hardware come from?

Our name is inspired by bondage wear, so we started playing with the words bond and bound. The name in that context also alludes to a bond between two people.

Okay time for a POP QUIZ! 
Coke or Pepsi? Torn, Interview or i-D Mag? i-D Mag, Mary Kate or Ashley? Mary Kate, Nicki Minaj or Lady Gaga? Neither- but props to their creative teams., Ying-yang or Peace sign? Ying yang, Skulls or Flowers? Floral Skulls sound ideal, John Waters or David Lynch? Lynch.

FASHION FRIENDS: CHRIS HABANA

Designer Chris Habana brings gothic iconography to the forefront of jewelry trends. His edgy collection features signature cross, spike, and triangle charms that are eye-catching and head-turning. With a childhood reveling in fantasy and sci-fi and a young adult life dabbling in 90’s gay counter-culture, the designer was able to let the two worlds clash to create his bold line. Features in publications from V Magazine, Vogue Italia and Nylon to The New York Times have gained Habana recognition as a daring designer with more great things to come.

CHRIS: Hey Chris! A lot of your jewelry references different symbols (crosses, eyes, thorns, bones etc.) What is the power behind that symbolism? What do these symbols mean to you?

CHRIS: I grew up in a catholic house so crosses have been ingrained in my psyche since childhood. Crosses have so many different meanings to different people. Generally though the connotation is something somber and serious. I like to look at them as a design form and challenge their normal variations by twisting them around, linking them end-on-end or dangling them upside down. The same is true for other symbols such as bones, eyes and thorns. They are all dark in nature but beautiful in form. I like to take them out of context and make it something you wouldn’t think of.

SARAH: All your jewelry is unisex, it looks awesome on both women and men because it achieves a balance of toughness and sexiness, how do you manage to navigate that territory? Managing to include both genders?

CHRIS: People often ask “who do you like to see wearing the line” and the answer is usually some riff on, “Boys, girls and everyone in between.” I’ve always been really into androgyny. I don’t bother to specify pieces for different sexes. I design the collection and encourage everyone to wear it.

SARAH: A lot of your pieces evoke a certain sexuality (i.e. the lovelace ring, thorns), can you speak about the sexual persona of your jewelry? Their boldness?

CHRIS: I love to push the envelope when it comes to sexual taboos in the same way I like to fuck with religious imagery. I always want to create something unexpected and subversive no matter what the subject. Sex in particular though is something we all do and as much as it’s out there on tv there’s still so much that happens behind closed doors that people are afraid of. I dedicated FW11 to merging fetish with fashion for the creation of the “WierdNKinky” collection. I wanted to just put everything in your face and I was surprised by the unexpected response. People seemed ready for it. It was really cool.

SARAH: Do you have any major cinematic or artistic influences that seem to reoccur with your designs?

CHRIS: I draw most of my inspiration from street style but themes from Doom Generation and Paris is Burning always have a presence in the collections.

SARAH: Who is your greatest inspiration?

CHRIS: JESUS, Duh.

SARAH: Your line is so contemporary, so involved with our current culture, what are your guiltiest culture indulgences?

CHRIS: Well I already said Jesus, but I also like Tyra and Weed.

SARAH: What are your style no-nos? What celebrity would you love to make over?

CHRIS: I think anything goes. I’m not into making people over. I am all about people expressing themselves however they are comfortable.

Shop CHRISHABANA in the store!

FASHION FRIENDS: JELENA BEHREND

Jelena Behrend is a jeweler, working artist, and crucial lower east side destination. Her studio, which she opened in 1998 on Chrystie Street, is open by appointment and frequented by gallerists, notable celebrities, and individuals seeking hand made custom jewelry with a soul. Jelena uses inventive materials like green gold. Her work is a unique combination of aggressive and subtle, both classic and current. Jelena's pieces have been featured in Interview magazine, worn in films, on the red carpet, and she has even designed a perfume bottle for a conceptual art/fragrance project in collaboration with Lisa Kirk. Jelena is a woman who wears many hats. We were glad to ask her a few questions about her style opinions.

Sarah: When you are creating your pieces, do you have a specific type of person in mind? What characteristics seem to be consistent in your clients or muses?

Jelena: As with any artist, I make things that I want to see in the world, objects that I want to exist. I also make custom pieces, and then that person is included to join me.

S: Are there any cinematic icons or films that have effected your personal style, and thus effected your designs?

J: Akasha: Queen of the Damned. I made a series of face masks inspired by her. Rock stars, vampires, powerful women traversing time and history--all these things take part in what i do.

S: If you had to design a uniform for yourself, to wear everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be?

J: Cashmere body suit with platinum chain mail over it.

S: Is there such a thing as too much jewelry?

J: Even one piece can be too much if it's not the right piece.

S: Is there a dream item that you've always wanted, either to design or possess?

J: The Ring of Nibelung. And a metal opanak, the Serbian folk shoe that I made.

S: Who is your style soul mate?

J: The woman in the mirror, she tells me what to do.

above images via Jelena Behrend Studio

to schedule an appointment email Jelena

THE COOLEST STORE YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO...YET: C'est Magnifique

C'est Magnifique is a New York institution. Stores come and go, trends fade over time, but this West Village staple has remained true to its roots since its opening in 1959. It's a jewelry addict's paradise; crazy gothic silver rings, turquoise cuffs, Tuareg imports, rhinestones, crystals, skulls, some really impressive antiques, and so much more. Some pieces are made from molds that are over 20 years old, as well as new items that always seem to appear. C'est Mag is a family business, with loyal customers and devoted followers. A piece from here will solicit a lot of "Where did you get that?" and impressed faces. In a fashion climate that favors looking like an effortless "BAD-ASS", the men in the Albrizio family could probably give a lesson. In addition to having amazing merchandise, the pricing is highly reasonable. You might be compelled to grab several items. Here is a list of famous people that feel similarly:

Madonna - Jimi Hendrix - Bob Dylan - Jerry Garcia & Bob Weir - Robert Danero - Micky Rourke - Johnny Depp - Iggy Pop - Jim Jarmush - The Ramones - Matt Dillon - Debi Mazar - Josh Lucus - Patti Smith - Ralph Lauren - Indian Larry - Lenny Kravitz & Lisa Bonet - Axel Rose - David Byrne - Mike Myers - Stephen King - Tony Benett - Motörhead - Thrill Kill Cult - The Blasters - Beat Farmers - David McCallum (Man from U.N.C.L.E.) - Bette Midler - Cher - Carly Simon - Susan Sarandon - Gregory Hines - Marianne Faithfull - Teri Garr - Vernon Reed - Halley Berry - Lil' Kim - Drea de Matteo - Janeane Garofalo - Dean Winters - Handsome Dick Manatoba - Patrick Stewart

Hide your face under a hat to hide from that heat and head on over!

120 MacDougal Street
1 212.475.1613
cmag1959@gmail.com

THE MAN AT WORK: all repairs, new designs, and custom work happen back here

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