Baker's influence for this collection reflects the duality of the human condition: Sweetness and innocence are placed in direct juxtaposition with symbols of violence and darkness. There is no clearer example than her "Lolita" dangling charm earrings. The pair is distinctly different–one earring features a heart, cherry blossom, swallow and bunny. The other has a grenade, gun, Maltese cross, "brass" knuckles and dagger.
By Kathy Schultz | August 2, 2006
The duo started their company over a glass of wine in December 2005. Thiele bought a pair of tasseled pasties but never wore them. She wanted something more beautiful, alluring, and playful; something that conjured up images of the sexy – but tasteful – fan dancers of the 1940s. Armed with scissors, glue guns and materials, the pair created flirtatious feathered pasties, floral pasties and butterfly pasties. "We laughed so hard while trying different things," says Thiele.
By Kathy Schultz | August 4, 2006
In business since 1992, Bihn just moved his design and manufacturing operations and opened his first retail outlet. Previously, his well-made bags were only available online. It's becoming a rarity to actually manufacture a product right before your eyes, but Bihn does and he encourages gawking. Step into the adjacent production room, where sewing machines hum and skillful workers busily whip up Imagos and Brian Cells. Keeping the operation within sight is a way to ensure quality bags (and job opportunities). Most bags are made from sturdy, water resistant Cordura or Ballistic nylon with convenient pockets for electronic gadgets.
By Kathy Schultz | August 9, 2006
One of my favorite pastimes while doing shopping "research" is bakery-hopping. I'm always looking for the best of my favorites - poppy seed cake, brownies, Russian teacakes, chocolate chip cookies, breads, cinnamon rolls, croissants … well, you get the picture.
By Kathy Schultz | August 18, 2006
