I had the chance to engage with 6 panelist last week,to talk about the roles they play in the fashion industry and their journey of how they got there. It was nothing less than inspiring.

Each Panelist Aina Fadina, Courtney Fueglein, Veronica Balta , Edurado Ramos, Richard Koek , and Fred Howard all had encouraging stories about how the industry helped them find their lane in the industry and how connecting and networking with people pushed their careers and long time friendships forward.

Each occupation that the panelist discussed was a viable part to the fashion industry. Being a Model for a brands gains notoriety from the audience and separate standing from that model.Having media be the foundation for a lot of fashion broadcasting helps with awareness of a brand as well. With doing media related things comes television  and set productions.Production assistants and wardrobe stylists keep the film going, along with other stage properties like make up, hair styling and film.Photography, a form of film, takes on a different medium. In the case of fashion photography, it becomes interesting.Capturing the essence of garment is in magazines, advertisements, and social media everyday.It is the component that keep the audience engaged with product.

These positions require an eye that has to be refined overtime and  through circumstance. To see where the panelist started and how they navigated their way through the industry is intriguing.Each of them, being willing to be a vessel while also still being a student is such a motivating concept that I feel the panelist and I have in common.

Gaining new insight on postions that I didn't think I would be interested in to me is, in lack of a better word, a blessing. It reminds me that the world is bigger and better than we think. I thank all the panelist for shedding insight on their paths and I hope  to work with them in the near future.

On Tuesday of last week I had the opportunity to visit the American Eagle NYC Office, located on 401 5th Avenue.

As a class, we had a sit down with people of the company to talk about their experience with American Eagle, and what they contribute to the brand.Two of which where alumi from my University, Kent State.They further talked about the history of the corporation and why they appreciate their position.

Getting the chance to learn about the corporation was very interesting.American Eagle is an umbrella for other well known brands such as Aerie, Todd Synder, and their more sustainable branch, Unsubscribed.Their purpose is to create Slow-fashion.Intentionally crafted clothing is a journey rather than a final product. They strive to be superior production techniques, all-natural fabrics, and robust designs.I personally believe that it's a bigger conversation for companies as big as this one, But I do feel that if their is an effort being made to support the environment and the affects of clothing, there needs to be people on the corporations team that care specifically for this topic ,AE made sure that they are.

Today, American Eagle has a wide variety of clothing and assortments that appeal to my personal demographic of young adults. American Eagle's target market produces extremely fashionable style. The age range of these young people is 15 to 25. With a clothing line for each gender, as well as shoes, lingerie, fragrances, belts, and jewelry, AE caters to both male and female customers. American Eagle caters to people of every race and gender; you can see people of all ethnicities shopping there. American Eagle clothing has also been seen on celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Drew Barrymore, Ben Lee, and The All American Rejects. Additionally, AE has provided clothing for the MTV reality programs Road Rules and The Real World. Although some goods can be a little pricey, AE's prices are generally fair.

The evolution of the brand, starting with one assortment to being a power house brand and corporation is inspiring see. The ability to constantly evolve is a positive quality that a company I would like to be apart of should have. If I had the opportunity to work with AE i would really be interested in the concept decision team. I have a great quality for curating aesthetic and a specific experience.I would love to explore that lane with AE in the near future. As they are a great asset to the team and collections.

Being able to visit the corporation was exciting and I hope to cross paths with the people on the team again.

This week I had the chance to do research on a company that's in my home city, Cincinnati, Phillipe Haas Bespoke Tailoring

Philippe Haas Bespoke Tailoring specializes in providing bespoke apparel for both men and women who desire a distinctive,European-inspired, luxury item at a reasonable cost.

Having the the traditional practice of tailored design can be equated to a sign of higher quality. From the Oxford Dictionary the definition is derived from the verb bespeak, meaning to "speak for something""ordered, commissioned, arranged for". Philipe Haas has mastered the inclusivity and exclusivity factor by catering to different sizes and having a quality made suit for specialty events.

They aim present the finest possible service to our clients. The potential reach of this service is limitless. We can offer advice on clothing combinations, wardrobe improvements, and dress codes for special occasions.On demand, special fittings can be done in your house, place of business, or even after hours. We aspire to provide you with the best possible service while establishing long-lasting relationships with their clients.

If a company can cater to each particular customer, they could be a viable asset to the global consumers market. Phillipe Haas is thriving in this lane. Bepokes Tailoring is important within the market because Bespoke means that the suit is made from scratch. It is handmade and may be built out of any material in any shape.The tailor carefully observes your particular traits while taking your measurements after completely discussing your needs (style, events, materials) (body type, posture). Having this of design is rare during his time of digital evolvement and ready to wear fashions.

It's also great to see such rarity and quality in the industry.Tailoring has a history of being over seas in different countries.To see bespoke as and asset in the industry that's located in city where the fashion scene is slowly emerging is inspiring to witness and be apart of.

As for Phillipe Haas I hope to see his work being recognized on bigger scale in the near future.

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit the start of it all, The Louis Vuitton Trunk Exhibition.

Located on 660 Madison Avenue between 60th and Madison.

The Louis Vuitton Exhibition was a dynamic display of LV's first ever assortment, trunks.Three floors of trunks that were designed and reimagined by essential figures, artist and designers.

The expansive exhibition, which is being live streamed on the building's exterior, explores never-before-seen installations, interactive experiences, and most notably, 200 trunks from visionaries like Franky Zapata, Willo Perron, Francesca Sorrenti, Peter Marino, and Brooklyn Balloons, to name a few.The 200 contributors, each of whom was given the identical brief, "the construction of a box, a vessel, a dream," agree that "creativity is always at the center of our business, and making is always at the heart of what we do, and storytelling and dreaming and imagination and team spirit. While some competitors chose to do everything themselves, others collaborated with the Vuitton team to bring their ideas to life. The latter group includes Susan Miller, an astrologer who created a chart using data from Louis Vuitton.

Notable people like Drake, MarcJacobs, BTS etc.One of my favorite reimageings was Gloria Stienem's.

Considering that Gloria Steinem is a well known figure for women's activism.She is a feminist campaigner, author, lecturer, and political activist. She has spent decades lecturing and organizing in this and other nations, and she is a frequent media spokesperson on equality-related problems.Her areas of interest include nonviolent conflict resolution, indigenous cultures, gender roles and child abuse as the bases of violence, the shared origins of sex, race, and caste systems, as well as organizing across boundaries for peace and justice. She resides in the Big Apple. Gloria Steinem sat down to write an article for Louis 200, she started where she has always started during her six-decade career: with a yellow legal pad. After I've written a certain amount, I typically transfer it to what was formerly the typewriter but is now a computer, she explains. The tactile contact between your hand and the paper seems to me to be still more intimate than running your writing via a word processor. This time, Steinem was allowed to bypass the transcribing stage after the Louis Vuitton crew suggested wrapping a smaller trunk with her lined paper. Steinem writes, "I've learnt that baggage is biography," in her essay.(Cohn,2021)

I particularly like the overall exhibition! It was a very fluid, immersive, and very cool to see the history of a luxury brand start with a trunk.Making this display a collaborative based exhibit.I loved the inclusionary aspect at the bottom for designing and it carried the luxury aesthetic well throughout the exhibit.

Towards the end of the exhibit there was a point where vistors could have a point of the products related to Louis Vuitton.Athough it could be question that this wasn't a necessary element, however I feel that this element of buying acclaimed products from an acclaimed exhibition is grand souvenir for a moment in fashion history.

I took the time to visit a beautiful exhibition at the Fotografiska Museum, located on 281 Park Ave. A Photography Museum dedicated to patrons discovering world-class photography, diverse programs, fine eating, and unexpected new viewpoints.

Taking the N Train to 23rd street and having a slight walk,I entered the museum to a grand and eclectic lobby. Walking further, I made way to the Exhibition.

David LaChapelle's Exhibition 'Make Believe' was a sight to see.

Fotografiska produced a dynamic and unmatched spinning display of photography in immersive settings that covered a range of genres. LaChappelle created a intensely personal show, There was a sense of closeness with the artist and their gallery that brought a transforming and multifaceted emotional experience. La Chapelle explored his 40-year career of narrative social commentary, with a "full circle" effect in his newer and mature work of his early practice's and religious themes.In 1980s -NYC there was a existential religious explorations LaChapelle made as the AIDS crisis devastated his close circle. The concept of enlightenment and looking at energy that emphasizes the creation of paradise and the feeling of lightness. The afterlife is depicted positively because LaChapelle is a firm believer in the power of beauty to move viewers.

Seeing such an emotive display of photography, sparked a range of feelings.Empathy,respect for the artist,awe,and over all joy to be experiencing something of this nature.It is difficult to choose a favorite photo because they all emoted something relevant to the exhibition.However, it was eye opening to see which photo produced what emotion, which is fascinating to partake in.

As a photojournalism minor, creating a story ,depth, emotion and overall relevancy to a topic can be somewhat of a difficult task,It was great to see a concept thoroughly conveyed in stagnent medium.

To answer the arising question of If LaChapelle's work could be considered sexist, particularly I think not.Art in it's truest form should be a look into the perspective of that artist.If Artist didn't do this and created things they haven't been immersed in, Art wouldn't be at it's truest form of authenticity.

It was a pleasure to see 'Make Believe' it was a revelation so to speak, to see art in a different perspective and to learn about LaChapelle's inspiration for this exhibition.He has gained a new appreciator of his art and photography and can't wait to see what's next for him.

I had the pleasure of having a discussion with Ann Walter,the Director of Kent State University's Study Away Program.

My involvement with the program opened my eyes to a lot of things, specifically the process of starting in the fashion industry as Ms.Walters spoke more about.

Having a solid resume, making memorable connections, and being ready and prepared to do the job at hand.Those core concepts better the chances of an experience that can push you far in the industry.

To define these concepts more, having a defined resume always stands out to employers.Stating your skills, experience and overall purpose for hiring is important.There maybe a strong possiblity that the employer skips the resume.

Other gems Ms. Walter spoke about were the connections made by networking with people and the bonds built from that.Most jobs leading up to someones current occupation are from connections made in the fashion world. As a student this is the opportunity to form the relations that can help us progress and always being relevant with them.

Finally she talked about how important being prepared for the job is, pertaining to the moments before and after an interview, those are the moments you can control. Being on time for an interview especially, in a location like NewYork. Planning ahead because of train scheduling etc. After making the effort to show that you are appreciative of the employers time you send a "thank you" card. Making your time memorable with them.

After learning more skillful details about preparing for interviews and bettering my chances,I am thankful to know Ms.Walter.Considering her experience in the industry and her caring spirit for young people finding there way in it .

Last week I got to meet Lizette Chin, Vice President and Group Pulblisher of Wainscot Media.Accompanied with John Jones Fashion Director also at Wainscot Media.

Ms .Chin discussed her beginnings in the the a graduate at FiT and Interning for Bergdorff Goodman. She found her way in the industry through a press release opportunity that she had heard about through her friend. That was her introduction into the specific medium of journalism and publishing eventually doing publishing for Wainscot. Being few women of color in a luxury men's wear space.

As for John Jones, his passion started in photojournalism, (something we both have in common) then flourished into a passion for fo fashion after he seeing a GQ magazine. He followed a path of attending Mercy Hurst University, transferring to FIT, studying merchandising and became more interested in the Public Relations.

Mr. Jones talked more about how PR and marketing has evolved into this multi faceted field where any one has room to promote and advertise due to social media. At one time it was more based on forming relationships with editors .

It was interesting to hear how publishing and media is fed though fashion, specifically for Wainscot Media, being the only trade publication for in America for Menswear, they have thrived in the lane of magazine publications since 1991.Having formed relationships with luxury retailers for the involvement of Wainscot. It's inspiring where a person can find interest in the industry.

I was grateful to be able to have a conversation with people in the fashion industry through publications lense.This is a space that has always sparked my interest. It was to see people progressing in this area of the industry.

I had the opportunity to visit a very interesting showroom last week that specializes in high quality coats and jackets and in lack of better word it was a sight to see.

The brand Parajumpers is a company that makes coats to with stand the drastic winters in different parts of the country. Their inspiration sprouted from alaska's Special forces in the military are known for wearing. as they highly affective positions they need outerwear to withstand their positions. Hence the prototype of Parajumpers.

Terry Ross ,the sales director of the district, took the time to explain the ins and outs about the showroom and the business. She started as and intern and after years of working with the company ,she now is in a higher position with PJ opening their first brick-and-mortar in Soho Newyork.

Parajumpers is a family owned business, mostly, if not all production for jacket and coats are done in the families home country of Italy.They pride themselves on infusing Americana and Italian influences in the brand.

Ms. Ross talked more about the company and how they are actively working as a sustainable brand.As the use of fur was their main source of warmth for their clothing they switched a more renewable material, like fleece, still make coats insulated and durable for use .

After my visit with Parajumpers I learned more about the business of outerwear and how much it is incorporated in jobs that have nothing to do with fashion, but are still apart of the fashion world due to their aesthetic and durability of the apparel.

I Thank Ms. Ross for broadening the world of fashion for me in the most simplest and graceful way. I hope to be a customer soon.

Not to long ago, I had the opportunity to be acquainted with a fascinating and dynamic perfumer, Rodney F. Hughes. Mr. Hughes is the creator of an essential oil parfum company, Therapeutate Parfum

Mr. Hughes ,having PhD in anthropology of religion, started in the industry as a technical design engineer at Pratt Institute . Starting his journey with technical teams at company's such as Calvin Klein and later Polo Ralph Lauren.Being in the industry, working long hours and having to be alert and ready for a fast paced work day was somewhat taking a toll on Hughes sleep schedule. With him being involved in the practices of Reiki and aromatherapy, he combined his knowledge of energy healing techniques and scent to discover the vast world of perfumery.

He had always been infatuated with scents sense his childhood, recalling a time when he saved his family from carbon monoxide poisoning simply from his strong sense of smell.

Mr. Hughes then researched scents that would prevent him from feeling sleepy for his work heavy schedule and he came across the essential oil rosemary. Using rosemary to revive his mind, digestion ,and sleep,.Hughes recommended his findings with company associates ,having the same results.This sparked and idea.

Later he enrolled in course for natural perfumery taught by Debbie and Howard Freund. A couple that taught a former aromatherapy instructor of Hughes. These events inspired Theraputate Parfums.

Therapeutate Parfums is based on the natural properties of essential oils and original organic smells. Each scent come from different parts of the world. Hughes discussed how psychologically, how people have a neurological response that are attached to moments in time.He curated the same affects for his line of parfum that embodies different countries and moments that are worn on the body.

Hughes' education and intelligence on the chemistry, healing process and pairing of scents was fascinating to hear.It's always exciting to see where people find their niche in the industry, especially in a space where there are so may avenues to explore and indulge in.

I enjoyed learning the process of perfumery and the complex scents and pairings that make some of the well know smells we know today. This experience ignited an interest that I would like to learn on a deeper level.I thank Mr. Hughes for opening that metaphorical window for the class.

Recently I took a trip to a quaint, modern contemporary home and furnishing store in Chelsea.As a class, we had a chance to discuss ultra modern styles of furniture an fashion with the Visual Director of the store.She gave us a tour of the well furnished two story building and brought up her experiences that lead her to be a visual director.Always having an eye for furnishing and pairing things together as a child, when she got older she went to a University to study Interior Design and followed a path of furniture and interior decor opportunities that led her to Room&Board furnishings.

As we talked more with the visual director, she explained the influences of both fashion an interior design and how they coincide with each other. Many fashion brands have a furniture assortment that is fluid with there fashion selections. As well as interior designers and brands using fabric selections to convey a decor experience.

We had a chance to create mood boards with colors and texture palettes for our own spaces.With each mood board, it was inspiring to see the different motivating sources for color choice and texture pairing for everyone.It was very inspiring to see the range of perspectives that consumers would find attractive as well.

After having this visit with Room & Board,I can say that my thoughts on interior decor has changed,I wasn't aware of the creative possibilities that visual merchandising and/or directing had.I always have an appreciation for a chance to expand the aspects of fashion and how much influence it has in other areas.Referring to Room&Board having a prominent contemporary concept, seeing irregular shaped accent pieces balanced out with updated modern furniture resembled that opposing ideas can creatively coexist.

I truly appreciate the I eye opening experience that Room & Board gave, and I hope to create a decor concept for my home one day.





Recently I took a trip to a quaint, modern contemporary home and furnishing store in Chelsea.As a class, we had a chance to discuss ultra modern styles of furniture an fashion with the Visual Director of the store.She gave us a tour of the well furnished two story building and brought up her experiences that lead her to be a visual director.Always having an eye for furnishing and pairing things together as a child, when she got older she went to a University to study Interior Design and followed a path of furniture and interior decor opportunities that led her to Room&Board furnishings.

As we talked more with the visual director, she explained the influences of both fashion an interior design and how they coincide with each other. Many fashion brands have a furniture assortment that is fluid with there fashion selections. As well as interior designers and brands using fabric selections to convey a decor experience.

We had a chance to create mood boards with colors and texture palettes for our own spaces.With each mood board, it was inspiring to see the different motivating sources for color choice and texture pairing for everyone.It was very inspiring to see the range of perspectives that consumers would find attractive as well.

After having this visit with Room & Board,I can say that my thoughts on interior decor has changed,I wasn't aware of the creative possibilities that visual merchandising and/or directing had.I always have an appreciation for a chance to expand the aspects of fashion and how much influence it has in other areas.Referring to Room&Board having a prominent contemporary concept, seeing irregular shaped accent pieces balanced out with updated modern furniture resembled that opposing ideas can creatively coexist.

I truly appreciate the I eye opening experience that Room & Board gave, and I hope to create a decor concept for my home one day.





If you need a makeup utopia of sorts this would be it!

Last week I took a trip to MWS (Manhattan Wardrobe Supply). Located 245 West 29th Street. I had such an opening experience pertaining to the makeup world and also, someones journey to get there.

Makeup and fashion coincide so well together that there had to be a place where fashion runway interns, stage hands in theater, and makeup artist with film endeavors, could come and purchase a range of assortments for there craft.

The class spoke with Cheryl Kilbourne-Kimpton and Tommy Boyer. Owners of MWS. We had a rather inspirational discussion about "Being ready to Pivot". To be open for change regarding career paths. Before MWS, Kilbobourne-Kimpton worked in theater as a costumer, a stylist for film and print, then further evolved into an industry favorite Costume Supervisor. After meeting Boyer in the filming and print industry, they decided together that they were opening MWS in 1998.

As for Boyer, he had a pivotal career as well.Starting his career as Singer/Dancer, then transitioned into wardrobe dressing and costuming. He then crossed paths with Kilbourne-Kimpton in film and that was the start of friendship and later a business partnership.

Just as Nikki Hall, an additional insight of MWS, but also a person who learned to organically change routes in the industry.She started with International Business as her major in college, going more into the finance direction. Then she met like minded people in the industry of film and commercial and later became a stylist,utilizing Manhattan Wardrobe Supply for all of her film and styling supply needs.

MWS has been used for many concept essentials for movie makeup, fashion show garments, and theater show cases.Supplying things that business would be left without if it weren't for their broad selection. Providing their own makeup expertise, Mindy Hall, an award winning makeup artist uses her services for The MSW visual consultant.Amongst other makeup and wardrobe needs.

It was such a great location to visit. To hear how MWS came to be from different paths of interest and the need for supplies in industry was particularly significant in choosing my career journey, but to also see things through and to be open to new things.

Please visit Manhattan Beauty Supply for all of your wardrobe, makeup, and styling needs!





If you need a makeup utopia of sorts this would be it!

Last week I took a trip to MWS (Manhattan Wardrobe Supply). Located 245 West 29th Street. I had such an opening experience pertaining to the makeup world and also, someones journey to get there.

Makeup and fashion coincide so well together that there had to be a place where fashion runway interns, stage hands in theater, and makeup artist with film endeavors, could come and purchase a range of assortments for there craft.

The class spoke with Cheryl Kilbourne-Kimpton and Tommy Boyer. Owners of MWS. We had a rather inspirational discussion about "Being ready to Pivot". To be open for change regarding career paths. Before MWS, Kilbobourne-Kimpton worked in theater as a costumer, a stylist for film and print, then further evolved into an industry favorite Costume Supervisor. After meeting Boyer in the filming and print industry, they decided together that they were opening MWS in 1998.

As for Boyer, he had a pivotal career as well.Starting his career as Singer/Dancer, then transitioned into wardrobe dressing and costuming. He then crossed paths with Kilbourne-Kimpton in film and that was the start of friendship and later a business partnership.

Just as Nikki Hall, an additional insight of MWS, but also a person who learned to organically change routes in the industry.She started with International Business as her major in college, going more into the finance direction. Then she met like minded people in the industry of film and commercial and later became a stylist,utilizing Manhattan Wardrobe Supply for all of her film and styling supply needs.

MWS has been used for many concept essentials for movie makeup, fashion show garments, and theater show cases.Supplying things that business would be left without if it weren't for their broad selection. Providing their own makeup expertise, Mindy Hall, an award winning makeup artist uses her services for The MSW visual consultant.Amongst other makeup and wardrobe needs.

It was such a great location to visit. To hear how MWS came to be from different paths of interest and the need for supplies in industry was particularly significant in choosing my career journey, but to also see things through and to be open to new things.

Please visit Manhattan Beauty Supply for all of your wardrobe, makeup, and styling needs!





People like Naomi Campbell, Iman, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and many other Black women and women of color, all have one thing in common.The man behind many iconic editorial makeup looks, Sam Fine.A celebrity makeup artist that focuses on the representation of beauty for Black and Brown Women.

I got the chance to meet him recently and to hear his inspiring journey and serendipitous triumphs of working hand and hand with the industries of fashion and makeup.

Fine started the conversation with his original interest in Fashion illustration after high school, as he always had an ability with drawing.He thought then he wanted to be a seamster and to pursue a career in fashion and garment making. He soonly realized that wasn't his passion.Moving to New York, he started making connections that started to fuel his makeup journey, starting with Naomi Sims Cosmetics. This company offered him a position at the cosmetics counter of their department store and he hasn't put the makeup brush down sense.

After establishing a portfolio for himself with photographers and up and coming models he got a bigger opportunity to working with Essence Magazine on a plethora of covers for them.He got acquainted with other magazines such a Vibe, Cosmopolitan, and Marie Claire to do makeup, which opened up many doors for his career as well.

Fine has traveled to many different countries in the world, it is particularly so motivating and encouraging to here his stories about celebrities that he started out with and now know as friends. To also refine his craft each time with the help of like minded people is also a gem of advice he touched on.To be willing to trust yourself and your skills and letting them take you where they may is very influential as well. I was very glad to be in the presence of someone so pivotal to black women and women of color in the makeup world.

Sam Fine is a wealth of information for not only makeup but also being a personal solace about life's journey and people that supported his passion along the way.

I hope in the near future we can meet again, his enthusiastic spirit is something that only can be met in person.

As I took the 1 train to the Metropolitan Museum last Tuesday, on my way there I couldn't even begin to imagine the pieces and garments that I would've seen.My imagination couldn't compare to the Kimono Style: John C. Weber collection that the museum gave the pleasure of exhibiting.The John C. Weber Collection shown from June 7th- Feb 20th 2022, was very beautiful to see. To tour the different aspects of how fashion has transcended through cultures, specifically, how the Japanese garment staple influences western couture fashion, and art was enticing to see.

Diving deeper in to the exhibit , it was interesting to discover the variations of the kimonos dating from the late 18th through the early 20th century.The noticable T-shaped garments were, and have been adapted to suit the lifestyle of modern Japanese women. The display featured some of the most admirable pieces of work that included gifts of numerous modern kimonos from the renowned John C. Weber Collection of Japanese art. As well as moments from The Costume Institute’s collection. There were about 40+ kimonos ranging for mens, women, and children's wear that were shown complementing western garments,Japanese paintings, prints, and decorative art pieces.

Other than exhibiting divine garment pieces and equally beautiful art concepts, particularly the collection showed how the kimono has been a staple for the history of women for centuries.The assortment of colors, pattern, fluid and diverse trends reveal so much about Japanese culture ,society and the state of socioeconomic statuses. When we define the circumstances of the people that wore these garments and the delicate, intricate ,clothing and their production techniques there is a different connection that is made with clothing and their origin. Different Western designers and couturiers use the kimono as a guiding point for new motifs and novel cuts to create a sense of freedom to the wearer. This creates the space between body and the clothing. Simultaneously, Western manufacturing techniques and materials along with artistic trends have a significant contributed to the modernization of the T-shaped garments and helped to create fresh and new styles.

To say the least i will be back again to experience this exhibit and every other exhibit the The Met has to offer. You want want to miss this.

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of visiting a unique company that has a significant part in the fashion industry for quite some time now. They have been family based for generations and they have committed to-making pivotal pieces in textile.

M&S Custom Fabric Flowers has been in business since 1916! (before I was even thought of.) Creating custom flowers out of thousand of different textiles in fabrics.Each one more eccentric from the last.

Adam Schmalberg ,The great great nephew of the owners of M&S Morris and Sam Schmalberg ,talked more about the history of the company and how it started with Their nephew, Harold. He started working at M&S factory at 17 years old . Harold was a holocaust survivor who had lost his family in the war.  He then was able to get in touch with his American relatives, Morris and Sam, who helped him move to New York. Eventually, Harold learned the family business and inherited M&S Schmalberg ,thus continuing the business for 40 more years. Which has always been a NYC Garment District business.

Fascinating... I know.

Similar companies made fabric flowers as well, but as time progressed M&S has been the longest standing Fabric Flowers company for a literal century.As they built the company to what it is today,M&S has become a bit more digital as 25% of imports are done online.Business now is being sold to couture and luxury labels looking for hand crafted flowers for garments and collections and sometimes hair accessories.

I hope anyone can take the time to go see the beauty, history and craftsmanship of M&S , you wont regret it!







On Tuesday I had the pleasure of visiting a unique company that has a significant part in the fashion industry for quite some time now. They have been family based for generations and they have committed to-making pivotal pieces in textile.

M&S Custom Fabric Flowers has been in business since 1916! (before I was even thought of.) Creating custom flowers out of thousand of different textiles in fabrics.Each one more eccentric from the last.

Adam Schmalberg ,The great great nephew of the owners of M&S Morris and Sam Schmalberg ,talked more about the history of the company and how it started with Their nephew, Harold. He started working at M&S factory at 17 years old . Harold was a holocaust survivor who had lost his family in the war.  He then was able to get in touch with his American relatives, Morris and Sam, who helped him move to New York. Eventually, Harold learned the family business and inherited M&S Schmalberg ,thus continuing the business for 40 more years. Which has always been a NYC Garment District business.

Fascinating... I know.

Similar companies made fabric flowers as well, but as time progressed M&S has been the longest standing Fabric Flowers company for a literal century.As they built the company to what it is today,M&S has become a bit more digital as 25% of imports are done online.Business now is being sold to couture and luxury labels looking for hand crafted flowers for garments and collections and sometimes hair accessories.

I hope anyone can take the time to go see the beauty, history and craftsmanship of M&S , you wont regret it!