Cozy in the Cold: My Top Binge-Worthy Picks

February 20, 2025 Lori Weitzner

Here in NYC and in many other places around the country, it has been freezing. I’m not a cold-weather kind of gal, so I’ve been getting cozy at home in my sweats with a cup of hot herbal tea. I used to be a voracious reader, but these days, I seem to have transformed into a voracious binge-watcher, ha! I’m not particularly proud of this and I know I’m missing out on the written word, but for now, I find myself gravitating toward Netflix... or Amazon... or Hulu... or Apple TV.

With that said, here are my top picks that I’m currently loving:

1. Palm Royale

*Image courtesy Palm Royale (2024 - Present) / Apple TV+*

The costumes and sets alone are a visual feast, but the story and cast elevate the experience to something truly divine. Every scene is filled with warmth, drawing you in with its rich atmosphere and compelling performances. Watching it a second time is just as delightful, if not more because it allows you to catch all the intricate & fabulous details that might have been missed the first time around.

2. Grey’s Anatomy

*Image courtesy Grey’s Anatomy (2005 - Present) / ABC Studios*

Reruns of Grey's Anatomy. (But only until Derek dies, then I am done with it).

3. . Quincy

*Image courtesy Quincy (2018) / Netflix*

This documentary had me wanting so much more. A talented genius and I don't know anyone who can stand in his shoes. And if you loved this, watch the documentary about the making of We Are the World!

4. Miss Scarlet and The Duke

*Image courtesy Miss Scarlet & The Duke (2020 - Present) / Element 8 Entertainment*

I love period mysteries, especially when they are solved at the end of each episode. And especially if the detective is a woman so ahead of her time like Ms. Scarlet! The mist, costumes, gritty London all set the tone beautifully.

5. YouTube / SNL Bloopers throughout the years!

*Image courtesy SNL (1975 - Present) / NBC Studios*

This is for when I really need to go to bed and so cannot start anything requiring a commitment and I need to get work off my mind. There is a plethora of material to keep one giggling for hours.

6. Jury Duty

*Image courtesy Jury Duty (2023) / Picrow*

Speaking of laughing until your sides ache this ingenious mock trial is pure brilliance. The way all the jurors are completely fooled until the very end is both hilarious and masterfully executed. It somehow flew under the radar, but my friends insisted I had to watch it and I’m so glad they did! From the very first few minutes, I was completely hooked. The concept is clever, the humor is spot on, and the sheer absurdity of it all makes for an unforgettable viewing experience.

7. Ripley

*Image courtesy Ripley (2024) / Netflix*

Wow-dark, but absolutely captivating. I initially put off watching this, but once I finally did, I was completely hooked. The storytelling is intense, the atmosphere is gripping, and the performances are phenomenal. You do have to brace yourself for just how dark it gets, but the execution is so masterful that it feels entirely justified. A haunting, wellcrafted experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Addendum

Counting down the days until turquoise waters and white sand beaches—Turks & Caicos, here I come! ☀️🌊

Experiencing The Olga de Amaral Exhibition in Paris

January 27, 2025 Lori Weitzner

After Deco Off, I treated myself to a visit to Fondation Cartier to check out Olga de Amaral's exhibition. Since the '60s, she's been pushing the limits of textile art, playing around with materials like linen, cotton, horsehair, gesso, gold leaf, and palladium. Her work is all about weaving, knotting, braiding, and interlacing threads to create these massive, three-dimensional pieces.

*Exhibition View courtesy Olga de Amaral; Picture: Marc Domage*

The exhibition showcases an impressive array of historical works, many being presented outside Colombia for the first time, alongside contemporary pieces bursting with vibrant shapes and colors. Designed by architect Lina Ghotmeh, the exhibition’s layout masterfully contrasts scales and forms, creating a seamless connection between the works. This thoughtful design invites a rich dialogue with memory, the senses, and the surrounding landscape.

I live color. I know it’s an unconscious language, and I understand it. Color is like a friend, it accompanies me.
- Olga de Amaral

I've always been a fan of fiber art, but her work is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's the most spiritual and transformative expression I've encountered from a fiber artist. - Lori

Olga de Amaral's work is pure magic! Her pieces transform textiles into something beyond categorization. Seeing her large-scale creations in person is an unforgettable experience as they envelop you in texture, light, and emotion, blurring the lines between art, sculpture, and architecture. As someone who loves seeing textiles celebrated in exhibitions, her show feels deeply inspiring. It’s a reminder of how powerful and transformative fiber art can be connecting tradition and innovation to create something entirely new. I left feeling completely recharged creatively and more in love with textiles than ever!

The Fondation Cartier is presenting the first major retrospective in Europe of Colombian artist Olga de Amaral, a key figure of the Fiber Art movement through March 16 2025

Born in 1932 in Bogotá, Olga de Amaral is an emblematic figure of the Colombian art scene. Following a degree in architecture at the Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca (1951-1952), she continued her studies at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan (1954-1955), which has been compared to Germany’s Bauhaus school. While there, she discovered textile art in the weaving workshop of Marianne Strengell, a Finnish-American artist and designer who was one of the first to favor the structure and grid of textiles over the pattern. At once paintings, sculptures, installations, and architecture, they envelop viewers in the artist’s sensorial, personal universe. Appointed 'Visionary Artist' by New York's Museum of Art and Design in 2005, Amaral more recently received the Women's Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

*Olga de Amaral at Casa Amaral, Bogotá, Colombia, 2005 / Picture © Diego Amara*

Addendum

DIGNITY BY DESIGN
SUMMIT 2025

July 9th & 10th | Santa Fe, New Mexico @ The Museum of International Folk Art

Take part in a gathering of leaders across design, craft, art, architecture, and film as they dive into their creative processes and explore how dignity shapes their work. The conversation will touch on how design can respectfully draw from cultural materials, build community, and create spaces where individuals and ideas can flourish. This year’s Summit will coincide with the 21st Site Santa Fe Biennale and the world-renowned International Folk Art Market, taking place July 11 – 13.

I will be there and hope to see some of you. It should be an inspiring and important summit!

Click here for tickets and to learn more.

Lori Weitzner's Holiday Gift Guide!

December 10, 2024 Lori Weitzner

Happy Holidays: My Ultimate Gift Guide for the Season of Giving

The holidays are here, and with them comes the joy (and sometimes the challenge) of finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. 🎁✨ To make things a little easier—and a lot more festive—I’m thrilled to share my ultimate holiday gift guide with you✨

Vintage Inspired Small Bowls

I can never have enough small bowls—they're perfect for all kinds of snacks! These are an absolute favorite. This bowl is minimalist yet speaks volumes and is striking on any table. Add them to your collection and mix and match with the Kimono Stripes Rice Bowl. Perfect for snacks, dessert, rice. Made in Japan

Click here to check them out!

Flying Wish Paper (Mini Kits)

Perfect stocking stuffer and a fun activity to enjoy over the holidays!

Think of a special wish and write it on the Flying Wish Paper. Shape the paper into a tube and place it on the Wish Platform. Light the top edge of the tube and watch as it burns down in a small, beautiful flame.

Discover the magic for yourself here.

*Details of some content within the flying wish pack*

Nest Logo Tee

An organization close to my heart and, as a board member, I'm trying to get the word out about the wonderful impact Nest is making on artisans around the world. Nest’s soft cotton logo tee is a great way to show off your love of craft and support for global artisans (each shirt supports Nest’s work around the world)!

Learn more here!

Potcake Place K9 Rescue

If you follow me, you know that we foster these pups whenever in Turks and Caicos. They are the sweetest dogs ever and always available for adoption :).

Learn more about the organization here.

The Prisoner Wine

My favorite wine which also happens to be my cousin's company! Great value and taste.

More about prisoner wine here!

Caddis Mabuhay Eye Glasses

These glasses save my eyes when working on my laptop. And they are hip looking too :)

More here!

Suffs The Musical

For those in the New York area, don't miss the chance to experience this incredible exhibit before it closes on January 5th! It's truly inspiring, offering something for everyone—so be sure to bring the entire family along for a memorable outing. You won’t want to miss it!

Get your tickets here!

Holly Hunt: Fearless in the World of Design

Holly has been one of my mentors and her book is finally here! A visionary known for revolutionizing American design, Hunt changed the way Americans furnish and decorate their homes. In her first book, Hunt shares her nearly 40 years of design collections and her philosophy behind her modern, elegant designs.

Click here to see more on her book!

*Image of Holly Hunt’s newest book “Fearless In The World Of Design”*

La Maison Du Chocolat

It remains, without a doubt, the best dark chocolate I have ever had. The richness, depth, and smoothness of its flavor are unmatched, making every bite an indulgent experience that stands out from all others.

Get some chocolate here!

*Image of the Holiday Glow Coffret Maison Assorted 24 Pieces*

Lori Weitzner Ornaments

The Laetitia Ornament: A garnet-hued beauty with intricate silk and cotton patterns, sparkling sequins, and a wreath-like charm that radiates festive warmth.

The Irene Ornament: Elegance redefined with hand-stitched gold leaves, woven silk cord details, and a celestial four-point design in soft cotton.

The Marama Ornament: A stunning blend of sapphire taffeta silk, golden glass beading, and flowing lines for a sophisticated holiday statement.

Each ornament is a testament to craftsmanship, adding timeless charm to your holiday décor. 🎄

Click here to learn more.

*Images of our newest Lori Weitzner Shop Ornaments!*

Addendum

Last Christmas I was stuck in my room with Covid. I snuck out a few times for a dance but this year I hope for all of us to be well and celebrating in the UK!

Lori Weitzner Takes on Europe: A Casual Day Through the Balenciaga Exhibit in Getaria

October 30, 2024 Lori Weitzner

During my recent trip to Getaria, I had the chance to visit the Balenciaga exhibit at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum—and it was a total treat for anyone who appreciates fashion with a touch of timeless sophistication. As I wandered through the exhibit, I was struck by how Balenciaga redefined feminine style by focusing on comfort without ever sacrificing elegance.

Each piece on display showcased Balenciaga’s genius with textiles and his ability to make intricate designs look almost effortless. It’s amazing to see how he was ahead of his time in prioritizing wearability—ensuring every piece was as comfortable as it was beautiful. The collection highlights a seamless blend of technical skill, innovation, and simplicity, and it's inspiring to see how he balanced detail with a kind of understated grace.

For those who love fashion or want a bit of creative inspiration, I’d definitely recommend a trip to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. The exhibit offers a refreshing look at what high fashion can be, reminding us that elegance doesn’t always need to be complicated—it can be as simple as a masterfully cut piece that feels as good as it looks.

The exhibition features items from the museum's collection that reflect these qualities and bring together some of the most distinctive and representative designs from one of the most influential Haute Couture houses of the 20th century. Curated by Igor Uria, Collections Director at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, this show displays 90 articles spread over four rooms in which to appreciate silhouettes, volumes, fabrics and embroidery work, and to discover that interior world, often hidden, made possible by the cut, technique and finishes of haute couture.

The exhibitions will be on view until January 15, 2025 to view! If you’re in Bilbao area in Spain it is a must see!

ADDENDUM

During my time in Basque Country, I visited Bilbao—another must-visit destination! I love traveling with friends and family, but sometimes, solo adventures are my favorite. This region is absolutely perfect for it!

Travel Blog: Studio Edition

September 8, 2024 Lori Weitzner

As summer comes to a close, we’d like to take a moment to share some of the inspiring adventures and memorable experiences from our incredible team. Introducing our Travel Blog: Studio Edition! This special collection of stories, photos, and reflections captures the essence of our journeys near and far. From hidden gems in bustling cities to tranquil escapes in nature, our staff members have explored the world with curiosity and creativity.

KRISTA (DESIGN)

*Pictured: Outside Halifax in Nova Scotia, 2024*

Just outside Halifax in Nova Scotia, I biked the Salt Marsh Trail, a former train route now converted to a stunning hiking and biking path. The briny wind, vibrant ocean colors, shifting clouds, and diverse terrain of gravel, boulders, and wildflowers made it a refreshing and much-needed escape.

RACHEL (DESIGN)

This is a picture from my most recent trip to Scotland. Holyrood Park is incredible, because you feel so immersed in nature while being in the middle of a city. With its dramatic landscape and secluded hikes, it's possibly my favorite place in the entire world.

*Pictured: Holyrood Park, Scotland, 2024*

NINA (MARKETING)

Taken early in the morning before the day has begun is a picture of my family's mill in Eching, Germany from April 2024. Once a bustling manor now is peaceful serenity.

JANICE (DESIGN)

Family trip to Assateague Island to visit the wild horses that are actually feral animals, they are descendants of domestic animals from the 17th century that over time have reverted to a wild state.

*Pictured: Assateague Island, Maryland, 2024*

MAGGIE (SUMMER INTERN)

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Arles, France on a school trip. It was an incredible experience, exploring the city that inspired so many of Van Gogh’s masterpieces. The vibrant colors, architecture, and the rich culture of Arles left a lasting impression on me.

SACHA (SOCIALS)

The Sutro Baths in San Francisco were both beautiful and nostalgic. Once the largest indoor swimming complex in the world, the Baths were an iconic part of SF's cultural landscape. Although they have long since fallen into ruins, the remnants of the Sutro Baths evoke a sense of wistfulness and wonder, reminding us of the grandeur that once was, making it a poignant symbol of a bygone era.

*Pictured: Sutro Baths in San Francisco, CA*

Addendum

*Pictured: Upstate New York, Fall*
As summer comes to an end, do you consider Labor Day weekend to be the last of it, or do you see September 21st as the start of fall?

Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion at The Met

July 19, 2024 Lori Weitzner

One of the (many) wonderful things about living in New York City are our incredible museums. Every summer, the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts their annual Costume Institute exhibit. It is always a treat to see what people wear (or don't wear) but for me, the most exciting part is going to the exhibit afterwards.

This year, I made a point to go on a quiet day and soak in the beauty. The Met is such an amazing museum. One can spend hours, days, weeks there and never get tired of it. I often see something that has probably been there forever, but I notice it for the first time. Please come! Come and explore and give New York and the Met some love!

Per the Met’s official press release, the theme of this year’s show and the opening dates are as follows;

“Presented at The Met Fifth Avenue from May 10 through September 2, 2024, the exhibition will feature original research, conservation analysis, and diverse technologies to revive and explore the sensory capacities of masterworks in the Museum’s collection. Using the natural world as a uniting visual metaphor for the transience of fashion, the show will explore cyclical themes of rebirth and renewal, breathing new life into these storied objects through creative and immersive activations designed to convey the smells, sounds, textures, and motions of garments that can no longer directly interact with the body.”

Today, I thought it would be nice to share some of my favorites from this show, including these vintage Dior confections.

When conceptualizing this show, the Costume Institute notes that once a garment is entered into the Met collection, the purpose and importance of the garment is forever changed. No longer simply a work of design, these gowns become instead an important touchstone in design history.

Personally, I will always be drawn to, and in awe of, garments that celebrate and value the art of hand beading and embroidery. The living history of these techniques has always been important to me as a working designer, and even more-so visually compelling as an admirer.

Introducing unusual materials - paper, neoprene, metal and finishes transforms these garments from design to pieces of wearable sculpture.

But sometimes, the most enduringly classic garments embody classic silhouettes and feminine details.

Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion also offers the viewer a variety of statement and incredible accessories that are part of the collection. I loved this shell handbag! How incredible is that?!

If you are in town before September 2, I cannot recommend this show enough - and nothing is as good as seeing these works in person. If that is not possible for you this summer, I hope these photos offered a welcomed and inspirational preview.

Addendum

My Neighbor’s Voice and The Power of a Shared Meal

June 21, 2024 Lori Weitzner

These last few years I have become more and more saddened by the fact that people with differing opinions do not talk WITH each but more likely, talk AT each other. Including me. I realized I was not as good a listener as I thought I was and that perhaps the challenge is not that we have differing opinions but more to the point, we don't listen to each other anymore. And as modern life gets ever busier and more complicated, we are less in tune with our neighbors and communities.

And so it was a gift to discover My Neighbor's Voice this past year and learn about myself and my neighbors in a genial and generous way.

My Neighbor’s Voice is the brainchild of founders Victoria Chance and Mary Anne Inglis, My Neighbor’s Voice aims to create structure for neighbors or acquaintances or share a meal, talk and most importantly listen to one another. I was lucky enough to attend one of these meals in Traveler's Rest, Georgia a few months ago. I was so inspired that I decided to host two dinners a few months ago with one of the founder's Victoria Chance.

“We practice listening as a generous and powerful act to diminish fear and confusion and come away with a more respectful understanding of our neighbors.” -Victoria

It was a rewarding experience from beginning to end. My Neighbor’s Voice offers hosts moderation material, opening scripts and support to facilitate respectful and expansive discussion over a meal or cup of tea. However, it was such a rewarding experience that I did not take a single photo. Perhaps in the era of ubiquitous social media, this is the best testament I could give to the power of My Neighbor’s Voice.

To learn more about this important and thoughtful organization; and to consider hosting your own event, follow their link here!

While working on this blog, I did think of how important dinner parties have been throughout the course of human history. From the lavish Black and White Ball hosted by Truman Capote to the more altruistic gatherings of Maya Angelou, these events have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on culture, politics, region and even geography. Here are some of my favorite famous dinner parties!

Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball

Truman Capote is a complicated and sometimes deeply unlikable figure in American Literature. That being said Capote’s Black and White Ball hosted in 1966 for 540 guests. Guests were invited to a “little masked ball for Kay Graham and all of my friends,” and the New York Times called it “the best party ever” on it’s 50 year anniversary in 2016.

Cleopatra’s Dinner

Going further back still, Cleopatra was famous for her wit, charm and charisma. She loved hosting and entertaining, mixing business and influence into the social gatherings. Perhaps her most famous party was thrown for her lover Mark Anthony, and the two dined on wild boar, honey, figs and in an especially eccentric turn a beverage made from Cleopatra’s dissolved pearl earring and vinegar.

The Dinner Table Bargain

Thanks to the runaway Broadway hit, Hamilton, many people have heard this next story already. Coined “The Dinner Table Bargain” in June of 1790 Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison had dinner together. Although the legend claims that it was a secretive meeting, behind closed doors, the reality was much more bureaucratic. Votes, floor arguments and amendments had already been held previous to June 20th, and Madison did have the votes needed to move the U.S. Capital from New York to DC.

Hamilton to his credit did help smooth over some of the objections and rallied up the votes, as a direct result of the June 20th dinner, redefining and possibly saving our young republic.

The Origin of The Atlantic

In 1857, publisher Moses Phillips held a dinner party to pitch the idea for The Atlantic (originally The Atlantic Monthly) to some leading literary heavyweights.

In a letter to his niece, Moses Phillips said of the event:

“I must tell you about a little dinner-party I gave about two weeks ago. It would be proper, perhaps, to state that the origin of it was a desire to confer with my literary friends on a somewhat extensive literary project, the particulars of which I shall reserve till you come. But to the party: My invitations included only R.W. Emerson, H.W. Longfellow, J.K. Lowell, Mr. Motley (the ‘Dutch Republic’ man), O.W. Holmes, Mr. Cabot, and Mr. Underwood, our literary man. Imagine your uncle as the head of such a table, with such guests. The above named were the only ones invited, and they were all present. We sat down at three P.M., and rose at eight.”

Although not mentioned in his letter, Phillips did indeed share the idea and creation of a new literary magazine, called The Atlantic Monthly, now referred to as simply, The Atlantic.

Maya Angelou and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

On her 40th birthday, James Baldwin took Maya Angelou to a dinner party hosted at the Manhattan apartment of Judy Feiffer.

“To hearten Ms. Angelou [after the death of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on her 40th birthday], her friend James Baldwin took her to dinner at [Judy Feiffer’s] Manhattan apartment. There, she entranced the host couple, the novelist Philip Roth, and the other guests with her stories, many of them harrowing, of growing up in the segregated South, being raped by her mother’s boyfriend and, after being shuttled among relatives, her pervasive sense of displacement, which, for a black girl, she recalled, was “the rust on the razor that threatens the throat.”

“Her stories were fascinating, and Angelou was intoxicatingly charismatic and dynamic in the telling of them,” Kate Feiffer said this week. “My mother urged her to write a memoir.”

Ms. Angelou demurred, but Judy Feiffer introduced her to Robert Loomis, an editor at Random House. She resisted his entreaties, too. But, Ms. Angelou recalled at a tribute to Mr. Loomis in 2007 that the editor shrewdly tried another gambit. It was too challenging for Ms. Angelou to resist.

“It’s just as well, because to write an autobiography as literature is just impossible,” Mr. Loomis said. To which Ms. Angelou replied gamely, “I will try.”

Addendum

A rainbow to bid us farewell from our recent UK trip!

Tulips in Holland!

May 10, 2024 Lori Weitzner

For many years, I have admired the photos you see of Netherlands tulip fields. Going there to see them in person was on my bucket list and finally, I had the opportunity to experience them in person. There is nothing like being there LIVE.

In the 15th Century, tulips were first imported to Holland from the Ottoman Empire. Due to the wet, low lying, marshy conditions of Holland, tulips were a successful - and coveted - crop in Holland.

Throughout history tulips have ebbed and flowed in global popularity, but they are enduring symbols of Dutch identity, and are often one of the first things that come to mind when picturing Amsterdam in the Spring. When we were there, of course, tulips were everywhere in dizzyingly vibrant hues and geometric patterns.

“Tulip mania” is a term to reference the time period between 1634 and 1637 when the tulip market rapidly accelerated before eventually collapsing due to over-inflation of these new, exotic plants.

The tulip was unique to Western Europe in the 1600s, as the petals were both more vibrant in color and more varied in patterns than flowers that were native to Holland. At the time, color was a luxury, both to be enjoyed and also used as a status symbol by families or collectors of the most valuable bulbs.

Eventually there were endless varieties and hybrids of tulips, further driving their economic value and scarcity. “They were classified in groups: the single-hued tulips of red, yellow, or white were known as Couleren; the multicolored Rosen (white streaks on a red or pink background); Violetten (white streaks on a purple or lilac background); and the rarest of all, the Bizarden ('Bizarres'), (yellow or white streaks on a red, brown, or purple background).”

The tulip remains a popular subject matter for still life paintings starting in the 16th century and continuing well into the 17th century, when still life paintings were their most popular. This oil painting by German artist, Peter Binoit, from 1623 depicts a single tulip, which would be a very new and modern plant of the time.

Now, tulips are celebrated all over the world. Most gardeners have a few in their yards or plantings. Even though I have seen countless tulips in my lifetime, the experience of seeing them in full bloom was mesmerizing.

We even (accidentally) matched the bright red blooms!

No pictures can do the real thing justice. And while there, spending time with good friends, I fell madly in love with Holland and the Dutch people. I cannot wait to return.

Addendum

I am so proud of my daughter, Emma, and her recent graduation from Penn State!

A Trip to Morocco!

April 8, 2024 Lori Weitzner

I have a long bucket list! So many things I want to do and see in the world, but I do not always have the time. Don't get me wrong as I feel incredibly blessed to be able to travel to amazing places for my work and for pleasure but there is just not enough time to do it all....so I sometimes live vicariously through other lenses.

Today, I am going to share Morocco through the eyes of one of my employees, Nina Starace. She went very soon after the earthquake and although I was concerned for her, she had an incredible experience.

I had the opportunity to explore the rich Berber culture, the indigenous people of Morocco. Once marginalized, the Berber culture is now celebrated and recognized in Morocco.

In Marrakesh, particularly in the Medina where I stayed, the colors were incredible. The juxtaposition of the vibrancy of clothing and nature with the more neutral buildings created a unique and beautiful atmosphere.

Even the mundane necessities for daily living - limes for sale in a marketplace - were picturesque.

Of course, while I was there, I took full advantage of their beautiful, perfectly spiced food.

While in Marrakesh, we were able to visit the Yves Saint Laurent museum there. Saint Laurent, who was born in Allegra, returned to Marrakesh later in his life, noting the specific light quality and color sensibility of Morocco as a major point of inspiration for his work.

The Berber people showcased their remarkable craftsmanship, from weaving to woodworking, offering a glimpse into a heritage that has influenced regions far beyond Morocco.

My visit to the Atlas mountains allowed me to tour Berber villages, witnessing their daily lives and traditions.

I went into a yarn store that was incredible on the roof vats of hot dyes were tended to. They were so excited to show me their process.

The colors where a mixture of artificial and natural pigments, and told a story of the mountains and the vibrant culture they represented.

Morocco, despite its recent challenges, remains a captivating and resilient destination. My journey was filled with awe-inspiring moments. The Moroccan people's strength and determination left an indelible mark on my heart. I encourage others to visit this beautiful country.

Addendum

Recently, I was able to help foster some puppies from one of my favorite rescue organizations - Potcakes Place in Turks!

Iris van Herpen; Sculpting the Senses

February 2, 2024 Lori Weitzner

Iris van Herpen is - in my opinion - one of the most fascinating fashion designers working today. She crosses the line between what is fashion and what is art better than anyone I know.

When I was recently in Paris for Deco Off - although working day and night - I was able to sneak away to see a retrospective of her works in person and found them to be so inspiring I couldn’t help but share a bit more about this designer and her work!

van Herpen was born in Wamel, a village in The Netherlands. After graduating from ArtEZ University of the Arts in 2006, van Herpen interned at Alexander McQueen and Claudy Jongstra before branching out on her own.

van Herpen was, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the first designers to adopt and embrace 3-D printed technology and futuristic fabric manipulation, now considered a signature aesthetic of the brand and designer.

Although very much considered a couture house, Iris van Herpen designs are at the intersection of art and design, with her pieces always embracing volume, shape and form in a way that continues to be awe-inspiring.

Her debut collection in 2007 featured the brass ribs of 700 repurposed umbrellas, which not only got the attention of fashion press, but also of The Groninger Museum, which offered to buy some of the work. Those pieces are now held in their permanent collection in The Netherlands.

These days the brand still often collaborates with a company called Materialise NV, which offers industry-focused digital design and design technology services. You can learn more about this company here!

Iris van Herpen has also collaborated with numerous artists, dancers, choreographers and other designers to push the boundaries of design. Notably they recently partnered with artists such as Anthony Howe and architect Neri Oxmann, making a name for herself with her unconventional material use, including transparent acrylic, silicone, microfiber fabric and polyester film lace.

With its sculptural and architectural nature, Van Herpen's designs are exhibited in various museums, including New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Royal Museum in Toronto and the Groninger Museum. Van Herpen's scientific inclination has also led to collaborations with CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.