Blog by Lyra Pappin

Hardworking and seemingly fearless, Vicky Vander Kooi , began creating jewelry after finding inspiration as an English teacher in Thailand. Over the course of two years in a totally foreign environment, Vicky pushed herself to experience new things she never knew she was capable of doing. From trying new foods to dealing with language barriers and exploring beautiful new territory, Vicky learned that her... Read more

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• In the Spotlight

If you want to know whether something is fake or not, it isn’t the brand that gives it away, but where it’s made. The source of these imitiations is primarily Korea, Hong Kong, and China.

Finally mass production comes in handy! :)

Apparantly, the copiers produce such realistic copies, the Tokyo Customs staff are not qualified to make a determination about whether a particular good is genuine... Read more

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• iCraft Current

High fashion is no more? Casual is the new cool? What's the world coming to when fashion can be comfortable?

Why even bother changing out of your pajamas at all? That was the sentiment behind the spring men's collections that wrapped up recently in Milan, Italy.

Men have turned their backs on the "metrosexual" look in lieu of a more comfortable, rumpled, and supposedly "manlier"... Read more

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Ruslana Korshunova, just 20 years old, appears to have jumped to her death in Manhattan's financial district. The sad news has shocked her friends and family, who saw Korshunova as a kind woman, climbing the ranks of the fashion industry after gracing covers of French Elle and Russian Vogue.

The pal said that Korshunova had just returned from a modeling gig in Paris and seemed to be "on top of the... Read more

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Honestly, what is up with this woman?

After being convicted for assaulting police officers at Heathrow airport in April, supermodel Naomi Campbell failed to show up for a runway in Sao Paolo, Brazil's Fashion Show for the summer 2009 swimsuit collection.

Who keeps hiring her? Are they fashionistas or sadomasochists?!

Read full story: No Naomi at Sao Paulo Fashion Week
Image credit: askmen.com Read more

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Two handmade boats are making their way toward France after leaving the coast of Newfoundland. 4-foot sailboats built by Dick Baldwin of Belfast were 300 miles off the coast of Newfoundland on Tuesday morning.

The boats, which Baldwin refined with the help of a naval architect, are designed to sail before the wind, changing course when the wind does. Baldwin said the wind at the time drove them toward shore,... Read more

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Barack Obama describes himself as a "down-to-earth guy", but how many down-to-earth guys can say that they've inspired a fashion collection?

Donatella Versace has made her vote, on the runway, at least. Calling Barack Obama the “man of the moment”, her latest 2009 collection in Milan is inspired by the charismatic politician. Her collection style she said was designed for "a... Read more

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This is the thesis behind Peter Goddard’s criticism of the new exhibit on at Canada’s National Gallery in Ottawa called "The 1930s: The Making of The New Man" regarding the 1930s and Nazism.

"Unfortunately, the exhibition's desire at the very start to encompass the scientific/biological underpinnings of Nazism, Italian Fascism and Stalinism in the Soviet Union turns its opening... Read more

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• iCraft Current

Alex Mota, Brazilian born, and American wife, Michelle Mortland, made their dreams come true with the recent opening of their new store in Carver, MA, called "Designing Treasures" - an artisans’ co-op showcasing some of their favorite crafters from across the state.

With plans to continue supporting the local craft scene, the designing duo happily mix business with pleasure.

Read full... Read more

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After the passing of French fashion designer Yves St. Laurent, many items will be auctioned off at Christie’s, including designer's clothing and jewelry representing nearly every decade of his career.

I saw some of the items, and you know what? Something tells me there’s potential for this kid! :)

Read full story: Yves Saint Laurent fashion to be auctioned off
Photo credit:... Read more

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