WILBy: Artisan Designers at Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel

What I Live By....That is the philosophy behind the Wythe Hotel's two month series highlighting designers, makers and artisans for philosophical consumption.  There is a pop-up shop and "ethical sweatshop" featuring workshops and demonstrations from fashion, performance, business and global issues.

Tomorrow will highlight bespoke shoe designer Ritika Wahal at the hotel showing how she painstakingly crafts each pair of shoes with materials she sources for their purity and safety.  Designers from labels like A Detacher, Pamela Love and Louise Goods are represented on the Wythe hotel or Pop-up shop.

Besides appreciating the design and craft aspect of this program, the WILBy series is calling attention to issues like human trafficking, ethical production and fair business practices on a global level.

WILBy at the Wythe Hotel will continue through April 7, 2014.
Wythe Hotel. 80 Wythe Ave. Brooklyn, NY 

photo from ritikawahal.com

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Ecco Domani Fashion Designer Award Winners Announced

Good wine and fashion...A well known combination.  Winemaker Ecco Domani started a fashion foundation several years ago to award grants to up-and-coming designers in the industry.  They have a good eye, as past winners included Prabal Gurung, Alexander Wang and Rodarte.  

This year, they announced winners Pamela Love for accessories and Kyle Fitzgibbons of Native Son for menswear.  For womenswear, Mandy Coon, M. Patmos, Nikki Dekker of The Lake & Stars and friend of Ms. Fab, Bibhu Mohapatra took home honors.  Tara St. James won the award for sustainable design for her label Study NY.  

Each of the designers will receive $25 000 towards the costs of presenting at NY fashion week.  Congratulations!!! You have all earned it!

Are you a designer and think you're due?  Apply for next year's grant here.

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