Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World)

The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman was recommended to be by a good friend last year... I bought the book and devoured it. Mrs. Kalman's random illustrations and witty commentary seamlessly fit together in an unexpected way. When I found out there was a Maira Kalman exhibit at the Contemporary Museum of Art in San Fran this summer, I knew I had to go. It left me with the same wonder I experienced after reading her book. It was a perfectly arranged show that illustrated the haphazard life of a quirky genius. At the end of the exhibit there was a video of Kalman speaking at a conference. She spoke just like she illustrates. Her honest uncensored observations were so engaging... I now admire her as an illustrator and a person. Each drawing projects the voice and thoughts of Kalman and allows the viewer to step into her world and explore it! This is an exhibit you should be sure not to MIS; If you are not in San Fran no worries, It will be at the Jewish Museum in NYC March 11-July 31, 2011. Check it out @ http://www.thecjm.org/index.php?option=com_ccevents&scope=exbt&task=detail&oid=47 Kalman has illustrated many New Yorker covers and children's books!

A DIY Obsession!

I picked up 'P.S. i made this' at the MOMA in San Fran at the end of the summer; it is an excellent book that I simply could not pass up. Upon opening the book I was instantly inspired to create some of the chic DIY accessories. I further researched Erica Domesek, the creative genius behind the book and found that she has a site too! http://psimadethis.com/ ... check it out, it is similar to her book, just with some different projects. I love how she translates her high-end trend boards to affordable DIY accessories/apparel. I chose to make some great 'magazine paper jewel earrings' and a whimsical 'bouncy ball and stocking necklace' on Sunday afternoon. I wore them to school and got great feedback! Be sure not to MIS this one... get inspired and make you own DIY masterpiece!

Chic Dolls @ Fashion's Night Out!

The city was abuzz last night as many traveled into NYC to visit their favorite stores and celebs. My mom and I ventured into the city to check out the events for Fashion's Night Out at some great shops. Our 1st stop was in the Meatpacking district we visited Anthropologie, DVF, Charles Nolan and Trina Turk. (We met Trina and she was lovely!) Our next stop was Soho where we attempted to meet the Project Ruway designers at the Piperlime pop-store and Tim Gunn at Kate Spade but unfortunately the lines were to long! Isabel Toldeo was at Payless but of course it was mobbed as well...

Our last stop of the evening was at Barneys, who had events on each floor all evening. Barney's had commissioned Andrew Yang to make replicas of the Vouge fashion queens, Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington... along with other dolls outfitted in replicas of designer dresses. Loved each one, great expressions and gorgeous clothing! Snapped some shots of Yang's work, Enjoy!

Margo Isadora

Incredible Public Art- SF

Hello... I've been enjoying my last days of summer in San Francisco, so sorry I have not posted in a bit. Wanted to share the beautiful murals and art that I stumbled upon in San Fran. I loved the expressive and incredible creations that lined the streets of the city. I was amazed with how much care was put into the public spaces and alleyways. Remember to keep your eyes open, as you never know what is around the corner!

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

Happy Surroundings

Last week the rainy weather had me in a bit of a funk. The gorgeous blue skies and smiling sun were nowhere to be scene... just gray, gray and more gray. The bad weather had put me into an off mood; I had to get out of it in order to feel productive and creative in my last days of summer. I went into my room and everything seemed a little bit better, as there is nothing sad dull or dreary about it. I have mentioned the mood altering power of color in 'Color is Key'... so surround

yourself by uplifting hues, small touches can make a big difference!

In my room I have done easy and fun things to add interest. As you enter into my haven the door sets an exciting tone, covered in a fun wrapping paper. Simply cut your inspiring paper down to the size of the inlay on your door and tape it up. I've done the same to my closet door and the inside of my medicine cabinet, people are always happy to find the pop of color when they open up the cabinet looking for the toothpaste!

My walls are filled with my art work, each done in different mediums, but all with a similar spirit. Whether it is my 'Eyes, Noes and Mouth' collage, a painted Buddha, or the clay faces that I made; they all have a sense of purpose... each evokes a different emotion in those who view it; they also work harmoniously together.

If you are not an artist then find images that speak to you. After the year was up I pulled apart my calendar and put the images into inexpensive black frames. The women in the illustrations are decked out in gorgeous outfits posing and full of life. A great poster, record cover, calender or textile can create great wall art and keep you inspired.

Find inexpensive, interesting elements to enhance your space that will elevate you mood. Above my closet are hot pink rubber place mats; you never know where you will find a good addition to your space, so keep you eyes open so that you Don't MIS It!

Wrapping Papered Front Door

Wrapping Papered Medicine Cabinet

Eyes Noes and Mouth

collage by Margo Isadora

Self Portrait

collaged paper by Margo Isadora

Crazy Hair Day

collage by Margo Isadora

An Inspiring Couple: Isabel and Ruben Toledo

Ruben Toledo is a painter, illustrator, sculptor and surrealist, and Isabel Toledo is an amazing fashion designer. This creative couple has always wowed me by their collaborative and breathtaking design. Just a peek into their NYC loft and you know that they are an artistic team. My favorite elements of their quirky loft were the hula-hoops hanging from the ceiling, the beautiful painted headboard and partitions that he painted in their bedroom. http://nymag.com/homedesign/greatrooms/15915/

I love Ruben Toledo's illustrations, as each drawing exudes a great personality and spirit. Last summer I went to the Toledos' exhibit at the FIT museum in NYC. It was a fantastic exhibit, filled with incredible skill and passion. It was clear that they are a true team as Ruben Toledo makes all of the sketches for Mrs. Toledo's garments. Mrs. Toledo's incredible line of high-end clothing, which included Michelle Obama's outfit for the Inauguration, was highlighted at the exhibit along with Mr. Toledo's sketches of the looks!

Just a few weeks ago Target opened a store in Harlem and the Toledos designed a small line for them. I fell in love with the illustrated yellow towel and graphic tee. http://www.target.com/Isabel-Ruben-Toledo-Harlem-Designers/b?ie=UTF8&node=2354030011. Isabel Toledo has also designed a fun line of shoes for Payless that have just gone online and will hit stores soon. The ‘High Ghillie’ shoe makes quite a statement, hope to find a pair in my size!

http://www.payless.com/store/catalog/brandlisting.jsptrail=1014%3A1800001&catId=cat10376&brandId=1800001

This creative couple inspires me with their wide range of projects an innovative design; I cannot wait to see what they do next!

Links I Love!

Check out the new 'Links I Love' page on the right hand side... Some of my favorites!

Enjoy surfing the web

Margo Isadora