Fashion, Technology, & Garance Dore

Fashion_Forward_Garance_Dore

A wrist-worn selfie taking camera won this year’s Intel Smart Clothing contest, proving that wearable technology is no longer a far out concept but one that is here to stay. It also proves that “generation me” is an accurate description of the generation- the winning entry being a selfie camera and all. We got a taste of some of the latest in wearable tech at the Museum of Science and Industry’s “Fashion Forward” event celebrating innovations in fashion, and honoring blogger Garance Dore with the Fashion Inspiration Award for her contributions to both fashion and design.  At the one night only fashion exhibition, some of the latest innovative trends were showcased including extremely intricate couture 3d printed accessories like the hat and turban pictured above, by London based renown Milliner Gabriela Ligenza, and the “Galaxy Dress” by CuteCircuit, which is composed entirely of full color pixels and swarovski crystals. Other notable pieces included a fiber-optic heartbeat dress, a dress wired up so that you can receive a text activated “hug” – so those you love can send more than a virtual hug.

After the award ceremony and a beautiful dance sequence presented by some extremely talented Chicago high school students, Nicole and I set to explore the Museum since we knew there were a few open exhibits. We were trapped in the mirror maze for longer than I had wanted, and when we finally found our way out, I couldn’t stop loudly expressing my excitement. As I am exclaiming away, Garance was hanging out right outside with the directors of both the Museum and her PR Firm. I was mortified, assuming she would now think of me as unrefined, or even worse – uncool. However, If she did think so, she definitely didn’t show it.

Meeting with Garance only made me love her more, and I subsequently spent hours browsing her blog and her design shop. She’s one of those rare people who are in real life exactly how they seem to be on social media – in her case unpretentious and kind, with that covetable French charm.

We spent the rest of the evening exploring even more fun rooms, like the man made tornado, and the ‘silhouette’ room, where we printed our own silhouette from a photograph into nylon in just minutes. It is so funny how when you live somewhere you can easily forget to visit all of the landmarks that tourists visiting never dare miss. I now have plans to bring Adam back to the Museum of Science and Industry next week!

The hat in the above picture with the 3d printed writing, has an entire poem on it. The poem is by John Tessimond, called Day Dream:

One day people will touch

and talk perhaps easily.

And loving be natural as breathing

and warm as sunlight.

And people will untie themselves.

as string is unknotted.

Unfold and yawn and stretch

and spread their fingers.

Unfurl, uncurl like seaweed

returned to the sea.

And work will be simple

and swift as a seagull flying.

And play will be casual

and quiet as a seagull setting.

And the clocks will stop.

and no one will wonder

or care or notice.

And people will smile

without reason.

Even in winter.

even in the rain.

 …and with that, have a great week!

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!