Final Tokyo Photoshoot

WOW! What a whirlwind this past two months have been. Leaving Asia, our home, friends, ROUTINE and repatriating to the USA, still doesn't quite feel like reality. Not is the sense of "oh my gosh, this is so perfect it can't be real," but more like, "What is the heck just happend!" I know my other mommy friends can relate, when you are just knee deep in projects and adjustments, you look up and don't really know what day, date or time it is. Now that my oldest is in school and activities have begun, I can finally sit back and embrace the city, our new life and start emerging ourselves as New Yorkers. We love our Tokyo, that city is unlike any I've traveled, and will hold the most special place in my heart and life. I hope to adjust to New York that same way and create memories, life chapters and friends that will make me never want to leave. Here are our family photos we shot, just a week before moving. We went back to the shrine we took our maternity photos in. 

I went with a soft color palette for the family as I wanted the back drop to really stand out!

The kids are wearing : OLD NAVY KIDS
I went with BANANA REPUBLIC, as their summer dresses were so whimsical and elegant.
David is wearing, THEORY.

xx

Sayonara Japan

It's been two months since we left Japan. How did it go so fast!



 July 27th, 2016

Whelp, today is the day we say sayonara to the chapter we've wrote for the past 6+ years. We arrived in Japan just two days into marriage, ready for adventure and oblivious to what an amazing country we were embarking upon. We are now departing with our two Tokyo born babies, and an abundance of memories to share with them.. Despite being overwhelmed with emotion, starting over, and leaving such beautiful friends to whom become family, we are excited and comforted by the fact we are going back HOME, back to the USA, and closer to our families. Thank you Tokyo for your immeasurable hospitality, kindness, service, cuisine, class, grace and many other intangible things that make this city so quintessentially, Nihon. You have made such an impact on our lives and forever will.. Ja mata ne

The Life of Issey Miyake

My coverage on the opening of "The Work of Issey Miyake", now showing at The National Art Center in Tokyo. Check out my article that was published under Fashion News on www.savvytokyo.com, You do NOT want to miss this exhibition.

The National Art Center, Tokyo is now showing a comprehensive design exhibit on the works of Issey Miyake. Ten years in the making, the long-awaited exhibit showcases over four decades of Miyake’s innovative and futuristic designs. Radiating creativity and inspiration, the retrospective will capture the imaginations of everyone, not just fashion and design aficionados, and be a memorable sensory experience for adults and children.

The entirety of the exhibition is devoted to articulating Miyake’s advanced approach to design and methodologies, as well as stimulating viewer’s creativity. Separated into three different rooms, we are taken behind the scenes of the designer’s “new realities,” his process of testing new methods of fabric production, and his ingenious system of creating garments from one continuous piece of cloth.

The opening series consists of a singular row of Miyake’s earliest work, showcasing his play with materials and cultural references. We are chronologically taken through initial design philosophies and Miyake’s focus on freedom, space-to-body elements, and how the human body transforms clothing. Styles in this long, narrow room include a one-piece linen jumpsuit and the designer’s famous second-skin, tattoo-motif sheer romper.

Walking into the second room we are given an intimate view of Miyake’s foundational creations. In a space of white walls and bright natural light, Miyake’s colorful, archival designs are worn by mannequins made up of 365 laser cut pieces of clear resin. In a press conference Miyake expressed his desire to not only carry on Japanese traditions, but also to go beyond global boundaries and not be limited by “narrow frames.” It is in this room where we can envision Miyake’s sophisticated style of pattern making as we are shown a close-up of his groundbreaking approaches and use of materials uncommon in fashion.

The finale of the exhibition is a spectacle all itself. Archival designs and collaboration pieces are positioned throughout an enormous hall, highlighting Miyake’s most noteworthy projects. A retrospective view of Miyake’s “a piece of cloth” designs are sequentially displayed, allowing viewers to grasp the intricacy of the concept. A machine making his famous pleats is a focal point (a live demonstration is shown between 11 a.m. and noon every day). A few hands-on exhibits allow you to unfold shapes into miniature dresses, and smaller stations are prepared for children. Miyake stated in his opening speech, “I wanted to show some of my working methods and technologies I have been using these past 45 years to a broad audience, and I really think the exhibition can be enjoyed by people of all ages.” The exhibit is a true look inside Miyake’s legacy and certain to be appreciated far beyond fashion enthusiasts.

DETAILS:

When: Now through Mon, June 13, 2016; Sat–Thu, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri until 8 p.m. (last entry 30 minutes before closing); closed on Tuesdays except May 3 

Where: The National Art Center, Tokyo, 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥1,300 for adults, ¥800 for university students

Shine Bright With Accesories

WHAT TO WEAR ARTICLE I WROTE FOR WWW.SAVVYTOKYO.COM

Ah, the awkward part of the season, when it’s still too cold to sport springtime flair, but the thrill of impending warmth has us mentally breaking free from the puffer coat. So how does one still look fabulous hidden under layers of weather war gear? With fashion weeks circling around the globe (and Tokyo's own coming up soon), we’ve been taking notes on how the most photographed fashionistas are blooming with springtime style, and it’s all about the accessories. Here are some bold and fun ways to brighten up your look as you transition into your spring wardrobe.

CHECK OUT WWW.SAVVYTOKYO.COM FOR TIPS ON HOW TO STYLE THESE VIBRANT ACCESSORIES  HERE

PLAYFUL HANDBAGS

Bags with cheerful designs or radiant color are a great way to counteract those cold weather layers. From circular bags to bold chains, any of these carryalls will dazzle up the drab.

OVER THE TOP EARRINGS

Striking earrings are the hottest accessory for spring and the perfect focal point for a basic outfit. Make a statement with bold colors, angular shapes, and oversized danglers with any of these eye-catching ear adornments.

SPIRITED SCARVES

The days of scarves are not yet over, but switch out the cashmere for a dynamic print or a singular hue in a vivid color to heat up both you and your outfit.

COLORFUL SUNNIES

If head-to-toe black is your winter uniform, vibrant sunnies are a quick solution for instant illumination. Cat eyes, mirrored lenses or embellished frames jazz up a look, rain or shine.