inspired metals : artist/designer paul deblassie

I had the privilege of visiting (and documenting) the studio of artist/designer Paul DeBlassie over the weekend. Paul's jewelry design reflects his background in sculpture. A lot his pieces are made of hand-forged titanium. The beauty of each piece is in the details. He's found ways to truly showcase unique characteristics of various metals and combine it with innovative design. The end result is both unique and beautiful.

In addition to his own work, Paul has taught Metal Fabrication at Parsons The New School for Design since 2006 as well as production assistant for Ted Meuhling (jewelry and decorative object designer) for the past 6 years.

Below are a few of my favourite pieces:

Tension set ring: Titanium and Herkimer diamond (transparent quartz)

My absolute favourite piece. GORGEOUS.

Tension set ring: Titanium and rough brown diamond

Trefoil Leaf earring in Sterling Silver

Crescent Earring in Sterling Silver

Photos above from Paul DeBlassie

The Titanium and Herkimer diamond ring shown with loose Herkimer diamonds

(click on the photos for an enlarged view)

Tension set ring with Apache tear rocks (small pieces of volcanic glass or obsidian)

I loved this amazing (one-of-a-kind) necklace and bracelet set made of hand forged titanium hollow "pods"

Another one of my faves: Fleur De Lys Earrings in Sterling Silver

The best part of my studio visit with Paul was getting a behind-the-scene's peek at his design process. I loved getting a chance to dig through his sketchbook, see the beginnings of certain pieces in sketch form and speak to him about his work. I instantly knew I had to photograph them together. It was beautiful seeing the end result next to images of their inception!

Trefoil earrings in bronze

Garnet bud earrings in oxidized Sterling Silver

Fall leaf earrings in oxidized Sterling Silver

For someone like me who works behind a computer most days, getting to look at the workspace of someone who works with their hands all day was fascinating – even enviable! Below are photos of both the studio as well as the tools of the trade.

Thank you to Paul for an inspiring afternoon (and for letting me snoop around the studio).

All studio and still life photos by Catherine Mangosing © 2009

falling forward : look 2 (my urban uniform)

Any given fall day, I could be spotted in this ensemble... most of it very similar to pieces I already own. I realized that the colour palette was subconsciously inspired by Michael Sanderson's illustrations. Although, I am a fan of grays with splashes of yellow.

THE JACKET: I adore this Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller wool military jacket from Intermix. Reminds me a little of a white denim Diesel jacket that I love.

THE TANK: I'm a big fan of my James Perse long racerback tank. The one I own is made of a lightweight wool. They use the best, softest fabrics and it's the perfect length – not too long that it looks like a dress. Must get myself another.
THE JEANS: No, I couldn't bring myself to choose a different brand. I know that True Religions will FIT. Nicely. Why reinvent the wheel? This particular rinse will offset the jacket nicely.

THE BAG: Also from Intermix, another Chloe bag I wish I could afford. One can dream, right? I love that it's clean, elegant but not fussy or stuffy.

THE SCARF: I love wearing scarves in the fall (or the spring). I love the colour of this Eileen Fisher silk and wool ombre wrap scarf from Bloomingdales.

THE BOOT: I really want a sexy gray bootie for the fall. The gray is a nice alternative to the usual black boot. I love that these Felipe Open Vamp booties by Tashkent by Cheyenne from Shopbop are lined with shearling. Sexy and comfortable. Love it.

drawing inspiration : michael sanderson

I'm intrigued by the work of 23-year old illustrator Michael Sanderson. His work is inspired by 1970s fashion photography. But I also see the influence of Japanese anime in his work. It's quirky coupled with sophisticated. He's also got an impeccable colour palette. I love it.

All images via Yatzer.com

inspired storytelling : strawberry swing

I adore this Coldplay music video directed by visual artists Shynola It's incredibly inventive. Similar technique to the Her Morning Elegance video but taken a step further. Great story-telling. I love the chalk drawings.

Find more info on the making of the video here.

old philippines : fashion from late 1800s to 1920

The Old Philippines archive of images is a source of immense inspiration. I love looking at the rarely seen fashion women wore in the Philippines at the turn of the century. The fabrics used were primarily the sheer piña fabric (pineapple fiber), abaca (banana fiber) and cotton. It's likely that the women photographed were part of the upper class or at least those who could afford to pay photographers.

The quintessential Maria Clara is a traditional and formal dress combining indigenous and Spanish influences is actually made up of separates (i.e. saya (skirt), baro with lacework (blouse), a matching pañuelo (scarf), inagua (slip), tapis (overskirt) and accessorized with an abaniko (fan)). This look was made popular towards the end of the nearly 400 years of Spanish rule.

As I look at these photos and wonder what it must have been like to be a woman during that time. I especially love this first photo. This woman is so beautiful, elegant, strong and dignified.

All images from Old Philippines

chinatown and pearl river mart

I had been meaning to go to Chinatown for quite some time. There were some key ingredients I was missing that are impossible to find in regular supermarkets. A stroll through Pearl River Mart – the best Chinese department store in Chinatown – is also a must. I realized that they recently opened a whole new floor – an expanded home and furniture department. It was filled with gorgeous stuff! I highly recommend visiting.

Here are more of the usual Pearl River Mart goods...

Also stocked up on the usual (great and inexpensive!) produce from the many street vendors...