*Happy New Year! Vintage Glamour Accessories, Bergdorf Goodman Windows and More!*

Greetings ladies and gents. Happy new year! So far I am loving 2013. As the clock struck midnight I found myself onstage at the Shanghai Mermaid party alongside a smokin' jazz band and a few beautiful friends throwing glitter on the crowd. Yes! Good omen!!! Cheers to another fabulous year of sparkling the world... :)

One of the creative projects I am most excited about launching this year is my Vintage Glamour Accessories line. Vintage Glamour is a limited edition collection of hair accessories made with elegant feathers, unique appliques, rhinestone costume jewelry, and embellished with scintilating Swarovski crystals. The first five designs have already gotten such a great response that I unexpectedly started taking pre-orders. I am very much looking forward to developing this collection in 2013.

After the glitz and glam of new years, I was able to get one good night sleep and then January 2nd was back to work taking down the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows. We had the 58th street windows stripped and patched by lunchtime. This was followed by an installation of antiques from Newel Art Gallery featuring fashion by Oscar de la Renta and Prada. This past week we also took down the big 5th ave holiday windows and put in the new installations. I also spent a few days out at the warehouse organizing a few decades of the most beautiful mannequins on the planet. Next week we will finish the 57th street windows. Current installations will be up through the end of January.

                        Installation by Sarah Sparkles and BG crew, Window Director David Hoey
                         
While all this is going on, I am still working diligently on finalizing my book Parades, Parties, and Protests. The majority of the content is laid out in In Design, print and distribution is set, and now I am doing final tweaking on the photos and text. So close!!!! For the past few weeks, most days I have been coming home after working at Bergdorf, taking a nap, and then working on the book until the wee hours of the morning. I am very much looking forward to the completion of this 12 year body of work. In this new year, I am ready to move forward with my life and have more space to fulfill many creative passions ;)

*Shanghai Mermaid* October 2012

Shanghai Mermaid is one of my favorite parties going. The vintage 1920’s-30’s styled speakeasy cabaret with a strict dress-code is a hidden gem tucked away deep in the heart of Brooklyn. That's right, no jeans, no sneakers, it's vintage glamor, flappers, dandy's, and showgirls only. Once behind the unassuming warehouse door, guests step inside a decadent world of hot jazz bands, wild dancing, beautiful people and avant garde performances of burlesque, aerial and fire. Heaven. Shanghai Mermaid was created by Juliette Campbell, an ultra talented event producer who is highly committed to her aesthetic. She designs her events with the intention of providing a truly transformative experience. Shanghai Mermaid participants are encouraged to design their performances and costumes based on period music and styles of dress. At this party on numerous occasions a sensation is conjured that whisks me off to distant time that is oddly familiar. Flapper past life perhaps? Probably. Over the last few years I have worked many facets of this party including designing holiday décor, stage-managing, and cocktailing. I love this party so much I truly want to work the room.  I am utmost grateful to Juliette Campbell and other dedicated event producers who create platforms that encourage people to create costumes, dress up, and go out and celebrate life. I salute you.

Shanghai Mermaid family, in the center the hostest with the most-est Juliette Cambell <3

 One of my favorite aspects of Shanghai Mermaid is that it continually inspires me to design vintage-styled jewelry and accessories to wear to the party. Nightlife has long been a driving force in what inspires me to create original costumes and accoutrements. Jewelry and head pieces designed by Sarah Sparkles.

A gorgeous crowd celebrating Halloween at Shanghai Mermaid 

A special spooky Halloween performance by Rachel Klein Dance Theatre

                                      Special thanks to Juliette Campbell for her dedication
                                                  to creating such a fabulous party! XO

                            For more info please visit www.shanghaimermaid.com