Production Values

Vanessa Friedman: And yet producing in lower cost countries like China has been demonised. Why?
Dana Thomas:...You can run marathons in Nike or Reebok shoes made in China. Why wouldn't the Chinese be capable of producing a well made handbag or dress?...

We love Paris

Yes, it will be 32 days before we present our collection at Workshop Salon during Paris Fashion Trade Show. For buyers who are interested in visiting the show, please write to events@72smalldive.com. A preview of our collection may be viewed at www.72smalldive.com/gallery.htm (click on the first rolling square). Spread the word...

Bag to Differ

I've came across a quote about how the lady, when she goes out, ought to rid herself of clutter - all that she needs is sufficient cash, credit card and her opinions... thus carrying a mini bag would be all that is needed. Many years ago, William pin-pointed to me the scene in Rear Window: when Grace Kelly arrived at the apartment with the necessities for her sleep-over (ostensiblly a overnight watchout for the suspicious neighbour in the opposite block), she opened her compact sleepover bag and pulled out only 2 items - a chiffon night dress and Harpers Bazaar...life was much much simpler then...

Bag to Differ collection may now be viewed at www.72smalldive.com/gallery.htm

Trip Away

Katelyn Aslett's collection for 72 Smalldive is all ready for Paris. Here's a sample of what to expect at the Paris Trade Show. Katelyn mentioned that it is her 'first' time in experimenting with such a blast of hues and has repeatedly hinted about her concern if they were the right hues for the show...A private party cum focus group said it - most women JADORE it...and men cannot resist the temptation to touch the intrictae texture on the fabrics...well what else can I say???

Economics and Egnima of Designs

I came across an article about Robert H Frank's latest book. Interesting article...and I believe it will be an interesting book - I will have to read it to find out.

The Big M

Ego and designing both thrive on a symbiotic relationship and it takes maturity, detachment, and humility to keep the rapport on a healthy balance. Most artists feign nonchalence about their works but when hit with the right nail on the sensitve spot, one can attest to the fragility of their pride. Realistically speaking creating things is indeed very personal, therefore it seems natural that designers tend to 'over-react' when they feel the critique does no justice to their thought process, skills, etc behind their product.

I remembered Mr. Tang (Guan Bee) who shared with us his idea of making a short film. It is a simple film about inflating a balloon, with the word 'ME' (in Mandarin) written on it. The film would end when the ballon burst as a result of over-inflating. I liked his profound insight and once in a while thought about the various consequences of over-inflating a ballon, perhaps that is why occasionally I see hyper-passion as ego in sheep's clothing.

This Little Lamp of Sebastien Andre

Both Sebastien and I have toyed with the idea of developing a series of lamps for 72 Smalldive's Le Rituel du Coucher project; unfortunately I am currently overloaded with my preparation for Paris Fashion Week. We agreed to follow-up on the project in October. Interestingly Sebastien wrote last week - asking me if I would be interested to use one of his lamp designs as the starting point of my lamp collection. One thing led to another and I sort of proposed to him that we use his lamp (see picture) as displays for our stand in Paris. In that manner, I don't feel guilty for procrastinating and we can use the opportunity to 'promote' Sebastien. I'm glad he likes the proposal.

Pret-a-Confusion

Our application for Paris Fashion Week has been sent off. Somehow I feel that the selection process could have been made easier if event organizers are more 'available' to the designers' queries. Most of the event organizers seem rather hurried for designers to make a decision but the information they are willing to provide concerning their space is 'minimalissima' in consideration of the fees they would charge. Anyway, we have decided to showcase our collection at W Workshop Salon. Sales person Pascal has shown relatively more efforts than others in answering to some of our queries. I have to say Astrid's patience and professionalism (of Vendome Luxury) is highly commendable as well; her willingness to listen and her openess distinguish her from the usual take-it-or-don't-waste-my-time sales people.

Orient Express

As our collection for Paris Fashion Week have been more or less defined, I have decided to allocat my time for some sourcing activity this week. We have decided to use poly-propylene boxes as the packaging of our products (for a "frosty-peek-a-boo" look), and I've learnt that there is a huge source of China-based suppliers for that sort of products. Fearing that it may take a significant while before the suppliers would reply, I decided to send my request for a quote on Sunday evening. On the very next morning, I have had over 10 emails, of which a majority are replies from these suppliers - each email contain detailed pricing and delivery information. I was very impressed as I have had horrid experiences of having to wait endlessly for a non-answer to a sales query. It seems to me that these suppliers know better than to risk putting their potential clients in that situation. Now my onus is to drop them an email each - thanking them for their prompt attention and informing them about my next steps i.e. to review the price quotes - as soon as possible, after all promptness begets promptness.

Sneaks: Jet Set Shots

Having laid wreaths of compliments on the alter of maestro Rohn Meijer, it is only right that I post a little picture of his work for the Jet Set Rock collection. When we were brainstorming, in a noisy chinese restaurant, over the "feel" I would like to evoke, we both converged at the word 'lifestyle'. Both of us agreed that the collection is about the wearer's lifestyle and how more appropriate to present the pieces in a manner she or he would place the jewellery say on the sleek pouf in a boutique hotel upon checking in...

It's all about Rohn

Yes my heart belongs to daddy...So I simply couldn't be bad
Cole Porter

Rohn agreed to offer his precious time for Jet Set Rock's photoshoot. I cannot thank him enough!! I am not sure about him but Stefano and I both had lots of fun working as his assistants. It is amazing for me to be able to witness how Rohn managed his work process - from the setting up his equipment (Mr. Meijer if you are reading this - don't think otherwise!!) to the touching-up of the images. He has a flair in making eveything seems so simple. The session ended with a brutal decapitation of the tail of a (dark) chocolate bunny, a sushi lunch, and an indulgent "ritualistic devour" of Godiva truffles.