mimi loves

NYC impressions

2012-01-04T12:38:00.021-04:00

2011 brought major change concerning my daily routine. Many years of self-employment (and maybe sometimes overindulging myself in its independence) made me desire a new challenge. I decided to move to New York City where my business partner Ilias is opening a jewelry store which is representing Mimi Vert. I also applied at Parsons and was offered a scholarship to continue my studies at my favorite Design College. My new life includes a tight schedule, fixed deadlines and lots of exciting new projects. Some can be viewed here (thank you Timo)
The first months of going back to university were pretty tough and I had serious doubts about managing it next to my other ventures. However I slowly got used to it -how boring would it be if it was easy anyways- and I successfully finished my first semester. My recent experiences and commuting from Brooklyn to Manhattan made me discover and even appreciate a less glamorous (compared to my numerous previous visits) but more real side of the city. Ok, I still dislike riding a crowded subway but this is just one among few negative side effects of living in NYC. And it is worth it. I'm not only learning useful design tools next to lovely and talented people, I'm also in the heart of the most inspiring place of the world. The new versatile tasks take a great amount of my time and they might slow down the current growth of Mimi Vert. Yet I'm convinced that all these new inputs will eventually benefit our line. For the close future my studies, a new collection and the store will be keeping me busy and hopefully excited. My plans about moving back to Switzerland though are postponed, but just for a few years..

St. Patrick's Cathedral, opposite to the store in the Olympic Tower on 645 Fifth Avenue (opening this month)

Parsons The New School for Design

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T09:22:00.002-04:00

Look what I just discovered: Mimi Vert featured on Vogue China

alternative self defense device

2011-11-04T23:41:00.011-04:00

Wasp Spray Necklace
Pepper spay is restricted in New York. But a little research shows that wasp spray is an efficient alternative.
This gave me the idea for this perfume bottle necklace. The bottle's shape is inspired by the form of a wasp nest, plus carrying it around your neck makes it fast and easy to reach and use.
The function of a piece of jewelry has been transformed from the traditional ornamentation to the useful purpose of self protection.

These are only a sketch model and some drawings, the final piece would be in ceramic and gold.
What do you think?

2011-10-04T19:16:00.015-04:00

Angela Chang, Product Design Sophomore at Parsons the New School for Design
This sweet and talented young lady is originally from Taiwan, but used to live in China and Vancouver before moving to New York City.
Angela is an amazing drawer - I had the chance to see some of her recent drawings. She enjoys walking around her NYC neighborhood, going for groceries with her little Lumix and cooking. Angela loves the city she lives in, food from any culture and Mimi Vert. <3
I wish her all the best in her career and I can't wait to see more of her designs..

Angela wears the Fleur de Lys Ring Pendant from the Jeanne D'Arc Collection

Notes on a Notebook Pt 3

2011-09-07T22:09:00.006-04:00

I don’t like to get rid of the past. Especially I get attached to things where I have put thought or invested time. Usually I end up storing them in a drawer or finally after years throwing them away.
So I asked myself what are the possibilities to recycle my old Moleskine notebook?
I wanted to transform it into a new item that allows me to keep carrying around my beloved companion. Since jewelry is my business the first that came in my mind was to convert it into a necklace.
I only used (except for some water and starch paste) the properties of my 2010 Moleskine. Each bead of the necklace represents one random day of my past year. While I was creating them some names, events and places appeared repetitively others surprisingly. Either way -and even just as simple notes- they awoke emotions and memories. I experienced it as a therapeutic process that made me aware of what moved and dominated my daily life throughout that year. For next January I plan to do a new piece with this year’s diary instead of making New Year's resolutions.
Out of a notebook (that due to technological advance is an unnecessary object) I made a piece of jewelry (that by nature is unnecessary), but ultimately an accessory that is truly one of a kind.

Jason Wu

2011-08-08T04:59:00.014-04:00

Check out NYC based designer Jason Wu's beautiful work. Michelle Obama is one of the many women that love to wear his sophisticated and feminine dresses.
My sister and I had a great time with the designer and his friends last month in New York. Becca and Jason found out that they are twins from different parents, born same time, day and year :)

Daniel, Jason and Rebecca at boom boom room

altered

2011-06-14T09:07:00.012-04:00

A few weeks ago a friend I haven`t seen for long mentioned that she saw my picture at an exhibition. Later I found out that she was talking about the image from the NZZ article altered by Swiss artist Beni Bischof. Now the best part, yesterday my sisters boyfriend, who knows the artist personally, got me the original for my birthday!

2011-06-14T06:49:00.006-04:00

My friend and last year's Miss Puerto Rico Universe Mariana Vicente asked me for my personal summer tips to share them with her fans. Check them out on her new blog a life w/out mofongo

Notes on a Notebook Pt 2: Necessary, Accessory or Luxury?

2011-06-08T08:53:00.008-04:00

As already mentioned some useless objects in our daily life were preserved and gained new value. The fact that a wristwatch is not really needed anymore helped to take it to another level converting it into a status symbol. Such objects that lost their original purpose are now charged with a new, more emotional value. The Moleskine notebook’s subtle marketing concept supports that bond, makes it part of each owners personal identity. It becomes a cult object.
I like to see a person next to me in a cafe having his notebook on the table instead of (or in addition to) his blackberry or iphone. For me it’s like seeing a women with an exquisite handbag or piece of jewelry, it makes someone more interesting. This addition to one’s personality is what an accessory should do.
The iconic Moleskine, almost a synonym for notebook, may be inexpensive and produced in masses but could be perceived as a luxury product in many ways. Something inessential but conducive to pleasure and comfort, it is a brand focused on a history that represents a lifestyle and evokes emotion, inspiration and satisfaction. Just as other traditional products Moleskine was forced to connect to the digital world and like some luxury brands they did it impressively. Moleskine makes successful use of social media, holds an interactive website, e-commerce, online marketing and people all over the net are uploading and sharing scans of their notebooks.
In our times of iPhones, iPads, facebook and Google calendar, drawing or writing down things in a notebook sure may seem unnecessary and time consuming. But isn’t having and especially taking time priceless and the ultimate definition of luxury?

Mimi Vert in Friday Magazine

2011-05-23T14:54:00.004-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More beauty

Photo by Juventino Mateo, Model: Miriam Maina, Hair & Makeup by Mia Bregar

Notes on a Notebook

2011-05-18T08:07:00.005-04:00

Why am I drawing this notebook? I could just take its picture and in a matter of seconds I would have a much more realistic image of it. Nevertheless photography wasn’t able to completely replace drawing like the computer didn’t push aside the book or notebook. Sure technology made them less needful, but so how did the notebook prevail in today’s digitized society?
For people like me -who got familiar with the internet at a young age but still grew up drawing, tinkering their own toys- writing down things by hand is a nostalgic act and can be a cleansing process. Compared to the technologically advanced alternatives, a notebook doesn’t require electricity nor updates, which makes it much more reliable on a long term.
Although the laptop -not surprisingly also called notebook today- took over the original function of a notebook, the book of blank pages persisted as a primary venue for notes, drawings, organizing and brainstorming because it offers a more direct, simple and authentic way of visual thinking. It continues to be a flexible and individualized tool to create ideas and becomes in this manner an essential part of our personality.I’m not sure how the new generation is going to experience this but somehow I think that the physical will always feel more real than the virtual.
I believe the sensory experience of paper, the process of sketching or a distinct handwriting- even barely readable- are irreplaceable.

Mimi Loves

2011-05-14T07:16:00.019-04:00

Spotlighted in the past edition of MV zine. Stylist and fashion editor Davis Carrasquillo did these pictures of me for the latest issue last march in NYC. We have worked together so many times and in every occasion we have a blast.
Check out his work and blog
skirt: Vena Cava, top: Ecliptica, lace body: American Apparel, bag: Mulberry, sunglasses: Balenciaga, ring & necklace: Mimi Vert, shoes: Ash

MV zine third issue

2011-04-18T06:24:00.005-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More design

Z - Die schönen Seiten

2011-03-30T09:57:00.015-04:00

NZZ's current Magazine "Z" is dedicated to timepieces and jewels- just on time for the watch and jewelry show Baselworld. I was portrayed together with four other young Swiss designers in an article that comments on what Switzerland has to offer between the big brands of the industry and the traditional goldsmiths. pages 34-37

Open publication - Free publishing - More fashion

New Collection preview

2011-01-19T04:13:00.027-04:00

Last week in NYC I had the chance to lend the first samples of my new “Jeanne D’Arc” Collection to an editorial shot by photographer Yulia Gorbachenko.Ring and necklace in one: Model Britt is wearing some of the Jeanne D'Arc black silver rings as pendants. Get them on mimivert.net

2011-01-17T04:24:00.011-04:00

The title of this January’s Annabelle cover story reads
“40 years of women’s right to vote” (only! unbelievable I know... but true) The front page shows Switzerland’s four female federal councils, who form for the first time in history a female majority of our government.
Find Mimi Vert's Organic Cross ID Bracelet on page 90.

Shared Closet

2010-12-27T11:31:00.008-04:00

Valentina and Paula are two lovely sisters from Bilbao, Spain. They are the creators of the popular blog Shared Closet, where these pictures originate from.
I love how Valentina combines her new Mimi Vert organic cross necklace!

Also check out the post they recently wrote about me: Mimi, una joya.

Mimi Vert @ home

2010-11-29T09:24:00.010-04:00

MV zine second issue

2010-11-24T05:44:00.010-04:00

See the whole issue:

Open publication - Free publishing - More mv zine

Mimi Vert Share the Taste

2010-11-24T05:33:00.005-04:00

"D´Party isch vrbi"

2010-10-29T07:02:00.009-04:00

I guess most of you don’t know that Swiss Rap even exists. I thought it’s time to spread the word beyond the borders of Switzerland. Get to know my childhood friend Basil Anliker, today better known as Baze. His third solo LP "D´Party isch vrbi" (meaning that the party is over in my hometown Berne’s dialect) has just been released.
Growing up together I have always loved (and sometimes hated) Basil for his barefaced honesty. The same authentic characteristic is reflected in his music, which is what makes it so real to me. Talking about his ups and downs, thoughts and doubts free from pretension, just simple stories about himself and life that surrounds him. Melancholic, sometimes depressing but somehow surprisingly calming. The lyrics as well the sounds that complete and support them break with stereotypes of the Rap genre. Even you won’t understand a word I believe the album is worth listening to. Get it here Baze wears the new Mimi Vert ID bracelet in black silver.

One of a kind Miss Bliss

2010-10-07T08:26:00.006-04:00

You must have seen her before. Beautiful dancer Melanie Alexander is watching us from the ongoing Benetton campaigns all over the world.
Melanie got her unique look and nickname Miss Bliss (Black Swiss) from her redhead Swiss mother and African-American father.
I first met her at a fashion show in Switzerland. Her sweet and positive personality makes you fall in love with her at first sight.
Yesterday in Zurich Melanie and I had coffee and an inspiring talk. It was the perfect autumn day, so I took the chance to take her picture with her new Mimi Vert ring.
Here is what she said: "The moment I put the Star-Ring on my finger, I did not want to take it off anymore. Playful and feminine, that is just like me."
Visit Melanie's website: www.melaniealexander.ch

Valerie by Lorraine Rodriguez

2010-09-15T05:41:00.009-04:00

I wish I could meet more of my clients personally. Like Valerie. I first knew her when she interviewed me for a local indie magazine more than five years ago when I was just starting making jewelry. Actually she was the first person writing an article about Mimi Vert. Since then she has gotten herself quite a large collection of MV pieces. I got those pictures of Valerie from her friend photographer Lorraine, who is also an amazing ilustrator. I simply adore these images.

Marie Claire

2010-08-29T07:13:00.019-04:00

This is the outcome of the previously mentioned shoot in Coney Island for Marie Claire Latin America.
Fashion Director: Davis Carrasquillo, Photography: Frank Veronsky, Make-up: Stacie Ford, Hair: Julia Rose, Manicurist: Amber Stores, Models: Andreea Stancu and Ismini Papavlasopoulou @ Muse NYC, Jewelry: Mimi Vert

Alejandra becoming face of Rimmel London

2010-08-10T07:12:00.015-04:00

A few days a go I did a shoot with fellow model and friend Alejandra Ramos Muñoz for the next issue of MV zine, which will be out very soon.
Together with Zooey Deschanel and Solange Knowles, she recently signed on to become the new faces of the cosmetic line Rimmel London, following Kate Moss, Georgia May Jagger and Coco Rochas.
Alejandra is represented by Element in Puerto Rico. Here she is photographed by Davide Gè and styled by Javier Scalley. Alejandra is wearing a black lace dress by Lisa Cappalli and Mimi Vert's cypriote necklace.

Inspiring women

2010-07-14T16:31:00.035-04:00

There are countless inspiring women throughout history.
If I wanted to try mentioning all of them, starting with Sappho, I would run out of time to finish my new collection.
So here just a small selection of women I admire either for their uniqueness, vision, what they achieved in their field, the impact they had on culture in general or on me personally.Susan Sontag, American critic, writer and activist
I'm a slow reader and English isn't my mother tongue, still Susan Sontag is worth the time investment. To me her writing is truly enlightening, no one’s words could ever express and at the same time challenge better my own way to look at art. Some of her most influential essays are "Notes On 'Camp'", “On Photography” and "Against Interpretation".
Gabrielle Coco Chanel, fashion Designer
Her revolutionary understated approach to fashion, her gift to simplify, to make women's clothes elegant by making them more masculine, are just some of the reasons that made her the most mentioned style icon of all times. In spite of her dark phase during world war II we can't negate the fact that she became a legend. Her name remained and is eternized as probably the most desirable luxury brand today.
Martha Graham, dancer and choreographer
Although my knowledge in dance is limited, it is probably the form of art I most look up to. I couldn't ignore Martha Graham's new vision of movement and how she transformed ballet in a new form of expression. She took the purpose of dance (which was mainly beauty) a step further and created ballets that talked about painful topics, captivating and provoking her spectators.
Méret Oppenheim, Swiss Artist
Maybe as a child I was mostly fascinated by fact that her fountain in my hometown Berne caused a debate. A little later my allure for her work got confirmed when I became familiar with her famous Surrealist "Object" (Le Déjeuner en fourrure). A piece with which she has created an art icon. Once again it’s the simplicity that intrigues me, in that case making something extraordinary out of something ordinary.
My grandmother
Despite of very difficult family conditions she managed (as one of the few women that time) to go to university. Her life could be called anything but easy. A cultured woman with a strong character, to me she is the personification of elegance in every way. I remember her when I was a child with her big, always perfectly coiffed dark hair and large sunglasses. That she abandoned vanity later and dedicated herself to enjoy life, only enriched her. She is a living proof of how to age with dignity and joy.

As I said there are missing many others that merit to be mentioned. So this is definitely going to be continued.
I would love to know who were or are the women that inspire you.

2010-07-02T15:39:00.015-04:00

It was still a little cold when I took a walk with my sister in Zurich a few weeks ago... Rebecca is wearing a tube scarf, a Jil Sander Vintage blazer, American Apparel leggins, Chloé sunglasses, Comptoir des Cotonnier boots, her bag is from Concalma and her jewellry Mimi Vert.

Annabelle

2010-06-10T12:43:00.013-04:00

My first Swiss cover is no other than the magazine I grew up with. It was an honor to form part of Annabelle's project and be on the cover this past month wearing Mimi Vert.
I enjoyed the photo shoot with Cati Soldani and the photographer Sebastien Agnetti, and my visit to Zurich gave me a sweet foretaste of the coming year to challenge expanding Mimi Vert more in my native surroundings...

Sneak peek

2010-06-10T12:07:00.010-04:00

Here a little preview for our first commercial...

Matte mag

2010-06-02T20:27:00.013-04:00

Together with my Mimi Vert star ring, next to my friend Yalimar Feliciano, styled by Davis Carrasquillo, made up by Willie Rosado and shoot by Enrique Vega for an Editorial featured in Matte mag: mattemag.blogspot.com

Concalma

2010-05-30T17:02:00.006-04:00

The name itself describes best Matilsha and the mission of her line. Concalma bags are creatively handcrafted at her studio but still super affordable.
Visit Concalma's minimalist and spacious flagship store at San Francisco Street in Old San Juan. concalmalinea.com

2010-05-18T10:49:00.003-04:00

Mimi Vert: Interview with Designer Miriam Josi from Mimi Vert on Vimeo.

Deluxx

2010-05-11T15:42:00.015-04:00

Me and my Mimi Vert ring featured in this editorial for deluxx magazine

Open publication - Free publishing - More deluxx

Coney Island

2010-05-03T23:51:00.018-04:00

I just got back from NY... Here is a sneak peek of the making of an editorial we did there. The models Ismini and Andreea looking gorgeous!

MV zine First Issue out now

2010-03-21T13:15:00.007-04:00

Mimi Vert editorial: photography Rocio Lugo-Quijano, styling, hair & makeup Mia Bregar, assistant Laura Wiesmann, model Nathalie Güdel, location Rosengarten, Berne Switzerland

see the entire first MV zine issue:

2010-02-20T21:01:00.007-04:00

wearing my star and the new organic cross ring photographed by Loose Studio

Caficultura

2010-02-10T21:18:00.013-04:00

Last week I had an interview at Caficultura, one of my favorite spots in San Juan. If you ever visit Puerto Rico and need a break of walking the old town, you have to stop by there! The place is the perfect marriage of a classic European Cafe with a touch of Soho and some local criollo elements.
That's how the barista Edgardo surprised me. The figure below mimi vert is the shape of the cypriote necklace I was wearing that day..

miss nati

2010-01-27T10:52:00.004-04:00

missnaticollazo.blogspot.com

Previously Owned

2010-01-24T16:42:00.005-04:00

blog.previously-owned.net

Infashion Vanidades December 2009

2010-01-01T10:59:00.005-04:00

plant a tree

2009-11-22T18:53:00.007-04:00

For every product sold through our e-boutique we will have a tree planted. unep.org/BILLIONTREECAMPAIGN/

noir as night

2009-11-19T19:05:00.011-04:00

Visit this blog to see more ad campaigns, amazing editorials, shows, models etc.. noirasnight.blogspot.com

Paris

2009-10-27T18:32:00.012-04:00

photography Christian Borth, hair Franck Nemoz, makeup Cindy Leroux, styling Bertha Sesé, models Miriam Josi and Jeanne Jaros

2009-10-06T19:55:00.015-04:00

mannette maldonado wearing the black mimi vert star ring 1fashionproductions.com

New York

2009-09-28T19:07:00.008-04:00

This September on my way home from Europe, I stopped in New York for a few days. Where I did a beauty editorial with my favorit stylist Davis Carrasquillo, the photographer Enrique Vega and the models Jade and Tanya Chubko from Muse NYC. I took some pictures during the shoot at the Mac showroom in Chelsea, everybody showing their mimi vert's...

2009-08-30T12:29:00.013-04:00

Apart from being a model my friend Rocio is a very talented photographer. I just spent an amazing time with her here in Switzerland and Paris. See more of her pictures flickr.com
And... Cristobal and Juanjo, thank you for taking the best care of my hair cristobalsalon.com

When ancient becomes contemporary

2009-06-21T15:51:00.010-04:00

Necklace inspired in an ancient Cypriote figureThe Hellenic Museums Shop, Olympic Tower Atrium, 645 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022 Tel: 212.759.9271

coquette

2009-06-18T21:32:00.009-04:00

coquette.blogs.com

What do you think?

2009-06-01T20:47:00.019-04:00

Do you think our new campaign will motivate people to make recycling part of their lifestyle? treehugger.com

blade

2009-05-27T21:20:00.017-04:00

I had a lot of fun shooting for Vanidades with Alex, Davis and Willie.
Here are some more pictures besides the cover story, showing mimi vert's all-time favorite piece...
I never take off my black star!
To see more of Alex's work check out his website alexcovo.com

multitasking

2009-05-13T23:49:00.010-04:00

No doubt I love photography. There are many great photographers I really admire. Without aspiring to compete with them - in my job the temptation to try out the experience behind the lens is huge.
Now it is something between pleasure and impatience (the dubious excuse to safe time) that sometimes makes me shoot for mimi vert myself...

online boutique

2009-05-04T19:05:00.007-04:00

Finally our boutique is online! mimivert.net

mimi vert in Vanidades

2009-04-29T17:43:00.019-04:00

Look at your closest newsstand for the new Vanidades!

mimi vert's new campaign

2009-04-07T22:38:00.012-04:00

See more on www.mimivert.com

Mimi Vert on Stylefrizz

2009-04-02T17:56:00.011-04:00

Read the entire article on stylefrizz.com

Mimi Vert gone Loose

2009-03-23T20:49:00.011-04:00

jewelry by mimi vert, photography by rocio lugo for loose, hair & makeup by victor noble, modeled by jeanne jaros

mimi vert on core77

2009-03-03T18:30:00.006-04:00

Madrid's Ramses

2009-02-10T22:24:00.018-04:00

I visit Madrid frequently, but since I am always on-the-go, only for a couple of days each time. During my last stay I was glad to discover Ramses. A beautiful bar/ restaurant/ club designed by the french designer Phillipe Starck. Even the bathroom is worth a visit! The food is fine but is simply exceeded by the beautiful mix of chairs, the pompous chandeliers, sofas and the scrawled walls with Luis Urculo's graphics. The best is to go at the second seating at the petit bistro and end up at the bar that is maybe one of the nicest places to hang out in Madrid. www.ramseslife.com

Cycladic Inspiration

2009-02-03T23:44:00.031-04:00

I started this blog with a post about my admiration for the Cycladic civilization. This new piece shows it's influence on my designs.
You can use this female figure pendant by either side (black or white). The chain adjusts in two different lengths, on the end hangs the mimi vert eye charm.
You already can get it in the stores and very soon on our online boutique...
I got shot with the Cycladic necklace by NYC based photographer Christina Arena. To see more of her work visit photographerarena.com

IWC's Portuguese

2009-01-29T17:39:00.006-04:00

In the era of cellphones we actually don't need a wristwatch to look at the time. Nevertheless the art of watch making continues to be alive. Why there still are companies that make mechanical watches today? It's not because we depend on them. It is simply because they refine our senses, like my partner Ilias says. The aesthetics, the precision, the details of the movement where the eye can't see, makes a watch more than a luxury object a piece of scientific art. It is still very difficult despite technological advances to built a precise mechanical watch that depends on the movement of one's wrist instead of a battery. Among all, my favorite is IWC "International Watch Company". Founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland continues to be today one of the most respected brands on the field. They are known for pilot and diving lines that resist up to 2000 meters. The most representative model though is the Portuguese. It was created to benefit the seafarers converting the original chronograph pocket watch to a wristwatch. A classic, simple and very masculine piece I love to wear myself.

Cesary Bar e Piadina

2009-01-08T14:03:00.014-04:00

Whenever I'm in Bern -no matter for how long- I don't miss the opportunity of visiting this place to meet friends and enjoy the best coffe in town.
Few years ago Inor and Telemaco Cesari commissioned Komamako to design their bar. Kosta Stathakis and Marco Simonetti, founders of Komamako did a great job. Their intention was to break the stereotype of the typical Italian bar. By adding the element of old family pictures to the contemporary decor, they still managed to create an Italian flair. Cesary's authentic atmosphere is the outcome of the duo's explorative and innovative approach to design. www.komamako.com

Ecliptica

2009-01-05T17:00:00.011-04:00

Norein and Michelle Otero make up the eccentric designing duo of this clothing line. It's always fun to work with these charming sisters whose collections have been chosen by the Gen Art Organization to show in Miami and New York. Ecliptica fashion is worn by Roselyn Sanchez, Dayanara Torres, Hilary Duff, Nelly Furtado among others. I personally love Ecliptica's clothes for the simplicity and their modern, dynamic fit. www.eclipticafashion.com

Zentrum Paul Klee, Berne

2009-01-04T22:45:00.011-04:00

Paul Klee, whose work I admire spent his childhood and his last years in my hometown Berne, Switzerland.
2005 the Zentrum Paul Klee was built in Berne as a museum and center of research dedicated to the artist.
The Italian architect Renzo Piano succeeded to integrate the elegant wave form structure into the landscape in a beautiful and harmonious way.
"If you are lucky, the result is like nature – something nature could have done but didn't." Renzo Piano, The New Yorker.
www.paulkleezentrum.ch

Sally Torres Vega

2009-01-04T15:14:00.012-04:00

Sally is a young and talented designer from Puerto Rico. I love the way she experiments with fabric and it's structure. She reinvents her designs constantly and adds them a subtle and unique twist. www.sallytorresvega.com

Looking back...

2008-12-30T22:50:00.021-04:00

What a year! There is no doubt 2008 brought big change globally... I'm not a business or political analyst. Simply as a world citizen I try to look at the positive impact of these huge changes. The financial and economical crisis created a new awareness in most people’s minds. Anxiety meets hope. Concerns demand for eco friendly energy and new advances are at least promising. Consciousness makes us appreciate.
In spite of everything I’m thankful. For me it was a great year of precious moments and enriching experiences. Launching of the “Eye Collection”, shootings in Switzerland, New York and Puerto Rico, jewelry shows in Basel, Geneva, Madrid and Hong Kong, visiting family and friends all over Europe, incredible cities, fashion weeks, breathtaking Swiss alps and Caribbean sea,...
I know, talking about green... I’m not the best example for a "non-polluting lifestyle" with all my traveling. Due to my work and the difference to my beloved hometown, right now I have little choice. I try to do what is within my bounds of possibility, from recycling and using public transport as much as I can to mimi vert’s new reusable packaging. The goal of our latest video is to transmit the “green” message to our clients. As a company we are constantly working and adjusting our operations. I’m looking forward to a 2009 of movement and development, full of new inspirations and ideas.

Polaroids

2008-12-27T01:14:00.008-04:00

I just still love the spontaneous and unpredictable look of these instant pictures... See more polaroid snapshots on my website: www.mimivert.com

Milos Estiatorio

2008-12-27T00:05:00.008-04:00

When in New York I love Milos. It's clean and simple "cycladic" ambience, is a sophisticated interpretation of the Aegean islands. The Greek ritual to choose your fish it is also practiced here. Your waiter will explain you everything about it, like a sommelier would do for a wine. I love the process of preparing the whole fish on the grill and finally eat it with "ladolemono" (just olive oil and lemon) and "horta" (boiled greens). While you wait, you can have your appetizers (the grilled octopus tastes like heaven).
Unlike the great "celebrity" Chefs of the city, that their primary concern is to display their skill and imagination, Milos just preserves what is true and unaltered. The beauty and taste only nature can offer.www.milos.ca

Stella's Wicked Garden

2008-12-26T12:33:00.011-04:00

Stella Nolasco is another good friend and very talented designer. I enjoyed her spring summer collection "Wicked Garden" last september at fashion week...
Stella obtained a bachelors degree from Drexel University, Philadelphia and participated in the fashion program at SACI school of art in Italy. Besides her own boutique in Old San Juan, her modern and edgy designs have been featured by Luxury department store Neiman Marcus and other stores around the world. www.stellanolasco.com

Eyes

2008-12-26T12:11:00.010-04:00

Through out history eyes always had a special symbolic meaning. In Ancient Egypt the Eye of Horus stood for protection and life. In Christianity the eye represents the omni-present spirit of God. In Hinduism and Buddhism the “third eye” is a symbol for enlightenment. In general the meaning of eyes tend to be of a spiritual nature: Focus, Vision, Intelligence, Opening... just to name a few. I'm aware of the importance of the eye icon's symbolism. But the origin for the mimi vert trademark is actually very simple and spontaneous. About four years ago we were doing my first business card for mimi vert. I didn't know what to put next to the logo. Just playing around I cut out the eye of a picture of mine. Ilias loved the idea. This same image went trough different phases of abstraction until we got to the final "Green Eye" logo. It appears on every Mimi Vert piece and gives the brand it's unmistakable identity. www.mimivert.com

Hand Painted Toms

2008-12-25T18:04:00.003-04:00

They are the most comfortable shoes ever. And even better, for every pair you buy, Toms creator Blake Mycoskie gives a pair to a child in need. My favorite is this Hand Painted version by artist Tyler Ramsey. www.tomsshoes.com tomsshoespr@gmail.com

Green

2008-12-24T17:27:00.005-04:00

Green was always my favorite color...

Watch mimi vert's new video about the importance of green in our daily lifes: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwIFnyVTkLM

Lisa Cappalli

2008-12-24T17:09:00.015-04:00

This great designer and friend creates incredibly feminine yet wearable dresses. Lisa graduated from Parson's School of Design with honors and worked in Paris with Chantal Thomass before she started her own successful design studio.
In Puerto Rico you can get her whimsical Collections at these two boutiques: Lisa Cappalli in Condado and Cappalli in Old San Juan. www.lisacappalli.net

Blake's Monster for Lili Zoe

2008-12-24T17:04:00.007-04:00

On my last trip to New York few weeks ago I visited Tara and Reginald, who just had a baby. Besides a mimi vert bracelet, I was looking to bring another special something for little Lili. So my friend Tania made this beautiful doll out of recycled materials. Now I'm waiting for her to open a business!

Cycladic Art

2008-12-24T14:15:00.016-04:00

I have a huge fascination for these prehistoric sculptures. They are 5,000 years old (early Cycladic period starts at 3,200 B.C.) but so simple and minimalistic they could come straight out of a Contemporary Art Gallery. The figurines of the ancient Cycladic Civilization are a big inspiration for my work as a designer.
The Museum of Cycladic Art is in the heart of Kolonaki, -my favorite neighborhood in Athens- and it is worth visiting. I love how they sponsor exhibitions of contemporary artists in the neoclassic mansion that is connected to the new building, where they expose the ancient Greek and Cycladic collections cycladic.gr