Ecliptica

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lisa Cappalli

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

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

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