My Favorite Thanksgiving

November 21, 2006

It’s not that I’m ungrateful for all of the work and preparation that goes into Thanksgiving meals, the joy of seeing my extended family, or even eating absolutely amazing food like my mother’s homemade apple pie (no worries, recipe attached) … it’s just that when Thanksgiving comes around, all I can think about is how close Christmas is!

Its holiday foreplay and I can’t stand it any longer!

However, one of my more memorable Thanksgivings came four years ago … and it took place in New Jersey.

No, that’s not a typo and yes, I know what you are all thinking. My best friend Anna has extended family in Far Hills, New Jersey and because I’ve felt like an addition to her family for half my life, I was more than willing to take a much-needed day-off from Manhattan and make the trek to the countryside. So after trudging through the congested halls of Penn Station with about three thousand other holiday travelers attempting to keep their sanity while making their departure time, I boarded my train and settled in for the hour and half ride.

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I Hate Rushing, I Love Atlanta

November 20, 2006

I flew down to Atlanta for literally 36 hours last week and when I returned I realized that I’m not really sure I ever left.

As I’ve mentioned before, I snagged a deal with the new hip hotel chain NYLO, to design an extensive collection that will be used/sold in each of their 150 countrywide locations. Well, their headquarters are in Atlanta which is why I was down there – more meetings, more brainstorming, and thankfully more love given back to me – they continue to love what I’m doing and I’m ecstatic to show you all what I’ve been working on!

Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until at least summer 2007 when the full collection is ready to be debuted; I’m talking dresses, tops, pants, suits, jackets, bags, jewelry… the works! I really can’t tell if you guys can tell how excited I am for this to become reality, but rest assured that I am! I’m sure that for any young designer, there’s a nervous excitement with seeing your first, fully produced collection being executed from concept to hanger, finally allowing you all to enjoy some of my work firsthand! (www.nylohotel.com)

Well, aside from the fact that half of my time was spent in meetings, the guys and I got to have a few hours out on the town, showing me a sampling of what Atlanta had to offer (this was my first time in the downtown area). After drinks down in the Glenn Hotel bar, we piled into a taxi (which I learned aren’t nearly as available as they are here in NYC) and headed to Rathbuns, a restaurant which I must admit, I loved.

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You Asked, I Answer

November 08, 2006

This week, I’m going to spend some time answering reader questions across the comments on my blog. So, here goes nothing!

Azhan wrote: Any tips on good scarves for fall/winter, Daniel?

Well if you know me, you know that I love a great scarf: Easy to throw on, convenient when running in and out of the cold and a much cheaper alternative to getting numerous different winter coats. I like using the opportunity for accessories to bring in color/print/pattern into my wardrobe, and whether it’s a muted paisley or a school-boy stripe I always suggest making a statement! Also, I hate the feeling of itchy nylon or polyester against my neck, so opt instead for more luxurious fabrics like silk and cashmere to give your skin a lavish feeling when battling the elements.

Joanneinboston wrote: Hi Daniel. Forgive me if I'm asking the obvious and over asked question, but I'm really interested to know who you are designing for? Do you design upon request, or are you working towards something that does not allow you the luxury of commissioned designs?

Hi Joanne. Ask away my dear, believe me, you’re not the first to ask, “So what are you doing now?” Haha! Well, to sum up my future in a few sentences … I’m looking to work under another designer for a few years to gain more experience before venturing completely out on my own (and I have two very different job offers at the moment!) and will fill you in when/if I decided which road to take. In the meantime, I’m involved in numerous design projects ranging from an extensive collection for a new chic hotel chain (nylohotel.com) opening Fall 2007, to some celebrity dressing, charity work and a possible How-To Book! Basically, like every designer, I’m simply working on getting my work out there! Oh, and at this time I don’t do a lot of commissioned design work, the pay off/work ratio is extremely difficult for someone as small as myself.

Mykee wrote: You and Kieran look good together. How did you guys meet?

Thank you so much, Mykee! Funny story actually, it went something like this:
Me at the Marc Jacobs counter getting rung up by this cute girl, I take my wallet out to pay and the boy next to her says…
Kieran: “Cool wallet!”
Me: “Ummm, thanks. It’s a cheapy from JCrew.”
Kieran: “No, I really like it.” He then turns to the girl as she’s packing my bag, “So where should I go for lunch? I hate when I punch out and it takes me 15 minutes to decide and I waste all this time figuring it out.”
Girl: “I have no idea where you should go Kieran.” (Sideways glance towards me implying she doesn’t know why he’s bringing this up now.)
So I look him up and down and say: “You want to come with us? We’re going to get mexican down the street.”
Kieran: “Ok.”
He joined my group of friends for his hour lunch and had the entire table captivated by his witty humor and strange behavior! I called him the next day and we went for a great four hour walk around the city … the rest is history baby.

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