Midnight Swim : Lookout & Wonderland x Roxy Swim Collaboration

This Saturday, Niki Livingston of Lookout & Wonderland with Roxy will introduce Midnight Swim, a collaboration bringing together iconic swim silhouettes and indigo dyeing techniques. 

"The Midnight Swim collection blends shades of shadowy indigo referencing endless hot summer nights."  

Niki of Lookout & Wonderland has been studying traditional Japanese indigo since 2005 and works out of her Los Angeles studio – where I attended an indigo dyeing and Shibori class earlier this spring (yes! it will be on the blog soon!).

Shelter Half is a rotating pop up shop that brings together artists, companies and craftsman that create product made in the United States. 

And Roxy, is a brand of Quiksilver that started in 1990 seeing a lack of women's surf wear available. As most of us know, it's huge by now. And that's rad. What began as a women's swim line, soon turned into the sports wear go-to for girls and now is a household name lifestyle brand.

Walking the line between authentic and commercial is tough. And for Roxy going back to their roots with 4 classic swim silhouettes specifically designed for Niki to create magic with is pretty awesome. Her process is one of love and deep respect for the history of natural Indigo dye and the art of Shibori technique. (definitely more on that in that aforementioned post!)

The collection of 100 one-of-a-kind pieces will be exclusively available at Shelter Half in Los Angeles. After the twilight fashion presentation, you will be able to make your own unique indigo mobiles (!) to tunes spun by DJ Love finger along with cocktails and snacks. 

Midnight Swim : Lookout & Wonderland x Roxy 

opening reception Saturday, June 14th 7-10pm

collection available throughout the summer season

Shelter Half  |  61 S. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90036

images courtesy of Lookout & Wonderland and Roxy

Native Funk and Flash by Alexandra Jacopetti Hart

Native Funk & Flash by Alexandra Jacopetti Hart, photos by Jerry Wainwright, published by Scrimshaw 1974 | apologies for my bad night pics

The book Native Funk and Flash by Alexandra Jacopetti Hart is a collection of folk art from the sixties and seventies - mostly embroidery and fabric patchwork. It's been a source of inspiration for me for many years, and until recently it's been out of print. I had no idea that there was such a large appreciation and following of this book, until I saw on Gravel and Gold that there will be a few upcoming events this weekend for it with Alexandra! I wish I could be in San Francisco for it all. 

Saturday, November 16th at 4pm

S.F. MOMA at Neptune Society Columbarium | 21 Loraine Court, San Francisco CA 94118

Alexandra will be discussing her career in fiber arts and screening of Ben Van Meter's film, "The Saga of Macramé Park"

tickets available here

Sunday, November 17th at 5:30pm

Gravel & Gold | 3266 21st Street, San Francisco CA 94110

Alexandra will share stories and images of Native Funk & Flash artists, followed by a reading from the book. Everyone is encouraged to dawn their own funk & flash!

Ten pieces from her personal collection of embroidered and woven garments from the book will be displayed there through November 21st.

You can purchase new editions of the book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Justina Blakeney Pop Up at Platform in Highland Park

Last week I got a chance to check out Justina Blakeney's Pop Up at Platform in Highland Park. In addition to all the amazing objects and art from the pop up, the shop was filled with beautiful items. These are only just a few, stop by the store to see it all: ceramic / basket-woven planters by Tracy Wilkinson, Alpaca indigo dyed textiles by Ermie and Heidi Anderson Agate Ware Bottles. 

Platform | 5027 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042