Category Archives: Inspirations

Inspiration

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We did two shows so close together I didn’t even have time to mention the wonderful American Craft Exposition at the Chicago Botanical Garden…..thank you all who organized and attended the event, it was wonderful.

I did get a chance before heading off to our next two shows to attend the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institutes show,

“Heavenly Bodies”,

in two locations….at the Met as well as The Cloisters uptown.

Beautiful couture, inspired by beliefs larger than life. Ending soon.

 

Being Appreciated

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As a small studio that hand makes, and has contact with every single customer, every single piece that comes out of our studio and onto their bodies, we have a personal connection with each and every one. We strive to make garments that function beautifully, last a lifetime, that warm the body and the soul. We often get great feedback, you can read some on our testimonials page, which lift us up, just as we hope you are wearing our work. This week we received a beautiful one…..Thank you Susi!

“Good evening!

Just wanted to share some feedback.

I wore my lime green coat on this crisp frosty day in n. Virginia. The mood everywhere is grey and subdued. I wore ‘your’ coat to stay warm, and cheer myself up.

The response has been startling!

I have never received so many compliments in such a short time. Best of all, they can from people who worked in various couture industries (Cartier etc). When asked I told them that we met at the PMA craft show. Most were regular visitors and will be looking out for you at the upcoming shows.

Bottom line – we all have an eye for a great product (I am an ex curator)- You have an amazing coat collection . Just confirming what I hope you already know. 👍

Thank you 🌺

Susi “

Sent from my iPhone

Fashion Inspiration/Part 2

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We do tons of special sizing in our studio, and recently upgraded our mannequin collection to reflect current shapes and sizes of the female figure, as the way we push and pull our selves, and our diets and exercise regimes, change over time.

So it was interesting to see this show at FIT

The Body: Fashion and Physique

Pretty interesting……corsets for pregnant women? And their daughters? A corset that closed in the front liberated women?

Bustles? Rubber girdles? (I do remember the smell of rubber emanating from my mothers underwear drawer as a young girl!)  Marilyn’s buttocks jiggling? Gasp!

My pics of mostly the fascinating underwear!

On thru May 5th

Fashion Inspiration/Part 1

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Items: Is Fashion Modern?

This show wasn’t really making me rush over to Moma for some reason, but I did

catch it a few weeks ago and found it more interesting than I thought. It’s really about

us, and the wearable things that have become staples in our lives, or have had cultural impact.        Here’s a snippet of images…….hurry up, it closes tomorrow!

Irving Penn

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More inspiration, almost too much to handle, from our trip to the Met earlier this month. I know I know. I’m in a museum, taking photographs of photographs. But these images conjured up so many memories for me, I wanted to take them with me, my particular memories of the photographs of Irving Penn.

As a girl, I started receiving subscriptions to Vogue at a very young age, and it was my bible. It came into my room and brought me to a fantasy land of fashion, of where I wanted to be. It was my visual sanctuary.

My mother made all of my clothes when I was growing up, and after each issue arrived, it was followed by a trip to the fabric mills, to collaborate on trying to recreate the illusion of what I saw. All my aunts were in on it in their own ways. So many of these Irving Penn images from the 50’s and 60’s remind me of my mother and aunts.

Here’s a sneak peak. Show closes July 30.

And we got to play a bit. They had Penn’s backdrop set up that he used in his studio, so as my “photographer” was with me, I got to particpate.

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From the Beautiful to the Grotesque

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Above, her own words, Rei Kawakubo. We had a chance to catch this show at The Met last week, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. So interesting to have a conversation from our very different perspectives……my background in fiber art in three dimension, my partner’s in fashion design Haute-Couture, with a very different main inspiration from Yves St Laurent; mine western looking east, his eastern looking to the west, in our young and formative years. Working together for all these years, the push and pull arrives at influences from both.    This show is a must see if you are in town.

“Dressed for Defiance”, NY Times

Creating and Expressing Personal Style

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I opened Women’s Month at the Brooklyn Museum, to view two exhibitions of female expression. I went for Marilyn Minter, but I came away with Georgia O’Keefe.

Georgia O’Keefe

Never a huge fan of her paintings, I learned so much about the whole woman, her attention to the details of her life, how meticulous she was about her clothing, beautifully documented by the great photographers in her life.

Never knew, and blown away.

Many garments made with her own hands, many carefully chosen and cherished for construction, simplicity of design, and tactile feel of natural fiber.

 Had a lunch break to avoid whiplash between these two powerful shows!

Marilyn Minter

Shearlings, Made One by One

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Opening a fresh box of some beautiful skins to make a special order, one of our most intricate designs of multi color lambskins, which  float over a black napalan shearling.

First step is inspecting the skins, cleaning up the edges, and sorting……as no two skins are the same, we need to choose  weight, the wool “nap”, suppleness, and size to relate to the different pattern pieces to be placed, marked and cut.

Stay tuned!

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Next opportunity to see our work coming soon!

ACC Baltimore

February 24-26

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Gravers Lane Galllery

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Wonderful weekend Trunk Show in the Philadelphia Neighborhood of Chestnut Hill

Thank you Gravers Lane Gallery!

Cake, a great place for brunch on a balmy winter day!
Quilted lambskin vest by Toshiki and Maryszka, Jeffrey Levinson evening bag, Susan Green beaded necklace
Jasemin rocks it
Shop Local! They take care of you!
Jasemin wearing our new purple vest, Leeor in her own vintage piece of ours
Closed for the night
The fabulous Leeor modeling a coat…..(we were all freezing in the nasty weather!)
Rested so well at the lovely Chestnut Hill Hotel
Jasemin’s favorite, with a Susan Green necklace
Purple! seemed to be the color of the night. Handbags by Jeffrey Levinson….gallery director Bruce Hoffman
We ended our stay at Cake, brunch with friends
Custom order for our favorite girl!

Antonio Lopez

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Summer is the time to rejuvenate the body and the mind, and even though it was in the 90’s in Manhattan yesterday I slogged uptown to el museo for some inspiration, and was thrilled I did not put this trip off……

The Museum is gorgeous and very cool, and spending a few hours with this incredible artist’s work  pushed all my creative buttons and was a nostalgia trip as well.

You have until Nov 26

Here’s a glimpse of Antonio Lopez:Future Funk Fashion

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For more views check out the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas blog post,

they were at the opening!

New York Makers on the Runway

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We had such a great time being part of this show last month in Saratoga Springs NY, which featured designers that work in New York State. Take a few minutes to enjoy!

Much thanks to Corey Aldrich of Electric City Couture, the crew, and everyone at

Universal Preservation Hall


<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/167058386″>Electric City Couture Runway</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/joshrask”>Josh Rask Films</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

Custom Work in Leather

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One of our long time clients had a dream. A purple leather coat. Over the years she has been a true lover of our work, a patron who has one of just about every collection we ever created, always special order as she has her own unique figure ,as many of us do.

This week she is traveling to Germany to visit family and friends, and wanted to show them all that older ladies can rock a sense of style, as she does, always with a smile on her face. So before shipping that purple leather coat, with a “surprise” silk lining, I had to snap a few pics, on me, although not quite my size, you get the idea! Bon Voyage Helene!

 

Do you have a dream coat in mind?

Talk to us!

Spring Wrap Up

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Wow this Spring has been a whirlwind, busy, and lots of fun!

Baltimore, Morristown, Marlboro, Saratoga & Chicago…Thank you!

Many of you have new coats to finish up this chilly spring, and start off your fall fresh.

We are off for some R & R, & designing new work, so stay tuned for that

and refreshed upcoming events page.

For now I will throw it back to a few weeks ago, to the finale of our show at

Electric City Couture in Saratoga Springs

ECC finale

One of a Kind

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Having ten gorgeous models assigned to us for the upcoming fashion event at Electric City Couture, (as well as important Jury images need to be taken!) we have been inspired to among other things do our signature annual One of a Kind Color Block coat, this year a short swing on a beautiful black napalan skin.

See it live on the runway April 17

and previews at the pop-up-shop April 15-17

Electric City Couture

stay tuned for additional pop up shop hours

Multi

 

Creating a Look, Shopping Handmade

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This is how I want to look, so I am getting my order in early!

I already own this wonderful felted wool hat by Miriam Carter,

And the supple calfskin cross body bag by Dick Muller,

So all I need is this coat!

A new slim shape in black suede, silver zipper, and white stitched lambskin edging. This look can be translated into other shapes as well.

Collecting the right accessories and garments takes time to gather, which is so fun to seek out at the treasure hunt that is the modern Craft Show……so don’t miss out! We are participating in 2 shows this month, and when I have a moment I am shopping my fellow designers booths…..!

Miriam:Dick:TM

New Year Inspiration

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It is always refreshing to put our own work aside for a moment and take in something else visually to kick off the New Year, and living in the New York Metro area there are so many great opportunities.

I’m so lucky.

So last week I checked this one off my list at Moma.

Picasso Sculpture

here are some of my favorites that inspired me.

Thru Feb. 7th if you have the opportunity.

Happiness to All!

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Thank You All, that came out to shows this year and supported our work!

I have hardly had a moment to breath in december, held our last Truck Show at addo in Sag Harbor this past weekend

(they still have some of our work, so stop by)

Such a great way to end the year!

AND

I received this wonderful “thank-you” from a customer from only one week ago….Makes it all so rewarding!

“Last Saturday at the Morristown Crafts Show my husband purchased for me the Spanish Shearling fitted coat. We had no intention of setting out to buy me a coat, but in that moment when we looked into your booth and saw the exquisite designs and perfection of craft……… it was a question we did not even have to ask. Then putting the coat on was a visual transformation as it captured for me qualities of playfulness, sophistication and allure. The practical side is that it is deliciously warm. I know that I will always delight in wearing it, and also delight in the spontaneity of the purchase.”

 

Happy Holidays to All!

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One of my breathable moments at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

 

City Blues

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Bill Cunningham, you should have made it to the Cobble Hill Historic District in Brooklyn when Etsuko and I were wandering around shooting some pics of her wearing our blue Shearling! Stunning, yes? So ladies, come get yours!

 Happy Thanksgiving!

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OOAK Chicago Dec 3-6 booth 6052

Craft Morristown Dec 11-13

Add Sag Harbor Dec 18-20

In the New York Times Fashion and Style, by Bill Cunningham,  this past Sunday

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Young Collectors, Women of Style

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I have so much fun in the booth with the wide range of women who love our work.

It is so exciting when the right woman and coat find each other, the work is complete!

Recently more and more younger women in their 20’s-40’s seem to be finding us, and I’m thrilled they feel sexy and fashionable and comfortable and warm in our coats!

This young woman in her 20’s was smart enough to encourage her parents to go to the PMA Craftshow a few years ago, and she wound up with this coat. It was love at first sight!

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And these two beauties loved our Peplam jacket, both making statements in style

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See us next at the fabulous

ONE OF A KIND SHOW

at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago

Dec 3-6

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Purchasing a Shearling From Us

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First time falling in love (with our coats!) is always scary.

Right away you see the design, the construction, the quality, the

value, but they are priced for what they are, and you don’t know

us!  So I invite you to hear what some of our

wonderful customers have written to us.

Our actual hands do the work, and it has meaning for us.

So glad it does for you to!

Enjoy your coats for many years,

and thanks again for selecting our work!

 

Next Up

Crafts at Purchase , Purchase, NY  email me for coupon

Brennan’s Bit and Bridle, Bridgehampton, NY   no admission

 

T e s t i m o n i a l s

Thankyou so much my jacket came today and I love it . The fit,design, and color are

just what I wanted. It was wonderful doing business with you,again, many thanks.

Best regards 

Adrianne, Long Island

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Hi Maryszka…  Looking forward to spring, but I’ve have certainly needed and truly enjoyed my coats this winter!   Also, as always, received many compliments.

Best regards,

Ann, Westchester, NY

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I consider myself a collector of Toshiki and Maryszka’s fabulous creations.

I own 6 coats and my husband owns 1. I also own a very hot pink bag that makes a statement. I have an oil cloth rain coat, a cloth coat, a leather swing coat, a cape, a shearling, and a one of a kind butter soft leather coat. My husband owns a shearling. With my coats, I am covered for three seasons. There is never a time, where someone doesn’t marvel at the handiwork on the coats.

Chris, Connecticut

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Loved meeting you both at the preview, and Joyce loves the very special jacketwhich Toshiki picked out just for her. I hope you are having as wonderful a

time in Philadelphia at the Craft Show as we had; this was our 30th Philadelphia Craft Show Preview as visitors, as well as our 39th Wedding Anniversary

“date night”..

Thanks for making the evening, and the event, very special for us!

Peace, Love, Et Joie De Vivre!

David and Joyce

PMA Craft

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I still get compliments when I wear it. 

I think the coat is amazing for 10 years old!!  Best I have ever had!!

From Kati, in Philadelphia, who orderd another just like it with different stitch color, to get her thru the next ten years

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Hi Maryszka

I received my coat and it’s wonderful!!!  Thanks so much.

Happy New Year

Mary Ann 

PMA Craft & CraftMorristown

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I got to wear my beautiful new coat today  &  felt so “grand”!!!!

Joni, CraftLyndhurst

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 I have always loved the long black shearling coat I bought from you at the Evanston show about 5 years ago – liked the “sleeve guard” that you put in the coat

to keep me cozy and warm…and I can attest that even in these very cold days, the coat did it’s job and more !

Not only was I warm in this frigid weather but looked good too!

The feel of the shearling around my face is the best – the new collar looks even better suited to that job…glad to see the resurrection of leather – I still get

more comments on the leather jacket I bought from you  ages and ages ago than almost anything I else I own…. glad to hear you made it through the worst

(hopefully) of winter…

Joy

American Craft Exposition

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 Hi Maryszka…  The coats just arrived.  They are exquisite and the fit is perfect on both!   Again thank you for making a special trip to my house and I do

appreciate your getting the coats out to me so quickly.  Our crazy weather can change up very quickly.  Have a good winter…  I can’t wait for the temperature

to drop.

Best regards,

Ann

Private appointment client in Westchester

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 The jacket arrived…and it is perfect!

I forgot how beautiful it was.

Thank you,

Kathleen

Berkshire Craft Fair

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 Dear Maryszka,

 I LOVE my blue poncho and wore it all weekend!

Seena

Berkshire Craft Fair

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 Maryzka,

The coat has arrived and it is all that I would have hoped for!

Ellen

Berkshire Craft Fair

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D I V I N E !

D I V I N E !

D I V I N E !

                                                                                                     Thank you both for the beautiful cape! Gratefully, Susan

CraftLyndhurst

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 Love it! I have one of those geometric but in all black! Toshiki’s talent is endless !

Sandra, fellow exhibitor

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 I actually purchased this beautiful coat @ the Paradise City Show in Marlboro, Ma., yesterday. Not only gorgeous, but the fit was perfect.. Best part: this coat is warm enough for a

serious New England winter, but not bulky and too warm as some leather/shearling coatsm, especially full length, tend to be.

Downside: I purchased it at the end of March, instead of

last fall when I could have enjoyed it every single day of the terrible winter of 2013! :):) Lovely sales lady, helpful, very nice manner. Thank you all – I’ll cherish this forever!

Paradise City Arts, Marlborough