Category Archives: Show News 2015

Happiness to All!

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

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

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

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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Pink & Black

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

Shopped for new skins last week and found some things I absolutely drooled over! They just arrived, so stay tuned as we make a few pieces for our december shows.

Helping me out was my favorite girl, sporting a leather apron one of her clients made for her. Great work accessory!

IMG_3033Meantime in the studio, the snaps were being put on this

black brisa inverted peplam jacket with a

pink wave stitch on lambskin trim.

Who will be the lucky girl who gets to be warm and stylish?

Look out Chicago, you are our next stop!

One of A Kind

Dec 3 – 6

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Young Collectors, Women of Style

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

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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Trunk Show in The Hamptons!

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

Please join us,

Saturday, November 7th, at Brennan’s Bit and Bridle

Come see our collection of Shearlings as well as what Brennan’s  has to offer.

“Personal service is the focus of Brennan’s Bit & Bridle, a small store with upscale country feel,

located in the heart of the Hamptons.

Store owner Natalie Mattson offers the very best of English saddlery and apparel.

She blends the time honored classics with the best of what’s new and innovative,

and is constantly finding unusual and original sportswear and gift ideas.”

Brennan’s Bit and Bridle

Trunk Show

Nov 7

10 am –  4 pm

The Barn in the Commons

Bridgehampton, NY

below, an inverted Peplam jacket, in Cappucino Merino Shearling, is one piece we will be showing

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Purchasing a Shearling From Us

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

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

All That Stitching! tbt Quilted Leather!

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

When Marcello had his Salon and lived in East Hampton, when an inspiration hit, and being a “have to have it” kind of guy,

he would hop in his car and zoom over to order a jacket.

Here was one of his all time favorites, and he wore it so well!

So for throw back thursday, here it is, as we are in the studio creating the throwbacks for the days to come.

See us Oct 31/Nov 1  in Purchase, NY  and Nov 7 in Bridgehampton

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Meeting David Boot at Brennan’s Bit & Bridle

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

There is nothing more exciting for a maker than visiting another makers studio. We have developed a working relationship with Brennan’s Bit & Bridle in Bridgehampton, where we will be having a Trunk Show on November 7th.

This past summer Toshiki dropped by Brennan’s to chat with Master Saddle maker David Boot, whose studio is on site. David was born in London England, began his saddlery apprenticeship there at the age of 15, with George Parker & Sons, Saddlers to The Queen Mother.

David himself later earned this honor.

He and his partner Lucy now are full time residents of Long Islands East End.

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Tools

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David in the studio

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With his creation

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David’s master George Parker in England, whom he apprenticed with

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Young Collectors, Seasoned Collectors + Future Collectors Came to See What the Buzz Was All About!

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

It ended with a Lunar Eclipse of a Supermoon!

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The Auxiliary of North Shore University Health System volunteers outdid themselves in moving ACE, a show that for 30 years had been held in August at Northwestern in Evanston, to new dates in September, at a new location at The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe; a daunting challenge!

We want to thank them for their extraordinary accomplishment, to give a new buzz bringing an established show to an incredibly  beautiful new venue.

I believe it will become the event of the season, as attendees get used to instead of “going up and down the aisles” to see the show, they embark on a treasure hunt of “Gallery Hopping”, and will mark their calendars to spend the whole weekend at the show, to enjoy every bit of meeting the artists, selecting a special piece to purchase, and taking a breather to enjoy the garden.

The show represented all media very well, the very best in leather, the best of fiber and jewelry plus glass, ceramics, baskets, paper wood and metal, were all there.

As far as I could see there were few loopholes in quality of work  juryed in, in what I look at, leather and wearables.

Our show began at the Preview Event, when a couple who were seasoned craft collectors stopped in our booth…..she tried on a jacket, looked gorgeous in it……they flirted with each other during the whole process, he pulled out his card, I said “What a lucky lady!” He said “I Love Her!”

And that is what we strive for in our life & work! What a great moment!

And one of our last sales of the show was at the opposite end of the spectrum, to young collectors, juggling an infant as she tried on jackets, and he chose ones he liked. She bought two! as they also both were ecstatic about their purchases and the show…

 

Below is a brief slideshow of our trip, driving from Long Island to Illinois, unloading our booth and work, transforming our space and some garden views.

Enjoy, and hope to see you there next year!

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East Coast and Mid Coast, Info and Coupons

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

Next Up, East Coast This Weekend, and scroll down for Mid Coast Info!

Admission Coupon Link And more Info

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AND! SOOO EXCITED TO BE AT THE LAUNCH OF ACE AT

THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN!

Purchase Tickets Early for Discounts, and membership looks like a great idea!

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The Hampton Classic is Here!

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

One of the most anticipated events on the East End of Long Island is about to happen!

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The Hampton Classic!

From August 23rd to 30th, Grand Prix day,

shop in the Boutiques Garden and Stable Row,

and  of course watch the magnificent horses and their riders compete.

Spot our booth with the Red Umbrella out front in the Boutiques Garden, showing our designs in fine shearling coats and accessories, tote bags and handwoven scarves.

 

Below, The Peplam Jacket in Spanish Merino Shearling with Green + Black Lambskin trim

 

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New One of a Kind at the Berkshires Craft Show

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

We have been busy in the studio designing and making while the temps get up in the 90’s, thinking of how cold for how long the winter will be.

On my bucket list has been to do an easy vest, one to just throw on and let it flow, or to tighten it up with your favorite belt as I did here in a quick shot on the mannequin

Want it?

Come to Great Barrington in August, to The Berkshire Craft Show!

So far we have done a handful of one-of-a-kinds, and we would love to have you come try one on, and give us feedback!

 

Done in a supple napa finish Spanish Merino Shearling with lambskin trim

belted vest

A Sneak Peak of The Hampton Classic

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

Our friends at Brennan’s Bit & Bridle are showcasing two of our styles in shearling leading up the The Hampton Classic.

Located on the SE corner of The Bridgehampton Commons on Montauk Highway & Snake Hollow Rd., they are a hop skip and jump from the show grounds, and where riders of all ages are popping in to get their gear all summer long.

Stop in to see our quality of materials and construction to start your thoughts of a special jacket for winter, and then stop by our booth in the Boutique Garden at The Classic

to see more styles.

Brennan’s will also be doing appointments during The Classic if you want a private try on of your dream jacket.

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The Best in Finely Crafted Leather & Shearling

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

We are proud to be exhibiting at two shows early in our season with others who are the best in our medium, and that give a fair representation of the best in the field.

One of the oldest materials used by man, humans have been manipulating leather since prehistoric times to to clothe us, to carry things, as ornamental items, to keep our pants up, aide in our sexual fantasies, tether our animals, and so much more.

Most of us in this field are self taught, as there are very few educational opportunities available.

We are a small group, it is a laborious medium that mistakes cannot be made in, due to the nature of working in skins made one at a time, and most of us who have survived have been perfecting our craft for a very long time, some as custom sandal makers during the Woodstock era. There are no leather guilds or prizes to keep us going,

so Kudos to the shows that jury in the best in the medium of Leather!

Come see us all at

The Berkshire Crafts Fair

8 Leather Artisans out of about 100 exhibitors

The American Craft Exposition

11 Leather Artisans out of 150 exhibitors

Because it’s TBT, I’m including an image of some hand cut Leather Lace Collars

for Jackets we made in the early ’90’s

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The Best Kept Secret in The Berkshires! #FineCraft!

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

We kick off our fall season, every year since 2001, in one of the most culturally rich areas in the North East,

Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in The Berkshires, at

The Berkshire Crafts Fair

The buzz at the show is the quality here is on par with The Smithsonian and The PMA Craft Show,

and there is some great work here you won’t find anywhere else!

So if you don’t know of this secret, plan a weekend, take in the show and maybe a concert at Tanglewood, a dance performance at Jacob’s Pillow, some of the great shopping and galleries in Lenox, such as Sienna Patti Contemporary,  The Norman Rockwell Museum, and so much more!   If you do know about the secret, see you soon!

 

AUGUST 14th–16th

Presenting Fine Juried Crafts by Professional Artisans Since 1974

More Info  
Map & Directions  
2015 Artists

Berkshire Crafts Fair is a not-for-profit event generating funds for scholarships and creative educational endeavors at our public high school.

August 14 • 15 • 16   10am–5pm

AIR CONDITIONED

admission: adults $7.00, age 12 and under free

Monument Mountain Regional High School
600 Stockbridge Road / Rt 7
Great Barrington, MA 01230

Visit Berkshire Craft Fair’s Website »

TbT to Last Summer at The Hampton Classic!

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

An event that has become one of our favorites to kick off the season, our booth in

the Boutique Garden section of The Hampton Classic Horse Show in August

Everything about this show is a fabulous summer good time, and great shopping

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This year we are partnering with Kelly Bailey and Brennans Bit & Bridle

to host a special event to preview our new designs in Shearling

“Under the Red Umbrella”

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Stay tuned!

Email us to be put on “The List”!

Spring, a Time to Renew

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

We wore all of our coats so much this winter, and so glad to have each and every one of them.

My most recent shearling is from 2007, (the shoemakers daughter syndrome!) still going strong, but I feel like a fresh one would perk me up,

to have something nice to wear on special days.

The older ones get relegated to sloppy weather days, dog walking, and all other daily routine things I do.

I’ve been working with Toshiki on a new design for a new one that will suit me.

I really like the black on black we made for our daughter this year. Something similar but different maybe?

I also love color, and the Fringe!, so much fun. What about you?

Are you feeling a refresher coat is due?

Get a jump start on a plan, (or maybe find that bargain!) at our last show of the season,

Crafts at Lyndhurst, Tarrytown, NY  May1-3


Only Boston Area Show in 2015, Coming Up!

Posted by veryspecialjackets on

Shows can be so much fun, it completes your work in wearables when the perfect fit happens.

Stephanie and I had an impromptu photo shoot in the booth last weekend, as she fell in love with our work.

Doesn’t she look amazing?

Come find Yours, this weekend at

Paradise City Arts in Marlborough

friday-sunday

Discount Admission Coupon Here

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