Samples to LA!

At Project Alabama we take great care in sending out our new collections to our showrooms. Here are some photos of us packing our Fall '09 styles to send to our LA showroom! Each piece is carefully steamed & tagged with a hand written tag. Each group is packed up in tissue paper and tied into one neat little package. We nestle all the tissue packed groups into a custom made Project Alabama box that has been stenciled by hand. Off they go! We have already sent a big box off to Italy and to LA. Our NYC show room is just down the street - but they were able to have their set first right after Coterie. Soon we will have all styles up on the site so check back soon!

Project Alabama at Coterie

We have been so busy at Project Alabama preparing to debut our Fall '09 collection at Coterie! Coterie is one of the biggest fashion events in NYC, a huge trade show which lasts for 3 days...every designer imaginable is there. It was a total feast for the eyes as you saw each designer's booth unveiled and caught a glimpse of the coming fashions. Pier 92, booth 1650 was where our new Fall '09 line was previewed!
This year we chose to have our booth hand stenciled by an artist, using hand cut stencils made by our very own designer. Our photos show the set up in process.
We worked day and night to bring it all together; steaming and tagging, stenciling and styling. Our collection looked amazing and all the hard work paid off. We can't wait to share it with the rest of you! Stay tuned for the new line soon to be on our website, http://www.projectalabama.com/. So far, Fall '09 is looking fabulous.

Jeweled

A Sneak Peek at JEWELED from Fall '09!

Jewel ~
1. a cut and polished precious stone; gem.
2. a fashioned ornament for personal adornment, esp. of a precious metal set with gems.
3. a precious possession.
4. an ornamental boss of glass, sometimes cut with facets, in stained-glass work.
5. something resembling a jewel in appearance, ornamental effect, or the like, as a star.

We have taken inspiration from the world of precious gems and all they represent and used it in our JEWELED group for Fall '09. Each piece in this group carefully incorporates jewels & gems with Project Alabama flare.

Photo Shoot!

We are in the midst of planning for our next photo shoot for our Fall '09 collection. Taking a slightly different route this time - we know the shoot is going to be amazing because we are in great hands. Our photographer is one of the best in the business! We can't wait to see the final product.

The samples are ready, the location secured, can't wait for tomorrow...

www.philippe-ny.com to take a look at our photographer's portfolio.

30 Days

Look a familiar face! Lookbooks.com is one of the hottest fashion websites out there. It is one of the coolest ways professionals in the industry keep on top of the trends. When our friend told us she was going to be featured on the site for "30 Days of Look - In the Life of Fashion Designer Lady Soule" we had to post about it! Not only does she look AMAZING every single day (how does she come up with those original, gorgeous outfits and manage to look so good?) she also talks about where and how she came up with her look. While mixing vintage, with H & M, with designer duds she will definitely inspire you to be more creative with your wardrobe. Definitely check out the site for her daily outfit updates and quirky, humorous commentary! Love you Lady!

http://www.lookbooks.com/thirty_days/view/Lady+Soule/4990619d-1838-4440-b0a0-419e4b7db902/2

Fashion Week

With Project Alabama's offices right in the center of the garment district, and a hop, skip and a jump away from Bryant Park it is impossible not to get caught up in the excitment of NYC Fashion Week. Even though this action packed week has come and gone - it is hard to forget the hustle and bustle in our neighborhood. All down our street during this incredible week you will find tinted limos parked, even a red carpet or two. There is also a constant stream of very fashionable looking editors, PR girls and members of the press rushing towards the main tent in Bryant Park, (in the highest of heels of course.)

Last year in the main tent they were handing out complimentary cosmopolitans and sunglasses. This year, things were a little more subdued. No cosmos or sunglasses - but the shows still had that high glamor feel and the fashions were thoughtful and inspired.

Each fashion week is a chance to boldy seek out new forms of inspiration for further experimentation and exploration. You will see this is our coming collections...

CUE Art Foundation Exhibit

If you happen to be in NYC anywhere from Feb 5th - March 28th you should check out what the CUE Art Foundation is offering art lovers at their most current exhibit. Right in the heart of the Arts District in Chelsea, 511 West 25th to be exact, you will find a most magnificent display of paintings that play with color and texture with reference to pop culture and humor. If you can't be in NYC - then check out their website: http://www.cueartfoundation.org/

Anglomania

I'm about three years late on discovering this exhibit at the met, but it wrestled my attention while internet surfing so I had to introduce Anglomania to you. I ran across these dark, seedy images and I immediately had to find out more. Every exhibit seethes with an intriguing story. See images here.
There weren't enough images on the web to satisfy my curiosity, but luckily, there is a book. I'm definitely ordering this one. After reading the reviews about the exhibition, I am devastated to have missed this show (especially since I was indeed in NY when it was going on). Here's hoping for an encore:(

- Shannon Schmalfeldt

Rich Chocolate Heart Cakes

With Valentine's day just around the corner, I have been testing out various sweet treat recipes to make for the special day! This one was my fave and the addition of rosemary is a great twist on this classic cake. If you can't find heart shaped cake molds, you can always use circular ones instead. The cake recipe is easy to follow and also includes the Chocolate Rosemary Ganache recipe: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/rich-chocolate-heart-cakes?backto=true

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Fascinator

Etsy.com is one of the best places online to support hand crafted goods and find unique gifts and ideas. Want a novel Valentine's accessory? Try this fascinator. Don't forget to browse the other items available from Topsy Turvy Design for some more theatrical eye candy.

- Shannon Schmalfeldt

Bedazzled

While surfing the Met website, I ran across a special online exhibition. Some selected works of Poiret: King of Fashion can be found here for our enjoyment.  Poiret was a fashion visionary in the late 19th century known for innovations in the construction of garments and for liberating women form their corsets. However much I love our free moving Project Alabama corsets, I am forever thankful that Poiret helped to eliminate the victorian, air restricting variety.

-Shannon Schmalfeldt

Peculiar Pet

While reading through a blog that I subscribe to, http://www.popupstudionyc.blogspot.com, I was introduced to some fascinating photography. The images, taken by Pieter Hugo, are powerful and inspiring. The work is a collection of portraits taken of Nigerians with their peculiar pets. Who new hyenas were so beautiful? Visit Pieter Hugo's Site

- Shannon Schmalfeldt