Never judge a book by it's cover. Uhh whatever! That $hit is pretty.

This past weekend there was a sale at Housing Works and my cousin Judy and I decided to go check it out. I haven't picked up a book in about a month and I thought I should change that. Actually, that's a lie. The other day I did pick up Angela's Ashes, but only to use it to prop up my wobbly table.
Housing Works is pretty intimate and can be a bit crowded. It can get a little stuffy too because the usual crowd are the writers and professor types. Therefore, I stuck out like a sore thumb. I didn't have anything specific in mind so I just skimmed the shelves. As I was skimming the shelf with people to the left and right of me, this fire engine red, hardcover book with gold embossed lettering caught my eye. As I went to grab it I let out an " oooooh pretty!" Immediately in my head I thought to myself "Oh Shit, that was loud." I looked around and the people next to me were all staring at me. I scurried away. It was quite embarrassing. To make matters worse, I didn't even know what book I grabbed. It was in Spanish and I couldn't read it.
So anyway, fast forward to today. I was meaning to read the Michael Chabon book The Mysteries of Pittsburgh. I've always been a Michael Chabon fan and since the movie is coming out soon I thought I'd better read it now before the movie ruins it for me. I went to the Barnes & Noble in Union Square to pick up a copy. I bee-lined to the Fiction section and I searched for it. As I was looking, I was distracted. There was a section devoted to Penguin Classics and it caught my eye right away. Penguin re-released old classics and sort of re-branded the books in a way. A face lift of sorts. Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition is what this collection was named. I wanted to buy them all just so I would have them in my library, but I'm not that frugal with money. It was just a thought.
After that 10 minute sidetrack, I got back on task for the Chabon book. They didn't have it. I was bummed but I went to another Barnes & Noble 2 blocks away ( yes, it was only 2 blocks! That's NYC for ya) and they had like 10 copies of the book and in the special edition I wanted too.
As I left and took the subway home. I thought to myself how important and effective good design can be. You can make fun of me all you want, but those covers made me notice them, evoked emotion and warranted a reaction from me. That my friend, is good design. Chip Kidd had this down all along and it's the key to his success. To quote the master himself, "I cannot make you buy a book, but I can try to help make you pick it up."
So the next time someone says to you " don't judge a book by it's cover," You can respond with a " Yea, you can. You're stupid not to."

Here are some of the great covers I came across today.







So I leave you with two things:

In a great article by USA Today, Veronique Vienne, a designer turned writer states, "Whether or not we know it, we all judge a book by its cover. Its role is to communicate not only what the book is about, but who will enjoy reading it. There is a subliminal language of images and typography that speaks directly to the subconscious mind of the potential book buyer."

And some design porn. for the freaks in all of us.

So close, but not close enough....

I've been plugging away at SV and things seem to be moving along. I was dead in the water a few weeks back because I was waiting for the new samples of the 3 new bags to arrive. When I finally received them, I immediately documented them because I needed to get them on the website and look-book. However, like all product samples, you need to inspect them for changes or design execution inconsistencies. Little did I know, I was in for a whirlwind of stress and frustration. The story goes:
When I went to them (*the new factory) in the beginning I showed them samples that I made here. They were not sure if they wanted to take the job because of the size of the order, but then they were "okay well do it ..only if you place your orders first and pay half the money or we aren't going to do it."
So we agreed, but we said we need to see samples and need to approve them first. I finally received the bags by China Post (i.e. carrier pigeon). Two of the bags were okay, a few minor changes. However, one of the bags wasn't translating very well. It was just odd to me. I therefore had to tweak the design. So when I submitted the changes to them, they refused to change it because they said I already place the order. But, I ...I didn't approve the sample though. Also, weren't you the one who said that the only way you would do my bags is if I place an order with you first? In the end, the factory was like...." if you want this new one made, place another order and you have to keep the order of the old one as well."
So that means I'm sending a bag i'm not liking into production...and paying for it? What happen to business etiquette or morals?
I have learned that manufacturing overseas might save you a buck here or there but boy, the headaches and trials you need to endure doesn't seem to be worth it. Especially with China. I realized that you cannot have western standards or ideals when working with Chinese factories. For the chinese people, money equals power and success and that is deeply rooted in our culture. So when they see an opportunity to save them money and time they would take it. For example, If you specify a specific blue fabric that cost... let's say ...$2 a yard and they find a blue that is 2 shades darker than the blue you specified but this one is $1 a yard. They will use the $1/yd blue you did not specify and charge you the $2 price-- and they hope you don't notice, so they can make the $1 off of you.
Or when you specified 100% cotton canvas that is $5/yd but they go find a blend that is 70% cotton and 30% polyester that is $3 a yard-- then they lie to you and say it's the one you specified. At this point....you can't tell by touch or sight if it is indeed 100%. They don't see this as being morally wrong. They see this as good business sense. This shifts the power that you thought you have completely to them.
This is why kids get lead poisoning from the toys that are made in China.
I have learned the only way to get what you want is to bribe them, treat them to lavish dinners or send them free stuff. You have to evaluate where your moral standard is. Mine is set high and it hasn't gotten me far. You have to make a choice.
The troubles I'm encountering might be my standards getting in my way, but it could also be my naiveté.
My cousins and I grew up and worked in garment factories in Brooklyn. We are pretty familiar with production and what is needed. My mom and aunts did everything the clients requested. They made it happen. Even if they tried everything and had trouble executing, they would get their cost slashed and coffee throw at them by the clients. Racism also played a big part in this. The clients treated my mom and aunts really badly but that's another story for another late night rant.
I refuse to budge on my high standards and morality. I'm a big fan of doing things the right way and by sticking to my guns.......It will get me somewhere. Or I'll marry rich, whichever comes first.

~sigh~

Vinny, the skinny one

(note- all opinions and judgements are made from my own experiences, I know not every factory or chinese person is like that)

*new factory, I left the old factory because they had deadline and competency issues.

Happy Mother's day

I planned on getting my mom a digital camera for mother's day but I realized I didn't have the money to do that. My cousins decided to do a joint brunch/lunch for our parents and grandparents. This was a splendid idea because I love cooking and I wouldn't have to max out my credit card. I was put in charge of appetizers and after hours of going through my books of recipes, I found 2 that were quick and easy enough. One trouble I had was finding cranberries during this time of year. However, I substituted them for lingonberries. They basically taste the same if not better...and I love saying the word lingonberry. After an hour and a kitchen that looked like it's been through a class 5 tornado, brunch was served. To me, the best part of cooking is the plating.

Appetizer 1:
Warm chicken salad bites with lingonberry compote on rye.

Appetizer 2:
Pizzettes w/ mozzarella, tomato and basil (substituted Gorgonzola with mozzarella, since Asians aren't fans of pungent cheeses)


let me know if you want the recipe.

SV Photoshoot

Things have been super busy for me lately. I'm trying to get my website launched by next week. So, basically I have to get all the logistics for that done in order for it to happen. Fingers crossed!
The past 3 days I've been having photo sessions for my bags for the website. I have a bit of photo experience but I'm not at all a professional. Having a minor in digital imaging and photography doesn't mean all that much....sorry to say.
I've always thought I was decent and not having professional equipment and experience clearly lets you know that's why there are professionals out there who get paid $10,000 for a photoshoot. I clearly have little to no financial backing so I have to make due with what I have. I'm glad to do it! I Love this stuff, and learning so much while doing so.
Today was the model shoot and I want to thank Michelle for the multiple outfit changes and being a good sport. She would so win Bay Ridge Brooklyn's Next Top Model.

Image- Michelle sporting The Wingbat in pearl

Spring Awakening....

The nice weather is undeniable. NYC has been having 75 degrees days full of sunshine. I work from home and sometimes I do not leave my apartment for days. I've been lacking some Vitamin D and this nice weather gives me a good opportunity to be outside. Another reason is that I look pasty white and in dire need of some tannage.
Recently for Earth day, I picked up a bit of horticulture. I needed a new hobby so I thought I'd give my green thumb a try. I didn't want to make this one of those expensive hobbies I have ( shopping, photography, and traveling) so I went dumpster diving and found pretty nifty pots and planters. I did have to purchase some soil and bulbs for planting. I've been documenting my progress and it's been going well. I made a small makeshift garden in this courtyard thing behind my apartment. I wanted to put it outside where my front door is but someone stole my Douglas Fir tree. Who steals a tree?! Well, that's what you get for living in the part of Brooklyn I live in.... tree thieves, lots of sweat pants and low rent. Gosh....When did Bay Ridge become the new Idaho? I didn't get the memo.
hmmm..."I didn't get the memo" I seem to be using that phrase a lot lately. You know what? "I didn't get the memo" is the new "Whatever". I'm going to make that happen. Like how I made "Fetch" happen.


I won't tell you what I planted. You'll have to wait for it.

Been Too Long

Dear blog,

Yes, I know. I apologize for neglecting you for months. Working on your own biz-nass takes over everything. Regular work hours goes out the window. Working at least 18 hour days... I'm not making excuses I'm just giving you the low down. Ya herd? Sorry for my appearance as well, I haven't had the time to get a proper hair cut, I'm not blaming it on the lack of time...but when I went to my usual hair dresser, he was no where to be found. So I had to settle for a new guy who seems to have a thing for dull scissors. Since when did " a little off the sides" mean I want to look homeless and have my hair look like it's been hacked away with a butter knife? I didn't get the memo.
Yes, those are bags under my eyes. I should take them with me when I go grocery shopping.....saves on the plastic bags.
Speaking about bags. Production for my first line of bags is a nightmare. The factory seems to have excuses for not making the deadlines time and time again. Get this....during the middle of the run they said my material is too thick and it's breaking all the needles. Oh, so you want me to change the thickness of the canvas? So the canvas that you originally picked out and made a sample that I approved is too thick? So you already made 50 bags with the thick canvas and would like to make the rest of a different canvas? May I ask how I can trick the vendors into overlooking the obvious material change? Oh yea... I CAN'T! Oh what's that? My standards are too high?! Well....sorry to disappoint, but it's not high standards....IT'S COMMON SENSE you f*cktard!
Oh, btw Factory....Remember when I went through all that trouble to send you the Pantone chips of the colors I would like you to make my bags? Also, do you remember you told me you found the colors? Well, I sure do! Make sure you listen to this...The colors you got are not the colors I specified!!!! Not even close! When I say "Pantone 19-3928" and " Pantone 13-0540" I mean "Pantone 19-3928" and " Pantone 13-0540"!!! not just any old blue and any old fugly ass green! Remember the explanation you gave me? You said "oh well since it's a small order, we aren't going to custom dye it for you"....FINE! then next time don't tell me you found it and go a head with the production before you show me the colors! GAHHHH!!!! Because of that debacle... I had to re-design....When a designer has to "re-design" his own designs, it shatters one's confidence and self esteem. Mine was non-existent to begin with already. The word Re-design is a designer's Kryptonite. Btw, so is bad perspective and bad typography.
I have learned a lot from this experience though... I learned that not everyone knows how to read drawings, drafts and measurements. Monkeys can do it but not all homosapians can...I got it now. I also learned that if I want something done right I have to do it myself. Meaning, I have to make the sample myself even if it's taking me a week to shop for materials, patternmake, cut, and sew one bag. I basically made it for you...you just need to copy it with the appropriate materials. You can do that with bootleg LV bags, why can't you do that with mine? Oh..this doesn't me you can knock mine off...you got it? Because, I will find you and cut you.
I've been so run down lately there is not really any optimism left. What's left is a sigh......one of those deep-breathed loud grunting sighs.......

*SIGH*

P.S. Yes, I am working on business cards etc and when I get the bags, I'll photoshoot and put it up on the website. I'm lacking in some serious funds. Working on a summer body, while starving to death doesn't really work. Unless, heroine chic is back in. (for me, it never really left)

P.S.S. Yes, I did spend my grocery money on a pair of kick ass shoes. What! Carin says you can't mess with the power of shoes. If you saw them you would think they are kick ass too! Woot!

KIT

Your homeboy,
Vincent

Proud to be a New Yorker

photo via NYtimes.com

That was the most inspirational super bowl I've ever watched in my entier life!
It was a great game! I'm not saying just because NY Giants won or
because I dislike Tom Brady but because it was a David and Golith match
up!