Toshiki and Maryszka Leather and Shearling Coats

Shearling Cape on the Beach

2012-01-29T18:00:00.000-05:00

One of our new light weight merino shearling capes for spring I shot at the beach on Long Island Sound today.

Nice to wear on a chilly eve waiting for the clams to bake!

What do you think?

Shearlings for the Cold, it's finally here!

2012-01-14T15:13:00.008-05:00

BROWN black brown BlUe bLaCk green brown

BLUE black RED green PurPle blue blue black

BLACK GREEN RED purple EboNy black

black Cappucino PurPle Black Black ReD puRple

Black Black, and more black!

are some of the colors we have available
in stock for immediate delivery in silky merino shearlings,
good for today (20º) or tomorrow (38º!)

phone for info + appointments,
I do private trunk shows in the
New York Metro area

Maryszka 212.475.8324

de Kooning

2012-01-10T22:27:00.004-05:00

I was so happy on friday I had a chance to replenish my soul after a long show/holiday season with not much time for museum hopping,

and see this show before it left town

200 pieces of art, one of the greats, one of my favorites

Inspiration from Life

2011-12-27T22:49:00.001-05:00

Kazuko's birthday, December 25th

Dorian made drinks

Gem made paella

The band played

A good time was had by all

and a cello treat for the grand finale, impromptu by Fredricka

Back in the Studio!

2011-12-15T20:38:00.005-05:00

for the winter season, our shearlings are

sold exclusively at

Yuta Powell

967 Madison Ave @ 76th St.

New York, N.Y.

Happy Holidays!

CraftBoston!

2011-12-05T22:38:00.003-05:00

We finish up the year in the chilly city of Boston,

where shearling coats are a necessity!

Get yourself ready, winter is around the corner.

We will have a nice selection in booth #613

CraftBoston

The show is fine quality, set in the beautiful Cyclorama on Tremont St.

show info link

directions and parking

Over Two Rivers and Thru the Woods!

2011-11-29T22:24:00.002-05:00

Packing up the shearlings to take to the show!

and

I have to say, an enjoyable show to see and shop,

with kind of a "something for everybody"

atmosphere, from our shearling coats

to gift shopping in all ranges

info

Craft Westport this weekend!

2011-11-17T22:43:00.002-05:00

Come try on some silky soft shearling!

Booth B205

Toshiki and Maryszka

New pieces + some at "sample sale" pricing!

click for more info

Toshiki and Maryszka, early work

2011-11-09T22:32:00.002-05:00

When Toshiki and I met thirty years ago, I was a weaver, he, a designer.

We immediately began using my fabrics to design and make jackets, slowly started trimming

them in leather, adding leather sleeves, and evolving from that.

If you had seen us at a craft show back then, these are some of

the pieces you may have seen. And a few of our "collectors" still have

and are wearing pieces from that era, the early '80's.

The red, black & white woven jacket with the black leather edging was our first collaboration.

Frank Mason, open studio

2011-11-06T21:09:00.001-05:00

Saturday afternoon I had the pleasure of being invited by my college friend, the artist Gregory Crane, to an open studio of who he considers his best teacher and closest mentor, Frank Mason. Frank's wife Anne was gracious

in opening the studio in conjunction with the NYC premiere of

"A Light in the Dark: The Art & Life of Frank Mason"

at the Big Apple Film Festival. The studio, on the top floors of a building on the corner of Broome & Mulberry in Little Italy, is also the home of Cafe Roma. I was able to snap some photos, the studio much the same as it was in all the

years Frank lived and worked there. Frank Mason passed away on June 16th, 2009.

Craft2Wear

2011-10-22T20:50:00.001-04:00

The Smithsonian wearable show kicked off last night with a preview event. Beautiful live models circled the floor and stood like mannequins on pedestals. Here is one wearing our long blue shearling with inverted whipstitched darts.
The well attended opening led into a busy Saturday, and Sunday is your last chance.
Craft2Wear
a benefit put on by the women's committe of the Smithsonian Institution
Held at the National Building Museum
401 F St
Washington DC
Sunday 10 am-5pm

www.craft2wear.smithsonian.org

Craft2Wear at the Smithsonian Institution

2011-10-19T19:32:00.001-04:00

We have been invited to participate with this group of elite wearable artists in a major fundraiser for the Smithsonian Institution. Get a chance to purchase in real time from

those creating our heritage, with proceeds from all admissions and portions of all sales

going to a Museum that preserves our heritage, one of our National Treasures, The

Smithsonian Institution. Thanks to the hard working Women's Committee who make this

happen every fall.

Westchester Fine Craft Show

2011-10-14T09:10:00.000-04:00

On my way to exhibit our shearling collection at the only show of this caliber in the metro New York Area.

Go to www.craftsamericashows.com

White Plains County Center
Friday-Sunday

Maryszka

Shearling Coats in Bright Colors

2011-10-08T08:58:00.001-04:00

With the evening temps at the frost level it is time to think about keeping warm, and we hope we have designed coats to accomplish this on a functional and emotional level. Come tell us what you think, booth 919, Paradise City Arts, Northampton this weekend thru Monday.

Paradise City, Northampton

2011-10-07T08:26:00.001-04:00

On my way on this beautiful morning to set up the booth in Northamton Ma at a wonderful event. Please come see our shearling collection in booth 919.

Maryszka

Fashions Night Out

2011-09-20T20:48:00.002-04:00

Finally getting to report on this years Fashion's Night Out, the third, and hopefully not the final. We began the afternoon at Bendel's, that did a lovely job hosting vendors from the Hester Street Fair on the mezzanine. Uptown loves downtown.

They also had work from their illustrator for sale, quite reasonably.

Just an interesting room.

Hopped a bus to catch a few things downtown, and on Lafayette St. someone had invested heavily in zip ties to colorfully wrap a pole.

First stop, Partner's and Spade, doing a Buddy Holly birthday party with the very cool eyeglass company Warby Parker, and a lot of good looking people.

The door"man" at Patricia Field's wouldn't let us in with tote bags, so we took turns to get in and get our interesting goodie bags.

Veselka, and East Village institution partnered with Patricia Field around the corner to launch their new restaurant on First Street, a private party, but we got in. Great herbal infused Polish vodka cocktails, waiters passing Borscht and hors d'oeuvre potatoe pancakes. Yummy, this was great, and I will definitely be a customer.

After a wait at Prada where the band was late, we left to go back uptown, because Bergdorf's windows were soooooo good last year. They did not disappoint.
It was all about clothes. The maid was hanging laundry.

The girls were knitting.

Someone telling fortunes among her threads, of the next trend?

Next to Louis Vuitton, the girls were marching

An artist was painting in the logo

Ended our night at a great party at the OC Concept store on Madison, where everything was Swiss, delicious and beautiful. Stay tuned, this is all just a snippet. I will add more on whim.

Shearling Pea Coat

2011-08-24T23:41:00.001-04:00

New for fall, 2011. First showing this weekend. Toshiki and Maryszka shearling coats and jackets, booth 54 at the American Craft Expo.

American Craft Expo

2011-08-24T23:13:00.001-04:00

We, along with over 150 of the best craft artists in the country arrived at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston Il, to set up our booths.
Tune in tomorrow to see the transformation from this scene.

The Importance of Craft

2011-08-09T09:06:00.000-04:00

I think it was in 2008 a friend said to me, "I've decided all my purchases are going to be from business's I want to see continue...."

I will leave you with a quote also from artisan Dianne Muller, and you can see more artisans perspectives on this page, and hope to see you at The Berkshire Craft Show this weekend.

Dick and Diane Muller

By purchasing something from an artist/craftsperson, one allows that person to continue in their field. This means they are in the position to inspire others to take up the same craft or at least be exposed to craft, which may awaken their “inner artist”. I have always been struck by the Japanese identifying great artists as national treasures…it seems to me we should be doing that here as well.

www.dickmullerleather.com

Shearling at The Berkshire Craft Fair, Tax Free Weekend!

2011-08-08T10:39:00.001-04:00

Ok, you've been to Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow, Shakespeare & Co., Mass MOCA, The Norman Rockwell Museum, The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum........you've hiked and canoed, and eaten soooo much fresh good food...........but let's face it, we all love shopping therapy.

So have you been to The Berkshire (fine) Craft Fair?

It is happening this coming weekend, which happens to be TAX FREE! (sat & sun).
So now is a good time to support American hand made.

And Neel, the artistic director has just announced that there are 36 new artists exhibiting this year, so don't miss out!

I will be there with our collection of Toshiki and Maryszka shearlings, in booth 88.

The show benefits the wonderful Monument Mountain Highschool.

The Berkshires, so much to do!

2011-08-07T12:09:00.005-04:00

It seems that those who come to this area of Western Massachusetts, come expecting to leave enriched culturally and well fed with excellent food. I know that the many customers who have purchased a Toshiki and Maryszka shearling at The Berkshire Craft Show are always telling me where they have been, and what they are about to do on their weekend, always with a twinkle in their eye!

So how to get the most out of your weekend? There are a number of blogs and websites to inform you. One is The Berkshires, and I was so happy to see that they had the show listed on their calender. Another is The Berkshire View.

Why not make it a weekend of fine craft, come to the show and then visit some of the local galleries that support various mediums in American hand made.

The Ferrin Gallery, in Pittsfield.

Sienna Gallery in Lenox.

(They have a page on their site with lots of good information.)

And when you come to The Craft Show, don't forget to talk to some of the artists that live in the area, like Dick and Dianne Muller, Ann Brauer all from not too far away Shelburne Falls.

Word of mouth is alway the best way to get new ideas.

Any comments here are also welcome.

Spread the word on things you love in the area.

Berkshire Crafts Fair

Celebrating High Quality Crafts for 38 years

August 12th, 13th, 14th 10am-5pm Air Condiitioned $7.00 age 12 and under free

In Other News

Now in its 38th year, the Berkshire Crafts Fair will return to Monument Mountain Regional High School. The fair will showcase the work of 89 artists (36 new), carefully selected by jury for the quality and variety of their offerings. Visitors can expect a wide array of products and prices in each category of craft, from contemporary and traditional jewelry, to furniture, ceramics, textiles, glassware, and more. One hallmark of the fair is its breadth: the exhibition and sale draws master artisans from California to Florida to Maine. Visitors can see these artists at work on August 13th, or Demonstration Day, with thirty minute crafts demonstrations scheduled throughout the afternoon.

The Berkshire Craft Show

2011-08-06T10:45:00.005-04:00

After a few months of gardening, swimming, and much work in the studio, we are packing up our shearling collection and hitting the road. Our first stop is a gem of a show in Great Barrington Massachusetts, home to such cultural institutions as Tanglewood (Boston Symphony summer home, + more), and Jacob's Pillow.

This small show which is a fundraiser for Monument Mountain High School, is in its 38 year and has been growing in importance in the fine craft scene. In a wonderful realaxed small setting you will be able to see some of the top talent in the country like basket maker Joanne Russo and clothing designer Sally Jones. Don't miss it!

Click for Info

Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show

2011-07-21T11:24:00.011-04:00

Fall schedule is filling up and looking very busy, so keep posted as I update our show schedule page on the website, and here on the blog.

We are excited to be part of the Craft2Wear show at the Smithsonian Institution this year in Washington D.C.

October dates allow for timely purchase of your dream shearling coat.

It looks like a good group of artists, so if you are in this area, don't miss it!

You can follow them on Facebook for up to date info.

Advance Chance Preview Party: October 21, 5:30-8:30 pm

Show dates: October 22-23, 10-5

click here for info

Ardis James, Quilt Collector, dies

2011-07-17T10:57:00.005-04:00

My mother was a quilter and I have always been, as have many of my friends, a "fabric addict". I don't know why, but when we go into fabric shops, or in my youth the mill outlets in New England with my Mom, our hearts pound a little faster and the irresistable urge to come home with a new pattern or color and the tactile experience completely overtakes us.

So I enjoyed reading the Obit today of Ardis James in the New York Times. Not only was she a fabric addict but a collector who established the Quilt Study Center & Museum at the University of Nebraska. I can't wait to visit it!

Any of my modern quilt artist friends in her collection?

Below, Robert and Ardis James in a photo from the Times article

Chris Ma

The Highline

2011-06-30T12:24:00.006-04:00

Last weekend I got to walk The Highline, and walk the newly opened section 2. The park is a wonderful New York experience, it doesn't seem like a it should be a big deal walking it, now from 14th st. to 30th st., but it is. It makes you stop and take in views you normally wouldn't. I remember somehow Toshiki and I gaining access about 30 years ago when it was an abandoned railway overgrown with weeds, and even then thinking it was magical.

We have had a lot of rain recently, and the wild flowers were magnificent.

Even the gone by ones, at dusk.

The birdhouses are sleek and modern, quite fitting to the neighborhood, but apparently still unoccupied. Must be the rent is just too damn high!

Unless you get there today, you will miss the first in this billboard series "Landscape with Path". This first piece by Joel Sternfeld, is a view of railroad in May of 2000.

Shadows of people walking The Highline on a building just east of it.

Another sunset, and we reach 30th as night falls, and Rainbow City, a place for kids to play.

American Craft Exposition

2011-06-15T10:32:00.003-04:00

Again this year we will be kicking off our busy season by showing our new designs in shearling at The American Craft Expo, in Evanston, Il, a suburb of Chicago. It is a great show, benefiting a great cause, and cheers to the committee ladies who do a great job organizing it.

Here is a video that will give you a sampling of what you may see, besides our work,

at the show. Follow their blog for updates.

http://americancraftexposition.wordpress.com/

Savage Beauty

2011-06-13T22:41:00.003-04:00

Fashion, art, performance, couture, philosophy, poetry.

Modern yet traditional.

Beyond.

It is once in a blue moon that an Alexander McQueen is born.

To be able to see a body of his work at the Metropolitan Museum of

Art, an honor, in inspiration, a humbling experience.

Jurors and committees that arrange shows of Fine Craft, heads up!

Look for this talent in our world, and make sure they are shown.

And to the public, don't settle for the mediocre when you come to

these shows; expect to be stimulated, to leave with more than you

walked in with.

Big Buongirono

2011-06-04T13:02:00.003-04:00

I always try to catch shows on the roof of the Met, which is one of my favorite places in New York to be. The view changes with each installation. Last fall my childhood friend who is an avid hiker from Boulder Colorado came to visit, and it was a perfect place to take her.

I just read in the NY Times this week that the artists, Mike and Doug Starn, are doing it again over the Grand Canal in Venice for the Biennale. Wish I could go!

Here it was in New York.

And here is my favorite reflecting wall to fool around taking pictures of the art and me!

The Art Quilt Gallery in New York

2011-05-24T10:33:00.004-04:00

The other day I was out getting supplies, and I happened upon a very nice quilt show at a new space, The Art Quilt Gallery on 25th St. The Inagural show of Daphne Taylor's "Quilt Drawings" was impressive. Come in soon, show ends May 28th, but by the taste and

quality of this show, this new gallery will be on my radar to watch.

Art on Air

2011-05-20T14:25:00.004-04:00

This past tuesday on a very grey and foggy evening in lower Manhattan, I was able to attend the 6th face off in the Moral Kombat

musical challenge, to see which artist "wins" being the more Moral performer.

Held at the Clocktower Gallery, to be broadcast on Art on Air, this was a duel between sound artist G Lucas Crane (Nonhorse), and jazz virtuoso Daniel Carter, judged by "the machine".

Pondering the moment, artist Gregory Crane and son G Lucas

G Lucas and Daniel, face to face, pre duel

The winner Daniel, but in my opinion, one was as important as the other

Crafts at Lyndhurst

2011-04-27T21:53:00.003-04:00

With spring already here and summer will go by in a wiz, fall is just around the corner and then winter already and you dread it because you never found a nice

warm coat that made you happy and warm. Last spring at Crafts at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown NY I met lots of customers in plan ahead mode, (even thou it was a 90 degree fluke weekend).

This weekend the weather will be beautiful, so please stop by our booth B201 in the

big tent, where we will be with our shearling collection, for orders made to measure, new stock, plus a spring sale rack!

Print this for $1.00 of admission.

(only one discount permitted, may not be combined)

Lynn Dell on Style

2011-04-22T11:37:00.006-04:00

Accessories + a really beautiful shearling coat?

Last chance for this year, and I promise it will be worth your

while, Crafts at Lyndhurst,next weekend,featuring our Spring Sale!

The Smithsonian Craft Show, The Jury Process

2011-04-12T12:52:00.005-04:00

It is the time of the year again for one of the handful of fine craft shows in this country, The Smithsonian Craft Show, that draws an attendance of people who come and BUY what they perceive is quality work, simply because it is being exhibited at this show, or shows like it, which can be a false perception. This also goes for prizes given at all shows, which may or may not be the best work, but those artists make sales based on this false perception of what is good.

Every year artists need to apply to be juried into these shows, by submitting 5 photographs of their work, and rely on the jury the show has chosen to be knowledgeable enough to make good choices, based on craftsmanship, integrity of design and so forth. This is difficult, as I have noticed artists that get in on 5 pretty decent looking slides, and then you go to their website and see shopping carts where you can purchase a bunch of stuff for $39 and you know they are not making it, perhaps even importing it. Yet it is perceived to be good work at fine craft shows, because it is there. Is this fair to the public?

And if you don't make the jury cut, your livelihood suffers tremendously, as the number of shows that attracts this kind of clientele is so few.

Sometimes the show committees puts a charge to the jury to find "new exhibitors", as they want a fresh show. This is fine if the work qualifies, but often times a more seasoned craftsman would be the better choice. Dianne Muller said it well in a comment on The Berkshire Craft Fair website.

"By purchasing something from an artist/craftsperson, one allows that person to continue in their field. This means they are in the position to inspire others to take up the same craft or at least be exposed to craft, which may awaken their “inner artist”. I have always been struck by the Japanese identifying great artists as national treasures…it seems to me we should be doing that here as well."

So of course, as leather designers running a small studio as we do, it is frustrating that we have only been chosen to exhibit at The Smithsonian 3 times in our 30 year career. The work we so carefully make is totally represented in the slides we submit, and am proud to say I think we do a pretty good job at our craft. Any challengers?

So what do you think? Should show committees, juries, prize judges be more accountable to let American Craft be truly represented if that is what their shows are selling?

Should the process be more in depth, going beyond the 5 photos that may be taken only for "jury slides"; such as studio visits, website visits? Have the jury take notes at the show to put in a national database, a "National Treasure" database, where all jurors of all shows can go for reference?

We are a young country, still developing our culture.

How do we want to be studied in the future?

craftNewYork

2011-03-31T09:31:00.004-04:00

We will be showing our newest work in shearling at craftNewYork which is debuting in New York this weekend. We are especially excited about a piece we have just finished, a long napalan coat, trimmed in gold and black tape, hood and cuffs edged in a curly shearling. Come try it on in booth D05!

We will be showing alongside some of the best talent in the country, and I have already had phone calls from out of town clients coming to this new important show, a quality in Craft New York has not seen before. Don't miss it!

CraftNEWYORK THIS WEEKEND! Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

CraftNEWYORK
Show and Sale for the Benefit of CERF+
(Craft Emergency Relief Fund + Artists’ Emergency Resources)
7W New York, 34th Street at Fifth Avenue
Between 5th & 6th Avenues across from the Empire State Building

This Weekend!
APRIL 1, 2, 3, 2011
Fri. 3pm to 8pm • Sat. 10am to 6pm • Sun. 11am to 5pm

CraftNEWYORK
CraftNEWYORK has brought together 100 internationally renowned American Craft artists in support of a most vital charitable arts organization, CERF+. The inaugural exhibit and sale is a must see for anyone interested in the finest American craft being made today and will feature artists producing one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces. Net profits from admissions will benefit CERF+.

“These particular artists show us why America is at the pinnacle of the craft movement. In turn they continue the tradition, they set the standard, and they push the envelope.” Jeff Sobel, past president of Artrider Productions Inc.

CraftNEWYORK NEWS!

DOUBLE DONATIONS
CERF+ has received a generous matching grant from theWINGATE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION. The foundation will contribute $100,000 if CERF+ can raise $200,000. Your CraftNEWYORK ticket admissions and donations to BENEFIT IN A BOOTH will contribute to this goal.

ART FOR CERF
Mixed media artist LAURA BALOMBINI has created a sculpture dedicated to CERF+. Laura’s innovative approach to polymer has spurred a rexamination of the media. The proceeds from the sale of this exceptional piece will go to CERF+.

BENEFIT IN A BOOTH
Make sure to watch for the BENEFIT IN A BOOTH signs in select exhibitors’ booths. These artists have identified a piece in their booth that, if it sells, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to CERF+.

BEST OF SHOW
DAVID REVERE MCFADDEN, Chief Curator and Vice President for Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Arts and Design will present the BEST OF SHOW award on Friday evening.

NEW YORK CREATES
The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) foundedNYCreates to assist craft and folk artists and artisans in enhancing the income they receive practicing their art, thereby bringing greater economic progress to them and to their communities. It is modeled on HandMade in America, a highly successful project that has revitalized communities in rural North Carolina by assisting that region's many talented craft artists. NYCreates will have an informational booth and display of curated works from craft and folk artists and artisans from the five boroughs of New York City.

MORE . . .

The diversity and range of work will delight and speak to anyone interested in handmade, quality work that includes wearable art, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper and wood.

Visitors will have the chance to see studio furniture by Michael Puryear whose designs imbue “shibui”, the Japanese term for simple elegance; exquisite iridescent glazed vessels by Hideaki Miyamura; intimate bronze objects by Laura Baring-Gouldwho regularly works on large-scale public sculptures and ephemeral museum installations; sumptuous textiles byRandall Darwall, a studio fiber artist working with methods and dye techniques not possible in commercial production; abaca pulp paper lighting and illuminated sculpture by Riki Moss; contemporary Netsuke by Janel Jacobson; innovative beaded jewelry by The Art of Beadword author Valerie Hector; and Abstract Expressionist hand-dyed quilts by Judith Lazelere, among others.

DETAILS
CraftNEWYORK
7W NEW YORK
7 West 34th Street, 11th Floor
Between 5th and 6th Avenues across from the Empire State Building

Friday, April 1 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15,
Seniors 62 and over are $12
Students and under 18 are free
Net proceeds from admission go to CERF+
Cash and checks only accepted for admissions

For a complete list of exhibitors and photographs of their work go to www.craftnewyork.com

CERF+’s (Craft Emergency Relief Fund + Artists’ Emergency Resources) mission is to safeguard and sustain the careers of craft artists and to provide emergency resources and services that benefit all artists. CERF+ is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and is the only one of its kind in the United States. CERF+ accomplishes its mission through direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance. CERF+ also advocates, engages in research, and backs policy that supports artists’ careers.

Artrider Productions Inc. has produced arts events since 1982 and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the craft and arts communities, raising thousands of dollars for CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund + Artists' Emergency Resources), the Guilford Art Center and more than $3 million for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In addition to CraftNewYork, Artrider produces CraftWestport for the Westport Young Woman’s League, the Guilford Craft Expo for the Guilford Art Center, Crafts at Lyndhurst for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and CraftMorristown.

Laura Balombini

Hideaki Miyamura

Emanuela Aureli

Michael Puryear

Starr Hagenbring

Leora Brecher

Ray Jones

Mark Del Giudice

David Bryce

Randall Darwall

Like us on facebook

www.craftnewyork.com

You have applied to an Artrider event in the past.

Unsubscribe m@veryspecialjackets.com from this list.

Our mailing address is:

Artrider Productions Inc

PO Box 28

Woodstock, New York 12498

Add us to your address book

Moma, friday night

2011-03-26T20:57:00.005-04:00

I love Target free fridays at Moma.

From the twenty minute line to check your coat (great things overheard, watching

the animated guy that tells you to get on line A, B, or C)

to whatever you may run into that you didn't plan on seeing.

In this case it was Looking at Music 3.0, which I spent a lot of time at sitting on couches

watching videos like Grace Jones, or listening on headphones to early Jay Z or Run DMC, whose DefJam recording studio used to be on our block on Elizabeth St. back in the day.

Then there was this room, and I am sorry I missed the artists name.

Reminiscent of Marcel Duchamps The Large Glass in format, computer parts were assembled to a graphic image. I liked the figures present in the room.

A little Pop Art

Some industrial design

A large Louise Nevelson, also lived in our neighborhood back in the day

Next post will be about the next show we are exhibiting in, NEXT WEEKEND, CraftNewYork at 7W!

Upcoming Show

2011-03-15T21:17:00.003-04:00

The automobile + trailer are packed and we are heading up to Massachusetts to

exhibit our work in shearling at the Paradise City Fair of Fine and Functional Art

in Marlborough.

The show has a variety of work from photography to fashion, and with live music and

a cafe it is a very nice way to spend your day and stimulate all your senses.

Below is a full length version of our popular style Tucked Jacket.

I am calling this the Opera Coat. It will debut at the Marlborough show.

This is also a new direction we are taking. A little difficult to see here, as it is black on black, exposing the wool side next to the suede side of the shearling and trimmed in a shiny lambskin with frogs so you have a real play on black textures.

Below is a very supple napa finished shearling we used in our Tucked Jacket.

This is a detail shot of a belt we did on a long napalan shearling coat. Guess you will have to come to the show this weekend to see more! Booth #156.

Art at the Beach

2011-03-12T22:07:00.002-05:00

I was on a search to find THE parking garage in South Beach last week,

and there it was.

1111 Lincoln Rd.

$65 Million.

Boutiques.

3 Restaurants + Residences.

Awards.

And fun to watch the cars come down!

Farther down Lincoln Rd. we ran into the ARTCENTER/SOUTH FLORIDA, with lots

of emerging artist studios. I was taken by the work of Natasha Duwin, an

artist in residence there.

And a big fan and long time shopper in Keihl's Pharmacy in New York, I had

to love their Lincoln Rd. store. Had all my products with me thou.

Every morning we scoured the internet, Zagat's, Yelp, Open Table, to see what dinner

would be, plus lots of recommendations from friends. We decided to try this Haitian

place close to our hotel, and it was great. Loved the food, loved the decor, loved the staff. Perfect, my kind of place for a casual nite out.

Tap Tap.

a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eVOk4-p5O_-fFJfYfrQUUw?feat=embedwebsite">

Fozzie's New Collar

2011-02-01T20:34:00.008-05:00

Our rescue dog Fozzie, of "Napping Fozzie" fame, just got a new Toshiki and Maryszka lambskin and shearling collar, which Toshiki actually spent a few long nights in the studio making. Up until this point Fozzie had been wearing a red bandana and a hand me down leash. I think he looks really good in red, and it matches his snow boots.

And it has a nice secure place to attach his leash (not that he needs one as he is always at Toshiki's heels), and he can sport his id tag from the vet for safety! (a a little Daruma charm for luck!)

Even though he is currently at almost 300,000 YouTube views, and 2nd in popularity on

Yahoo Japan in ALL categories, Fozzie remains unfazed by the fame, and is usually doing what he does best, napping!

Pintuck Coat

2011-01-22T20:39:00.002-05:00

We just finished our first full length version of our shearling

pin tuck coat for a customer in Soho. It fit her so well and is

such a cheerful color I hope it makes this very cold winter's

miserableness in New York disappear for her!

Distractions

2011-01-18T17:28:00.002-05:00

Well it is a really nasty day, wet cold rain, melting all our snow, so we are so glad to have a major distraction, watching the dog we adopted when Toshiki found him roaming the streets, in really bad shape, no owner came forth, become an internet sensation!

Our friend did the video at a party doggie was very comfortable at!

He is so cuddly and cute and makes us feel warmer every day he is hanging around our studio, and I guess his real life stuffed animal quality makes everyone in cyberspace want to give him a great big hug!

Fonda Nolita

2010-12-28T21:25:00.002-05:00

Who wants to join me next tuesday for lunch at the Tacombi in the neighborhood?

How could the food be anything but GREAT!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T09:56:00.002-05:00

If you have a Toshiki and Maryszka coat, our assistant of

fifteen years, Rose, has been at our sides to make it happen.

Her skilled hands, and "let's get it done" attitude are just

what we need to keep the wheels rolling. Of course our silky

terrier Halle, and our new rescue dog Totoro, are the real

morale boosters!

So Happy Holidays to all from our team!

Toshiki and Maryszka

Our Booth

2010-12-10T17:14:00.000-05:00

We are set up and in full swing in the south end of Boston at the Cyclorama on Tremont St. The show is Craft Boston, open sat 10-6 and sun 11-5.
See our work on booth 613!

Craft Boston

2010-12-07T09:30:00.002-05:00

Finishing up, packing the car, off to Boston. Craft Boston at the historic

Cyclorama will be held this weekend. Preview is thursday night, open to the

public friday thru sunday. It is chilly outside, and a nice soft merino

shearling coat will I promise make your winter more bearable!

See Toshiki and Maryszka shearling coats in booth 613. Last show of 2010!

From craft boston

I'll Crane for You

2010-12-01T16:00:00.003-05:00

Sunday evening I went to an interesting performance at my friend Antonia's loft.

I'll Crane for You, choreographed by Deborah Hay, adapted by Lynn Marie Ruse, who performed with a sound score by Eric Hubel, and with a film by Aeric Meredith-Goujon.

Costume by Cynthia Ruse and Lynne Marie Ruse.

For more information on this project and more, see www.freefallnyc.org

WiReD Pop Up Shop/NOHO

2010-11-29T17:53:00.004-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I was taking a nap on the couch, and just happened to check foursquare on my iphone. Glad I did. I had completely forgotten about the WiRed Pop Up store happening a few blocks away. Open till December 26th, Broadway at 4th st.

(remember Tower Records?)

Lot's of geeky stuff for holiday shopping.

It's fun to see what is out there, and thought maybe some woodworker friends would like this keyboard.

I liked this eyepad case, which looked like it would accomodate plug ins better than the one I have.

I might get Toshiki this nap pod chair for Christmas, except he would never get out of it!

One on line watch shop let you try on the watches to see how you look in them, but of course people were goofing around.

These wall mount ipad cases would be good for the kitchen. The orange one is perfect for mineI

Santa, are you listening? I want this.

How cool this would look parked next to the Airstream out in Montauk, and perfect

for going into town for groceries!

Kina Crow

2010-11-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

If you haven't seen the work of Kina Crow, you should come to the Washington Craft Show this weekend. At the convention center near Mt Vernon Place.

And by the way, our collection of Toshiki and Maryszka shearling coats are in booth 416

Cheers, Philadelphia Museum of Art!

2010-11-15T02:19:00.005-05:00

It's 2 am and I can't sleep.

We just returned home from the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, where for

4 days and one night at the preview event, we exhibited our designs in shearling.

The Women's Committee of the museum for which this is a major fundraiser, once again

did an incredible job of producing the most elegant show of fine craft in the country.

Toshiki and I have been working, living, laughing together for almost 30 years, and I just wanted to say great job done to each other and to the rest of the

great talent we were honored to be in the company of.

Now on to Washington!

Good morning Philadelphia!

2010-11-13T08:44:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful day! Come to the convention center today (10-6) or tomorrow (10-5) to see and meet the best talent in America and the guest German artists participating in the show. We are showing our shearling coats in booth 715. Still a few slots left for special orders for delivery before the holidays but they are going fast.
See you there!

The Philadelphia Craft Show

2010-11-11T09:56:00.001-05:00

The opening party, as usual, was fabulous. And sales were good!
Please visit us in booth 715 to place an order for the shearling coat of your dreams,
Custom sizing and trims, limited edition work done in our Long Island studio.

Show is open to the public today thru Sunday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Below is the best bartender at the show, Juwan, that I have gotten to know over the years when I photograph the incredible floral display behind him

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show

2010-11-07T15:44:00.005-05:00

I was cleaning the office last night and came across this, which I really can't remember what it was, but guessing our daughter and I were goofing around making a birthday card for Toshiki. Created a number of years ago (his 40th!), and I guess we were wait listed for the show that year. Sonia is modeling her "Healthy Angels" motorcycle jacket he had made for her.

Well this year, and many years, we are lucky enough to be juried into the show, which is next week! I hope you can come to this fabulous show, we will be showing our collection of shearling coats in booth 715!

PMA Craft, for info.

Lit Up!

2010-10-21T23:04:00.002-04:00

You Tube Play:at the Guggenheim/my pix

callibration

Their film: Oh, to have been inside!

The White Plains County Center

2010-10-16T11:28:00.000-04:00

A wonderful crisp fall breeze cleared my head and made for a beautiful sky on my walk from the metro north station to the show this morning.

Toshiki and Maryszka shearling coats, The Westchester Craft Show, today till 6, tomorrow 11-5. Hope you visit is in booth 35.

Kari Lonning, Basketmaker

2010-10-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

Proud to say she is my friend, blogger, twitterer, and basket maker extrodinare, Kari Lonning has a booth near me this weekend at The Westchester Craft Show in White Plains NY.

Known worldwide for her subtly coloured double wall construction baskets, they are truly collectors pieces.

The Westchester Craft Show

2010-10-15T08:47:00.000-04:00

The show is all set up and looks fabulous, across the board. The nor'easter expected didn't amount to much so traveling won't be a problem.

See my last post for links to info

Maryszka

The Westchester Craft Show

2010-10-14T08:54:00.001-04:00

Fall is in the air, and it is a perfect time to shop our shearling collection. We will be at a fabulous show this weekend, friday thru sunday, at the White Plains County Center. At The Westchester Craft Show, you will also see the best talent in the country in a wide range of media and creativity.

This show is New York metro area's finest show of this kind , and VERY accessible from New York City. From Grand Central Station, take Metro North to White Plains. The 15 minute walk to the County Center makes you feel like you are having a day in the country, even in busy White Plains! Or take a short cab ride, always waiting at the station, if you are not up to the walk.

Across the street from the County Center is The City Limits Diner. Their excellent and varied menu is always a treat, and Andre Leon Talley is spotted there often, and we know he has good taste!

Hope to see you there

New York is a Stage

2010-10-07T21:23:00.004-04:00

On September 10th New York solidified it's very own holiday. Fashion, creativity, partying, competing to be the best, the most innovative. While we certainly did not see even a tenth of what was going on that night, of what we did see I have to give my prize to the windows of Bergdorf Goodman, each one hosting a different performer, a vignette, an imagination......Top honors to Joey Arias and the Dream Music Orchestra.

Joey sang all the old classics, and really captivated the audience and we were all waiting on line to get into the store. After Joey, I guess karaoke with the Olsen twins would have been ok, but we decided to move on.

and the dream music orchestra (marionettes), you just couldn't believe you were here

and you absolutely couldn't take your eyes off them.

Another window had a hair stylist............

and one with a Motown thing going on........................

these chicks just kept spinning more hair, very Baroque

this guy kept pouring hot wax (Biba was mesmerized by this one!)

These two girls were hanging out in the same window. The blonde periodically tattooed the outfit, the little one was handling the dummies

Well this is my last post on Fashion's Night Out, which is almost a month ago already.

We did head back downtown after this, and around midnight finally got some food.

More Fun Uptown!

2010-10-03T21:25:00.005-04:00

After the party at The Four Seasons we wound up at Chanel where THE Karl Lagerfeld was holding court upstairs and making his way thru a crowd of fans, probably to another event.

(Just for fun, also check out the animation on his own website, scroll over it!)

It was at Chanel that I first saw Marcello Martinez, all decked out. I didn't actually meet him until a week later when we both happened to be in Central Park watching Madonna directing her next film, W.E.

By now we had been out for a while and were starving, so when we peeked into Louis Vuitton and saw all the waiters we immediately thought FOOD!, but they broke into a

chorus line performance, serving up handbags.

Always the unexpected on FNO!

My next post will be devoted to the best performance of the evening in my opinion. The windows at Bergdorfs.

Partners and Spade, FNO continued

2010-09-30T21:58:00.007-04:00

Described as on outsider fashion event, the design team Partners and Spade on Great Jones St. in Noho said, "We will be hosting one of a kind wearable items, hand made by people not in the fashion industry".

why were there so many very fashionable people there at the unfashion event?

Then for a little culture shock, took the 6 train to a Friends of Fashion cocktail party at The Four Seasons to get into the uptown mood.

stop back saturday for Chanel,Louis Vuitton and more uptown!

The Black Carnival

2010-09-29T23:25:00.005-04:00

The Black Carnival on Bond Street was very low key, and very, very, cool.

This guy on stilts was fabulous, so quietly creeping around the neighborhood.

Got just a small clip of him........greeting passers by

The other event we liked there was photo booth. We did a couple of them. Wish I could find the print.........

Tomorrow,

"Fashion Outsiders Fashions Night Out"

Fashion's Night Out, 2010

2010-09-28T19:55:00.005-04:00

I have been going nonstop since early september, and haven't had a chance to

post much, so I am promising to catch up with things I don't want to forget.

The 2nd to be annual event, Fashion's Night Out happened on September 10th,

worldwide, but I was lucky enough to be in New York City.

The shops outdid themselves and it was a blast, again.

Today's post is about starting out the night at the Ace Hotel in Chelsea,

where Opening Ceremony was hosting a French Flea Market.

The line wasn't too bad at 5:30 when my friend and I started out.

There were about a dozen quirky booths, and the ambience was a buzz.

If you bought a wool beret from a roving vendor, you got a free stick on mustache.

I saw them all over town as the night wore on!

Stripe Tee's I guess are very French and the item to have

To be worn with Keds, I guess!

My friend Biba was considering some shoes.

Tomorrow's post: Bond St. Black Carnival

The Twin Towers

2010-09-11T20:59:00.004-04:00

In the early '80's we had a once a month gallery called "Initial Exposure", out of our loft on Elizabeth St. Essentially they were "openings" only, as we had to live and work out of the same space. Toshiki's photographer friend, Kyoshiro Yoda, had stayed with us for a month while he took pictures around the city, so at the January show that year we showed his work. He left us the prints when he went back to Japan.

This one has always been especially dear to me. Back when the Twin Towers were first built, on a beach created from digging the foundation, before it was all built up and landscaped.

There was also something called "Art on the Beach", with installations you could wander around. It was a pretty great time for us.

We were young, creative, inventing the Toshiki and Maryszka label,

and drinking up the city and all it had to offer.

So on this 9/11, a remembrance to all.

Fashions Night Out, NYC

2010-09-07T22:13:00.008-04:00

My friend, jewelry designer Biba Schutz and I are gearing up for the second annual Fashion's Night Out in NYC. There are hundreds of things to do, cocktails and treats everywhere, shopping........the whole city became a party last year, as you can see in my blog post.

This year we will start at Opening Ceremony, head down to Great Jones Street for a fashion outsider party at Partners and Spade, then uptown.

First stop there will be at my friend Kathleen Beckett's Friends of Fashion party at the Four Seasons Hotel. She alway's showcases some great designer's, and welcomes us to spread the word about this one!

KATHLEEN BECKETT

Invites you to join her as

THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW YORK

Salutes

FRIENDS OF FASHION

FASHIONS NIGHT OUT

Friday, September 10, 6-10 pm

The Garden at the Four Seasons Hotel New York, 57 E. 57^th Street

The Four Seasons Hotel hosts Friends of Fashion on the night that is close to our heart: Fashions’ Night Out. Come enjoy complimentary wine, Champagne and hors d’ouevres. Meet three of our favorite fashion finds:

Llorraine Neithardt and her fabulous one-of-a-kind shoes (like the shoe art she created for Hilary Swank in PS:I Love You)
Evan Ross and Frock, his outstanding vintage collection that’s the go-to resource for red carpet dressing for Julia Roberts, SJP, Maggie Gyllenhaal, etc.
Jane Pincus and the cool hats she helps create with Molly Yestadt for Yestadt Millinery, the hand-made hat-makers for Rihanna, Daphne Guinness, and the runways of Thom Browne and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

As always at Friends of Fashion parties,

10% of purchases goes to help the fashion industry,

while 90% goes directly to the designers.

Check back for more plans to come!

Special Orders

2010-09-04T20:49:00.005-04:00

One thing we can offer our customers that large companies can't, is individual sizing, and most take advantage of it. A little longer, shorter, add a shoulder pad and such, makes a garment the customer feels flatters her the most.

Below is a customer getting fitted by Toshiki for a shearling coat at the American Craft Exposition in Evanston, Il., last week. I think she will look very handsome in this coat, once the sandals are off and winter is here, and she will have a functional piece as well for Chicago winters.

Click here to see our show line up and place your special order.

Half way to Evanston!

2010-08-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

Toshiki on a coffee break, with our booth in tow.
See it all set up thurs-sun at The American Craft Expo.
(and Biba, your light tracks are packed up too)

The American Craft Exposition!

2010-08-22T22:02:00.004-04:00

We are leaving in the morning to Evanston, Il.

See you there!

Alterations

2010-08-20T22:32:00.004-04:00

Through out our lives, our bodies may change in size,

and styles may change a bit too.

Last week Joslyn came to our studio from Philadelphia.

She has been a collector of our work for about 20 years,

and had lost some weight.

Our pieces are limited editions and one of a kind, so worth preserving.

The coats were still in great condition,

and she still wants and wears them,

so we got to work measuring.

Alterations, taking apart a garment and essentially putting it back together,

are a bit of a challenge in leather and shearling, but with careful work

it can be done.

This shearling has many colors of lambskin pieced together, some

may need to be matched and replaced as the seams are altered.

This purple coat is her newest, and only needs slight adjustment.

Toshiki has a tendency to say not a big deal, but this leather

jacket with all the stitching looks like it may be some work to me!

This western influence piece was the first piece she got from

us years and years ago at

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.

It is so rewarding to have our pieces live on.

And what a great email we received the next day!

"...... And thanks so much for taking such good care of my jackets. As you can tell - I consider them lifetime pieces. I was thinking on the way home that, while I am not a collector in any other way - your fabulous Very Special Jackets are becoming my one set of collector's items."

Joslyn

The New Season

2010-08-11T22:26:00.004-04:00

Our first serious show of the fall 2010 season

is coming up this weekend, in Great Barrington, Ma.

Please come see our newest work, and other fine craft

The Berkshire Craft Show

below, a black merino shearling coat

trimmed in punched lambskin tape backed with white leather

topstitched in white

Sidewalk Catwalk

2010-07-21T21:28:00.006-04:00

Recently on a day that wasn't too awfully hot I walked up Broadway, from 34th St. to Times square, for the fashion districts exhibition, Sidewalk Catwalk. Designers and students of fashion used a mannequin to express their artistic vision.

For a list of designers, look here.

My pix should be in order, from downtown to uptown.

You are invited to view maryszka's photo album: Sidewalk Catwalk

Play slideshow

The Boys of Paris Fashion Week Spring 2011

2010-07-06T14:54:00.002-04:00

Cute boys, cute video, thanks Justin Wu!

Boys of Paris Fashion Week SS2011 from Justin Wu on Vimeo.

Friends of Fashion/Garment Center Tour

2010-06-29T17:16:00.003-04:00

Last week I had the pleasure of joining Kathleen Beckett and her group, Friends of Fashion, on an outing in the garment center in New York City. The purpose is to create awareness of companies hanging on to keep the creativity and manufacturing alive in New York, which has a long and vibrant history here. In a changing global economy a lot has been outsourced, but these companies prove with their stories and their creativity, that something is lost in that way of doing business.........in such things as quality, and a designer being able to be hands on with the process.

Our first stop was at M&S Schmalberg, that has been manufacturing custom fabric flowers for 3 generations in the garment district.

The process has changed very little over the years, using a combination of starch, molds and heat to construct the most beautiful peony or rose. Once a bustling business in the city, they are the lone survivor creating fashion flowers today.

Our next stop I have no pictures of, but it was the studio of a young woman who uses embroidery techniques + high tech machinery to create samples to inspire designers such as Oscar de la Renta with

embellishment ideas for his gowns.

Lastly we sipped champagne at the showroom of Yoehlee Teng, who has be very active in preservation of the garment district and keeping

construction local. All here award winning designs are constructed here. She spoke of her passion for this endeavor, and we got to view her current collection with her staff

And New York being what it is, on our way home we ran into one of the sixty pianos located around the city as part of a public art project, "Play Me, I'm Yours", where for 2 weeks, anyone can sit down and play! This kid was really into it!

singforhope.org

streetpipanos.com

The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited:New York

2010-06-15T20:58:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful outing this weekend to Governor's Island, to see a special exhibition, The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited:New York. As appreciation of hand workmanship has gotten lost in the shuffle in today's world of outsourcing,especially in this country, we have to thank LVMH and Parson's School of Design to bring it into the limelight once again. We are very much in this world as we are in our studio every day with hands on creation of our shearling coats.

The show was informative with lot's of video's to see the work being made, and at a slowed down pace as you have to leave Manhattan to see it, so it put you in the calm frame of mind needed to be attentive to such detail.

My favorite quote from the show was "The genesis of luxury is craft".

Although this show was produced by luxury goods makers, who still practice these

techniques, "Luxury Craft" is alive and well in America and being produce daily in small studio's across the country. We are exhibiting in some of the finest shows this fall, including The American Craft Exposition and The Philadelphia Museum Show.

Check our schedule for all shows here.

And if you want to enjoy a trip to Governor's Island, the show is weekends only in June.

Too many photo's and I wanted to convey the ambiance of the day, so a slideshow...........

The Art of Craftsmanship:Revisited, New York

Jun 15, 2010
by maryszka

Play slideshow

Friends of Fashion/Loris Diran

2010-06-01T20:52:00.010-04:00

Recently Toshiki and I attended a collaborative event at

The Pierre (showing off their newly redecorated lounge),

Loris Diran (showing off his new collection),

and Friends of Fashion , a shopping/support the fashion industry endeavor launched by my childhood friend (yes, we grew up on the same street!),

Kathleen Beckett.

Over the years I kept up with Kathleen thru catching one of the many articles on style and fashion she wrote for Vogue, or Elle, or New York Magazine, so it was fun to finally be able to catch up in person.

We both wound up in New York,

with apartments about the same proximity from one another

as were our childhood homes in Connecticut.

Loris Diran works the room,

As do the models

Who were gorgeous!

as were the clothes.

fine job, Loris!

And the champagne flowed........

Back in D.C.

2010-05-12T14:20:00.004-04:00

Two weeks after The Smithsonian Craft Show, I wound up back in Washington for a conference, and managed to fit in a couple things I didn't get to do during the show.

One was a visit to The National Portrait Gallery which is connected to The American Art Museum, specifically to see the the story of making the Running Fence, by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, from 1972-1976.

The courtyard in the building is my new favorite place, a tranquil place to spend some time between shows.

We have about 15 different sewing machines in our studio,

so naturally its' progress was important to us.

I am a big fan of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Love the pix of the young artists, exuding with their enthusiasm. I can relate.

Back Home, editing photos

2010-04-27T22:14:00.005-04:00

We returned home pretty late last night from The Smithsonian Craft Show, and pretty exhausted from a very busy show, where we were showing our shearling coats. I am feeling very good about the experience, the sales were good, the atmosphere wonderful, we ate at a very nice restaurant on saturday night, and another trip to Washington makes us love it more each time.

One of the very fun things about doing shows there, are some of the people you get to meet. In November, Madeline Albright gave a talk at the show, and I went to her book signing. I have always admired her.

On sunday, Dr. Susan Rice came down our aisle.

She is a foreign policy advisor, and our Ambassador to the United Nations.

Toshiki has always called her "my favorite girl" in this administration,

when he has heard her speak and read about her, and her style.

(And that she played point guard on a basketball team doesn't hurt!)

So I called her over and asked if she would mind me taking a picture so Toshiki would have it when he visits his family in Japan.

Look at that smile! It was fun to see that she was enjoying her day off at the Craft Show, she said she is a regular.

Thanks Susan!

(and reading wikidpedia, discovered they are both November scorpio's, Toshiki the 18th, she the 17th)

Smithsonian Craft Show

2010-04-25T13:49:00.000-04:00

Last few hours, till 5pm today. After the show, contact us at www.veryspecialjackets.com

View from our Booth

2010-04-22T16:54:00.000-04:00

The National Building Museum in Washington is an amazing location in
which to be a part of The Smithsonian Craft Show. From my booth I see
the most magnificent Corinthian columns.
We are here in booth 121 thru sunday.

The Smithsonian Craft Show

2010-04-19T00:07:00.007-04:00

We will be on our way in the morning to Washington,DC,

to exhibit at The Smithsonian Craft Show,

a benefit for the Museums.

Preview April 21st

Open to the public, April 22nd-25h.

Please stop by, booth 121

(thurs + fri, 10-8, sat 10-6, sun 11-5)

New Work:

Vest in fabric and leather,

reversible

And of course, our shearlings will be there!

Hair!

2010-04-15T21:13:00.004-04:00

Our beautiful daughter, Sonia, who models for us from time to time, is a talent in her own right, as a superb hair colorist. Excelling at the Aveda Institute, (the Harvard for Hair!) and more than a year apprenticing under master colorist Sean, co-owner of tosler.davis salon in Manhattan, she is now on the staff there.

The salon is in a very intimate private space on the 10th floor of a building at 89 Fifth Ave,(bet 16th + 17th) where you can relax and enjoy the space while your hair is done.

Sonia is ambitiously trying to build her clientele, so please retweet, share on facebook, and send emails.........(see the share button below!)

You never know who may be looking for color!

Show!

2010-04-08T10:29:00.003-04:00

New Work

Shearling

Capes

and

Coats

Crafts Morristown

April 9-11

My Bachi

2010-03-28T21:50:00.003-04:00

My Grandmother

My Bachi,

Was the beginning of my family of

makers in America.

Born in Poland in 1889,

she came to this country when

she was 18,

with her friend.

Here they are pictured,

in blouses they made for the trip.

For those of you that know me,

you may see a resemblence to

Mary Niemiec, on the left.

She made her living sewing for people,

settling in Northeastern Connecticut

where a lot of Polish people had

come to work at American Thread.

A Family of Makers

2010-03-24T22:32:00.006-04:00

My friend quiltmaker Ann Brauer recently wrote a blog post

about her grandmother, and some of her history.

She ended with a question, what traditions do you have?

That inspired me to honor my mother's youngest sister,

my "Chuchi" Sophie, that I visited last week in Connecticut,

on my way up to the show in Massachusetts.

My mother, her mother, and all my aunts were "makers",

of just about everything, which was a great inspiration.

We were always traveling around New England, looking in the

mills for materials.

My Chuchi Sophie had pulled out a project that she had put

away, oh, about 60 years ago, to finish.

(She did have a farm, she did raise two kids,she did go to college, became a teacher,

and made many other things along the way)

Then she pulled out a similar unfinished project.

A beautiful hooked rug.

It was to be a wedding present for my mother, 61 years ago!

(She did crochet a beautiful afghan and gave it to her on time, which I still have.)

Well, she said if she doesn't get to it,I can finish it.

But she's only 85, so there is still time!

Paradise City Arts

2010-03-14T22:20:00.004-04:00

We will be exhibiting our work at the Paradise City Arts

show in Marlboro Ma. this coming weekend, March 19th-21st.

I will be bringing an eclectic collection of shearling capes,

with whimsical trims, great for spring dressing up.

We also have shearling short coats in purples and blues,

perfect for a lighter feel in chilly spring weather.

Our skins are Merino wool from Spain, so they are light

and easily bridge seasons.

One of our pieces was featured in the spring PA magazine.

For more info, check the Paradise City website,

or a link from ours, see show schedule.

Smithsonian Craft Show

2010-03-09T21:22:00.005-05:00

We have just been invited to show our leather and shearling work at this years Smithsonian Craft Show, to be held April 22nd-25th, with a preview nite benefit on Wednesday April 21st.It is held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. It is quite an honor to show at this prestigious event, and our minds are already in overdrive making plans to create those extra special pieces we have been thinking about. Now is the time!

photo from previous show from SmithsonianCraftshow.org

The Modern Stole

2010-03-01T20:49:00.005-05:00

Recently we have been working on a collection of shearling capes

with various trims or leather fringes

They are perfect for making anything you wear glamorous

I have been calling them

"The Modern Stole"

Out with the mink, in with shearling!

And great for spring when it is still chilly, but you want to lighten up a bit

I will be showing them, along with other light merino jackets at four select shows,

starting this weekend in Philadelphia

To find out more about these shows,

go to the Toshiki and Maryszka website

Begin year 30, Begin to Archive

2010-02-22T20:51:00.010-05:00

29 years ago yesterday, Toshiki and I met at a party in Queens

that week a lot of things happened

we began a life together

we began a creative endeavor in fashion that is still evolving

known as the label,

"Toshiki and Maryszka"

During this year I would like to take and collect as many photos as I can of YOU, our customers, our collectors, who have purchased our work over the years, who complete our work by wearing it so well.

I need to begin documenting our history

If you have a photo to share, could you send it along?

If you are coming to a show,

could you wear our work so I could photograph you in it?

Below:Ingrid and Melissa in mid-late career Toshiki and Maryszka leather jackets visited our booth at the

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show

a few years ago

Union Square Painting

2010-02-09T22:35:00.002-05:00

On our way to the dog park in Union Square on sunday, we saw this guy doing a cool chalk painting. Curious as to how much planning went into the image, or if it was impromptu. Hey cool guy, if you read this, let us know!

The Rug Company

2010-02-05T21:59:00.008-05:00

Walking across Spring St. today, I came across this pretty fantastic store window. So I got out my little Ricoh and started snapping. The walls were covered in aluminum foil and the northern exposed windows on a grey day lent themselves to some interesting reflections. So when I downloaded the pix, I was inspired to figure out something that I had been meaning to figure out......make my blog pictures larger. Blogger doesn't really have a way to size photos like this, but it wasn't very difficult with the help of Pavel.

Remember, I am standing on the street looking in

The skull is on the wall of the store

Style

2010-01-26T21:38:00.007-05:00

Sometimes you run into someone on the street who has a sense of style, as I did in November in South Norwalk, Ct., on this Gent who let me snap his photo.

Style is not just buying the most expensive name brand luxury items, but almost creating a collage of wearables to describe who you are, and add interest to the visual landscape in our daily lives.

I believe we help our customers create their visual persona when we work together on a custom design for one of our shearling coats (more photos on site soon, I promise!)

One thing I love to do a few nights a week is visit 2 of my favorite blogs, The Sartorialist, and Facehunter, to see who they have captured in their moment of looking good. Any one know of other sites I should browse?

Bauhaus/Moma

2010-01-22T22:19:00.003-05:00

Some say they have seen it all before.

When I see it anew, I feel like I need/want to step up my game.

Interesting to see/remember the influence the Bauhaus still had over my professors in Art School assigning our projects, especially some of the color studies.

Last weekend!

Winding down.........

2010-01-12T17:03:00.004-05:00

It is the height of our season, and we have been going more nonstop than the duracell bunny. And the whole country, and possibly the whole world has been in an extreme cold spell, we are very sympathetic to our customers who are waiting for their shearling coats to come. But we have kept on schedule, yea!

It is always a sigh of relief to get near the end, successfully, and to go on to some new design work and replenishing our stock.

Spring shows begin early march, and yes, it is still winter and those in the know come shopping for coats to be equipped with something fresh to wear late winter and have a jump on next fall.

Click here for our schedule.

We are also open to doing trunk shows if you have a group you think may be interested and would like to host one, let us know.

Maison Hermes Tokyo

2010-01-06T12:03:00.005-05:00

Karibaskets tweeted this link this morning and I love it, had to share it right away! It is Maison Hermes Tokyo window display.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T13:24:00.002-05:00

We would like to take a moment to say Happy New Year, and thank-you to all of our customers, who have shown so much appreciation of our work thru your phone calls, your letters, your emails...and popping into our booth when we are at shows and saying..."I just wanted you to know I got a coat from you, (5,10,15 years ago), and I wanted you to know how much I love it! I get compliments whenever I wear it!........"

As our hands and minds go into every detail from the first conversation to the finishing touches of making, we are totally vested in our work, but it is YOU who complete the design process by taking it out into the world. Thank-you. And all the best wishes for Twenty-Ten!

Telluride Colorado

2009-12-28T21:39:00.003-05:00

Our friend Baerbel from the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art just sent us this holiday greeting photo. She is the one in the front of course, wearing her Toshiki and Maryszka shearling coat, which is perfect for the weather out there! Thanks Baerbel, Happy Holidays to all our friends out there!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T13:19:00.004-05:00

The Toshiki and Maryszka Studio wishes everyone Happy Holidays, and

looking forward to a wonderful year Twenty-Ten!

These girls are wearing two styles of shearling hoods we introduced

this year, as well as the shearling headbands we have been making for years! Hoods available by order in Black, Brown, Green, Red and Purple.

Craft Boston

2009-12-11T12:03:00.000-05:00

Today thru Sunday at the Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St. Boston. We have.
Merino Shearlings in blues , purples, browns and blacks.

Holiday Craft Boston

2009-12-10T19:17:00.001-05:00

I think Craft Boston has made an excellent choice in moving the
holiday show to The Cyclorama is in Boston's very hip south end. Being
in this historical location alone is worth the trip to the show, and
there are lots of good restaurants in the area. Show hours are fri
10-8, sat 10-7, and sun 11-5. Www.craftboston.org

Maryszka

Philadelphia Museum of Art

2009-11-29T18:13:00.007-05:00

About 2 weeks ago we participated in a show that is put on by the women's committee of The Philadelphia Museum of art as one of it's major fundraisers. During our time in Philly, we met our friends George and Melissa, who both work at the museum, there for lunch and a tour.

Melissa was an assistant curator on this special exhibition of Marcel Duchamp........we had been hearing of her working hard on the exciting research of putting this show together over the last year.

We had an incredibly special treat of Melissa taking us thru the show, explaining how the pieces were found and all the details of installation.

Since art school, I had been intrigued by The Large Glass, The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even

and here it was

(took these, without flash, thought it was ok till I was corrected!)

Walking out to the Gorky show, we also caught these Ellsworth Kelly,

any of which I would be happy to live with