2010 year in review…
What I have learned over the years is that in design, rules should be broken. Colors can be matched in new ways, what was considered crinkled and non-ironed is an advantage the next year as crinkled and easy for travel, (see the skirts i have done in the National Geographic catalog), “stretch” fabric which is redundant for the young, all of a sudden is in vogue for the mature woman. Likewise with increased demand for certain types of goods, individually hand crafted items become a social statement and a way to be unique (like the lac mirrors and votive in my featured items in national catalogs). Trendy items of the last decade become the classics of this one – colored pearls, silk printed scarves, so reminiscent of the staid customer is back in vogue again. Flats are in (could it be because the doctors’ bills for back problems are up J?) as are skinny jeans and leggings , a version of the “chudidar pajama” from India, both of which have become a staple in wardrobes.
Trend setters in the fashion world comment:
“Generations merge and age is no longer important” says Trend Union’s Li Edelkoort
Rachel Botsman, author of “What’s Mine is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption” is all about sharing. Among things she says personal stories, and reputation capital – as in your on line image – being as important as your credit history.
I interpret this to mean that collaboration is meaningful not only in consumption but extends to the people who work for you and manage the business as though it was their’ s, the suppliers who are your backbone, the customer who is your reason for being and for the charities you honor.
Gas and gold prices continue to rise. Although sales were better this holiday, stores have a higher number to hit against comps for 2011. Does this mean a better economy or a faster filling of the pipelines? Let’s hope it is the former.
Happy New Year!
2010 year in review… Read More »
People often ask me what percent of the proceeds goes to the non- profits. I am happy to say that for the last 7 years I have been able to donate a 100% of the sales shared equally between The Redwoods and Bread & Roses in the USA and the artisans in India. I will also personally bear much of the expenses of bringing the products to the US.
Once again I will be able to offer beautiful master crafted jewelry, scarves, Christmas ornaments and gifts for the holidays at 50 to 75% off retail. Prices range from many items at a dollar to some at several hundred!
The Sudha Store brings together my products from the world of the artisan to the supporters of these two wonderful Marin non profits! Seeing this pairing has created a compelling reason for me to carry on this tradition. It allows philanthropy and marketing philosophy to merge for a couple of weekends every year. In addition customers can get a sample of what is offered from my collection at such stores as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Museum stores and catalogs across the country.
This year TV personality of the famed “Bay Area Back Roads” and a good friend, Doug McConnell has graciously agreed to host the auction at the Sudha Sale. As always through their generous support, Peter Merts will capture the sale through his lens and Gary Morgret will transform a bare building to a beautiful and glamorous store!