ArtsEcho Galleria

Sandra Bendor Arrested For Offering Kisses at ArtsEcho

2011-09-06T21:14:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends:
At ArtsEcho Galleria we always have Hershey's kisses on hand to welcome people. We get lots of tourists visiting our charming little gallery. I recently greeted a very tall Swedish gentleman with a bowl of Hershey's and asked if he wanted a kiss. After my arrest...well, you can't blame him...not everyone knows that the iconic little silver-wrapped chocolates are called kisses. And just to segue into Mother's Day, (you knew I had to get that in here somewhere) we have other silver kisses at ArtsEcho...these are Sterling Silver and look like this:

My two lovely daughters (that's the hand of one of them modeling the rings) are the kind of young women who make any mother proud. At ArtsEcho I get to meet so many young women who are enterprising, hard-working, hard-studying, thoughtful and creative people.

At a recent Chashama party on 43rd St (that's the excellent arts organization run by Anita Durst that discovers and promotes artists and finds spaces for them to exhibit) I met Nubia Blaque who is an incredibly talented handbag designer. Nubia is creating spectacular things for our small but growing "Sustainable Couture" collection. She made this amazing backpack with leathers, suedes and silks from our collection of existing fabrics. Here she is reflected in our 1912 Art Nouveau mirror:

Stop on by for a look at these marvelous creations, and/or to BUY A GREAT GIFT FOR MOTHER (that's just a hint) WHICH WE WILL PUT IN A LOVELY GIFT BAG (more hint).

We'll also offer you a Hershey's kiss...

Warm regards,
Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria team.

PS: We're open today, Saturday, from 12 - 8. Tomorrow (yes, that's MOTHER'S DAY) we're open from 10am for those LAST MINUTE WONDERFUL GIFTS like these gorgeous silk scarves from Southeast Asia that cost $38:

PPS: We're at 455 W 43rd between 9th & 10th and you can call us at 646 692 6277.

PPPS: Please pass this email on to all your buddies.

400 Years of Mothers Days

2011-09-06T21:13:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends:
Have I ever mentioned that we have WONDERFUL PRESENTS for Mother's Day?? (Now I have.)

Glorious rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets (elegant in sterling silver with gemstones or blingy animals in Swarovski crystals). Not to mention the loveliest silk scarves and thin-as-air silk shawls (perfect over summer dresses when the air-conditioning reminds you of Reykjavik in February). And those adorable vintage bags and hats.

According to my good friend Wikipedia, we have been celebrating a day for mothers since the 1600s. Mothering Day, as it was then known, was a holiday for the English working classes. It was an unusual day in which servants (who were grudgingly given one afternoon off every other week) could travel home to see their families. And of course, presents were taken home to Mother.

Since humankind made its appearance on this little globe of ours, there have been about 26 billiion people born. Now that's a lot of mothers.

Here are a few of the lovely things that we have for your mother...wife... daugher...sister...friend...grandmother...boss...girlfriend...significant other...

Mystic Topaz & Sterling Silver

Hand-Tooled Leather & Purple Agate

You have another WEEK to decide (and if you can't, we have very useful GIFT CERTIFICATES...let Mom make her own decision...that way she can try on some of the pieces from our great vintage collection as well.)

Warm regards,
Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: We're here from 12 - 8 on Saturday and 12 - 6 on Sunday. And 12 - 8 from Tuesday through Friday as well. You can reach us at 646 692 6277.

PPS: We're at 455 W 43rd St on the way to the delightful Pier 84 park on the Hudson.

PPPS: Please pass this email on to all your friends who love superb vintage clothing.

PPPPS: This week several people told me that they hadn't come in previously because the shop looks so expensive. WE ONLY LOOK EXPENSIVE!!!! We hear (again and again) that we have the lowest prices for wonderful vintage clothing in the city. Come in and see for yourself.

PPPPPS: Enjoy the lovely weather this weekend.

Creating Art From Paper (or) How to Stand Out Among 50 Siblings

2011-09-06T21:12:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends:
Here at our charming little outpost in HK (that's Hell's Kitchen not Hong Kong) I get to meet amazing people from all over the world. This week we've had visitors from almost every Scandinavian country...I've been "Toosen Takk-ing" a lot.

Our artists also hail from many countries. Gerardo Latino, that incredible master of paper whose work garnishes comments like "Holy cow!" and "That can't be paper!" every single day, is from Managua, Nicaragua. From a very poor background, the only thing Gerardo had to create art from was small scraps of paper that he would find in the street. Much of his art is based on his early and very close-up experiences with nature.

"The Scorpion" by Gerardo Latino, Archival Watercolor Paper, 32" x 36", $4500

When Gerardo was a child he often played with scorpions. They would crawl in and out of his bed. He said that they will only bite if you close your fingers over them. Hmm....good to know.

"Mayan Pacal King", Archival Watercolor Paper
12" x 14", $900

About his 50 siblings: Gerardo's father was a salesman of shoes and sandals all over Latin America for many years. Although he never married, he has families in several different countries. Gerardo commented "My father didn't drink or smoke, but loved beautiful women". Gerardo has met 37 of his siblings. His mother and full sisters live today in Costa Rica and he recently bought them a house in the lovely city of San Jose.

ArtsEcho Galleria commissioned the portrait of Albert Einstein that has amazed so many of you. Gerardo told me that he made 5 attempts to create the piece since he had never made a human face. There are many layers to the face and each of Albert's famous hairs is attached separately to achieve the affect.

"Portrait of Albert Einstein" by Gerardo Latino, 32" x 36"
Archival Watercolor Paper, $4800

I love Einstein and I always tell the kids who come into our warm little haven that he is my home-boy. I don't have a clue as to what Einstein's physical formulas mean but I know that he was a great humanist and a pacifist all the way up to WW II (and we all know that you couldn't be intelligent and a pacifist in Europe during the war). Also, his image is the only truly iconic one (other than politicians, sports figures, models or famous entertainers) recognized by people of all ages all over the world. I can't think of another intellectual or scientist who is Marilyn-Elvis-famous other than good old Albert. Can you?

Here's one more to help you think. It's called "Inner Search":

"Inner Search" by Gerardo Latino, Archival Watercolor Paper, 12" x 16", $1600

Warm regards and Happy Easter and Happy (end of) Passover to all,
Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria Team

PS: Many thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes, you lovely people!

PPS: We're at 455 W 43rd Street and you can also reach us at 646 692 6277.

PPPS: Our hours are 12 - 8 Tuesday through Saturday and 12 - 6 on Sunday.

PPPPS: Lately we have been having ad hoc soirees at ArtsEcho when several people meet one another in our shop. Being very curious I love to find out where people are from and what they do (I don't ask how much they earn)...yesterday evening we had an ESL teacher from South Korea, a Portuguese teacher from Brazil and a Spanish teacher from Mexico! I made everyone a cup of my famous (secret recipe) cocoa and the party began!

PPPPPS: Please forward this email to all of your many terrific friends and tell them about our gallery and the incredible prices on spectacular vintage clothing. And if you know anyone who writes for any newspapers...blogs...magazines...

PPPPPPS: Enough with the PS's.

Long Black Silk...and Pucci on Steroids

2011-09-06T21:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends:

Still wearing my earmuffs, but just planted lovely pansies in the window boxes framing our charming little gallery. Hope that the pansies will survive and that I'll be able to take the earmuffs off before July 4th. Inside our warm and cozy place we've been photographing some of the irresistible items that we've just acquired and here are a few photos to regale you all...

This lovely black dress ($76) is pure silk...scrunchy, light, figure-hugging and ankle length. Worn here with an antique straw hat ($78) from Venice (Italy, not California) and a vintage faux coin belt ($42). (...just coined "faux coin".)

And here is a fine and soft viscose dress ($68) with a fabulous Asian print motif of fans and flowers and a high V with bracelet length sleeves. The dress just skims the knee.

On to a silk dress ($88), fully lined. The silk has all of the little slubs that characterize this kind of douppioni silk made by those active little devils, the mulberry silk worms. The stripes are slightly uneven as if they were drawn by hand.

And here is the "Pucci on Steroids" dress. Emilio Pucci was known for his amazing prints, and this dress just goes a bit farther. Neon, psychedelic colors were all the rage in 1971 and are still (or perhaps again) all the rage in 2011.

Warm regards,

Sandra and the hardworking, hard flyer-distributing ArtsEcho team.

PS: Thank you all for the many birthday wishes. Here's I am in my favorite chair at ArtsEcho Galleria (of course) holding a ubiquitous cup of tea. Ladies (of a certain age) are never supposed to tell, so I won't...but I was born when Harry S. Truman was President...4 years before Eisenhower was elected and 3 years after the end of WW 2. History buffs...?

PPS: We're at 455 W 43rd St between 9th and 10th and you can reach us at 646 692 6277. We're here from 12 - 8 Tues - Sat and 12 - 6 on Sunday.

PPPS: Please forward this email to any wonderful people you know (forget the rest...we only do wonderful people here...).

Useful Antiques at ArtsEcho Galleria (other than Sandra...)

2011-09-06T21:09:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends:

Who's that giggling man in the photo? Here's a hint: he was one of 13 children, born in 1836 in Indiana. Still can't guess? OK, he's William S. Wooten.

And for the next question: who on earth is William S. Wooten?

Well, in 1874 he invented the Wooten Desk which was a 19th century marvel, and (of course) we happen to have one on hand at ArtsEcho, our charming little gallery.

The Wooten Masterpiece at ArtsEcho Galleria

The Wooten Desk was an ingenious solution to the ever growing complexity of business details generated by the Industrial Revolution. Presidents Grant, Garfield and Harrison used them. So did Queen Victoria and John D. Rockefeller. Henry Ford loved his. You can see one of the originals at the wonderful Thomas Edison National Site in West Orange, NJ, exactly 18 miles from Manhattan and one of the best trips you'll ever take.

Perfect for the Victorian parlor when the doors are closed.

Now ours is for sale (as you might have surmised). It's a handcarved, mid 20th Century reproduction and costs $6500...(just a little pricier than our lovely 1980s blouses that start at $32). The original Wooten Desks, produced from 1874 - 1891, go for $125,000 - $750,000 (in case you've saved lots of pennies in a very big jar). And they are still very useful. Laptops fit them perfectly and CDs are the exact size for all those cute cubbies. It's as if Wooten had measured a CD himself.

Warm regards,
Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: Just a reminder: the concert "21st Century Music & On", at Merkin Hall on 67th Street (in which I am singing three terrific songs by prolific composer Ronn Yedidia) is tomorrow, April 3rd, at 8pm.

PPS: We have so many new and wonderful items in the store. Including adorable spring-y dresses from the 40s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

PPPS: And, to remind you all that we are a very dog-friendly store, here's a photo of our Guy, surely one of the most photogenic (and patient!) dogs in the world.

PPPS: Please pass on this email to your vintage apparel, unusual jewelry, wild antique (and animal) loving friends.

PPPPS: We're at 455 W 43rd St between 9th and 10th, just down and across from that sweet park where the Farmer's Market is opening...now that it's (can it be?) finally spring.

Terracotta Neckties in 221 BC (or) Careful with the Bolonese

2011-09-06T21:08:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends:
I'm always amazed when I see vintage ties (or any ties for that matter) that are clean and pristine with no telltale signs of last night's wasabi, borscht, pad tai or bolonese.

For people who love fabric, design, color and minimalism, ties are quite amazing. They pack an enormous creative punch in such a tiny little space. Although fairly standard in length and shape, they are wildly versatile in fabric, width, color, pattern and even message (political, cultural or Betty Boop). The only thing I don't get about ties is why guys wear them.

Our Famous Men's Department

Well, we women do get to be creative with almost every part of our wardrobe but until fairly recently, ties were the only way that men had to express sartorial inventiveness. And then it had to take place between the lapels of grey or blue suits. We have ties by Balmain, de la Renta, Dior, Givenchy (he made ties when he wasn't busy creating the wardrobe for many of Audrey Hepburn's films) and many more. Jerry Garcia of Deadhead fame made great ties and we just got one designed by Miles Davis of all people (who knew?) and you can see his music in the design (back row, second from right).

And here are the "Terracotta Warriors" from 221 BC found in 1974 near Xian, China. They were discovered by some (probably very surprised) farmers while drilling a well. They represent the main defending force of the Emperor Qin. So far about 2000 have been unearthed and about 4000 more are still underground. And they are wearing ties! Even the horses are wearing ties.

Warm regards,

Sandra and the charming ArtsEcho Galleria team including Chandra, Zaghara, Stephanie and Catrina.

PS: Busy week coming up. Many of the terrific things in our vintage and designer collection are featured on Live Auctioneers next Friday, April 1st right here. You can sign up and bid and get great bargains!

PPS: Thanks for the wonderful response to my announcement of the April 3rd Merkin Hall concert ("21st Century Music & On"). Hope to see many of you there and at the reception following.

PPPS: We are busily getting tags and prices on lots and lots of wonderful new ArtsEcho vintage. Stop on by to see what awaits!

PPPPS: Lest you forget, we're at 455 W 43rd St between 9th & 10th in Hell's Trendy Kitchen. We're here from 12 - 8 Tues - Sat and 12 - 6 on Sunday. You can also reach us at 646 692 6277.

PPPPPS: Please tell all of your many friends about our charming little gallery.

8 BILLION POUNDS OF FABRIC...EIGHT BILLION POUNDS!!!

2011-09-06T21:06:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends:
If you guessed that 8 billion pounds is the amount of fabric that we in the US throw into landfills every year, you win, sadly, the cigar. Actually, it's between 8 and 9 billion pounds, but who's counting?

Well, we are. And to try to do something about it, we're collecting superb fabric and giving the fabric to artists and fashion designers to use in creating beautiful new works of art and wearable art. There is so much gorgeous fabric out there and we need to use it and use it well!

Luisa and Nicki, our neighbors who own the wonderful store, Domus, on 44th Street (just west of 9th Ave), gave us a huge donation of fabric swatches this week (gorgeous polyester and viscose from Italy)...for fashion designers and fiber artists to use in their work. That's Luisa with a handwoven shawl from Domus' amazing collection of beautiful things from all over the world.

And speaking of gorgeous polyester, here's a photo of one of our classic 1980's poly dresses. It is modeled by Sabrina of Basic Model Management with hair and makeup by Victoria Ducane. The photo was taken by a new friend of ours, fashion photographer Jon Macapodi, who is using our collection for his work and letting us use his stunning photos! It's what a Russian friend of mine calls a vin-vin situation...

And speaking of vin...this time the French kind...we will have some lovely vin on hand tomorrow after 5 to toast the (almost here) spring! I was going to say that's a vin-vin-vin situation but I won't sink that low.

Warm regards,
Sandra and the (growing!) ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: Yup...455 W 43rd...close to 10th...look for our very vintag-y and Fabulous & Friendly Female Flyer Folk For Flyers with discounts!

PPS: I can't resist alliteration.

PPPS: Please pass this email on to your friends!

PPPPS: We are getting new (well, vintage new) items every day...

Clothing That Was Made to Last...& Has! (or) Why Vintage?

2011-03-06T16:45:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends: What is it about vintage clothing that makes it so irresistible? Actually,
I've been thinking about this for years and here goes:

1. It's unique. If you find something fabulous in a vintage shop (like ours, of course)
you can be pretty sure that you won't see a similar garment walking down the avenue towards you...

Adrianna Papell Dress, Silk, mid-1980s, $64
Gina Teresa Sweater Coat, 100% Wool, 1970s, $78

2 It has lasted for a good long time and if it is in perfect condition (as our clothing is, of course) you can be pretty sure that it'll last and look fabulous for a lot longer.

All-over heavily hand-beaded top by Carmen Marc Valvo, $180.

3 It was made with superb fabric (as is our clo...am I repeating myself?) Great designers of the past like Pauline Trigere, Coco Chanel, Gianni Versace, Valentino, Yves St. Laurent, Christian Dior, Mary McFadden, Hubert Givenchy, Halston, Azzedine Alaia...all used amazing fabrics (and yes, ArtsEcho Galleria has all of the above designers in the collection).

Wedding Dress, ca. 1961, satin with silk & cotton lace, hand beaded $340
Antique Wedding Hat, ca. 1910, $250

4 They knew which end of the needle was sharp! The clothing is constructed very beautifully. Tiny tucks, invisible seams, bias cuts, top stitching and many other couture techniques make these clothes look exquisite and fit beautifully.

Silver Disco Jumpsuit, 1970s, $120

Warm regards,
Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria Team and the photographer for this shoot, our friend, Sylvia Karcz.

PS: TONIGHT! 6-9pm...join us in welcoming fiber artist Lisa Chipetine and her fabulous contemporary art quilts. In exhibition!

"Spinal Tap" by Lisa Chipetine

PPS: The official beginning of spring is only (gasp) 18 days away...so I am hereby announcing that this Sunday (March 6!) isthe LAST day of our HUGE WINTER 50% off sale. So....if you're still pining over that wonderful hot pink wool coat or that glamorous suede skirt or the fabulous raccoon coat, NOW IS THE TIME!

PPPS: We're here on Tues - Fri from 12 - 8 and on Sunday from 12 - 6.

PPPPS: Please pass this email on to all the wonderful beautiful-clothing-and-fiber-arts -loving friends that you have.

55 Million Year Old Fossil Jewelry (or) How to Keep Birthdays in Perspective

2011-03-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends: Fossils and gemstones make great birthday gifts, especially for those significant decade-change birthdays like 20, 30, 40...100. What's a mere 40 years when you're wearing a wonderful fossil or gemstone (on a handmade matching leather thong or sterling silver rope chain) that's still beautiful after 55 million years?

Fossil, agate, garnet & amethyst sterling silver pendant on a matching forest green leather thong, $78

That's what I call putting things into perspective.

Season changes are perspective-y as well. By late February life is so Russian novel...so long...so hopeless...and then, suddenly, you notice those tiny bumps on a desolate looking tree branch and life starts again.

Stop by to see our new (well...new from the 1920s - 1980s) things. Lime with flowers, light blue paisleys, navy with white polka dots...(but don't expect polka music..we're still into cool piano jazz and Brazilian songs).

Warm regards,
Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: Come join us next Friday night (March 4, 6 - 9) to raise a glass and welcome the wonderful work of art quilter Lisa Chipetine, now on display at ArtsEcho.

PPS: Our fabulous 50% off Winter Sale continues with items like this one:

Hand-embroidered hooded sweater jacket from Italy, 1980s, now $80!

PPPS: We're at 455 W 43rd St, between 9th and 10th, across from that charming park, down the street from The Little Pie Company, surely one of the nicest blocks in Manhattan.

PPPPS: For those of you who have trouble finding us...we're getting a real sign! Also, just look for Food Emporium on the south side and we're right across the street.

PPPPPS: Please pass this email on to your unique-clothing-loving, art-loving, sterling-silver-jewelry-loving friends.

PPPPPPS: Enough already.

Forwar

ArtsEcho's 50% Off Secret-Back-Room-Sale (or) Spring is Almost Here!

2011-02-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends:
You won't believe how many lovely spring-y vintage clothes we are putting on our racks at ArtsEcho Galleria! And although beautifully made, beautifully designed vintage clothing NEVER EVER goes out of style, we have no room to store winter-y clothes...we use that cute back room for rehearsals, photoshoots, etc.

SO...big time sale time!

Stop by this weekend and all next week and get some of the great things that we have for the cool weather at a 50% discount! They are in our secret (well...not so secret, but partially hidden) back room and you can peek (and, of course, buy) to your heart's proverbial content at really, really low prices. Even our lovely Italian sweater jackets from the 70s & 80s, mot to mention our mink, raccoon and rabbit coats...all are on sale for 50% off. I love vintage fur ...it's warm, beautiful, and if we don't use it, it'll go into landfills. Here's a taste of what else you will find back there:

Yes, that is the wonderful Zoe, and no, you will not find her in our shop... She went back to her native Canada to host a new television program. Lucky Canada...

The Babatunde Ajiboye Fashion Show was one of the wildest events I have ever attended (not to mention hosted...) I hope to have photos to amaze you with next week. The show started with a model who slithered out on the floor of the "runway" here in snake makeup and a wearable art creation with a long train and it went on from there.

Warm regards,
Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: Two weeks from tonight (that's March 4th from 6 - 9 pm) we will have a Meet-the-Artist Reception for quilter Lisa Chipetine and her fascinating contemporary art quilts. Here's one called "Spinal Tap":

PPS: We're at 455 W 43rd Street and at 646 692 6277. We're here in our slice of Hell's Kitchen on Tues - Sat from 12 - 8 and Sun from 12 - 6.

PPPS: Please tell your fiber arts and vintage fashion loving friends about us...you can forward this email to them. We don't mind.

PPPPS: It's 62 degrees outside! Is that possible?

Lagos, Barbie & Dolly Parton (or) The Babatunde Ajiboye Fashion Show

2011-02-11T21:33:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends:

In an ongoing effort to never do boring, we are celebrating Valentine's Day with a most unboring fashion show. (It begins at about 6:30pm, February 14th...Monday!)

Babatunde Ajiboye, designer extraordinaire, will be here together with some spectacular models and even more spectacular (if that's possible) clothing. And you are invited, most cordially.

Babatunde is from Lagos, Nigeria, and studied fashion design in MassArts. He uses couture tailoring techniques to make both structured and free-moving designs that often use extreme multi-layering to create clouds of fabric. His designs have been described as flamboyant and outrageous and they work wonderfully because of that couture background. All I can say is "wow".

Well, I can say a little more... When I asked Babatunde about his early influences, I expected to hear exotic stories about life in Lagos. Instead he told me that he loved to create wild costumes for his sister's Barbie dolls (with African fabric, of course) and dreamed of Dolly Parton wearing one of his pieces on stage.

Here is a Babatunde Ajiboye dress to whet your fashionista appetites...

Warm regards,

Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: Speaking of Valentine's Day, we have absolutely stunning jewels here! Sterling silver settings, gemstones like peridot, jasper, mystic topaz, ice blue topaz, smoky topaz, Botswana agate (one of my favorites), natural rubies and emeralds and much more. We put them in gorgeous little gift bags with red tissue paper. We are so cool.

PPS: Here are Chris Crocco and Peter Slavov performing last Friday night. It was a musical night that will never be forgotten by the lucky folk who heard it. Chris calls his music "fluid" and I finally understood why. They are performing right below a fabulous quilt by Lisa Chipetine and a paper sculpture by Gerardo Latino.

PPPS: We're right here at 455 W 43rd St. You can reach us at 646 692 6277. We're also on Facebook at ArtsEcho. We're open T-F 12 - 8 and Sunday 12 - 6, HOWEVER, we'll be here all day on Valentine's Day (that's this Monday) preparing for the Fashion Show so come on in for that gorgeous last minute gift.

PPPPS: Guess which one is me:

It's Warm & Toasty at ArtsEcho Galleria (or) Let it Snow, Let it (everyone join in!)

2011-02-06T17:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends:

We at ArtsEcho are determined types. We never let a little snow (...a little?) keep us from our daily rounds...which include finding some truly special vintage items not to mention quite incredible artists and musicians for the exhibitions and "soirees" that we hold here.

Here are some of the things coming up:

Friday next (February 4 at 8pm) is the Chris Crocco Fluid Duo with Chris on guitar and Peter Slavov on double bass. This is an intimate concert (...intimate is a given here at ArtsEcho as we're not quite as big as Alice Tully Hall) and it's such a personal way to hear/experience live music. Afterwards, we'll all drink and nosh and ask probing and intelligent questions of the charming musicians (well, you guys can...I'll just shmooze).

Monday, February 14th, is the fashion show/musical happening of designer Babatunde Ajiboye. It's called "Sisi Eko" which means "Lagos Gal" in one of the 510 languages spoken in Nigeria (seriously...my good friend Google told me).

This Sunday we'll be parting from some of the brilliant art quilts by Carolyn Lee Vehslage (we'll be keeping several due to their incredible popularity here) and welcoming the surreal/abstract quilts of fiber artist Lisa Chipetine. (Opening exhibition coming up...soon TBA'd.)

Now as for the warm & toasty part...I'm sitting on our famous pink couch drinking our secret-recipe spicy hot chocolate (which we make for intrepid souls who come here to shop on rainy and/or snowy days...), surrounded by lovely antiques, beautiful clothing and sparkling sterling silver. Join me!

Warm regards,
Sandra and the ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: That sparking sterling silver mentioned above (unique rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets) make the very BEST Valentine's Day presents...just a hint.

PPS: Our January/February hours are 12 - 8 Tues - Sat and 12 - 6 on Sunday.

PPPS: You can call us at 201 692 6277 and visit us onlinehere.

PPPPS: ...or in the flesh at 455 W 43rd St...

Walking in a Vintage Wonderland (or) 25% off Winter Goodies!

2011-02-06T16:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends:

In the spirit of Krispy Kreme and Kute Kids, I thought of calling this sale "Winter Wintage" or possibly "Vinter Vintage". I know...terrible. But the sale is great!

Carolina Herrara is on sale (well, not Carolina herself, but a fabulous black coat with faux leopard sleeves and collar that she designed)...and an outrageous chartreuse rabbit fur...and wonderful 60s, 70s & 80s sweaters and dresses (like this satin dress with velvet sleeves). Not to mention some fantastic mink and raccoon coats, jackets, and capes that will keep you warm for decades to come....they never go out of style.

Stop by, we're at 455 West 43rd St and it's warm and toasty inside. We're here from 12 - 8 Tues - Sat and 12 - 6 on Sunday (and when it's raining or snowing we serve our secret-recipe spicy hot chocolate).

Warm regards,
Sandra and the charming ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: Our first Vintage Lover's Brunch is coming up! Save the date: Sunday, Jan 30 at 12 pm for mimosa's, croissants and 10% off exclusive shopping.

PPS: The incredible fiber art of Carolyn Lee Vehslage (based on multiple silk screenings of the three "b"s...brain scans, boats & Beethoven) is here on exhibit until January 31st. Don't miss it!

PPPS: Feb 4th is a Friday night and you are all invited to the Chris Crocco Fluidic Duo here at ArtsEcho...intimate music in an intimate setting...wine, (men &) women, and song...

PPPPS: That wild 6'6" designer, Babatunde Ajiboye, from Lagos, Nigeria, is here on Valentine's Day with an entire fashion show of his stunning designs.

PPPPPS: Pass this email on to all the vintage lovers and fiber arts lovers that you know. You can also "like" us at ArtsEcho on FB...we like you, after all.

2011-01-06T16:51:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends:

Here at ArtsEcho Galleria, we love funny. And, luckily, we're in an area in which many jocular people live (not to mention shop, gotta get that in here somewhere...)

We were chatting with some of the engaging folk who stop by our charming little Galleria, and one of them commented on the proliferation of Thai restaurants in the neighborhood. He told us of a recurring nightmare he has in which he comes home and there, lo and behold, (...I always wanted to say that) was a new YumYum restaurant, right in the middle of his bedroom. Waking up in a cold sweat at this point, he then can't get back to sleep as the aroma of nam phrik is so powerful...

As I write this, more surreal things are occurring by the moment. The Great Blizzard of Monday is melting in Friday's 44 degree weather...and enormous bunches of gorgeous balloons (from "Balloon Bouquet" next door) are walking by on their way to Times Square and all those New Year's Eve parties.

Happy New Year to all! May you have good health, enough money and love in your life, and just as important as all the rest, lots of funny stuff to make you laugh.

Warm regards,

Sandra, Zoe, Chandra, and the hard-laughing ArtsEcho Galleria team

PS: We're here on Sunday from 12 - 6. Come in and spend some of that Christmas Gelt. Monday we're closed, but we're open Tues - Sat from 12 - 8.

PPS: We are hosting a fabulous concert here on February 4th! The Chris Crocco Fluidic Duo (guitar and double bass) will be performing here at 8pm. This is the first in our upcoming series of highly intimate, highly affordable (suggested donations which go right to the artists) performances here in the Galleria. Refreshments, of course (we love a party!)

Here's Chris:

PPPS: You can call us at 646 692 6277 and visit us at our website.

PPPPS: On February 14th, we have a Fashion Show of the amazing work of Babatunde Ajiboye. Here is a photo to whet those fashionista appetites:

Babatunde Ajiboye with model Libra Jiminez wearing "Butterfly Pants"

ArtsEcho Welcomes Two Great Fiber Artists: Carolyn Lee Vehslage and Gerardo Latino

2010-12-03T20:13:00.001-05:00

On Exhibit from Dec 8 through Jan 31

Meet-the-Artists Reception on Dec 8 from 7 - 10

We are so pleased to have two magnificent artists to launch the Fiber Arts initiative at ArtsEcho Galleria. Carolyn Lee Vehslage is an amazing contemporary quilt artist who has exhibited in many states and countries. Her work is highly individualized and often based on personal experiences including numerous brain scans. In her "Archeology" series that will be on exhibit at ArtsEcho, Carolyn not only silk screens brain images but also her concept of what the brain contains from moment to moment, from scores of Mozart operas to the NYC subway map!

Gerardo Latino is a paper sculptor from Nicaragua. His skill and technique are unmatched. Working with minute knives and archival watercolor paper, he brings Mayan and Aztec masks to life. Scorpions, Japanese theatre images and even a portrait of Albert Einstein (commissioned by ArtsEcho Galleria) are among the subjects that Gerardo creates in three-dimensional paper.

2010-12-03T15:46:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends:

Talk about finding a needle...

The single needle in existence that is 40,000 years old (give or take a year or two) was not found in that much-mentioned haystack, but in a cave. More recent is a needle found in France. This one was definitely used for sewing and it's only (only!) 19,000 years old. Christian Dior & Yves St. Laurent (two ArtsEcho favorites) came a bit later.

Textiles are among the great ubiquitous heroes of the modern world...used more than metal or wood or plastic. Almost every human on the planet uses textiles every day. Great textiles in the hands of fine artists make great Fiber Art (part of the answer to "Why Fiber Art?").

Textiles are just coming into vogue (so to speak) in the art world. Museums have recently begun presenting clothing as art (FIT and the Met are two great examples here in NY). Here is one of the first couturiers, Charles Frederick Worth, with two of his magnificent works of art:

Sadly, the Worth gowns are not for sale at ArtsEcho Galleria.

BUT, these are!! And you can buy them with the help of that cute and exclusive coupon below...(you knew I had to get to the selling part eventually...) The one on the left (modelled by our intern Kerri) is from a Hollywood film. On Zoe is a heavily front-and-back beaded gown from the 70s.

Warm regards, have a lovely weekend & come visit us,
Sandra and the hard-working and ever-cheerful ArtsEcho Galleria team.

PS: Next Wednesday, Dec 8th! Hope to see you all here for a wonderful party beginning at 7pm.

PPS: We're at 455 W 43rd St and at 646 692 6277 and at www.artsechogalleria.com

PPPS: Don't miss the lovely blurb about us in Time Out.

PPPPS: In TIME OUT!!!

Oh, Have We Got A Party For You! (Dec 8th 7-10)

2010-12-02T18:06:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Now that we've been open for two months it's time to start our weekly missive to all you wonderful folk who (after some delicate coercion on my part) signed our email list.

As you know, ArtsEcho Galleria is a non-profit that is dedicated to promoting Fiber Arts...as in magnificent paper sculpture, contemporary art quilts, textile surface design, basketry, and of course, wearable art. And since so many of the pieces in our vintage clothing collection qualify to be called wearable art, it all seems to fit together well.

December 8th (Wednesday) is the date of our MiniGala/Grand Opening/Meet-The- Artists Reception/BIG PARTY! It is from 7 - 10 and YOU ARE ALL INVITED...for good wine, good food and GREAT neighbors and friends!

At the party you'll meet two amazing artists, contemporary quilter Carolyn Lee Vehslage (whose quilts are based on brain scans) and Nicaraguan paper sculptor Gerardo Latino, whose work, already on exhibit at the Galleria has caused gasps, OMGs, and "is that really paper?s" since the day we opened our doors.

Don't wait 'til Dec 8 to visit us, however. Come in on Tuesday through Saturday from 11-8 or Sunday from 12-6 to see a few lovely things and, perhaps, find the perfect Chanukah or Christmas present.

Sterling Silver Ring w/Hand-Carved Antique Horn, Pink Quartz & Blue Topaz, $62

Laurel long jacket, size M
$112

Warm regards,

Sandra, Zoe and the hardworking ArtsEcho team, including our occasional greeter, Guy, bichon extraordinaire.

PS: Yes, we are VERY dog friendly and always have dog treats on hand (we also have human treats since we're human friendly as well...)

PPS: Watch for our "Vintage Lovers Sunday Mimosa Brunch Club"...coming soon.

PPPS: Check out our adorable website at our adorable website.

PPPPS: There is a terrific blog about us by Alexandra Taylor at The Daily Razzler!

PPPPPS: Enough already.

Vintage Silk....Is There Anything More Sensuous?

2010-10-29T21:07:00.001-04:00

I admit it.  I'm an unabashed fan of silk.  I never cease to be amazed at how different each type of silk can be...from the softest and most delicate filmy, gauzy, gorgeous chiffon to that coarse, almost rough, exciting raw or woven silk.  Not to mention that silk keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter...

And the colors!  You just can't get better or more vibrant colors than you get with silk.  

And the history of silk!  It's wild.  Silk production has been called "The Best Kept Secret in the World".  The story of how silk is made was kept by the Chinese for TWO THOUSAND YEARS!!!  2000 YEARS!  Try that today.  The ancients thought it was film that was carefully washed off plants...and to think that it's worms...eating mulberry leaves.

Actually, in ancient Rome, only men were allowed to wear silk...rich men, that is...VERY rich men.  Silk cost a lot.  One of those original Goth types who conquered Rome in about 400 AD asked for 5000 pounds of gold, 30,000 pounds of silver and 4000 silk tunics.  He was a big guy...

Here's some glorious vintage Betsey J in lime green silk...Betsey knows her silk...

And a dress created by Ji Young Song for our "Sustainable Couture" line...that's raw silk in Ji Young's signature weaving...matched with pumpkin suede and olive and creme Napa leathers in a rose pattern. 

At ArtsEcho Galleria, we have a huge collection of silks from all over the world.  We are finding the most talented emerging designers (like Ji Young Song and Aileen Lowe), letting them choose silks from our collection and then use their amazing talent and sewing/designing skills to create...Sustainable Couture!  And it really is sustainable and it REALLY is one-of-a-kind COUTURE!  