Cool Brand Alert: Slow Factory

"Dune Field On Mars" 

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet with Celine Semaan, the mastermind behind the coolest new brand Slow Factory. It was a rainy morning and we met for tea and scones at Variety Cafe in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I truly left feeling re-inspired and fed with the satisfaction of knowing that there really are good people left in the world especially here in New York.

"Crater Water Ice on Mars"

What is it that you need to know about Slow Factory? They produce handcrafted "sustainable essentials", aka beautifully awesome scarves that are made of silk and modal (a processed bio-based textile made from the cellulose of beech trees) in Italy. Modal is actually better than cotton in that it's resistant to shrinkage, it's feels softer to touch, and it fades way slower. The designs on the scarves are actually photos of different images in the galaxy as well as the view from outer space of different cities. These lovely scarves are also fair trade and are made with eco-friendly dyes as well. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Well, it actually gets even better...

Two weeks ago, they teamed up with ANERA to launch the DIGNITY Fund, an effort to infuse social responsibility to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. This fund supports humanitarian aid to the refugees throughout the region. This special project has arrived in such a timely manner given all of the social and political debates that are now circling the media (in regards that area of the world). The DIGNITY Fund was also inspired by Celine's own experience of having to flee her home in Lebanon in the 1980s due to its civil war. It's very admirable when a brand has true humanitarian efforts in addition to creating a high quality product because it shows that their vision goes beyond them and that the end result is to make this world a better place. This is exactly why Slow Factory is one of the coolest brands out at this time—there's a truly great product linked with an even greater cause.

"New York by Night"

Celine Semaan, Designer & Founder of Slow Factory

 "Slow Factory is the link between our world and galaxies whose distance reaches places beyond our imagination." —Celine Semaan

Urban Jungle Girl

Vintage from head-to-shins. Many people assume that vintage can't look classy and fashion-forward, but that's a lie. It's all about finding the right pieces and pulling them together. This outfit is just a blouse worn over a slip and paired with earrings, a necklace, and heels. 

Blouse: 70's Brown Floral Print Tank

 Slip: 80's Satin Flounce Nightie

Earrings: 80's Cream Enamel Triangle Earrings

Necklace: 80's/90's Wooden Tribal Pendant Necklace

Earth Day(s) Continued...

As you all know, Earth day was Monday, but I like to think of it as a week instead—meaning I will be sharing a few eco-friendly brands/places that you all should check out. Recently, I had the chance to work with MerelyMe, an eco-conscious clothing, jewelry, and accessories brand based in NYC and I must say, I love their products!!! Not only are the designs boho chic yet sophisticated (how I like it), but they're made of 80% recycled paper and fibers. Oh, and they even package & ship the items in recycled/re-crafted paper that looks pretty enough to keep... totally not joking. Anywhoo, I'm modeling the handcrafted linen sunflower hair pins, with pearl drop earrings, a reversible leaf top, a ring made of recycled paper, and a re-purposed silver chain necklace with paper beads (shown above)... I absolutely loved the entire shabang, but I kept the earrings, which happen to go with everything.