Archive | February, 2011

Brizo, Jason Wu & NYC

February 14, 2011

After spending three intensive days with the Brizo team in product sessions, I know this: They work within an industry which on the outside might seem dull or limiting, but this team has taken every spare inch of creativity to produce the most interesting and innovative products for your kitchen and bath out there. And no, I’m not just saying this because Brizo brought me to New York to spend time with them and help them with their product research. I was among 19 other bloggers/designers and throughout every conversation afterwards, this opinion was unanimous.

They live design, they implement it on a daily basis and fear no boundaries in it either. For me, a company that allows their designers to use travel as a form of inspiration can do nothing but succeed and excel in their respective games. Brizo opens all avenues for creativity to flow and seeing what they’ve produced for their upcoming 2011-2012 lines, it’s certainly making the magic happen for them.

Since they believe all forms of high-style can be achieved in the home, on the runway and all around, they felt that fashion has always had a heavy influence on them and in what they do hence the relationship that they built with Jason Wu from even before his stardom as a successful fashion designer. We were giddy and excited to have been whisked away to his fashion show and what a highlight it was for me.

Here’s the video I took of the final turn at the fashion show

So many amazing new friends were made while we experienced the Brizo whirlwind together like Raina, Nick, Arne, Lori, Jennifer and Leslie among others. I couldn’t have asked for a better trip, heck, we were even put to the designer test with an Apprentice-like challenge which, winning the 2nd place out of 5 teams, was just the icing on the Brizo cake.

Thank you again Veronika for allowing me the chance to live this all with your nomination. Thank you to the Brizo team for inspiring me to look beyond just the medium and push the limits of design regardless and thank you to the MSL Group for helping orchestrate this design extravaganza I won’t ever forget.

Inspiration, New York, Travel • Comments { 27 }

A surprise trip back to NYC

February 6, 2011

Social media has knocked traditional marketing for a loop. No one has an exact idea of what the repercussions will be on companies and how they promote themselves online just yet but in the meantime, those who fully embrace it seem to be nothing but happy with their results.

For me, connecting with like-minded individuals through platforms such as Twitter and Facebook has seemed to have opened up a multitude of opportunities and life experiences that I could never have even dreamed of, and I know I’m not the only one.

Last week I spent three days walking the aisles of IDS with such people and I truly felt I was in the presence of those who “get it” - Design is their passion and meeting others with this same purpose in life is just as important. This week, I am excited to say that a similar event will take place. Brizo, the faucet brand for the fashion forward, will be sponsoring me to travel to New York to see its newest products and attend an exclusive design-focused event during Fashion Week. I will be in the company of 19 other amazing designers and bloggers where Brizo will be introducing their newest products and share with us their thoughts on the latest trends. We have also been invited to Jason Wu’s 2011 show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

None of this would ever have been possible without social media. I can experience incredible designs online and this week, will be experiencing again it person.

I have to thank Veronika, from Modenus, for nominating me to go this year. You can read her coverage from this same spectacular event last year here.

Brizo, Jason Wu. Brizo is paying/paid for my airfare and travel expenses for this trip.

Inspiration, Interiors, New York, Travel • Comments { 12 }

The Interior Design Show - In my eyes

February 1, 2011

The butterflies in my stomach were there all right. Not only because I had to fly, but because I knew the next few days spent in Toronto for the Interior Design Show would be crammed full of exciting events and meetings with people who I admire and adore.

It began with a media preview of the show where we toured the Metro Toronto Convention Center all sporting our yellow hard hats since some construction was still taking place. I was finally able to meet so many fellow bloggers who are as lovely in person as they are in their posts and tweets. This is where I realised that, yes I was there to submerge myself in design, but what was even more important were some truly special relationships that were being founded on this trip.

Being at breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course walking the aisles of IDS with these like-minded design lovers was truly an experience I will cherish and never forget.

I’m going to leave it at that and share with you the moments captured in these photos.

There wasn’t a moment in time, a conversation with friends, or an inch of space at IDS that wasn’t inspiring to me.

Visit Poppytalk’s blog for more of my photographic coverage of the show.

IDS, Inspiration, Interiors, Travel • Comments { 15 }