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When it comes to fashion, many don’t realize how impactful it is on every society. It is all around us every day, just like oxygen, water and other elements we use daily. Someone’s outfit can speak for them, before they do. As time goes by and we see time evolving, we also can see how fashion changes. The Future of Fashion, a futuristic fashion, illustrated these ideas on May 12. In celebration of 175th Anniversary of The Smithsonian. The incredible fashion show took place at the Art and Industries Building of The Smithsonian, in Washington DC. The iconic futuristic museum is currently filled with advanced technology and information that we may have not thought about or noticed before which made it the perfect location for the show. The Future of Fashion show took its guests on a trip into the future with the sustainable, equitable and inclusive designs. Every model in attendance wore an article of clothing that gave us an idea of what fashion may look like in the next decades, whether it was the whole outfit, accessories or hairstyle. The designers had a wide variety of clothing that you don’t see on day-to-day basis. They allowed themselves to think freely and add a twist to what we may see in the future. It almost gave a sense of being in a different dimension. Not to mention some of the designers traveled from other countries to attend the show, so there were also different outlooks in fashion, based on different parts of the world. The colors were bold, the designs were unexpected, and the atmosphere was exactly what you would expect. The guests were also in their futuristic outfits which made the whole experience outstanding. The Future of Fashion was simply mind-blowing and out of this world!
Against the stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline from One World Observatory, the Moleskine Foundation presents its groundbreaking installation: Detour. Featuring artists from across the globe, including several alumni of their educational programs, Detour pushes the boundaries of what notebooks can be used for through artistic exploration of sculpture, mixed media, and drawing.
On Wednesday evening, we had the chance to catch a preview of this incredible traveling exhibition, now in NYC after stops in Paris and Shanghi. Delicious passed apps were served alongside platterns of sparkling wine, as attendees took in the views and artwork. We spoke with Moleskine CEO Daniela Riccardi, and Moleskine founder and Foundation CEO Maria Sebregondi about their relationships with the brand and purpose.
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Moleskine has fostered the creative spirit for so many years. How does this exhibit take that one step further?
Daniela: The collection of these amazing pieces of art is the best way to illustrate our mission, that it’s a tool to unleash the power of ideas and creativity. When you see what the artists, but also normal people, have been able to do inspired by Moleskine, you see the story of their life, the idea of their future.
Maria: The collection here is one of the most important assets of the Moleskine Foundation. It’s unique because all the artists are donating their work, sharing the idea of a collective creative relay that is traveling the world, inspiring international minds and pioneers, and generating agency among young people. We have 70 notebooks displayed here, but the collection is 1000+ from the most important architects, musicians, artists, chefs… any kind of creators around the world, together with the artwork of the students from our workshops. Big artists are [showcased] together with young, emerging artists. Now the collection is in the highest location in the city.
What does the Moleskine brand mean to you?
Daniela: Many things. First of all it’s an Italian brand, and I’m Italian. I worked many years abroad, but when I was offered this opportunity I was fascinated by the idea of trying to do something good for a brand that is an icon all over the world and that has inspired so many people. So it means a lot to drive this brand to an even brighter future. Part of that is to give the world the opportunity to learn more about Moleskine, many people think that Moleskine is just a notebook. Maria (the founder) told me that we tell people, “this is the book yet to be written.” It’s not only for designers and big artists, it’s the book of each of us – of empowerment and creativity for everyone. We also believe in creativity for social change… we work together with the foundation to promote this mission.
Why did you choose this venue, and what is the relationship between the brand and NYC?
Daniela: Of course the US in general is one of our biggest markets. This place (the One World Observatory) is an iconic place for an iconic brand. I wanted to bring the exhibit to the sky and to the stars, and I think closer than this is probably impossible. There are thousands of pieces in the collection, and this is only a fraction.
What is the mission of the Moleskine Foundation?
Maria: Our mission is creativity for social change. We transfer the values that are at the base of Moleskine in a social domain in order to make creativity the driver of positive social change. We do this by creating unconventional educational formats for young talents, especially coming from underserved communities. Groups of 20-25 young people gather for a week of profound questioning, developing critical thinking, debating each other… At the end they create something representing the process of this workshop. One project is wikipedia articles on Africa. Africa currently has fewer articles than the city of Paris, so we are developing moments and gathering people to write articles and stories and create a new narrative on the African continent, in native languages that are not represented online.
Do you have a favorite piece in the collection shown today?
Maria: I have a lot, and I love them all. In this moment, I like the Leilah Babirye notebook. She’s here, and she started with us in a workshop in Uganda. She’s an activist in the LQBT+ community, and then she moved over to the US because of the hostile environment in her country.
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A few of the artists attended the opening event. Brooklyn artist Leilah Babirye, Chinese artist and urban planning activist Ou Ning, Program Director of Lower East Side Girls Club Erikka James, industrial designer Scott Henderson, and NYC graffiti artist FAUST all attended the event showcasing their work. Here are some of our favorite pieces:
But these incredible pieces are only a fractionof the insight into moleskine’s versatility and the creativity of humanity showcased in the exhibit. For a trip to the skies of NYC and breathtaking art installations, learn more about Moleskine Detour New York here.
On May 10th, The Knockturnal attended the third installment of the Thalia Potamianos Lecture Series, Greece: Futures at Saint Bartholomew’s Church in New York City.
The Knockturnal sends a big thank you to all the brilliant minds that took part in creating such a polished, well-bred, celebration of the 2022 Kentucky Derby! On May 7th, at the Whatever Forever Food Hall, Old Forester partnered with the Lito Creative marketing group to promote Old Forester’s Mint Julep Bourbon by bringing the Kentucky Derby‘s iconic themes, and customs to Brooklyn, New York.
Respectfully adding a Brooklyn flair to a century of derby traditions and culture, this upscale Kentucky Derby viewing party consisted of a beautiful, warm lounge, filled with black leather, walnut oak decor, and a rockin’ DJ. Perfect for taking the chill off of a dreary day! Invitees were encouraged to wear a derby hat (an essential staple in derby fashion) along with debonair accoutrements to match. Upon arrival guests were greeted with a complimentary Mint Julep, the derby’s customary drink.
Every table top was garnished with an elegant bouquet of roses, symbolic of the Winner of the races being covered in flowers celebrating the victor Rich Strike. In addition to the sweet smelling roses. The customized artwork of Amorous Abyss was on display. Amorous Abyss is famously known for his art and the way it highlights moments of intimacy, and appreciation illustrated by using flowers, and a thoughtful quote.
With vibes as smooth as the drinks, and atmosphere. Old Forester‘s partnership with Lito’s brilliant Creative advertising team, turned into an exciting social event for a day at the races. Especially for Kentucky Derby goers who found themselves far from home.
Stop by Whatever Forever Food Hall, and order an Old forester drink, or visit
This month in New York City, TimberTech hosted a lovely afternoon to discuss the game-changing decking solution brand.
Guests sat with “Married to Real Estate” stars Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson. The married couple spent time elaborately explaining the glorious benefits of using TimberTech for various homes across the country.
To bring you the most beautiful outdoor living products, built on a foundation of innovative tech and sustainability, the brand stands out above the competition.
TimberTech believes in creating deck boards and other outdoor living products that mimic the natural look of real wood but without all the pitfalls. As the name implies, they use technology to engineer environmentally-friendly, long-lasting, and aesthetically-pleasing decking products.
“For me as a builder, when I deal with clients or customers and they’re looking for a product that is going to match their quality of life – meaning that it’s going to be around and have some longevity – TimberTech makes sense because it’s a product that is made out of 80% recycled material,” stated Jackson as attendees gathered over salad and baked fish at One Hotel Central Park.
As guests observed samples of TimberTech the quality was felt and the natural wood aesthetic was easily witnessed.
“When you use materials that from the start are meant to make life easier and enjoyable, you can enjoy more quantity and quality of life with the people you love. You know that’s an investment that keeps on giving” said Sherrod as she reflected about her personal use of TimberTech at her home. “For those wanting to spend more time enjoying their decks, not maintaining them this is for them.”
Timbertech does so much and to add it increases home value, as well as helps you build ideal outdoor living spaces for your home by producing the most realistic and durable PVC and composite decking materials on the market.
For more information on how to build your own dream deck today, please visit here.
New York City’s newest rooftop at the Le Meridian New York, held its grand opening on Monday, May 9th.
Upon arrival to Life Rooftop, I was greeted with a complimentary wine from the bar and was immediately taken aback by the stunning vistas of Central Park during golden hour. As the evening progressed guests enjoyed live music, food and drink and a presentation of the lounge’s signature drink a Rope Hanger Punch, which consists of rum, grand Marnier, lime and a bottle of Veuve Cliquot.
Perched 29 stories atop Le Meridian New York, Life Rooftop offers guests a variety of colorful cocktails, curated bites, and astonishing views. Guests were treated to executive chef Anastacia Song’s menu which feature pub style pretzels, charcuterie, and a variety of dips. Additionally, Life’s extensive bar menu features a variety of tropical inspired cocktails including a Rita Hayworth, Tropical Nymph and my personal favorite, a spicy Paloma with Jalapeno infused Tequila. The rooftop will transform from a lounge to a livelier atmosphere as sunset turns into evening. Life Rooftop was designed to be the ultimate escape above it all, where you can relax, unwind and enjoy your day outdoors rain or shine.
Life Rooftop will be open from Tuesday-Sunday beginning in June, with extended evening hours on the weekends. Check out their website and menu below!
https://www.liferooftop.com
New York City is back and better than ever.
R&B vocalist Sevyn Streeter was enlisted by Mary J. Blige to perform at The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in Atlanta this past weekend. The show took place at The Tabernacle on Friday night, where she performed alongside Kiana Lede, Rubi Rose, Emotional Oranges and more.
In 2021, Sevyn released second album Drunken Wordz, Sober Thoughtz. On this project, she exercises a great amount of transparency and gives some insight on where she’s been these past few years. It has its introspective moments on songs like “Fall Back” where she speaks directly to the other half of a toxic relationship that is coming to an end. Then, there’s songs like “Wet Dreamz” featuring singer Jeremih and “Change My Mind” where Sevyn shows off her naughty side while delivering addictive harmonies.
The album is the perfect balance between sweet and sour and perfectly encapsulates how the singer has grown musically and personally.
The catchy melodies and flawless vocals are what draws people in to the world of Sevyn, but it’s her duality that hooks you. And at the end of the day, Sevyn is just like us. She, too, has her fair share of problems and emotions to sort through. The only difference is that she used those emotions to create one of the best projects of the year.
We spoke with Sevyn to discuss the inspiration behind the album, touring and what it’s like working in the studio with music industry vet Jermaine Dupri.
The Knockturnal: How have you been?
Sevyn: I’ve been amazing and in a good space, just creating new music.
The Knockturnal: I saw you linked up with Jermaine Dupri, so were you guys working on something?
Sevyn: We are working on my new project. We just started but we’re having a great time. He’s the G.O.A.T. and such a legend and it’s such a honor to work with him. He’s super cool and so talented. To sit there and watch him make a beat last night, I was just staring like “yo, you really that n***a.”
The Knockturnal: How are you enjoying Atlanta?
Sevyn: I love Atlanta. I’m a Florida girl, I’m a country girl. So, Atlanta feels very close to home for me.
The Knockturnal: I have been a fan since your first project Call Me Crazy, But… You’ve came a long way since then and you’ll only get bet bigger. But, I have been waiting to ask you this: you released your EP Shoulda Been There Pt. 1 seven years ago… your fans have been been begging for a part two since then. Will we be getting a part two?
Sevyn: Listen, Twitter is gonna love you for this cause they be on my head about that! I mean, Shoulda Been There was a little moment. I don’t know if I’ll ever do a part two, I’ll be honest. I feel so bad because I was gone for four years and left you guys but I’m not gonna do that anymore. I promise to give an abundance of music. That’s where my head is, just to give you guys more music and more visuals.
The Knockturnal: You released your album Drunken Wordz, Sober Thoughtz last year. What inspired the title of that album.
Sevyn: When you hear drunken words and sober thoughts you think, “Okay, Sis had one too many drinks and is telling all of her business.” And it’s a little bit of that because I definitely had a couple of drinks and told some of my business. But, when I really think about it in my mind when I was creating it, I felt like you can be under the influence of a million emotions. Anger, heartbreak, jealousy, love, so many different things. I wanted to write from all of those different spaces. I just like that at any given moment, no matter what you’re going through, you can pick one of those songs off the album and if you’re under the influence of a certain emotion then you can play that record.
I started a lot of [the album] before quarantine and I finished it during quarantine. We were all under the influence of different emotions during that time. Some days, I was sad. Some days, I was angry. Some days, I was so at peace and happy to be home. I just allowed myself to not be afraid of those emotions and just dive right in to them, then write from that space. That’s really where the title came from.
The Knockturnal: You hit 5 different cities during your tour for this album and it was very intimate but will we be getting a bigger tour from you soon?
Sevyn: We’re in talks of doing a bigger tour. It was a little warm up for me and I hadn’t seen [the fans] in so long. So, I wanted to be able to be so close that I could touch them. To be able to yell at them and they could yell at me back, it was very close and intimate and I love that. But, we are going to do a bigger tour and have more fun. I love live shows and going tour because my Street Team is crazy. They be yelling at me, telling me what songs I should sing. I live for it, though.
The Knockturnal: If you could open up for any artist who would it be? And don’t say Beyonce because everyone says that.
Sevyn: Actually, my old girl group RichGirl opened up for Beyonce’s I Am Sasha Fierce Tour back in 2009. That was fun. But that’s a great question. I would have to say Rihanna. I would love to open up for Rih, I think that would be so much fun. Once she has the little baby, if she gives us this album that we’re dying for then I would love to open up for Rih.
The Knockturnal: As a woman, where do you find your strength from and what is your greatest strength?
Sevyn: I find my strength from a number of different things. The older that I get, I find that I get a lot of strength from what I call my trinity: my mother, my aunt and my grandma. The three of them keep me together. I will call that four in the morning if I need to cry or vent or talk or just get some knowledge on things. We’re talking about three different women who have obviously lived different lives but they have so much wisdom to offer from their experiences, the good, the bad the ugly. They won’t lie to me and that’s what I love the most. Even when the conversations are not so great, they always end up in a positive light. There’s always something to be learned.
Indira Martinez is a Dominican architectural designer who has created a brand called ‘The Home Design Studio.’