Nice Work if you can get it.

My friend Karin sent me this  photo of this very cute Giles Deacon bag:

 

( I will refrain from comment on the pants....)

& I do think the bag is even cuter in solid white.

...but it sure looks suspiciously like this plush toy by Wild Republic that's "Licensed by the Natural History Museum and approved by NHM Paleontologists." as noted on the smaller version available on Amazon.  I wonder if  NHM or WR will see any licensing fees should this bag go into production? 

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Nice Work if you can get it.

Disappeared on Yelp?

I have had my curiosity piqued. Yesterday I got a call from someone at Yelp! for business, and was pitched this very comprehensive sounding (& quite pricey) advertising plan on Yelp!  Initially I understood it to be a plan with a 2 month minimum term.  

Turns out that's not the case, it's actually a 2 month cancellation fee, "like a cell phone plan", said the salesperson.  (make that Very Pricey) So sitting down to do a little research,  you immediately find all these Yelp! conspiracy theory kind of links... But,  ideally you'd like to find a real, live, local business that actually has one of these "enhanced" listings,  but so far in my casual perusal of Yelp!  I have not found one of these.  I did ask for referrals but got none. Perhaps I did not press enough.

Anyhow,  then I go in to take a look at my regular (as in free) listing, which currently gets an absurdly, measly one view a week.  (I know this from a weekly e-mail update I get from Yelp! business, but how do I know, really?  It is rather pitiful, for all the build-up Yelp! gets.) 

And LO, the reviews my business had are GONE! POOF! & DISAPPEARED, as if it was Argentina in the 1970's. Weird,Weird.

I am just really curious now, I would love to hear from any actual (especially NYC, local) businesses who have tried "enhanced" advertising on Yelp!  Seeing that my existing reviews have disappeared, does not bode well,  but BOY, do I wish I had a salesperson like the one from Yelp!

Update 1/14/10: Just got off the phone with Yelp!, and I was HUNG UP on when I pressed to find out why my reviews had disappeared and wanted a better explanation than "filters" to prevent spamming.  I am sorry,  a few reviews does not constitute spamming  (how come they weren't filtered immediately if this was the case? Why disappear months down the line?)  The excuse that the reviewers may not be "very active" reviewers does not hold water either,  since I ran across one review - indexed on Google - long, long  before I ever signed up for Yelp! business in March 2009.  Then too, if Yelp! is partial only to those users who post tons of reviews,  isn't that a bit skewed in and of itself?  It kinda becomes more of a popularity contest for the reviewers than a useful tool,  especially for smaller businesses.

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Disappeared on Yelp?

The Real Connoisseurs

I came across this last night, on a West Coast artist's blog, I am not exactly sure how I got there, it is one of those serendipitous things I suppose. This guy does a bit of everything! comic book anime graffiti flare and then some. Thanks to Peabe for bringing these women and their work to my attention.

We Continue in the Old Style from John Rory Fraser on Vimeo.

(Update March 29, 2010  The missing video is a beautifully done and fascinating clip on Paul's Hatworks out of San Francisco.  My bad mistake not listing the details originally.  Really it's sad the video has been made private,  it's wonderful and more people should know about them.  Their blog is here.)

Hatmaking like this, in this country, is just about a lost art.  There are costume shops and individual artisans keeping it alive in fragments.  But to get a hold of an intact business like this, with all the blocks and machinery, with the intent of keeping it intact and continuing the tradition, and the techniques… well, these girl are simply HEROS to me.  BEAUTIFUL.

Everything they say regarding price, quality, longevity and their clientele is 100% on it.  I have always found men to be the real, true clientele for custom work,  the special and unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. 

Counter to what most people would expect,  Men are the true connoisseurs here.

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The Real Connoisseurs

Are you eating Pink Slime?

 Photo from the NY Times

I read this article from the NY Times too early this morning,  and it has left me feeling  nauseous ever since.  

I suspect this feeling will continue for quite some time, and it will guarantee I will never, ever again eat a hamburger that  I have not made myself, from meat the butcher has ground from one cut, right in front of me, where I can see it.  

(I may relax this rule should I ever move to Argentina, where food is treated with a great deal more respect. but here...)

I know this is not a New Years subject, but well.... how about drinking pickle juice as a hangover cure?  No?  I didn't think so...

Thankfully  we don't eat anywhere remotely like what I suspect is considered the average American diet, so this will not be a change so much as an even more conscious avoidance...

I am worried for my cats, who we affectionately call  "can"-ivores since they basically refuse to eat anything that does not come out of a can- seriously,  you know they ingest far, far  more "meat" than we ever would.

What is bizarre, and what Danny comment on immediately is the nowhere in the article does it even mention or consider  the toxicity of Ammonia, yet the FDA has approved the injection of  ammonia as a treatment of the "PINK SLIME"  that is added to the so called "meat" that is used in schools for hamburgers and the like to feed CHILDREN?

Approved it to the point that they considered the "beef product" exempt from INSPECTIONS? Ammonia at such High levels that it could be smelt in FROZEN chunks of the stuff? AND YET NOT LISTED AS AN INGREDIENT?

WTF?  Why don't we get the CPSIA on their ass?  While they are on their way to regulating small domestic manufactures of children's products out of business because of phalate and lead dangers, (dangers overwhelmingly found found in products made oh, in China?  As if  they stand a chance in Hell of actually regulating anything that comes from China?)  CPSIA should instead take on AMMONIA LEVELS in FOOD that kids (and adults) are being FED.  

The chances of ingesting an ammonia-tainted  hamburger, (or many) is obviously far more likely,  than eating say, a metal button from any country,  at any age.  Pink Slime just won't choke you.

Happy New Year & Enjoy your Fish and Tofu....uhhhh....wait a minute....

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Are you eating Pink Slime?

New One-of-a-Kind Leather Jackets and Coats

Some new pieces are up in the shop (on Sale!)  and more will follow shortly. None of these pieces were ever produced in the skins shown so they are truly one-of-a-kind.

While these specific pieces are only available in the shop as shown and in sample size 2,  these styles can be made up in other leathers and sizes up to an 8 on a made-to-order basis,  or variations may be completely custom-made to fit you.

These jackets feature just some of the unique, limited-edition & exotic leathers we have found in the past.  The selection of these type of skins changes continually, so there is always something new and wonderful.

If you are interested in made-to-order or custom-made in any of these styles, or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.  Please note that the original (pre-mark down) prices on these styles are based on the specific leathers shown (that are no longer available) and will vary on made-to-order or custom-made pieces.

Also for the rest of the year all orders shipped in the US will be shipped free,  via US insured priority mail.   Just enter FreeShip09 at checkout.

Long hand-painted "Starburst" goatskin trench coat with convertible collar

Hand-painted "Starburst" goatskin bomber with self-rib & d-ring buckles

Hand-painted "denim" snakeskin contoured shoulder jacket

Scarlet "ponyskin" Calvary jacket, of over-dyed hair-on calfskin with natural markings

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New One-of-a-Kind Leather Jackets and Coats

Coming up for Air

I sort of fell of the charts since Thanksgiving and I apologize.   This always becomes a crazy time of year, almost without fail! Beyond all the family and business commitments & deadlines there are always unexpected things popping out of the woodwork!

One thing I am very excited about is this wonderful write up I got in The Wearable Art Blog. This blog features artisans & designers of textile, jewelry & other creations for the body (or not!).  If you are at all interested in hand-crafts, jewelry textiles and art, you should put aside some time to peruse The Wearable Art Blog.

Sandi has showcased great selection of unique, beautiful and lovingly created pieces and has searched out and featured artists from all over the world. She is truly dedicated to raising awareness and building up appreciation of amazing handmade design.  I am honored to be included here.

…I was really fascinated with this feature on a designer who works strictly in the realm of Second Life!  Very, very  appealing to the former Trekkie / Costume Con aficionado in me, but I could not in a million years imagine working without handling and feeling the actual materials in my hands. That would be torturous for me!

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Coming up for Air

Black Friday Events

Relax, chill & digest your food, nothing is going anywhere.  Enjoy your life and what's really important. 

Don't believe the hype.

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Black Friday Events

Work in Progress

If you are noticeing quirks & changes or any temporary oddness in the shop, site & blog it is because we are having work done!

(That covers the hallucination part of the tag - we will ignore the aberration part here!)

Thanks all for your patience while we are getting things tied together for an improved and enhanced experience here at Behrle NYC.

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Work in Progress

Very Special & Best Wishes

I am always thrilled when my customers wear my pieces to special events.  But nothing makes me happier than when a customer chooses to commission and wear a piece for their wedding.

Congratulations and  Very Best wishes go out to D and his fiance.  Best of everything to you both,
now and for the future.  And have the MOST  beautiful day (with many more to come) on Saturday!

 

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Very Special & Best Wishes

BehrleNYC Leather in Hollywood

I will  be in the Los Angeles area from November 25th through the afternoon of December 1st.  Except for the day of Thanksgiving proper. (as far as I know at this point)

I am taking this opportunity to set up appointments for Custom-Made Leather as well as made to order leather pieces.  I will be staying in Hollywood, nearby the Walk of Fame and Grauman's.

I will meet with you to discuss your project & take measurements.  Once design is finalized, most projects can be completed through the mail via muslin fittings and photos that I go over step by step with you to so the finished garment  is absolutely the perfect piece, with the perfect fit.

I am looking forward to meeting both new and prospective customers, stylists, etc. during this time and will be setting aside as much time as possible to do so.  From unique jeans and jackets, to luxuriously detailed outerwear to extravagant Evening and Stage wear.  Unique and couture treatments, from finely detailed and beautifully finished traditional leather handwork  to exclusive and unique fabrics created with leathers and textiles. These are my specialties.

Please contact me at behrlenyc (at) gmail (dot) com.  Before November 23rd,  If you would like to arrange a meeting. 

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BehrleNYC Leather in Hollywood

Happy Halloween from Behrle NYC!!!

from my 1920's Ghostly self...


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Happy Halloween from Behrle NYC!!!

Save the Garment Center Rally

I just got back from the Save the Garment Center Rally and I was quite heartened by the turnout.

Nanette Lepore Speaking

Crowd breaking up & media presence

 
I was a little nervous, since over the last year and a half or so I had contacted them several times about volunteering, but got nowhere and kinda gave up on that route.  This afternoon I met Anthony Lilore, of Restore clothing who told me that Save the Garment Center is now being managed by a whole new set of people, so I am hoping to find out soon what I can do directly to help.

Attendance ran across the board, design, sales, backroom staff, sewers, cutters etc, etc and Speakers included Joe Raico,  from the Documentary "Schmatta",  he is the very insightful guy whose history in the Garment Center, working as a cutter, makes up a good part of the narrative of the film.  Which I saw last night and I really recommend it. (review here)  It really is a microcosm of what is going on all over the country and it makes you angry and sad and really, really pissed off.  What happened to us?  

The speakers included Nanette Lepore and Robert Savage, Christine Quinn,  Yeolee Teng,  & Micky Boardman among others as well as a very powerful letter  by costume designer Martin Pakledinaz that was read, which really emphasized beautifully how very far beyond NYC and fashion business the importance of having and saving the Garment Center goes.

Then on my way home I passed this:

(I have dubbed it "Hotel UGH".  This is at what was considered the outskirts of the Garment Center. )

ok- not so bad...

valet parking perhaps?

You like the view?

UGH!

From the corner of 9th Avenue looking East, hotel entrance is on right (South) side past scaffolding & park here signs. The building on the left is Port Authority. 

The view is not going to change. neither will the traffic, (this is the Bus Entrance of Port Authority) 

Welcome to New Yawk City! (circa 1974)

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Save the Garment Center Rally

Schmatta, when things were Made in the USA, in NYC.

A friend of mine in San Diego Just sent me this link to this HBO Special and I completely missed it! (Doh!)  So I will be going home tonight to watch it before tomorrow's Rally at the Big Button & Needle Statue.  Thank You Jean for bringing this to may attention.  (I love TV On-Demand)

I started spending a lot of time in the garment center when I was doing costumes as a kid. I'd come in from NJ to get supplies and at one point I was assisting one of my teachers from my costume design classes.  He was working on "The Devil and Miss Jones 2" (Funny Story, but for another day). 

He was on 18th street, so it was between the Garment Center and 14th Street to get supplies.  He always wanted me to go to 14th street, which I HATED with a passion.  Yes, 14th Street was closer but it took 10 times longer to find anything,  scrounging through the filthy & dinky discount shops that made up 14th street at the time.

Meanwhile, up in the Garment center you could get Everything and Anything you ever needed, for any kind of sewn project, no matter how unusual, specialized or bizarre.  You only had to duck the guys pushing their carts as opposed to dealing with the skeevy souk-like atmosphere that ruled 14th street at the time.  It was amazing, crowded, vibrant and inspiring all at the same time.  We need it back.

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Schmatta, when things were Made in the USA, in NYC.

New Rules - Consultation Fee for New Clientele

Starting October 15th, there will a $150.00 fee for New Clients for any in-person appointment for custom made leather.  (Post Updated December 9th 2009)


At the time of the initial appointment a $150.00 minimum deposit is required.  This is payable by Visa, MasterCard or cash. 

This will be applied 100% to your order of the garment under consideration, within 1 month of initial appointment only.  If you do not follow through with an order in that time frame it cannot be refunded or applied to any future orders.  This covers up to a 1 hour, in-person consultation, measurements and includes any and all additional time spent swatching leather samples, researching styles,  & all  correspondence, etc. 

All jobs started at the time of appointment require a 50% deposit.  On occasion an estimate may not be finalized at time of first appointment (due to exact fabrication or design details not being completely finalized, additional info needed from client, etc. etc.) In this case the deposit required is 50% of low end of initial estimate.  Please note I do not give "estimates" over the phone.  All I can do over the phone is give you an idea of an average price range  based only on the items that people have ordered recently. 

At this time we do not accept Amex in the studio, but we do accept it online.  So,  if you wish to pay with American Express we will send you an invoice via PayPal that is payable online (you do not need a PayPal account), at least 48 hours before the scheduled appointment.  This payment must be processed at least 24 hrs before appointment to secure your chosen time slot.

As much as I would like to continue providing free initial consultations to New and Prospective customers,  with my schedule and in consideration of ongoing projects with my current clientele it is simply no longer possible. 

This consultation fee does not apply to any current or repeat clientele. 

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New Rules - Consultation Fee for New Clientele

Correction!!!- Save the Garment Center October 21st

Reposting  because  I am sooo freeking DYSLEXIC.... It's not the 12th it's the 21st of October!!!!
Be there,  Please.  (I did enter it in my calender correctly at least!)

Just got notice of this Rally this in my mailbox and I hope to see tons of people at Noon on October 21th at 39th Street and 7th Avenue, under the Big Button Statue.  For more info go here.

An addendum:

This is from my dear friend Carolyn Kostopolous, owner of Carelli Costumes (and NO do not call them about Halloween, they ONLY do Broadway and are understandably sick of the phone calls this time of year. ) She says it much better than I do.

“I have to say, I'm not sure what the point is.  Obviously, I believe the country and, more specifically, the city should have a viable manufacturing  / crafts base- clothes, furniture, food, anything tangible.  as a nation, we don't make anything anymore- just a bunchof overpaid suits who sit in front of computer screens and trade information.  if they could do anything with their hands, they mightbe happy fulfilled people and not need to make unconscionable sums of money for nothing.

However, at some point you have to realize that the garment district is gone in all but name.  Even if you lowered rents or stopped residential development, which might be all but stopped now due to the recession, but the people, the workers who had the skill to sewall that stuff are all retired, moved or dead.

Angelo said much the same thing to me when Obama was elected.  He said "Ok, what difference is that going to make?  You don't produce anything in this country and you haven't for years.  It's not like all the capable people are sitting around waiting for jobs to open up.  Those people have moved on."

But I do think it's worth a fight.  We have to get people making things again.  Who will replace me?  Or you?  You can't learn what we know on the internet or in a two year course.

And once the economy becomes based more on real things rather than mere information, and I think it has to, the only people who will survive are those who can actually make something.”

We have to keep manufacturing and all the support businesses in Manhattan.  This city,  this country cannot afford to just toss out and ghetto- ize buisnesses that are providing REAL  JOBS  that support REAL & SKILLED workers.  We cannot afford to put all our eggs into the unrealistic and now proven delusory fantasy that is Wall Street  & the so called "market".  Whose market?  Unlike Shakespeare, in this case, "thinking" be it on paper or via some quant's computer model,  doesn't make it so.

We need to keep these skilled and specialty jobs in Manhattan. We need to keep these skilled jobs in this country, period.

Because, no matter what many people may think, to be able to sew and make clothing is a skill not to be taken lightly.  Think about it,  it is one of the skills,  that given an apocalyptic situation would be needed right up there with food and building shelter.

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Correction!!!- Save the Garment Center October 21st