Esperanza!

Host Performance - Pre Grammys - Bobby McFerrin & Esperanza Spalding

I really adore jazz, and Esperanza Spalding is one of my faaaaaavorite musicians in the genre. Needless to say, I was thrilled when she won the Grammy for Best New Artist. For me, her win signified (in my optimism) a shift in music industry consciousness - Once again celebrating real artistry & musicianship. Hopefully her win sets a sustainable trend, of more "artists", who write, compose, play instruments, etc, getting the recognition they too deserve.

Esperanza never ceases to impress me, not only in her intelligent, soulful approach to the music, but also in her advocacy in saving arts programs within US public schools. Its within the primary & secondary academic foundation that goals, dreams & areas of unique talent are identified in our young people. Continued exposure to the arts, and other creative & engaging activities can blossom into incredible opportunities. Take Esperanza's career path, for example. She has a remarkable story, that many young people, if given the opportunities, could very well have too.

Plus, homegirl has got some serious style! Check out this New York Times article about Esperanza's love for vintage, and laid back approach to fashion. :D

Romero Britto

This is an awesome interview on The Balancing Act (great show concept btw) with Pop Artist, Romero Britto. Check him out. His body of ART is phenomenal.

Lidia

I've been obsessing over Mayan textiles lately. The intricate skill of artists, like Lidia, featured on this video, excite my creative senses. I would love to learn to weave like this! <3

Construction

Great album ~ Amazing song: Loving MLK at the end. <3

Our Deepest Fear....

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Marianne Williamson

This is my absolute favorite quote..... it became my daily affirmation when I needed it most. We all have those moments in life, right? The moments when we need to remind ourselves of how awesome we actually are! Well today, "you can't tell me nothin'" (quoting Kanye). I encourage you all to be totally confident in yourselves, and relish in your very special gifts. Walk in the glory of LIFE. Don't be afraid to LIVE your dreams, FULFILL your passions, and FLOURISH in every single second of this amazing journey. You are WORTH it!!

Giant Steps | Let's Ride

Recalling a date with my Dad at HR57 jazz club in Washington DC, during my senior year of Howard. I was taking a class called Blacks in the Arts, and part of the course work was to experience live arts - theater, film, music, dance, etc. - and then write about our experiences. My Dad is a jazz officianado - He knows ALL things jazz - And ALL things Louis Armstrong - his favorite artist ever! During this HR57 Daddy date, the musicians decided to play Giant Steps, by John Coltrane. My Dad was highly impressed, as he later told me that (in his opinion) the mark of a jazz musician's skill level was in their successful ability to master the quick timing of Giant Steps. Every time I hear this song, I listen attentively to each instrument, thoroughly appreciating each musician's mastery of instrumentation.

This animated video is also pretty cool - Digging the shapes, movement & vintage color scale.

And of course, in my love of great music (as I'm sure you've realized by now) I have to post an interpretation of Giant Steps by J. Dilla (Let's Ride by Q. Tip). As I mentioned in my previous "Nothing Like This" post - I absolutely love Dilla's musical mastery of Hip Hop & his stellar contribution to the art form.

Flyphonic Sounds

Love this cover art from Flyphonic, as well as their song, Love Count, featuring one of my favorite vocalists, Miss Kissey Asplund. <3

Nothing Like This....

I really love this song, and the video makes it a zillion times better. I love when artists break the mold in video production. After a while, seeing slight interpretations of the same story boarding, styling concepts, set design, and dance moves becomes extremely BORING. This video concept, and others like it are waaaay more exciting to me. Plus I <3 Dilla. :D

UrLyfe: NIC*FISH Article

My good friend, fellow Howard University Alumn, and superfly girl ~ Maggie, called me and asked me if I wanted to contribute to UrLyfe, a new online platform dedicated to the holistic lifestyles of young urban professionals. Of course, I happily obliged. Check out my article here. I really love the concept of this website!

World "Art" Tour

How cool is this! Google launched "Art Project", an opportunity to virtually tour some of the most noted museums around the world. Check It Out Here.

Art by Destiny Womack

Color, texture, shape, depth, composition, beauty ~ All words to describe abstract acrylic paintings by Destiny Womack, of Wo Studios. Her work is phenomenal. They evoke imagination - I see the wonder & beauty of nature in her work - lava, water, rocks, crystals, gems... She describes her pieces as follows:

"Each piece is a result of an emotion I feel, and my ability to visually translate that emotion with color, movement and texture. I try to express whatever has inspired me in a way as to evoke the viewers own imagination, and ultimately create fine contemporary abstract art pieces."

I especially love the deep & introspective names of her pieces, like The Sun, The Light, The Rainbow, pictured above. Seriously considering these for my home. <3

Art by Dania Piotti

I've been searching for interesting & cool new art for my home (as well as amazing new furnishings) and I happened upon these whimsical illustrations by Dania Piotti.

I love her emphasis on eyes ~ the windows to the soul. <3

Inspired by Grace

“Always keep your eyes open... never go to sleep in the car, or anything like that... keep watching... because whatever you see out the window, or wherever... can inspire you."

~Grace Coddington - Creative Director, American Vogue

Quote from The September Issue

If you haven't seen The September Issue, you must check it out. Its an incredibly insightful documentary all about the inner-working of American Vogue. The film primarily focuses on the fabulous world of Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintor, however, I most enjoyed watching Grace Coddington, and witnessing her thoughtful & passionate creative process of artfully composing & styling thee most brilliantly beautiful fashion editorials I've ever seen... Inspired by her. <3

Very Fly Presidential Encounters

So proud of Andrea Pippins, of one of my most favorite blogs, Fly. She recently had the opportunity to sit on a panel of new media experts at the White House, and meet President Obama himself! How cool is that! Read more about her amazing experience here.

For a little Fly nostalgia ~ Remember this piece Andrea did on NIC*FISH... This was filmed in my previous design studio - oh, how I miss that place. The lighting was divine!

All the Pretty Birds

Tamu in Vogue Nippon

If you are anything like me, you love to people watch! I love to see how people choose to express themselves with dress & adornment, in different environments. All the Pretty Birds, captures the best international street style, mostly in Milano, seen thru the eyes of Tamu McPherson. Check it out for lots of great people/ style watching! <3

Inspiration via Animation

I love anything art deco - And the art deco animation, and brown color scale of this dream sequence from The Princess & the Frog is no exception - even the stills are beautiful!

"I remember daddy told me, fairy tales can come true - You gotta make em happen, it all depends on you - So I work real hard, each & every day, and things for sure are going my way - Just doin' what I do, look out boys, I'm coming thru!" ~ Great verse from this tune. <3

Pop Africana

Soooooooooooooooooooo excited about this magazine!!! <3<3<3<3

Pop Africana ~ Delivering a rejuvenated image of Africans Worldwide.

Inspiration by Will Smith

I. Love. This. ~ Incredibly inspired every time I watch it. <3

Little Dragon...

never disappoints.... Love. this. Group. <3

Nail Tite

One of my favorite indie singer/beatmaker/all-around creatives ~ Miss Suzi Analogue just launched a new venture - Nail Tite, specializing in deco nails for the flyest of the fly. Nail art is so cool! Check out more of Suzi's tite nails, here & here.

Also, check out a sampling of her music on Sound Cloud.

Albert Chong

Cousin Shirley - Albert Chong

One of my faaaaaaaavorite artists is Jamaican mixed media artist - Albert Chong. I was first introduced to him in 2002, at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The museum displayed his color still life photography series (seen below). The pieces spoke to me - so much so, that I attempted to recreate his vision by photographing my own color still life at my grandfather's birthday party some months later (see below). I love the simplicity of his use of mixed media - black & white photos against vivid colored flowers is breathtaking. Meet Albert Chong.

Aunt Winnie - Albert Chong

Pop-Pop Bouie Fisher~ Homage to Albert Chong

Welded Furnishing

Image Source

My grandfather (Ompa) was a skilled craftsman - a welder. He designed the most beautiful wrought iron gates & furniture that can be seen all around the city of Philadelphia.

These modern pieces of welded furniture by Johnny Swing remind me of my grandfather's work. I'd love to own one of these chairs! They are incredibly chic works of art!

Proud Mary

This is my great aunt Mary Upshaw. I've mentioned her in a few interviews, as being extremely influential in my decision to pursue Design as a career. I was first introduced to fashion in the 1980's, at the fashion show & pageants she produced. She had serious moxie ~ beautiful, poised, intelligent, creative, independent, driven & very successful. <3

Photo Booth Files

This stop motion video never gets old! I absolutely love it! Its from the 2009 Roots Picnic. There was a photo booth set up backstage by photographer, JJ Tiziou. Our candids were later turned into this fun stop motion video.

Check me out at 2:20! <3

Convertible Clothing - The New Twist

Check out this great New York Times article, by Ruth La Ferla, all about convertible garments, and their economical intelligence. <3

<<<Article Link>>>

Starfish Bloom

Here's a great video from the 2010 sponsored Starfish Bloom workshop. As you can see, the attending girls & their parents had an awesome time! We are currently planning a sponsored event for 2011 - Stay tuned for details!

Starfish Bloom: Fashion, Beauty, Art! from theBrickerati on Vimeo.

Lovely Textiles

Textiles from Galbraith & Paul

I've recently become completely fascinated with amazing custom textiles and mod-chic interior design. Two local (Philly) companies specializing in original interior & print design are Galbraith & Paul, and Print Fresh. Print Fresh also houses an extensive vintage textile archive (salivating). Great work from both of these companies!

Individuality

Minna in Lagos, Nigeria

Check out this great story by Minna Salami (Ms. Afropolitan) about individuality in personal expression. I really love this article. It expresses everything NIC*FISH and the convertible jumpsuit collection is about. <3

My Best Design Yet

In 2010, I welcomed this amaaaaaazing little guy into my life. Life with him is absolutely incredible! Life before him... ummmmmm, I don't really remember, lol!

Ms. Afropolitan

Ms. Afropolitan is an amazing UK boutique & blog that highlights African Diasporic designers, global lifestyle, as well as cultural, political, economic & social issues. The online boutique recently began carrying The Original Convertible Jumpsuits by NIC*FISH. Check it out here.

Minna, Ms. Afropolitan's founder, also did a great Q&A with me... Check out the interview here.

NIC*FISH Fringe Top

Check out this awesome black& white image of Dominique from Couture Vulture in the NIC*FISH Fringe Top. The fringe top is now available in Topstitch Boutique in Olde City Philadelphia.

Couture Vulture

Couture Vulture Q&A: Nicole Fisher of NIC*FISH

This past week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Philly designer (born and raised) Nicole Fisher. Nicole, in many ways, is much more than a fashion designer; she is also a creative consultant, educator/mentor and new mother. I am honored to share with you our conversation and style session. Thank you again Nicole!

This Q&A also covers the topic of sustainable fashion. Through her unique, Convertible Jumpsuits, Nicole has been able to find an alternative to buying more, more, more. As you will read and see below, the pieces become a creative expression of one's style- there isn't just one way to wear it!

Check out the full interview, here.

New Year, New NIC*FISH

Hello everyone!! Its 2011, an amazing new year of new opportunity, new discovery, new thoughts, and new inspiration!!

The blog direction will now reflect all the funky fresh newness in not only in the happenings of NIC*FISH, fashion & beauty, but in the holistic lifestyle of me: designer| mother| artist| art lover| entrepreneur, Nicole Fisher.

Also, I will be updating you on all of the happenings while I was away! Lots of really great stuff! Super excited - stay tuned!! <3

Its been a long time....

STARFISH BLOOM ~ Free Intro Workshop & Fall 2010 Registration Session

On Saturday, August 14, 2010, from 1pm to 5pm, modeling & etiquette program,
STARFISH BLOOM will be hosting a FREE introductory workshop & Fall 2010 registration session for girls, ages 5-17, residing in the Philadelphia PA area. The girls will have the opportunity to participate in really fun and interactive fashion| art | beauty projects, as well as learn to work the runway in a mini modeling session. All girls interested in attending must RSVP at starfish.bloom@gmail.com. See you there! <3>

STARFISH BLOOM is an initiative of NIC*FISH Womenswear

NIC*FISH Article in Style Sample Magazine

This was an amazing article done by Style Sample Magazine on NIC*FISH. Check it out here!

JYPSEA Grand Opening

The JYPSEA event was fabulous! Tons of people came out to celebrate the grand opening of my friend, Meca McKinney's very first design studio in the heart of downtown Newark's revitalized arts district. Guests shopped til they dropped, mingled and dined to delicious champagne cupcakes & chilled white wine.

Four beautiful models, with faces painted as fierce warrioresses, modeled the latest leather accessories collection from JYPSEA, accompanied by the 2010 convertible jumpsuit collection by NIC*FISH. See images from the event below, provided by alleyesonwho.com and Tamika of Lowe Key Fashion Finds.

NIC*FISH at JYPSEA Design Studio Launch/ 2010 Collection Debut

Come to the JYPSEA design studio launch/ 2010 Collection debut on March 26, 2010!!

Terina "Meca" McKinney, CEO/Designer of Jypsea~Eclectic Handcrafted Leathergoods, proudly opens her first design studio in the home of her birth, Newark, NJ. The celebration will include a live fashion installation of the Jypsea Fall 2010 line preview, a live band, and video footage of the latest marketing campaign. The fashion installation will feature Jypsea's eco-friendly leather handbags and accessories in collaboration with the 2010 NIC*FISH womenswear collection.

The show will begin promptly at 5:30pm. Goodie bags full of free swag will go to the first 75 guests. Wine and desserts will be served, catered by Cookie Bottom.

Admission is free. All merchandise will be available for purchase! RSVP here!! You don't want to miss this!! Its going to be extra fabulous!!

NIC*FISH Interview on Istylelist

What were the inspirations behind your current collection?

“The inspiration for the collection is chic comfortability. NIC*FISH is all about creating incredibly chic, comfortable, timeless pieces, in great fabrics, that can take a women from day to night seamlessly. The entire collection is comprised of convertible jumpsuits, allowing a woman to bring her personal style to the jumpsuit with infinite tying options of the bodice sashes.”

What was the first piece you ever made?

“At about 10 years old, I made fabric buttons and sequined tees with my design mentor, Sayida Hafiz. She taught me an incredible amount about the art of apparel design. I still apply her concepts to my work today.”

Read full interview here.

NIC*FISH Article in Style Sample Magazine

Style Sample Magazine is an amazing magazine, by editor-in-chief, Tamia Stinson. The magazine is all about haute style, globally - from the perspective of bloggers. My article was written by super cool blogger, Nisha of Nonsence on Stilettos. Check out the full NIC*FISH article here - issue #6, page 22.

Open publication - Free publishing - More style