#amanda coen

[thisfranklife]

THE NEW ORTHODOX

  MODERN Orthodox men and women are torn between adhering to cultural traditions of modesty and embracing the contemporary styles of today.  However, Mimi Hecht and Mushky Notik, founders of MIMU MAXI, want Orthodox women to realize that they can combine traditional values with modernity. Hecht explained, "With style icons like Kate Middleton, Olivia Palermo not to mention many runway looks increasingly turning to long dresses and skirts, there is something very beautiful and fashionable about dressing modestly.”

It’s not only Orthodox women who are embracing this idea. Orthodox men have found fashionable fixes from Savile Row to SoHo. According to Yosel Tiefenbrun, a 23-year old Chabad Rabbi and apprentice at Maurice Sedwell's in London, “Dressing with a little edge and style can add that colour, that new life for some; and for others, they can find it in other places too. However it doesn't have to go against any religious laws and beliefs. It can coincide.”

Writer AMANDA COEN discusses the fashionable alternatives that modern-day Orthodox men and women are embracing in The New Orthodox.

Photograph via TheGenteel.com.

[thisfranklife]

  CREATIVE RESTATEMENT

  WITH a deep appreciation for the natural world and repurposing materials, artist and fashion designer Adrienne Antonson has combined her interests to sculpt insects out of human hair.  Strange as that may sound, many have responded positively to her art with a post on her work going viral and Ripley’s purchasing some of her work for their permanent collection. In addition to her insect art, Antonson created a clothing line called STATE, in which she re-works garments that have originated from thrift stores and her local surroundings.

Writer AMANDA COEN discusses Antonson’s repurposed art and fashion in Creative ReSTATEment.

Photography via TheGenteel.com.

[thisfranklife]

  MOVING ON UP(STATE)

  AN increasing number of New York City-based fashion designers have decided to move away from the the big city life and opt for the peaceful, rural towns upstate instead.  Designers, such as Ambika Conroy and Laura Sansone, were able to make this move for several reasons. Technological advances have allowed designers to remain up-to-date with the fashion industry, financial markets, inspirations and current trends that would allow them to drive their careers forward.  Additionally, the low-cost, higher standard of living in these rural areas was very attractive, especially when it came time to raise children.                                    

With a focus on designers who settled on the west side of the Hudson River, writer AMANDA COEN discusses other catalysts for those who decided to make the lifestyle transition in Moving On Up(state).

Photography via TheGenteel.com.