Lonny Love

Here are a couple of posts I contributed to the Lonny blog while interning there this summer. Enjoy!

When in...

Office Obsessions

Also, if you like their blog, you'll love the online shelter magazine. The fall fashion issue just went live today!

Karma is a Counterfeit

“It’s not new that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” said Roni Brunn. “In this case, imitation is an unintentional form of comedy."

Roni Brunn, creative director of Thursday Friday, was referring to the sale of counterfeit so-called Together Bags on eBay, which began after the company settled a lawsuit with Hermès International, who claimed that the Together Bag was infringing on the Birkin Bag's image.

I came across this WWD article about counterfeit bags. It caught my eye because we were just discussing this topic in my Apparel Quality Analysis class. I came across this same issue while in New York City this summer.

Near my office, in the heart of the garment district, I would always see people carrying huge plastic bags filled with counterfits and knockoffs. One day on my lunch break I saw a street vendor with Louis Vuitton's that looked so real, I was almost tempted to buy one. I stopped myself.

What is so tempting about counterfeits that keeps the business booming? After talking to several friends and classmates, I've gathered that the only real benefit is social status. Or at least an attempt at achieving a higher social rank than you can realistically afford.

The entire business of counterfeits is corrupt and illegal, which I don't think many people actually realize. Counterfeit bags are often smuggled into the country along with drugs and are essentially stealing from the companies which they are infringing upon.

This issue is so relevant-- not only to the apparel industry, but to all creative industries (music, film, art etc.)

In this case, it is somewhat ironic because Hermès International first claimed that Thursday Friday was infringing upon their bag. However, how often are the creative actually creators? Usually things are just recreated. Because there is often nothing concrete about creativity, it is such an abstract concept to copyright it.

Why Heart NY

So... I am interning in New York City for the summer. I knew not to expect anything spectacular like they show in the movies. Not everyone lives like the Sex & the City gals (I mean realistically, Carrie Bradshaw should not be able to afford the clothes she wears, based on her probable income as a writer and the high cost of city life). Anyways, I met other interns here and we struck up a conversation about why people love New York so much. What's really so great about it? You have to walk everywhere and your "comfy" shoes become uncomfortable real fast and supposedly nobody's really that friendly. Well, I thought about it for a while and brainstormed a few reasons why NYC is starting to grow on me.

1. Food
• In every nook and cranny of the city is an amazing hole-in-the-wall or not so hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Literally every day that I've been here I've either ate at or walked by a place, glanced at their menu and thought "I need to come back here!", but inevitably I probably won't because there's always another great spot around the corner. From scenic views of the city scapes and hip hotel venues and European-style cafes/bars in Soho to just plain good food, New York City is a foodie's paradise.
• There are whole food/organic/local grocery stores within a mere few blocks of where ever you are, so if you're vegetarian, vegan or just like to cook a good wholesome meal it's perfect. On the other hand, if you're lazy or tired after a long day at work you can have almost any kind of food that you could think of at your fingertips. A few clicks and your meal or groceries are delivered straight to your doorstep.
2. Culture
• You cannot spend a day out and about in the city without hearing at least three other languages. It's amazing. I love it. It's like an international hub. There is every kind of neighborhood from China Town to Jackson Heights (Southeast Asian area of Queens). Virtually any American ethnic subculture can call NYC home.
• Besides shopping, eating and drinking, there are a lot of things to see here. There are so many historical sites, bookshops, record shops, concerts, galleries and exhibits-- whatever you're interested in, you're bound to find something relevant. My heart is set on seeing the McQueen exhibit before I leave (and adding one more coffee table book to my collection).
3. Convenience
• Starbucks: there's one on EVERY corner. No joke. I've never seen so many Starbucks in my life. New Yorkers consume coffee like crack.
• The MTA Subway runs 24 hours a day every day and can transport you to whichever part of Manhattan you're trying to get. If that's not your cup of tea, there seems to be more taxis here than regular cars. Just flag one down and make sure you carry cash.
4. Parks and recreation
• If you're homesick for some greenery, hit up Central Park or take a walk along the Hudson River. Both are beautiful.
• New York really is the city that never sleeps. You can find most things open in the middle of the night and the nightlife/club scene is unlike any other.
5. Dream chasin'
• Wear what you like. Listen to whatever you want.You can come here and be yourself and fit in no matter what. ...Just don't say "y'all".
• Any dream/talent you have won't sound crazy or unimaginable to a New Yorker. People come here to pursue all kinds of careers.

Disclaimer: New Yorkers ARE friendly for the most part. So far everyone's politely pointed me in the right direction when I've found myself a bit lost. If they're rude its usually only because they're busy/late and you're idly standing in the way. So don't. However, one thing I really don't like that I've noticed is the prevalence of bystander effect. Everyone is so involved in there own business, that they don't bother helping someone out if they see them struggling. I saw this lady fall down the stairs in the Subway this morning and she seemed kind of taken aback when I asked her if she was okay. She shrugged off my offer, but when we got on the train I saw that she was bleeding. But its not Texas. I'm not going to hear from every person I sit next to on the Subway about their kids names and what they do for a living. To each his own.

Regardless, it's cheesy-- but I do ♥ NY