2020 has been an extraordinary year. Christmas feels like Groundhog Day meets Black Mirror.
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.
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Wishing You Happiness
Tag: stay safe
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We Aren’t Writing “Eat Cake”
The Coronavirus marches on, the world hold its breath. The economic, social, and political flood gates have been open. What to expect next? Conversation after conversation, I draw the same conclusion, “say a pray”. There is no answer. Never in modern times has the world faced a challenge. “Uncertainty” is the daily trending word. Jobs are uncertain. Salaries have been slashed. In the US, millions face housing evictions. People do not feel safe.
Posting and writing about fashion feels a bit out of touch. Before March, “living the best life” was popular. Today, showing off aspirational things to buy, we are not saying “eat cake”. Just inspire readers. Plus, we love clothes.
The fashion industry struggles to survive the hard reality of buyers not shopping. I ask myself, Does anyone care about my fashion weeks commentary?
Looking over the financial numbers of the big brands, HORRIFIC! Sales are down by as much as 60%. Just know, you are not the only one forgoing buying expensive these days.
The lust for the latest looks in the middle of pandemic can seem a bit imbecilic. Posting a pair of pants, sweater, and top from a luxury house that costs $2,000. Questionable. It looks great for the home office. The latest Givenchy bag may not resonate with buyers in these times.
“If we like it we post it” is Black and Paper’s philosophy, but we had to address these crazy times. All of us are affected by Covid-19. The future is unclear. How long will this madness last? Personally, I stopped making weekly plans.
Unlike other blogs, sites, and magazines, we can type “empathy” on the keyboard.
A world that provides equality, certainty, and health is good for all.
Stay Safe. Stay Strong. See you soon. We are all in this together.
I checked on family members the other day. Like everyone living in a lockdown, I reached out for a long conversation. Thankfully, everyone is OK.
Not The Place!
The talked shifted to malls and shopping. What happens for the re-openings? Macy’s, the mall staple, when I was young the department store was a first stop. According to my sister, not anymore. It’s no secret the chain has suffered over the years. But I had no clue how bad things had gotten. A backstory, management in the early part of the century went on a buying merging spree. Buying Federated Department Stores, then May Company creating a massive coast to coast power retail brand. The problem, shoppers shifted to online buying, brick and mortar stores felt old fashioned. Secondly, the company became highly leveraged. Unable to react quickly as customers left to other shopping experiences. The company made some concept store changes. Then announced more closures. Macy’s became a wondering company without a soul.
2+2
Back to the conversation with my sister, Shopping! I asked her about going to Macy’s. The “GOD NO” response said it all. Their shoe department is awful. Shoe are left out, stacked in boxes for you to get them yourself. Not even organized! There is no sales person. When in a service industry, cutting customer service seems the same as 2+2=3.
“They need new buyers because the clothes are bad. Who would want to wear anything? I stopped going to Macy’s a long time ago”. I got the perfect example of a lost retail customer because of the short sighted nature of those in charge.
I am writing this story based one of the retailers local store, not a flagship location. However this tale could be a gage for a wider picture. Macy’s has been in retreat mode for years posting erratic sales, falling numbers, and site closures.
If a store cannot entice my sister to buy a new pair of shoes. That says a lot!
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Ivanman Masks
Ivan of Ivanman 
The Pieces 
Mask Collection 
Mask on the Face 
Ivan at the sewing machine
The fashion world continues to respond to the world’s needs during this time of crisis.
Fashion Designer Ivan from fashion brand Ivanman decided to convert his Atelier to face mask production. Refashioned from industry materials, the pieces are colourful and expressive.
As the Coronavirus Lockdown exit strategies come in focus. Face masks maybe required accessories for leaving the home. This collection is designed and handmade in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.
The Sewing Machine 
Materials 
Black Face Mask
I bought two face masks, one orange, the other pink.
For more information on Ivanman check his website.
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Music For Hope
Andrea Bocelli gave an Easter Concert for “Hope” in Milan Italy. In front of the famed Duomo. The tenor streamed the uplifting event of “Hope” via YouTube. Bonelli’s foundation is engaged in raising funds for hospitals. The accompaniment included AVA MARIE and AMAZING GRACE.
With Milan still in lockdown, this is an expression of “We Will Triumph Over This”. Yes, we will. Seeing Milan again is on my wish list.
Stay Positive! Stay Safe!
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Berlin’s New Normal
My second feature on the “NEW NORMAL” in Berlin. Normally bustling plazas and streets, now eerie silence. At Easter the city is usually teeming with tourists. This season all resembles a set from the television series “Black Mirror”. While riding around on my bike taking pictures, I could only shake my head.
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2 Moms in Los Angeles
Fashion Designer and Black and Paper contributor Elena Nazaroff along with her business partner, fashion model Yulia Dudenko produce Face Masks in their homes. As the Coronavirus continues to ravage the world, the need for these accessories is great. The two have stepped up production to meet increased demand.
I admire the ladies for a being a part of the solution.
Each 100% cotton mask is handmade with love. All materials used are sustainable.
STAY SAFE! STAY HEALTHY! Please obey your local authorities concerning lockdowns and issues related to the Coronavirus.
Black and Paper salutes all those working to keep society going in these times.
We will get through this. See you soon! Better times lie ahead.
To learn more about the Face Masks contact Black and Paper or @Elena or Nazaroff.
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Queens Speech
We wonder what is the purpose of the British Monarch? A gilded bubble, of an elite class. A relic from the Imperial Age of a fallen Empire. Queen Elizabeth’s speech last night put that to rest. When an American wants to hug a Union Jack, the emotional level was high. Inspiring. From Windsor Castle, the Royal head gave a speech drawn off her personal experience from the Blitz. Taking the phrase by Vera Lynn “We will overcome this” showed her mettle. A type of maternal assurance one gets the night before a test.
During her 5thnational address her majesty praised front line NHS workers battling Coronavirus. “Selfless” individuals appreciated and needed by the country. With 48.000 infected cases, 4.935 dead, the UK continues to reel from the pandemic. There will be hard times ahead. Daily life upended. Disruptions as the UK faces it biggest challenge since World War 2. Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted to the hospital with complications to Covid-19. But seeing the head of state in her 67thyear on the throne giving a composed address will be material for for leadership classes. Perhaps a certain US President should enroll now.
None are alone in this fight. A phrase from the address; “better days will return”. Indeed they will.