I couldn’t be more inspired by SUNO, One of my latest obsessions, and a company that I truly strives to model my own production practices after.

At first glance, the textiles blow you away. The textures, colors, and silhouettes of the pieces are a design dream, one that could only subtly dance around in my head but to truly conceptualize such an equally harmonious and chaotic view is that of sheer genius.

As I gather my jaw from the floor I remind my self that design is only a fraction of what makes up a company and when I think of SUNO, it’s their production practices in Kenya (and an obvious source of pattern inspiration) that I envy as much as I do the designs.

“The majority of the collection is produced in Kenya with tailors who, although already quite skilled, also receive regular training by expert tailors brought in by SUNO. SUNO’s dedication to developing a sustainable and socially responsible business is not limited to our work in Kenya. Currently we do at least 70% of our production in Kenya, all our beaded and embroidered work happens in India, and we also produce a handful of pieces in NYC with our sample factory in the garment district.”

As I return from my trip to Bogotá Columbia this week, Keeping these practices in mind is as important as it is to be sustainable and produce locally, as it’s of equal importance to practice supporting and influencing industries outside of our realm…after all, the design world is forever referencing the artisinal crafts available around the globe, why not support them, rather than rip them off??

To keep up with my adventures in Collaborative Design for Piperline via Columbia stay tuned into my blog. gretchenjonesnyc.tumblr.com

….Read the full article at www.zeitgeistudios.com.

Wednesday Window Shoppe is a weekly series put together by fashion designer Gretchen Jones with MothLove. 3 Outfits: online store – Bona Drag

4 Adjectives: Naughty,Nice,Sugar,Spice – Read more at www.zeitgeistudios.com

The last thing I ever feel like shopping for is a swim suit, for obvious reasons, I know we all go through this but recently I would give anything to be able to slap on a lil’ bikini number and hit the beach! Let us all say our prayers to the solar deity, and keep our fingers tightly crossed for those warm beautiful penetrating rays that will breathe life back into our soul! Not only will said rays bring the promise of a happier Gretchen, they will all give us a chance to go out and devour Lilibons new line of exquisitely fancy and sexy bathing suits that have been coined “beach lingerie” and who wouldn’t want to be seen in that?!

As far as I am concerned this world could use a little less sleazy and a lot more classically sexy. I’m talking 40’s pin up with a little lace accent and silhouettes that would make Betty Grable swoon. I’m talkin’ Emilie Bon! This gal is a wiz when it comes to resort-wear, maybe it had to do with her upbringing in the French Riviera or maybe, (just maybe) she’s a women after my own heart, one who understands my desire to look and feel sexy as well as smart, modern and totally chic. So now that I have my beach attire locked in for spring summer/11 all I need now is some sunshine and a lift to the beach, who’s with me?!….Read the full article at www.zeitgeistudios.com.

Wednesday Window Shoppe is a weekly series put together by fashion designer Gretchen Jones with MothLove. 3 Outfits: online store – Dear Fieldbinder

3 Adjectives: HAWT,HANDSOME,HARMONIOUS- Read more at www.zeitgeistudios.com

Monday Mood Board is a weekly series, put together by designer Gretchen Jones, of sample imagery meant to inspire. To view this weeks collage go to www.zeitgeistudios.com

Wednesday Window Shoppe is a weekly series put together by fashion designer Gretchen Jones. 3 Outfits: online store – La Garconne 3 Adjectives: Casual, Sweet, Sophisticated, – Read more at www.zeitgeistudios.com

Monday Mood Board is a weekly series, put together by designer Gretchen Jones, of sample imagery meant to inspire. To view this weeks collage go to www.zeitgeistudios.com

Wednesday Window Shoppe is a weekly series put together by fashion designer Gretchen Jones with MothLove. 3 Outfits: online store – Planet Blue
3 Adjectives: Fresh, Bohemian, Essence … Read more at www.zeitgeistudios.com

Monday Mood Board is a weekly series, put together by designer Gretchen Jones, of sample imagery meant to inspire. To view this weeks collage go to www.zeitgeistudios.com

Wednesday Window Shoppe is a weekly series put together by fashion designer Gretchen Jones with MothLove. 3 Outfits: online store – Creatures of Comfort 3 Adjectives: Foxy, Dainty, Smart – Read more at www.zeitgeistudios.com

Monday Mood Board is a weekly series, put together by designer Gretchen Jones at Mothlove, of sample imagery meant to inspire. To view this weeks collage go to www.zeitgeistudios.com

Wednesday Window Shoppe is a weekly series put together by fashion designer Gretchen Jones with MothLove. 3 Outfits: online store – Frances May 3 Adjectives: Saucy, Spring, Adornments – Read more at www.zeitgeistudios.com

Wednesday Window Shoppe is a weekly series put together by fashion designer Gretchen Jones with MothLove. 3 Outfits: online store – Steven Alan 3 Adjectives: Preppy, Charming, Refined, – Read more at www.zeitgeistudios.com

It’s a wonder I ever get any work done these days, lusting over artists like Mina Stone whose effortless designs keep me in constant aw. This season I’m half tempted set sail, destination Greece, sand between my toes and a silk one piece jump suit billowing in the cool breeze (insert Abba song here). If I can’t have the Grecian breeze on my back, then I will be more than happy to settle for the equally breath taking ensemble designed by Mina Stone: Pratt grad, Grecian born, chef, kitty lovin’ pro draper, badass designer.

This lady can do no wrong when it comes to the simple yet eloquent day-to-night dresses and one piece numbers that she is so well known for these days. Not only do her designs ooze with creativity and effortless ruching, cutouts and pleats, the silk medium and hand dyes have me swooning over her spring/summer 2011 collection. Girlfriends got it and I want some of it!

Recently voted one of Brooklyn’s best new designers (refinery29) I have a pretty solid feeling this lil’ lady is going to be sticking around for a while. Now if only the sunshine would emerge, I would love to have my spring/summer wardrobe on lock down. This season my heart belongs to cornflower blue, Greek beaches and everything silk. Because if anything I will at least look like I just returned from the islands, sans tan and yummy shirtless local with an affinity for Brooklyn babes. The dream continues, thanks Mina!…Read the full article at www.zeitgeistudios.com.

Wednesday Window Shoppe is a weekly series put together by fashion designer Gretchen Jones with MothLove. 3 Outfits: online store – Stuart & Wright. 3 Adjectives: refined, polished, flair- Read more at www.zeitgeistudios.com