“Designer Clothing for Comfort”
Inspiration is born out of collaboration. Several of the designs pictured are distinct works of art that can be worn every day. The gorgeous envelope clutch handbags are created from one of a kind designer fabric and hand painted canvas. The custom designed scarf for breast cancer awareness wrapped itself around the winning bidder following the silent auction. We had models of all ages wearing the designer leggings, ART scarves, ponchos, tunics, and Janska Coats. This Fashion Show was the 1st of its kind, considering the clothes are designed for comfort, and perfect for someone recovering from surgery. This event was for a fantastic cause that benefits Teachers Fighting Cancer of America (North Texas Chapter). There was an awesome silent auction and red carpet preview! Studio Smithson is a Curated Collaborator with Jill Luigs of The Selvage Edge, Jenny Mathison-Foster of Bay Willow Design and Marianne Lewis with Charming Lady Designs. For more event information and photo’s follow us on Facebook and stay tuned for future Fashion Shows!

Studio Smithson has designed leggings now! So, that really makes us want to dance! They are so comfy you can wear them all day, for the gym or work! Three patterns are currently available, which happen to coordinate with our scarves, you can purchase them in our online shop. But, if you don't want to wait on shipping, then head over to the Richardson Mercantile to pick yours up there!

Have you heard the term "Bespoke"? Well, the following is borrowed directly from Wikipedia..."Bespoke is an adjective for anything commissioned to a particular specification. It may be altered or tailored to the customs, tastes, or usage of an individual purchaser." Studio Smithson has been doing what we call Curated Collaborations or Wine & Design with individuals. You can see the very unique scarves and pillows that have come out of this process. The next Wine & Design event will be held at Richardson Mercantile on Tuesday, October 27th from 5-8pm. If you are interested in creating your own Bespoke item, reach out to us by email.

What is inspiration? How do we find it? Well, if you are still a kid then most of the world around you can be inspirational. If you take a moment to really look at what is around, this could be inspiration. When you are designing something, there are no rules! But, if you want something to be interesting, it is important to stick with one rule of design… interesting things come in three. So, even if it you are just picking out your clothes to wear for some occasion, your outfit is not complete without a third item, like a scarf, belt or jacket. In this design session both girls used simply three elements to compose their designs. The color, composition, and context were completely altered. Before, these three things were not overly interesting by themselves, but now have come together in a new colorful way. When the girls had control of the camera we discussed angles of capturing an object in photography, and how this can influence the composition. It was impressive how Helen and Samantha both had a really good grasp on what they wanted in their design. While observing them photographing objects, it was evident that the wheels of creativity where turning inside their heads. In Helen's design, she used a combination of drawing and photography. And, Samantha's design intent involved adding and subtracting elements using only photography. The feeling of displaying or wearing your own art, gives quite a sense of accomplishment! Here at Studio Smithson, inspiration is seeing things from a new perspective, and using what you already have in an imaginative way.

Well, the Studio doors opened once again, this time to some talented little individuals who may very well grow up to be fashion designers. This design session was structured with a little scavenger hunt for inspiration. Using the camera as a tool we focused on capturing organic and non organic objects. Then we went to work in the Studio drawing and brainstorming on ways we could create depth, dimension, and repetition in our design. The intention was to curate a design using layers with transparency and combine the organic and non organic imagery. Oh, our little Studio Smithson mascots enjoyed snuggling with the girls on their break! Both Sofia and Skyler seemed very proud to see their finished products!

Well, the Studio doors opened to some young budding artist’s for a custom design session. It was great fun taking these kiddos on a scavenger hunt for inspiration. They collectively captured texture, pattern and dimensional inspiration with the camera. After reviewing their images each artist had an opportunity to discuss which of the images were inspiring, and how they could use them in their design. Together we curated designs that were pleasing to their intention. They each expressed excitement in awaiting the final product! The girls made some one of a kind designs they should be very proud to take home! How cool is it to say, I’m nine and I have designed my own pillow or scarf.

It's already the end of July! This means our favorite season autumn is just around the corner, yeah! These Texas summer's make us wish the season would hurry up and change already! Arguably, one of the most beautiful colors of fall is Orange. So, is Orange the new Black? Well, if you want to add a pop of color to your wardrobe, then Orange is the go to color. When you wear it, get ready, all eye's will be on you. But, if you just want to blend in to the background, then stick with your black. Around here we like little pops of color that bring your eye right where it should be. Remember how versatile the ART scarf can be, they make fantastic swimsuit covers, because right now, all we want to do is stay cool by the pool. And, seriously though, even our little mascots look pretty cute in Orange, don't they?

The Mind's Eye is referring to a person's ability to visualize. In this case the subject was the city of New Orleans, which is quite rich in cultural and Architectural history. It is a city full of stories and everyone should go there at least once. If you want to immerse yourself in nature then put Oak Alley on the list! It is an amazingly beautiful plantation with 300 year old Oak tree's. If you take time to capture your own mind's eye in your travels, then be sure to share your photographs, just do something with them. Because everyone has a way of seeing things differently, and it's nice to get a fresh perspective every now and then.

Want to stay cool this summer...think 'Blue Hues'! Blue is a wonderfully COOL color that has a sophistication. Introducing cooler hues into your environment can bring you serenity, peace and tranquility. Just think of the ocean and the sky and the calming affect they have on us. Denim, Navy and Turquoise are a few of my favorite 'Blue's'! The color Turquoise is a color that symbolizes spirituality, healing and protection. Even in the dog days of Summer, I never leave home without a scarf, simply because inside every shop or restaurant the air is so much cooler!

Richard B. Ferrier, FAIA was a very talented award winning Architect, Artist & Interior Designer. He had a great influence over many, since he was also an extraordinary professor. "Extraordinary" - meaning not ordinary, he went above and beyond what was required. As one of his past scholars, I feel privileged to pay tribute to him by curating this collaborative. Professor Richard B. Ferrier's inspiration lives on within my art and designs, as I am sure it does with many others. The Museum of Architectural Drawings, in Berlin, will be featuring some of his work at their exhibition in June 2015. The images presented here were provided by UTA from an exhibition of his work in February 2011. Comments are welcome.

We all have mentors and great influencers in our lives, and most of mine happen to be in the field of Architecture. The year of 9/11, I had a graduate professor from New York. We were studying Film and Architecture. These two things together were like music to my ears, literally. I loved articulating my design in Architecture using film with motion and music. At the time, I was already exploring technology in Architecture like 3D Max and After Effects. And, I was always one of those students that liked to do my projects differently from the rest. Another person I know that blazes his own trail is 'The Architect Painter' my mentor and colleague, Jef7rey Hildner. He is an award winning Architect, accomplished Painter, and published Writer. He just released a beautiful new book titled "Henry Trucks - Painter : ancient myths meet modern landscapes" available for purchase.
"ARCHITECTURE IS A STORY TOLD THROUGH A BUILDING." -- JEF7REY HILDNER

Need assistance with design decisions? Studio Smithson offers Space Planning, Custom ART, Furniture Selection and Mood Boards

Visiting places I have never been always inspires my photography and art. We spent time in the amazing city of Seattle this summer, as well as taking in the nature side of Washington.