Election Day is not until Tuesday November 6th, but in the next 3 days, you can put your patriotism to good use, cast your (monetary) vote for Votary by Luigi Bianco http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/votary/votary-knitted-scarf-and-blanket-collection and enable this New York based upstart, to get off the ground. They are one of more than 30,000 creative and innovative projects (culled from the worlds of fashion, food, publishing, music, technology, films, games, art, design, etc.) that have been hand picked by Kickstarter, and given a chance to come to life through the direct support of others. Since Kickstarter’s launch in 2009, more than $350 million has been pledged by approximately 2.5 million people, who have funded over 30,000 projects. Depending on what you pledge, you not only help to back a company financially, but you get to pick from a number of items that are available to chose from.
In the case of Votary, if you pledge $30 or more, you get a canvas tote, and if you pledge $70 or more, you can select from their well edited collection of eye catching, graphically patterned, premium knitted, over sized scarves and blankets (12X67, 53X67). All are made of double paneled, reversible, 100% acrylic (with full knit construction and a hand that feels like merino wool). My two favorite prints are Kent in ecru and black, and the classic American flag in red, white and blue (though other color combinations are available). For obvious patriotic reasons, with Election Day approaching, it could not seem more timely.
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| Stacy Lomman New York Fall 2012 |
Another one of Kickstarter’s fashion projects is Stacy Lomman: New York (www.stacylomman.com ). Ms Lomman, a true artist and innovative creator with a singular vision and very specific point of view, launched her eponymous line in 2010. She has a number of formal runway shows under her belt, and has garnered much attention and critical acclaim. She is no stranger to Kickstarter, having successfully partnered with them previously, in order to fund past collections.
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| Fall 2013 – shot from look book (Photo: Shane LaVancher / Model: Nicole Doyle |
She decided to fore go a formal show for her 2013 Spring Rockabilly Collection, and instead, focused on styling and photographing a look book herself. With just 5 days to go, she has 10 backers who have pledged $2571 (her goal is $2650). The $1000 pledge is already sold out (this entitles the pledgee to a customized design of her choice, in collaboration with the designer).But you can still pledge from $1 to $500 (the latter will get you a leather rockabilly/western cuff in black, a collection t-shirt, and the look book). For more information and to pledge Click here
-Marilyn Kirschner
Thank you so much!