B.Yellowtail x Land of Nod Capsule Collection

An art print part of the B.Yellowtail x Land of Nod collection. The design was created by Wakeah Jhane (Comanche/Blackfeet/Kiowa).  (Credit: B.Yellowtail)

    Have you heard about the B.Yellowtail and Land of Nod collaboration?  One of our favorite designers has just launched a gorgeous collection with the retailing powerhouse.  The entire collection is based on original design pieces handcrafted by Native artisans who are members of the B.Yellowtail Collective.  From art to blankets, and everything in between, the collection is full of color and covet worthy design.  Now, children everywhere can discover the beauty of authentic indigenous culture and creativity.  What a wonderful way to incorporate Native elements into your favorite little person’s space!

PST:LA/LA Officially Launches

A PST:LA/LA Opening Celebration invitation which includes a photograph of Ana Serrano's 2008 'Cartonlandia'. (Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal)

   The Getty initiative, PST:LA/LA, has officially launched!  There has been a tremendous amount of buzz around all the exhibitions, gallery openings and art related parties.  We are sooo excited for this wonderful exploration of Latino and Latin American art in the Southern California area.  Stay tuned as we share some of our favorite exhibitions!

Celia, Frida and La Catrina - A Lil’ Libros Library

Select titles from the Lil' Libros library.  (Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal)

   We have been in love with the Lil’ Libros creations since 2014.  The company produces unique bilingual children’s books, games and posters.  Created by life long friends, Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, all the books in the Lil’ Libros collection feature luxurious colors, playful illustrations and fun wording.

Lil' Libros books make wonderful birthday gifts.  (Hermosa Journal).

   Rodriguez and Stein started the company after they each began having children and realized that something was missing from the board book market - culturally relevant bilingual books they loved.  Both of the Lil’ Libros founders are first generation Americans (with parents hailing from Mexico) committed to helping children become bilingual.  In the Spring of 2017, these passionate dual language advocates added another gem to their treasure trove of children’s titles: The Life of/La Vida de Celia.  This title comfortably falls right in line with the company’s other fabulous books we can’t get enough of like Frida, Loteria, and Un Elefante.

Lil' Libros as party favors.  (Hermosa Journal)

   Interested in getting their newest gem?  The Lil’ Libros team is now taking pre-orders for their 10th title, La Catrina.  If you are looking for ways to expose the little ones in your life to the beauty of reading in English and Spanish, a Lil’ Libros gift is a perfect solution.

Traditional Techniques & Modern Fashion - Carla Fernández

Carla Fernandez's Pom Pom dress from her Spring-Summer 2017 collection. (Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal)

   It’s no secret that we are big fans of Carla Fernández’s creations.  The designer makes beautiful avant-garde clothing deeply intertwined with Mexico’s vast indigenous artistic legacy.  Fernández helps preserve this rich creative history by incorporating the craft of talented artisans (like foot wool felting or mud dyeing) into her designs.  The collaboration between ancient indigenous techniques and Fernández’s modern designs result in stunning, wearable pieces of art.

A classic Fernández bracelet inspired by a traditional Mexican molinillo. (Hermosa Journal)

The bracelets come in various sizes and there is a new color per season. (Hermosa Journal)

Photo credit: Hermosa Journal

  This fusion between old and new helps modernize the artistry while bringing awareness to the craftsmanship to ensure it will be enjoyed for years to come.  We love Fernández’s work because it is rooted in a cause we deeply care about: the celebration of culture (and we also think the finished results are beautiful).  With several stores in Mexico (from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende) and designs available via her website, you can now buy Fernández’s work regardless of where you are located.  Her newest collection will be available late August 2017.  So, next time you are looking for clothes that are unique and rooted in tradition, start with Carla Fernández.

Squares are a common pattern in Fernandez's designs. (Hermosa Journal)

Fusing Heritage & Fashion - B. Yellowtail

Photo credit: B.Yellowtail

   Bethany Yellowtail, a Native American designer based in Los Angeles, is making waves in the fashion world.  Her creations incorporate native elements (think ancestral motifs and patterns) and contemporary designs.  A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Management, Yellowtail started her eponymous brand in 2014.  Since then, the designer has developed a loyal following who crave her fresh take on native inspired products.  

B.Yellowtail summer 2017 designs.  (Cameron Mackey)

   While it is still rare to find clothing designed by Native Americans in the mainstream fashion world, Yellowtail is working hard to shift this reality.  The designer is achieving this goal by creating sought after clothing rooted in her heritage.  Yellowtail takes another step toward changing the fashion landscape by giving back to her community.  In an effort to support other native artists, she started the B.Yellowtail Collective which features heirloom quality work by Native American artisans.  Changing an industry isn’t easy, but Yellowtail certainly seems up to the challenge.

The Indigenous Women Rise scarf by B.Yellowtail. (Hermosa Journal) 

   The purchase of a B.Yellowtail product is deeper than just consumption, it is a way to change the status quo and to celebrate a community.  A designer with a mission to empower her community and killer designs?  No wonder her recent Hollywood fashion show and pop-up were a total success.  Interested in sporting her creations?  Yellowtail releases a new design monthly and her 2017 summer collection is now available through her website.