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From the Editor - November 2009
Hello and November greetings from the Southwest!
Sometime the last week of October we fast-forwarded from
autumn to winter and have already had our first snow in
many areas! Skiing may be very good this year!
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Speaking of snow
. . . standing in my first New Mexico snow . . .
Is that
gosh-awful or what? In honor of my first
Thanksgiving in New Mexico, 1970, on a
trip with my grandparents to Red River.
Note the turtleneck,
striped bell-bottoms, and hiding beneath them were
pure white "go-go" boots! Didn't quite
have my fashion sense at this point, I think I
was probably the ripe age of twelve before that
occurred!
It was a
wonderful time and a beautiful holiday, complete
with turkey and all the trimmings, with the most
special event being that we went up on the
mountain into the forest to pick our very own
Christmas tree which rode atop the car all the
way home to Dallas. |
Well, it's been a
whirlwind since we turned our focus to fashion. We
are receiving so many pieces from talented and unique
designers around the southwest.
November is my birthday
month and as always, I am reflective and in being so,
ask:
Is there a Spiritual
Side to Fashion?
I think this question
comes from the thought that fashion can be artistic and
can be a manner of self-expression, both of which
originate from the spiritual realm. An interest in
medieval or ethnic clothing can originate from the
ancestors. I think it is there within, and so does
Deborah Rael-Buckley as she demonstrates in her series
of sculpture works through dress form with what she
calls, "contained memory," and genealogical lines. It is
a passion for Rael-Buckley and only a passion from the
spirit can create what she has created. Be sure to
see our feature on her and her work. It is
uniquely fantastic.
Maybe the spiritual is in
everything, we can just see it. I think that would be
the Buddhist way of thought. For me, fashion has always
been an inner expression coming out. Rebellion,
creativity, art, individuality, love and passion,
sexuality, dreaming, all of these things have always
been in my feelings about dress and clothing,
accessories and shoes and it's most always there when I
am considering what to wear; how do I feel today? What
mood and/or feelings do I need to express?
Moving on into the issue,
we have such a great line-up this month.
We are publishing our
first Southwest Challenge, asking Swedish photographer
Tore Nilsson, and his model, to create a look with some
southwest flair using limited resources in a location on
the other side of the world. Take a look at their
spread and see what you think. We think they did a
fantastic job of creating a little of the Southwest U.S.
in Sweden!
We have fashion separates
from Vickery, a Colorado-based company, that we felt all
had just the right touch to add a little southwest flair
to any wardrobe. Versatile as well, these pieces
can go from work to leisure in many cases if paired with
the right outfit.
We also ask this month,
what's in it for the guys? Maybe you are a male
reader, if so we have some answers for you. Or
perhaps as a female reader, you need to dress Joe up
just a tad or are looking for some great holiday gift
ideas. Be sure to see our features on Lisa Ann
Martin of Scottsdale and her styling for men; Ezra Estes
an up and coming men's (and women's) designer in Santa
Fe, and a special interview with Marlys Mallet, the
artist of a painting chosen to be on a new men's sweater
from St. Croix.
And this month's featured
Arizona designer is Angela Johnson of Scottsdale, be
sure to see her artist creations! We have wearable
art from Santa Fe artist/designer Beth Surdut that
include some of the most beautiful hand-painted pieces
you may ever see. And if you like it woven, the
Sacramento Weavers, Kelly Stewart and Kenny Nix, have
sent us some one-of-a-kind creations.
Elsewhere we have
shopping at a special Christmas boutique, getaways,
cuisine, and many arts and events from around the
region, even turkey to go!
So please enjoy this
issue and thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a
safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Cheryl Bruedigam, Editor
| Editor Cheryl Bruedigam
has worked in the field of publishing for the
past ten years and prior to that held executive
positions in hospitality sales and marketing in
Texas and New Mexico from the early 80s to 2001.
Also a former professional fashion model,
Bruedigam holds a fashion degree from the Flair
Fashion College previously in Albuquerque, New
Mexico. She has participated in runway modeling
for Bride’s Magazine, Barbizon, and Dallas
Market Hall. She was a finalist in the 1987 Ms.
D/FW Pageant. She has appeared on The Denton
Tonight Show and Los Alamos Today. She is also a
certified Yoga Instructor at the 250 level and
is currently certifying for the 500 level. |
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