New in store today is a beautiful collection of handmade, fair trade fashion accessories designed by two sisters who wanted to make a difference in the developing world. One joined Peace Corps Morocco to help rural women develop business skills and the other traveled to Mali to research traditional weaving and metal-smithing techniques. Six years later their collection, Mushmina, was born.
We are delighted to have their designs at our shop. Swing by soon to check the out.
Labels: designers and artists, Fair Trade, fashion, fashion accessories, Middle East, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds
Much has been happening in our shop on the fashion front. We debuted a collection of clothing that is flying off the racks. We even have a new dressing room so you can check out the look before leaving the store. One of our best sellers is a collection of tops created from hand-dyed cotton by artisans in Thailand. Like most of the items we carry the prices are hot and each is individually handmade. The little number shown above is a cool $35.00. Not bad for a handmade garment. Swing by soon to see for yourself.
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: fashion accessories, New Arrivals, New In Store, Our Shop
New in store today are these lovely t-shirts ($35.00) from Seattle designer Dinah Coops. They are created with 100% certified organic cotton in beautifully low-impact-fabric-dyed shades, and are hand silkscreened with water based inks. That makes them natural, modern, sustainable and only available in New Mexico at Pfeifer Studio.
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)Labels: designers and artists, fashion, fashion accessories, New Arrivals, New In Store
Have you seen the latest arrivals to our limited editions and One-Of-A-Kinds? You should! Our new batch hits handmade, post-modern, vintage and Victorian all in one fell swoop.
Not so long ago you had to make a trip to our showroom in New Mexico to discover such finds, but now you can grab them through your screen from anywhere on the globe. But remember that these items are limited. Get them now or regret it later.
Appliqué Owl Pillow - Our handmade appliqué owl pillow was created in India by designer Neeru Kumar and features a feather and down insert and cotton back. $75.00 + Free Delivery
String Light - At first glance, the String Light looks industrial and exposed, with 10 variably sized light bulbs protruding from powder coated aluminum casings, dangling at random from a 60 inch cord. Plug in this dimmable light fixture and the String Light assumes a wholly new aura. The 9 white bulbs and single red bulb glow with a whimsical and refreshing energy. Illuminating a room has never been so interesting. 107 total watts. $99.00 + Free Delivery
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Shaped Cat Pillow - $119.00 + Free Delivery
Shaped Cat and Owl Pillows - Our hand screened cat and owl cushions are inspired by Victorian shaped pillows. The graphics are based on the first mass produced images from 19th century illustrations. $119.00 + Free Delivery
Resin Hand Hooks - Cast from the designer's hand, our resin hand hooks are a catchall for keys, change, soap, or any small thing that needs a helpful hand. Includes wall mounting hardware. Choose from Grab, C'mere or Offer. $85.00 + Free Delivery
Reclaimed Huiplie Textile Bag - Blending modern design with rich tradition, this bag is crafted from a recycled traditional Mayan huipile (blouse). Laced with a colorful braided cotton cord and magnetic snap. Nice details with an inside zipper pocket and denim lining. $149.00 + Free Delivery
Vintage Kantha Quilt - $235.00 + Free Delivery
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Cotton Kantha Quilt - $159.00 + Free Delivery
Nakshi Kantha, which means embroidered quilt, is the prominent textile art form of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Passed down through generations, it was popularized by a poem titled “Nakhi Kanthar Math” by Jasim Uddin. The poem, written about a woman named Rupa, captures her process of making an embroidered quilt and the story of her life reflected in the piece itself.
The running stitch, called kantha or gudri stitch, is the main stitch used to layout the designs and motifs before filling them in with cloth. In kanthas with a central motif, the center of the piece is first created then followed by corner designs and the remaining details.
Wanna know more about any of these great finds? Send an email or give us a call at 1-866-804-1909.
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: Blankets and Throws, Central America, Eco-Friendly, fashion accessories, handicrafts, India, lighting, New Arrivals, New In Store, Pfeifer Finds, PIllows, Product Preview
Tons of cool stuff is streaming into the shop these days. We are only one week and one day away from our shop's Second Anniversary Party in the North Valley! Save the date and stay tuned for more info. In the meantime, check out these supa-studded leather cuffs. They'll make a great gift for that supa-stud in your life. Starting at only 20 bucks these are another in store exclusive. Swing by the shop soon to see them.
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Labels: fashion accessories, gifts, leather, New Arrivals, New In Store
The anticipation and excitement that comes with waiting for the September issue of Vogue to be released is a big deal in my house. Now that I’ve had ample time to comb through all 726 pages, I’m not really sure how I feel about returning to the 80’s with the re-release of leg warmers and big shoulder pads. I do, however, find myself drawn to many of this season’s fabrics and textures. One thing I look forward to every year is comparing notes with my close friend and fashion muse, Michele Cernosia, who is a talented New York accessories designer with some fabulous jewelry at Pfeifer Studio BTW. We both came to the consensus that we gained great inspiration from the stunning ads this year, loving the layering effect, various black capes and military coats, furry vests, long cable-knit sweaters, and over-the-knee boots.
Paying tribute to Fashion Week, and in honor of my love for great design, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of this season’s fashion favorites as they relate to the Pfeifer Studio collection…after all, design in fashion and fashion for the home really do go hand-in-hand.
WOOL SWEATERS AND VESTS
Though I’m not a fan of cold weather, it is a great time to wrap up in wool sweaters and soft throws. Pfeifer Studio carries a great collection of wool throws, and we are also the exclusive online rep in the United States for Stansborough wools.
Fluffy Wool Vest by Andrew Marc & Our Golden Snow Blanket
Shoes and Accessories
Shoes and accessories are making a huge impact this season, and these laser cut wool felt shoes remind me of Pfeifer’s recent product feature on Feisty Elle, a beautiful collection of felt jewelry available in our showroom by California native Leslie Yang.
Laser Cut Wool Pumps & Fiesty Elle Felt Earrings
ANIMAL INSTINCTS
Animal prints are still going strong, and not only are fashion designers all about oversized animal print handbags, but Pfeifer Studio continues to celebrate the Animal Instincts trend with crocodile embossed leather goods and a great collection of hide pillows and hide covered stools.
Our Crocodile Embossed Cowhide Pillow & Goat Hide Footstool
I love these Jimmy Choo and CÉLINE handbags!
Boots
OK, though I probably wouldn’t have the courage to wear these low boots by Chanel, you’ve probably seen them featured lately in all your favorite fashion mags. When I saw these again, I was immediately reminded of Pfeifer Studio’s Mongolian Lamb pillows in black and chocolate brown.
Chanel Boots & Pfeifer Pillows
The next time you shop your closet for some of this season’s latest fashion finds, don’t forget to take a look around and see if your pad is also up to par. Fashion and design really do play off each other, and Pfeifer Studio is completely styling this fall with items that are exclusive, scrumptious, and no doubt off-the runway.
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Labels: animal hides, designers and artists, fashion accessories, Inspiration, Pfeifer Trends, Stansborough Wools
Many of you may already be familiar with our oversized leather tote embossed with Mogil Floral and Islamic Geometric patterns taken from the Taj Mahal. It has been a part of our collection for over 5 years and it has consistently been a best seller, especially in our shop.
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Recently a client wanted to see if we could make it with one small change. She needed it to fit over her shoulder horizontally instead of vertically. Since Pfeifer Studio is the retailer and also the designer of the bag, we have a direct connection to the workshop that makes it. So it was not a problem at all to have a unique one-of-a-kind style created just for her.
If you need a custom fashion accessory look no further than Pfeifer Studio. We work with global artisans to create custom designs for our clients. Many of the styles sold online can be ordered in custom sizes and materials. We also create original one-of-a-kind designs and custom styles that are produced in larger quantities. To learn more about our custom design capabilities contact us at 1-866-804-1909 to discuss your ideas.
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: custom project, fashion accessories
OMG! Could you die? We just got in the coolest pop jewels! Polka dots, kitschy, BIG, rosy resin, glitter ball rings and color-splattered springy, slinky-inspired bracelets. Totally drop everything and hit Pfeifer Studio, like, right now! -
Labels: fashion accessories, gifts, Jewelry, modern design, New Arrivals, New In Store
Our source in India found these wonderful Pula Chappal slippers a few weeks back and put together a little collection for us. They just landed in our showroom yesterday and we can tell already that they are going to sell out soon.
They also have a fascinating story.
Leather shoes made of cowhide were considered inappropriate for treading on the soil of Himachal Pradesh, a state in Northern India regarded as the land of the gods. Consequently the sacred grasses of shale (cannabis) were used to make pula chappal, the traditional footwear of the Paharis. These lightweight slippers are worn during religious ceremonies, within the temple precincts and to walk on snow.
Pula Chappal Slippers - $39.00 - In Store Only
Dried strips of cannabis grass or buckwheat stem are woven into a rope-like form and then strengthened by a process of twisting and stretching it. Five loops in increasing or decreasing size in relation to the toes are made from the prepared rope. Each rope is then tightened around the junction point of a t-shaped tool that is rotates at a great sped while holding the base of its stem.
The body of the chappal is made by intertwining very fine threads of grass spun on a spindle. In some instances, a decorative shoe upper is created with a blanket stitch and contrasting colors of wool. A simple system of hand measures is used to make different sizes.
Today, although the craft is chiefly practiced in the village of Chad, the market for pula chappal has spread to Rajastahan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and, of course, Pfeifer Studio.
Posted By: AJ (aj@pfeiferstudio.com)
Labels: fashion accessories, gifts, handicrafts, India, New Arrivals, New In Store
Spring has come to New Mexico. Cool blustery days seem to alternate with warmer days that remind us of what is coming. Here in Albuquerque’s North Valley the fruit trees are blooming and mountain snow melt is flowing through the irrigation ditches. One can’t help but notice the gardens and fields being readied for another growing season.
The changing seasons have us excited about the bounty to come from area farmers markets. The Los Ranchos Growers Market is less than 2 miles from our retail showroom, and opened on the second Saturday of the month. They will soon be open every Saturday, starting in May! The Corrales Growers Market, about 10 miles away, will start its spring schedule this Sunday. The world renowned Santa Fe Farmers Market is an early Saturday morning train ride away on the Railrunner from Albuquerque, and well worth the trip. Other area markets are gearing up for the season and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
A recent visit to the Santa Fe market was a real treat. We left with red chile powder and bolita beans both grown in the North New Mexican village of Nambé, eggs, cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) and aged goat cheese from Sweetwoods Dairy, baby spinach, kale, lettuce, thick grass fed pork chops, greenhouse grown heirloom tomatoes, oyster mushrooms and the most sublime lamb shanks from Shepherds Lamb in Tierra Amarilla. The upcoming weeks promise to bring a greater variety of fresh vegetables as the season starts to unfold.
Our trips to the local markets got us thinking about a sustainable way to bring home our bounty and we came up with a great solution for carrying home all our market treasures. Our hand woven corn husk tote is sized perfectly for a trip to the farmers market, or a Saturday afternoon with a book at the park. Available in naturally colored corn husk, the interior is lined with cotton and features an interior pocket to help keep you organized.Labels: Eco-Friendly, fashion accessories, gifts, New Arrivals, New In Store, New Mexico, Our Shop, Product Preview
Pfeifer Studio is proud to be the exclusive online retailer of Stansborough Wools of New Zealand. Their hand made wool throws and blankets are some of the most popular styles on the site and we recently decided to expand our offerings to include select styles from their fashion collection, including the ever-so inviting pink suede sheepskin slippers that you see to the left. -
What makes Stansborough Wool's designs so unique? Well for starters Stansborough founders, Barry and Cheryl Elridge, take a hands-on approach to the production of their wool designs.
The Elridges raise a rare breed of sheep, known as 'Stansborough Greys' on their 3000 acre farm, nestled in New Zealand's Wairarapa Valley. Over 10 years of selective breeding has developed a silky and lustrous fiber. Their flock is now over one thousand strong, still the only one of its kind in the world.
'Stansborough Alpaca' are also bred at the farm. With more than 20 different natural shades, the Alpaca wool expands the color palette and is used to enhance the natural colors of 'Stansborough Greys.'
Barry and Cheryl personally sort the fleece and only select the finest quality fibers for use in their production. Stansborough's luxurious wool throws are woven at their Wellington Mill on looms dating from the early 1890’s and have a unique, handmade and natural feel, distinguishing them from mass-produced, commercial soft goods.
Their sumptuous wool felts are individually hand made, creating subtle variations that make each piece completely unique.
The time spent producing each Stansborough design is evident in their quality and each style produced in Stansborough Wool can truly be called handmade.
Labels: Blankets and Throws, designers and artists, Eco-Friendly, fashion accessories, New Zealand, Stansborough Wools
Out latest Pfeifer Finds are (very chic) pouches made from vintage Indian Saris. They make a great gift and we love that these gorgeous textiles are being reused. Each pouch is unique and completely covered in detailed hand-embroidery.
A sari is a traditional garment worn in India, made of a very long strip of unstitched cloth, up to nine metres in length, which can be draped in various styles. The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with one end then draped over the shoulder baring the midriff. They are often embellished with mirrors or embroidery and may be worn on special occasions.
The patterns and their symbolism are often dictated by the region where the sari is produced. Almost every village has it's own sari tradition,employing a complex language of symbols,which are most always rooted in the natural world. Constant innovation is the hallmark of Sari weavers engaged in the creation of these magnificent textiles, especially in the three great Sari making cities; Varanasi, Chanderi and Kanjivaram.
Varanasi is renowned for its silk and gold brocades. The weavers, who are usually Muslims, are famed for producing brocades so stiff with gold that they cannot be used as garments and are reserved wholly for ritual use. Along with their very intricate patterns, the most interesting aspect of Varanasi brocades is the tremendous variety of silk yarns with which they are woven.
Chanderi is city of weavers. It produces fine shimmering cottons with pale delicate zari borders and motifs of the utmost delicacy. The characteristic feature of the Chanderi sari is the quality of the gold thread that is used. Early craftsmen have even gone to the extent of describing it as the gold thread that shone like a mirror.
Kanjivaram is synonymous with hand woven silk saris and known for its dark, heavy silks, usually with flat stripes of gold decorating the borders. These conservative designs are considered to be more restrained and dignified than the occasionally flamboyant Varanasi sari. A very distinctive feature of these saris, as opposed to those from other parts of India, is the contrasting color of the border and the pallav, as compared to the body of the sari.
Our pouches surely feature vintage Saris from many locales in India and there is not one on the lot that can not be called elegant and one-of-a-kind.
Labels: fashion accessories, India
I love these Jimmy Choo and CÉLINE handbags!
Our trips to the local markets got us thinking about a sustainable way to bring home our bounty and we came up with a great solution for carrying home all our market treasures. Our hand woven corn husk tote is sized perfectly for a trip to the farmers market, or a Saturday afternoon with a book at the park. Available in naturally colored corn husk, the interior is lined with cotton and features an interior pocket to help keep you organized.
