Recently, I fell down some kind of internet rabbit hole and stumbled across this adorable pin by Léa Stein. I had never heard of this designer before, but I found myself intrigued by her numerous pieces and decided to learn more about her. As it turns out, there isn’t much information available about Léa Stein, though she is known as a prolific designer of plastic pins and jewelry from the 1960s through the 1990s. I’ve seen these styles in the past and never thought twice about them, but Stein’s whimsical pieces drew me in immediately.
(Photographs of Stein’s pieces from inside the book.)
Born in France, Léa Stein and her chemist husband developed a way to layer thin sheets of cellulose acetate to make intricate designs. Her pins include tiny fashion accessories like hats, purses, and umbrellas, as well as a large collection of animals and figures of women, too. Stein is also known for her lovely bracelets with intricate layers of color. I find these especially interesting and I’m on the hunt for a few of my own. I also recently bid on a small purse pin via eBay and won the auction at a reasonable price.
I don’t really consider myself a collector these days, unless you count my endless supply of pillow covers, but I’m having fun learning more about this designer with quite a following in the world of vintage jewelry. It will be fun to own a few of her pieces and I hope to show them to you soon.
Do you collect anything?
(photo courtesy of REMAKE.)
I recently learned about REMAKE, a new collaborative company hoping to change the way consumers shop, while improving the lives and working conditions of garment workers across the world. REMAKE’s mission is to “rebuild human connections between makers, shoppers, and brands,” and as an advocate for fairly made and ethical clothing, this is a program I can fully support.
Ayesha Barenblat, the founder of REMAKE, was kind enough to share some insight into the motivation behind her company, and she hopes to build bridges between makers and shoppers, so that we can understand each other’s lives. As she explains, “One of the primary ways that we aim to engage shoppers back to makers is through visual storytelling, particularly film to appeal to people’s hearts and minds. I truly believe that if you can meet and get to know the hard working people behind your stuff, you would want to advocate for a better life for them.” Ayesha traveled to Haiti to collaborate with the makers of Levi’s Jeans and recently returned from a trip to Pakistan. She also plans to visit with workers in Cambodia next year.
One of the company’s goals is to encourage clothing brands to get to know their employees, and they are currently looking for brands to work with REMAKE as founding members. If you are interested in learning more about REMAKE, whether as a consumer or as a brand, please contact them here.
(My cast iron plant is going strong with all this sun.)
This week went by quickly and we’re gearing up for a fun holiday weekend. I’m excited that the 4th of July is stretched over two days this year, since it’s never as much fun in the middle of the week. We’ll be spending time with friends and family and preparing to celebrate Rhys’ birthday, too. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
Last week’s Supreme Court decision was incredible. Now it’s time for those judges to show their common sense to women, too.
Positive changes might be coming soon for the women and children held in immigration camps in south Texas.
What it’s like to work in a U.S. factory.
The heartbreaking story of one man’s homecoming after spending 22 years as a slave on a fishing boat.
Misty Copeland becomes the first African-American woman named a principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater.
A marriage equality-inspired makeup tutorial.
A fun tour of gorgeous Paris apartments.
A list of American-made brands, along with ethical sales taking place this weekend.
Have a wonderful weekend and a happy Fourth of July!
