COUNCIL

And that's all.

2010-02-14T11:46:00.002-08:00

From now on, you can follow us here and see us at the shop.

Thank you for all of the love and support!

X THE BANQUET

http://thebanquetnyc.blogspot.com

COUNCIL IS THE BANQUET!

2010-02-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release.

February, 2010.

COUNCIL boutique, celebrating its one year anniversary on February 14th, is changing its name to THE BANQUET.

Comprised of women's clothing designer Miranda Bennett and Jewelry Designer Pamela Johnston of Plume, the pair selected the name in part for the series of artist dinners that they plan to host, much in the tradition of the salons, inviting guest artists and friends to mingle over offerings of food, ideas, and camaraderie.

"We loved the celebratory tone of "the banquet", and the suggestion of a beautifully arranged and ceremonious coming together - in much the same way that a lavish feast comes together to honor and celebrate its guests. This past year has taught us how deep the channels of support in the design community are, and we want to pay tribute to that and inspire further participation."

THE BANQUET is a store and concept created by designers, serving the design and arts community, as well as a larger audience of patrons and connoisseurs. Much in the same way that COUNCIL represented the coming together of each partner's endeavors under one roof, THE BANQUET seeks to remain a platform for Johnston and Bennett's work, functioning as both a gathering place and design laboratory for new ideas and collaborations. The centerpieces of the store are Johnston's much loved editorial pieces and collection of fine jewelry and Bennett's women's collection that fuses the elegant simplicity of Grecian inspired draping with effortless daywear. In addition to the co-owner's lines, the pair will curate a house line of vintage clothing, furniture and curiosities called "THE BANQUET ARCHIVE". ARCHIVE gems are in the store now. THE BANQUET blog will continue documenting trend, art, music, film, and pop cultural inspiration as well as relaying announcements on openings, sales, and other store events (thebanquetnyc.blogspot.com).

The banquet had become the supreme rite. The cultural capital of the world, which set fashions in dress, the arts, and the pleasures of life, celebrated its vitality over a long table laden with food and wine. From The Banquet Years by Roger Shattuck

All Hail McQueen.

2010-02-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

After hearing the news this morning, and despite the day of astonished conversations that followed, we still can't believe it. Lee Alexander McQueen, March 17th, 1969 to February 11th, 2010. He was talented, he was brilliant. His construction was rigorous, flawless, exquisite, and beautiful. His mind was complicated, sensitive, knowing, challenging, and sharply intelligent. Sometimes, though, the qualities that make us defy the commonplace, make us special and severe, are the very same that interfere with our own ability to sustain ourselves. The deeply ingrained sensitivity that made McQueen the creative genius that he was, was also responsible for making him succumb to his grief. As the shock wears off, we know that he will be sorely missed. We wish him peace and the hope that he is reunited with his beloveds.

XOXO COUNCIL

Projected.

2010-02-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

More amazing from the ever expanding archive of incredible fashion films.

XOXO COUNCIL

Directed by Stephanie di Giusto

I remember when.

2010-02-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

Ryan McGinley shooting Kate Moss for Stella McCartney, first for W in 2007, then for her F/W '09 campaign. Perfection.

X THE BANQUET

See the words.

2010-02-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

With love on the brain, and an anniversary in our heart, this article hit the spot. From a lovely story called "A Valentine's Day Sampler" in the City Room blog of the New York Times today. See who wrote it, and what else, here.

xoxo COUNCIL

Take me away.

2010-02-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

Another Take Away Show from La Blogoteque - this time the enchanting Yo La Tengo. We could not have described the endeavor any better than this: "They are the best of the best, they possess an almost fleeting mystery we’re not really sure we want to display."

The sweetness of this performance, filmed on a playground in Montmartre, will make your heart sing and swell.

xoxo COUNCIL

The Gentlewoman.

2010-02-05T10:16:00.000-08:00

We love this editorial shot by the lovely Zoe Ghertner for the super and fantastic Fantastic Man. Have a look why don't you.

xoxo COUNCIL

It's all happening.

2010-02-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

The tents are going up! New York Fashion Week looms and as far as we are concerned, February 11th and the Fall collections cannot come soon enough. Let the countdown begin!

xoxo COUNCIL

Au Hasard Cydney.

2010-02-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

While looking at our dear friend Cydney's most recent photo essay on Maine entitled idle/idyll, we were struck by this image,

Which in turn made us think of this one, taken from the beautiful and haunting Robert Bresson film Au Hasard Balthazar.

Which you shouldn't see on an empty heart. The rest of Cydney's photos will take you to the ocean and the woods and warmth, all of which are welcome in this dead center of winter.

xoxo COUNCIL

Special Delivery!

2010-02-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you to our favorite flower girls, Ruth and Amanda, the lovely ladies of Quatre Coeur. They completely made our day yesterday when they hand delivered this gorgeous bouquet.

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.
There is still time to order an amazing Valentine's Day package from them!

See the words.

2010-02-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

"The dream of a ninety-five is a weight on the heart."

Just one Look.

2010-02-01T20:58:00.001-08:00

(thank you to Merideth Namsoo for making us think of the ocean and horizon and the flatness of the earth and a crying sky and the vastness of simplicity.)

Street of Forgotten Men.

2010-01-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

The Bowery in the days of yore.

xoxo COUNCIL

Girls on Film.

2010-01-29T16:27:00.000-08:00

Louise Brooks (November 1906 - August 1985). A loner, a lady, a rebel, a haircut. After success and disillusionment, ruin and rebirth, from famed actress to the blacklist, courtesan to salesgirl, she stumbled into the warm glow of latter day recognition after long marinating in the pale light of popular neglect and obscurity. Deliverance took many shapes, and hers came not only in the renewed interest and critical acclaim for her formative acting work, but also in her burgeoning career as a writer (and a very witty one at that) in the middle of her life. Proof that it's never too late for a lady to begin again, again.

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.

Ms.Brooks' required us to post more pictures than usual - the material was just too good...

Eve, A.D 2,000!

2010-01-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

While researching another piece, we came across this amusing reel. Surprisingly or not, many of the predictions are not so far fetched. But where does a lady finds one of those electric headlights?

xoxo COUNCIL

Flower Girls.

2010-01-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

This week, a pair of charming young ladies came in to the shop to introduce themselves, and now, we would like to introduce them to you. Their names are Amanda and Ruth and they have just begun a floral arranging company that they call Quatre Coeur. They pride themselves in using unusual elements (citrus! kumquats!) and vintage vases in addition to creating more traditional bouquets. For Valentine's Day, they have a cutie pie promotion offering chocolates, skivvies (our word, not theirs...), and of course, a stunning floral arrangement delivered right to your loved ones doorstep. They are accepting orders now, so take a look. We will be showing off some of their flower artistry at our anniversary party this Spring. We cannot wait to see what the girls come up with.

xoxo COUNCIL

Run-a-way.

2010-01-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

Jean Paul may have just brought back the Urban Sombrero, which is good, because we were always fans.

xoxo COUNCIL

via NY Times

See the words.

2010-01-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

"Everything that comes from your beautiful hand seems touched with magic that sings in my chest."

Take me away.

2010-01-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

To kids with heart. We love this series of Take Away Shows by the people at La Blogotheque. You should really know more about this project. And, don't worry, we plan to continue posting our favorite performances in the coming weeks and months.

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.
We hope you New York readers enjoyed the visions of Venice Beach in this performance by White Rabbits as much as we did.

Send this back, to January 19th.

2010-01-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Happy belated birthday to our heroine, Miss Dolly Parton.

I wake up with new dreams every day. Dolly

By Brakhage.

2010-01-22T16:17:00.000-08:00

Have we told you yet that we are saving our pennies for a store projector? Maybe to play films like this, all day long, and all through the long, lonely nighttime hours when the store is shuttered. And movie nights, of course.

xoxo COUNCIL

Just one look.

2010-01-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

(Thank you to Zoe Ghertner for making us think of contrast and pyramids and spatial relations and liquid silver and perspective and the preciousness of convergence.)

This just in!

2010-01-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

A library of wonders has just arrived in the shop. This time around, we focused on antiquated travel guides, atlases and encyclopedias, as well as crafting manuals from the 1970's. Enjoy a tour of the Soviet Union and learn how to crochet a bikini, all in one visit.

xoxo COUNCIL Reading Room Staff

Charlotte loves Phyllis, too.

2010-01-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Charlotte Gainsbourg paying homage to Phyllis Nefler by way of one beautiful cape.

Photo by Jean-Baptiste Mondino for the NY Times. See the NY Times article on her new album here.

See the words.

2010-01-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

“Your eyes,” she says, “look at some things through your heart.”

Just one look.

2010-01-20T17:45:00.001-08:00

(thank you to Michel de Broin for making us think of the forest and trees and diamonds and prisms and surface and art and a fractured infinite.)

You Wildnerness Girls.

2010-01-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

Don't ever forget Troop Beverly Hills.

xoxo COUNCIL

PS
We have a fab Phyllis Nefler cape in the shop right now. We hope you like black.

And PPS
Just in case you need reminding...

Tomorrow, tomorrow.

2010-01-19T19:31:00.000-08:00

Excitedly we begin planning our Fall '10 collection shoot, and with it, a series of gorgeous still life photographs of Plume and Miranda Bennett pieces for the store. We'll show you soon, soon.

xoxo COUNCIL

by stephen shore

From Mahalia, with love.

2010-01-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

Happy MLK day.

xoxo COUNCIL

Bon Anniversaire!

2010-01-16T13:40:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday to us! One year ago today we softly and quietly opened our doors to the public before having our official opening on Valentine's day. It is such a milestone for us and we are so grateful to all of our wonderful friends, family and patrons who have made this experience all that it was and continues to be. And we are so excited for the year ahead! We plan to have an all out celebration this spring. We'll be sure to let you know when...

xoxo COUNCIL

via them

Science is Fiction.

2010-01-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

via them

Jean Painlevé (November 1902 - July 1989)

Advocating the credo "science is fiction," Painlevé managed to scandalize both the scientific and the cinematographic world with a cinema designed to entertain as well as edify. He portrayed sea horses, vampire bats, skeleton shrimps, and fanworms as endowed with human traits — the erotic, the comical, and the savage. Painlevé single-handedly established a unique kind of cinema, the "scientific-poetic cinema". Wikipedia

A few years ago, maybe even five, we got to see Yo La Tengo perform an original score that they composed to accompany Painlevé's short aquatic films. If you haven't heard the results of their project then you ought to, and soon.

The Criterion Collection released a collection of his work called Science is Fiction: 23 Films by Jean Painlevé - click here to see a clip or to order yourself a copy.

And, right now, enjoy this visually stunning and very psychedelic short film The Liquid Crystals below.

xoxo COUNCIL

See Saw

2010-01-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

We were sorry to hear about Jae Reatard's passing today at the tender age of 29. We are sure that a whole lot of people will miss him lots, including us.

xoxo COUNCIL

See Saw - Jay Reatard

Just one look.

2010-01-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

via them

xoxo COUNCIL

Lucky couple one hundred.

2010-01-12T20:40:00.001-08:00

via them

Our 100th post!

Thank you for being there.

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.

Somewhere, a blanket of balloons descends gracefully from a ceiling.

Warm up.

2010-01-11T17:40:00.001-08:00

xoxo COUNCIL

See the words.

2010-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

"I want to say thank you for letting me create a physical representation of my hopes and dreams."

We couldn't have said it any better. See who did here.

xoxo COUNCIL

Super Eight.

2010-01-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

Remembering our '09 collection film for Plume and Miranda Bennett has set the wheels to turning for our 2010 film project. All that we can say for now is: Super 8. And, it's sure to be something. Until we can debut it (or make it even), why not sooth your waiting heart with this?

xoxo COUNCIL

Encore.

2010-01-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

Some pretty, proper images from the Au Revoir Simone show this Thursday, by photographer Gabi Porter.

xoxo COUNCIL

Still Night, Still Light.

2010-01-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

A new year and a new gorgeous performance from our favorite of favorites Au Revoir Simone.

We saw them play a beautiful show in New York last night with a set list replete with songs off of their most recent album Still Night, Still Light. Dressed in a parade of white party dresses and performing under a cascade of falling snow, their show was the perfect winter dream. Thank you for the lovely memories girls.

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.

And how can we resist a moment of remembering for our favorite film project of '09, featuring their song, Knight of Wands.

Goodnight, oughts.

2010-01-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

We're sorry for the pause in transmission, we missed you terribly but required some quiet as the new year arrived. And now we are back. The store has undergone a complete overhaul and is looking rather charming in its shiny new decade. It's lighter, brighter, and brimming with beautiful things. Come in and have a look.

xoxo COUNCIL

Merry, merry.

2009-12-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

We hope you are.

xoxo COUNCIL

Camera Obscura.

2009-12-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

And another reason to go the Met, the incredible Robert Frank exhibit. The exhibition space weaves you through a sequential tour of works from his amazing book The Americans (1959). This photo, included in a collage of his working prints, got us thinking about new year's eve - what we'll be wearing, who we'll be kissing...

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.

If you're still feeling gun shy about making the trip, you can peek at more images from the show here.

Walk like an Egyptian.

2009-12-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

On a recent snow day in New York, we remembered Egypt by way of the incredible Egyptian wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. That visit, and the fact that our amazing (and we mean that - he really and truly is!) landlord is a native of Egypt have inspired us to get some lovely vintage books on the subject for the shop. They're coming real soon, so stay tuned.

xoxo COUNCIL

Special delivery.

2009-12-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend Cydney Puro had the most beautiful arrangement from our neighbors at Opalia delivered to us. It looks like an undewater dream and boasts Orchids and berries and green Hydrangeas that smell just like honey.

Thank you Cyd, we adore them!

xoxo COUNCIL

To friends with cheer Pt.2, photographs

2009-12-19T15:55:00.001-08:00

And without further ado, photos from the Music Tapes holiday show.

xoxo COUNCIL

the mobile set, with yule log accompaniment

the boys, preparing

bowing banjos

trio of saws

storytelling

xylophoning

our lovely host, Stephanie, and COUNCIL partner, Pam, enjoying the show

To friends with cheer.

2009-12-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Our good friend and once featured artist Stephanie Schwallie hosted her second annual holiday party featuring a performance by Julian Koster of the Music Tapes (and formerly Neutral Milk Hotel). This and last year's performance were part of an ambitious caroling project that attempts to take Julian to ever more living rooms and homes, performing multiple shows a night in countless cities across the country. This year Julian brought friends (in addition to Badger, his musical saw); he was joined by two other performers as well as a pop-up set of illuminated drummer boys and lambs. And, just like last year, his father sat in the audience, beaming with a glow of pride and boasting the loudest laughter in the room. The performance was nothing short of beautiful and we all felt so lucky to be there. Thanks to Julian and company for performing and to Steph for hosting! We will post photos soon, but in the mean time enjoy a video from yet another of his living room performances.

xoxo COUNCIL

The Music Tapes - Freeing Song For Reindeer from Hard to Find a Friend on Vimeo.

This just in!

2009-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

A class of 1965 year book from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. The type, layout, illustrations, and photographs are some of the most special we've seen in a little while.

Come and see for yourself before we sell it to some lucky so-and-so.

xoxo COUNCIL

And, giving.

2009-12-13T13:44:00.001-08:00

And on the subject of giving, we have a few ideas. We have thought long and hard this year (our first holiday season!) about what could make your annual looting easier, especially for those who like to shop in a one-for-me-one-for-you-kind-of-way (as we usually do...). Here is a sampling of a few new items that you can currently find on offer in our shop, in addition to our stable of staple Plume and Miranda Bennett pieces.

xoxo COUNCIL

Assorted vintage books. Art, design, and inspiration.

A little YSL-esque magic for your head, just in time for the cold. Plume wool hats. Various sizes. Available in grey and black. Photo courtesy of *

Pieces of memory. Miranda Bennett floating pressed flowers. Each tagged with date of collection and place of origin. Photo courtesy of *

Felt, in the wild.

2009-12-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

One half of the little felted wonders have arrived from team Mouton, and they have already found places of repose in the store. We captured them in their new (temporary) habitat. At $12 each, you may be wondering how they will look in yours.

xoxo COUNCIL

Our house stud.

2009-12-09T17:38:00.000-08:00

Refinery 29 recently included our very own Pamela Johnston of Plume Jewels in their editor holiday picks list. Have a look! Our thanks to the lovely Christene.

xoxo COUNCIL

Above, from left:

Pamela Johnson Gold Bars Stud Earrings, $205, available at Council. "I love the simplicity of these long gold bar studs."

To read the full article, click here.

Kissing Cousins.

2009-12-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

COUNCIL commissioned a dynamic duo of felting cousins who are very close to our hearts, Bridget and Monique Mouton, to make holiday pieces for the shop. Their work is shipping to the store this week, and we cannot wait to unpack their creations and show them off to you. Until then, enjoy some teasers in the form of other works by still other felters. Oh, the possibilities of what's to come!

xoxo COUNCIL

image via them

Thanks & Giving.

2009-11-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

There are many things to be thankful for, all day, everyday. In addition to the air we breathe, the golden yellow piles of Ginkgo leaves on the sidewalk this time of year, and the blessing of a city such as ours, we are thankful for: meals cooked together. And family. And friends. The ability to appreciate beautiful things. And having these exorbitantly expensive roofs over our heads (for they certainly are better than no roofs at all). And for one roof in particular, we at COUNCIL are particularly thankful. More than the roof itself (obviously), the love - the warm, generous, overwhelming, graceful, demanding, gratifying, and sometimes completely surprising love that it has sheltered this past year. For that, and so, so much more,

Thank you.

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.

An excerpt from our supper (that turkey's a fake!!!).

And when the night calls.

2009-11-21T13:09:00.001-08:00

Scenes from our Alexis MacDonald opening.

xoxo COUNCIL

Alexis MacDonald, tonight!

2009-11-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

We hung Alexis MacDonald's show for COUNCIL last night, and the store has never looked so good. Her works of ink, dye, and acrylic on canvas have infused the space with an incredible color palate and an expansive, new scale.

We hope that you can join us this evening for her opening from 6 - 9 where we will be serving wine and Alexis may even be mixing cocktails for a lucky few...

If you would like to know more about her, please visit her website here.

xoxo COUNCIL

I left my heart in Palm Springs.

2009-11-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

Our Pam's nuptials in Palm Springs stole us all away from the store for a weekend and stole our hearts forever. The ceremony was a dream set atop a grassy oasis in the middle of the Southern California desert, surrounded by the splendor of the chic Viceroy Hotel.  The couple's I do's may have been 18 years in the making (beginning with a homecoming dance at 14), but the ceremony was almost more than memory could bear. A charmed, twinkling, colorful evening full of love and lovely people. We are so happy for Pam and Josh!

xoxo COUNCIL

the location, cocktails / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

the location, ceremony/reception/dance-off / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

the designer of The Dress, Alireza Massoumnia / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

Final Touches / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

tulle / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

flowers by Miranda Bennett / photo by Athena Von C

the bouquets / photo by Athena Von C

flowers by Miranda Bennett / photo by Athena Von C

flowers by Miranda Bennett / photo by Stephanie Schwallie

first walk, over pom-pom's and flower petals / photo by Athena Von C.

first laugh / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

first walk, cont. / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

Man and Wife / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

Teenage Mariachi Band / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

First Dance / photo by Bradford Shane Shellhammer

The Times, they are a changin'.

2009-11-13T13:27:00.001-08:00

Emily S. Rueb recently wrote a story for the New York Times called A Street Where Old is New, Again about the transformation of the store fronts along Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. Our shop was lucky enough to be profiled. We have included an excerpt of the story below (slated for print in this Sunday's edition of the paper). We could not be happier. Really and truly.

xoxo COUNCIL

LOCAL STOP | ATLANTIC AVENUE

A Street Where Old Is New, Again

2:30 P.M. Walk back toward Atlantic, admiring the Victorian rope moldings on buildings along the way, and stop at Council, 360 Atlantic Avenue, (718) 522-6906. The store is named for the collaborative decision-making of its three owners: Miranda Bennett, below, who uses details from vintage pieces to design items like a pier dress with a bubbled waistline ($365); Pamela Johnston, who offers hair combs, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry ($25 to $400); and Genie Lee, who has rescued a five-drawer 1940s oak secretary and bureau ($400), along with other Southern Gothic furniture. Ms. Johnston likens the collective to “an old sewing circle of friends and designers.”

Caption: On any given day at Council, visitors are likely to see at least one of the three partners greeting customers from behind a desk.

Caption: Miranda Bennett sells her vintage creations at Council, a collective owned by Ms. Bennett and two other women who each bring an expertise to the space. She shares the store, on Atlantic Avenue, with Pamela Johnston, a jewelry designer who does her own metalwork, and Genie Lee, who rescues Southern Gothic furniture.

Photos: Julie Glassberg/The New York Times

She dreams in colors.

2009-11-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

We are so pleased to announce that our next show will be the work of our lovely friend (not to mention a brilliant painter), Alexis MacDonald.

She will compliment the large scale, abstract canvas work that she is already known for with a special collection of small canvases made just for the shop. This group of paintings is truly stunning and we can't wait to share them with you.

Join us at the opening next Thursday, November 19th from 6 - 9 p.m.

xoxo COUNCIL

Palm Springs or bust!

2009-11-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

In case you don't already know, our very own lovely and amazing Pam, COUNCIL co-owner and Plume designer extraordinaire, is getting hitched this Saturday to her high school sweetheart and long time beau, the wonderful Mr.Josh. We are all beside ourselves with excitement as we prepare for our departures to sunny Palm Springs, California tomorrow.

We look forward to sharing the wedding details and oodles of photos with you upon our return and hope that you will come and visit our lovely shop girls who are holding
down the fort through the weekend.

xoxo COUNCIL

Home.

2009-11-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

A new friend recently furnished us with a copy of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros 2009 album Up From Below and we have been playing it incessantly in the shop ever since.

Take a look at their happy little performance on Letterman (below). They're also playing this month at The Bowery Ballroom and The Music Hall of Williamsburg. Find out more here!

xoxo COUNCIL

Dia de los Muertos.

2009-11-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, was très popular this Halloween.

The Mexican holiday celebrating departed family and friends is connected with Catholicism's All Saints Day, though it dates back to several of Mexico's indigenous cultures.

The Dia de los Muertos idol costumes that we saw out and about last night were truly stunning; the painted faces and alter accessories were incredible in their detail and execution. It's interesting that the holiday has gained recognition with so many non-Latinos and somehow, strangely, has infused the otherwise secular Halloween holiday with a distinctly non-secular, spiritual element.

It's a far cry from the counter of Ricky's or the pre-packaged costumes at Rite-Aid, and we're all for that.

xoxo COUNCIL

courtesy of them

Happier Halloween!

2009-10-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

A Halloween serenade from the spookiest of soul men, Screamin' Jay Hawkins.

xoxo COUNCIL

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

For our trick-or-treaters, Dum-Dums!

xoxo COUNCIL

Street Scare.

2009-10-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Elle Magazine documenting Halloween inspired street wear.

xoxo COUNCIL

The Gold Saves the Theives.

2009-10-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Aside from the painfully charming cover of this 1965 edition of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, this book is worth revisiting for the brilliant chapter titles alone.

"The House Of Death Floats By"; "All Full Of Tears And Flapdoodle"; "I Steal The King's Plunder"; "Dead Peter Has His Gold"; and "The Pitiful Ending Of Royalty".

We have often spoken about selling vintage books in the shop, but, who can part with gems such as these? One day, hopefully soon, we will grow strong enough to. We will let you know when that day comes.

In the mean time, we will simply have to continue sharing our most favorite and most covetous book covers with you.

xoxo COUNCIL

book courtesy of the Stephanie Schwallie Library

Under the Sea.

2009-10-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

This weather feels like swimming, doesn't it?

xoxo COUNCIL

courtesy of them.

To Boerum Hill, with love.

2009-10-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

COUNCIL happens to reside on one of the best blocks in this whole city.

Atlantic Avenue, between Hoyt & Bond, houses some of our favorite shops and some of our most favorite faces. We'd love to tell you more about some of them.

Sir, Hollander & Lexer, Daar, Legacy, Jonathan Adler, City Foundry, and Steven Alan are just some of the gems that we get to pass by on a daily basis.

Our closest neighbor, Sir, has been on the block just a few years shy of a decade and Joanna Baum, the designer and owner, happens to be a great friend of ours. Her line of beautifully distressed silk dresses have been neighborhood favorites since she first opened her doors at 360 Atlantic. Take a look at her collection here. And see one of her lovely creations below.

And don't worry, we'll tell you more about all of those beautiful others very soon. Promise.

xoxo COUNCIL

Sound it out.

2009-10-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

And a good Sunday morning to you.

xoxo COUNCIL

To know her.

2009-10-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

Millicent Rogers (1902 - 1953) grew up on land that her father named "The Port of Missing Men" in a home with guestrooms named things like: "The Room of the Ruined Roman Virgins". It's no wonder that she became an eccentric, entirely original woman, both in her style and the way that she chose to live her life. Many know her for the incredible costumes that she wore to galas, or for her influence on American and European fashion throughout the first half of the 20th Century, but she was so much more than a reveling socialite with an eye for trends. A wealthy heiress, she balanced a life of Society and travel with various and wide ranging humanitarian efforts, making an impressive impact on each cause that she adopted.

She was a fervent patron of the arts, befriending and supporting many designers and artists. After her third marriage dissolved (and she had an affair with Clark Gable), however, she was introduced to Taos, New Mexico and instantly fell in love with the culture and landscape. She donated her couture collection to the Brooklyn Museum of Art and left her perch among the social elite to move to Taos for what would become the remainder of her life. Once there, she began designing jewelry, learned metalsmithing, collected the native art and jewelry of the region, and devoted herself tirelessly to establishing and expanding Native American rights. In the end, she was buried in a Navajo blanket at 51 after struggling with her health for many years, finding her final resting place in the Southwestern earth that had delivered her rebirth.

xoxo COUNCIL

All of my ex's.

2009-10-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

Our little blogging lady, Miranda, has run off to her homeland of Austin, Texas for a spell. Our posts will resume regularly somewhere around the later side of next week (when she returns).

We hope you don't miss us too much in the mean time.

xoxo COUNCIL

photo courtesy of Simone Küng

Girls on Film.

2009-10-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Jodie Foster, from 1974 to 1980 (a.k.a. from 12 to 18). The Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), Taxi Driver (1976), Foxes (1980) era Foster. Somehow, she had this whole Diane Keaton in Annie Hall/LA surfer thing going on; an improbable combination that she pulled off effortlessly. And, to be honest, we're kind of jealous.

xoxo COUNCIL

(image via saffrangrowild.livejournal.com/)

(image via www.dailyfill.com)

Take it from me.

2009-10-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.

Owls shouldn't smoke.

Thrifty English Queen.

2009-10-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the lovely and talented Arlene Guerra's blog, Thrifty English Queen, for her insights on fashion, art, and culture.

Her Story:

"I’ve been a freelance fashion stylist for the last 9 plus years and an accessory designer since 2005. Shopping for vintage is second nature for me. I allow my intuitive fashion radar to lead the way. This usually involves an adrenaline rush from scoring a vintage version that looks and acts like it’s fresh from the runway. Not that it always needs to work this way, but it’s a challenge to find something that sparks a familiarity to what is current but at the same time original. I’d like to share this with you."

Her work:

Life Imitating Art

Oscar Wilde once said “Life imitates art far more than art imitates Life.” More than a coincidence, synchronicity, collective unconscious, what is it???? After viewing the Spring 2010 Louis Vuitton show I couldn’t help but exclaim, shut it! All I know is that Marc Jacobs needs this artwork in his residence, office or perhaps a collaboration. My talented friend ,artist Martha Rich painted this amazing piece called Lemon Fresh Pretty. Check out more of Martha’s work at www.martharich.com she rocks!

Lemon Fresh Pretty by Martha Rich

xoxo COUNCIL

life imitating art (image style.com)

Encore.

2009-10-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

A follow up to the original Nina Simone post and a rather essential nod to both her genius and the current economic climate.

Dedicated to all of our unemployed, under employed, underdressed, and under pampered but still ever so wonderful and amazing friends. You are always welcome to stop by for a cup of tea, if not a purchase. We love to see you just the same.

xoxo COUNCIL

P.S.

And when you do, perhaps we can discuss Nina's profile ready hairstyle?!

It's all I want.

2009-10-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

xoxo COUNCIL

With golden seams.

2009-10-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Nothing sounds quite as good playing in COUNCIL as Nina Simone does.

Ever the diva, this performance of See Line Woman captures a gentler side of her stage/throne persona. It builds ever so nicely (as most good things do), so you better stick it out until the end.

xoxo COUNCIL

Jane B.

2009-10-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg. Three favorites of a favorite couple.

xoxo COUNCIL

The Jukebox Project.

2009-10-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

A request for special requests:

What's your most favorite, most memorable line from your most favorite, most memorable song?

Email it (or them, as many as you would like, really) to: mb@councilboutique.com

The submissions may be used for an ongoing embroidery project, tentatively titled The Jukebox Project. Each work will be a one-off and won't be exclusively hoop-bound.

More details and images from the project will follow. Until then, please start firin' away!

xoxo COUNCIL

image from D.A. Pennebaker's documenatry Don't Look Back (1965)

Follow your dream to the end.

2009-10-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Only a teaser, but Donovan just the same.

Enjoy the preview or click on the link to hear the entire song in all of its folksy, psychedelic glory.

xoxo COUNCIL

"Scout," said Atticus, "when summer comes..."

2009-10-01T11:34:00.001-07:00

This is probably the best book cover, ever. Which is fitting considering that this is probably one of the best books, ever.

xoxo COUNCIL

Chelsea Girls.

2009-09-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

We have video on the brain these days. The rough cut of our COUNCIL S/S '10 short film just came in (with music by Au Revoir Simone) and we could not be any happier with it. The final version will be debuting early next week, so do your best to be patient until then...

Several designers have created short films to accompany their collections recently. This may be due partly to the fact that in these bleak times, we have to strive to go even further to generate excitement and translate our work to as broad an audience as possible. But, it seems like it is more than that. Film conveys movement, can possess a narrative, be filled with music, and create a real moment that the viewer can step in to.

Andy Warhol, credited as being the first artist to present film as art in 1965, was drawn to the medium for its ability to communicate with a potency unparalleled by other art forms. As Matt Wrbican, an archivist for the Andy Warhol Museum, writes on PBS's website about Warhol and his fascination with film: "He loved its immediacy". He captured intimate and authentic renderings of his subjects, simply by asking them to sit in front of him for a few moments and attempt to behave naturally. (Appropriating his 'screen tests' or video portraits might be a fun project for the shop, no?)

If you've never seen his screen tests, take a look at this gorgeous montage of some of his best known subjects for a start. This would also be a great time to plug the PBS American Masters Documentary on Warhol by Ric Burns narrated by Laurie Anderson (you have to see it!). It's somewhat epic but entirely worth the time.

And our film effort will soon be debuting before your eyes as well, we promise.

xoxo COUNCIL

Bombs away (pt. II).

2009-09-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Our latest and largest shipment of air plants has just arrived!

We are now hosting more than forty different types of Bromeliads and Tillandsias. These beautiful, otherworldly plants live on air and light and are wonderful conversation pieces. They make memorable gifts (even if it is a gift to yourself). Dip them in water just once a week and they will love you forever.

xoxo COUNCIL

To know her.

2009-09-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

Born on Christmas, 1911, Louise Bourgeois has had (and continues to have) a long and prolific career as a working artist. Inspired in large measure by her childhood, she has often said: “My childhood has never lost its magic, it has never lost its mystery, and it has never lost its drama.” (PS - PBS is a tremendous resource for information about her - go and see here!)

A few of us Council-er's went and saw her retrospective at the Guggenheim in '08 and were so taken with her and her work. Her spirit simply beams through everything in her oeuvre. We especially enjoyed her collections of jars and glass vessels (window display??) and her Cells. Her groups of glass vessels, with their origins in the common and domestic, have a poignancy that is almost heartbreaking, working in tandem with their gorgeous aesthetic impact. Her Cells, delicate, intimate portraits of experience, are filled with all the aching bits, objects that contain a nostalgic value that is somehow wholly understood from the outside. The sensitivity that she brings to these arrangements underscores her over arching emphasis on the relationships between these objects, their symbolic and personal meanings, and the way that these meanings become embedded in us for always.

Anyhow, enough words, go enjoy her and her work.

xoxo COUNCIL

I'm with the band.

2009-09-26T07:37:00.001-07:00

xoxo COUNCIL

Winona, forever.

2009-09-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

A tribute to the work and style of Winona Ryder, from 1986 - 1994.

Before the crazy eyes, before the scandal. The gamine/Johnny Depp era Winona. Starring in films including (but not limited to):

Lucas (1986), Beetle Juice (1988), Heathers (1988), Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990), Edward Scissor Hands (1990), Mermaids (1990), Night On Earth (1991), and Reality Bites (1994).

Click on the film titles to view some of our favorite moments from her heyday.

xoxo COUNCIL

Back to school.

2009-09-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ingleside.

2009-09-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Ingleside: a beautiful, homespun space where seeds were produced and sold; newsletters, catalogues, and packets were letterpressed; neighbors and customers stopped in for visits and purchases; food was procured from just outside the kitchen window; children scamped, scrimped, and worked; and a family lived a life that by today's standards is awe inspiring - the stuff of folk tales and fables.

An abbreviated post on a topic that deserves (and will, in due turn, receive) far more words. For now, enjoy a photo/watercolor rendering of a COUNCIL lady's family farm in Southwestern Kansas.

xoxo COUNCIL

the family farm.

Want that moment.

2009-09-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

A COUNCIL wish that we wish to share, number one million and one:

Maira Kalman painting an interior of the shop. It might look something like this (except, of course, it would be COUNCIL...):

or this:

And the most wonderful part would be that we would get to meet her! And she might even have one of her sweet, poignant, whimsical, funny, Kalmanesque observations about our very own shop, and perhaps, even about us.

How amazing would that be?

If you don't know her already, you may begin to here.

Also, released a few years ago, The Elements of Style movie is lovely, and worth spending a few fugitive minutes on (if you have them to spend, of course).

xoxo COUNCIL

Against a New York summer.

2009-09-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

Look for a star.

2009-09-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

This post is shamefully late, really. But, better late than never...

Johnny Castle. You balanced masculinity with charm. Grittiness with grace. Fancy feet with strong arms. You set the bar too high for many a young lady.

Here's a tribute to Patrick Swayze in a role that would come to define him. We all have the quote tattooed in our minds: "Nobody puts baby in a corner." Not to mention the music (oh, the music!), an awkward slice of the '80's in the film's late '60's setting. For all that can be said about the film, though, it can certainly be argued that Swayze brought a dignity to Dirty Dancing (1987) that was perhaps not implicit in the script. And this must have been due to his heart - his heart that possessed a rare tempering of sensitivity with strength and simplicity with a knowing depth.

I don't know that any of us ladies who grew up with him from The Outsiders (1983) to Donnie Darko (2001) were what you would call attracted to him as much as impressed with him and all that he contained. He was special. And we will miss him.

xoxo COUNCIL

Lula Scrapbook.

2009-09-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

Below we have pasted the lovely Erika Spring Forster's recent contribution to Lula Scrapbook. If you don't know about this site, you should! Follow the link below to view more entries.

xoxo COUNCIL

http://lulamag.com/scrapbook/

Tonight was the last show of The 2009 Au Revoir Simone Japan tour.

We played at the cutest bar in Nagoya and met so many sweet people.

Afterwards, we still felt wide awake, so Annie and I went with our new

friend Yoko to shop at a 24 hour supermarket.

The 2009 Au Revoir Simone Japanese tour

Nagoya, Japan

by ERIKA SPRING FORSTER

Eighteenth of September 2009

See more here

Shue in.

2009-09-18T11:20:00.001-07:00

Most any child of the late '70's and early '80's grew up with an Elisabeth Shue fascination. Even if you did not, you wouldn't be able to deny her short lived ubiquity in so many era classics such as (and in no particular order): Adventures in Babysitting, The Karate Kid, Cocktail, and Back to the Future II & III.

Her vaguely pudgy cheeks, her kind of frizzy hair, her petite frame. She was less a fashion icon and more a familiar token of the benign, milk fed suburbs that many of us grew up in. Oh, and let's not forget, an excellent dancer.

xoxo COUNCIL

Don't look back.

2009-09-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Our COUNCIL ladies and gents ought to appreciate these precious relics from a member of MB's maternal clan, circa her college years at OSU.

The black & white. The photographs (no digital cameras in the '70's!). The style.

Oklahoma never looked so good.

xoxo COUNCIL

A room of one's own.

2009-09-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our splash page is up and soon, soon, our full site ought to be up as well. Take a gander in the mean time: www.councilboutique.com

We also have all kinds of new email addresses:

For general inquiries: info@councilboutique.com

For press inquiries: press@councilboutique.com

For Plume: plume@councilboutique.com

For Miranda Bennett Design: mb@councilboutique.com

xoxo COUNCIL

A perfect 10.

2009-09-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

Miranda Bennett Design & Plume Jewels S/S '10 Collections.

Please contact info@councilboutique.com with any inquiries, to schedule an appointment to view the collections, or to request a line sheet.

MB Shore Dress, Silk Georgette w. Silk Charmeuse Lining.

Plume Lucite Necklace w. Grosgrain Ribbon.

Plume Denim Bow Belt.

MB Pier Dress, Linen with Contrast Straps and Silk Lining.

Plume Grosgrain Ribbon Accordion Necklace.

MB Sofie Dress, Silk Charmeuse w. Contrast Sash.

Plume Lucite Bauble Necklace w. Grosgrain Ribbon.

Plume Bow Ring, Available in 14k Yellow and Rose Gold.

MB Umbrella Tank, Cotton w. Linen Straps. Moment Wrap Skirt, Cotton Satin w. Silk.

Plume Origami Necklace, Denim w. Grosgrain Ribbon.

Plume studs. Various Shapes. Yellow / Rose Gold, and Sterling Silver available.

MB Cove Dress, Linen w. Contrast Straps. Silk Lined Bodice.

Plume Lucite Bauble Necklace with Grosgrain Ribbon.

Miranda Bennett Design & Plume Jewels S/S '10 Collections.

Please contact info@councilboutique.com with any inquiries, to schedule an appointment to view the collections, or to request a line sheet.

Boys on Film.

2009-08-28T12:42:00.001-07:00

This week we deviate yet again from our typical subject matter for the 'Girls on Film." segment, and for good reason: a Pretty in Pink (1986) era James Spader.

When revisiting that movie, what really stays with you? Andie's horrendous pink piecemeal prom dress? Yes, unfortunately. Ducky's rendition of "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding? Of course, happily. What really steals the show, however, is not Molly Ringwald's pouty pobrecita or Harry Dean Stanton's unshaven, bachelor dad. No, no. The most brilliant moment in that film is meeting James Spader's Steff sneering to Andie "You're a betch" as she rebuffs him, yet again. Spader's rendition of Steff was pure-fection, from his clean pressed linen suits and sockless loafers to his aloof jaunts down the hallway, not to mention the cigarette that perpetually rested betwixt his lips. How could poor, strung out Blaine ("that's not a name, it's a major appliance!") even hold a candle to him?

Here's to you James Spader, in your most brilliant hour.

xoxo COUNCIL

A feather in your cap.

2009-08-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Take a look at COUNCIL's own Pamela Johnston's recent write-up on STYLECASTER.COM! Our thanks to the lovely Anne for the spotlight on Plume Jewels!

xoxo COUNCIL

Click here to view the complete article on www.stylecaster.com

Visions of Sigourney.

2009-08-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

On a walk in Red Hook one idle afternoon this week, we were reminded of a latent wintertime dream.

With summer's graceful exit, one breezy afternoon at a time, and Fall's eminent arrival, our minds wander to a season of dinner parties, of COUNCIL celebrations to come, of pipe dreams fallen by the wayside.

And now it seems that the moment is upon us to restate one such dream:

Ms.Weaver,

Our intentions have not faded, our resolution remains firm.

Your presence is requested for a COUNCIL supper in your honor.

Whenever you deem it appropriate we will prepare for you the most

delicious dinner you have ever imagined (accommodating whatever

dietary restrictions you may possess, of course) to be served in our

most grateful company at our now much larger shop in Brooklyn

on a bustling Atlantic Avenue.

Won't you join us?

Sincerely,

COUNCIL

Motion pictures.

2009-08-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we shot a short film in the store as a joint venture for the Plume / Miranda Bennett Design Spring '10 collections. The lovely and talented emerging director Sophie Corra filmed and directed the shoot and brought along her friend Giacomo Fortunato to photograph our look books. Stephanie Schwallie's collage work and a few Southern Gothic pieces made cameos as well. We look forward to showing you the results in the coming weeks.

xoxo COUNCIL

Luck, be a lady tonight.

2009-08-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

We at COUNCIL feel beyond lucky to have been featured in LUCKY MAGAZINE's September Shopping Guide featuring their top 100 shops in New York City. Take a peak!

xoxo COUNCIL