Artistic AYA

ARTAYA - my new and first retail store - Now Open!

2010-09-22T21:38:00.008-04:00

Since I now have no time to sleep, eat, or function normally, I will explain the above title via the list method.

Cover story pending, location spotted online, visits spot, concerned about logistics, excited about potential, dreamer leaps, signs paper, cover story released, repaints glossy black room and ceiling, sewing all night, turns paper into gold, hangs art, spends all money, becomes bff's with mannequins, finds green carpet for fresh garden feel, posts hush-opening deets, ARTAYA preview party, balloons, FNO, people gushing out of store, wine flowing, jewelry gone, jewelry making all night, baggy eyes, balloons deflate, interns amazing, fashion shows pending, creating all night, store opens Thursdays- Sundays, wondering when the power kicks in after power nap, prepping for Grand Opening October 30th, flyers flying, pictures taken, where are the models?, wondering if I should drink all the wine before this Saturday's mini-party, stumbling over everything, new paper stud earrings crafted, updating online store, still dreaming, while awake, searching for Bohemian Bosses, 1425 Wisconsin Avenue NW (middle suite) DC becomes ARTAYA's home.

Stop by for an irresistible selection of jewelry, art, and apparel. Thursdays-Saturdays noon to 8pm and Sundays noon to 6pm.

(photos: Kevin Carroll via dcist)

COVER GIRL: ARTISTIC AYA on Washington Post Magazine Cover

2010-08-30T11:50:00.003-04:00

On August 22nd, I became a cover girl on The Washington Post Magazine where Holly Thomas labeled me as one of "the District's most promising design talents." You can read the entire article here. As a result, I've decided to take a major leap and will be opening my first itty-bitty flagship store in the heart of Georgetown. Visit my website for details on the sneak-peek opening weekend.

MONDAY MELODY: Dream by Alice Smith

2010-08-15T12:45:00.004-04:00

MONDAY MELODY: Dream by Priscilla Ahn

2010-08-15T12:31:00.004-04:00

TWO UPDATES plus WHY I MUST STAND & TYPE

2010-07-19T20:28:00.008-04:00

Instead of stamping my time card at the one-woman-sweat-shop that is my life, I've decided to spend some quality time with you- here. I'm feeling rather guilty that I haven't written anything on le blog in ages. Here's my best attempt at an update:

1. After a brief dash to New York and later New Jersey, I'm back in DC preparing for the launch of Temporium, a former library turned pop-up boutique. That's right, in four more days, I'll have my own store!!! ...sorta.

2. I can't sit down. In an effort to get my body ready for ~~summer~~ ~~fail~~ fall, I started a workout (lunge jumps??! leave it to Wii Fit to invent an impossible routine) and now I feel broken. If you see me waddling down the street, please offer a me a hand or a new set of cheeks.

3. Despite the volcano of fabric that has erupted in my sewing/textile printing factory (ie. apartment) as a result of update #1, I'm in the middle of designing my first womenswear collection titled ARTAYA. Thanks to my wonderful intern Alison- you can read about the inspiration here.

BUSTIER BLISS

2010-05-23T22:02:00.003-04:00

I recently accepted a wonderful styling gig that has me fighting between sleep and sewing during my time off. A little stitch here-a quick sketch there, eventually, I'll need to find a superstar sewing partner to help with the orders. Above, is an abandoned colorblock-patchwork silk bustier that is crying out for attention. Construction is on hold while I focus on completing a jacket, purse, and updating my website before a feature in The Washington Post Magazine prints. After a long kitty nap, I finally have time to post an update and check on you. I hope you're having a great Sunday(Monday for my international beauties).

ON THE BODY

2010-05-10T17:59:00.007-04:00

Artistic AYA reconstructed one-of-a-kind 'Cirque Skirt': $205
Artistic AYA Scarf: $125
Vintage Corset: $52
Artistic AYA 'Space Cuff': $300
Stylist's belt: $35

Just Added

2010-01-28T23:37:00.003-05:00

Artistic AYA online

I ♥ BARBADOS

2010-01-11T05:29:00.011-05:00

I want to share some of the pictures I took while visiting family in Barbados this past December. I spent several childhood summers here. The lifestyle there is so different from my life in the states. For a brief moment, I was surrounded by ripples of peace. Below are images from my great aunt's house in Saint Lucy.

TWEET ME

2010-01-11T02:38:00.000-05:00

SLOW FASHION

2010-01-10T16:43:00.003-05:00

Lessons from a Tailor

2010-01-02T23:42:00.000-05:00

Lessons from a Tailor. Directed by Galen Summer from Ed David on Vimeo.

Vintage Memories

2009-12-08T02:20:00.003-05:00

There's something hauntingly romantic about the past. The horror. The enchantment. Captured in the moodiness of this reworked vintage necklace.

Shards

2009-12-06T00:54:00.005-05:00

I purchased a few new ~~toys~~ tools today and started making these paper shards for an upcoming collection. You have to see them in person to understand my excitement over their texture. A raised surface of gold and eggplant swallow the irregular triangles of thick matte concrete-colored paper. I'll have a few finished jewels at the next exhibit.

Space Cuff

2009-12-05T23:44:00.001-05:00

Tableside Trunk Show Invitation

2009-12-04T12:54:00.003-05:00

Cozy up with coffee and enjoy new collectibles from Artistic Aya.
Azi's cafe is located at the corner of 9th and O Street NW.
RSVP is appreciated but not required. Feel free to leave me a note here or via twitter.

Blue

2009-12-02T22:41:00.001-05:00

Chuck You

2009-11-30T20:01:00.000-05:00

Falling

2009-11-30T19:07:00.001-05:00

Sketchy

2009-11-30T18:42:00.003-05:00

Overachiever

2009-11-29T15:17:00.003-05:00

Wintry Mix

2009-11-29T02:25:00.005-05:00

Sunday, 2:34AM, there's a brisk energy in the air. My heart is cold.