Cynthia Rybakoff and Hester Street Fair at Bendel's FNO

Neo-Geo Brass Bangles by Cynthia Rybakoff

 Sterling + Brass Mixed Metals by Cynthia Rybakoff

The Hester Street Fair is heading to midtown's Fifth Avenue shopping district on September 8th for a Fashion's Night Out showcase on the third floor of Henri Bendel New York – transforming the venerable specialty store into a new world market for one night only.

Over fifty vendors, including artists, designers, and chefs will be there, plus live jazz and interactive booths to create a unique shopping experience. Henri Bendel has long been a supporter of emerging designers, with their Open See! initiatives. Featuring Hester Street Fair at Bendel's for Fashion's Night Out 2011 underscores this commitment to fresh and innovative talent.

Henri Bendel was one of the first major specialty stores to carry Cynthia Rybakoff hand-crafted jewelry, back in the late 80's to early 90's. Twenties years later, Cynthia returns to Bendel's with Hester Street Fair for Fashion's Night Out 2011, where she will debut her Fall collection, 'Mixed Messages'. Congratulations, Cynthia! 

*top images courtesy of the designer

Summer 2010's Ethical and Sustainable Style Gems

'Otavalo' Fabric Necklace by The Andean Collection (color: pollen)

'Exquisite Interrelationship Necklace' crafted by Michelle Lane Jewellry

'Fluid Collection' earrings by Leblas Jewellry (100% recycled sterling silver, plated with ethical gold)

 Modern Vintage Aqua Charm Bracelet by Cynthia Rybakoff 

'Waryma Kaha Bracelets' made in the Amazon, Brazil by Waimiri Atroari indigenous peoples

of woven arumã fiber for the Ecostasy Collection

'Gypsy Collection' necklace handcrafted in Bulgaria by Rovalia Lea

'Malachite and Chrysocolla in Quartz/Recycled Sterling Silver Ring' by Kirsten Muenster Jewelry

Cyanotype Scarves by Matt Shapoff Use the Sun's Rays for Textile Printing

Cyanotype silk scarf printed with the sun's rays and Matt Shapoff's nature collection

Summer is still very much with us, and whether you escape to the beach on a regular basis for some salt, sun, and sand is really not an issue if you are lucky enough to own an artisan-crafted scarf from Handmade on Peconic Bay. Artist Matt Shapoff has created a modern interpretation of the 19th century cyanotype photograph by using the sun's rays to print objects (found during local shoreline strolls) on his 100% silk scarves.

'Found Feathers' cyanotype (sun) print scarf from Handmade on Peconic Bay

Dried algae cyanotype print by Anna Atkins

You might recall from your art history studies an amazing woman named Anna Atkins - touted to be the possible inventor of photography or at least the first person to publish a book of photographic images. Her Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions' was created using direct contact printing of dried sea algae on cyanotype paper. Handmade on Peconic Bay artist Matt Shapoff has revived this process by printing directly onto his silk scarves using a giant plate he constructed for use outdoors on a sunny day. Arrangements of dried vegetation, feathers, and other sea treasures are thoughtfully composed to create these exquisite organic impressions.

Handmade on Peconic Bay designs are also available at A Little of What You Fancy in East Hampton, L.I.

You can learn more about Matt Shapoff's cyanotype prints and process via his blog. A special thanks to jewelry designer Cynthia Rybakoff for this great design tip.

Organic Sugar Rock Candy Bling

100% organic sugar rock candy ribbon necklaces by Cynthia Rybakoff. Ribbons come In turquoise, grass, fucshia and tangerine. Signature packaging included. (Crystal is a natural material and therefore may vary slightly). Sweet sustainable style!

via NOTCOUTURE