Nathalie Talec Extreme Explorer

These very striking images by French artist, Nathalie Talec, demonstrate extreme style for extreme environments. Her narrative (portrait) explorations of expedition dressing and other-worldly travel conditions suggests a whole new aesthetic for our shifting climates and home fronts.

Boyanna Winter Magic

Photos of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boyanna Church, just outside of Sofia. The incredible, impeccably restored frescoes housed within date from 1259. I had the honor of opening the church doors with two huge cast iron keys. Two wishes were granted, one for each twin boy.

Balkan Window

I love this window in my neighborhood here in Sofia. I pass it every time I walk down the hill to go shopping at the market or to do errands in the bitter cold. The layers speak volumes and the palette is so true to the atmosphere here.

The New Thrace

My husband, Ludmil, and I ventured out this afternoon to visit our favorite gem of a museum, the National Archaeological Museum, in central Sofia. Their well-curated collection includes an installation of Thracian gold artifacts, many pieces of which have been on tour in the international blockbuster exhibit of the past few years.

It is not easy to describe the polarity between Bulgaria's Thracian glory and today's high-end fashion retail environment. Boutiques like Cartier, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Max Mara now dot the city's chicest corners. It is a display of luxe-style of a whole new extreme.




Today's artifacts may never measure up to the true handwrought craftsmanship and integrated functionality of objects from the ancient world; the latter being both bold and daring in design while also being inherently eye-catching in their use of nature-based motifs and luminous materials. Leafy Thracian crowns are a rival to Cartier, as the crossroads of the past certainly have something to teach us about sustainable design and timeless style.

Domestic Affairs

Yes, we are contending with the Gazprom/Ukraine gas cut-off crisis here in Sofia, Bulgaria. Lots of layering and preparations underway for the possible loss of heat and electricity. Regardless, experiments with recycled silk fabric that I have been cutting and crocheting into rope or 'reins of sorts' makes the home front feel warmer. Today I also sliced open a pomegranate that had been sitting on the kitchen window sill for far too long. Small gestures seem immense here.

Chestita Nova Godina

*Happy New Year/Chestita Nova Godina from Sofia, Bulgaria*

Here's to new seeds, renewed traditions, and the promise of creative eco-innovation throughout 2009.