"It often seems to me that the night is much more alive and richly colored than the day." Van Gogh said this September 8, 1888, right before he painted his famous 'The Starry Night.' Van Gogh was fascinated with using color to portray darkness and the night sky but painting at night wasn't particularly easy to do in the late 19th century. So he relied on his memory and his imagination. "The Starry Night" was loosely based on Saint Remy and the Alpilles mountain range but the sky itself is all imagination. From MOMA, "In the open skies Van Gogh perceived formidable forces in nature capable of providing consulation amid life's daily adversities and evoking eternity." Van Gogh said "I have a tremendous need for... religion, so I go outside to paint the stars. " So it's easy to understand why his ability to finally portray what he saw in his mind's eye became truly one of the most important works of art. The Museum of Modern Art currently has an exhibit called "Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night" that explores his letters and his favorite literary works that gave him inspiration for his paintings. They also have an interesting interactive overview on the website.

Nighttime technically is the opposite of day but beyond that, nightfall does cast a bit of an interesting twist to things doesn't it? Things are a bit more exciting and mysterious because of the dark sky and shadows - and let's admit, who doesn't look good in candlelight? Much of the '40s noir genre films were shot at night - in the rain - with a siren wailing in the distance - or a single, mournful saxophone .... and the soft, eerie, drifting, silent smoke from a long cigarette..... . Anyhow, whether you're waiting on the tarmac for a plane to somewhere else or "...of all the bars she had to walk into this one, " here are a few Starry Night suggestions for your ... starry nights. Here's lookin' at you, kid.

Encrusted Collar;  Ombre Square with Coins Scarf;  High Shine Metallic Wrap; Topstitched driver gloves; Cascade Ruffle Vest

Win a pair of Echo Touch Gloves on Facebook!  The Groundhog called it:  6 more weeks of winter. You're going to need these! Keep your hands warm while you text, make a call or skip ahead to the next song on your iPhone or iPod.

To enter, go to Echo Design's Facebook page become a 'Fan' and RSVP as attending the Echo Touch Glove event Feb. 15, 2010.  One entry per person.
 
The Echo TouchTM gloves and Echo TouchTM sport gloves were engineered specifically with the new wave of technology in mind. Adhered to the index finger and thumb of each glove is a conductive fabric that conducts the electro magnetic impulses in our fingers to interact with touch screen devices to make them work. As such, these gloves are compatible with iPod & iPhone mobile digital devices as well as other touch sensitive accessories.

Legal stuff:
Winner will be chosen at random out of all 'Attending' RSVP entries at 12:00pm eastern standard time on February 15, 2010 and will be notified via Facebook. Winner will have 48 hours to reply. If no response is received, Echo will choose another winner. Winner will receive one pair of Echo Touch Gloves from available stock on echodesign.com. Prize is non-transferable for cash or credit. Echo is not responsible for any errors you may encounter on Facebook or internet service issues. One pair of gloves will be shipped to the winner via Echo’s choice of carrier. (Official rules below.)

The fine print:
Official Rules
No Purchase Required to Enter or Win
One entry per person

1. Eligibility: Echo Giveaways (the "Giveaways") are open only to individuals who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) and are 18 years of age or older. Employees of The Echo Design Group, Inc., its advertising or promotion agencies, those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of a Giveaway, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, service providers, prize suppliers any other person or entity associated with Giveaway (collectively "Giveaway Entities") and/or the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members (whether related or not) of each such employee, are not eligible. Subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law.
2. Sponsor: The Giveaways are sponsored by The Echo Design Group, Inc., 10 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016 ("Sponsor").
3. Agreement to Official Rules: Participation in a Giveaway constitutes entrant's full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
4. Entry Period: The start and end times/dates (the "Entry Period") are located on the applicable Giveaway page. 
5. Giveaway Entry/Submission: Follow the directions on the applicable Giveaway page in order to submit an entry.  The use of any agencies or automated software to submit entries will void all entries submitted by that person. 
6. Winner Selection: Winner(s) will be selected via random drawing.  The odds of being selected depend on the number of eligible entries received.  Potential winner(s) will be contacted via Facebook and will be asked to provide their first and last names, age and mailing address.  If a potential winner does not respond within the timeframe stated in the notification email, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from all entries received during the Entry Period.
7. Requirements of the Potential Winners: Except where prohibited, the potential winner(s) may be required to complete and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release (the "Affidavit/Release") within seven (7) days of being notified. If a potential winner fails to sign and return the Affidavit/Release within the required time period, an alternate entrant may be selected in his/her place. 
8. Prize(s): The prize(s) (and their retail values) are located on the applicable Giveaway page. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. The winner is responsible for any taxes and fees associated with receipt or use of a prize.
9. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume the Giveaway in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prize at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In case of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the screen name from which the entry is made. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Giveaway Entities from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Giveaway or the processing of entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant's participation in the Giveaway or receipt of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Giveaway Entities' liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway, and in no event shall the Giveaway Entities be liable for attorney's fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
11. Disputes: Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Giveaway or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the State of New York. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant's rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsors in connection with the Giveaway, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.
12. Publicity: Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes Winner's consent to Sponsor's use of Winner's name, likeness, picture, portrait, voice, opinions, biographical information and state of residence for promotional, publicity or advertising purposes worldwide in any media and on the World Wide Web, in perpetuity, without further payment, consideration, review or consent (where allowable). 
13. Giveaway Results: To request the name of the winner, send a self-addressed stamped envelope, specifying which Giveaway you would like the results for, to The Echo Design Group, Inc., 75 Oxford Drive, Moonachie, NJ 07074. Requests must be received within 30 days of the Giveaway entry deadline.

Have you been noticing the resurgence of lace in fashion this winter? First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted recently in a great 3/4 length sleeve walking coat with lace overlay. Stella McCartney was seen in a full lace bodysuit. Designers Fall / Winter 2009/2010 collections used lace as well as brocades, stones and sequins.  Other Winter 09/10 trends include the layering of lace and sheer fabrics in moody blacks, inky blues, rich berry and oxidized metallics - ranging from onyx to silver- copper to pewter under and over opaque wools and furs for a mesmerizing effect.

Leathers also took on a new look - they can be metallicized and ruffled or laser cut and pleated. Peek-a-boo laces got modernized with metallic finishes or overstitched with chunky wools and the otherwise simple boyfriend jacket gets a hint of sparkle with embellished lapels or encrusted epaulets.  Vintage shops are perfect for finding that great sequined jacket to pair with jeans and booties.

Investing in a few of these important pieces will take you through to the rest of this season. And you don't have to do it in a full lace body suit - you can integrate a few key pieces to stay on trend. Try a lace wrap tucked around a black turtleneck and jeans with knee high boots. Or layer a 3/4 length sleeve faux fur with our metallic leather gloves and ankle booties.  It's Luxury but understated - and definitely not out of reach. Cheers!

What could be cuter for Fall than a flattering little driving glove in a luxurious deep purple? Nothing! Whenever I hit the shopping racks to update my look, I always gravitate toward classic styles with a bit of an updated twist. And while driving-styled gloves are making a bit of a comeback in our pop-culture, their stylish demure has always reminded me of the sophistication and glamour of a Hollywood.  Picture a starlet, hair wrapped in a silky scarf, with her leading man driving an 1940’s convertible with buttery leather seats, humming down a windy road playing Billie Holiday.  Although this glove comes in a variety of colors, I decided the regal purple would be a great compliment to the neutral-colored trench coats and the bomber jackets I have lined up in my closet.  The color adds just enough pop so that I can re-vamp my fall wardrobe without having to go out and spend hundreds on a new coat or some sweaters. Best of all, the size and weight of these gloves won’t over-heat my hands on the mildly chilly days of mid-October (nobody likes clammy hands)! I am confidant that my new stylish little leather friends will be gracing my hands frequently…and not just when I plan on getting in the driver’s seat.  Enjoy! - Haley

Hi there Stacy,  Thanks for your question about our wool blend ruffle gloves. As for how the gloves react to a wet climate - I'm sure a little humidity wouldn't be a problem, but they really shouldn't get completely wet.  The care instructions are dry clean only and because of the wool blend, they would most likely shrink and become misshapen if they got wet. These gloves should not be used to make snowballs! Sorry!  I'd recommend our superfit nylon gloves for that perhaps?  We have a lot more though - so check our gloves section on the website for other choices.  

As for sizing of gloves, that is a popular question. But it's very easy to determine what size glove you need. Simply measure around the knuckles of either hand. Then find your size in the chart below. 

5 1/2"- 7" around knuckles = small
7"- 8 1/2" around knucles = medium
8"- 9 1/2" around knuckles= large

I hope that helps!
Thanks again,
Carol, Senior Cold Weather Designer, Echo.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Stacy [mailto:****@aol.com] On Behalf Of Stacy
Sent: Saturday, October 03, 2009 10:38 PM
To: AskADesigner
Subject: Weblog - Ask a Designer
Name: Stacy
Email: ****@aol.com
How do you size for your wool blend ruffle gloves? Do you adjust for shrinkage in a wet climate?

Masculine ease meets feminine allure in elegant, ageless fashion. Tailoring is a timeless concept suitable for all women. The Edwardian dandy is alive and well – this time wearing a high-necked lavishly ruffled blouse paired with elonged pants and topped with a rakish fedora. The new twist in the girl-meets-boy look is the soft sculptural tailoring of jackets, skirts, hats, scarves, and bags. Shoulders are softly poofed, collars get rounded, waists are gathered, pinstripes get tucked, and houndstooths get heathered. Bow ties are showing on hats, waist bands, gloves and around the neck – both the classic bow tie and the true menswear neck tie shapes are making a comeback. This cross-generational androgyny befits a modern day Annie Hall. Suits abound in both slouchy and relaxed, or slim and sophisticated silhouettes. In salt and pepper wools, simple stripes or classic houndstooths, they’re just waiting to get feminine touches with scarves, bows, pearls, and pins! Accessories for this trend look particularly current when in the powdery hues of celadon, dusty blue, rose, and honey.  

Though my favorite thing for Fall is called the Fine Gauge Solid Arm Warmer, it’s really more like all the great aspects of gloves without any of the cumbersome parts. Since I spend a lot of time in Maine, I know what it’s like to get cold, and in the dead of winter at 30° below zero, it gets really cold. But, just because it’s snowing, sleeting, hailing, and blizzarding doesn’t mean I don’t have things to do. I still have to run errands, make phone calls, and go places. These Warmers let me do all of that. Everyone knows that mittens are warmer then gloves because all of your fingers are together. So, with these, I can dial phone numbers, or rummage through a bag, and do all of the tasks at hand while keeping my hands warm. They make it easy to live in snowy climates uninhibited by the cold - no matter if it’s 20 degrees or -20 degrees out. Plus, when it’s really cold, they help bring back the memories of balling hands in mittens like I did as a kid after sledding, but with a sophisticated twist.   - Daniela

In May, I attended a panel discussion on Sustainable Fashion held at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. This discussion was held in conjunction with an exhibit called Design for a Living World. The panel consisted of: Rogan Gregory and Scott Hahn, co–founders of Loomstate, Julie Gilhart, Senior Vice President and fashion director of Barneys New York, and Leslie Hoffman, executive director of Earthpledge in conversation with Sarah Scaturro, textile conservator, curator and author, on the importance and future of sustainable fashion. The discussion was lively and inspiring. It started with the definition of sustainability, which Leslie Hoffman describes as, meeting the needs of the current generation without destroying the needs of future generations. The main topic was the new movement in fashion to become more sustainable, which involves not only how the product is manufactured, i.e. using organic fibers, and non-pollutant finishes, but also the life of the garment, its carbon footprint. For example, does the product need to be washed frequently or worse yet, dry cleaned?  And when the consumer is finished wearing it, how will it be disposed of?  This concept is called “cradle to cradle” or “cradle to grave," meaning, the whole supply chain of the product must be examined from its inception until its death for the effects it will have on the environment, including fair trade and workers’ conditions. A book by Earthpledge was mentioned called FutureFashion White Pages, which is a collection of essays by scientists, retailers, farmers, models and other industry leaders like Diane von Furstenburg, Shalom Harlow and Julie Girhard. “It is an exploration that signifies movement towards a more sustainable fashion industry. It is an opportunity to think about and evaluate the fashion industry as it stands today." Loomstate is a company formed by Scott Hahn and by Rogan Gregory. Rogan was originally an industrial designer, who became a fashion designer. The two have teamed up to create apparel of mostly organic cotton, but namely products with a conscience.  The production process must be transparent, revealing where the fiber comes from to who is making it, insuring that workers are getting a decent wage and making good quality products that are stylish. If the product tells a story, it adds to its value.  Another buzz phrase discussed was “Slow Fashion”, although that does not sound very sexy, it is about lower rates of consumption and slowing down the cycle of fashion.  Julie Gilhard said that the industry has gotten out of hand, with designers producing up to 8 lines a year, i.e. Pre-Fall, Fall-I, Fall-II, etc. She said that at Barney’s they are encouraging their customers to buy less, but buy the best and it will last. She cited Dries van Noten,  as an example, who only produces 2 lines a year for both men and women. This allows him to have a thriving business, a family and a life, which is exactly the paradigm shift needed.  “New Vintage” or “Recycled Clothes” is an important part of this movement.  For example Barney’s runs a campaign in August, each customer who brings in their old jeans gets a 20% discount toward a new purchase.  The store then gives the old jeans to designers to make new designs out of recycled jeans, which they auction off. Last year, Barney’s raised $75,000 for charity.

There is so much that we are doing at Echo that relates to this movement toward sustainability.  Echo launched a line of products made from bamboo in 2007.  Bamboo is a highly sustainable resource that is used to create incredibly soft, durable fabrics which are also naturally antibacterial.  These products range from ruanas, scarves, wraps, to tops, t-shirts and robes.  We are constantly experimenting with new fabrics and features, such as the aloe gloves we debuted last year and a proprietary yarn made of corn polymer, cotton and Modal (which is made from the Birch tree.) It is exciting, stimulating and challenging to be a part of how fashion and life is changing for our future and generations to come.   - Carol

Yesterday morning, The Today Show aired a segment called "Dress Like the First Family." As we all know, this past Tuesday's historical inauguration was outside in the cold weather, so the first family had to be prepared: they wore gloves. On The Today Show, Echo's gloves were featured as a style just like the gloves our new first lady wore on that memorable day.
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If you're like us you know what it feels like to have a bottle of lotion at your desk during the winter months! With all the cold weather that has recently crept up, it is nice to know some preventative measures are in place to keep our hands from feeling dry :) Our very own Aloe Vera lining uses the technology of microfiber capsulets to infuse the softest possible ingredient, Aloe Vera into our warm brushed glove linings, making chapped "winter hands" a thing of the past. Aloe Vera has amazing benefits for protecting and moisturizing skin and is sure to keep you looking your best all winter long!

- Carol and Alyssa