BLOG | ARTAYA

February 15, 2012 It's all in your perspective. Skyscraper waves can be seen as a terrifying disaster or an incredible gift of nature. With practice- we can move from fear to skill. - Glide from overwhelm to beauty. May your journey be filled with a developed talent that will overcome any wave.

December 8, 2011 This is how I get ready for a show......one woman sweatshop. Booked events during every weekend in December. It's 5:35AM. Right now -I'm putting the finishing touches on online orders, coating new cuff bracelets for the NYC trunk show, and getting ready to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

November 22, 2011 For the first time ever -the Bloomingdale's 59th Street flagship store will host a trunk show featuring my jewelry collection during Black Friday weekend. I've never made this much jewelry for a show. Paper pearls, paper rose earrings, color block cuffs and necklaces, origami earrings, new teardrop shapes dipped in gold.... Two days left and I have tons to do. Below is a picture of some of the pieces that are under construction. They still need to be coated, embossed, and cured. Last night, I started researching beauty remedies to disguise the baggy eyes that I've developed....no time for a drugstore run. I've also started saying lots of positive affirmations(a skeptic at first). Here are some of the phrases that I keep on rotation: "I radiate love." "I choose success." "Wealth is pouring into my life." "I attract loving relationships." "I choose peace." Wishing you art & love! -Dana

July 29, 2011 Continuing with my exotic bird crush(last season’s collection was inspired by the Hoopoe), I’ve sifted through hundreds of species and found an exotic gem from southeastern Australia. The plumage of the Crimson Rosella parrot is lush with texture, rich colors, and contrasting feathers.

July 17, 2011 Remember back in January when I mentioned my new design - the turband? Well, here's a picture I took of it backstage during the 2nd annual DC Africa Festival fashion show yesterday. The model is also wearing a pair of ARTAYA paper stud earrings(also a new style). I'll post more pictures, from the show, in a few days.

Can you believe it? My first collaboration with a department store and it's Bloomie's! On May 13th thru May 15th my line will be featured at Bloomingdale's in Chevy Chase, Maryland. I hope you'll come visit and shop during the celebration. I've created a special color palette that includes blush, pistachio, chartreuse, berry, and our signature black and white + I'll be there all three days to answer any of your questions about the line.

I'm a sucker for neon lights - therefore 
tempted by the endless rows of restaurants 
crammed between these side streets.





Art is everywhere.

The people. wearing ARTAYA at Pret a Porter

above: store owner wearing ARTAYA necklace and Basquiat sneaks.

above and below: show visitors

above and below: fellow designers

above: fashion student wearing ARTAYA scarf

I just discovered that ARTAYA was named "Best of the City 2011" in DC magazine! I've been so busy getting pieces ready for Paris next week that I can barely remember what day it is. Last night, I created a new style for the fall/winter 2011/12 collection. I call it the 'turband'(1/2 turban,1/2 head band). I'd love to wear it now(brrrrrr) but in fashion we have to wait a couple seasons before the 'BIG REVEAL.'

Happy New Year! In exactly 10 days, we'll present our eco line of jewelry to an international market during So Ethic at Pret a Porter in Paris. The goal is to open accounts with stores that value our multicultural and modern aesthetic. I hope the attendees are ready for lots of color!