Urban Zen, Winter 2010/11

Though it had long been on my list of must-visit places for when I did eventually get to NYC, I made the executive decision while in Manhattan to not seek out Donna Karan's Urban Zen boutique. Having seen a price list for the summer collection a couple days before my trip began and realizing that the cheapest piece was roughly the amount of a month's rent cheque, I figured that it would be the best thing for my heart to not even go see the place in person. And I was only a few feet away from Donna Karan herself at the Fashion's Night Out: The Show. However, now looking at a map again, I realize that I was about two blocks away from it (on the day I ran away from the blogger conference and unknowingly walked past Carrie Bradshaw's stoop). Furthermore, the photos of the winter collection have me pining once again to go see this place for myself. Sigh.

Urban Zen, Summer 2010

One thing I'm really looking forward to during my NYC trip is going to Donna Karan's Urban Zen store. It just sounds like the most relaxing retail space on this side of the planet. And with the last month or two being an exercise in being as chill as possible, I think we'd be a perfect fit. It seems like they've given up on having an online Urban Zen store, as previously mentioned, but they do have photos of the current collection up now. I'm not sure if Bessie Afnaim is still working with Miss Karan, but the aesthetic of these pieces still has a hint of the nomadic, with more than a sufficient amount of soothing draping to please my eyes. I'm sure my dream tonight will be that I can afford that jacket/cardigan...

And the home collection! Do you think I can fit a bed on the plane? I'd even settle for just the lounging chaise.

Urban Zen, Fall 2010

Have you ever imagined Bessie Afnaim's designs in black? Well, I know I have. And apparently it's now a reality. Donna Karan's protégé and Donna herself have together created Urban Zen's F/W 10 collection, 'Nomadic Collection Black', featuring pieces made with luxurious layers of silk and cashmere. Sigh.

These tiny photos are all we have now, but the Urban Zen website indicates that e-commerce is coming soon. Methinks I'll be returning some bottles in preparation. And I definitely will not be buying anymore jeans that cost less than my bra. There's a reason jeans would ever cost so little, and it's best to forego jeans altogether for something beautiful from Urban Zen so you don't ever have to find out that reason. (In other words, I've learned my lesson. If you can't fit a good quality pair of jeans, just don't bother.)

Urban nomad

This is one of my most favorite photos I have seen in the blogosphere, as it is so rich in texture, calming colours, and beautiful garments. This photo (via Bobbin Talk) is of Parsons graduate Bessie Afnaim's amazing display in Donna Karan's NYC concept store, Urban Zen. Given her own section of the store by Miss Karan herself, Bessie has displayed her graduate collection of super soft, over-dyed, draped and dreamy nomadic pieces, alongside accessories from other designers. I definitely live in the wrong city. Bessie can be contacted at bessie.afnaim@hotmail.co.uk - perhaps I should drop her a line, as I'm quite in love with what is on the centre dress form.