I have always loved Patti Smith's aura.  Her cool, quiet confidence.  Her fearless, androgynous style.  Her poetic rock.  Recently, I read Smith's memoir  "Just Kids."  I had the pure joy of discovering Patti Smith as a deeply creative, passionate and surprisingly feminine woman and artist.  As I designed for F/W 2013, I couldn't help but be inspired by her strength which plays the perfect contrast to her softness.  

Just today, I was asked in an interview, "What inspires you?"  There are many sources that inspire me visually, but it's a rare find when someone's essence pushes me to tap into the passion that drives me artistically.   On those rare occasions I am reminded that there is only one me (and there is only one you) and to honor and nurture my unique point of view.  The one and only Paul Richard is one of those inspirations for me.  Click on his drip painting below and read a recently published article on Paul in the Huffington Post.  Then watch for yourself.