«Pleased to Meet You» Caroline Ventura

We're going to be honest with you: We first met Caroline because we think she's gorgeous. It wasn't until she modeled our Holiday 2011 collection that we got to know what a cool, down to earth, creative and multi-talented person she is.

Friends, meet Caroline.

Where do you live? I live in NYC. I've been here, on and off, for the past 11 years! I love the creative energy New York has to offer. Even the most simple things, like a walk around the block, can lead to inspiration and adventure.

What do you do? First and foremost, I design jewelry for my company, BRVTVS. But I also have a small furniture design company that I run with my husband.

Tent or hotel? There's nothing I love more than taking a bath in a hotel and then putting on a big fluffy robe and crawling into bed. But, I just returned from Marfa, TX for work and there is a hotel there called El Cosmico that has teepees and yurts and Air Stream trailers for rent! Unfortunately I didn't stay there, but it's my go to lodging for my next visit....

Favorite hidden gem? Robataya, a Japanese restaurant on East 9th street in NYC, is my favorite place to take people. It's all grilled vegetables and fish and the chefs prepare the food in front of you and pass it to you with little paddles. It's really fun to sit and watch them cook. The mushrooms they have on the menu are seriously the best I've ever had.

Ideal vacation? My husband and I are planning a trip to Morocco. Anywhere I can eat street meat and buy a beautiful rug is a plus in my book. I'm also looking forward to horseback riding in the mountains and sipping mint tea all day.



Best meal under $10? Mamouns in the East Village. Best falafel in town and the hot sauce will make your teeth sweat.

What are you working on now? Currently I am working on a redesign for my website. I'm also working on new jewelry designs as well as some other offerings for the site!

More pics of Caroline at Lauren Moffatt and Cup of Jo.
Say hello to her, yourself, at BRVTVS.

Photo credits:
Image of Caroline via Of a Kind.
Teepee via El Cosmico.

«Spotted» Lauren Moffatt in Frankie Magazine

We were excited to see our Fall 11 collection featured in the current issue of Frankie Magazine.

We're huge fans of the Australian magazine and check their blog for daily inspiration.

Happy Thanksgiving

«Spotted» Lauren Moffatt Sugar Cane Coat

Spotted Megan Hunt looking adorable in our Sugar Cane coat. Hope you made it a combo, Megan!

«Pleased to Meet You» Caroline Hwang

Ever since her first solo show at Giant Robot NY, we have been fans of Caroline Hwang. The characters she creates are mysterious and aloof and just the right bit of fashionable. A busy artist with clients such as The New York Times, Real Simple, Bust, The Postal Service (the band), among others (not to mention her underground supper club), she took some time out of her schedule to chat with us. Friends, meet Caroline.

Where do you live? Clinton Hill in Brooklyn, New York.

What's the best thing about where you live? The trees, the community, and the ever changing neighborhood. And I finally have places to go eat that's not a bodega, Chinese fast food, or a Kennedy Fried Chicken.

What do you do? I paint, illustrate, and make things.

From top left, clockwise: Silkscreened print, circa 2006; Wounded But Not Broken, Giant Robot NY installation; The Pennsylvania Gazette; The New York Times

Tent or hotel? A YURT! I ideally would like a tent, but I just don't think I'm good without a shower. I don't feel normal. A yurt has the feel of a tent but the pleasures of a hotel.

Favorite hidden gem? ABistro in Fort Greene. They used to be a little hole in the wall on Carlton but recently added a new, bigger spot on DeKalb. Their Senegalese Fried Chicken is pretty amazing.

Dream car? Growing up in LA my dream car was a Geo Neon, but now that I live in NY, I don't have one. I'm just happy with having a car when I need one. I do have dream bikes though! They all have a Nitto Albatross handlebar and a basket for my dog.

Best meal under $10? After having been a vegetarian for nearly 7 years, I have readily accepted burgers with open arms since I turned into a carnivore.
Dutch Boy Burgers in Crown Heights has the best burger. Their lunch prix fixe is $9.95 for a burger, a Foxon Soda, and Fries. 

What did you do last weekend? I planned a day of adventure for a friend's birthday. We gave her clues leading up to each adventure location, starting out in the fall foilage of Dia: Beacon, then off to The Tippler (a bar with alcoholic slushies and amazing pretzels), and then to Betto in Williamsburg.

What are you working on right now? I'm currently finishing up Communal Table: Book 2, Something to Celebrate, a cookbook where I've asked my favorite, bloggers, chefs, creative types to supply a menu for a gathering or celebration. It comes out, hopefully, this month. I'm also working on some new pieces with dyes and embroidery. Really excited about it all!

Say hello to Caroline and keep up with her latest projects here www.carolinehwang.net.