The illumination of what lies beneath the iridescent and ethereal 'Crystal Matrix' Kimono is a sensual new Kimono in a satin silk, called 'Rosa'. I chose to use the fabric in a different way- by keeping the satin and shiny side of the silk fabric as a lining so that the outer shell matte. I think it's more surprising and understated this way. Also- if the Rosa Kimono was shiny on the outside- layering the Crystal Matrix Kimono would feel way too 'sparkle pony' for my liking (and I was once called this at Burning Man last year and was aghast!!). The contrast of the muted pale pink Rosa is very subtle and feminine. I styled this look with a nude colored dress (I tucked in the top part) and slipped a vintage one piece bathing suit under it as a top. I belted it with a vintage cognac colored western belt. I didn't really feel like matching boots to belt- feels too contrived and matchy-matchy so I left the black round toe boots on that I was wearing with the prior stylings. 

In a daydreamy haze one afternoon a few weeks ago, I looked up at a clipping of a gorgeous Kate Shaw painting that I had pinned on my inspiration board. Her landscape portraits are truly of another dimension and the color combinations are incredibly dreamy. My eyes quickly shifted to my Crystal Matrix Kimono- an iridescent shimmery sheer ultra-fine netting fabric. I had styled it for Burning Man last summer and other artists have also bought it for stage and parties. In that instant- in connecting it with Kate’s painting- I saw a refinement in it in which I had not seen before. I quickly got up and placed the Kimono over different shades of muted matte silk Kimonos- my sleeveless Davis silk collection specifically. (The Davis Kimono collection was inspired by the chic colors and styles my mother has always loved- and Davis is her maiden name). The sandstones, charcoal and light peach colors provided such a subdued understated elegance that it needed to go beyond what I had seen in it before. I have  extended the Davis Kimono group- and did the same colors in Long Sleeve versions so that the sleeves could drape under the Crystal Matrix that floated above it. Kate Shaw you are magical. Thank you for inspiring me to style my Kimonos with the textures and opacity and colors of your painting. You are magic. x.

And when clouds shade the light within and around you, I invite you find your place under the sun. A slice of sunlight that you can lean into. To warm your soul. Inspire hope. Remind you of the power of faith. Because you are so luminous and beautiful. Sometimes we just need to see our beauty reflected back to us in the light of a sunset.

This is what faith and hope feels like to me today. I leaned into the brilliance of the Cairo Gold Sequin Kimono (cut in a high/low) and let it take me on a journey of spontaneous joy. I paired this with a low plunging tangerine bathing suit worn as a top and high waist paper-bag waist cropped cotton trousers in a golden khaki color with leopard print ankle boots .I love the contrast of the tight bathing suit + the loose pants. It felt comfortable and sexy and empowering. Stay inspired, stay safe and stay in the light. xx