Conundrum of Influences

As you can see, yesterday's visit to Brimfield and today's WSJ The Magazine from the Wall Street Journal confirm for me the direct influence that art has on commerce. Who could miss how the Rodarte sweater dress channels the Native American spirit of the art dolls created by Cher Shaffer of Creston, NC. Besides the dolls that appear to have influenced Rodarte, her booth of folk art was, without question, the most magical of all that I saw at Brimfield.

WSJ calls this look the Rough Luxe Movement, which " juxtaposes fur, feathers and fine fabrics with utilitarian leather, cashmere and wool." The doll that influences the look is personal, precious, charming - anything but luxe... and therein lies the conundrum of our age.