This past weekend I was in PA for the opening of a new restaurant and wine bar in central Philly called Jamonera (near Chestnut St / South 13th St).  The two co-owners Marcie and Valerie were delighted to introduce their guests to a Spanish-inspired tapas menu. The flavors were amazing and made me reflect on how reminiscent of Spain and genuinely authentic they seemed! I was lucky enough to try a great variety of dishes, some of which were a complete first for me. The cocktails were also delicious – my favorite for obvious reasons was the “Bizet” cocktail, honoring the french composer Georges Bizet who created the french opera Carmen, set in Spain and revolving around the turbulent life and romances of the gypsy Carmen.

The interior of Jamonera (ha-mon-era) is very atmospheric. Aside from the rustic dark wood throughout the room, and the bright but not overpowering red glow of the lights, there is also a grand sized 8 ft tall mural anchored right next to the bar and visible from almost every angle inside and outside of the restaurant. This mural happens to be my artwork for the opera “Carmen” (straight from Torynova Couture’s Wearable Stories Collection). I am going to be the first to admit that it looks impressive and seems to really animate the space. Of course, I have Tim of Urban Space Development to thank. He had approached me regarding the project after seeing my work in the Decoration and Design building in NYC. It was his vision of this incredible interior that brought my artwork to Philadelphia, and for that I am very grateful.

So really, what more can I say, other than, you have to go visit it in person? If you don’t go for me, then go for the mouth-watering menu and try as much as you can with an open mind. Just remember to make a reservation because last I heard, they may already be booked for weeks. In this last photo, you can gauge the size of the mural as I sit alongside the owners Marcie, Valerie, and Tim — we are all smiles. It was the food, drinks, and the great social atmosphere of the small but well-designed space that left everyone pleased. If you do find your way into central Philly, you can visit the other shops and restaurants these ladies have in their 13th-street emporium.

Safran and Turney want to encourage those who erroneously think of sherry as grumpy granny’s parlor fodder to pair glasses with food off Jamonera’s large menu, organized into tapas, meat/cheese, toasts, salads/veg, mid-size and large-size categories… You’ll be able to eat perched on a bar stool or at a table in Jam’s 40-seat dining room, lorded over by a badass 8-foot-tall mural interpretation of Carmen created by NYC artist Tory Novikova.
– citypaper

– Tory
tn@torynova.com

2012 will be the Year of the Dragon (officially as part of the Chinese Zodiac). The most important thing to remember is that the Dragon loves splendor and grandeur so be sure to wear, bright vibrant colors. On New Year’s Eve you should look extravagant and glow with positivity. It will be the year of the water dragon specifically, so sea creatures and dragon figurines are a plus to have around.

“The dragon gives happiness and success to all good and honest people, especially those who have great talent.” — Chinese New Year Reference

Yes, superstition is silly but as are a lot of mainstream beliefs. So even if it’s just for fun, think of the mighty dragon when welcoming in this new year. It will be significant for me since I was born in the year of the dragon. =)

Goodbye Rabbit, y0u certainly won’t be missed.
Wishing us all lots of luck, health, happiness, and fortune!

– Tory
tn@torynova.com

Song About a Grasshopper

The breakdown of the song is basically about this grasshopper chilling in the grass, being friendly with all the little bugs, when lo and behold, a frog comes by and eats him. Yes.  Seems like a bit of a downer, but the song is oh so fun to sing!

Song About Africa and Big Adventures

Fun fact: this is actually sung by Little Red Riding Hood about adventures in Africa, like crossing wide rivers and tall mountains while meeting various kinds of animals like hippos, alligators, monkeys, [specifically] sperm whales, and parrots. But like I said, I was listening to these songs out of context.

Clearly I am a kid at heart (and sure have a voice to match). Hope everyone is enjoying some kind of favorite songs this holiday season and are keeping cheerful in the utmost brisk winter moments.

– Tory
tn@torynova.com

This holiday season is just as busy as any other (what economic crisis?) with so many presents and holiday greetings to create! My list just keep getting longer. In-between all of that, it’s tough to squeeze out any creativity, but thankfully I’ve been concocting creations for a while and can finally post s0me here. And I have to apologize, it seems like the time between my updates is exponentially growing.

I’m itching for big fluffy flakes to reappear in the sky. Last winter the snow seemed endless and now in December it feels completely out of reach in NYC. It’s cold but alas, no snow! In-between shivers I’ve been working on some fabric designs. They’ve evolved into a small set of sweet fleece scarves (and may turn into more creations later).

The Forest Fox

The Night Owl

The Arctic Bear

I’m in love with each color palette and its respective animal:

Fox ~ Always bonkers for foxes (my first childhood love) but the print truly gives the animal a just habitat to play in – beautiful rusty oranges and red melding together with olive branches and leaves. The black painterly strokes also keep each creature looking wild and perhaps even wise from certain angles.

Owl ~ The owls are incredibly pleasant to wear because the colors are harmonious with denim and dark clothing (typical trend for winter) so they can be worn in a wrapped cowl or mini knot under any color coat with jeans. The fleece fabric is very friendly and warm so it is perfect for handmade scarves.

Bear ~ And frankly, who doesn’t love polar bears? The spot with the sleeping mother and cub bear warms my frigid heart. The geometric ice crystals are a nice contrast to the natural shapes of the animals. This scarf’s colors are muted grey teals. It’s actually very refreshingly beautiful and not too overtly “girly.”

Each scarf is sold in my Etsy shop, along with a variety of other cute handmade jewelry. Check it out!

– Tory
tn@torynova.com

Hope you all have a wonderful, gluttonous holiday. Share it with your family,
your friends, your belly, and bring a little bit of joy to others who really need it. Whether you’re celebrating with turkey on the menu or not, I hope you’re surrounded by those you love – and don’t spend this day running away from
a sly hungry fox.

FYI – keep an eye on Torynova Couture tomorrow for Black Friday sales. Support artisans and craftsmen by buying hand-made gifts or better yet, make them yourself! Don’t spend tonight into tomorrow in line at a department store.

Gobble, gobble.

– Tory
tn@torynova.com

Torynova Couture is now being sold at La Casita, a little gem of a boutique in the center of Ridgewood, NJ. The owner Elena and her staff are supporters of local artisans and are in possession of a unique collective of work that really caters to women of different ages. Their shop has been around for over 20 years! Hopefully their loyal customers will enjoy seeing a splash of illustrated flare in the window display!

If you’re in the area, go check it out! They are currently carrying a variety TNC merchandise, including both long and small square silk scarves for Swan Lake, Carmen, Midsummer Night’s Dream and Annabel Lee. They also have two men’s ties and the gorgeous front-runner Annabel Lee dress that seems to be “stealing the show” in the front display.

– Tory
tn@torynova.com

After being tormented by the jealous goddess Hera, Hercules [the son of Zeus] had lost his mind and killed his wife and children. When he awoke from this state of insanity, he was so stricken with grief that he pleaded for help from the god Apollo. The god’s oracle cast his punishment as servitude to king Eurystheus for 12 years. As part of his sentence, Hercules had to perform 12 Labors, which were feats deemed nearly impossible to complete. With the assistance of sympathetic deities, Hercules combated each labor. Thus he gained the identity of being the legendary Greek hero.

The 2nd Labor: Hercules vs. The Hydra, a deadly serpent that can regenerate its nine heads and seeps with poisonous venom and blood.

The 12th Labor: Hercules vs. Cerberus, the three-headed ferocious Hound of Hades that must be captured and taken from the Underworld.

Looking good, no? These additions are gorgeous and well-fit for the body. They would be perfect for the avant guarde, fashion forward trendsetter of society. I plan on wearing Herc vs Hydra to all the holiday/gallery parties this fall season because it just looks so great and FIERCE! Check them out in the store.

– Tory
tn@torynova.com
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Option 1 will always be to become a Wearable Story from my selection of artistic interpretations by Torynova Couture. Speaking of which, I should mention that by the end of this week I will be unveiling 2 more art designs in 2 styles of dresses with matching men’s ties. They’re going to be pretty rockin’ hot! To get an idea of what to look for, read up on the 12 Labors of Hercules as my inspiration. Funny tidbit: so the actual size of the painting by Antonio Pollaiuolo in that wikipedia article is like 4 x 6 inches. I stumbled onto that sweet little marvel at the Uffizi gallery in Florence.

Option 2 is to MAKE A COSTUME! This has been my tactic since oh so many years ago in senior year of high school, which was the first year I actually ever dressed up for Halloween (insert sad story about immigration-related cultural clash). Mostly I just purchase components like paint, hair, fabric, fangs, etc. The end result is a hodgepodge of creative fury strategically combined to form a new identity as a Harajuku girl, vampire, mime, Sookie (OG True Blood fan) etc.

This Year I’m making masks! So far, I have 2 looks down: Frankenmonster and Skullmonster. I feel like a pioneer in the illustration/mask industry; after all, these masks are made with my copyrighted artwork and produced under my company label. I still can’t decide if they’re scary or adorable. The fabric is 100% organic cotton knit, which feels baby soft against the skin, looks vintage, has stretch, and best of all, can be washed and reused! It’s the perfect material, way better than paper, plastic, or worst of all rubber (yuck!).

If you’d like to purchase one, they’re currently available in my Etsy store in an ADULT SIZE (age post-pubescent-growth-spurt and up) and in a CHILD SIZE soon-to-come. If you’d like to receive one before Halloween, I will try my hardest to make it happen. I say “if” because there are people, like myself, that really wouldn’t mind wearing a costume once in a while to spice up the ol’ daily routine. Regardless of whether or not someone else finds them cool, I will be wearing one proudly come October 31st. However, I will probably be going to fancy masquerade parties wearing a sexy TNC dress ~ HINT!

So, the question is, what are YOU dressing up as for Halloween?

– Tory
tn@torynova.com

And, in case you’re curious, the title is a line from Phantom of the Opera’s Masquerade scene/song.

It only took two weeks in Europe to feel my senses fully replenished from a year’s worth of tedious labor, aimed at making something sensible out of Torynova Couture. I know there is so much more to be done and I face a long stretch of road, but for the time being it feels ok. Overflowing with inspiration, my drive will be the source of all that is to come – and believe this busy beaver when she says that there is a LOT of fight left in her.

So, not that anyone’s noticed, but oh hey, it’s Autumn! Sure feels weird outside. Rain, cold, warmth, sun, rain, cold, warmth sun, rain/sun/cold/warm. What is going on planet Earth? It was incredibly hot in Florence – high 80′s in the first week of September, and low 70′s in the 2nd week in Paris. That difference was definitely felt. Seasonal change is inspiring, because it’s sudden and creeping. For instance, when I go outside these days, I still expect the leaves to be on the trees, not starting to gather on the ground. Damn.

Well, ode to the great Vivaldi and his Four Seasons:

On that note, some related new painted necklaces:
Summer seems so far away [again]. Oh well, time to hit the pumpkin patch in search of the Great Pumpkin.

– Tory
tn@torynova.com

Be sure to stop by Torynova Couture for some spook-tastic fashion treats:

]]> http://torynova.wordpress.com/2011/10/01/who-doesnt-like-vivaldi/feed/ 0 torynova The Four Seasons by Torynova Autumn by Torynova Winter by Torynova Spring by Torynova Summer by Torynova Carmen silk scarf by Torynova Couture Skeleton leggings by Torynova Couture