Be Inspired! NYC Delivers
Wandering around NYC in between meetings today, I caught up with my friend and lingerie designer Marina Rybek, our Intimate Vision blogger and connoisseur of all things inspirational in the world at large. After lunch, and on the way to the Nippon Gallery to see the Essence of Kimono exhibit, we stopped at Duane Reade on 57th and 6th for some basic toiletries I had forgotten to pack. Since I don’t live in Manhattan, I haven’t had much occasion to frequent this pharmacy in the past two years. I was amazed at the transformation that has taken place since they were acquired in 2010 by Walgreens. 
I thought I had entered Monoprix in Paris even the dual floor layout was familiar. The merchandising method, centered on a visually indulgent cosmetics core was a banquet of French brands begging attention. It was New York City but with a Paris state of mind.
Dental floss and baby oil in hand, we walked one block to the Nippon Club where I had the privilege of seeing the most extraordinary feast of luxury fabrics in the form of Japanese kimonos dating back to the 1700’s. Each one is an exquisite story wrought through hand painting, tie dye, gold leaf, woven ikat and couched embroidery. 100% hand sewn, the kimono is a composition of exquisite detail, reminiscent of the intricate trims that define the art of lingerie. I walked out with a full infusion of creativity. Only in this city can you walk one block from the essential to the esoteric and be equally inspired.
“All The Effort In The World Won’t Matter If You’re Not Inspired.” ~Chuck Palahniuk
