Canada's got soul... E Soule!

Two days before Christmas, during a freezing-cold blizzard, my boyfriend Adam and I ventured out into the streets of Toronto (where we are for the holidays) to do some last-minute gift shopping. Imagine my surprise when I gazed upon Elizabeth Soule's artwork in one of my fav shops, Kol Kid! I met her in SF at the Renegade Craft Festival, we became friends, and she joined us at UNIQUE. She is an amazing artist, and a truly, truly beautiful person.

I love this community of great, cool artists, and am giddy with pride and excitement that we saw her stuff today. Go girl!!!

It's never too late to give!

UNIQUE was a huge success and I was busy-busy the entire time, which I am thrilled about, but it meant one thing: I did ZERO shopping. Ack! I am sooooooo depressed that i didn't get to shop from, let alone browse, all the amazing talent I pulled together for the city. Sigh.

But one thing is true... It's never too late to give, and it's the thought that counts! So while my gifts may be late by a few days (er, actually by a few weeks depending on the USPS), I know people will enjoy them. I plan to shop from vendors who are online, which I encourage you to do too, as every sale truly affects their bottom-line (unlike buying something from a store or something mass-produced) and allows them to continue producing great work. :) SHOP FROM VENDORS by checking out their websites from UNIQUE. Enjoy!

UNIQUE Photos by Rafael Cruz (a.k.a. genius)

For those of you who hit-up our FREE photobooth, constructed and shot by Rafael Cruz, here are the pics (click to 'events'). For those who did not make it over to him, make a personal note to self: VISIT PHOTOBOOTH @ THE SPRING 2009 UNIQUE LOS ANGELES. You won't regret it.

Many thanks to Rafael and his crew. I love all of the shots, yet have a special place in my heart for the one above with the girl and her parents... Enjoy!

Need sleep.........

WOW, what an amazing weekend. It makes me teary-eyed (really) to think of the huge turnout, all the amazing praise I/everyone got, the cool community that was formed, and to simply know that my vision has turned into a reality. Thank you to all who participated and visited!

I am now going to sleep for a day or two...

*promise to post pics on the site soon. Here are quickies of me with the UNIQUE tote bag, our directory booklet, and Rafael Cruz (the photographer for the photobooth)

AMAZING FIRST DAY!!!

I am so exhausted I can't see straight... Our first day was a HUGE success. Huge as is really big and really amazing, with thousands of people coming through! The feedback from everyone has been amazing (folks at the LA Times, to consumers who were blown away), and many-a-celeb shopped for things like the fab director Penny Marshall and Jon Heder (of Napolean Dynamite fame).

We're stoked for tomorrow and can't wait to see you! Don't forget to visit The Lounge and The Cafe areas for free BossaNova fruit juice, Izze, and Pabst.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,
sonja

*My friend, and great photographer, Rafael Cruz has constructed a photobooth so amazing that you won't want to miss out on the free fun. TRUST ME. It's amazing, with antique picture frames, vintage wallpaper and more... But you'll have to see it for yourself!

Signs of Things to Come...

I went out with one of the Obey boys who showed me how to paste 'n poster, and they are up all around town now! It's exciting to see them...

Love and tickets from NotCot.com...

The FABULOUS NotCot.com has posted a ticket giveaway on the website, and I can't calm down! They are a major source for all-things-cool, and have a HUGE membership, so I'm stoked.

I love reading the contest-entry posts, which share what people are looking forward to about the event. So cool. The Not Cot contest runs through Wednesday if you want to try and win tickets!

Buy Tickets Online & Get a 'lil Gift!

For those who are super-organized, or just like the idea of not having to wait in line at the event, you can now buy your tickets online! Tickets are $5 each, you can purchase as many as you'd like, and you will get a little gift from Illume Candles, along with treats from MySpace & Pabst. :) And remember that 50% of proceeds go to Create Now, a great LA non-profit that brings arts to high-risk youth.

*Please note that in an effort to save trees, you do not need to print anything. Your entry wristband(s) will be at the UNIQUE entry table under your name, so please bring ID.

See you soon!

LA Times Image section!

Bah humbug to mass-manufactured goods indeed, Max Padilla!

:) Go grab a copy of today's paper. Much thanks to Max, who wrote a great piece in today's LA Times Image section. The buzz around town is definitely becoming a loud collective cheer - which makes me extremely excited, as I'm trying to create a large-scale event in LA that shows off independent design+art, as opposed to discount it (like the ka-zillion "sample" sales that Cali has grown accustomed to, which undermines the true worth of great design). It's time LA took itself seriously, and showed off! This great city is filled with so many talented people...

Mark my words, "Watch out NYC/SF/Chicago, LA ain't just Hollywood!" Hehe.

Metromix Write-Up

UNIQUE wood block design

Collected these old wood press blocks for Adam to create the artwork for the bags, show guide, etc. VERY COOL... But I'll keep the design a secret for you to see at the show! :)