In order to design a collection in fashion, like any project, you have to start with an idea, or a base inspiration. So my Integrated Studio teachers tell me, assigning me homework to retreat to the New York Public Library's image library and find 10 images that resonate within our creativity. Internet research is not allowed, all images must be taken from the library.
I had always intended to eventually make it over to the library when I had free time. (Which does not actually exist for fashion students.) But now the assignment forced me to go and delve into the resources there.
One day, I headed over after class, and was intrigued by what I saw. The library's old building was statuesque and full of pride in its old age. The lions in front, the classical influence on the architecture, the location near Bryant Park -- certainly the building was a step above the skyscrapers that surrounded it.
In the newer building of the library, there is a startling number of books, more than a few lifetimes' worths of reading. Getting in and out is rather serious business with metal detectors and police officers, but once inside, you feel extracted from the city outside. There is information and imagery on every imaginable topic; in fact, the librarians are often hungry for a challenging topic to search.
My first trip to the library was on behalf of my school, but my next few trips have been on behalf of my own desire and hunger for knowledge.
