How Did This Sweet Idea Come About?
As Miss New York Leigh-Taylor was a Top 5 finalist at Miss America. But, for her, that wasn’t the magical part. You see, as she stood on stage with the spotlight flooding her vision she felt life in that moment was simply a blur. But then she realized she saw something spectacular. The realization of a dream. A goal met. And almost instantly she reverted back to her childhood-self. She felt like the same little girl that would sit 2 feet away from the television every September to watch the women competing in Miss America and hoping that maybe one day she would have the opportunity to grace the stage just as they had.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. So what? Well, here’s what: It all started out as a dreaded final at Parsons School of Design. With the aforementioned story as her inspiration she was told she could do whatever she liked. At first she thought it to be simple; a children’s line. But as her mind continued to churn she realized just what New York needed. A store that embraces the playful whimsy of the chic New York woman. Seemingly paradoxical verbage to some. A dream come true for others. But she wasn’t done yet … she wanted to include some of the sweet Southern charm her mama had passed down and so it was … a boutique with cocktails and desserts a-plenty. Ultimately, she has create the perfect place for women to come enjoy themselves while playing dress-up. Does it get any better than that? We think not. But come see for yourself …
About Leigh-Taylor:
As a child Leigh-Taylor was emphatically encouraged to embrace her quirky playfulness and sweet disposition. Tales of her running over to her neighbor’s backyard jumping on stumps and putting on shows still ease their way into reminiscent conversations around the collaborative dinner table. The world was her stage. Some things never change.
As you can imagine by simply looking at her childish smirk, her hand was ALWAYS in the cookie jar. Literally and figuratively. Of course, growing up in the South with a true Southern belle for a mother there was never a lack of treats. (Which, by the way, her daddy’s belly cannot deny.) So, most would say from a young age she has understood what we call, the sweet things in life.
Leigh-Taylor has carried this sense of fantastical whimsy throughout her 24 years; never denying a kiddie cocktail, maintaining a steady love affair with any and all treats, and rarely capable of saying no to a fabulous accessory.
Lost, Or Rather Discovered, In Translation
At the beginning of my time at Parsons I knew I would be introduced to a myriad of niches within the Fashion Marketing industry and came to the conclusion that I had to enter with an open mind as to what I would pursue upon matriculation. Yet, at the end of the Fall semester I knew a couple of things: math wasn’t fun in middle school, math still isn’t fun, and public relations fascinates me.
I’ve always loved writing. But while studying theater in undergrad at the University of Virginia I felt more freedom and less limits within the expected structure of language in my papers. Then once I graduated I began writing more freely on my blog, and general short stories.
Throughout this past semester I have realized that, while I love imagery, what inspires me even more-so than images is the art of language. As seen throughout my portfolio I have included relevant articles alongside my essays. I am attracted to images supported by reason, whether it is explained or merely detailed in my own cranium. By unknowingly creating a harmonious marriage between imagery and language I have gracefully stumbled upon a challenging pursuit.
I’ve discovered my ability to translate a language that is not taught, but rather learned through personal passion. And I know this is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to enjoy.
SEEYA.
