Malcolm Gladwell is one of my favorite writers. I am now listening to his newest book, Outliers, and I am simply getting goosebumps from the revelations and the implications of what it is he’s saying. His ideas always go back to the thought that small changes can make huge differences, and he explores the concept in the most fascinating ways. I am just blown away by how he can think of finding these angles of and sides to occurrences that are so ordinary and yet so extraordinary at the same time.

Outliers starts with a description of a small village in Italy that basically moved itself and became a small town in Pennsylvania. The amazing thing about this little town is that “these people die of old age; that’s it”. A doctor came to visit the town and discovered that the town people had a very low rate of heart attacks, suicide, depression or anything similar. He began a search to discover the reasons how come these people are so healthy. What he found was astonishing and gives me goose bumps also as I am writing about it . They were not eating healthier, exercising more or harder or meditating an hour a day. I’ll let Gladwell explain the findings himself :o)

I often listen to books while I work. I download them from www.audile.com, it’s the best way to keep up with books when you don’t have time to actually sit and read them - like while you’re driving or crocheting :o) If you do end up signing up please tell Audible that you heard about it from me and give them my user name, kerenpeled. I might get an extra credit and you will get karmic kudos :o) So thank you in advance.

Keren

As the world focuses in on the horrific events of the last week in Mumbai, I wanted to take a few minutes and discuss the wonders and magnificence of India as I experienced it earlier this year.

India is the country of extremes. Beautiful and ugly, spiritual and materialistic, kind and cruel, clean and dirty all the the same time. As a western woman traveling there I often felt like I was on a different planet, and then not :o)

Delhi

We arrived in the Delhi airport on Thursday night after a very long flight from NY. The flight was OK and the food excellent. The Air India planes are far from the state of the art planes we see in the west. They still have those large screens where they play one movie at a time, rather than the individual screens that give the passengers hundreds of options. But who cares – the food was good and I got to finish reading the book I brought with me (Mommy Millionaire by Kim Lavine– all entrepreneurial women should run, not walk, to get a copy and read it immediately) and get (a little) sleep.

We had a driver waiting for us from the hotel. I knew that the Radisson was going to send a shuttle, but I thought it would be like those hotel shuttles at JFK. The ones you try to find and wait in the freezing cold for god-knows-how-long, until they do you a favor and pick you up with another 10 poor fellows that just got off the flight and are dying to get to bed. Not here. Our very own driver was waiting for us with a sign looking for Mr. Andrew Chew. Fantastic. We were very grateful.

The driver was a young man all dressed in white and a hat. Right off we were surprised that people drive here on the right – like in England. We really didn’t know that. Given that we had about a week to plan this trip, cultural research was not on the top of the list.  Unlike England though, there seemed to be very little order to the chaos. Seemed that traffic rules are only a suggestion. Lanes and traffic lights exist but people don’t necessarily follow them. We start noticing that any truck bigger than a sedan has a sign on the back “HORN PLEASE”. That cracked us up and we asked the driver what’s that about. He says that if you honk your horn you’re safe and if not then not so much :o) The truck drivers can’t see you if you’re behind them or next to them. In India, honking your horn is a friendly reminder “I’m here”. Well, a lot of people “are here” and horns go off constantly.

Sitting in our lovely hotel suite on the Sixth floor of the Radisson overlooking New Delhi. The smog was so thick that you can only see so far. We were in Noida, which is an upscale suburb of Delhi. This is where all the High Tech companies are at and that is why we’re here. There’s a mall at walking distance with a McDonalds and Pizza Hut. I haven’t yet figured out if those fast food restaurants are considered cool and hip or just something for fat Americans. I think that they are considered hip because young and educated people here seem to like the US and the Western world very much.

The Indians were not approving of Andrew and I holding hands, even though we are married. We tried to avoid doing that at first, but the idea of losing each other in the middle of Delhi is much more frightening than a few mean looks.

I notice that people that come in contact with us (waiters, drivers etc. ) speak to Andrew (”Are you Happy, Sir?”) and never speak to me, sometimes even answering my questions to him rather then me. I understand it but I am certainly not used to it. I speak directly to them and remind them that I expect an answer. The people are just so nice that it’s hard to get mad at them. However, I am sure that a Western woman would reach a “critical mass” with this attitude, I was just hoping three weeks is not long enough for that.

Seeing all the children on the street I briefly engaged myself in a fantasy about adopting a child here and taking them home with me, giving them all the opportunities that I have. Reality sinks in like a punch to the stomach when I realize that I have no financial or emotional bandwidth for such a venture. I’m not Madonna. I give a child a few Rupees to get some food and another one comes immediately asking for more.

This place made me feel as though I hit a Jackpot this lifetime. I am so grateful for all that I have.

Keren

August was my travel month - I consider traveling to be such an important part of my work. It what gives me inspiration, it’s also a great study of trends and for just pure fun education.  So - I spent 10 days in Paris. My friend Moana, the fabulous Cabaret singer www.frenchcabaret.net, and I rented an apartment at the La Marais.Really didn’t do anything too strenuous, we weren’t there to “do” the city, but more to experience it’s little joys. We stayed at the Marais which is an old and hip part of town. What did we see - the Louvre for sure. I must say that the best part for both of us was to have (an extremely expensive) cup of coffee in the little cafe at the 2nd or third floor of the building. It directly overlooks the pyramid. Simply remarkable, it must be one of the best spots in Paris.And the Mona Lisa, oh the Mona Lisa. To see her in person is truly amazing. What’s more amazing is the line to see the masterpiece! Here’s a picture of the line: I mean seriously - wow! They had a bunch of French guards that literally yelled at you if you took more than one picture at your turn :o) I was a good girl. Here’s my pic:It’s a fantastic painting and an amazing situation. Everyone would agree that the Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world. Visiting the Louvre did make me wonder why it is so as there are so many incredible paintings at the Louvre, that it’s hard to tell why one became so famous and the others did not.More of Paris, I me a lovely woman that might become my France jewelry line rep, that would be wonderful. We had a great little cup of coffee and I showed her some of my jewelry samples, including my favorite necklace that I was wearing, the Lakshmi necklace.I also went to visit , which was great fun. The gardens are some of the most magnificent gardens I have ever seen. The palace itself is of course also amazing, and as I saw later in my trip was the inspiration for several other European palaces. In the gardens, they have classical music blasting so I walked around imagining I was the queen :o) Or not, as most of the royalty did not end up so well. In the tour of the palace I learned that the palace was actually quite full of people all the time, so the king and queen did not have a moment’s peace.Everything they did was in the public domain, including the queen giving birth with a room full of people! Yikes!Other than site seeing Moana and I had some fun with friends, went to a Reggae concert in the park and had a few nice dinners. We mostly ate in the apartment because we really wanted to be healthy and be good! Paris was as wonderful as ever. August is a really great month to visit because it’s not so packed, so there’s a tip :o) I can’t wait to go back to France and check out other parts of it, like say, the French Riviera! Viva La France!

I’ve been back in the States for a couple of weeks now. The JetLag was brutal and the Melatonin did not help much. It really took that long to get back to normal - at first I was up at 3 am and then got maybe 1/2 an hour of extra sleep a night and now I’m back to Normal. I have been out of the states for so long, so I guess it makes sense. Later this week I’ll add pictures from my time away in Israel, Spain, Portugal and France with some stories. Maybe I’ll do one blog posting per country. Yeah - now that’s a good idea :o)

Working on updating the website with the new 2008 collections - there are actually two new jewelry collections! One that I did for LA fashion week that was really more Haute Couture, and it’s higher price point. Lots of Labradorite and Garnet and very large dramatic pieces. Well- that’s what they asked for - “big and bold” :o)

Another collection that I did in Israel was the ready to wear style casual jewelry that one could wear to the office etc. Much more accessible jewelry price wise as well - so stay tuned!

It’s a lot of work. I get all the jewelry descriptions and stuff done in Excel and I need to choose names for the jewelry pieces, which is an interesting process actually. I name my jewelry after goddesses so I need to make sure the goddess fits the piece and feels right :o) and then write a short description etc.

I have to get it done this week. Promise, if you don’t see the updates by the end of the week and feel free to e-mail me - “Keren where is it?! You promised”.

That’s it for now. Accountability is the name of the game, and visibility equals accountability although some people higher up tend to forget about that. But not us.

Keren

It’s so nice to be away from the states for a while. Change is probably the scariest thing for most people and just getting out of the states can do so much for one’s perspective. Very hot here on the Mediterranean, but I hear it’s also super hot in the Bay area. Pictures from the beach coming up soon :o)

Last week, I met Marina Maximilian Blumin, who’s an amazing singer and artist. She was on “Kochav Nolad” the equivalent of  ”American Idol, and won 2nd place. It was so amazing to talk to her - such a down to earth spiritual person - hmm - maybe that doesn’t go together. Can spiritual people be described as “down to earth”? Well - I am both, so there you go :o)

Anyway - Marina is just fantastic, very young but incredibly mature.  So much so that it feels like patronizing to say that. We talked about everything - life, work, spirituality and  of course her music and my jewelry. I said that I’ll be happy to lend her a few jewelry pieces for her shows and her Album that’s coming out soon.  Here’s a link to one of her amazing performances  . There are many more to check out.  Enjoy!

Keren

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Yves Saint Laurent this week. Amazing artist, fantastic designer. He was considered ‘one of the greatest figures in French fashion in the 20th century’ (Daily Telegraph 2/6/2008). He was one of the most influential kings of couture. His accomplishments are an inspiration to all designers, worldwide.  He started his career working for Christian Dior. However, after his success at Dior’s, the fragile YSL was recruited to the French army, a place, I am sure that does not suit the individual mind of a brilliant artist. I have read that after his retirement in 2002, he pretty much excluded himself from public life. The YSL house was bought by Gucci in 1999.  I truly hope that he enjoyed his accomplishments and his life during his last years.

Despite that, the style of Yves Saint Laurent lives on through it’s parent company, Gucci. It’s remarkable. Fashion is one of those things that will always be needed and will always adapt, which means, that a fashion house can stick around for centuries. Like Louis Vuitton in the 1800’s, and not going anywhere. People will always need clothes and jewelry and handbags. The materials will change a bit perhaps but relatively speaking, the changes are not as drastic as in technology. It’s so amazing to think that a name can live on so immortally and without bounds. I feel honored to be alive at the same time as some of these giants like Yves Saint Laurent. I just know that the name will live on well beyond us.

Hello Everyone. Another fashion week has come and gone and this time, I am starting a blog!

So, you are all welcome to share your thoughts, ideas, experiences and inspirations here.

Here’s my story for Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week March 2008…

Andrew and I arrived in LA on Friday and went straight to a fitting of the jewelry with the collection. We were tired. It was also the first time I met Kelly in person, even though we have talked quite a bit.

After a (very strong) drink at Shutters on the Beach, I ended up with a headache and went to sleep by 8 pm… Not very glamourous, but necessary. The Beverly Hills Plaza hotel was simply gorgeous and a good deal. I wish we would have had more time to play - if you ever get a chance, go there! It’s worth it!

On Saturday, I went back to the studio for more fittings, got my hair and my nails done with the help of my dear friends and Andrew got a new Jacket at Zara which he totally loves and didn’t take off for about 2 days. It was very cool.

Sunday — the day of the show

Got to Smashbox studios and found a parking spot right off. Yay. Good start. We got our backstage badges and went to check out what’s going on. The interns were working on the gift bags, and I also added a few gifts of my own to a select few, which I got to meet later.

The crew from A&E were back stage already and began shooting for “Gene Simmons Family Jewels”. Sophie, Simmons’ daughter, modeled one of the looks. The the crew followed her around as she got her hair and make up done by MAC.

Well, during the small break, in the influx of models getting their makeup, I jumped on the opportunity and got my makeup done as well by 2 make up artists from MAC. Both were super sweet and kept complimenting my “pretty lashes” or “nice lips” which was very cute. Last time I got my make-up done like that was when I got married and that was, well… a while ago… I couldn’t believe the upgrade!

Erin, the show producer at A&E, said that we could put up a sign with my logo, so Andrew squeezed around the tables that were packed with make up and electrical wires (I’m telling ya - that’s love) to get behind the tables and put my sign up. Simultaneously, I was scavenging for tape. That scene was just comical. finally we got it. But at the wrong place. Later, Erin would have Andrew move the sign, closer to where Sophie Simmons got her make up done. Very Good.

Finally, the girls were getting dressed and I went to make sure their jewelry was on right. I needed to tweak a few things and get out of the way!

We took our seats - right behind Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed. He was just surrounded by photographers, it was crazy. Finally, when it quieted a bit, I decide it introduce myself. In Hebrew.

I have done my homework and found out that Gene Simmons speaks many languages, Hebrew among them. He was born and grew up in Haifa (my town) as a kid. Who whould have guessed that the intimidating looking guy from KISS is actually Chaim Witz from Haifa.

Anyway - So, I said “Ma Nishma?” (How’s it going?) and he said “Tov Toda, Ma shlomech?” (good, thank you, how are you?) and I said I was the jewelry designer. He didn’t quite catch that right off and at this point Shannon Tweed lost her interest and left. That moment of grace did not last long. A new swarm of photographers showed up and I left, not before Andrew could get a picture. Andrew tauntingly said “smile” as Gene Simmons posed for a shot while squeezing the chin of a fan standing next to him with one of his huge hands - Simmons coolly challenged back “no…, no smile. You smile!”, which was very funny.

The show started and you can see pictures on Gettyimages.com and Wireimage.com, if you search for Kelly Nishimoto. The stylist picked some of my biggest collars with the ruffles and some pieces of my new collection “Taj”, which is, naturally after a trip to India, inspired by the Taj Mahal. There aren’t a ton of pieces, but they are memorable.

After the show, we went back stage only to have Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed hanging out there waiting for their limo. So then Gene asked me a few more questions such as “So, what are you doing here?” - where I had to explain that I great up in Haifa but moved to the states a few years ago. Also, I reminded him that I was the jewelry designer and his eyes lit. With a smile he said that the jewelry was fantastic and “Good Job, Kid”. He also said that he thought his daughter was the best :o)

And then he started talking Biz - and kept talking and asking questions about our business plans and resources and what do we need. At which point there was no apparent trace left of Gene Simmons the Rocker, and I knew I was talking to Gene Simmons the CEO and brilliant business man that was kind and caring enough to offer me precious 15 minutes of serious mentoring. I am grateful for that.

Take a look at that video on SpinCity, my conversation with Gene Simmons happened at the same time, right behind Kelly who was giving the interview! How funny - I am right behind her.  

Some links:

• Gettyimages.com
• Wireimage.com
• Runway + Shows: Imasu by Kelly Nishimoto - review and video
• iCelebZ.com - gallery