Brooklyn-based Brilliance

by Trina Morris

Its always a delight to see and learn more about the awesomeness of my borough. While I am a transplanted New Yorker, Brooklyn has been my home for 10 years, so yes… I feel earnestly justified in representing its creativity and quintessential cool.

Its no wonder that many fashion and lifestyle innovations have ignited on this side of the Bridge, particularly over the last decade. Below are just a few examples of why I am one proud Brooklynite…

1)   In 2006, a Bay Ridge resident/mother felt that dining should be social for everyone, including nursing infants. Therefore, instead of covering them from the world, she invented a nursing sash that appropriately conceals; yet keeps ‘mother and child’ connected while feeding in public. Today, Baby Bond (originally named ‘Slurp & Burp’ by her husband, part of FDNY) has gained loads of press (Brooklyn News 12, Urban Baby, Mom Finds, etc.) and garnered nationwide retail acceptance.

2)   And what about that Red Hook resident/ designer who insisted on giving beach babes ‘something to do’ this summer, as they were undoubtedly ‘something to see’??? LOL He handcrafted a solar-powered bikini that charges iPods, mp3s, digital cameras and even cell phones!!! Lined with paper-thin panels that convert the sun’s radiation into electricity, the suit is completely safe on its owner and can still get wet!!! This hand-made marvel is definitely a high-end fashion item ($1000 retail), but can totally make any techy-eco-fashionista’s summer one to remember!!

3)   Beyond a distinct look, Brooklyn has an undeniable feel. More appropriately, Brooklyn’s got SOUL!! All of last week, MoCADA (Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art) celebrated the Soul of Brooklyn with fabulous events, exhibits and, of course, the infamous Fort Greene Festival (which happened this past Saturday)- headlined by Bed Stuy’s own, Rapper-turned-Actor, Mos Def.

Trust there’s much more COOL to experience in Brooklyn. Each neighborhood truly dances to its own beat. So do you wanna rock? Join me on a tour ; ) Welcome to Brooklyn, baby!

Trina Morris teaches SXT 320: Trend Track Alert – Greenpoint, Brooklyn and SXT 600: The Lower East Side – Mecca for Fashion.

3 thoughts on “Brooklyn-based Brilliance

  1. If you have not been on one of Trina’s tours – you really are missing out. She really does her homework and packs a great deal in, plus she is fabulous at finding the latest hipster enclaves. These cool New York experiences can be recreational or professional – FIT does all the research for you and all you have to do is walk and absorb!

  2. I LOVE bklyn too! I grew up on the lower east side in Manhattan. Bklyn was my rebirth in a way. I finally came alive. I’m actually looking into opening up a shop in bklyn fall of 2012.

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