Home Events INTERNATIONAL ARTIST – MARGARITA HOWIS DEPICTS ICONS OF CRYPTO IN COLLABORATION WITH FASHION DESIGNER – WINSTON BARTHOLOMEW

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INTERNATIONAL ARTIST – MARGARITA HOWIS DEPICTS ICONS OF CRYPTO IN COLLABORATION WITH FASHION DESIGNER – WINSTON BARTHOLOMEW

Les B. Freeman - Feb 21, 2023004

Edited by: Nathifa King

I recently had the opportunity to attend an exciting event – a collaboration between a talented fashion designer Winston Bartholomew, who recently won an HBO series, ‘The Hype” and a renowned artist Margarita Howis at this year’s New York Fashion Week. The runway was filled with unique and eye-catching designs that showcased the fusion of art and fashion, resulting in a truly captivating experience. During an exclusive interview with the artist, I learned about her creative process and the inspiration behind their collaboration.

As an international artist, Margarita Howis revealed her background in architecture and design. Engaging in creative fields all her life, in recent years she chose to focus on her main passion – paintings. Having lived in 7 different countries, her living experiences have shaped and influenced her as an artist as she was exposed to observing cultural differences and perspectives on identity. This also led her to explore themes of self-discovery and self-expression in her artwork, through her attraction to vibrant colors, bold lines, and organic shapes that reflects her personal style and artistic aesthetic. Margarita plates her art with 23k gold, after her application of various mediums from acrylic to fluid paint.

Margarita is drawn to the unique style of Bartholomew and the culture around his brand. As they both ventured into always looking for new and exciting ways to share creativity with others, they pushed the boundaries of traditional art and design forms. During their initial discussions, we found that we shared a common vision in creating something inspiring and boundary-pushing. Choosing the Crypto Icons theme was a result of both their fascination with technology and them entering the NFT space with their creativity. Crypto Icons is a series of both physical paintings and animated NFTs, depicting artists and musicians such as Snoop Dogg, Jewelry Designer Mike Nekta, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and DJ Steve Aoki, all heavily involved and positively influencing the crypto space.

Fashion Designer – Winston Bartholomew and Margarita Howis’ collaboration.

Margarita hoped to convey a message that created a meaningful impact through the artwork in this collaboration and where the use of creativity was used to promote a good cause created a feeling. As Bartholomew’s brand is known for his golden bee symbol, it felt natural to create a project around a bee theme and use art to remind the importance and role of bees in the ecosystem. Bridging something as low tech as pollenating bees with high tech digital realm, created a tangible connection between virtual and physical. Each painting displayed, depicted creatives from different fields, who also wore tailored garments from Bartholomew’s newest collection, which is covered with flowers and pollenating bees. This helped in symbolizing the hardworking and collaborative nature of the crypto world. As a painter Margarita used her creativity to highlight not only individuality, but persona.

Margarita stated that, “The opportunity to bring paintings to a new world and the collaboration with Bartholomew, has been an exciting and rewarding experience ever since we initiated our collaborative efforts. Our approach truly gave a platform for the creative process to be highlighted, as we worked closely to integrate art with designs in a way that felt true to both of our visions. Showcased pieces truly shone and it has been an incredible creative journey. I am excited to see how our collaboration will be not only be received, but how it continues to live on.”

Featured Muse: Mike Nekta

Margarita Howis, known for her artful expressions of real live people, chose one of the most celebrated diamond jewelers in New York City’s Diamond District – Mike Nekta. Mike Nekta is a third generation diamond expert & jewelry designer, specializing in bridal jewelry. Graduated from the Gemological Institute of America, his design philosophy is simple: “Minor details make major differences.” Mike’s lifetime mission is to show people that acquiring the best quality diamonds in the most innovative styles are achievable. All the diamonds have the maximum brilliance and signature ideal cut. Diamonds spark even in the dark!

When asked, “What is the key to your business success?” Mike Nekta replied, “We are a major player in the jewelry capital of the world, innovation is expected from us, and that is how we stay 5-10 years ahead of other jewelers”. Mike’s goal is to stay innovative and provide the best and most updated designs using the most updated production techniques available to provide the very best designs and craftsmanship. All of his diamonds are sourced ethically and responsibly.