A Tapestry of Taste: Reflections on Art, Fashion, and the Joys of Creation
Greetings to all adventurers, creators, and dreamers!
I’m Ashley Moubayed, or Ruth Disco when I’m writing. As the mind and spirit behind Don’t Let Disco, a Brooklyn treasure trove of beaded wonders, I invite you into my world—a place where vintage meets vitality, creativity knows no bounds, and every piece of jewelry tells a story.
A Vision Sparked by Vintage and Artistry
Don't Let Disco stands as a testament to a love affair with the past, reimagined for today. The name? A whimsical nod to our cherished ethos: never letting go of the precious, the vintage, the unique. Our practice thrives on breathing new life into antique and vintage jewelry, sourcing our magic from small-batch, independent bead artisans and dealers. Every bead tells a story, a history that we string into our narrative.
But we're more than a jewelry atelier. We’re also a sanctuary where creativity blooms uninhibited, where hands and hearts come together to craft personal talismans—our disco beading bars. It's here that we celebrate the meditative dance of beading, a space to relax, create, and momentarily escape the whirlwind of daily life.
Unveiling the Inspirations Behind the Beads
Why embark on this reflection journey with me? Simply put, to peel back the curtain on my inspirations—whether they be the arts, the fleeting beauty in everyday moments, or the intricate dance of design, creativity, and fashion that influences our collections. Or anything else that catches my eye or sparks my curiosity. Consider this your invitation to join me on a wild, sometimes whimsical, always curious adventure.
This Week's Muses: Art, Design, and Fashion
Art That Moves: Simone Leigh & Cecily Brown
Currently on view at Matthew Marks Gallery, Simone Leigh’s exploration of Black female-identified subjectivity through sculpture resonates deeply with Don’t Let Disco’s ethos of innovation and artistry. Leigh’s new works, like Artemis and the untitled larger-than-life bust, challenge traditional notions of beauty and labor, referencing the often-unacknowledged work of women.
At Paula Cooper Gallery, Cecily Brown’s 5 Senses exhibition is an intoxicating blend of abstraction and figuration. Her paintings, drawings, and prints challenge the viewer to keep looking, to never stop seeing the nuance in every brushstroke—a philosophy we embrace in our jewelry design.
A Soft Touch: Extreme Cashmere
I was invited to visit Extreme Cashmere’s pop-up at 694 Madison Avenue. Hailing from the chic streets of Amsterdam, Extreme Cashmere doesn’t play by traditional fashion rules. Instead, they’ve created an ongoing collection that’s as timeless as it is trend-forward. Their genderless, one-size-fits-all approach is pure genius. It’s as if they’re saying, “Who cares about labels? Let’s focus on the fit and the feel.”
I’m absolutely smitten with their cashmere. It’s the kind of cashmere that invites one to curl up on a rainy day and never emerge, while simultaneously exuding a sense of effortless luxury. Their understanding of color is nuanced and thoughtful. It’s as if they can paint with cashmere, creating hues that are both classic and unexpected. But what truly blew me away was their design philosophy. One size, endless possibilities. I tried on a few pieces with my friend
, and we were both amazed at how effortlessly chic we looked, in the same styles despite our different heights and builds. It’s as if they’ve cracked the code to universal style.It’s become my new go-to, the perfect blend of comfort and chic. If you’re looking for something special, something that defies expectations, then Extreme Cashmere is definitely worth checking out.
Leather Love Affair: The Timeless Elegance of Handbags
Now, you must understand from the get-go that my fervor for leather isn't just a preference; it's a way of life. There's something utterly intoxicating about the aroma of leather, its journey towards a beautiful patina, and the intimate dance it performs with its owner's natural oils. Each piece narrates a unique story, weaving a tapestry of memories and moments. Confession: leather might just be my vice—but in the sanctuary amongst fellow aficionados, we celebrate such passions, yes?
My journey led me to obsess over the iconic silhouette of the Hermès Kelly bag—a piece that encapsulates timeless style like no other. Through a twist of fate and perhaps a sprinkle of stardust, a vintage Hermès Kelly found its way to me. Yet, in my naiveté, I acquired a Sellier from 1995, whose structured elegance, while lovely, doesn’t quite align with my essence of nonchalance. This Kelly, although seldom caressed by daylight, remains an emblem of my personal and professional triumphs. She's like the work friend who's kind and sweet, but we're just different people; we're not besties.
Then came the Rodeo handbag—a revelation, promising the casual grace of the Hermès Kelly Retourne without the daunting investment. My pursuit was fervent, driven by my insatiable appetite for exquisite leather craftsmanship. This love affair wasn't solitary; it saw companions in its olive and hunter green brethren, visions of beauty that haunted my dreams until they too were mine. I know I love something when I look at it and fall in love all over again, relishing my prize—and this was the case with the Rodeo handbag, as it started to age, fill out, and slouch, I was giddy.
But allow me to introduce a dark horse in the realm of handbag lore—the vintage Coach Willis. A serendipitous find on Etsy, this piece, with its own set of scars and wear, spoke to my soul. Its allure lies not in its brand but in the very essence of its being—the sumptuous dance of time-worn leather. For those whose hearts yearn for the unconventional luxury of perfectly aged leather but find their wallets reluctant, the Willis (I believe) emerges as a beacon of hope.
It's not the label but the legacy of craftsmanship and the beautiful patina that comes with time that truly captivate me. Stay tuned as this vintage Coach Willis embarks on its next chapter within my collection, a tale of restoration and rebirth awaiting to be told. If you’d also like to go down the rabbit hole of vintage Coach Willis, options one, two, and three are all beautiful in my humble opinion.
Join Me on This Journey
As I wrap up this first reflection, I hope I’ve ignited a spark of whimsy within you. A desire to delve deeper into the enchanting world of beads, art, design, and beyond. Let’s continue this adventure together. Subscribe and join me as we unravel the stories behind every bead, every piece and every choice.
Until Next Time, With Love,
Ruth Disco
can’t wait to follow the thread on what else catches your exacting eye!