Over the past weeks my photographer Daniel has been spending precious time with his 103 year old mother who has been admitted to hospice in Wisconsin. My thoughts have been with him frequently as he moves through this painful and difficult process. I miss him as a friend and as the talented artist that I collaborate with weekly.
However, the show must go on, and my daughter Camille was kind enough to join me at the new Wizard's Chest HERE, which opened recently at a new location. With phone in hand, she shot photos for today's post, as we took a quick tour through my friend Lonnie Hanzon's latest project. Artist, designer and Denver icon Lonnie Hanzon HERE has been with this magical toy store and costume shop over the past 30 years. After all, "Lonnie has made a career out of being a master storyteller through his art installations. Clients around the world call on Lonnie when they need their story brilliantly told through unexpected, entertaining visuals."…Lonnie's website.
Lonnie's work is as charming and fascinating in the new location as it was in its original incarnation. His glorious signature style is once again displayed, as it has been in several public art installations across the city, and in various places around the world.
The store, which is currently owned by Kevin Pohle and Brad Brickley, is filled with costumes, games, toys, gifts and so much more. On the main floor I mingled with just a few of the colorful wigs which populate one of the costume areas.
The magic of the store brings back memories of when I first met Lonnie. Beginning in 1982, my hat shop carried his line of jewelry. My personal jewelry collection includes some of his beautifully made pieces from that era! He remains as warm, supportive, creative, brilliant and intriguing as I found him to be on our first encounter.
The wall of the ramp which leads to the basement has been painted to depict a hedge maze, with mythical creatures, flower filled pots, arches and other ornamental/architectural structures.
A decoratively painted castle off in the distance can be viewed from the ramp. The photos in this post are just the tip of the iceberg of what there is to see throughout the store. See more pics of the magical kingdom in Westword's piece HERE.
The mosaic landing at the bottom of the stairs and the art covered wall as background make for perfect posing possibilities for the red coat which has the capability to create many silhouettes.
At the front of the store near the door is a luxurious purple couch framed by purple splatter painted curtains. After touring the Wizard's Chest's new location, I appreciated a space to breath and take in the wonder of the fantasyland that has been created at 451 Broadway. I will be back soon for more!
Red vintage coat – purchased during my friend Annie's moving sale, vintage black fur felt fez with red suede trim by Patricia Underwood – my hat shop 1980's, handmade embellished multicolored scarf by fiber artist Karen Shields of The Loving Ewe HERE – art fair, vintage earrings – estate sale, black turtleneck – consignment store, tall black boots by Fluevog – retail.
Linking up with Patti's Visible Monday HERE, Catherine's #iwillwearwhatilike HERE, Cherie's Shoe and Tell HERE and Anne's 52 pick-me-up HERE.
Love the space and your coat with the pink gloves are great.
I just adore you and your blog! This was a hectic day for me, want you to know that seeing mail from your blog truly brightened my day!
I love the " ensemble " and have a passion for vintage clothing and hats. I wish that I could visit the Magical Toy Store. Best of holidays to you and a blissful New Year.
RED is your color!!! You look absolutely amazing in this post (and all other posts but this one is superb) and what a fun place Lonnie's store is.
Thank you for all your blogging. You are an absolute inspiration to this 74 year old.
Hot Damn!! You just get Better and Better every week!!
I must see it in person, first-chance-I-get!!
Thank You for another Spectacular Post.
Love you so. Thank you for such a lovely affirmation. You are such the lover of color and texture. Much love!
103!!!!WOW………so SORRY for him it must be hard.MY own Mother is 90 and there is no sign yet that she headed upward.
As for YOU and your RED ensemble……….pretty darn SPECIAL.
This afternoon I made CUFFS with DEBRA R………..that too was pretty darn special as I recall when you did it!!I will look at household things in a whole new way now!!!
Your daughter did a great job!
What an amazing post. It is visually very stimulating and full of off beat information. I hope you will link it on Wednesday to my Senior Salon.
What fun! Thanks for taking us along on the visit. And I love the way you wear colour!
Your blog is a lift to me every time! I read it over and over, study the photos, read it again, study again! Yes, you are the "Style Crone" but in addition, you are also the 'Inspiration Crone"! Thank you dear Judith!
your daughter is an ace photographer! love your post, i think red is your color!
Great photos especially as they were taken with a phone.
The colours in your jewel box of an outfit are just wonderful and the Wizard's Chest is such a magical place for posing.
I so enjoy your use of color! I pinned the pic of you with the wigs.
Thank God for an older woman who dresses with style, verve and savoire faire rather than sinking into the morasse of mediocrity expected of older women. I love your style. It suits you and helps me and others dare to be just a little more courageous. Wish I was as slim as you, though….
Haha, that was a fun photo, you trying to fit in the cabinet with the wigs.
Yet another splendid outfit, and another splendid post. I adore you in these vibrant colours they offset your porcelain skin so beautifully. I'm featuring some bright colours too today. They make me feel energised in the middle of our grey, damp, British winter.
What an amazing store for a photo shoot! I want to visit.
And just when I was feeling blue that all the individuality and quirkiness was being sucked out of this world you put up a post like this!
I think you must have had an inkling of the decor as your outfit married perfectly.
Another great post! If/when we get to Denver, we have to visit The Wizard's Chest and meet Lonnie!