Siri, Siri on the phone, who’s the fairest of them all? This post is not about selfies, promise, we just couldn’t resist the pun. Instead we want to talk about fairytales and our collective obsession with them, especially in our age of high tech magic. This most dazzling, valiant and resilient of genres typically features: children or young maidens, magic, happiness (think fairytale ending), an occasional unicorn and the escapist notions of ‘Once upon a time’ and ‘Ever After.’ Naturally, fairytales have been aligned with the world of art, film and high fashion since well… once upon a time. Think about it: youth, fantasy, beauty, horror, love, heroic acts, history and elves. What’s not to love?!  

The well of folk stories remains bottomless for Hollywood, as evidenced this year by the lavish reinterpretation of Snow White in The Huntsman: Winter’s War, and the enduring popularity of the serial fantasy Game of Thrones, to name a few. And hardly a season passes by without at least a few fairytale references in the fashion world. To celebrate this point, the museum at Manhattan’s Fashion Institute of Technology hosted an exhibition highlighting the central role that clothing and style play in the telling of our favorite stories. According to Fairy Tale Fashion associate curator Colleen Hill, “In versions of numerous fairy tales by authors such as Charles Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, and Hans Christian Andersen, it is evident that dress was often used to symbolize a character’s transformation, vanity, power, or privilege. The importance of Cinderella’s glass slippers is widely known, for example, yet these shoes represent only a fraction of the many references to clothing in fairy tales.”

And speaking of references, Vogue had this to say about the Miu Miu Spring 2016 show: “In their eccentrically layered outfits, the models at Miu Miu looked like they had unearthed the ultimate chest of dress-up clothes—you know, the ones that in fairy tales are discovered covered in dust in the attic next to a one-eyed wooden rocking horse and ribbon-tied bundles of letters—and piled treasure upon treasure (granny boots, Alice in Wonderland pinafores) in an attempt to realize all of their make-believe fantasies at once.”

Dolce & Gabbana, never one to be outdone, couldn’t keep from joining in on the fairy tale fun during Milan Fashion Week. Their Fall 2016 show included references to Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Snow White. Bellissima as ever.

If all this hasn’t satisfied your love of fashion and fairytales, you only have to wait for the stroke of midnight of this year’s end for ‘Color Me Enchanted,‘ an upcoming coloring book (for grown-ups and not so much) by Masha D’yans and Gala Lazuli. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, it features more than 90 pages of fashion-forward illustrations, inspired by… what else, fairytales from around the world! Get those magic coloring wands ready and watch this space for more sneak peeks.

From top left:
1. Red Riding Hood by Comme des Garcons from Fairy Tale Fashion
2. A look from Comme des Garcons: Menswear SS17
3. Fairy Tale Fashion
4. A look from Miu Miu Spring 2016 show
5-6. Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2016 show
7. A spread to color from Color Me Enchanted by Masha D’yans and Gala Lazuli

It’s hard to believe that 2016 is half way through… Enjoy it while it’s here in all its summer glory, we say. But to help you look ahead we’re happy to present a cheery new Masha Calendar 2017! This time it’s bursting with adorable woodland creatures and other friends in wild places, painted with characteristic detail and colorful aesthetic. And our best selling blooming deer is gracing the cover. Look for your new wall companion in stores everywhere and online. Happy days!

Summer is finally here! And now, with Memorial Day behind us, it’s high time to start celebrating grads and dads! Here’s our fave picks that work for either type of giftee in your life.

-ConGRADulate your grad with a colorful card from our new line – Eyedore! These paper eye candies feature brightly painted washes printed on watercolor paper and topped off with rainbow foil. Perhaps you’ll find something perfect not-Sent-from-the-iPhone for Father’s Day as well?
-An elegant pen is handy for doing those crossword puzzles AND signing beautiful cards. Can’t go wrong with a classic like Mont Blanc Meisterstuck Le Grand.
-Wearable tech is all the rage, and it’s no wonder, since having a more complete workout picture behoves everyone – from graduate to grandparent. Now you can track your calories, distance, duration, pace and split time with the comfortable Under Armor Speedform Gemini 2. The best part? You can leave you phone back at home.
-A good messenger bag is a must for a job seeker AND a busy father. Sons of Trade makes a killer light-weight lined-felt version that we covet for its military vibe that compliments many an ensemble.
-Finally, is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy a tasty treat? For dads and grads that like it hot (you know the type) Mouth offers A Hot Stuff Taster that’s not for the faint of tongue.

Just in time for summer we have fun new Masha fabric for you, makers! This collection is entitled Tree Faeries and features fun-loving ladies frolicking among flowers and butterflies. The full collection can be viewed and pre-ordered here. Our partners at Clothworks produce outstanding quality fabric for quilters and sewists who love to create. Fresh, fun and full of variety, the traditionally printed cottons speak for themselves. Look for new Masha fabric in independent shops, sewing and quilting magazines. We can’t wait to see what you’ll make with these – please share!

Happiest Mother’s Day (and, of course Cinco de Mayo)! We hope you’re celebrating with all the mother figures in your life this Sunday. We’re so excited to officially announce a new project, and because it’s a collaboration between Masha and her super mom, the timing seems right! It’s not exactly news (unless you’ve been hiding under a rock that is) that adult coloring books are still all the rage, so here’s a preview of the title page from Color Me Enchanted, published by Houghton Mifflin and available spring 2017. This book will feature intricate scenes to color from fairy tales around the world; famous (such as The Princess and the Pea (Masha’s childhood fave), Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty) and obscure, including brief quotes from the original texts to help bring the scenes to life. Interspersed between the vignettes are pages of luscious patterns. The order of the quotes and scenes is arranged into a larger overall narrative. Ready for some enchanting adult coloring action? We can’t for you to show us your colors! Until then, the wizards are busy painstakingly drawing away every delicious fairy detail… (Seriously, it’s so much work!)

Dear You,

It’s been a while since we wrote. I’m choosing this moment in April – national letter-writing and poetry month – to send a few words from New York. I still consider it my home, and when Spring rolls around, there’s just no place like it. I admit to being somewhat reluctant about leaving warm & sunny Los angeles, but all was forgotten with the first sight of Central Park. A stroll through its tender, fresh blossoms, undamaged by the lingering cold, can cure any travel weariness!

Remember A Poem as Big as New York City, the book I illustrated? The words were written by little children from every corner of this infectious kaleidoscope of a city, and they seem most appropriate at a time like this. Because, along with the glories of Central Park, I also relish discovering new things in familiar corners. Each time I visit with favorite clients like MoMA and Saks, I find something different – who knew there was a space as magical as Mariani Fine Minerals on the Upper East Side? One specimen of their rare and exquisite crystals on display even matched the color palette of a Degas painting from the current MOMA show. You’d be blown away!

Further downtown in the West Village, I stumbled upon Calliope, another oasis of beautifully curated objects. It took a lot of will power not to bring all of them home. Another stop on my wander list was the new Whitney Museum, with its breathtaking panoramas of the city (and some fine American art, by the way). In the words of Charlie Parker, “Beautiful is the world, slow is one to take advantage.” 
Wish you were here. I’m sending you a few photos in the meantime.
Your girl,
Masha
(Write me)

Our Castle Monster at home on the Highline.

Central Park

A few of the unbelievable specimens from Mariani Fine Minerals

Cozy Calliope – photo by Josh Rubin for CoolHunting


Even NYC garbage is pretty in the spring.

Easter is Happening! How do we know? Yesterday was the vernal equinox which is seen by nature lovers as the first day of Spring – it’s finally official, people. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, lovely signs of the new season abound – petals are dropping (even the desert is in bloom), pastels are popping (on the fashion runways and beyond), Easter greetings are flying, and last and not least…our very own Masha’s husband (and frequent collaborator) is about to hit the small screen as Jesus in the Canadian miniseries, ‘Daughters of Eve‘ on Sunday (those not in Canada can watch live online at Yes TV). Easter is Happening indeed! Enjoy our collage of seasonal faves this year including a preview of the future – a page from 2017 Masha calendar.

“April” from Masha 2017 Calendar.

How irresistible are this baby hat from Oeuf and this baby blue top from Self Portrait?

Nothing beats the Mojave in full color.

Colin Mulligan as Jesus of Nazareth.

Our loyal fans absolutely ADORE Masha’s use of petals and blooms, don’t forget to peep our spring collection.

Looking for gift ideas for your valentine (or for yourself)? An ideal Valentine’s Day present must check a few boxes: Like on any holiday, it needs to be thoughtful and heartfelt; it also needs to align with whatever relationship stage you and your giftee are at; and it has to have that special touch of romance. But above all, it’s the unexpectedness that truly makes a gift stand out. Check out some of our Love Day picks below.

1. Pamper those sexy lips with little sweets that provide protection from the sun. TONYMOLY Mini Lip Balm SPF 15.

2. Forget the heart-shaped box of ordinary chocolate; Care for the health and tastebuds of your beloved with these eatingEvolved coconut butter cups that miraculously have only five ingredients — coconut, cacao, cacao butter, coconut sugar, and Himalayan sea salt — and have to be tasted to be believed.

3. If love is a journey to self-knowledge, here’s something fascinatingly intimate. 23andMe offers an easy at home test kit to decode one’s traits and ancestry. That is if your giftee is into that kind of thing.

4. Adopt an adorable plant even those without a green thumb can maintain.

5. A Driftwood docking station brings an elegant woodland touch to the indoor life. We think that nature and romance always go together.

6. How about something spicy to touch your love’s lips over and over? Our Hot Stuff mug can be ordered on any charged device from society6.com.

7. If you love writing more than texts, consider our LoveLand puzzle cards. You can spread your message over 8 love letters that complete a fairyland scene – how romantic is that?

New Year New Cards continues with five more beauties for your consideration!
Firstly, think pink (for spring and beyond) and greet beautifully. Sometimes – nay, we’d say, often – you just need a card with many a pretty flower to say ‘Happy Birthday.’ The delicate and fresh painting of Magnolia Branches will brighten anybody’s special day while expressing your tenderness and refined taste.

Up for adoption: cute-overload floral kitty or puppy for your birthday boy or girl! The adorable choice is yours.
If you have a lovely someone to thank, nothing is more time-tested than a fresh bouquet – send one that never wilts today!

For a more difficult occasion Masha’s new sympathy card will convey your heart-felt sorrow in an elegant and respectful way. Like a delicate snow flurry of a starry night.

All cards are available in shop for immediate shipment.

Happiest wishes for 2016!
New Year = New Cards here in the studio. First fresh treat for you is a totally novel concept and a world premier (!) – collectible cards that together complete a fun fairyland scene (which also spells LOVE, just in time for the next holiday). Inspired by our customers’ habit of keeping Masha cards to frame as art, the LoveLand series lets one collect a whole grouping to display, or to send one by one until the recipient collects all 8. Or, simply use them individually as all-occasion cards. When we think outside the card, the possiblities art endless.

Our LoveLand series is precisely and artistically engineered to encourage delicious, on-going correspondence by enabling you (or your giftee) to send or give these cards one by one… over any length of time. Be a Cupid and spread the Love by keeping those intriguing flames going and the art of the written letter alive this February (hello V Day) and beyond! Available as singles or 8-card boxed sets.

But wait, there’s even more…
New Year New Cards Part 2 coming soon.