1. Antique Crochet Tea Cup. "Paula Rubenstein, on Prince Street in New York City, has a little antique knot and crochet tea cup and saucer, crafted by a sailor in his spare time. It's made only of string, but it's completely water-tight. It is a perfect thing. Everytime I go in I ask how much it is, but it's not for sale. I'm hoping that someday they cave. I need it."
2. Toronto Island. "I have a friend that lives on the Island, so I hang out there a fair bit. The beach is lovely, and it's a really easy to get away from the city without actually leaving it. Plus, all the houses look like storybook cottages, and, for one week every summer, the trees—I'm not sure what kind—drop white fluff that covers the ground and swirls around your feet as you walk. It's like a snowfall in June, without the cold and slush.
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3. Karen Azoulay. "An artist friend from Toronto, who's now based in New York. She had her first U.S. solo show at the Cue Foundation this year, and she did some watercolors for me that I'm turning into prints for my Spring '08 collection. Her work, usually installations, is beautiful, ornate, delicately crafted, and totally heartfelt."
4. Feist. "I love it when indie crosses over without losing any of its authenticity and charm. Plus she's from my neighborhood in Toronto. A true talent."
5. British Shorthair cats. "They are the most lovely shade of gray, and their big cheeks make them look always on the verge of blowing a big gust of air. Plus they have huge feet, which is the cutest thing in a cat."
Jeremy Laing is a designer based in Toronto. To see his fall collection, go to www.jeremylaing.com.
1. Antique Crochet Tea Cup. "Paula Rubenstein, on Prince Street in New York City, has a little antique knot and crochet tea cup and saucer, crafted by a sailor in his spare time. It's made only of string, but it's completely water-tight. It is a perfect thing. Everytime I go in I ask how much it is, but it's not for sale. I'm hoping that someday they cave. I need it…"