Valentino Haute Couture - S/S 12

BUCOLIC BEAUTY

Paris: For Valentino Couture, Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri looked to the  ideals of the 18th-century's Age of Enlightenment in France. Silhouettes were modest — full-skirted long dresses with long sleeves — and a return to nature (à la Rousseau) was evident in the assortment of quaint country floral patterns. The overall look had the feel of 70s Gunne Sax or 80s Laura Ashley, but the real inspiration came from a much more decadent source — Marie Antoinette at her quaint Versailles cottage, Le Petit Trianon. Fabrics had the appearance of chintz, with smocking and gathering adding a bit of rusticity, and delicate lace and point d'esprit were patchworked with organza and floral appliqué for a romantic, naïve effect. Grounding each look were pair of floral print loafers, a surprising yet appropriate choice of footwear for the pretty collection. 

To read more Haute Couture S/S 12 reviews by yours truly, visit the Stylesight Chronicles.

Chanel Haute Couture - S/S 12

SPACE CRAFT

Paris: Karl Lagerfeld continued his exploration of otherworldy influences for the Chanel Haute Couture collection. Conjuring a spaceship traveling through space, the designer employed over one hundred shades of blue and sheer, cellophane-like materials for an atmospheric feel. Silhouettes combined casual with couture, as dropped waistlines with hidden slash pockets referenced “boys whose jeans are slipping off,” and fabrics had the appearance of sparkly denim. Modernity was felt in the dramatic standing portrait necklines and  long, lean column shapes for modern skirt suits and matched sets, while the presence of shoulder cutouts, mini lengths and beaded patch pockets had an undeniable 90s vibe. Channeling a more romantic feel than the majority of looks, the best-in-show was a lovely blossom-covered coat in a range of inky blues.

To read more Haute Couture S/S 12 reviews by yours truly, visit the Stylesight Chronicles.

I AM HERE

"Kind of. Sorry. I have been writing about fashion. Don't leave me! I will show you projects very soon."
                                                — Me

I Heart Filip Dujardin

By combining images of existing buildings, Belgian photographer Filip Dujardin creates photographs of eerily familiar, often abandoned, somewhat post-apocalyptic structures.

To read more about the photographer, visit BLDG BLOG (one of my favorites).

(images courtesy of Filip Dujardin)

Thank You For The Memories, Yunhee Min

I recently came across the paintings of Korean artist Yunhee Min while researching for a trend based on crystal gardens. I love the sheer, layered color and they remind me of growing up in Florida in the 80s.

 "Attraction #10", 2009

 "Attraction #14", 2010

 "Attraction #17", 2010

 "Attraction #20", 2010

"Attraction #15", 2010

(all images courtesy of Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects)

Neon Garden Gnome

The garden gnome is now neon yellow. I have a few old, unused cans of spray paint and I debated whether or not it would be better to just throw them away or use them up. If you turn vegan would you toss all your leather shoes? Not the same thing. Sorry ozone layer.

I Can't Help It

I giggle every time I pass this ad on Bedford Ave. I would like to meet this creature, he/she seems right up my alley. Oh, and I have missed you. I will be back to my usual furniture shenanigans very soon!

Fire In The Sky

This is what greeted me as I left the studio this evening...

 Utterly beautiful.

A Good Idea

This is a good idea. I like it.

Baby Steps

Fashion reporting has slowed to a manageable pace, and on Sunday I finally got to work in the studio. I have an overwhelming assortment of unfinished projects, clutter and custom orders, so I decided to avoid all that and paint a garden gnome instead.

And, here is a peek into our new waterfront location (with an elevator!!!!) Don't be too jealous because the ceiling rains crap on my stuff every night. Only in my corner, of course.

Well Said

Jenny Holzer, 1989

I never noticed this before at MOMA

Some Very Special Mail

I wanted to share some very special mail I received from Miss. Jess's class at Harlem Children Zone's Countee Cullen Community Center.

I usually find bills in my mailbox, so imagine my delight finding find this large silver envelope!

I am so glad Miss Jess's art class gets to have fun with the materials I donated. What a talented bunch of kiddos.

THE END