Hussein Chalayan S/S 2012 Sip Collection...very introspective!

"Chalayan’s inspiration centered around the idea of self-image, so his engineer Robert Davis rigged tiny battery-powered wireless cameras with tilt switches inside champagne flutes, which when tipped 15 degrees, would light up and capture the inside of the models’ mouths. The voyeuristic audience watched the models become the focal point, in a sort of unexpected way, as their lips, teeth and throats were projected onto the canvas behind the runway in real time." The Creators Project

Learning French with Monsieur Lagerfeld...

If you're a subway-reading-urbanite like me, then you probably browsed through the pages of the metro: Karl Lagerfeld-Special Edition issue printed on Tuesday (February 7, 2012) of this week in several cosmopolitan cities throughout the world. Montreal's version is published in French, of which I have much appreciation for, because it feeds that tiny hard working part of my brain eagerly desiring to parler français.

If you're not a Lagerfeld fan, well then you probably didn't enjoy the issue as much as I did, but I loved how his sketches and bona fide commentary of world affairs were scattered throughout the pages from beginning to end.  I had a special smirk on my face when I came across President Obama's drawing with the complementary quote, "please, once again with feeling! " (ditto, I say) .

But the note that really made me laugh was Monsieur Lagerfeld's take on the M.I.A. faux pas during last Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show. He basically stated that the young people of today do it often, that it's not a polite thing to do, a bad habit.  I found it humorous because one, metro asked him to comment on this overblown stunt, two, he answered, and three, consequently, I learned the French phrase for "flipping the bird" which is "le doigt d'honneur" (the finger of honor!)  I love French, so hysterically honest.
Overall, it was a creative and unique issue. Thank you metro, keep the special editions coming. 

Shots of my copy below, a complete PDF format of the original printed version can be viewed here.

Once a Madonna fan...always a Madonna fan!

Madonna's Super Bowl halftime show was unforgettable...
I'm currently putting together a post about the creative team (FROM MONTREAL) behind those insane visual effects, stay tuned. In the meantime, enjoy the images below, borrowed from Madonna's gorgeous site here.

IMAGES: (top) Like A Virgin Album Photo by Steven Meisel. (bottom) Photo by Bruce Weber.

An innovative conference for women by women...

It seems that business conferences and creative workshops are incredibly popular nowadays, which is probably due to the fact that a lot of us are exhausted of being under-employed, under-payed and let's face it, uninspired as a result of this horrid economy.  I love that these PR gatherings exist, and I would gladly attend, if they didn't cost so much money. (Between Mark and I, we would easily need at least 10K!) But I get it, the phenomenal speakers need to get paid.  I'm especially tantalized by two forums in particular; the TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conferences hosted in Long Beach, Palm Springs and Edinburgh, Scotland AND the Domaine de Boisbuchet workshops sponsored by vitra. and Centre Pompidou. But again, the $$$ is very much an obstacle...
So a few days ago, I was elated to discover that Montreal will be hosting a conference here (near ME), this coming May called, Commerce + Creativity, organized by no other than...Sid Lee (and prominent friends).  Its main focus is really to attract possible international collaborators to Montreal, which I love, but I was quickly dispirited by 2 main things, the price ($2,700+) and the line up of speakers. The only female speaker on the panel so far is Arianna Huffington.  I have nothing against Arianna Huffington, but is she the only successful woman available in May? Don't get me wrong, the men invited to speak are fantastic, but I do hope a few more affluent and motivational women are added to the list.  See complete list here. 

Which leads me to the photographs I have selected for this post.  It would be fascinating to attend a conference for women by women, right? Do they exist?  AND I don't mean craft fairs...not at all what I mean.  Does anybody know Oprah?, maybe she can help us get this going...

Here are a few women that come to mind. . .who would you add to the list?

Phyllis Lambert, Founding Director of The Canadian Centre for Architecture, located here in Montreal.  Image from Review/Tendances FW 2010.
Maira Kalman, Author, Illustrator, and frequent contributor to The New Yorker.  Image borrowed from here.
Leith Clark, Editor-in-chief of LULA magazine. (Great article here.) Photo by Maja Flink.
Kate and Laura Mulleavy (Rodarte).  Incredible recent news about them, here. Photo by Inez Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin.
Desirée Rogers, Former social secretary to the White House for the Obamas.  Informative article here. Photo borrowed from here.
Elizabeth Diller, Partner and founding member of Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Great article by DOMUS here.
Alice Waters, Chef, author, and the proprietor of Chez Panisse. Photo borrowed from here.
Grace Coddington, Former model and the creative director of American Vogue, read here.
Sofia Coppola, Screenwriter, film director/producer. Photo by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin.
Tilda Swinton, Model and peerless actress.  Photo by Tim Walker for W Magazine.

Topic No.1: Innovative Conferences, Cosmo THIS! 

The haute bohémienne...Loulou de la Falaise (4 May 1948 - 5 November 2011)

I used last weekend's copy of the Financial Times as a base-membrane inside Babas Bohème's cage earlier this week, and this morning, as I was cleaning the shredded remnants, she highlighted a story I had somehow missed titled, The haute bohémienne with an innate approach to fashion. It was an obituary for Loulou de la Falaise, (model, muse and jewelry designer) who passed away Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the age of 63. Now, I must admit that I had no idea who she was before this morning...how? I don't know...but what a family tree. . .Thank you Babas!

Quote under picture of Loulou with YSL, 

Legend has it that she was baptized not with water but with Schiaparelli's famous perfume, "Shocking".

Here are a few fast facts about Loulou. . .but warning, there are so many more.

> She was born Louise Vava Lucia Henriette Le Bailly de la Falaise. WOW!
> Her father was Alain de la Falaise, a French aristocrat and her mother was Maxime de la Falaise, 
   a model and fashion muse herself for Elsa Schiaparelli and an Andy Warhol socialite.
> Loulou de la Falaise was a friend and inspirational muse to Yves Saint Laurent.
> Her first marriage in 1966 (AT THE AGE OF 18!) was to Desmond FitzGerald, the Irish Knight of Glin.
> Her second marriage in 1977 was to Thadée Klossowski de Rola, son of the French artist Balthus.

I feel like a need to read a book about her life...too many incredible details.  the guardian published an informative obituary, read here.
Image below of Loulou by photographer, Richard Avedon, 1970.

All about Gaultier...part one

Here are a few pictures from my visits to the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit currently on display in Montreal's Museum of Fine Arts.  I am very grateful that photography was allowed, well, without flash, but my little digital companion did not let me down!

The welcoming "Madonnas" with projected faces are both creepy and captivating.  

'Talking models' are intentionally scattered throughout the different exhibit rooms.  They talk, sing and recite hysterical conversations, all while wearing various couture pieces.

The exhibit highlights a few of Gaultier's notable themes throughout his (still active) career. How does one mind originate all of these styles in a lifetime?. . 
probably with a lot of skilled help. Bravo to those talented seamstresses!! 

All about Gaultier...part two

I tried to take pictures of everything.  I've seen this exhibit three times, and each visit revealed something new. There are simply too many enriching details.

Serious Sensible Solemn...Sober Couture from Amsterdam.

I recently discovered the beautifully curated blog, iiiinspired orchestrated by a graphic design student from Budapest.  
I have spent hours just browsing her (name not published) gorgeous discoveries.
iiiinspired recently posted these photos from the recently unveiled fashion line, Sober Studio from Amsterdam.  I find the photographic compositions, the architectonic props, the color schemes, the belle red-head and the sublime accessories . . . mmm hypnotic.     


Photos borrowed from here. (Spring/Summer 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaultier inspires Montréal...

I lived and survived the Pinkarnaval festivities this past weekend.  

This year, the theme was Jean Paul Gaultier. . .in conjunction with his current exhibit in Montreal's Museum of Fine Arts, From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. (NOTE: Photography is allowed, pictures of my visit coming soon). 

First came the hysterical parade. All of my pictures are out of focus because my camera was out of control, but I am showing them to you anyway because the blurry shots depict the madness perfectly.

Then came the public dance party (under lightning-rain) with the Québécoise D.J./model Ève Salvail (D.J. Evalicious). She was amazing! I also got to see the honoree himself. Monsieur Gaultier was very French but enchanting.

And yes, that is a giant inflatable "Madonna" bra tied to a giant balloon and a delightful Mademoiselle (who posed for me) wearing one. We all had one in the 90's, didn't we?

 

Reds, pinks and nautical stripes. . .oh my!

Haute Couture à la papier...

Today I am bombarding you with the exquisite work of Belgian artist, Isabelle de Borchgrave.  Borchgrave's work is jovial, genially detailed and simply gorgeous. I love it when I come across inspirational craft. True artists really do surround themselves with non-stop creating.  Serious dedication is worthy of reverence, don't you think? If only I had that discipline.   


FYI: If you live in San Francisco, her work is currently on exhibit at FAMSF: Legion of Honor. 

All images borrowed from Isabelle de Borchgrave's official site.

here comes The Bride...

Will this be Kate Middleton tomorrow?  Yes, I know, it is silly to get all hyped up over a wedding, but how can one not love the details behind this grand Royal event.  (I am not talking about those silly commemorative plates or bubbleheads, etc...) I can't wait to see the guests' fabulous headdresses! 
And well, if Sarah Burton (...the creative force behind the Alexander McQueen label...) was chosen to design the much anticipated dress...I will be thrilled. There are rumors going around that Kate designed the dress herself. I am sorry, but that would be a huge disappointment!  We are all expecting a breathtaking gown! 


I will be tuning in at 4:00 am eastern time tomorrow...


Images: (Alexander McQueen, Paris Fashion Week, Spring/Summer 2011) borrowed from here.

Saturday MILK...Call Me Red!

I stumbled upon MILK magazine (le magazine de mode enfantine) today during my routine weekend-bookstore-excursion.  It is a magazine published in France & Japan for "contemporary" mothers.  It covers furniture design, fashion, healthy culinary info etc.  I had to resist from buying it...it is a gem.  While gleefully perusing it, I came across the work of photographer/fashion designer/illustrator...Barbara Berrada.  
(Yes, a true interdisciplinary entrepreneur). The pictures below reflect her handmade (limited edition) 1930's country inspired collection: Les Zigouis: Spring/Summer 2011...more here.  
Photographs and styling by Barbara Berrada.


. . .long pause. . .I wonder if I am ready?. . .are you?  These pics are just too adorable.

Viktor & Rolf inspired makeup? Spring /Summer 2009 Collection: Behind the scenes with model, Shalom Harlow borrowed from here.

Can one separate THE brilliance from the MAN?

Most of you are probably already aware of the incomprehensible news regarding John Galliano's libated Hitler rants (?) on film. I mean even CNN and Jon Stewart had their say on this matter a couple of weeks ago. If you have browsed through my fashion posts, then you know that I am a fan of Mr. Galliano's brilliance, which is why this situation has me so perplexed.  I am not aware of what triggered the diatribe against the Parisian women filming his rants. I want to believe that his theatrical persona was momentarily devoured by a dark, pissed-off, and irritated force.  So. . .I am left with one question, Can one separate THE brilliance from THE man? . . . Dior answered by firing him. I am not sure where I stand. Perhaps I will simply put my admiration on hold for now.  Google the story if you want to know the details.


Photo from Paris Fashion Week, "Backstage John Galliano" 2010 borrowed from Jak & Jil.

On curating fashion...

My first fashion exhibit was in Los Angeles' MOCA Grand Avenue venue in 2006.  The expo was appropriately titled,  SKIN + BONES: PARALLEL PRACTICES IN FASHION AND ARCHITECTURE.  The correlation between fashion and architecture was thoughtful and unrivaled thanks to the show's curator, Brooke Hodge.  It was a delicious exhibit.  Just to give you an idea...there were pristine Pucci mannequins dressed in couture by Viktor & Rolf, Alexander McQueen and Issey Miyake etc. . .collaborating space with creations by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Zaha Hadid, Herzog & de Meuron. . .(Click here for a complete list).  
After a few hours of thorough admiration (no probing allowed of course), I walked myself over to the gift shop (more of a book store really...) And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I found myself gleefully overwhelmed by the array of fashion books on sale next to the exhibit's impressive catalogue.  I was lucky to have a good job at the time and well as expected, at the end of my visit, I left with about $200.00+ worth of books and fashion documentaries.


My first time was fabulous, but I am expecting to be blown away by the Alexander McQueen retrospective this year. SO, lets mark our calendars for the McQueen show and the other upcoming fashion exhibits around the world.  And if we can't make it to all of them, well there are always those enticing catalogues. Enjoy my finds below...any additional suggestions?

................................................

Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700–1915
Where: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Resnick Pavilion.
When: 2 October 2010 - 27 March 2011
Curated by: Sharon S. Takeda, Senior Curator and department head, and Kaye D. Spilker, Curator, LACMA's Costume and Textiles department.
NOTES: {The exhibition tells the story of fashion's aesthetic and technical development from the Age of Enlightenment to World War I. It examines sweeping changes in fashionable dress spanning a period of over two hundred years, and evolutions in luxurious textiles, exacting tailoring techniques, and lush trimmings}. Text by LACMA.

Photos from The Los Angeles Times: (from left to right) 1} A 1780–85 velvet jacket, with paste stones, foil, sequins and metallic-thread-embroidery appliqué trim.  2} Special archival mounts in nonreflective aluminum drawers hold the museum’s 18th-century shoe collection. 

Yohji Yamamoto (solo show)
Where: The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK.
When: 12 March - 10 July 2011
Curated by: Ligaya Salazar
NOTES: {This retrospective, experienced through a series of site-specific installations throughout the V&A and beyond, includes Yamamoto's menswear for the first time. The main exhibition space houses over 60 creations and a multi-media timeline which reveals Yamamoto's wider creative output}. Text by V&A


Photo credits (from left to right): 1} Red and black boiled wool jacket and skirt, Autumn/Winter 2009, Photography by Nick Knight & Art Direction by Peter Saville. 2} Photo by Ronald Stoops for V&A 3} Portrait of Yohji Yamamoto by Koichi Inakoshi.

Rodarte: States of Matter
Where: The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), @ the Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
When: 4 March - 5 June 2011
Curated by: MOCA Associate Curator Rebecca Morse.
NOTES: {The exhibition will feature more than 20 pieces from Rodarte’s Spring 2010, Fall 2010, and Fall 2008 runway collections, and original ballet costumes designed by Rodarte for the feature film Black Swan.} Text by MOCA


Photo credits (from left to right): 1} Photo by Autumn de Wilde  2/3} Photos by Carmel Wilson/Cooper-Hewitt and Mimi Ritzen Crawford/Getty Images  4}  Photo of Kate and Laura Mulleavy (RODARTE), source unknown.

Video below of last year's RODARTE exhibit in New York's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET), New York, USA.
When:  4 May 2011 - 31 July 2011
Curated By: The head of the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, Andrew Bolton.
NOTES: Check out Anna Wintour's interview for BBC news.


Photo credits (from left to right): 1} Photo by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue's Nobel Farewell, a tribute to Alexander McQueen‘s final collection for the July 2010 issue. Styled by fashion editor, Grace Coddington. 2}  Alexander McQueen, photographer...I believe it is also a Leibovitz shot.

Enchanted Palace
Where: Kensington Palace, London, UK. 
When:  26 March 2010 - 08 January 2012
Curated By: Historic Royal Palaces curator, Alexandra Kim + other collaborators...
NOTES: Participating designers include...Paul Costelloe, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Bruce Oldfield, Zandra Rhodes, Maria Theresa Fernandes, Boudicca...and WILDWORKS.
{The Enchanted Palace reveals the emotion and drama running through Kensington Palace’s history. Contemporary fashion collides with the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and real stories from the palace to create stunning installations, fashioned by leading designers}. Text by the Enchanted Palace.


Photo credits (from left to right): 1} Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe: Dress designed by Bruce Oldfield. 2} Photo © Rex Features, Dress by Vivienne Westwood.



The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
Where: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, (Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion), Montréal, Canada.
When: 17 June - 2 October 2011 
Curated by: The exhibition has been initiated by and is under the leadership of Nathalie Bondil director and chief curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It is curated    by Thierry-Maxime Loriot of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, along with Florence Müller, fashion historian and teacher at the Institut de la mode in Paris.  This Exhibition is organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with the maison Jean Paul Gaultier.  (MBAM)
NOTES: {The exhibition will highlight Gaultier’s eclectic and impertinent sources of inspiration through a selection of 120 haute couture dresses and ready-to-wear pieces (women’s and men’s) made between 1976 and 2011}. Text by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.


Photo credits (from left to right): 1} Jean-Paul Gaultier: Women's ready-to-wear, Spring/Summer 2011 2} Jean-Paul Gaultier: Haute-Couture, Fall/Winter 2010-2011. 3} Michel Comte/Jean-Paul Gaultier, W Magazine, 1992.

UNRAVEL. Knitwear in fashion
Where:  Mode Museum Provincie Antwerpen (MoMu), Antwerp, Belgium
When: 16 March - 14 August 2011
Curated By: Emmanuelle Dirix & Karen Van Godtsenhoven
NOTES: {Top pieces by national and international designers and labels (Ann Salens, Vivienne Westwood, Sonia Rykiel, Missoni) historic couture pieces (Schiaparelli, Patou, Chanel) as well as more avant-garde and cutting edge pieces by established designers and newcomers on the international fashion scene (Sandra Backlund, Maison Martin Margiela, Mark Fast), will sit side by side to reveal the richness and diversity of knitwear in high fashion...} Text by MoMu. Read more HERE.


Photo Credits: 1} Tilda Swinton in Sandra Backlund, ANOTHER Magazine S/S 2009. Photo by Craig McDean. 2} Marlene Dietrich wearing a Schiaparelli sweater in the 1930's German film, Der blaue Engel. 3} A design by Sonia Rykiel, Fall 08.  4} Sandra Backlund, FW 2010. Photo by Kristian Bengtsson