I have always looked at him as an icon. From his music to his style, Michael Jackson was an innovator. He will be missed.
Friday, June 26, 2009
An Icon Is Gone
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Shop Miami @ The Moore Building
The venue looked amazing. As we walked in, the very welcoming music and vibe took over... It set a nice atmosphere and could have gotten me in a mood to shop, but, as I came to notice, I am as picky as it gets. Out of all the stands I struggled to walk through, I can truly say I might have liked 3, at most. Some honorable mentions go out to ZulaStudio, Ecoist (handbags made out of folded paper), and KRELwear (who took it to the next level by offering custom made knits right on the spot).
I would have liked to see more design, more originality, and less south-beach-sundress. Yes, I know I might be asking for too much in a city that survives on that, but being a fashion event, I would have loved to see more emerging designers with that edge and sophistication that the other 305 crowd loves.
Here's to hoping... that next year I'll see more designers getting involved. Not going to lie, I had a great time, maybe too much of a good time (or too much kiwi vodka, or passion fruit, or whatever that was).
I'm expecting Jipsy to post some very indecent pictures soon. I'll be waiting. That's all.
Barbie
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Comme Des Garçons turns 40...
... and they are celebrating by creating a new brand. BLACK. This new side of CDG will be more contemporary, rougher, and will be what Rei Kawakubo has been all about throughout the years. The Comme Des Garçons designer is known for having her way with color: mostly all-black collections, with hints of red here and there.
Kawakubo has always been true to her originality, and has yet to be imitated. She creates outside of the boundaries and makes clothing that represent the CDG woman: independent, comfortable, and she likes to think outside of the box.
Along with the Black label, the designer is now collaborating with Vogue Nippon in several projects. The stores have already opened in Tokyo, and there are various to be opened in Paris as well. It is thanks to her, that contemporary Japanese designers have been able to flourish and establish their successful businesses; she set the foundation for the future brands to come.
According to CEO of Comme Des Garçons, Mr. Joffe, Rei Kawakubo's involvement and control of the company has not changed one bit in the past forty years.
Knowing that the US will most likely NOT be home to any Black stores, I will forward to checking out via web all that I am missing out on right across the globe.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
2009 Cannes Film Festival Favorites
I said I would not blog about this... but I simply couldn't resist.
Eva Longoria Parker in Versace Atelier. Oh my. Jaw dropping.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Nice finds online
So while I am sitting in front of the computer in my Fashion Buying for Design class, I like to explore online. So far I found Yohji Yamamoto Dr. Martens boots that blew my mind (and would for sure blow my budget too), and some Jean Pierre Braganza pants at the Seven New York website (http://www.sevennewyork.com/), an Alexis Bittar ring (http://www.alexisbittar.com/)...
Also, I enjoyed Barbara Bui's Winter 2009 collection. Some of my favorite pieces... all found at http://www.barbarabui.com/
Enjoy.
Barbie
Valentino really is The Last Emperor
Having heard about Matt Tyrnauer's indie film during Miami International Film Festival, and being a fashion design student and lover, I was excited to find out that our school and Fashion Group International were putting together a meet and greet with him, and a special viewing at the Regal in South Beach.
Looking just like one of us, the director chatted with teachers and other attendees, and then walked into the theater as we all took our seats and he was introduced by a rep from the Fashion Group International. Tyrnauer explained that the movie shows how it had been to work with “…a fashion icon and the tannest man on Earth.”
The movie started. From my perspective, it was amazing. It was very interesting and entertaining to see a designer was such prestige as Valentino, that ‘up, close, and personal.’ From the history of how Valentino started off, how he met Giancarlo Giammetti, his partner… to the buy-out of the company that carries his name and, eventually, his retirement. Memorable movie moments keep coming to my mind: Valentino and his adorable pugs, always in the middle, even when there is a crisis. His arguments with Giancarlo and how it was all solved by a simple “you look fat”. The planning of what was to become one of his last collections and runway shows. The party of the century, with Valentino designs from the 60s all the way to today, a celebration that brought tears to his eyes. His relationship with designer Karl Lagerfeld, and how they both looked like little children in this multi-million dollar playground in which Valentino was to throw his 45th anniversary party. And, finally, the disappointment and anger in his face when the company which he led with grace, class, and dedicated his life to, was to be bought out by investors.
The film gave all of us a quick yet profound glimpse of what it is like to be him, deal with his pressure and fears, and celebrate his victories and achievements. Moreover, it helped us, designers, understand more about the insane industry in which we are trying to get involved.
After the showing, Director Matt Tyrnauer took over the microphone again. He explained how the film had been shot in a span of over two years, in which Valentino would get sick of the cameras, quit, and “…rehire himself in the morning.”
Someone in the audience asked if he had been aware of the disintegration of the company. Tyrnauer explained that they had no idea at all; he said he thought that “we’d film for one year, and then it became clear that [Valentino] was considering retirement, so we thought we’d stay around… and then Giancarlo started to plan the largest party in the history of the universe, so we thought we’d star around for that.” It proved to be great instinct, since he was able to capture everything from the creative process, to the celebration, to the demise.
Tyrnauer also said that the legend is actually a very nice and amusing man, obsessed with finding out Tom Cruise’s and Orlando Bloom’s secret homosexual life. He also told us how much Valentino and Giancarlo hated the movie when they first watched it in London. The duo wanted Matteo Marzotto, at that time the hated head of the company, out of the movie altogether.
Valentino: The Last Emperor was finally shown at the Venice Film Festival, after many months of re-editing and negotiating contracts back and forth. Valentino and Giancarlo sat in a balcony, above from everyone. After the movie, the 1,600 spectators turned to both and gave a long, standing ovation. According to Matt, the couple loved the movie from that moment on.
Looking just like one of us, the director chatted with teachers and other attendees, and then walked into the theater as we all took our seats and he was introduced by a rep from the Fashion Group International. Tyrnauer explained that the movie shows how it had been to work with “…a fashion icon and the tannest man on Earth.”
The movie started. From my perspective, it was amazing. It was very interesting and entertaining to see a designer was such prestige as Valentino, that ‘up, close, and personal.’ From the history of how Valentino started off, how he met Giancarlo Giammetti, his partner… to the buy-out of the company that carries his name and, eventually, his retirement. Memorable movie moments keep coming to my mind: Valentino and his adorable pugs, always in the middle, even when there is a crisis. His arguments with Giancarlo and how it was all solved by a simple “you look fat”. The planning of what was to become one of his last collections and runway shows. The party of the century, with Valentino designs from the 60s all the way to today, a celebration that brought tears to his eyes. His relationship with designer Karl Lagerfeld, and how they both looked like little children in this multi-million dollar playground in which Valentino was to throw his 45th anniversary party. And, finally, the disappointment and anger in his face when the company which he led with grace, class, and dedicated his life to, was to be bought out by investors.
The film gave all of us a quick yet profound glimpse of what it is like to be him, deal with his pressure and fears, and celebrate his victories and achievements. Moreover, it helped us, designers, understand more about the insane industry in which we are trying to get involved.
After the showing, Director Matt Tyrnauer took over the microphone again. He explained how the film had been shot in a span of over two years, in which Valentino would get sick of the cameras, quit, and “…rehire himself in the morning.”
Someone in the audience asked if he had been aware of the disintegration of the company. Tyrnauer explained that they had no idea at all; he said he thought that “we’d film for one year, and then it became clear that [Valentino] was considering retirement, so we thought we’d stay around… and then Giancarlo started to plan the largest party in the history of the universe, so we thought we’d star around for that.” It proved to be great instinct, since he was able to capture everything from the creative process, to the celebration, to the demise.
Tyrnauer also said that the legend is actually a very nice and amusing man, obsessed with finding out Tom Cruise’s and Orlando Bloom’s secret homosexual life. He also told us how much Valentino and Giancarlo hated the movie when they first watched it in London. The duo wanted Matteo Marzotto, at that time the hated head of the company, out of the movie altogether.
Valentino: The Last Emperor was finally shown at the Venice Film Festival, after many months of re-editing and negotiating contracts back and forth. Valentino and Giancarlo sat in a balcony, above from everyone. After the movie, the 1,600 spectators turned to both and gave a long, standing ovation. According to Matt, the couple loved the movie from that moment on.
Barbie
Friday, May 15, 2009
Italy's got talent
Italian Designer Francesco Scognamiglio has been underestimated and under the radar for long. His last collection, SS2009, surprised me as I saw a little bit of everything that I wanted to see. I cannot say that I can find a common thread that ties the whole collection together, help me if you do... But I have to admit that I like many of the looks he presented and think that I will be checking him out in the future. Also, having Madonna wear your clothes and make you famous worldwide does help... a lot. She wore one of his creations for the video shoot for her song, Give It To Me.
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