02 April 2012
20 November 2009
société(haps): coco after dark
Coco Before Chanel chronicles the life of Coco Chanel from her early years at the orphanage and at the cabaret where she worked as a singer, to Chanel’s volatile romances and success as a designer. The film also weaves in the origins of her different signature looks -- peter pan collars, jersey fabrics and mens' shirts. Audrey Tautou gives a powerful performance as Chanel and reminds us that there was actually a very real person, with her own faults and triumphs behind the brand that we know today.
I went to a screening of Coco Before Chanel hosted by Blvd., which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. The night was even more enjoyable with food, cocktails, music and a trunk show of vintage Chanel. On a personal note, I was featured in the Street Chic Vlog, which documented all the fashionistas in attendance and their Chanel addictions. Watch below,
02 November 2009
design(mode): axdw
It is closing day of Athens Xclusive Designers Week (AXDW) which is Greece's fashion week. First started May of 2007, AXDW is the most important event in the Greek fashion industry. And it takes place in twice a year - spring and fall - just like like all the other international fashion weeks.
from thestylemusings.com
31 October 2009
mag(rac): harper's bazaar
I know it's the end of the month, so featuring the Harper's Bazaar October issue comes a little late but it is still very timely. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) will open a retrospective of filmmaker Tim Burton on November 22, 2009 through April 26, 2010. In anticipation of this event (read: publicity darlings) Burton's movie characters were fashionized for a Harper's Bazaar shoot. If you have been following me for awhile, you know I love almost every single Tim Burton production so this gets two thumbs up and let's go ahead & throw in two toes for the holiday spirit. Speaking of which, today is HALLOWEEN. Hope this isn't coming as a surprise to you and now you have to go and scramble through your closet for a costume. Regardless, maybe you will find some inspiration here...
25 November 2008
vital(scene): for the love of labels - the art of designer ready-to-wear
For the Love of Labels: the Art of Designer Ready-to-Wear is an exhibit featuring items from UGA's Historic Clothing and Textiles Collection housed at the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors. The exhibit explores ready-to-wear creations by celebrated fashion designers. Some of the labels featured -- Burberry, Chanel, Halston, Christian Lacroix, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Missoni and Christian Dior.
I just happened to stumble across this exhibit while visiting the Lyndon House for a totally different mission; but I am very glad that I found it. Having my camera at the ready for my top secret mission (read: eddingway anningplay), I snapped the entire exhibit which can be found in one of my Flickr sets. I totally recommend visiting in person to get the full effect, but it's understandable not all will be able to overcome the time-space-physical proximity-barrier.
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"While this dress may seem extreme and unique through the eyes of a 21st century citizen, it is actually a classy version of what was popular in the 1970s." |
Each piece is accompanied by more than just a description of the designer and the year debuted; the text also includes how the particular piece is a reflection of the entire label and puts in context the time in which it was fashionable - if there is any doubt that it wasn't. For example, a Frankie Welch gown designed to celebrate Jimmy Carter’s presidential inauguration that’s happens to be made with a peanut print. Get it?
For the Love of Labels will be on display until January 20, 2009 at the Lyndon House Arts Center (293 Hoyt Street; Athens, Georgia).
05 February 2008
audio(deck): glow in the dark
I was going to wait until the actual schedule was posted, but I am checking my email & Kanye University like crazy everyday in anticipation. I have listened to Kanye's Graduation album every morning for the past two weeks during my morning commute and it has not yet gotten on my nerves. There are a couple of songs that I am using as my personal theme music to get me through the day. I like Rihanna's style. I have a N.E.R.D song as one of my ring tones and Lupe Fiasco in the car for the way home. I see a party bus in my future.
17 July 2007
vital(scene): luxury
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| Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel Evening chemise Pink silk crepe chiffon Circa 1925, France |
The Museum at FIT currently has an exhibition from May 23 - November 10, 2007 about Luxury. You can even view the online exhibition for items like this vintage Chanel Dress.
"[the exhibition] covers 250 years of fashion history, and features more than 150 extraordinary garments, accessories, and textiles from the museum's permanent collection of 80,000 objects. The exhibition encompasses aristocratic luxury fashions from the 18th century; contributions from great couturiers such as Chanel, Dior, Worth, and Poiret; and contemporary accessories by Hermès and Lanvin.
Among the garments in the gallery are a brocaded silk dress, circa 1735, a reception dress from the 1880s by Worth, and a 1950 white silk evening gown with gold embroidery by Dior. Accessories include gold Chanel gloves from the estate of Tina Chow, circa 1932, as well as a contemporary Hermès handbag, Louis Vuitton shoes, and a Lanvin necklace.
The exhibition begins with a look at the politics of luxury in the 18th century. Against the traditional idea of luxury as excessive and morally corrupting, there developed a new belief that luxury could be a positive contribution to the wealth of nations. Private vices, such as extravagance and vanity, could be public virtues because they provided work for countless artisans.
Haute couture, the ultimate luxury industry, emerged during the era of high capitalism in the 19th century. Great couturiers, such as Worth and Poiret, became recognized as "artists of luxury." Companies, such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton, also became iconic purveyors of luxury products. The 'new luxury' of today remains a symbol of distinction, but it is no longer restricted to a tiny elite. Marketing luxury to the masses is a multibillion dollar business, and, increasingly, there are many different kinds of luxury. "
