VeryVeryChic

Fashion is My Religion

#FBF 

Still obsessed with this shoot! I ran across this image yesterday and decided I needed to repost! I captured this behind-the-scenes shot while styling VVV's Magazine's "Believe" editorial for the Fall '14 issue. My creative juices start flowing any time I'm asked to create a look with a theme. In this case, I pulled from my costuming background to create the religious looks in the story. From a very chic nun to a stylish bishop, I gave religion the fashion treatment! For this shot, designers include Octavio Carlin dress; Chagall Design mitre and stole; and Ruthie Davis heels. And, of course, an oversized rosary to make a statement! Loved our team on this shoot. Luke Duval, photographer; Donald Simrock makeup; Neeko Backstage hair; and the stunning Atong Arjok, model. Check the full shoot shot by Luke Duval on my website: NormaJayne.com

 

The ART & Style of Fine Jewelry

Recently, I wrote the feature story for the American Gem Trade Association's Prism magazine. Writing this story gave me the incredible opportunity to interview some of the most renowned jewelers in the U.S. today. Think Paula Crevoshay, LJD Jewelry Designs, Naomi Sarna, Katey Brunini and Dallas Prince. And stylist Sarah Shirley weighed in on current trends in the fine jewelry for 2016.

For the full read, check this link. 

Styling Americana at Brand's Fall '15 Ad Campaign

Was excited to find these ads online (finally)!!

It was such a pleasure to collaborate with the team at Caruso Affiliated to style the Fall '15 ad campaign for Americana at Brand. These two still life shots are beautiful because of the art direction and hours spent perfecting each and every shot. And yes, an amazing photographer who captured it all! As stylist my job was to find the clothing and props for each image to make the campaign come to life. Each item was brought to the studio and placed on set. No photoshopping here. And yes, those are real people and the cutest puppy ever! 

Tasha Tilberg is VeryVeryChic in VVV Mag

 

 

 

 

In case you haven't heard, LA's hottest new mag is about to debut its Fall fashion issue!! VVV Mag's 'Conviction' issue features strong female celebs and fashion icons including Cindy Crawford, Annie Lennox, Noomi Rapace, Carmen Electra and Tasha Tilberg. It was exciting to work on the cover shoot shot by the uber talented Luke Duval. Here's a sneak peak of the issue featuring Tilberg styled by yours truly!! The supermodel is wearing a Skingraft vest. Expect more streetwear inspired looks in the editorial, I can't wait to see it in print!!

Barbie Lagerfeld: SO VeryVeryChic!!!

 

 

 

Barbie is having her fashion moment.

From Jeremy Scott's recent Spring collection for Moschino to her makeover ala Karl Lagerfeld, Barbie is decidedly in fashion. The iconic doll has been recreated many times - think Audrey Hepburn, The Blonds and Versace Barbie, but this is arguably her chicest collaboration yet. Lagerfeld channeled as the world's most famous doll - with a Chanel touch - is simply genius. "Capturing the iconic look of Karl in precise detail, but still keeping the essence of Barbie was critical," says Mattel designer Robert Best via AnotherMag. Dressed in black leather, a white shirt and necktie, the doll is accessorized with Kaiser Karl's ponytail, sunglasses and a miniature quilted Chanel bag. Only 999 dolls were produced as part of the Mattel's Barbie Collector series at $200 each, and not surprisingly, is already sold out. But for those who want the iconic look for themselves, all the elements of her outfit are still available at Karl Lagerfeld stores. For an indepth interview with Best on his career at Mattel and the challenge of creating Barbie Lagerfeld, click here. 

photos courtesy of AnotherMag and @KarlLagerfeld

Champagne Wishes and Diamond Dreams At Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" Preview

 

 

 

I can't really think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I was invited to attend Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" Preview, which highlighted pieces available at the upcoming New York sale on April 29. It was one of two public previews the renowned auction house held in Los Angeles over the weekend. West coast customers were able to preview contemporary, modern and impressionist art masterpieces which will be available at its Spring auctions in May. And the "Magnificent Jewels" preview was an incredible opportunity to view many rare and signed pieces including a special private collection of the late singer Eydie Gorme. Many items were gifts from her husband Steve Lawrence such as a platinum and diamond Rivière necklace to celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary. I had the great fortune to receive a guided tour by Lisa Hubbard, Chairman of North and South America for Sotheby's International Jewelry Division. It was a Hollywood red carpet dream come true to be able to try on several of the exquisite pieces including the exceptional 28.18 Karat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring pictured above, a stunning Tony Duquette gold and smoky quartz bracelet from the collection of Danielle Steel and an unnamed, but nevertheless show stopping emerald necklace (pictured below). Important pieces in the collection include the rare diamond, onyx and emerald Cartier tiger bracelet (pictured above) and a Fancy Intense Orangy Pink 15.23 Diamond ring valued at $6-7,000,000. This collection has made stops around the world and is on its way to Hong Kong where it will be on view before returning to New York in time for the sale. Scroll down for a look at many of the special pieces at the preview and some of my favorites. So VeryVeryChic!!

 

  

Tony Duquette gold and smoky quartz bracelet, collection of Danielle Steel $15,000 to $20,000

A Magnificent Platinum, Fancy Intense Orangy Pink 15.23 Diamond ring with diamonds, est $6-7,000,000

A champagne toast!!

A stunning emerald and diamond necklace 

Cartier bracelet

David Webb necklace

Tony Duquette jewelry

The El Dorado Emerald and a Cartier diamond and emerald bracelet, est at $700-900,000

Cartier bracelets and a rare 28.18 Karat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring

Tony Duquette necklace 

Diamond and emerald pins

Boucheron diamond bracelets

Cartier 18 Karat gold, colored diamond, diamond, onyx & emerald bangle bracelet, est $600-800,000

VeryVeryChic Highlights From Concept Los Angeles

 

 

 

Concept Los Angeles held a full day of runway shows over the weekend - and there were many talented designers to discover. LA's fashion landscape is everevolving and this season I felt a significant shift forward with the level of design talent. There were several new faces, a few from out of town, and others who evolved their collections to new levels. San Francisco-based Camelia Skikos showed graphic brights while Wayward's moto nomads were the epitomy of menswear cool. Jen Awad's collection was inspired by vintage Sophia Loren chic, Mike Vensel ventured into new territory adding plaid to his signature black and Istanbul-based Özgür Masur's collection of evening gowns were red carpet glamour with a capital R. Here are a few highlights from the event including some of my favorite snaps on the runway and from behind-the-scenes. Stay tuned... I'll be posting more coverage from individual shows throughout the week. 

Picture above: Camelia Skikos

Özgür Masur

Wayward

Sumie Tachibana

Camelia Skikos

Emily Daccarett

Özgür Masur, photo: Jourdan Miller @LoveJourdan

Mathiasen

Jen Awad

Emily Daccarett

Camelia Skikos and models

Mike Vensel, photo: Jourdan Miller @LoveJourdan

Jen Awad

Sumie Tachibana

Wayward designer Sam Adegoke

Concept Founder and designer, Mike Vensel and models, photo: Jourdan Miller @LoveJourdan

 

 

VVC NOW: MYKITA Press Preview

 

 

Trying on shades at the Mykita press preview is like being a kid in a candy store. Here is one of my favorite looks for Spring. A chic pair of pink mirrored lenses from the Mykita X Bernard Willhelm collab. The Berlin-based eyewear company has been doing many designer collaborations as of late including Bernard Willhelm, Montcler, Damir Doma - and more. So VeryVeryChic! Scroll down for more images and a look at the current collection.

 

FURNE ONE's Very, Very Chic Victorian Geishas

 

 

 

 

In two words: Furne One.

Once again, Furne One created a show stopping haute couture collection which closed Style Fashion Week in Los Angeles. I was lucky to be front row for the presentation at L.A. Live and capture some amazing shots of this collection! The Dubai-based designer, who is best known for designing for celebs such as Katy Perry, J-Lo and Nicki Manaj, was inspired by the Victorian era and Geisha Girls to create this beautiful collection. Always one to merge fantasy with fashion, Furne took his audience on a journey into eras of a by-gone past. I can only guess that society's strict rules from the eras of these two vary different cultures created this unusual and yet, intriguing combination. Victorian women and Geisha Girls wore beautiful, yet restrictive formal clothing - and women were servile to men. But no matter the meaning or where the influence came from, these clothes are exquisite. Hand beading, intricate pleating and floral appliques are just a few of the details that Furne executed with precision. Silhouttes were a combination of sophisticated Victorian shapes and Japanese kimonos and fabrics icluded silk, lace and decorated with Japanes floral motifs. And did I mention the oh, so cute teddy bears? Though extremely sophisticated, Amato added a child-like innonence and a touch of Harajuku kitsch. You can't talk about this runway show without mentioning the hair. Stylist Kaz Amore created these increcible towering hair pieces, which I was told took nearly five hours to complete. Now that is an incredible feat. Scroll down for front and a few back views from the runway show. AND I've included a few of the campaign shots from the Amato Haute Couture site. So VeryVeryChic! Enjoy the eye candy.

XOXO

 

More images after the break.

FIRST KISS - Wren's Short Film Gets Internet LOVE

 

 

Awkward, beautiful and moving, "First Kiss" will make you feel uncomfortable, vulnerable and then moved beyond words. This remarkably simple short film was created by director Tatia Pllieva who asked twenty strangers to kiss for the first time. Set in a clean white room, the cast is left to face each other with awkward introductions that transform in some cases to heated passion. The result? A viral video that has spread like wildfire. Within one day of its release, the film already has over 20 million hits on Youtube. I watched "First Kiss" earlier today as a friend who happens to be starring in the movie posted it on Facebook. And then I realized it was created in collaboration with Los Angeles-based clothing line Wren to celebrate the debut of its Fall '14 collection. Absolutely brilliant. I don't even need to see the collection - I am already in love.

 

XOXO

Meet Shoe Designer Du Jour - George Esquivel - at BARNEYS NEW YORK

 

 

If you're a shoe connoisseur, then you are soon to be in shoe heaven. Designer George Esquivel will be hosting an event this Saturday March 15, at the Barneys New York flagship store in Beverly Hills. The SoCal native whose style can be called classic retro chic, has crafted shoes for everyone from No Doubt to the Killers as well as clients who have paid $20,000 and more for his custom work and exotic leathers. Esquivel was nominated in 2009 for a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award for his handcrafted shoes and accessories, and the brand has continued to establish its name in the world of luxury. Esquivel's appearance at Barneys is an incredible opportunity to meet the ultra-talented designer, order a custom pair of shoes and shop from the Spring 2014 collection. You can RSVP for the event by calling 310-777-5712 or just stop by between 2 and 4 pm. Also, be sure to bring that special guy in your life. Esquivel's men's collection is an artisinal shoe dream come true. The brand is definitely one of my top choices -especially when I'm looking for that extra special pair of shoes to style a celebrity. I promise it will be worth the trip!! In case you can't make it, here are a few looks from the Esquivel Shoes website - and you can shop for more on Barneys.com.

XOXO

'SUPERMAN: Costuming an ICON' - A Conversation With Costume Designer Michael Wilkinson

 

Designing costumes for America's most beloved and iconic superhero is an enormous responsibility. It's also a technological challenge of unimaginable proportions. But it's a challenge Oscar-nominated costume designer Michael Wilkinson eagerly took on - and achieved with masterful skill. Wilkinson is perhaps best known for his recent Oscar nomination for his work on "American Hustle," but the Australian designer has been designing costumes for years. His resume includes films such as "300," "Tron: Legacy," "Terminator Salvation," and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn" Part 1 and Part 2. This week the Costume Council at LACMA paid tribute to his work on "Man of Steel," which he co-designed with renowned costume designer James Acheson. The conversation was moderated by Bobi Garland, Director of the Research Library at Western Costume, who said that she truly believes that costume designers are the pioneers of 21st century art. They not only design costumes, but innovate textiles, work in digital formats including 3-D design and source fabrics and materials all around the world. As I sat in the audience listening to the discussion, I couldn't help but think that Hollywood costume design is truly the couture of U.S. fashion. Though not mainstream fashion or offered for sale, costume designers are holding their own - and innovating - on the design front. In fact, just recently Colleen Atwood was recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America for her incredible work throughout the years. If you saw Atwood's costumes for "Snow White and the Huntsman," up close at FIDM's Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition last year, you would know what I mean. And the same is true for Wilkinson's work on Superman. The designer along with Acheson, who did a large amout of the pre-production work on the film, went through countless steps to develop a high-tech Superman appropriate for today. Steps included researching iconic Superman costumes, storyboarding the character's background and life on Krypton, making clay maquettes, casting molds of actor Henry Cavill, creating 3-D patterns, innovating textiles and fitting Cavill for the part. Afterall, as Wilkinson said, "Who wants to be complacent? It's all about pushing forward with new possibilities." Here are a few pictures from the event. 

More images after the break.

 

SHOW Studio's CHIC Fashion Week Illustrations

 

 

 

How chic are these illustrations?!!

I was trawling through SHOW Studio's website and discovered these amazing illustrations. The London-based photo studio does cutting edge coverage of fashion week's around the world including panel discussions and show reports, and this season they are featuring the work of illustrators. I'm obsessed with Laura Laine's drawings of Milan Fashion Week designers including Fendi featured above. Conrad Roset's water colors from London Fashion Week are beautiful and Bex Cassie's drawings from New York have a cool edge. I can't wait to see who will illustrate Paris Fashion Week - it's just around the corner!

Click here for more.

David Koma by Conrad Roset
Marni by Laura Laine

Pringle of Scotland by Conrad Roset 

Thom Browne by Bex Cassie

Christopher Kane by Conrad Roset

Jil Sander by Laura Laine

FIDM's "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Last night FIDM fete’d its 22^nd Annual “Art of Motion Picture Costume Design” exhibition with a party and preview of the best costumes of 2013. Costume designers including Trish Summerville, Colleen Atwood, Julie Weiss and Michael Wilkinson attended the event, which celebrated the artistry of their craft. The exhibition included everything from the futuristic costumes of “Oblivion,” “Man of Steel,” and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” to this year’s best period films including all of the Oscar nominees.  It was exciting to see Michael Wilkinson’s glamorous ‘70s costumes for “American Hustle” and Catherine Martin’s beautiful Roaring 20’s designs for “The Great Gatsby.” I got the grand tour of the exhibition from FIDM’s Nick Verreos, a “Project Runway” alum and current star of “Under the Gunn.” Verreos told me William Chang’s ‘30s era costume designs for “The Grandmaster,” were all made by hand and Patricia Norris’ 19^th century designs for “12 Years a Slave” were so detailed they were aged with dirt from the individual plantations. And of course it was a pleasure to see last year’s Oscar winning designs for "Anna Karenina" by Jacqueline Durran pictured above. Be sure to stop by the FIDM Museum & Galleries in downtown LA to see the full exhibition. It opens on February 11 and will run through April 26. For more info, click here.

Oscar-nominated "American Hustle" costume designs by Michael Wilkinson

"Oblivion" costumes by Marlene Stewart

Academy Award nominee Catherine Martin's costumes for "The Great Gatsby" 

Oscar-nomindated costumes for "12 Years a Slave" by Patricia Norris

"Saving Mr. Banks" by Daniel Orlandi

"Pacific Rim" costumes by Kate Hawley

"Romeo and Juliet" costumes by Carlo Poggioli
 

Oscar-nominated costumes for "The Grandmaster" designed by William Chang

"47 Ronin," Penny Rose, Costume Designer

"Lee Daniels' The Butler" costumes by Ruth E. Carter

Oscar-nominated costumes for "The Invisible Woman" by Michael O' Connor

Trish Summerville's costume designs for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

"Diane von Furstenberg: Journey of a Dress" at LACMA + 24 CHIC DVF Quotes

 

"The concept of the wrap dress has existed since the beginning of time.... The difference with [my] wrap dress is that it was made from jersey so it was very close to the body, and it was mostly in animal prints so it made the woman feel very feline," 

                                                                                            -  Diane von Furstenberg

Fashion icon, designer, former Princess and President of the CFDA. Diane von Furstenberg is a fashion legend - and so is her wrap dress. Now immortalized with the "Diane von Furstenberg: Journey of a Dress" exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the iconic wrap dress is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Last week I was invited to attend the Costume Council at LACMA's special conversation with von Furstenberg and W Magazine Editor Stefano Tonchi. It was a rare and insightful opportunity to hear from the designer and learn more about the wrap dress. I found von Furstenberg to be an incredibly inspiring, strong woman - and a voice that women need to hear. She has lived an incredible life - and remains an unparalled tour de force in fashion. Afterall, who can say they have married a Prince, partied at Studio 54, posed for Andy Warhol and created a dress that epitomizes modern femininity? And all with incredible panache - and confidence. Throughout the conversation, von Furstenberg delivered plenty of chic, inspiring and quite memorable quotes. Scroll down for my favorite one liners (which I wrote down as fast as I possibly could) and plenty of pics from the exhibition. So VeryVeryChic!

#JourneyofaDress   #BeInspired

 
More images after the break

Stefano Tonchi and Diane von Furstenberg

 

"At DVF we are selling confidence.... I never wanted to make a fashion statement, but I wanted to be the friend in a woman's closet." 

 

 

"To be uncomfortable is not attractive and not practical. You just have to be confident. Life is very short. Insecurity is a waste of time."