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.
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.
Last night FIDM fete’d its 22nd 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’ 19th 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"
Have you noticed all of the ultra cool videos being created on Instagram? Here is one of my recent favorites. Barneys New York created this chic video featuring Fendi's wild zebra-print calf hair booties for its holiday #GIFGuide. Trimmed with dyed mink fur, it has a mirrored, geometric block heel - so glam, very wild, and very, very chic. Put your fashion inhibitions aside and go wild....it's the weekend.
The Brits were back this week for the LONDONshowROOMs - one of my favorite designer events in LA! The event, which is produced by the British Fashion Council, showcases top British designers as well as upcoming talent. I stopped by the Nov. 6 event at the Ace Gallery in Beverly Hills for the opportunity to meet the designers and see some of my favorite collections up close. This season's line-up included Womenswear Designers: Todd Lynn, J.W. Anderson, David Koma, Marques' Almeida and Sister by Sibling; and Menswear Designers: Shaun Sampson, Nasir Mazhar, Lee Roach and Astrid Andersen. I had fun taking lots of pics as well as videos! Here is an overview of the women's collections via Insta video - and an up-close look at two of my favorite collections. I've been obsessed with Sister by Sibling's avant garde shows at LFW - think subversive '50s suburbia and a Tupperware palette - as well as David Koma's sleek modern designs - neoprene, leather and body con - I die!!
Hope you enjoy my video tour.... Feel free to comment, would love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Birthday Edith Head!! The Oscar winning costume designer would have been 116 today. And the worldwide web is celebrating including Google who posted a colorful banner on its home page. I'm feeling nostalgic as I pull costumes today from Universal Studios where the legendary designer worked from 1967 until her death in 1981. RIP
Earlier this week I was honored to be invited to watch a screening of "Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel" and cover the event for Apparel News. The screening was the opening event for the Costume Council at LACMA's year long schedule of unique fashion programming. And I felt I really must share! It's one of those life changing inspiring moments when you get to watch the life and career of a fashion legend unfold before your eyes on the big screen. Directed and produced by Lisa Immordino Vreeland (the wife of Diana's grandson Alexander), the documentary is incredibly detailed and candid. It includes live interviews with Vreeland (whose words are to be devoured and savored!) - as well as the who's who of the fashion set. Richard Avedon, Manolo Blahnik, Angelica Huston are just a few poeple who shared their thoughts on the former Fashion Editor of Harper's Bazaar and Editor of Vogue magazine. Truly, she is the original and the "empress of fashion." As a fashion editor and creative director, I am incredibly inspired by the film which portrays Vreeland's very chic life and the vision that she had. After all, it isn't every day you get to watch the woman who literally created the idea of fashion editorial and the intersection of lifestyle, celebrity and fashion as we know it today! Who else could discover Twiggy and Lauren Bacall, feature Barbra Streisand and Mick Jagger and be a special consultant to Jackie O?
I found myself later comparing the film to "The September Issue," which I saw at the Sundance Film Festival when it debuted. Both are inspiring, but in different ways. While "The September Issue" gives a look at the careers and lives of Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington and Vogue's powerful role in the fashion world today. This documentary, gives a look into Vreeland's career and how she literally changed the face of fashion during her reign from 1937 to the early '70s. Her final legacy was to create the notion of "fashion as high art." As special consultant to the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, she revitalized the department and created dramatic fashion exhibitions, which paved the way for exhibitions as we know them today. Think "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty."
"Diand Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel" debuted at the Venice International Film Festival and the Telluride Film Festival and will soon be released to the public on September 21. Watch the trailer for a sneak peek. And for more about the documentary and a Q&A with the director, check the Apparel News blog. Get inspired. Enjoy!!
The Queen gives 'Advanced Style' whole new meaning with her action-packed grand entrance at the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. Next Bond Girl? Maybe not, but she gets my vote for being a good sport and a stylish one at that. Love the peach lace dress and, of course, the Daniel Craig arm candy!!
Vanessa Bruno was in town last week to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her Melrose boutique. I was honored to attend the intimate dinner celebration held at Lucques restaurant. Key editors, stylists, and celebs including Kate Bosworth, Rachel Bilson, Mena Suvari and Molly Sims turned out for the occasion all dressed in the Parisian designer’s smartly chic attire. It’s no wonder Bruno has attracted Hollywood’s chic set to her brand. She designs her effortlessly chic clothing with an understated quality that appeals to stylish women around the world. While Bruno was in town, I stopped by her Melrose boutique to cover the event for Apparel News. We sat down to chat about her Spring and Fall collections and the anniversary of her flagship boutique. I also got a few behind-the-scenes details on her film collab with Kate Bosworth – muse and face of the brand’s Fall/Winter campaign. This season Bruno created a video entitled "LØV” which features Bosworth backflipping through modern day to a mystical setting modeled around Slovenia’s Lake Bled and its Lipizzaner horses. It was especially magical for me to see the collection come to life after previewing it on the runway in Paris (one of my favorite collections for Fall!). Bosworth, one of the chicest starlets in Hollywood today, perfectly captures the poetic mood of the season’s Nordic-themed campaign. So, just what is that effortless quality known as Parisian chic? Here are some of Vanessa Bruno’s thoughts on her collection, Kate Bosworth and all things very, very chic.
Vanessa Bruno Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 at Paris Fashion Week, photos courtesy of Style.com
Who is the Vanessa Bruno girl?
I think she definitely has this feminine [quality], she’s a bit chic, she has an edge, but with a very laid back, relaxed way of seeing fashion. She’s a bit more confident. She doesn’t need to show off. She’s definitely also [ageless] because I can see from a younger girl to a more mature woman, they will definitely find their way into the line.
What is your design aesthetic?
People always ask me what is it about this kind of French, Parisian style thing? And I always say [it’s] about not changing too much and to know yourself. Of course it’s about changing, but in a way you’re not radically changing your silhouette. I think the way I treat my collection is that a girl at one point will find a reference or pieces - beautiful shirts or jackets, or really feminine dresses - they will find a piece they feel confident in [and say] ‘Oh yeah, I had this dress I wore two years ago, but I can still wear it. I can find something different now, but it’s still in the same lecture.’ That’s what I mean. I think that you can go for something a bit more new and challenge yourself as a designer to see what you can do. But I always try to keep it in balance with truly, ‘would I wear it as a woman?’
Tell me about your Spring and Fall collections.
The lecture for Winter was this layering winter Scandi wrap all this beautiful white outfits and so on. And then for the summer I said let’s do something really clean and no layering this time. Just imagine this girl and she has one piece and it has to look stunning or maybe two - but basta. I’m trying to be challenging in a different way, but it still looks very Vanessa Bruno because you can still find the mix with the fabric, the crepe, but also this kind of a patchwork thing that I already had for winter in a different way, but I started it there. [Also] all the hand knits that I had for winter, I did differently for summer. So you can find this little code I would say.
How did the collaboration come about with Kate Bosworth?
She’s so inspiring. She’s really independent, but with a lot of class in herself because she knows what she wants. She dares to do things that a lot of actresses wouldn’t do. How we met? We were at a dinner and I showed her my little poetic movie. And she said, ‘I love that, I would definitely love to do one.’ And I called her three months later [and I said] ‘well, you said…and I just love your personality you’re like my little sister.’ She said, ‘I will do it,’ and she came.
How would you describe her style?
She has her own taste. She is elegant, and at the same time very relaxed. She doesn’t make too much about it. I always say less is more and she’s definitely that. She is exactly for me this kind of girl who represents Parisian style, but in a cosmopolitan way. For me, Parisian style is not just about being Parisian, it is about living in LA, having this little thing. Living in NY,…having this what we call Parisian style. And you can have it also in Asia.
What inspired you to do the film?
We always create starting from the collection. It was like I had this whole [idea] of the mood, an Ingrid Bergman persona. That was my mood board for the collection. And then when I do the film I always project into it and say, ‘Let’s imagine the short film, three minutes, the girl has to look at it, feel emotional. Look at the collection without putting it too in your face like it’s a marketing thing, or I’m selling a bag of something, but really taking the girl’s spirit out there. Emotionally she’s beautiful, she’s poetic, she’s vibrating with nature, she’s in osmosis with nature. It’s all those kind of elements that I try to [relay] which is actually just a trademark of the brand.
What inspires you as a designer?
I like a lot of contemporary art. Actually I’m going to the museum because I think LACMA and MOCA are really important. I need to see what is on. I think also what LA is doing with contemporary art is more and more important. There are very important American artists who are from the LA scene. I can also be inspired by movies. I love the movie I saw recently, “Drive.” It’s done in the aesthetic of LA, the music and everything. It’s a really cool movie.
What is VeryVeryChic to you?
Very, very chic for me is not to [wear] too many logos [and] not showing too much. Being chic is being chic but in a very subtle way - definitely you have to have this kind of allure and confidence.
Or at least the fashion world, that is. Have you noticed all of the blonde imagery recently? And it's not just blonde, it's doppelganger blonde. Most of the imagery is based on a carbon copy effect. I'm not sure what the underlying meaning is, but it's feeling a little sci-fi. First there's H&M's glam factory video with Donatella Versace and her multiple, lookalike blondies, then there's W Magazine's December cover featuring sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning and finally, Numéro's androgynous shoot with Ginta Lapina and Andrej Peji. Yep, it's official, blonde is decidedly in.
“Le Carrousel, the circular dance of fashion. This season at Louis Vuitton the circle has turned once more and arrived at a place of pure enjoyment, gentleness, joie de vivre and love. But this is a particular enjoyment and love: the joy of Parisian fashion.”
- Louis Vuitton program
How apropo to be in Paris this season and be invited to attend the Louis Vuitton show. Truly it was an honor to receive the invitation and take part in sharing the message of the brand. We each seemed to have a singular goal in mind - to celebrate Parisian fashion. And what a joy it was. A magical carousel, a whimsical fairytale with girls in fabulously feminine clothes - a vision of delicacy in beautiful lace, icy pastels, transparent flowers and and feather trimmed loveliness – and then there was Kate Moss on the runway (exclamation point!). All of this Parisian splendor harkened from a history of fine craftsmanship. And to top it off Louis Vuitton, one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world, is also on the forefront of fashion and technology. I find it so compelling that Louis Vuitton, like Burberry, is leading the charge into the future and the digital world. Think of its recent “The Art of Travel by Louis Vuitton” campaign. For the Spring 2012 show, it created a complete digital experience to give fans an inside look at Louis Vuitton and Parisian fashion.
“The romance of Parisian fashion is a joy in the emotional exchange between the craftsman and wearer. Fashion is a spectacle, but this is an intimate relationship as well; it is not just about the joy of looking but the joy of feeling,” explained the show program. Clothes can be enjoyed because of their beauty, but the pleasure of luxury is also in knowing the craftsmanship of the garment and its exquisite design by a Parisian atelier. Case in point: the “Coquilee D’Oeuf” minaudiere, the collections’ piece de résistance. The evening bag, which took over 300 hours and 12,500 pieces of “mosaicked” eggshells to make, sums up the extreme delicacy and emotional exchange in the crafting the collection.
Just as the clothes can be appreciated from the inside out, so too can the runway show and the brand's message - by understanding what goes on behind-the-scenes. To give fans an inside look this season Louis Vuitton live-streamed the show and created a series of videos about the brand, the runway show and Paris itself. “Social media is very interesting and brings opposite personalities together,” said Kamel Ouadi, global digital director at Louis Vuitton, Paris. “There’s this idea of openness and of community [that] lets consumers connect and share…. [Social media] emphasizes the emotional aspects of a luxury industry [that] is sometimes perceived as arrogant and distant,” he said. Not only was the show was broadcast live via iPhone and iPad and on the Louis Vuitton Facebook Page, but a mini-site dedicated to the show was also launched. Fans could tune it to find out how the beautiful carousel and runway show was created and watch the building of the show tent. And designer Marc Jacobs created exclusive videos to discuss his vision of the Louis Vuitton Woman, the creative process involved in building a collection and putting on a Louis Vuitton fashion show.
In celebration of all things Parisian and chic, Louis Vuitton called on an influential five to share their multi-faceted views of Paris Fashion Week. Emmanuelle Alt (editor in chief of Vogue Paris), Derek Blasberg (fashion journalist), Jean-Philippe Delhomme (artist/illustrator), Camille Bidault-Waddington (stylist), Magda Danysz (art dealer) and Emily Weiss (blogger – Into the gloss) share their personal Fashion Week experiences at fashionshow.louisvuitton.com. Each of these trendsetters share their favorite Parisian hotspots using Amble, Louis Vuitton’s first iPhone Application. It builds on the brand's "The Art of Travel" initiative and takes travel to the next level. On the website and using Amble itself, fans can follow their favorite personalities on a stroll through Paris, record travel memories, visit a celebrity's local hot spot and find inspiration for their next trip. A virtual dream for any fashionista wanting to learn more about some of the chicest cities in the world. Also to be noted, Louis Vuitton just launched its City Guides book series on Oct. 15 (see photo below). Louis Vuitton Perspectives will continue to be updated with more exclusive content from contributors, as well as special behind-the-scenes coverage from the fashion show.
Louis Vuitton City Guides
“The merry-go-round of Parisian fashion might continue to turn, but its love affair with and ultimate commitment to craftsmanship remains timeless. Once more…with feeling.”
It's been a whirlwind covering Paris Fashion Week. From fashion shows, to trade shows and parties I've been snapping photos, editing, editing and editing and choosing the best of the best to show you. I've had a bit of a delay getting these up with freelance deadlines looming, but nevertheless, there is much coverage on the way. This season was exciting as I attended multiple shows as well as presentations and showrooms. The ultimate experience? Being invited to attend the Louis Vuitton show and witness all the magicalness. Here are a few highlights from the week...I'll be detailing them more in depth including the Hussein Chalayan "Fashion Narratives" exhibition and A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival which is taking place in Paris this weekend.
Fashion's Night Out is almost here.. And what better way to celebrate than the Lanvin dance-off??!!! Last year the French house converted its store on Madison Avenue into a game night venue. This year guests can get their groove on. The contest is inspired by the dance moves in its Fall 2011 campaign video featuring Karen Elson and Raquel Zimmerman. You know its uber cool since it was directed by Steven Meisel - think couture clothes, and some serious fun!! Elson and Zimmerman will serve as judges for the contest - all the details on Vogue Daily. If you plan to join the FNO festivities and are seeking inspiration - be sure to practice the moves in the Fall campaign video. And just for fun, have a look at the Spring 2011 video below - love, love the kitsch and the drama!!
Ultraviolet Sound's "Girl Talk" video has made its debut!! So exciting to see the costumes on film after styling the shoot and to hear the reviews! It seems it's just the beginning for the stamps of approval. Perez Hilton, a huge fan of the group, made the first comment on Youtube - "Love" is the only word needed!! Since then it's been given rave reviews by Popcrush, The Next Gen Insider and was AOL's video of the day......And the best news? The single has hit the top 50 on the mediabase pop chart - the only artists on the chart signed to an inde-label. So awesome! Scroll down to view more colorful stills, the official video and some behind-the-scenes fun!
From pom poms to latex gloves, here's a sneak peek at Ultraviolet Sound's much anticipated "Girl Talk" video! It's no surprise the electro pop group's new single is topping the charts and hitting the dance floor. So, of course I was excited to be asked to style the shoot and give a very, very chic spin to their colorful on-stage look. It was a full-on week of preparation from costume houses to designer studios and everywhere inbetween!! We scoured L.A. to find the stylish yet distinctly unique clothes that capture the Ultraviolet Sound fashion-meets-street sense of style. Can you say Stephen Sprouse orange sequin pants?!! And of course some of the pieces were made especially for the shoot - more on that soon! Here are a few of the behind-the-scenes shots of Sarah, Sami and Joel.
