I’ve been called the crazy cat lady a couple of times from friends so it’s pretty fitting that I love this new Lanvin ad campaign. I’m happy with all the shots but I don’t get the Madonna crotch shot effect from Louis Vuitton Spring 2009 that I’m noticing in different campaigns right now.
Behind the scenes - getting makeup done.
I got a phone called from Rea McNamara who wanted me to be part of her monthly fashion column for Toronto’s Eye Weekly called Inspiration Point. The print version is available now, grab it (8/6/09 – 8/12/09). I’ve got some I want – I got exclusive outtakes from the Inspiration Point photoshoot to share with you all.
The concept: Wanted to not only celebrate Grace Jones’ iconic style but also her impact as a transgressive performance artist who challenged racial and gender stereotypes by interrogating preconceived notions ’round the black body. Similar to Josephine Baker, Jones flipped the ‘Black Venus’ script by fucking with ‘primitivist’ ideas (ie. dark black female as animalistic, ‘jungle’ etc) in very much a postmodern context (by doing it herself, it became about empowerment). While I think it’s GREAT that Jones was this big F/W 09 influence, her talent as a performer seems to be ignored. Stuff that I wanted include but couldn’t: her mom was a seamstress that did handmade Givenchy patterns for Grace, her 1970s Paris modelling career (she and Jessica Lange and Jerry Hall were roommates when they strarted out) and her tendency to sometimes nog interviewers open-mouth.
I couldn’t say no to channeling Grace so I got my haircut at Mike’s Scissors (976 Bloor St W.) by Merv, my brother’s barber. I was having a lot of anxiety about it because he wasn’t my usual guy. Cecil is an incredible barber but he’s out by Downsview way and he’s popular. However, Merv did a great job and I provided him with pictures of my usual cut.
Final shot used in Eye Weekly
The makeup experience was interesting. I was exposed to the new generation of High Definition makeup from Kett. I found it a little strange that the day before I was checking out the story Hi-Def Makeup on style.com. Roxanne airbrushed my foundation on pretty heavily. Yes, that’s right, I said airbrush. Kett Hydro Foundation is applied like a graffiti artist, it’s pretty cool. She made me a number of shades darker. You can see the difference in skin colour in the last shot with the Pink Cobra vest on. It was pretty dramatic. The shot above is the one that was included in the print version.
Wearing Jeremy Scott x Originals Jacket from Adidas
The false eyelashes where another strange experience. I was a fake lash virgin until this point. They felt really heavy at first, but then the glue dried and they were pretty light. For the next big event I go to I’m going to have to hit up the Shu Uemura counter at Holts. The price of lashes include free application.
Wearing The Pink Cobra F/W 09 Vest (avail. Sept) from Carte Blanche
With this picture we tried to recreate the Slave to The Rhythm album cover. Since I’m not a smoker I couldn’t get it to dangle correctly. And of course, here is the video
Inspiration Point Crew - Roxanne, Rea, Anita and behind the lens Alyssa
Credits: Make-Up Roxanne DeNobrega – twitter, Photography Alyssa Katherine Faoro, Writer+Direction+Styling Rea McNamara –twitter
If you’re in the mood for Grace inspired fun check out Bang The Party. It takes place every second Sat of the month at The Boat with DJs Todd-Rodd Skimmins and Andy Capp (Gang of Two).
Look for another editorial featuring Rea, Roxanne and Alyssa in the upcoming Fall Winter issue of Worn Fashion Journal. Alyssa and Rea collaborate on Century 66, a storytelling project exploring the closeted history of Toronto fashion.
One more video, Pull Up to My Bumper
All Hail Grace Jones!!!
This is an unusual campaign where Raquel Zimmermann plays both a man and the woman. What strikes me most about the campaign in the Dr Martens in image above. Are these the final product? Is this the final product of the hint I posted? If they are, oh boy!
images: the Fashion Spot
I saw this peek of the new Dr. Martens x Jean Paul Gaultier boots at nitrolicious. I see some drool worthy potential and I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures.
image: nitrolicious.com
Jean Harlow at home by George Hurrell 1934 (c) Condé Nast Publications Inc./Courtesy Condé Nast Archive
I’m excited that there are two great photography exhibits rolling into town this September. One is the Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008
The Institute for Contemporary Culture (ICC) at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008 from September 26, 2009 to January 3, 2010. The exhibition, which garnered record-breaking attendance in its recent European engagements, showcases 150 portraits, including classic images from Vanity Fair’s early period and photographs featured in the magazine since its 1983 relaunch. A collaboration between Vanity Fair and the National Portrait Gallery, London, the exhibition is curated by Terence Pepper, Curator of Photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, and David Friend, Vanity Fair’s Editor of Creative Development.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr and Joan Crawford by Nickolas Muray 1929 Gift of Mrs Nickolas Muray. Courtesy of George Eastman House (c) Condé Nast Publications Inc./Courtesy Condé Nast Archive
The ROM will be the only Canadian venue to display Vanity Fair Portraits, and this will be its first showing in eastern North America. Throughout its 95-year history, Vanity Fair magazine has helped define the public persona of some of the most influential individuals in the world. The exhibition brings together a collection of captivating images of cultural icons from the magazine’s vintage and modern periods. Sitters range from Claude Monet, Amelia Earheart and Jesse Owens to David Hockney, Arthur Miller and Madonna, as well as legendary Hollywood personalities from Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo, to Demi Moore and Tom Cruise. The magazine’s mix of artistic seriousness and popular celebrity means that portraits of writers, artists and leaders of the avant-garde will be displayed alongside images of actors, musicians and athletes, providing a fascinating range of high and popular culture.
I’m really interesting in the older black and white photography for this exhibit. This picture of Jean Harlow is stunning. All those old hollywood divas, I cannot wait.
images: (c) Condé Nast Publications Inc./Courtesy Condé Nast Archive
I usually one to skip lingerie shows. They are usually held a clubs and aren’t really a fashion but a vehicle to get horny men into the venue and buying alcohol. However last year I attended Lingerie Francaise presents Secret of Seduction which was a showcase of the top companies in France. I was a big fan of two of the companies in the show so I decided to attend. To my surprised I enjoyed myself so when the opportunity came up again I said yes and brought my trusty photog www.paulbaikphoto.com to document. I knew Paul would enjoy this gig immensely.
The night will once again feature coveted brands last year’s celebrated evening; Lejaby, Elixir, Simone Perele, Chantelle, and Passionata will all share their unique fashion visions. Newcomers to the event Empreinte and Gerbe hosiery round out the selection for an evening that promises to provide a truly comprehensive presentation of the seductive and feminine world of lingerie.
Details and embellishments are a strong trend for 2009/2010 with florals, embroidery and lace appearing in designs from Elixir, Lejaby and Passionata. Chantelle and Simone Perele continue their proud tradition of creating perfectly crafted pieces that enfold feminine lace details into designs that celebrate a woman’s shape and newcomer Empreinte delivers delicate designs for full busted women. Hand and made to measure luxury hosiery Gerbe adds a splash of colour and depth to the presentation with hues of purple, red, fuschia, chocolate and black adding the perfect finishing touch to each look
Last years event was at the Carlu but this year they used the Wychwood Barns which is a gorgeous space for a fashion show. It has the length to accommodate a long straight runway. The space was also big enough to seat a fair number of guests. The runway was raised which is can be a blessing or a curse depending on what you are into ;). Sometimes the raised runways leads to Too Much Information depending on where you are sitting. This show is usually the largest display of straight males at a fashion show I’ve seen. Watching them as the show is taking place is always a must.
The show featured 6 brands (list brands). It also incorporated a ballet acrobat performance piece in the middle. It was a little unusual because it wasn’t something that was part of last years show. Ballet dancers and an acrobat performed feats of strength and beauty using ropes dangling from the ceiling.
The show itself was a bit over styled. The models wore large jewellery, some kind or head gear, cropped jackets, feather fans, feather boas. It was a little too much at times. The intermission entertainment was beautifully performed it felt out of place in the show. Of the six I enjoyed the Chantelle products the most. They were the most adult looking of the bunch. The finale was a twist on a wedding march, complete with bride and groom. Both were female(the twist) with the groom wearing tails and the bride wearing a veil.
I preferred last years show for the lingerie but the Wychwood Barns makes for a great fashion show venue. See all the looks in the slideshow.
Photos Taken by Paul Baik for I want – I got
www.paulbaikphoto.com
Look out for menswear from the Greta boys for Spring 2010!
So Rad Hourani has created a diffusion line called Rad by Rad Hourani. Price points are from $100 – $300, very reasonable considering the price of his main line. It’s all unisex clothing which explains the fact that both the men and women are the same size in these photos.
The collection will be available starting in November in select retailers and online. I’m sure Reborn in Montreal will carry it. I’m curious to see what Toronto retailers pick it up too. I’m dying to add one of those layering pieces to my closet and perhaps a pair of pants if I can fit into them.
Tommy Ton has some great photos on his site Jak&Jil.
images: wwd.com
I saw La Roux on a whim at the El Mo. I have to say, I’m impressed. They put on a great show, this is no studio band. Elly Jackson’s voice is the real deal. She is completely amazing. You can check out the Official La Roux YouTube page for videos. They won’t let me embed. 🙁 This is another Blackberry enabled post. I really need to recharge my camera’s batteries stat.
I can’t even believe that I’m posting this. I heard that Gucci was finally shipping to Canada through their website. I decided to see what I could find.
Division’ high heel over-the-knee platform boots and the ‘Division’ flat over-the-knee boots respectively. I’m kinda drooling over Gucci and it’s frightening me. I’m totally drinking the boot legging kool aid, it’s not even funny. They are like pants and I picture short shift dresses and cropped motorcycle jackets. I’ll never own any though, these Gucci ones are $3400!!!!! The flat boot is so perfect too. Black stretch leather, Le Sigh.
image: gucci.com
