Gaga'sm

Lady Gaga on the set of Telephone,
in a Fred Butler creation
March 2010

Gaga's Fashion Forward stylist, Nicola Formichetti is the genius behind commissioning her headpiece for the Telephone video. Fred Butler’s talent transformed the Formichetti’s style-idea into a wearable piece of art.

Feed Me Fashion’s favorite Lady Gaga style moment (2010)

Photograph courtesy of Lady Gaga’s Style File on Vogue.com

Royal Sketches

In honor of the upcoming Royal wedding, WWD's December 11th issue is dedicated to the ideas and sketches for Kate Middleton's wedding gown:

Frida Giannini - Gucci

Jason Wu

Karl Lagerfeld- CHANEL

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli,Valentino

Peter Copping- Nina Ricci

Monique Lhuillier

Angela Missoni

All Good Things Come in Petite Packages

So the saying is very true indeed, all good things come in small packages.

Petite Marie's collection is joy-on-a-silk-string; it is happiness in the form of jewelry.

The intricate craftsmanship perfectly mirrors the style of the collection, which in turn has resulted in the exquisite union of funky and demure. Whatever look you are sporting, regardless of the season or occasion; all it takes to really embellish your outfit is a piece by Petite Marie. Between the colors, the silk, the gold and the various stones- your wrist may be a rock star while the rest of you belongs in the office; the collection is vibrant and versatile, because the pieces are delicate and not overwhelming.

Maria Zakharchenko is the talent behind the collection, and her work is a true reflection of her character. She sees beauty where an ordinary person would not usually look, and beholds the ability to lend her creativity in the most ordinary situations.

Maria Zakharchenko
aka
Petite Testino
<3

 You can find Petite Marie Jewelry at S*uce, for more information click here

Baby It's Cold Outside

A glimpse at how some of this Season's parties has kept the Fashion world warm and very, very welcome! 

Manolo Blahnik and Kate Moss
at Brian Ferry's Album Party at the Townhouse in Dean St.

Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson at the unveiling of Chanel's
Pre-Autumn/Winter 2011-12
 Métiers d’Art collection

Natalia Barbieri and David Gandy
at Charlotte Olympia's Dinner during LFW 2010

Natalie Portman and John Galliano
at the re-opening of Dior's flagship store in NY

Henry Holland at the Hermès Le Carré party

Rupert Sanderson and his Wife
at the House of Voltaire Pop Up Party

Images courtesy of the Vogue.com People & Parties archive. 

Through the Eyes of Raymond Cauchetier

La Peau Douce (Rambouillet) Directed by Truffaut: 
Taken by Raymond Cauchetier, 1963



À bout de souffle, (Hôtel de Suède, Paris) directed by Godard:
Taken by Raymond Cauchetier, 1959



Lola (Nantes) directed by Jacques Demy:
Taken by Raymond Cauchetier, 1960

Baisers Volés (Paris) directed by Truffaut:
Taken by Raymond Cauchetier, 1968

In an interview by the UK's Guardian (Dec 2010) renowned, self taught set photographer Raymond Cauchetier describes the anticipation of taking an "uncontrollable" photograph.

"My approach to set photography was really that of a photojournalist. Stills photography then was purely for publicity purposes; I was interested in the film-making process. I didn't want to shoot what the movie cameras were filming".

Famous for his contribution to set photography during La Nouvelle Vague (or the French New Wave), an era during the 1950's and 1960's, Raymond captured both the iconic and the real elements in his ‘behind the scenes’ photos. La Nouvelle Vague was a movement lead by the likes of  François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, and Jacques Rivette- these filmmakers portrayed the beauty in realism, as opposed to the glitz and glamour portrayed in American Cinema during the same period, La Nouvelle Vague was highly influenced by Italy's Neorealismo, a movement that focused on the raw elements of everyday life (be it struggle, work, family etc..). This often meant hiring non-professional actors, or shooting on cobble streets amongst the locals where the movie is being filmed.

I admire the subjects in Raymond's photography, because I feel like we live in an era that neglects the beauty in reality. Beauty within reality fascinates me, I believe icons are derived from their natural element, be it a building, or a person or an item; on its own and unadorned- makes each subject even more admirable, unique and beautiful. We see movies today and are uncertain whether they were filmed on a set, on the streets or in front of a green screen- similar to photographs, as beautiful as they may be, they have been endlessly re-touched and re-sized. And so when I came across Raymond’s images in the Telegraph, I was taken aback by the distinct uniqueness in the non-complex compositions.

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/dec/01/raymond-cauchetier-best-shot-photography
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/jul/11/french-new-wave-photographs-show-london
images courtesy of: The Telegraph, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/photography/7873509/Raymond-Cauchetier-and-La-Novelle-Vague.html

Le Concert

Le Concert is a movie about a former conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra (forgive me, for my opening description really does not do the plot line any justice), Andrei Simoniovich Filipov was once a prominent and respected conductor who was fired during the Communist regime, as a result of hiring Jewish musicians. Thirty years later, we meet Andrei at the Bolshoi, where he is now the janitor. The movie takes a swift and exciting turn from the very start, when Andrei finds out that the Châtlet Theatre in Paris have invited the Bolshoi orchestra to perform. And so the adventure begins, Andrei, in an effort to relive his dream of being the master- conductor he once was, tracks down all his former musicians, who like himself are enduring a life of banishment, so they can go to Paris.  To accompany his old musicians he targets the musical prodigy Anne-Marie Jacquet, to perform the violin solo.

This story is not only one of perseverance, dedication and true talent – but it portrays a tale about how comedy and conflict can go hand in hand. I can honestly say, it had been a very long time since a movie captivated me, this much! Le Concert will make your heart sing a song of pride and triumph, all the while making you laugh. The DVD is makes a great stocking filler, or a wonderful way to spend a night in.

Written and directed by RaduMihaileanu

Starring Aleksey Guskov, Mélanie Laurent and Dmitri Nazarov

Source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1320082/plotsummary

Karl's Calendar

Karl Lagerfeld's God and Goddess of Greek/Mythology inspired theme calendar for Pirelli, is nothing short of a feast for the eyes of the Divine.

"I prefer mythology without hell, without sin - an obstacle to happiness, without forgiveness. I love goddesses because they were the first liberated women, who were entitled to everything. The goddesses and the muses are feminists!"

The dual elements captured in the composition and components in the photographs are profound; modest yet seductive, mighty yet elegant, striking yet soft.


source:  http://www.vogue.co.uk/video/voguetv/player.aspx/exclusives/video,10038/

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/101202-naked-supermodels-in-pirelli-calend.aspx

This City Was Built on Couture

Dubai is home to some very impressive and iconic skyscrapers, and I am sure when people see these high rise buildings, they represent aspects of the city's commerce, hospitality, economic growth, interior design, architecture. When I see the towers, I see dresses- drapery amongst steel.

The Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai 

Armani Prive AW 2009-10 Couture, Paris

    

Mesk Tower, Dubai Marina

 Jean Paul Gaultier AW 2010-11 Couture, Paris

                                          

Raffles Hotel, Dubai   

Elie Saab AW 2010-11 Couture, Paris

                                                  

The Address Hotel, Down Town, Dubai

Chanel AW 2008-9 Couture, Paris

I am uncertain whether it is the architecture or the luxurious nature of the city that constantly makes me feel as if I am front row at Fashion Week- or maybe it is just me? Dubai's skyscrapers stand alongside one another like super models backstage waiting for their cue, or at a line up after the show is over. 

Needless to say the UAE, an infant in comparison to other countries, is making unprecedented progress (in spite of the recent crisis), not only in it's architecture but (amongst an endless list) facilitating business and economic growth, the arts, fashion, culture, real estate

Happy National Day!

                        

Pictures of the Buildings courtesy of: http://www.skyscraperpicture.com/dubai2.htm
Pictures of the Couture courtesy of Vogue.com's Fashion Archives

In the Name of Art

The latest in Middle Eastern Contemporary Art, is a project undergone by NYU's Wafaa Bilal. The professor of art, has installed a small digital camera on the back of his head:

The camera will capture his everyday life at one-minute intervals, 24-hours a day for an entire year, and then be transmitted to the museum. And why the back of his head? "To make an allegorical statement about the things we don't see and leave behind", Bilal explains. "He doesn't have to alter his lifestyle or what he does. In principal, he's moving on with his life", says museum curator Sam Bardaouil. "It will be a three-dimensional, real space-and-time experience. Once the piece is revealed, you'll realize that the camera is only one aspect of the work and there are aspects as important that will be experienced".

The Third I was commissioned by the Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, where 22 other artists will display their work in an exhibition titled, Told/Untold/Retold.


When I first came across this story, I didn't think I would write about it, because quite frankly, I couldn't believe my eyes! Nevertheless, I shared the article with a very dear friend of mine, and asked him what his opinion was, to which he responded "Why the hell doesn't he just turn around and take a picture?"
Inbetween fits of giggles I tried to explain that simply turning around and taking a photograph, would not make the front page of Vogue's news page online, or break boundaries of contemporary visual arts.

I wish Wafaa the best of luck, and I will be sure to follow his work closely, because I admire his dedication to creating this type of unparalleled visual art, his adamance to break boundaries is evident in both the content and concept of his work.

source: http://www.vogue.it/en/people-are-talking-about/art-photo-design/2010/11/the-3rd-i
            http://wafaabilal.com/

Kate Me To The Moon

Annie Leibovitz Paris, 1999

David Sims London, 1996

Bruce Weber Golden Beach Florida, 1997

You may love her or you may loathe her, but Kate Moss has been feeding our fashion senses for over 20 years. Famous for her simple yet extravagant style (which only she has defined), Kate has graced the cover of our most beloved high- end magazines. Her talent and versatility is portrayed as a model and as a designer, for she has conquered both facets of her career. 

As a model however, she has worked amongst some of the most prominent artists and photographers, from Tracy Emin to Mario Testino, and her most recent collaboration has been with James Dazinger of Dazinger Projects in NY: 

"...on curating a portfolio of 11 images of her by 11 of her favorite photographers. The result, a limited edition of 30 portfolios designed by Ruth Ansel and priced from $75,000 each (the figure is expected to go up as the series sells out), is being exhibited for the first time at the Pulse art fair in Miami Dec. 2 to 5."

Within the collection of 30 portfolios, Kate has hand picked 11 of her all time favourite photographs; in an interview with the NY Times, she revealed that her ultimate favourite was a shot by the legendary Mario Sorrenti in 1993 for Calvin Klein's Obsession campaign.

source: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/24/kate-on-kate/?ref=fashion

http://www.vogue.it/en/people-are-talking-about/art-photo-design/2010/11/kate-moss-miami

When Soul Meets Style

Courtesy of Last FM 

Courtesy of Birha Wordpress

Courtesy of http://www.babelsound.com/

Better known as the Non Conformist or, "The Bob Dylan of Iran" (according to the NY Times), Mohsen Namjoo's music will make the hairs on the back of your neck salute you. With what seems to be one effortless breath, Namjoo's blend of the modern and the classic is only one facet of his unique musical style. 

The beauty about his music, is that it has this incredibly powerful, modern edge but at the same time, the way he manipulates his vocals makes you feel as if you are sitting amongst a Sassanid Orchestra in ancient Persia.

Namjoo's style is emanated from his soul; be it his capturing vocal abilities or the way his character is captured in the awesome black and white streaks of his afro- these iconic features are not the result of a $495 per hour stylist, or the effects of a Hollywood photoshoot. They are raw, real and riddled with character. His style is not dictated by designer clothes, similar to the way his musical style is not dictated or restricted by any form of trend. Nevertheless, the uniqueness Mohsen Namjoo exudes, certainly makes him one of contemporary-Iran's most talented style icons and artists.

sources: http://www.mohsennamjoo.com/

Nadine Kanso

"Resist"
Lambda print
30 x 50 cm, 2009

Courtesy of Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde

Harper's Bazaar Dubai: Best Dressed 2010

 "Bil Arabi", Nadine's 18-carat gold collection

One fine Saturday morning, on one of my trips to Dubai (whilst living in London), I made an appointment to go to NBar in Palm Strip, as my fellow female Dubaïns are probably aware, part of NBar's charm is, that it is a place where you might end up sitting next to an old friend, or bumping into someone you haven't seen in ages. 
As I was in the lounge, enjoying my mani/pedi this incredibly striking woman walked in and sat on the chair next to mine. Have you ever seen someone and immediately thought "ah, this is a person with alot of character"? I took one look at this polite yet intense person and the word CREATIVE was the first thing that came to my mind.
Several months later, back in London, I was doing research on contemporary Middle Eastern artists based in Dubai, for a paper I had to write for my MA, and low and behold- I came across an article about the work of a Lebanese artist called Nadine Kanso. I sat back in my chair and quietly cheered "I knew it!!"
All of a sudden this body of research became so much more meaningful, and I sprang into efficiency immediately, with the objective to not only complete the paper I was writing- but to learn as much as I could about Nadine's work, her evident love for Middle Eastern culture, and ultimately the way in which she has transformed this love into art and jewelry.
Nadine has become one of my favorite contemporary Middle Eastern artists, I find that her work is not only aesthetic, but it is honest and in a world where the truth isn't always beautiful, Nadine makes it inspiring and enjoyable to admire.

You can learn more about Nadines work on her website http://www.nadinekanso.com/, prepare your eyes for a feast!

sources: http://www.ivde.net/artists/Nadine_Kanso_works.html

http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/200910113110/Culture/nadine-kanso-arab-hip-and-proud-of-it.html

http://www.redvelvetnation.com/2010/03/harpers-bazaar-arabias-best-dressed.html

http://www.whosnextindubai.com/en/2010/09/23/bil-arabi-by-nadine-kanso-lebanon/

She can be both the Xbox and the Atari

Gwyneth Paltrow, my new favorite Glee cast member



Read reviews of the Glee episode guest starring Gwyneth: http://x17online.com/celebrities/glee/gwyneth_paltrow_wows_as_holly_holiday_on_gle.php

http://www.reallyrics.com/cee-lo-flattered-by-gwyneth-paltrows-glee-cover/

Hairography?

Last season on Glee (yes, I am a proud Gleek) there was an entire episode dedicated to Hairography- the art of dancing with your hair (if you don't know what I am talking about then you must Google it!).

Turns out that La Cinémathèque française in Paris has dedicated an entire exhibition on Hair. The hairstyles of women in cinema and the profound effect these hairstyles have had on their sensuality.

A weapon of seduction, a widely recognized symbol of femininity, the hair has an unparalleled erotic allure.
Bold, teasing women exploit the magical appeal of their tresses. Now all this is the subject of an exhibition, Brune/Blonde, in Paris at La Cinémathèque française (thru to January 16th, 51 rue de Bercy): a journey through the history of films in the hairstyles and hair colors of the most famous stars of the silver screen. In playbills, on-set photos, film frames and posters, the exhibition offers a parade of the divas who turned the heads of generations of men.

One can say that Hair is an aid to sensuality, be it in dance, sex, art, cinema.
So as the saying goes.... Just let your hair down

source: http://www.vogue.it/en/beauty/beauty-in-vogue/2010/11/blonde-and-brune-at-the-cinema