Musings

I know it's a Sunday but I couldn't wait to post this. I have decided that every monday is going to be "Muse Monday". This will give me a chance to talk about what is inspiring me at the moment, whatever it may be. I am so excited about what I am currently working on I couldn't wait the extra day. My last post included some mood boards for a collection I was working on based on Dorothy Draper.

Dorothy Draper was one of the first people to make decorating into a business and is responsible for my favorite style of decorating, Hollywood Regency. Her graphic use of black and white,

large floral prints (WERK!),

and bright pops of color have always had me gagging. Her style inspires my living space and so I figured why not develop a collection based on this woman and her legacy. I encourage you to find out more about her. I am currently trying to get my hands on the two books that she wrote, "Decorating is Fun!" and "Entertaining is Fun!" The latter is about being a good hostes, and from what I hear is very dated but still filled with some good advice. Thanks for reading, those of you that are, and let me know if you all have any thoughts, style questions, or questions about me.

I've moved to Albany.

So, I figured since I was settled somewhat, I would post. There is not much to report here, just trying to unpack. The drive was long and boring but I always enjoy the mountains which is only the last 4 hrs of the drive. I have met some cool people and I am in the process of finding employment. I have an interview lined up for tomorrow and some other possibilities if that one doesn't work out.
My fashion/portfolio work is at a stand still for now. My new computer still needs to be tweaked and I have got to unpack all of my art supplies. Although I'm not sure how I will get anything done with all this crap scattered everywhere. Two people in a studio apartment is not a problem, we just don't have any furniture to hold all of my books and movies. As it comes together I plan on sharing some pictures so you can all see my new home and the beautiful park outside my front door.  Until next time kids I will leave you with something inspiring. Miss Grace Jones!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFJpbX1s5ng

GREAT GATSBY Trailer (2012) Movie HD

Couture Week

Anyone who knows me will tell you that couture week is my favorite! But, this season I was not thrilled by much of what I saw. My top three shows this season were Ellie Saab, Gauliter, and I'm shocked to say, Valentino.

Ellie Saab is always beautiful. While his cuts and silhouettes are usually the same I am always in awe of his ability to embellish.

I am usually on the fence about Gaultier. I always either like it or dislike it strongly. This season I was in love with the deco influenced gowns and tuxedos. Corsets on top of dinner jackets, and conceptual top-hats. It was exquisite. 

Valentino was my favorite fashion house by far before the man himself was forced into retirement. It was always the epitome of elegance and femininity. However, since then I have not been wowed by anything from the brand other than accessories. This season I felt like the design team stopped rehashing pieces from the archives and did something new that still expressed the spirit of the house aesthetic. Chiffon and ruffles abound.

I'm Back, and here's what I'm up to.

I'm BACK! I was going to stop blogging because I felt like no one was reading but I figured someone has to be, even if it's just one person. So, lately I've been working on some mood boards for some portfolio collections I'm conceptualizing:

These two are for my senior collection which I just shot a few months ago. Photos to come as soon as I get them (cough, CAT, cough).

These are for a project I did in Intro to Fashion Design in college. I revisited the collection and made it better/ more current. Done keeping in mind Valentino aesthetic with a roman goddess theme.

 This is a garden party cocktail/evening collection. Very extravagant. Chantilly lace, stones, heavy silks. Sparked by the gown on Marilyn, seen above, and the famous tulle gown with a silk flower bust that Edith Head designed for Liz Taylor.

Lastly, we have the Dorothy Draper inspired collection. Graphic stripes of black and white, palm prints from the Beverly Hills Hotel wallpaper, solid jade greens, and splashes of pink. Vintage KJL jewels and large 1960s buns. Very California, very Barbie.

Etsy Shoppe

I am so excited to say that I will be starting an Etsy shop! I will be selling prints of my fashion illustrations as well as cards and original pieces. Everything I love will be incorporated. I will be taking some time to get things together and to have everything up and running but I can tell you that I am working on some fun summer postcards. A little Martin Denny:

 some shag:

and some of my fabulous fashion models on holiday! I can't wait to finish them and show them off!

The Women (1939) Trailer