The concept of “form and function” has been important in my styling work--
Monday, January 5, 2009
...and what I've long argued for. If you add "affordable" and "sustainable" to the mix--you have come closest to perfection. I've been reading some optimistic thoughts about these new days of limited funds---forcing us and designers to be more inventive and resourceful. "Design tends to thrive in hard times" writes Michael Cannell in his "Ideas and Trends" column for the NY Times."The emphasis will most likely shift to greater quality at affordable prices." "This kind of innovation means rethinking the economy of production and distribution so that goods are made closer to home (*or in the home if the most radical ideas are to be taken seriously)."
*I might get out my knitting needles--to produce a gorgeous black turtleneck.
If this idea does come to pass--boomers have much to gain. The better the design--the more comfortable to wear (the older people are the more it's essential)--and the higher the quality (older skin requires it)--the better they will look. If it's all made affordable (that's an issue for all ages)--it's my dream-come-true.
My theory that good food and nutrition is closely tied to principles of good style…
Saturday, January 3, 2009
is continuously bolstered. Just today I was listening to the wonderful chef, Bobby Flay, recount his assent in the food and restaurant world (as well as his entertainment ventures). Bobby emphasized that going to culinary school is essential to becoming a chef. I've maintained that learning the basics-the classics of style..as well as about good quality and fit is "style 101". Bobby said that exposure to basic French cooking and traveling to areas of the world where food is emphasized (France,Italy, etc) is his good advice. Mine is the same-travel to fashion capitals and notice everything (PS: the best spot in the US is in NYC- E 60th st to approx E 86th st for people style-watching.) .
If you are a boomer (or older) and were into “style” in the 70s..
Friday, January 2, 2009
you might remember Ted Lapidus, who just died at 79.I always had a thing for safari style--and Mr Lapidus was famous for a sand-colored safari jacket with leather lacing in the front (worn by Brigitte Bardot, and yes-me!). St Laurent introduced that style as a tunic shirt (recently revived). Lapidus also made the military-style jacket with epaulets and gold buttons, a hugh hit. I loved it-- it was to be part of my repertoire--like jodhpurs were--for life. It's classic style with a twist. Ralph Lauren has made his millions knowing how well it works. Mr Lapidus' example may be timely--as he was "determinedly modern, he translated the design vocabulary of haute couture into sleek affordable clothes..."
"In France now, the daughters are clothing the mothers and the sons the fathers," he said in a 1964 interview when introducing his ready-to-wear line at Macy's. Mr Lapidus sensed a generational shift in France and capitalized on it..." reported the NY Times. Are you listening ,Chicos, in 2009?
“What’s Wrong With Vogue?” asks Cathy Horyn in the Jan. 1, 2009….
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Thursday Style section, of the NY Times. Wow I thought you'd never ask!..and I don't think the problem is necessarily Anna Wintour (but admittedly I'm not privy to that aspect of the magazine). I have recommended Vogue in both my books (even Men's Vogue-which had a short run) because of it's artistic aesthetics--in spite of the fact that most of its editorials , advice and advertised goods can only be afforded by deep-pockets. It was the paragraph and comment by Grace Mirabella (who's namesake, Mirabella magazine's demise I still mourn) that really says it like it is."Also, people are likely to be short of money in the coming years. Vogue, along with the fashion industry,must find a way to deal with this reality, said Grace Mirabella, who ran Vogue for 17 years until she was replaced by Ms Wintour."You've got a fashion market that doesn't know how to do good,inexpensive clothes,"she said. "That is something that should stop whether there is a recession or not."
..is not really new. I've seen the look come in and out. It borders on something equestrian--and thereby suggests something classic. I'm talking about high boots worn with opaque leggings , riding jodhpurs or with skinny jeans tucked tidily in. It's "the look". The boots vary enormously--and of course it helps if the legs and figure is slim (or somehow camouflaged by a long mid-thigh sweater, tunic or such) ---it's youthful and practical for city or country environs. I particularly like it with flat boots ( ageless and sporty) rather than with high heeled boots which is only for the young set--and can look dated (soon?).
It's almost the uniform this winter in NYC--often paired with a fitted down coat (Moncler?) with a fur trimmed hood. It looks great ...and I've yet to tire of it's many modifications.Let's see how it morphs into 2009.
“Street-style photoblogs offer a new way of presenting fashion”…says Virginia Heffernan..
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
of the NY Times magazine. Well-- maybe -- because I think that's what Bill Cunningham has been doing on NY streets for almost 50 years (just photos and a bit of commentary-sans a web blog). In fact-many moons ago when I was sporting "hot pants" and walking along Fifth Ave near 57th st with (now the "late") Mort Shuman who wrote "Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris"--Bill snapped a shot of me. Ms Heffernan's piece was extremely interesting for it's point of view and has informed me of blogs from all over the world that "search for a quiet connection with beauty in a metropolis of strangers".These bloggers are doing what I constantly do --observe people on the streets and all around. That's what I've been speaking about in my books and seminars---it's obviously ailve on the web as it is in European cafes.
Ever wonder why Mediterranean men look soooo wonderful?
Monday, December 22, 2008
..it's not just their great hair (which they style more like a woman's short cut--as opposed to American men with their straight edge razor cut that are perhaps too "neat")... It's absolutely the way they dress too. Consider the great blind tenor Andrea Bocelli--today appearing on Martha Stewart's Show- he always looks amazing and sexy. Andrea is circa 50 years old--definitely a boomer--with wonderful grey strands naturally appearing throughout his black hair (no "Hair Club for Men here!). He appeared in a great fitting slim legged jean in dark denim, Prada-ish black shoes, well-fitted black velvet jacket, and grey satin-y shirt-which was mostly covered by a great by a charcoal scarf, artfully wound at his neck.
Have you seen the original movie version of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”?..
Sunday, December 21, 2008
...I accidently came upon it, last (very snowy) night on TV ---and immediately became transfixed in rapt attention. Switching channels seemed no longer an option as an unbelievably gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor walked across the screen on her southern home's lawn in a figure forming outfit of cream short-sleeved blouse (with the signature pointed bra silhouette of the times), a red/orange leather belt on her small waist, tan "tight" or "pencil" skirt, and heels on her tiny feet. She then enters her house, where she finds Paul Newman ( also as handsome as any man could be allowed to be) dreamily sulking on the couch. She lifts her skirt to clean off her legs and stockings of ice cream (that her young spoiled niece threw at her moments before outside). Then Paul (and we) get to watch Liz slowly unclip her soiled hose from her garter belt, then carefully (as not to get a run in her new pair) adjust a new pair unto each clip of her garter belt. A sexy scene, still today.All this brought back memories of my own--partly wistful---but boy--am I happy to not have to deal with those long (almost forgotten) hose! But this scene also brought to mind this incredible beauty who (dressed by the studios and still so curvaceously slim in her youth) has not transitioned well into later years. Too many of the actors of my childhood who looked so amazing in their youth gained too many pounds and lost the great style designers like Edith Head taught them.Today we have the opportunity to still have great style --if we observe and learn from some of these movies--AND- have the modern luxury of pantyhose, soft bras etc...but without getting sloppy and merely addicted to comfort alone.We also have the nutritional knowledge and health warnings that were not prevalent in those days.Smoking and too much alcohol consumption, indiscriminate eating, or sun worshipping will not help you age well. But most of us know that--and it takes a movie classic--to serve as a wonderful reminder at the end of 2008.
I relate to Rocco DiSpirito, after reading about his taking the heat for not cooking…
Thursday, December 18, 2008
in Wednesday's (Dec 17) Dining section of The NY Times.He complains that he was constantly criticized.. "I was always too serious and too pure and didn't see the bigger picture enough and didn't understand that cooking and the restaurant business were entertainment. I needed to take it easy and do food that was simpler and made people happy."
And it's this reflective statement about his game plan that really hit home..."How can I pursue my passion for food and convey my knowledge and my expertise in a way that doesn't just reach a couple of hundred people a night , but thousands of people, millions of people a night?
The article then points out "What he loves to do, he says, is to bring his rarefied culinary skills to regular folks everywhere" Rocco ads, "The vast majority of what I hear from the people who appreciate what I do --which is I think more of the general public, more of America, versus the people who write and read Gawker, a small but very influential group of people--is that they love what I do, and that they feel there is someone from the professional world advocating for them."
I'm not Rocco--but I truly relate, with my own goals-- that ostensibly would marry the woman (or man) in Fargo (and only has a Walmart nearby)--with style/ aesthetic concepts that no one would care if they ever understood (so long as they keep buying)...except me... I care to give them the exposure they need.
..or of Rudy Bakalov,it's blogger--until today. But boy, he says it like it is (something I've been voicing for some time) and saying it --really well. Curious? Visit his site!
It’s becoming too rare to see well-dressed folks on TV……
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
..pundits, game show hosts, contestants/reality TV participants--- only add to the sorry reality of it all. How has it all sunk to such a low level? Is it because bad fashion taste IS the norm today? Perhaps--as obviously producers are not getting any letters of complaint from viewers. From news reporters and weather reporters to hosts of popular shows--it boggles my mind what passes for "acceptable " today.Thankfully Brian Williams, Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Martha Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno, David Letterman, the ladies of The Today Show, The Queer Eye guys, and Tim Gunn I feel are (usually) well-dressed examples...but boy is there room for improvement on most channels. I used to think it was just local TV stations--now I think much needed help needs to go national.
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