Showing posts with label Richard Avedon. Show all posts

Monday, November 30, 2009

A Force of Nature

Diana Vreeland
Editor in Chief Harpers Bazaar 1937-1962
Editor in Chief Vogue 1963-1972

“Give them what they never knew they wanted”.

“You gotta have style. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life. Without it you’re nobody. I’m not talking about a lot of clothes.” “I loathe narcissism, but I approve of Vanity.”

We’ve all seen Anna Wintour with her steely coolness on The September Issue. But does she impart words of wisdom or the strength that her predecessor Diana Vreeland did onto the fashion world so boldly and unapologetically? Exactly what you love about Diana. She was confident, cool and and a true style icon. Her eccentricities were what earned her a reputation above the rest. Perfect manicures and lacquered hair and a love for rooms that were as red as well…hell.

“All my life I’ve pursued the perfect red. I can never get painters to mix it for me. It’s exactly as if I’d said, “I want Rococo with a spot of Gothic in it and a bit of Buddhist temple”…About the best red is to copy the color of a child’s cap in ANY Renaissance portrait.”

She knew what she wanted and how. And she knew what you should do as well. She championed Lauren Bacall, Edie Sedgwick and even Jackie O wrote her stating, “You are and will always be my fashion mentor”. Diane Von Furstenberg received her big break when Vreeland saw her potential as a designer. Avedon worked by her side for 40 years, as he says “to my enormous benefit”. Her influence over the decades will always be a huge part of fashion history. Diana may not have been physically beautiful, but she knew she was fabulous.

A few of her signature “Why don’t you” Suggestions:

Why don’t you… have an elk-hide trunk for the back of your car? Hermès of Paris will make this. 

Why don't you... Rinse your blond child's hair in dead champagne to keep its gold, as they do in France?

Why don’t you… have your cigarettes stamped with a personal insignia?

Sarah Jessica Parker channeling Diana Vreeland

Friday, October 9, 2009

Friday Favorites - Books

Thank goodness it's Friday, and hopefully a slow day at the office, because you are going to want to spend some time with this one. Today we bring you pages from our favorite books. This is serious dessert for the eyes so settle in and enjoy every bite.

Sybil's Favorite...

Gypset Style, by Julia Chaplin, Published 2009

I love this new book Gypset Style by Julia Chaplin. It’s full of stories and beautiful pictures of gypsy jetsetters who live an unconventional life around the world, past and present. The images of Talitha Getty might actually get me in a caftan. And if I could just get an invitation to Alice Tempereley’s annual summer costume party in England. Most of all it embodies the spirit of those full of wanderlust…something I embrace 100%.

Leslie's favorite...

Glamour: Making it Modern, by Michael Lassell and editors of Metropolitan Home, Published 2009

If I could line my walls with pages from Metropolitan Home magazine I would so this book will soon be taking its rightful place on my coffee table. The concept of making interior glamour modern and livable is exactly how I like to approach design. All of these rooms are killer gorgeous but I could envision real people living there... with real dogs and real kids... and real messes. Bringing glamour and style to real life, isn't that what it's all about?

Laura's Favorite...

Tom Ford, by Tom Ford, Bridget Foley and forward by Anna Wintour , Published 2008

When I need a little escape, I love nothing more than to curl up in my bedroom with a great glass of red, a big soft blanket, and a beautiful book to page through.

You know I love all things Tom and this book is the ultimate tribute to my favorite designer. It features hundreds of gorgeous photographs of TF’s prolific vision from the likes of Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, and, Herb Ritts.

My honorable mention goes to...

Vanity Fair Proust Questionnaire

Culled from the infamous Proust Questionnaire (found on the back page of Vanity Fair magazine each month), this collection offers a candid look into the tastes, values, and dreams of 101 of the most famous luminaries of our time. Fascinating stuff.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Richard Avedon Exhibit - By Guest Stylist Christina Hild

Our guest stylist today is Christina Hild. We could go so far as to say she is an art fanatic but her love of travel, fashion, music and literature rival her adoration for art so we'll lovingly call her passionate and well rounded. Having studied in Florence at the Studio Art Centers International, and worked at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla, she not only appreciates great art, she has the knowledge to explain why. Christina currently resides in San Francisco and below is her take on the Richard Avedon collection at the SFMomA.

Christina Hild

San Francisco is known for many things – the fog, the golden gate bridge, good food, and most importantly, the culture... It’s all around you here. And if you seek it out, you will find that you are very rarely disappointed. Take the Richard Avedon photography exhibit at SFMoMA (runs until November 29, 2009). What on the surface appears to be just a collection of old black and white photos, is actually a door into the world and mind of one of this century’s most iconic photographers. You’ve probably seen his photos and never known he was behind the camera. From Marilyn Monroe to Janis Joplin to 1950’s fashion photos, Avedon has created a portfolio of work that can only be admired and respected. He is most well-known for revolutionizing the art of portraiture. If you see his work, and I hope you do, you will instantly notice that he truly is able to blur the lines between photography and fine art.