spring | summer 2010 review

I’ve been absent. Consumed by just about everything I’m not interested in. And though I’ve been working way too much, I haven’t forgotten.

I haven’t forgotten what it feels like to truly create. Though I have little time to read, write, be inspired, and express, I do remember the feeling. Nope, I haven’t forgotten that when it comes down to it, I don’t breathe brochures, print ads, staff meetings, and so forth. What I spend the majority of my day “doing” is not nearly the sum of who I am.

Point being, more often than not when we have little control over circumstances in our lives, we focus intently on one thing. This review was my “one” thing. You see, these runway reviews take a ton of time. Hours spent cataloging and cropping photos, laying out pages, and finding the right words to place on each page. Seriously, hours. Lots of hours. Yet, creating these collections are something I look forward to.

Ask me two months ago if I thought I could get this thing done, the answer would have been no. Yet with the ensuing weeks, I became more intent on getting this review completed. I may not have time to read my magazines, work on design, take bubble baths, go to the gym, and so forth…but damnit, I was going to get this stupid thing done. I had hoped to finish it up before February magazines drop on the 15, but I didn’t.

I’m 11 days late. But hey, it’s done.

There is a lot to look forward this spring. The ladies brought it* to the runway this season. Phoebe Philo for Celine, Hannah MacGibbon for Chloe, Isabel Marant, Donna Karan, even Rachel Comey knocked it out of the park. This season is all about being a woman. Peek-a-boo blouses, frivolous feathers, goddess draped dresses, belly-baring tops – whether wearing pants or skirts, dresses or blouses, you bet it will be distinctively feminine.

See more of what I’m talking about in my spring summer 2010 review.

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*As in, “bring the heat”. Like Russell Crowe brought it in Gladiator.

tomorrow....

the other side

Olivier Theyskens' talent as a designer speaks for it self. The 2006 CFDA International Designer of the Year revitalized Rochas, and then moved on to be the Artistic Director at Nina Ricci. His designs have graced the pages of every major magazine, and been worn by all of Hollywood's leading ladies. And if that isn't enough for you, just ask his most loyal fan, Anna Wintour. Remember her April 2009 Editor's Letter:

"Olivier Theyskens's recent departure from Nina Ricci suggests to me that the vital role of artistic talent has been obscured in the current economic climate. My staff and I were shocked to learn that Theyskens's contract would not be renewed; and I am very concerned that the business of fashion is undervaluing the most important asset our industry requires: creative visionaries. There's a reason we continue to see Theyskens's influence everywhere, from catwalks to the mall. He'll be back, but fashion must hold its nerve. This is the mission that we at Vogue happily shoulder."

Who knows where Theysken will work next. For now, his first contribution to 2010 is a new collection of beautiful backstage photos from his fashion shows -- Olivier Theyskens: The Other Side of the Picture. You can take a sneak peek and purchase a copy online.

really?

I may sound like a total jerk here, but what the hell is with V Magazines "Plus-Size" issue!?!

I have nothing against plus-size women in magazines. Actually, I think it's a great idea for more normal women to grace the pages of fashion magazines. Perhaps we wouldn't be so afraid to eat apple pie, if women that actually ate were on the cover.

All that being said........why does V Magazine intentionally dress these women in clothes that are too tight, and position the women in ways that are unflattering? Let me break this down. Take a look at these photos:

1. The models jeans are too tight (on the right). Nothing complicated, nothing to do with being overweight, her jeans are just too tight.


2. A cut out bathing suit? Really? Very, very few women can wear these and look good. Hell, Heidi Klum wouldn't look good in this. So why? Why?


3. Her suit is too tight (on the left). Obviously, they didn't learn from the last photo.


4. Why is this photo cropped this way? I have never seen a girl cropped with only an inch of her thigh showing. Normal it's full body, 2/3rd body, of belly-buttom up. Oh my.

V Magazine wasn't interested in doing an issue that embraces the "Plus-Size" model. It was a gimmick, so that they could claim to have larger women in their magazine. Perhaps V Magazine needs to take a walk by Lane Bryant, and learn the basics of shooting plus size models.

coming to america

Trying to buy Isabel Marant inside the U.S. is a pain! The clothes are limited, online retail is not allowed, and odds are you don't live in a city where the highly desired items are sold. However, money talks... Net-a-porter is contracted to sell Isabel's spring 2010 collection online. And perhaps better yet, the first U.S. boutique is scheduled to open in New York early this year.

Starting Fresh

This past year has thrown me a few curve balls (read this and understand). With a job that is “all consuming”, I’ve had an awful time engaging in the things I love. I’ve fallen behind on friendships, magazines, reading, blogging, gym time, bath time, going out, blah blah blah. 2010 has got to be about “me” getting back to “me”.

So hopefully these New Year’s Resolutions will get me there:

Lose it. Drop the 6.5 lbs I’ve put on since moving to San Francisco.
Gym. Tues & Thus after work, any additional time would be great, but I doubt it will happen in Jan
Red Wine. Learn to love it. I love white, but red is better for my heart (so I’ve been told)
Cook. 1 new item a month that sparks my interest from a cookbook or magazine (baking counts too)
French Class. Some way, some how, I will learn to speak French (this has been a resolution for 3 years). I got to Paris in July!
High Heels. Wear them. It's as simple as that.
Figure “it” out. Long story, involves a bar, coffee shop, record store, or clothing boutique. TJ & I need to nail it down and make it happen.