Music vs Style -- A Killer Combination

Anne and Nancy Wilson of Heart

Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie & The Banshees 

If there ever was a match made in creative heaven it is the existential marriage that exists with music and fashion. This union is undeniable because you're dealing with two very strong creative "minds" who are both rooted in image (and movement).

The Annenberg Space for Photography

The perfectly curated exhibition on view now (which has been extend until October 21, 2012) at The Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City entitled "Who Shot Rock & Roll", takes us on a journey through musical history and its co-habitual friend "image", as seen and captured by the top photographers who have been called upon by the music industry to not only document by to image-make and expose the personal side of our favorite musical icons.

Beginning with Elvis Presley, who changed the music business by knowingly exposing the "other side" and giving a "face" to rock and roll and turning a whole new generation on to the swing and sway of not only the music but of their own personal expression (via music, and style), he did  this expertly so by enticing us through the photographic and moving image, and in one sweeping move, turning viewers into fanatics. Yet he wasn't the only one to do so; many many others followed suit and today, music and image are synonymous with each other (just like fashion and image are as well) and the most lasting and indelible music acts are those who have embraced this combination to its hilt and have left us with equally indelible impressions through the image of music.

Tina Turner

The Rolling Stones

The Police

The exhibits moves you through these ideas and more, from the image factory itself to artistic collaborations between photographer and music artist [Anton Corbijn and U2's music videos featurette, Grace Jones and Jean Paul Goude's composites of the fantastic "Island Life" album cover, or Maripol and Madonna's complete image package (fashion styling and costuming) from her early 80s oeuvre for example], to the viewpoint of the fans (an interestingly casual and emotional section, I thought), to the culmination of the exhibit, an engaging 12 minute documentary produced exclusively for the Annenberg.

 \
"Who Shot Rock & Roll: The Film" teaser trailer (via Annenberg Space/YouTube)


Who doesn't remember perusing the record store and looking at the album cover and letting that bold, frontal image coerce you into buying the record and going on an aural journey (or in today's modern speak, doing the same thing by looking at the thumbnails of covers on Amazon or iTunes) and getting just that much closer into the mind of the recording artist? Or seeing a music video or concert film, movement and sound and image all rolled into one, and being taken on a truly visual journey?
A thoroughly enjoyable and definite don't-miss, go check out "Who Shot Rock & Roll" at the Annenberg before it closes on October 21, 2012, and as always, rock on!!

-fggofstyle
(all photos taken by me from images displayed in the center's courtyard/exterior)

**Mark Seliger, chief photographer for Rolling Stone magazine (1992-2002) and whose work is  featured in the show will be speaking at the final live lecture series in conjunction with the exhibition on Thursday Oct 18, 2012. 
For more information please visit the link below.




RELATED LINKS

Exhibitions: "Who Shot Rock & Roll" | The Annenberg Space for Photography

Yin & Yang: Taking a Look at Fashion's Newest Label

Jeanne Yang and Katie Holmes of Holmes & Yang

I have the pleasure to know and to work with Jeanne Yang for quite some time (who is one of the most genuine and nicest of L.A. stylists) and I'm beyond thrilled to see her coming into her own with the latest collection of Holmes & Yang, her collaboration with Katie Holmes that began in 2009. I must say, Katie is one smart style cookie to team up with the likes of (her long time personal stylist) Jeanne, who has a sharp and well-honed eye for simple and stylish pieces to pair together to create sleek, effortless looks for today's "It" girl. 

Holmes & Yang Spring 2013

Holmes & Yang 2013

I am also a firm believer in the notion that it is much harder to look "together" in a casual sense than it is to "dress up", which is a credo for the design duo. Really, it is a fine line to do such a thing as "stylish casual" but if its done correctly, it has amazing results. The key to this is wearing well crafted pieces that are simple in boldness and heavy in the subtle, refined details. Holmes & Yang was born out of this idea and has created the right pieces to bring it forward, I believe. By sourcing top-of-the line fabrics and using the best craftspeople to make their collection right here in Los Angeles and New York, Holmes & Yang are bringing forward into the closets of us stylish denizens of the world the keys to easy dressing, stylishly, one great piece at a time.

-fggofstyle
(all photos via www.wwd.com)



RELATED LINKS

Holmes & Yang

"All The Rage" | Los Angeles Times

"Holmes & Yang RTW Spring/Summer 2013"| WWD

My Favorite Looks from the Emmys 2012

Another awards show, another red carpet. It really is the perfect excuse for our favorite entertainers to get dressed up and show us their style. This year at the Emmys, the stars turned out in the most color to walk a red carpet in...ever!!, and despite the sweltering heat, everyone was able to hold it together and strut down the red carpet in the most extravagant I have seen the Emmys in a very long time. Could it be because so many of our present day television stars are from the world of film and have gotten major practice doing the same awards show runway work on the Oscars red carpet, or has the style quotient for Awards season come to a fashion apex and is culminating in the higher echelons of what it really means to "dress up", or is the Emmys red carpet benefiting heavily because the show is taking place during Fashion Month and the access to hot & fresh-off-the-runway-looks is easier? Perhaps its a broad mix of all of these things, with style being the most important ingredient of all.

It is refreshing to see color and prints on the red carpet, as well as the variety of texture (sequins, lace, and tulle), and shimmer and shine. Here is a look at my favorite looks from this year's show, (in no particular order):

Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier

Julie Bowen in Monique Lhuillier

Zooey Deschanel in Reem Acra

Ariel Winter in Katherine Kidd and shoes by Brian Atwood

Claire Danes in Lanvin with husband (and best dressed man of the night) Hugh Dancy in Burberry

Edie Falco in Stella McCartney

Hayden Panetierre in Marchesa

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Vera Wang

January Jones in Zac Posen

Kat Dennings in J. Mendel

Kerry Washington in Vivienne Westwood

Morena Baccarin in Basil Soda

Juliana Marguilies in Giambattista Valli Couture

           

Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen

It will be interesting to see how, as the Awards season comes to a virtual close now, red carpet dressing will plateau to the next level when the season gears up into high gear again in the next few months. Will the fashion sense stay as high as it is now or just reach further into the stratosphere? I can't wait to see!
-fggofstyle
(all photos via style.com/ABC)

Master of Iconography, Herb Ritts: L.A. Style

"Herb Ritts: L.A. Style" book cover 

In this modern age of image, how you look and present yourself has become the crux of importance. This focus on image became crafted throughout our post modern age via television, music, film, and advertising. This lens became the way we "see" ourselves. Yet in the world of contemporary art, it is the photographer who hones and perfects this craft and brings it in its presentation to us, the viewer (or subject sometimes) with an interesting outcome. No other modern photographer has done it in such a way as Herb Ritts, who use of natural light, simple composition, and emotional resonance has captivated us and brought to the most iconic and prolific images of celebrity, fashion, commerce, music, and art. At the apex of sensuality, nature, individuality, shadow, celebrity, and style stood Ritts, who became its master and brought a truly unique and starkly simple view of the end of the 20th century.

I became a huge Herb Ritts fan in the mid 80s when I became familiar with his work through the images he produced for celebrities like Richard Gere and Madonna, in ad campaigns for Revlon and Calvin Klein, and the countless fashion magazine pictorials found in the pages of "Vanity Fair", "Interview", "Vogue", and "Harpers Bazaar" Magazines. His use of the uber-models of the day (Cindy, Christy, Naomi, Stephanie, Helena, Tony, Djimon, et al) not only made them recognizable but made them into stars in their own right and catapulated anything they were involved in into fashion spectaculars. Yet Ritts utilized them in traditional ways befitting a model: as a chameleon of pose, light, and shape sculpted in the forms through the hands/lens of the artist. The same thing can be said when he created memorable portraits for celebrities: using their personality and individuality to elevate the portrait to a personal moment fluid with freedom and expression of his subject. And these models and stars regularly worked with Ritts and enjoyed the artistically natural and collaborative process he imbued on his projects and it shows throughout his body of work.

On view at the Getty Center is the fantastic photographic retrospective "Herb Ritts: L.A. Style". It is a broad mix of well-known and lesser seen works by Ritts, who in the late 70s began his ouevre and left us too soon. It is an interesting show: sectioned off in group areas such as "Nudes" (his most striking work), "Celebrity Portraits" (where his signature evolves and shines and elevates the genre of celebrity itself), "Music Videos and Commercials" (his work in movement form and where he changed the entire scope of music videos for the best), and "Fashion" (at the ultimate top of the fashion chain, Ritts creates indelibly wonderful imagery and editorial work). One of my favorite items is the Britney Spears Vogue Magazine cover (Novemeber 2001) and its original two composite shots with art direction touch up notes on the Britney photo itself alongside the finished magazine cover because, as great as Ritts' portrait is by itself, we get to glimpse what it takes to show "perfection" (those edit notes made me chuckle a bit) so that an image becomes branded as "Vogue". I also enjoyed re-viewing the award winning music video he shot for Janet Jackson's "Love will Never Do (Without You)", shown in its entirety as his signature video work (although Madonna's "Cherish" was his premiere foray into the genre); it still is a great 5 minutes of artistic magic to this day. I did wish the Getty included the Ritts directed video for Michael Jackson's "In The Closet" featuring model Naomi Campbell but it was absent perhaps because of its similarities to Janet's video or some situation having to do with Michael's estate, perhaps (in its place there is the Rolling Stones Magazine cover of MJ, a still from that video shoot)...? I'm sure there are some hidden gems that the Herb Ritts Foundation has tucked away somewhere and perhaps in future retrospectives we may get the chance to see them but the Getty has put together a good show and it is definitely one to go and experience for yourself and enjoy the scope and breadth of this wonderful artist's contribution to the world.

The Getty Center presents the retrospective until September 2, 2012 before it moves next to the Cincinnati Art Museum.
Don't miss it!

-fggofstyle
(photo via Getty and the companion book can be purchased by clicking on the highlighted link)





RELATED LINKS

The Herb Ritts Foundation 

The Getty Center--"Herb Ritts: L.A. Style" 

Friday, oh Black Friday (Saks)

Are you really ready for the fashion madness..??

Happy shopping this Black Friday!!

-fggofstyle

Another Night Out: FNO Returns

Another year, another night for fun and frolic on the one night a year that the fashion and retail industry lets loose and has fun: Fashion's Night Out, is just a few days away and is ready to launch worldwide. This year promises to be bigger and better than last and is sure to be fun (and lots of  hard work for the countless many who are planning and participating and putting the festivities on). Despite the impending reality of a failing global economy and a lagging depth of creativity found in this season's sartorial offerings, the big event is still going off to get you out and to spend. With the harsh realities of the "real world" (ie the non-fashion world lol) looming in the background, the main point of the whole event is to just simply have fun. The fantastic main website, FNO , incorporates many new features (like Android and iPhone apps) and lists of all the events taking place in your local area. Pick and choose what you want to do and let loose and enjoy. For more tips on how to do it right, click here for my personal guide on Fashion's Night Out. As for myself, I'll be doing my professional fashion thing as one of many stylists live-blogging on Stylelist and giving hands-on styling and fashion consultations to event attendees at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. I'm looking forward to it and hope to see you out at Fashion's Night Out this Thursday. Happy Shopping!!

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Why I Hate Fashion's Night Out (thegloss.com)
• Where To Go On FNO (style.com)

Oh, Shiela!: Aussie Label P.A.M

P.A.M.'s Sade pant and shirt in Snow wash.
These are my current favorite Summer pant!
(photo:www.perksandmini.com)

P.A.M.'s painted sweater tunic, another recent buy
(photo: www.perksandmini.com)

I'm in current obsessivo and under the gun of a style crush with Australian label P.A.M. The Sydney label brings perfection to casual and edgy items for men and women, along with lifestyle products like rare vinyl and books to bring its fantastic laid-back cool to you. I fell in serious love with their Sade pant, and have both the black stripe and bleach-splash chambray (with top to match) versions: the spot-on perfect weight/texture and uber cool drop crotch style found everywhere right now but done in a forward, of-the-moment way. Believe me, I can't get enough! Their unusual and cheeky web portal is kooky, funny, and cool to me and I urge you to peruse their shop site and see what I'm talking about. Wishing I were in Sydney so I can hit up their upcoming sale and to check out their shop, which carries other favorite brands like Bernhard Wilhelm and Wood Wood! Since I can't away to Sydney right now, I'll continue to shop their brand at my local favorite, Creatures of Comfort, and stay in the throws of my style crush with P.A.M.!

-fggofstyle

"Beauty Culture": A Photographic Exhibition

"Christy Turlington" by Albert Watson, as seen in the Annenberg's "Beauty Culture" exhibition
(photo via www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org)

I recently had the pleasure of viewing the Annenberg Space for Photography's latest and extremely riveting exhibition, "Beauty Culture", an interesting look at photography's role in shaping our myths and notions of beauty. Showing various and diverse viewpoints on the subject, and showcasing some of fashion's and beauty's most famous photographers and their iconic images of the celebrities, models, and campaigns we have come to love, this exhibit is definitely not one to miss. There are over 170 photographs, along with a documentary film featuring some well-known figures in the industry, and an interactive section in which you yourself can alter your own idea of beauty. Thursday evenings are Lecture Series nights, with many featured photographers and industry professionals bringing the series to life with commentary and insight on the art of photography, fashion, beauty, and the like. And if you need further convincing, the exhibit is worth it for the "Model Wall" and the side-by-side Herb Ritts/Leonard Nimoy "Supermodels of the 90s" photos alone!

Click here for more information and location details for the Annenberg in Century City: Welcome to The Annenberg Space for Photography, and Beauty's Sharp Edges for various images from the exhibit.
Go and enjoy this great exhibit before it closes.

-fggofstyle

I Thought I Lost You, Louboutin!

Christian Louboutin boutique in West Hollywood/LA

As I drove down Burton Way in Beverly Hills the other day, I looked to my left and gasped when I saw the Christian Louboutin boutique shut and empty! Could that be why the women at the Saks Fifth Avenue Ladies Shoe Salon were lined up in droves in utter anticipation to get themselves a pair of Louboutins because the shop is no more last week (no, its because they're 50% off!!)? With a little investigation and a quick telephone call, I found out that they have moved to a much needed new and larger space to showcase the designer shoes. Last Fall (that just goes to show you where my shoe priorities have been).  The new boutique, at 650 N Robertson Blvd, between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Blvd, ups the fashion quotient of the boulevard, which has been getting a much needed economic boost in recent times in the more traffic-heavy parts of it. With Philip Lim, John Varvatos, and Maxfield very very nearby, your one-stop neighborhood shopping destination gets finished completely, from head to red-soled toe.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Christian Louboutin Fall 2011 Lookbook (femmesdallure.com)
• Christian Louboutin appears in LA store (ABC7.com)
  
  

Battalion: Los Angeles

a look from Battalion's S/S 2011 Collection
(image via www.thebattalion.us)

There are very few cases of a brand presenting a well thought out and conceptualized collection and being able to say that its materials, fabrics, and presentation are sourced through sustainable means and helping its local economy by bringing jobs to it, all consciously and stylishly, like Los Angeles based designer Battalion.

Founded by designer Linda Wong, her label Battalion hits the mark perfectly of being a "purveyor of green luxury" through its modern, clean aesthetic and by its thoughtful approach in its concept and production. Using sustainably sourced natural materials like bamboo and organic cotton. These materials lend themselves to designs that are fresh takes on modern luxury staples and unique, one-of-a kind pieces. The collections speak so well to my own modern contemporary personal style and its message of eco-consciousness flows perfectly with my own approach to modern living. The combination of the two couldn't be more potent, and, more winning. Battalion is marching on the front lines in the fashion battle of eco-luxury, and successfully turning the tide of the industry, one collection at a time.

-fggofstyle

Manifesto Destiny

On Saturday, YSL distributed their limited edition Spring 2011 "Manifesto", a comprehensive look at the Spring Collection, photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinood Matadin, throughout various "secret" locations around Los Angeles. This is the first time the venerable design house has presented the manifesto in LA. I had been on the search for the locations for weeks (as soon as I heard the news that LA would be getting the Manifesto) with no prevailing information given to me (go figure), so I simply made a kind request to the PR powers-that-be to be a dear and deliver it to me, "I'll be at a particular place at a particular time", in a half-mocking tone but with wholehearted aplomb. To my great and sheer surprise, a young woman from YSL came to me with the Manifesto and tote in hand to hand deliver one to me, at the particular place I was at at the particular time I suggested, with kind regards, and said a special gift will be delivered to me in the following week, part of the Manifesto package. Then I saw them descend upon the location like YSL clad angels: the Manifesto street team. I watched in awe as they handed out the coveted tote and Manifestos to very unsuspecting and overly jubilant passerby. It was great to not only be gifted with this but to be a witness to a fashion moment, a first of many for LA (I hope). Receiving a copy of this season's Manifesto is such a great surprise. Surprise is actually putting it mildly. I'm beyond the beyond overjoyed. I'm in complete awe in how asking for something kindly and sincerely actually works when you least expect it. Believe me when I say that someone at YSL is getting a lovely floral arrangement and a Dayna Decker candle gift set this week, hand delivered by me. In fair kind, right?
And in the spirit of the good and fair kind, I am giving away a copy of the YSL Manifesto to one lucky winner in a contest to begin on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Please visit then for more information and to enter. Good luck!!


-fggofstyle

On The Retail Road

The William B + Friends Mobile Shop in Los Angeles

I have just discovered a very unique and smart new way to shop here in the wide world of Los Angeles retail, and it couldn't be more ingenious: the William B + Friends Mobile Truck. With the recent proliferation of gourmet food trucks all over town, it was just a matter of time that someone would apply the same concept to another commercial venue. And fashion retail is the obvious choice. The William B + Friends Mobile Shop brings all the things you'd love about a brick and mortar retail store (visual merchandising, clothing, accessories, home goods, great service) right to you (or at a rotating pop-up location). And, whats even better, you get great prices on a variety of brands all the time (up to 75% off: true sample sale prices!)!! Make sure you click the link above and follow them to find out when the sale is going to be near you!

-fggofstyle

I'm A Comforted Creature

a look at the new CoC NYC boutique
(photo courtesy CoC)

In the grand scheme that is Los Angeles retail, there is a place amongst it that aims to be all about ease, simplicity, and comfort. One of my favorite boutiques here, Creatures of Comfort, is that place. The well edited and appointed boutique on Melrose is my go-to source for many of my favorite contemporary lines, like Alexander Wang, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Christian Wijnants, and United Bamboo (to name a few) as well as the best place to get a pair of Repetto's (their selection is fantastic and varied beyond the usual suspects). They recently opened a NYC boutique, which means their inventory has grown and now serves a bi-coastal contemporary/androgynous aesthetic. I've recently scored a few Alexander Wang items, my birthday outfit (a wonderful silk jumpsuit by Complex Geometries), a pair of navy and white United Bamboo ankle boots, and my fall season go-to jacket, an Acne silk/linen blazer (oversized a la Carrie Bradshaw in SATC 2), and some great pieces for a client's recent photo editorial. The shop girls are smart and very helpful and non-intrusive. They tell
me that the clientele is easy and comfortable and come in just to hang (all signs of a great store IMO). They have an online store as well but a visit to the store is a must. I tell you, I just adore this place!


Creatures of Comfort NYC 205 Mulberry St. New York, NY 10012


Creatures of Comfort LA 7971 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Critical Shopper | Creatures of Comfort: Clothes Fit for Woman or Beast (nytimes.com)

Saved By Zero

Fall 2010 Collection
photo courtesy style.com

Fall 2010 Collection
photo courtesy style.com

I had the opportunity yesterday to visit the brand new Zero + Maria Cornejo boutique on Melrose Place. A long time fan of Maria Cornejo's fantastic modern style, it was a very real treat to get to peruse the whole collection live and in person, to touch and feel the great clothing and accessories. Carrying both the men's and women's lines, as well as jewelry from Saltalamacchia, the boutique offers shoppers the chance to get to know the work of Cornejo. The collection is very modern and contemporary, yet is subtle and organic in its approach and execution. Some of my favorites, like the jumpsuits (for both men and women) and the dress collection have an edge over other contemporary lines found here in the LA market. The Fall 2010 color palette of black, grays, camel with pops of blues and yellows and Cornejo's fantastic prints bring it all together.
 
Take a look at the website and stop by 8408 Melrose Place in West Hollywood and let Zero + Maria Cornejo save your next sartorial conundrum.

Related articles

• Zero + Maria Cornejo (style.com)

New Impression: 944 Magazine

 Have you seen the newly re-vamped 944 Magazine? If you are local to the hotspots of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Miami (all nightlife-centric places), or just browse their publication online, then you  may be familiar with 944 Magazine and its extensive coverage of whats happening in the nightlife scene. I would pick up the magazine on rare occasion, mainly to laugh at the many photos of party people who, in my opinion, should be at home in bed on a Tuesday night rather than at the latest shindig attended by Paris Hilton for the umpteenth time, but I am shocked and rather impressed with the new direction the magazine has taken. They have grown up. (Its about time). They have a new editor, who has moved the focus of the magazine from nightlife to lifestyle. Fashion is now front and center. Editorial is much more streamlined and stylized, and tells a story (somewhat). There are new stylists and graphic designers. The writing, well, there's writing. It has taken a new and better shape. Kudos! Check it out online or better yet, pick up an issue. They're still free and all over town. And, there's still nighlife photos for comedy sake...
Enjoy!
-fggofstyle

FNO: Fun Night Out and How to Do It Right

Its Fashion's Night Out tonight and its sure to be an eventful however way you choose to spend it. With the global shopping event making its sophomore turn this evening, retailers and the fashion world itself is pulling out all the stops to make sure fun and profit is the winning ticket this year.

With so many happenings going on, how do you work your night out? Tip #1--Plan it out. The best and most comprehensive lists I have found for Los Angeles events are at Refinery 29 and Racked. Listed there are the top events, with many of them sure to fill up fast.
This leads to Tip #2--Arrive early. The sooner you head out and hit the spots on your list, the easier it will be to get in and thru the register line and on to the next hot spot.
To help you thru, Tip #3--Dress "Shopping Appropriate" is key. Ladies should wear a tank top and leggings for easier fitting room try-ons. Guys should wear tank tops or a V-neck T shirt and briefs for the same reason. Keep the colors simple and neutral. Black is best. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a pair of boots and heels to get the full idea of how your items will look in their alternate incarnations.
With all of the party revelry  going on, make sure you follow Tip #4--Drink lots of Water and Snack, to avoid getting tipsy and falling into buyers remorse (or in LA, a DUI) from too much champagne. Believe me, the drinks will be flowing in the spirit of fun and of course, to loosen you up to open up that pocketbook. It's an old trick and it works. Tonight is also a great opportunity to check out stores you haven't had a chance to in your normal shopping behavior: Tip #5--Be Adventurous. Try and check out a few shops that haven't been on your shopping radar. This year in LA, shops in Venice's Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Feliz/Silver Lake, and the eastern stretch of Melrose Avenue are taking part in the fun. Be adventurous and peek in, you may find that extra special something in these neighborhoods, or your new favorite store.
Most of all: Tip #6--Have Fun! Wherever you are, be safe and do have fun.

I will see you out in the Fashion Wilderness...

-fggofstyle

Rockin' Night Out

Its the second time around for Fashion's Night Out, and this year, the shopping event stakes a bigger claim in Los Angeles. More retailers are taking part and throwing their own parties and events. Melrose Avenue will be rockin' a bit next Fiday night at the Salsa Fits My Life store. See the flyer attached and make sure to RSVP if you'd like to attend. It is sure to be fun!
 -fggofstyle