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" 

Strike The Ultimate Pose

On the afternoon of March 20, 1990, I secretly skipped sixth period to go to my best friends house and witness the world premiere of the most anticipated music video to air on MTV that season (and, well for the rest of that decade). Little did I know then that this music video would become an iconic event for me and would shape my future in its delicate way. It revealed to me that art, in its infinitely vast shape, could come together and create an entirely new depth of form to its newest art form (then, music videos) and bridge the past through homage, shape the future through imitation, and bring to the masses a long-thriving underground gay dance culture.
That day my ears danced to the progressive beat, my body moved to the rhythm, my eyes devoured the imagery, and my heart was touched. To this day, that song and especially that music video, continues to move me in joyful ways and it has been such a delight to watch its evolution through the myriad of numerous performances over the years. Back in 1990 I was witnessing the beginning of the next best thing, I was witnessing the moment something becomes a classic, an icon, and comes to an apex from which it has never come down from.
In honour of not only that moment but to the person who created this wonderful piece of art on the day they came into creation, I will share with you what has become my real piece of joy, and, for me strikes with the ultimate in style. And like a call to the sea, let's heed the words and follow suit: "strike a pose, there's nothing to it...", I give you "Vogue":



  Madonna, "Vogue" directed by David Fincher



Madonna as Marie Antionette performing "Vogue" at the MTV Video Music Awards, 1990



"Vogue" from the Blond Ambition Tour 1990 Nice, France; wearing costumes designed by Jean Paul Gaultier


from the Girlie Show 1993 Sydney, Australia; wearing costumes designed by Dolce & Gabanna

from the Re-Invention Tour 2004/film "I'm Going To Tell You a Secret" directed by Jonas Akerlund; wearing costumes designed by Arianne Phillips and corset by Christian Lacroix


from the Sticky & Sweet Tour 2009; wearing costumes designed by Ricardo Tischi for Givenchy and Arianne Phillips



from the Super Bowl Halftime Show January 2012 ("Music" performed with LMFAO); wearing costumes designed by Jean Paul Gaultier


from the MDNA Tour 2012 Milan, Italy (followed by "Candy Shop"); wearing costumes designed by Jean Paul Gaultier

The classic endures and thrives on. And may you continue to do the same, Madonna. Happy Birthday and may you forever be in Vogue.

-fggofstyle

(all videos via YouTube and are in the public domain)

Golden Moment: Olympics Closing Ceremony London 2012

One of the best moments during the amazing London Olympics Closing Ceremony was the tribute to British Fashion, featuring the most iconic British models to have walked any runway in our post modern times (Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Stella Tennant, Karen Elson,  Lily Cole, Georgia May Jaggar, Jourdon Dunn, and David Gandy) wearing the globally influential designs of the greats of Brit Mode (Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Erdem, Victoria Beckham, Paul Smith, Stephen Jones, Jonathan Saunders, and Vivienne Westwood), all to the sounds of David Bowie's "Fashion". You couldn't ask for a better moment and a better tribute to the United Kingdom's vast contribution to the fashion industry. 

At the Olympics Closing Ceremony London 2012
(fr L-R: Stella Tennant, Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Jourdon Dunn, and David Gandy) (photo via CBS News/Getty)

In conjunction to the live presentation, Vogue UK has published a fashion editorial in the September 2012 issue with each of the models wearing their respective outfits from the ceremony, photographed by Nick Knight. Another wonderful tribute, this time in print. 

(photo set above, via Vogue UK/Nick Knight/www.designscene.net)

The entire cast of models walking the newsprint catwalk at the Closing Ceremony
(fr L-R: Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Stella Tennant, Kate Moss, Lily Donaldson, Naomi Campbell, Jourdon Dunn, Georgia May Jagger, and David Gandy) (photo via Daily Mail/Getty)

The fashion fun actually didn't end with the tribute but was found through out the show, with the various British performers showing the world that the UK definitely has totally winning style, from George Michael in dark leather, Annie Lennox in pirate chic wearing a Vivienne Westwood basque, Jessie J in an asymmetrical beaded catsuit, the Pet Shop Boys in futuristic cutting edge sequined stripes and fur shoulder pads, to the Spice Girls giving us pure zigazigah spicy sass the only way those girls can. London 2012 showed the world that Brits have a unique and golden style all their own. And that's brilliant good.
-fggofstyle

RELATED LINKS

Vogue UK; 'Midas Touch' | Film Fashion & Culture

Supermodels in Midas Touch by Nick Knight for Vogue UK | Design Scene

 The September Issue 2012 | Vogue UK

Love to Love You: Donna Summer

It seems that these times of our lives have introduced us to many a legend who have come and touched us in their special way, and when they leave us, we remember how poignant their expression of Creativity has indeed left its mark and truly moved us. With over 130 million records sold, 31 #1  International hits, it is really no wonder that there is almost no one who hasn't heard "the Voice of a Decade" or The Queen of Disco, or, simply Ms. Donna Summer.

For me, Donna Summer embodied a style and charisma that could not have come from any other time except the 70's. I remember dancing with my Mom in the kitchen to "Try Me I Know We Can Make It" (which is still my absolute favorite Donna Summer song for various reasons and 18 minutes of pure disco sensuality) and I fondly remember always hearing Donna playing in our house all the time. I grew up listening to her voice, and kept growing up listening to it and being influenced by the messages coming through her voice even as an adult. It was through her voice that I learned many things about my self and about love, beauty, and style.
As a fashion/style icon, Donna had a style about her that was strong, courageous, and vibrant. The legendary fashion photographer, Francesco Scavullo definitely saw this in her and she was one of his most photographed subjects (see my pictorial tribute below). I will never forget that brown sequined disco dress she slips into to perform "Last Dance" in the movie "Thank God Its Friday". In that moment we learned that's how you do sexy and confident at the same time: it become a signature look not only for her but for countless women in the Disco era, and beyond--all you have to do is look at Tom Ford to see her fashion influence translated for our modern time--that alluring, seductive, sultry, amber-scented, confidently strong woman that Donna Summer put a look and face to for an international audience who would express their self to the world by following her cue. 

from "Once Upon a Time" album cover photographed by Francesco Scavullo 1977

from "Once Upon A Time" album art 1977 photographed by Francesco Scavullo

Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer from "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)"  single album art
 photographed by Francesco Scavullo

photographed by Francesco Scavullo 1980

Donna Summer as Marilyn Monroe photographed by Francesco Scavullo 1976

photographed by Francesco Scavullo while performing in New York 1978

photographed by Francesco Scavullo 1978

 The cue that I have personally followed that Donna taught me comes from "Try Me I Know We Can Make It",
 "I just wanna show you love and make it all time..."
This is something I do every day and I learned its wisdom coming through the voice of Donna, as that is what she did with her gift and creativity. She showed us all Love. 

Thank You and Rest Peaceful.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• Beyoncé Pays Homage To The Late Donna Summer (pinkisthenewblog.com)
• Memories of Donna's Disco Nights (New York Times)

Video: John Galliano

 (video courtesy/via Bio)


What more can be said about the imitable John Galliano? Not much. Let the artistry in his designs speak for themselves. We are all awaiting his return and rise back into the top ranks again, for he left a truly indelible mark on the fashion world indeed.

-fggofstyle

Related articles

• The Dior That Was - A Look at the John Galliano Era, 1996-2011 (fashionologie.com)
• BREAKING: Raf Simons Replaces John Galliano at Dior (lowefactor.com)

My Favorite Looks from the Academy Awards 2012

The stars came out in full force for the annual fête we plebians know as the Academy Awards. As anticipated as it was that former host Billy Crystal was back to host this year's show after the seriously flawed attempt (and the great on stage fashion show that was Anne Hathaway) last year, I felt that there was a lot of "lack" happening all over the place at the show this year. Too much amped-up hype that lead to real time lacklusterism.
Even on the Red Carpet, that hallowed walkway leading into the theater, proved that this year there was a style confusion and a sense of boredom. There was very little in the way of clear trends being presented, as many of the gowns chosen proved: some stars wore color while others steered clear of it, there was very little sequins or embellishments, jewelry and accessories were sparse or used minimally, gowns were either strapless and sleek or full and sleeved with little variations in between. At least there was the ever present voluminous train on almost every gown, so at least we had that trend to fall back on, or over (the train was overkill, in my opinion).

For me, the gowns that stood out moved away from a sea of bore and into a bit more individual glamour.  They allowed the wearer to convey a bit of self and showed that they had exercised "choice" and overwhelmingly chose "personal style" as the showcase. The standout gowns for me also showed the best example of the "otherness" of the gown: how it lives within its "trend" but is not ruled by it (Esperanza Spalding, Penelope Cruz, Rose Byrne), great use of the ever-important tailoring (Octavia Spencer, Tina Fey), how it excels in pushing boundaries in Red Carpet dressing by making modern strides in new ways (Gwenyth Paltrow, Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain), and for sheer daring (Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez).

Natalie Portman in vintage Christian Dior

Gwenyth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Esperanza Spalding in Prophetik

Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

And the style party continued afterwards at the post-show parties. Many took more risks and let loose (it is a party after all) where the strict rules of the Red Carpet don't apply. I was surprised to see better choices at the parties than the show itself (Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez), and color was key (Kate Hudson), as well as sequins and embellishments (Kate Bosworth, Lily Collins).

Cameron Diaz in Victoria Beckham

Kate Bosworth in Prabal Gurung

Lily Collins in Monique Lhuillier

Kate Bosworth in vintage Versace

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Next year there will be a whole other show called "At The Party", I'm quite sure. It is, after all, where the real fun style showed up this year. I hope next year some of the more daring stars come back and shake up the style show a bit and interject some panache and humor, or our favorite Oscar regulars show a bit more style evolution and daring in their choices for the Red Carpet as well as the parties.
If not, we will always have Bjork and Cher..!


-fggofstyle
(all photos via Getty Images, stylebistro.com, or nytimes.com except Gwenyth Paltrow via Harper's Bazaar.com)

A Tribute to Whitney Houston, The Greatest Voice of All

It is with such sadness for me to accept the news of Whitney Houston's passing on Saturday here in Los Angeles. Although she has had many personal struggles and it has cost her in many ways (ending her marriage to Bobby Brown, losing her New Jersey mansion, making a failed comeback in 2009, losing her iconic voice, etc), there is no denying the indelible mark this brilliant artist has left on music. Beginning her career in fashion as a model, all the while harboring a voice that will change the industry when she makes her debut in 1984 with her self-titled first album, "Whitney Houston", and the string of hits that span her career, no one saw that she was going to change and evolve the face (and sound) of pop music forever. Here is a collection of some of my favorite images and videos of this true icon through her career and life...

"Greatest Love of All" single cover, 1984

an early modeling photo from the 80's

photo by Richard Avedon from "Whitney" album cover art, 1987

one of my favorite Whitney songs written by longtime Madonna collaborator Jellybean Benitez, from "Whitney", 1987

album interior cover art for "My Love is Your Love", photographed by Dana Lixenburg

album interior cover art for "My Love is Your Love", photographed by Dana Lixenburg

still from "It's Not Right But It's Okay" music video,  1999

album cover art from "I Look To You", 2009

a still from the music video "I'm Every Woman" from "The Bodyguard" 1992

May You now be at Peace, Whitney.


With Love and Rememberance,
-fggofstyle

Strike a Pose, Express your Pinterest, and Tumblr for Me

As social media and the blogosphere continues to grow in more and more expansive, interesting, and co-interdependent ways, the outlets for self-expression and live blogging become more varied and available to suit any type of expression. In the past two years of producing this site, my main focus has been to create content that shares my viewpoint on the fashion and style business all while allowing access to my expertise and insight on it. In order for me to continue to open my world up to you, fair reader, I have created new outlets to show different aspects on my viewpoint.

Here at the FeelGoodGuru of Style, I have created a new companion site on Tumblr called Style Shrine, which features varied content I find stylish and utterly fabulous. Its range spans the worlds of art, fashion, entertainment, photography, music, and lifestyle. Style Shrine is the official sister site to this one, meant for quick consumption, inspiration, and fun. I'm excited to raise her up and watch her grow and I hope you will be too.

I am expanding my live blogging vehicles ( Facebook and Twitter) to now include two relevant and fun fashion/lifestyle-centric applications: Pinterest and Pose.
On Pinterest, you can view my pinboards, which serve as my internet-based inspiration for creative projects I am involved in. I of course utilize real-life physical pinboards for creativity, but what draws me to Pinterest is how I can build and create my internet boards which I end up using to shape and form as an additional reference source. Plus, its very interesting to see how other Pinterest users influence and inspire each other, by way of the mechanics of the site.
On Pose, its more about documenting my own personal style and how I see the fashion I am constantly in contact with.  I find the format of Pose as a direct way to share my personal fashion choices (through the outfits/looks I wear), and the physical aspects of fashion styling (through my visual merchandising and client looks, or the goods I see while out and about in the marketplace). Pose allows me to expand my viewpoint and share with you how I interact with the fashion world, based on commerce and brands I find relevant.


I invite you to come and follow me at any or all of these outlets as content I post will enhance and evolve the core content found here in new and interesting ways.

 This site is the Heart of the FeelGoodGuru of Style experience; I Thank You for allowing me to show and share it with You and for being a part of it. I look forward to seeing you all over the World Wide (Fashion) Web...

-fggofstyle

A New Year, A New You

Each new year brings with it the resolve to finally become a new you. We see it time and again and try all these different ways to improve ourselves in the new year. I love that we are creatures who continually seek to evolve and empower ourselves and improve our lives. It is one of the most remarkable aspects of our nature, one I am truly in love with. 

In reflection of this past year, I can see just how precisely I have evolved in myself, and I can see just how I have contributed in helping my community and society evolve as well. I am truly proud of this.
In this coming year, I strive to continue to evolve myself and my community, and to always share and spread the joy, happiness, and the feel good in all that I do. I hope that you will do the same, and I wish all the best for you and it is my deep hope that you also find joy, happiness, and love in everything this coming year. Don't forget to share these blessings with others and continue to share the feel good in your way too.

Happy New Year 2012!

-fggofstyle
"look good, feel good, in style""

Related articles

• New Year, New Decade 2.0 
• New Year, New Decade 

Happy Holidays

May your Season be filled with Joy, Love, and Light!

Let us remember that this time of year is (and always will be) about community, friendship, love, and happiness. It is the Light in the darkness of Winter, the time to feast and share our collective abundance, and show our heart appreciation for the people we can say that we love and cherish.

Thank you for coming to my little space in this world (wide web) and allowing me to share with you, commune with you, enjoy the feast of creativity and fashion with you, and for your time and friendship. May you continue to enjoy all that feels good.

Wishing you and yours, Happy Holidays!

-fggofstyle