THE MODELISTE

I stumbled upon this fascinating video of the work behind the scenes of a couturier.  The Modeliste translates the 2-dimensional sketch of a designer into a 3-D, real life outfit.  The translations by Nicolas Caito are beautiful!


Video from style.com



This makes me appreciate the art of couture, and even just old-fashioned dressmaking (of which I have not talent!) even more.

... FALLING DOWN, MY FAIR LADY!

Did your Mom ever teach you how to walk in high heels when you were younger?  I remember a bunch of us girl friends practicing how to walk in our first heels before the Junior Prom.

Well it seems that even models need to learn.  Platforms and super high heels are accidents waiting to happen unless you have strong ankles.  Drinking your milk (It does the body good) is probably not a bad idea either.  Anorexic models look like they don't get enough.

Video from The Telegraph UK











Given the sky high fashions these days, I've actually seen Classes - yes, classes - for walking in heels!

But really, just remember these tips:

1.  Pilates lovers will understand this: engage your abs when you walk.  Don't let your ankles take all your weight.

2.  Stronger calves and ankles also help you stabilize.  Do your calf raises.

3.  Practice walking in your heels before the big event.

4.  You know those Pole Dancing classes?  They can teach you all how to move in heels!

5.  Or just know when it's time to call it quits suffering for fashion.  Falling on your face is never attractive.

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY

I can't believe this weather.  A storm looks like it's brewing and the trees are getting whipped around.  My friends and I were commiserating that we were wearing our Fall garb!  I had a cashmere sweater and knee high boots on -- and it's May.

It's raining now.  I'm just showing you my trusty, Desigual jacquard coat, worn with the orange rabbit fur scarf.  A dash of color always helps on a grey day!

Desigual coat with rabbit fur scarf 

Desigual coat with rabbit fur scarf

I hope your week is springlike and sunny!

MARTHA GRAHAM AND MINIMALIST COSTUMES

Today marks what would have been Martha Graham's 117th birthday.  The iconic dancer and choreographer completely changed dance in America, and after that, the world.  Modern Dance, as we think of it today, is really because she made it that way.

Martha Graham in "Lamentation"
photo by Barbara Morgan

She created her own dance vocabulary for the body.  Somehow, it always vacillated between rapture and pain.  She moved away from the theatrical backdrops of dance and exotic costumes, and instead, gave us Modern Minimalism.

Just look at all these photos, whether or not you are a dance enthusiast.  The costumes are timeless!  We can even wear all this out today.

"Martha Graham: Letter to the World"
fondly known as "The Kick"
photo by Barbara Morgan

The following image was not in high definition so I can only post it small:

Martha Graham
photo by Barbara Morgan

Happy Birthday, Martha!

MISSONI COLLABORATION WITH TARGET

For us mere mortals who eagerly await Target-Designer collaborations, we are excited to find out that Missoni has signed up to provide 400+ pieces for the fall!

Following photos from Missoni's Fall 2011 collection.  Source: style.com

I preferred Missoni's electric Spring/Summer 2011 collection to this fall one.  Nevertheless, I am still curious to see if they provide Target with their signature zig zag multi-color knits.  Shipments are expected on September 13th.

Photos: from style.com