Where Josephine (see post below) improvises, Nina struggles…
Haunted, chased, broken through by catharsis, Nina finally becomes
the Black Swan.
Horror, psychological thriller, chick fl… no, not .
Nathalie Portman proves, once again her mastery of the art of acting.
Darren Aronofsky delves deep into the pysche of competition,
and Ms. Portman, masterly demonstrates.
I recommend
Black Swan.
“I wasn't really naked. I simply didn't have any clothes on.”
Lest we forget
Similar stories in America too.
And Pop pops the glossy bubble too.
Aren’t you tired of perfection?
Perfect teeth and perfect hair and perfect wife and perfect life
too sweet will rot your teeth,
and too glam
is damned!
At the moment the Pop team is
all about the things that don’t match,
backpacks and swimsuits,
plastic sandals and socks,
linoleum carpets and cheap perfumes.
Try looking at the world upside down for a minute…
Pop the gloss and walk.
Also look forward to Cindy Sherman Channeling Chanel with Limited edition hard-back covers
And it should be on yours too. Here’s why.
Listen here.
Image from Kanye West's blog.
Take a look and tell me what you think.
That’s the song, your Editor-in-Chief is currently tripping over, and I mean falling all over herself with happiness, cause this song just makes you happy. I swear, try it, you’ll see.
The Dog Days are Over by Florence + The Machine. You can buy the album on itunes.
By the way I have a feeling Rothko would not like this song. What do you think?
Dasha wears shoes by: Gucci, Skirt: Prada, (no clue what the sweater is and by the way who cares?) Painting: Rothko @ Garage Center for Contempory Culture, Moscow April 2010
When everything else is gone
when I have nothing left
I still have my dreams.
I will always have my dreams
and from my dreams
springs the will to live
and from the will to go on
I will rise.
And what a magic maker Olympia is.
One of her favorite songs is The Intro by The XX.
Olympia wears sunspectacles by Balenciaga
And this Colombian actress (Anna) is too.
Here’s why:
And because I still have Nicki Minaj on my mind – ta-dah
In the meantime listen to one of Abby Lee and Richard Prince’s favorite Bob Dylan songs: Desolation Row.
So the cowboys and Africans have gone on a Safari State of mind and are about to deliver a brand new POP. Saddleup, and come join the adventure, ride through our pages, sail our waves, make your own.
POP.
I’m at shalasrabbithole.com. See you there.
Photo: AP
Lindsey Lohan is an extremely talented actress.
Very young, and she’s lost her way a bit.
I think if Karl Largerfeld were to lock her in his library, I’ve heard its filled with thousands of books,
Give her a day bed and a lovely maid/tutor/mentor/mother/savior.
I’d like if Karl locked her in his library, and let her out only for dinner with the most interesting people.
Then put her back in again with the books, the maid, the flowers.
After three months he could get her a pet.
And maybe after six months she might be on her way.
After she has reformed then she would make him very proud.
But only Karl can do it.
I wish to see her act again, I know she can do it.
What Esteban Cortazar has been up to since Ungaro made the idiotic mistake of replacing him with someone who does not have the first clue about design, not to mention a drinking problem among other issues… take a look.
Hanne Gaby for Esteban Cortazar Con Exito
For more take a look here.
“Glamour, I want Shala in glamour.” That’s the pronouncement Mario Testino made on set for V Magazine.
“Slicked back, I want it slick, very eighties, Studio 54, very glam.” Meanwhile my hair is in a big afro.
I look around and there’s not a black person doing hair on the set.
“Are you sure Mario, I mean it could take a while, to get this kink out of my hair
you’re going to have to wet it.”
We decided to do something similar to what I’d done for the Met Ball, but that was still asking for trouble.
Oribe, the head hair stylist did not seem fazed, in his trunk among all kinds of contraptions to tame
an untame the wildest hair was a line of his own products.
I must say I loved Oribe’s approach to doing hair. His philosophy is that a woman knows her hair best
and the best way is to listen to what she has to say.
Long story short, if you’re tying to look as swanky as Josephine Baker, or a silver screen siren in two seconds,
wet your hair and put some Rock Hard Gel in there and you’re good to go,
to the disco, dance till dawn, break a sweat but not your do.
WHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITEWHITE
white
And we’ll be singing this song, as we throw rose petals down the isle.
I now have a new song stuck in my head.
She made me get up she made me dance,
Last night at Le Bain.
Listen to the song stuck in my head.
Nanna of the band Oh Land, wearing a cape/blouse/dress by Missoni. She was also wearing beneath that the hottest shorts. Photo: Rachel Chandler
This is Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is a Saturday Girl.
Saturday Group is an Ad Agency.
Elizabeth is there for an Ad Girl/Mad Girl.
Elizabeth is the Editor-at-Large of Industrie Magazine.
She is my no.1 glamour girl because she has the most incredible bounce in her step.
This is Elizabeth.
I'm wearing Prada SS96 and Dasha wears: Prabal Gurung photo: PMC
The Pop World's First Couple style inspired by the young Jolie-Pitts
Hat: Prada, Necklace: Vintage, Dress: Rodarte, Shoes: Miu Miu, Painting: Takashi Murakami
I step into a cab this morning and my driver says, “your dress is very greatful madam, your dress is very greatful.”
It’s going to be a good day for me in New York with a start like that, words like that, couldn’t be more beautiful
a greatful dress, you gotta love New York, I’m flying high, high, high like a kite.
All sorts of things make my day in the New York City heat today, won’t bother going into them now, but the best is comes from
my taxi ride back home.
The driver is spiritedly talking on his cellphone. I don’t think it’s legal but I was happy that he was doing it cause I loved his conversation.
See he was in a heated debate about Niki Minaj. With all types of expletives. What I can gather is that he is not a fan and that he thinks
any self respecting woman would not be either.
Ok hold up. Who is Niki Minaj?
In last week’s Sunday Times her name popped up next to Lady Gaga.
Yesterday a female friend was raving about how she loved her lyrics even though they were a bit corny.
And now this driver. I took his number because I want to hear the whole story.
So stay tuned.
In the mean time here’s a variation of one of my favorite songs of Nina Simone’s
performed by
Feist which can be bought on itunes.
Hot and wet and that’s alright.
For more on the girl who’s the sexiest in the world go to TheRealKesh.
Hat: Prada, Sunglasses: Bimba & Lola, Swimsuit: Joie
Click on the link below to hear the song:
Everybody But Me (DiskJokke Remix)
YOU HAVE TO DO STUFF THAT AVERAGE PEOPLE DONT UNDERSTAND BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE ONLY GOOD THINGS. (Andy Warhola)
Here’s your chance to design your very own Prada Fantasy Heroine.
For contest rules and application, go to Prada.com and look under Prada Projects.
Good luck everybody.
Richard Prince and Damien Hirst in tandem
How does it feel to be like a Richard Prince Cowgirl?
I can’t say I’m not disappointed.
I would have gone to watch every game at the Garden, and I don’t even understand the sport.
But because you play it well, what am I saying because you master it and
because it’s ecstatic to watch you play,
I would have gone to watch you, every game. I understand your elegance on the court more than I do a ballet
but I understand. I understand your need for a team, you’re not about ego, you’re about togetherness and
championship, so I support you. I’m sad though, and New York is sad too, so Miami better win next time around.
Otherwise we won’t forget.
Because he loved to travel, and see, and tell.
I’d like to recommend:
Paul Bowles: A Life by Virginia Spencer Carr.
I’m still reading it, not nearly near done, but I’m already fascinated by his life.
I tried getting the “Sheltering Sky” on kindle but for some reason its not available there
so I got a biography of the author instead.
What a mind he had (that’s why I’m beginning to lack tolerance for the people mentioned in my post below).
Anyway, as I travel and try to squeeze in time to read, i’m relising the life of Mr. Paul Bowles and can’t wait to
understand the thought behind ” The Sheltering Sky” both ofcourse first, the book and then Bertolucci’s version on film.
Ahem, People should stop hiring people because of their name when they clearly are not capable.
Really it serves no one. It’s a disservice to the “talent” when they could be sitting at home soul searching
figuring what their true talent is.
And the audience, receptors, clients, payers for such “talent” would also benefit from actually having a good time.
Who cares if you have a name and yet don’t have something of integrity and substance to offer?
Certainly not me.
Aminata Niara wears a dress by Alaia and brooch by Delfina Delettrez
La vie en rose: South America
Must see!!!!!! Yves Saint Laurent retrospective at the Petit Palais, till August 29th 2010
A nurse in love: South America
Giambatista Valli and a girl wearing one of his old dresses.
3.1 Phillip Lim Resort 2011
Turban and top: Prada, skirt: Jil Sander, belt: from the streets
I’m new to the fashion world and was wondering
if this is common for one designer to take from the current collection of another and present it in a following season.
See I have this exact sweater from Prada, ok mine’s black, the one from Phillip Lim in the photo above is grey, but Prada made it in grey as well.
And I got this one as well without the sleeves and was honestly shocked to see it in the Phillip Lim resort collection.
Anyway I suppose its a free market and the shape cannot belong to anyone.
Was wondering what you thought;
Is Phillip Lim inspired or tired?
It's not the dress; it's what's in it. (Wise words said to me this spring by June Newton)
And along the same lines, here’s Peter Tosh
BRAND NEW SECOND HAND
YOU’RE ONLY ACTING LIKE
YOU ONLY A SHOW OFF
YOUR PAINTED FACE, YEAH
BUT UNDERNEATH THAT FACE
YOUR JUST A DISGRACE
(more…)
Its nice to walk through the airport feeling comfortable and looking good too.
Some say green smells great
but what they mean is, green dollars.
I’m often confused, how much green is really green?
I’m getting color blind.
This woman too can roar. This woman too issues stock-purchase orders from the Wall Street trading floor. Don't believe me? Take a look at all the women roaring on CNBC in the mornings; for example. Illustration by: Christele Wielgus.
I am woman hear me roar.
Hear me issue stock-purchase orders from the Wall Street trading floor…
I do not aspire to passe morning after chic…
Have you felt the smooth, snug tug of fine leather gloves
being pulled on?
Have you considered the rebellion, the noncormity,
inherent in a Mamie Eisenhower knit suit? … (American Vogue, July 2010)
Above Quote from Vogue July 2010 issue.
| Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. (more…) |
Givenchy Resort, nice and fresh
Photo: therealshesh.blogspot.com
Words below by: The Real Kesh
I got home at 5am last night. I went to the major lazer show at metro and then somehow ended up at some metal bar where they were pumping death metal jams and everybody was pierced and tatted to hell and back. I fell asleep on my chair and new it was time to go home.
As i went to lay down i was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I slipped into my dreams almost immediately. It was hazy at first. You know… here and there doing shit i can’t remember now…
but then it got real. I walked through the haze which happened to be hundreds of hanging net curtains (more…)
all things fluffy, all things cosy.
Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum is the only museum in the nation devoted
exclusively to historic and contemporary design. Founded in 1897, the museum has been a branch of
the Smithsonian since 1967. The museum presents compelling perspectives on the impact of design on
daily life through active educational programs, exhibitions and publications.
First Lady Michelle Obama wearing a dress by Rodarte
A beautiful woman and a child in Paris
Sometimes the brightest pixel in the picture cannot be seen
exactly because it is too bright.
Turn your lights down low
If we want to slow women down, give them pencil skirts.
Now I’m not saying a slow woman is ineffective…
just take a look at the things Anna Wintour achieves in one.
And if you want to
Free them? Give them balloon skirts.
What do short shorts do?
There’s freedom there too, no?
And how about nudity?
Just wondering?
Yellow dress: Vintage
Red bracelet: Miumiu
White floral shoes: Prada
Black Pumps: Miumiu
her face is like a bunch of rose…
but murder she wrote.
Lyrics from: Chaka Demus & Pliers
from the song: Murder she wrote
you can buy it on Itunes.
I’ve got femmes fatales the my mind
Tavi Gevinson in a self portrait wearing Miumiu
60’s Black supermodel, Donayale Luna in Federico Fellini’s Satirycon
A quote from the debate:
“Zayid, tall, elegant and clearly mistress of her brief, said that notions of “the weaker sex” were merely a ploy. “We tricked you guys into thinking we couldn’t do anything so you would do everything for us.”
For more click here
Michelle Joan Papillion recently started the Papillion Institute of Art in Downtown LA.
Lady Gaga, Mac Cosmetics poster girl, sits atop her piano with a sculpture by Terrance Koh
A display by Rodarte at Colette's in Paris
Last night Ambassador and Mrs. Charles Rivkin hosted a cocktail party for Rodarte and screening of the the movie Breathless.
The event was to celebrate the 50th aniversary of the movie’s release, but also to strengthen cultural bonds between France and America.
Why is Rodarte involved? I was wondering the same thing, but as you may know Kate and Laura Mulleavy,
between leaving college and becoming fashion designers sat in their parents’ house for one year together watching films. They
were not sure what to do after graduation, and while watching movies together they also started knitting.
Anyway the short answer to why Rodarte and Breathless, is that it’s a movie that they really love and would like to
get the young generation interested in. Hence the re-issue of the iconic Jean Seberg Herald Tribune t-shirt by Rodarte.
So if you’re looking for something a little more interesting than the “Real Housewives of….” run down to the Film Forum in New York
buy some popcorn and see what’s moving Kate and Laura.
Hat: Oroma's own. Jacket: H&M, Sweater: it matters not.
Swimwear: Prada
I'm standing with the Prima Gallerinas at the dinner for the opening of "Picasso the Mediterranean Years" June 3rd 2010, London
On Wednesday June 2nd, Pop Magazine and Bvlgari hosted a dinner for Anish Kapoor at Harry’s Bar, London.
Pop Artist Allen Jones holding a portrait of himself by David Boyle
Performance artist, David Boyle
Google CEO, Eric Schmidt
Pop Editor in Chief: Dasha Zhukova
Pop Editorial Director: Ashley Heath
Industrie Magazine's: Alexia Niedielski
Camilla Al Fayed and Noor Fares
Jean Pigozzi, Sophia Hesketh and Adam Waymouth
Dress by ann demeulemeester
She told me a thousand little things like that.
My grand-mother too
and so did Bob Marley.
Aha-ha!
“Bend down low let me tell you what i know”
The actress Q’orianka Kilcher (star of Pocahontas ) and her 41 year old mother were arrested on June 2nd for tying herself to a White House fence.
Q’orianka is charged with disorderly conduct and her mother with defacing government property, for pouring a black substance over her daughter.
The two were protesting a visit to the White House by the Peruvian president.
Her protest seems to have worked as I knew nothing before of her cause.
You can listen here to learn what she is fighting for.
Sunglasses and Blouse: Miumiu, Necklace: Marni, Shorts: Louis Vuitton
We must not be afraid of being eccentric, of watching flowers…
Vincent Van Gogh.
The boy wears pants by Givenchy and Rick Owens tshirt.
Georgie Badiel, backstage at Naomi Campbell and Dasha Zhukova's Neon Charity Gala, Moscow May 24th 2010
A Random Quote from a commentor on a random blog:
I watched Georgie Badiel at the Naomi Campbell Benefit Relief show, and my God! What a walk and presence on that runway. She stole the show. I cannot explain how she made my entire fashion week. No other girl, not even Naomi could have matched Georgie on the runway. J’adore Georgie.
Georgie comes from Burkina Faso, where she was discovered by a french model agency.
“I’m always happy in my mind, happy all the time, … how lucky I am to show how women can be,
like elegant… chic” Georgie says on Vogue Italia’s website.
Confidence this girl does not lack! No way Joselito.
I got a glimpse of that after we both walked the CATwalk
for Naomi first in New York and again last week in Moscow. After the show in Moscow we all went dancing, and this woman is hot.
“If a job is mine its mine! No one will take it from my hands!”
In St.Lucia we say it another way, “what’s yours, water cannot carry away.”
And so this woman will kill a centipede if its in her path down the runway
without batting a MAC eyelash.
” I love playboy!”
“I really much love playboy”
“I would love to be on the cover of Playboy”
Playboy are you listening?
It’s just refreshing to come across a model with personality. More, I’m looking for more.
I also love Sessilee Lopez!
Every summer I use a different perfume.
I use it as a memory marker.
Whenever I need to trigger memory I take a whiff.
My favourites:
Tom Ford, Balenciaga, Prada, Mont Blanc
Bikini from Rio
Green sunglasses: Prada
Black sunglasses: Ray Ban
Picasso The Mediterranean Years curated by John Richardson opens June 4th at Gagosian Gallery Britania Street London.
John Richardson and Gagosian team.
Sneak peek.
Gary Waterson, John Richardson Larry Gagosian and Valentina Castelliani putting on the final touches.
I wanted to lie on the floor, roll around and scream, slapping my palms down over and over again.
This sounds like madness but that’s the reaction I had walking into the still not completely hung “Picasso the Mediterranean Years” exhibition.
I almost wanted to cry. Such a burst of energy is packed into the gallery. I felt like Edward Munch’s ” The Scream”
What does one do when exposed to such extreme passion?
Scream, cry, sing, laugh, dance all these things at once I felt, I felt like I would explode.
Ok, so by now you can tell there’s a little drama queen in me but that’s my honest truth.
I would have let Mr. Picasso put his cigarette butt out in my cheek too, I mean, I don’t know what I mean.
You have to see it. You cannot miss it.
John Richardson was a friend of Picasso and has written a four volume biography on the artist.
He is also the most wonderful raconteur.
(A little fashion note) he has amazing stories of Marchesa Luisa Casati.
Picasso The Mediterranean Years: June 4th-August28th 2010 Gagosian Gallery, Britannia Street London.
Miuccia Prada and Afef Tronchetti Provera, American Academy in Rome, May 26th 2010
P.S I love Ms.Wintour’s outfit 100%
Your editor or my editor wears a dress by Lanvin, Celine purse and Prada shoes
Cinq Mondes bath and beauty products.
The girl wears a hat by Chanel, shearling coat by Fendi, handbag by Hermes.
The girl has an degree in Architechtural Design.
The girl designs accessories for Chanel.
The girl is full of energy!
Christopher Wool, Alessandro Twombly and Mercedes Bass at a dinner for the artist at Castel Sant Angelo
An upcoming Valentino purse.
Me trying it on.
Delfina Delettrez and Pier Paolo Piccioli
Pier Paolo Piccioli, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Silvia Fendi
Last night in Rome, Christopher Wool showed at Gagosian Gallery.
This post is inspired by Marc Jacobs’ lunch with the FT in last Saturday’s paper.
First dress by: Alaia
Second Dress: Russian Vogue Editor Alyona Doletskaya in Vintage Halston
I’m wearing: Jean Paul Gaultier for Target.
daisy shorts and sunglasses a gift from Miu Miu, beenie: Prada, tshirt: uniqlo
green sunglasses by Prada
Pop Magazine Creative Editor Olympia Scarry in Givenchy, with Balenciaga sunglasses.
Giovanna Battaglia wears a dress by Derek Lam FW2010 in Cannes, France.
The girl wears scarf by Hermes and hat by Limoland
Detail of hermes/ George Lilanga scarf.
George Lilanga, Tanzanian 1934-2005
Beyond eloquent, Tavi bites, in her post on Terry Richardson @ stylerookie.com
A quote:
“But it’s ART! He’s an ARTISTE!” OH, my bad! Sorry, I’ll just step out of your way and let you continue with your Disturbed Genius/Troubled Artist Technique of sexually harassing people, then! In the name of like, art, and stuff!
“You feminists are so uptight! Let a stranger manipulate you into doing weird things to him for once in your life, gosh!”(Tavi)
Be sure to read the whole thing before you come to any conclusions.
www.thestylerookie.com
Back on the music question.
I saw Chris Blackwell last night and thought I should ask him where the next big thing in music was.
I wanna gloat for a second on the fact that my suspisicon is shared.
I mused on Congo, and I wasn’t far off from Mr.Blackwell’s guess of Angola.
He did also say that he didn’t really have his thumb on the beat at the moment but that was his guess.
Africa, much of which is ravaged by war and disease is crying/singing out for help.
Are you listening?
A side note:
Mr.Blackwell in response to, “how is Jamaica doing these days”
commented on a certain little tug of war going on between the island and America.
Extradition of a certain gangster that if given up could cause great upheaval.
Stay tuned.
Marion Cotillard stars in Lady Blue Shangai by David Lynch for Dior.
Check out Janelle Monae here:
Lyrics to Mr.president :
This song is for my mama,
This song is for you.
Hey Mr. President,
Tomorrow I’m paying my rent
My Fuel is runnin’ low
And I’ve got places to go
Quit slowin’ me down
Can we talk about the education of our children?
A book is worth more than a bomb any day
And remember a mirror to Africa
Who will bring the cure before it’s too late.
Don’t you see the hurt in their eyes?
So much disappointment in many faces
Use your heart and not your pride
We can’t go on and keep pretending
Please Mr. President
Where’s all the money you spent,
Food is fallin low
And they have nowhere to go,
Quit slowin me down.
I ask you to have mercy on us father,
You think we know the rules by now,
We can’t go starting wars with hearts of hatred
Out nations greed won’t make it better
Or quiet the fears in our hearts
Don’t you see the hurt in their eyes?
So much Disappointment in all of their faces
Use your heart and not your pride
We can’t go on and keep pretending
O please Mr. President
Dear Mr. President
I hope you got the letter I sent
A Dollar only goes so far
And we need help here, no matter who we are
See we come from different worlds and different places
Until there’s one great land, one nation under god,
Times are getting harder and we need you to be like Moses
And lead your people through
Please be careful, Be Careful,
of what you do, what you do
Aminata and Sessilee for Lurve Magazine, Dresses: Hussein Chalayan
“because we don’t know when we will die we get to think of life as an
inexhuastible well yet everything happens only a certain number of
times and a small number really. how many more times will you remember
a certain afternoon of your childhood some afternoon that’s so deeply
a part of your being that you can’t even conceive of your life without
it. perhaps four or five times more perhaps not even that. how many
more times will you watch the full moon rise? perhaps, twenty and yet
it all seems limitless.”
words from the movie: The Sheltering Sky by Bernardo Bertolucci
based on the book of the same title by Paul Bowles.
It is one of my favourite movies of all time, I have not read the book
but one of my friends say, it is his favourite book of all, by far.
I would like to read it this summer.
The girl wears: Missoni top, Alaia belt, Vintage Prada skirt.
Models: Aminata Niara, Lindsey Scott, Sessilee Lopez Photo by: Alexandra Catiere (from Belarusse) Styling by: Jenke Ahmed Tailly (from Senegal) Hair by: Johnnie Sapong (from London/Ghana) Clothing: Alaia, Rochas, Lanvin, Marni
I’ve been posing the question around,
Where’s the next big thing in music going to come from?
I mean we’ve had Jazz, Rock and Roll, Reggae, Blues and Hip-Hop.
My consensus is that, as Maya Angelou says, “I know why the caged bird sings”
music, music that touches and jives and gets you on your feet or in your bed at noon on a Sunday morning ultimately comes from
pain, frustration, rebellion. Music that lasts I mean, the deep stuff, the stuff of ages.
And so my speculation is that it will come from places like the Congo, Berlin and Brazil probably.
There’s something terribly lacking in Pop music today, there doesn’t seem to be a world beat, a world rhythm lately, something that
poignantly spells the times we live in.
Maybe because the world has changed so drastically in the last 10 years we’re still in a daze but I think it will soon change.
Mean while I’ll keep my ears to the ground and feel the pulse.
A little side note: I once used to dance in the middle of Central Park till my feet bleed (literally). But the musicians were plain New Yorkers from Africa, Russia, Brazil, America and it was, and still is a summer Ritual at the Band Stand at the end of Poets walk in Central Park where these drummers/percussionists and dancers congregate, next to the Haitian group of musicians. Something to checkout in New York on summer Saturdays and Sundays. ( I even had a homeless man give me a dollar once after dancing, he was that moved. He said to me, “here buy yourself a soft drink” I still have that dollar bill.
Piers Hargreaves-adams wears a temporary tatto from Chanel.
The girl wears: Vintage Prada skirt, Alaia belt, Missoni top
Dress, cardigan and belt: Prada, Scarf: Hermes (more on that later)
I’m thinking back yard vegetable gardens here.
Fight against obesity.
Women serving on US Navy Submarines (some guys are apparently still having an issue with that one)
Higher soda taxes.
(I actually wouldn’t mind elimation of soda all together.)
I’m thinking brains before teets and teeth and cellulite.
Flatter heels and higher minds
evocative and provocative over “sexy” (cause sexy is so unsexy these days)
I mean I hear America screaming
and
I hear the first lady calling
I'm playing in a dress by Alexander McQueen (Paris, April 2010)
Scarf: Hermes, Sunglasses: chanel
“the sincerity of grief is the dark side of the sun”
(a comment from my post titled grief is at the basis of life)
Does joy set us up for grief?
Is it the same as Icarus getting too close to the sun?
Too much joy can cause you pain,
too much pain will cause you grief
enough grief can make you sing,
like the caged bird.
Is that what Picasso meant?
See post 249.
It starts with the crow of a cock.
Hard.
A screaming cock
A swaying palm
A peach blue sky
and tall green grass.
Smoke, wood burning smoke
rotating rosaries
and silent prayers.
(this is the tropics I chose to remember
the one I will never forget)
Painting by Julian Schnabel.
P.S I would love to see Steve McQueen’s view of the tropics.
“Grief is at the basis of life…if we demand sincerity of the artist, sicerity is not found outside the realm of grief.” (Pablo Ruiz Picasso)
Do you agree or disagree?
A woman wearing a Marc Jacobs coat at the opening of the Picasso exhibition at New York's Metropolitan Museum.
A closeup of one of Picasso's paintings
Last night at Gagosian Gallery, Richard Prince presented a new body of work.
The show is on at 980 Madison Avenue till June 19th, 2010.
street art by Wayne Coe
Peter Marino designer of all stores high fashion, Dior ect and Peggy Siegal share a few secrets
Eddie Churchill, Tony Shafrazi and Peter Brant...
Peter Brant Junior in head to toe Galliano stands next to Richard Prince's new work.
"Untitled" Oil on board by Anna Camner on view at Stellan Holm Gallery New York May 6-June 12
Dasha wears a dress by Prabal Gurung
I'm wearing Prada from SS96, Rosario in Giambatista Valli, and Giambatista in between us.
A woman photographed by Malian photographer, Seydou Keita
“When I started in 1962 I had a black model.
The first black model in Paris!
But I must say later on when the trend for black models
came along…
I must say…
It’s extrodindary to work with black models
because the body the way they hold their head…
the legs… the body…
is really very provocative and exhilarating.
It gives meaning to the whole creation
and modernity, too.
The colors are different on their skin.”
Sessilee Lopez for Pop Magazine
“I noticed that men were more confident in their clothes
and women didn’t have much self confidence
so I tried to give them confidence… and a figure.”
YSL on his masculine silhouette for women.
Aminata Niara and Sessilee Lopez
“I found my style through women
the way she moves, stands…”
For more watch “Yves St.Laurent- His life and times” on Netflix
I love the play with color, black leather jacket, brown purse and shoes and black hat.
Natasha also designed the cafe at Moscow's Garage Center for Contempory Culture
Doesn’t seem like she’s short on talent.
Keep your eyes wide open for her as I’m sure there’ll be more to follow
in the design field.
The line to view the Mark Rothko exhibit at the Garage Center for Contempory Culture
Pop's Editor in Chief and The Garage's benefactor Dasha Zhukova, seriously excited
Boots by Vivienne Westwood
Model: Adama Blouse: Alaia, shorts and belt: Hussein Chalayan
HE’S A RASTA
So when I met him at a friend’s house in New York
and he said he was a hair-stylist (for women even)
my curiosity got the better of me.
A rasta who does hair?
Do you relax hair too?
Uh-huh.
Ok lets make an appointment.
I didn’t know at that point that among his fans were,
Gwenyth Paltrow, Nathalie Portman and Jude Law
to name a famous few.
Johnnie’s a bit quiet about these things.
Met Ball, that’s where I was going and I had a stupid craving to
bleach my hair platinum blonde.
My regular hair-dresser refused! No way she said.
Johnnie’s based in London and happened to be coming back to New York at the time.
And so we began the 6 hour process.
We negotiated and came up with a coppery tone that would suit me better.
My copper hair by Johnnie Sapong
He’s quite conscious of what goes on in the art world too
and is often a source of varied information and inspiration.
I now save my cuts for him since he’s a sculptor of hair.
For more on Johnnie you can read here and here
Re-edition of original Balenciaga dresses are quite fun.
How many of todays designers can re-issue old designs and still look great?
20, 30, 40 even 50 years down the line.
I know of a few others.
Copy cat me.
Why do you wear a beenie all the time, my boss asked.
My boss being Dasha Zhukova.
Oh I don’t know I responded,
it’s easier than dealing with my hair.
Here’s part of the real reason.
I once saw Mrs.? wearing one,
a knit one with stripes, can you imagine?
Now the fact that she was wearing a beenie
to dinner was curious enough.
But curiouser gets curiouser.
It would be the equivalent of seeing say
Donna Karen wearing a beenie a dinner at the White House.
Not exactly Mrs. Karen but just so you get the point.
Anyway it was one of those moments where
I cocked my head to the side.
And squinted my eyes
Huh?
Humn…
Aha.
I’m going to copy her.
That is the coolest thing ever.
That beenie, that one that she was wearing
was like something one would see a South African ghetto kid wear
or a rasta. Like my good friend Johnnie Bgood.
My hairdresser: Johnnie Sapong at the Bristol Hotel, Paris (more on him later)
But here was Mrs.?, at dinner wearing a multi colored striped beenie.
I’m going to shamelessly copy her.
And all Christmas long in the Caribbean heat
that’s exactly what I did.
Day and night, after swimming.
Swimming always comes before hair.
That reminds me,
A white man once asked me, (true story)
why do black girls not like to swim?
I like to swim I said, after all I practically grew up at the beach…
Anyway I understood what he meant.
But the beenie, the turban too saves me the trouble of not swimming
and not spending time fussing about my hair.
Maria Carla @ Prada fall 2010
Rose of Sharon or Femme Fatale?
Saturday Group's Alexia Niedielski. Sunglasses and blouse: Missoni
Every issue Pop Magazine features a woman with a singular style and finesse.
Our first Pop Icon was Lady Margaret Thatcher.
If you need to know why, try finding a back copy of Pop Fall 09.
This time around we couldn’t resist, Queen of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah.
From the moment I saw her, I needed to know no more.
It first came from her grace, serenity and confidence.
If ever there was a single symbol of a Lady she would be it.
The power she seemed to possess needs no megaphone.
I’m beginning to think that its a muslim thing.
Many of the people I met in Morrocco seemed to also possess
that quiet strength…
Enough talking here she is in a couple of her impeccable ensembles,
for more on Sheikha Mozah and why she is our Pop Icon check out this
issue of Pop. It’s on page 188, the issue’s loaded…
With Prince Charles April 6th 2010
Photos: Huffington Post
Shake rattle and roll - dress: Pucci Fall 2010
Ok so I’m in a dancing mood.
If you’re dancing its better to have a dress that shimmies
If you’ve got a dress that shimmies
you better get up and dance.
Who gives a *&%$ if you’ve got a $5000.00 bottle
of booze that cost $25.
A guy or gal who dances
no matter how badly
is way more attractive than a bottle of Stoli…
You can see where I’m going with this…
I’m looking forward to seeing this dress on the dance floor
and not on a pleather banquet.
Spring is here.
If you live in NYC
you know what that means…
Fashion inspiration
all the birds come out to play
Maria, who I've seen sunning on Spring Street for years!
Maria's friend Gina who would look great in Proenza seeing that she has the pink hair going on already. And don't even think of grabbing her purse... you'll get wacked with the multicolored cane.
All the peacocks rising
And this is just the beginning of the wonderful things to see in NY in the spring.
Here it is as promised, my new favourite thing. My rafia Rodarte skirt.
Aurel Schmidt
Dress: Sharon Wauchob, Skirt: Rochas, Photo: Alexandra Catiere, Styling: Jenke Ahmed-Tailley, Hair: Johnnie Sapong, Model: Sessilee Lopez
Doctors without Borders was founded in 1971,
by a group of doctors and journalists.
At any given time up to 27,000 committed individuals give their time to fighting
the ravages of disease, epidemics and natural disasters in poor countries.
These doctors, nurses, administators, lab technicians, surgeons give up the
comfort of their lives to go work in the fields,
often dangerous, war torn countries.
I’m often skeptical about organisations, but this one got my attention
when a friend of mine, an aspiring doctor who is now shipping out to Afganistan
with the US Army, kept raving about Doctors without Borders.
He wanted to give his time there.
It’s because of his enthusiasm, his genuine desire to serve humanity
that I now make donations to Doctors without Borders.
The least I can do.
And you can too. Here
Too much biting insects
is the title of the song I’m dancing too.
Words were always like toys for me.
Growing up in the Caribbean
you hear stories your whole life.
These tales play with words in such
imaginative and often
provocative ways.
If I want a good laugh
all I have to do (more…)
rodarte skirt
So I’m teasing
because you can’t really see the
RODARTE skirt.
It’s the black part of the photograph.
I will feature it in all its glory soon.
It was a gift from Kate and Laura Mulleavy.
Now here’s the rest of the list:
Everything with wings at Prada
because I want to fly…
My Miu miu kitten brooch
its blue.
Though its haunting,
“The book of night women” by Marlon James
which I discovered through Italian Vogue blog.
See I think these teeth are perfect too.
Probably even more alluring.
I just watched a documentary on beauty
and the commercial world called,
“America the Beautiful”
See how the Prada ad (below)
prominently features “imperfect” teeth.
Is there a new perception of beauty rising?
Pat McGrath who does the makeup for Prada called
this particular “mouth” a dangerous one.
In a good way…
Relating more to the idea of the femme fatale.
The attitude of the woman, her intelligence, bravado,
perkiness, and character rules.
She understands how to use what she has
to get what she wants.
What these girls below have
are very dangerous mouths.
And not a single thing about it needs
to be changed when they blaze down the beach
or slither up your stairs.
A sunglass commercial on the Prada website
Jane March in "The Lover"
By the way
perfect teeth does not a vixen make.
A vixen is a vixen no matter what package
she comes in.
You either got the sass or you don’t.
Heck even Audrey Hepburn had crooked teeth.
Did it make her less captivating?
Other women being embraced as they are:
Lara Stone, Lindsey Wixon, Abby Lee Kershaw, Georgia Jagger…
Moca 3oth Aniversary Gala, November 14th 2009. Photo: Todd Eberle. Dress: Miu miu, Purse: Prada
A painting by Glenn Brown @ Gagosian Britannia Street London, October 9th 2009
Dress: River Island
To make money
you gotta spen’ money.
What if you don’t got no money?
You gotta make somethin then
You gotta make somthin outta nothin.
Everybody’s got somethin.
But not everybody got somthin
that sombody want.
Conundrum no.1
or bullshit?
I was so excited but it rained.
Eight miles of blooming poppies
that’s what we’d planned to go see.
It was Oscar weekend in L.A
and it was decided that we would go visit the poppy fields
in Antelope Valley.
Kate and Laura Mulleavy was going to take me
and a bunch of other friends.
Every disappointment is a blessing.
That’s what they say.
It turns out the poppies weren’t blooming.
There’s a hotline you can call to find out
if the flowers are blooming.
Another life’s lesson the Rodarte girls just learnt.
Here’s what they did find on the failed hunt for blooming poppies
You must see the new Rodarte/Maggie Cheung short film.
You can see it here.
Every night I prayed till my knees bled.
I spoke to God till my words fluttered and flyed.
I had hung my face on the wall like a mask.
I had only one nail to hang my mask on – it fell to the side.
A broken spirit.
I waited for the day that some one would come
with another nail to pull my face up.
One nail, two hands
and a fighting spirit.
(from a work in progress since forever)
A player from BALLET CASQALOURD at La Mama Theatre fall 2006
I could take my words one cup of tea at a time. Derek Walcott is delicious
For the longest while,
actually not till today
did I realise its Bimba not Bimbo.
I’m a little disappointed.
I guess I saw what I wanted to see.
Anyway there’s always something fun there
And there always seems to be something on sale.
Bimba and Lola window. March 24th 2010
Bimba & Lola 350 rue Saint-Honoré
Trying on a pair of red sunglasses
Delacroix in the 19th century
Braques in the 20th
and
Twombly in the 21st
all got to paint a ceiling at the Louvre, Paris.
Cy Twombly being the first American Artist to do so.
Yesterday he was also decorated by the French Government.
A clip of the Twombly ceiling with insets inscribed with the names of leading Greek sculptors active in the 4th century.
A view outside of the the gallery at the Cour Carree where Louis Vuitton holds is Fashion shows.
[I'm wearing] my man’s hat.
No woman, no girl wore a man’s hat
in the colony in those days…
That hat, I never leave it
I have it
this hat
that all by itself makes me whole
I am never without it.
from the movie THE LOVER
While we’re here I’d like to make a small comment on something
that’s bothering me A LOT in movies these days.
PERFECT TEETH.
you know the straight white picket fence
that lots of actresses are going for…
How much more beautiful a mouth like Jane March’s above
It’s a world more attractive, seductive, appealing, sexy….
There I said it.
A little (photographic) gift from Hong Kong. Reminds me of their candle wax shoes
A girl in Paris, September 2007
Chanel SS2010
A trip to Paris is never complete without a peek into Alaia's.
Easily slips on and off, and comfortable too. Boots: Alaia (my latest obsession)
Ja'tovia is an actress, readily equipped to play Nina Simone on film
Photos: Ja'tovia Gary Makeup: Marisha Scott
Umiko at the Delirious Bar St.Lucia, having a good time.
The quote is from the short story “Bernice bobs her hair” by F.Scott Fitzgerald.
I was first interested in Umiko’s belted high waisted pants.
Then this sort of banana girl cotton top.
Then I saw her dancing, really enjoying herself.
Wow!
So the book of short stories should be at your local library
or bookstore. I got mine on kindle.
I was having a good time too.
I sometimes think that the world must think I am perpetually bored.
Me sitting at the bar staring into space.
That’s what it looks like.
But I’m actually having the time of my life.
I’ve always liked looking.
In that I find I have a good time too.
Another woman having a good time.
Bernice from the story bobs her hair.
In the 1920’s this was no free gesture.
For a woman to bob her hair then, took audacity.
You know in the same way that Bukowski says,
“to do a dangerous thing with style…”
A woman bobbing her hair was exactly that.
Imagine that.
I find something very stylish about the woman above.
Considering what she was dealing with,
whom she was speaking to…
A clip of a Cy Twombly painting.
Pop's Covergirl Abby Lee Kershaw in Jason Wu Fall 2010
Anyone interested in fashion should read it here.
Extrodinarily interesting.
I suppose I must have been on to something
with all that Jimi Hendrix ranting last week.
He has a new album out now.
Well we’ve waited a long time.
A performance artist at Moma, March 9th 2010
Last night at MOMA.
Marina Abramovic sitting in a dress that made me think of blood.
Sitting silent, not a word to be uttered.
For THREE whole months, she will remain like that.
I am fascinated by the idea of being a monk in the city.
I think it’s quite hard to be.
NYC probably being the worst place to be one.
Anyway, this body of work makes me uncomfortable
which means I’ll be thinking about it for a while.
At one point while she sat there, across a very gentle man
I felt like:
I was watching a prayer,
I suppose a communion of sorts
They were both so present with each other
as if the 100 or so of us gawking were not even there…
You can go sit with her too at The Museum of Modern Art.
This exhibition is sponsored in part by LVMH.
A view from above.
Rachel Chandler sits with the artist. Rachel said she felt very nervous.
I really like Rachel's blue head scarf next to Marina's red dress.
I waited in line but not long enough
I bumped into one of my favourite people in the whole wide world, the photographer Taryn Simon who said I looked like one long braid in my Rodarte get up and clear Prada shoes.
Other performance artists on the 6th floor.
Marina sitting with the very gentle man.
Another view from above.
Tuileries Paris, Autumn 09
Maxfield's Los Angeles
One kick in the stomach of Obesity - Bam!
Otherwise known as Esteban Cortezar
A little while back I had dinner with Esteban at Anahi in Paris.
It’s an Argentinian restaurant.
Among the many things we giggled about was the naming of kids
in third world countries.
Usnavy or U.S Navy comes via the US Navy ships spotted around the shores of rural Colombia.
It’s pronounced Usnaby.
Another one? Disnay. (Disney)
Anyway we don’t always speak about fashion.
He also recommended I get the music of the Flamenco singer Falete.
Which I did.
Max Kibardin Milano.
Check it out here.
Cecila Cassini at DVF Beverly Hills, March 4th 2010
Cecila Cassini is a dressmaker!
Look here
She wears a dress of her own making on her Singer Sewing Machine
and DVF headband.
and from Cecilia’s blog:
on Monday, January 18, 2010 I wrote a blog called WHAT IS YOUR DREAM ? and after you read and continue reading this post, you will understand why I post it again:
Today I had no school in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr…
I have dreams, too!
I have a dream that there will be no poor children.
I have a dream that all little girls will get to wear dresses if they want to.
I have a dream that all children will be healthy and that all babies will get milk.
I have a dream that all children in Haiti will be okay and that their schools will be rebuilt.
I have a dream that all children will get to learn.
I have a dream that all children will get to pursue their dreams.
What is your dream?
p.s. of course I dream of going back to Paris soon and meeting Karl Lagerfeld! !!!!!
xoxo ciao for now, Cecilia
A girl at Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills March 4th 2010. Art by Damien Hirst.
Words below by: Safiya Sawney
I first heard of Bob Dylan via Jimi Hendrix’s cover of “Along the Watchtower”. Now Hendrix is the kind of musician who simply makes you write whether you want to or not. Thus, after seeing a BBC documentary on the life of Hendrix and having just moved to New York City and sampled the music offerings of the West Village’s Cafe Wha, Terra Blues, Blue Note and Bitter End I felt compelled to capture in writing the gist of the documentary throwing in researched facts of Hendrix’s life where appropriate as if I were on assignment for Rolling Stone or Mojo or Billboard. I typed furiously and edited meticulously this piece on Hendrix which I officially labeled “Alchemy” inspired from a comment by The Who’s Pete Townsend who labeled Hendrix an alchemist at one point in the documentary for the amazing things he did with his restrung, backwards Fender Stratocaster.
Hendrix first and foremost was a guitar player yet at some point he started to sing and both his vocals and guitar playing earned him a spot on “The Experience”. He sold out shows, wooed Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, impressed the Beatles and opened for Mick and the Stones.
Call me crazy but I’d like to think had it not been for the existence of the man they call Bob Dylan, with his folksy rock and story-telling poetry, a raconteur in his own way, then Hendrix wouldn’t have given us such things as:
Will the wind ever remember
The names it has blown in the past
And with his crutch, it’s old age, and it’s wisdom
It whispers no, this will be the last
And the wind cries Mary
and
I said
Stone free do what i please
Stone free to ride the breeze
Stone free i can’t stay
Got to got to got to get away
Yeah ow!
Tear me loose baby
‘Alchemy’ still sits in a folder on my computer unread, unpublished – mine to keep.
Words by: SAFIYA SAWNEY
Hedi Slimane is like a rolling stone
Bob Dylan wrote “Like a rolling stone in 1965″
That song changed the landscape of popular music after the war.
It has been covered by:
Jimi Hendrix
Bob Marley and the Wailers
The Rolling Stones.
Among the many things its about is the
joy of being unshakled,
“when you’ve got nothing you’ve got nothing to lose”
How does it feel?
To be on your own?
A whole biography has been written on the song and it can be bought here.
Or if you can’t afford to, visit your local library, that still works
You can read more of Dylan’s poetry here.
Like a Rolling Stone
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?
People’d call, say, “Beware doll, you’re bound to fall”
You thought they were all kiddin’ you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin’ out
Now you don’t talk so loud
Now you don’t seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal.
How does (more…)
Elizabeth Von Gutman in Dior
With PC Valmorbida, Mr.Chow's LA March 4th 2010
Fly to L.A – check
Have extremely important meeting- check
Take in some art- check
Dinner at Mr.Chow’s – check
Fly back to London office -check
Elizabeth Von Gutman: a working girl’s life…
Elizabeth works for the Advertising Agency: The Saturday Group
Modern Day Peggy of Mad Men!
Warm hues at Giles Deacon
These were the exact colors of my Primary School uniform.
Needless to say, I like it.
Long silk dress by Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture, Silver hand leather belt by Delfina Delettrez, White Maria Capeline by Maison Michel. Model Sessilee Lopez
For more images from this shoot I art-directed, check out the current issue of Lurve Magazine.
The story was inspired by a Yayoi Kusama sculpture of the same name. “Stairway to Heaven”
Three women revisited.
New women looking in the same direction.
Three generations of Missoni. Milan Feb.2010
Margarita Missoni’s Polka dots and Jamaican Tuxedo Birthday party
Giovanna Battaglia, Margarita Missoni, Sara Battaglia
Pop’Africana is an independent magazine based in New York City led by a team of creatives, who pride themselves on delivering
a rejuvenated image of Africa.
Oroma (the editor) is also a blog contributor to Thepop.com.
The two magazines are separate entities and have nothing to do with each other.
We just like each other.
Click here now to watch this woman.
By the way Tocara, I was called broomstick as a girl in the islands.
Skinny and black don’t really like each other.
It didn’t bother me too much, I like myself that’s all that matters.
But a woman with meat on her bones is the ideal where i come from.
Just take a look at any big Caribbean woman and see how they swing their hips.
Just a lovely sight to see.
So I’m really feeling Mark Fast.
New York Time's Stefano Tonchi, Pop's Editor in chief Dasha Zhukova, and Tavi at the Prada Book party in Beverly Hills
“Can you explain to me why you put Tavi on the cover? I mean what’s all the fuss about?”
A friend asked me this last fall when the issue came out. Where do I start? ok:
Because when I introduced Tavi to Richard Prince at the Pop Launch party, not only did she know who he was,
she’d already modeled a homework assignment on one of his nurse paintings,
“This is like one of the moments where I feel I’ll never wash my hands again” she said.
She was equally blown over by Gwen Stefani.
A little girl that passionate about art, that I’ve had the chance to work with – I know exactly what i’ll give her for Christmas.
And I don’t normally do Christmas gifts.
I asked her father for her mailing address. We were sitting at Rodarte’s spring show.
He bent over to her to tell her the good news.
He turned around to me with a smile, ” she says to tell you she loves Richter”
Ok so she can one up me like that. Lovely I love Richter too.a
She seems to be aware of quite a lot of what’s going on in popular culture. Not just who Paris Hilton is but (more…)
Tangerines
Rain
Castor oil.
Church bells at Christmas
Filly new dresses
The slaughter of lamb
Banjos.
Cigarettes before stained teeth
Drip drip of rain, patiently digging through rocks.
Guavas, pink and green
Guava whips, will cut your skin
Guava seeds like pebbles.
Dasheen leaves, yams, tomatoes
The little pepper tree by the kitchen.
Hills of strength,
Hills give strength to legs
To the will
To the soul.
Hills give strength to rivers.
And what is a hill but a rock with some dust, where a seed once fell and grew, to a tree, and the tree fell leaves, and the leaves made soil and the soil beseeched the rain? The rain went back to the sun and then God laughed, in fact he roared with joy and his eyes twinkled, and with the twinkling of his eyes he broke the tree in half.
More mud.
But the parrot came and cried a feather and the ant picked it up and brought it inside the trunk of the tree. The rock breathed and all these things settled.
Roots never die. They told the story for a millennia
And then another. The rock grew to a hill and the hill to a fort.
My mother was born on a fort. My mother was born on a fortress. I was borne by my mother.
My navel was never planted beneath a tree there, but my heart is sprinkled all over the hills of Saltibus, at the nape of all its mountains and at the feet of all its basins, at the trunk of every tree, at the heart of all its stories.
Cockfights, white-rum, Joe-Gum,
Bare feet, red ants, mild sun.
My grand-mother was a rock, my mother is a tree and one day God laughed and twinkled his eyes and the parrot cried a feather. But roots never die, and it’s amazing what roots can bring up.
One day a rock sighed a feather.
The wind will blow things far and wise.
Feathers love to rest.
But wind will always blow.
God has a way of traveling things. A beak could be my bus, a storm could be my train, and though it’s rare, humans can grow wings like planes.
There is no set rhythm to life.
There is no one song to sum it up.
There is no set rhythm to Saltibus.
Though I return there like a hook,
There is not one song to tell you
Why I love it so.
Enjoy, share, but do not attempt to claim!
Photo and Styling: Olympia Scarry
Olympia Scarry at the Soufriere volcano, St.Lucia W.I, Cape Issey Miyake, Photo Neville Wakefield
i had a good time
At club Killer Plastic last night
Her smile is just infectious.
So because of that I was always curious as to who she was.
I found a video of her on Vogue black, and I’ve looked at it
several times because just listening to her and watching her
makes me happy.
You can watch her too here
Sessilee Lopez sits on Richard Prince's "Iron Horse"
Joan Smalls at Prada last night.
Nefertiti on Prada walls a few years ago.
Joan Smalls was born in Puerto-Rico
Joan Smalls can be booked at IMG here.
Who said feathers are only for the night? This woman here wears it early a.m at Michael Kors FW10.
” A very dangerous mouth” as Pat McGrath put it, referring to Prada’s spring 2010 vixen.
glass shoes Prada SS2010
Read the story here at the NY Times.
New anti-tobacco ad from Droits des non fumeurs
It’s causing a lot of controversy.
I’m wondering how effective this could be in preventing teens from smoking.
What do you think?
Chanel Iman Michael Kors SS2010
Franca Sozzani is the Editor of Vogue Italia.
Vogue Italia has only this week launched a website.
Who knew?
I always thought it existed before.
Ms. Sozzani seems dedicated to featuring black models in her magazine.
Naomi Campbell in her POP interview last fall, commended Ms.Sozzani on her [bravery.]
I say bravery since it seems like the industry fears using more than a certain number of black models at any given time.
In July 2008 she did four different Vogue Covers with four black models: Naomi Campbell, Jourdun Dunn, Sessilee Lopez and Liya Kebede.
On the Vogue.it website is a whole section called Vogue Black that features black models, writers, actors, singers ect.
Some of the talent featured so far are: Jamaican model Sedene Blake, Tolula Adeyemi,Grace Jones and the Brooklyn based writer Colson Whitehead who by the way just got nominated for the PEN/Faulkner Prize.
Anyway take a peek at Vogue Black here on the Vogue Italia website.
You will also like Vogue Curvy.
Crystal chandelier dress: Prada
To read about some of the women who have gone through the roof check out the current issue of POP.
Condolezza Rice
Louise Bourgoeois
Joan Burnstein
and
Dr.Sarah Churchwell
to name a few.
I few posts down, I quoted Marc Jacobs. That quote was taken from the N.Y Post which was quoted from style.com.
The little problem is that it wasn’t Marc Jacobs who said the deal about celebrities at his show it was Marc Jacobs President
Robert Duffy. How could the NY Post not get that right?
It’s not the first time I’ve caught them in a false report either, or the second time for that matter…
A dress by Marc by Marc
Are we coming out of the trenches
or are we going in?
I’m suddenly reminded that
we are a country at war.
How do we explain this
war chic?
And I have a feeling there will be more of it to come.
BELOW IMAGES OF MICHAEL KORS, MARC BY MARC and DENNIS BASSO
Go to school
pull your socks up
close your laptops
buckle up
roll your sleeves down
hike your pants up
tie your waists
AND PRAY!
tie your waists at Michael Kors
buckle up @ Michael Kors
TRANSLATION: Culture Club: Persian Style
London’s newly opened hot spot destination for “members only” where east meets west
“The idea is of an old train in motion, inspired by 60’s Britain with subtle influences from the Silk Road” explains Farhad Farman-Farmaian, Managing Director of the Beauchamp Club in London. The new private members club on Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge lies behind an unmarked door with no number nor name on the outside. Enter into a whole new world of interiors and influences from all over: a sophisticated European Orientalist vision accompanied by a unique soundtrack with Bob Dylan, Curtis Mayfield, Nino Rota and Billie Holiday. Warhol and Frank prints hang on the walls amidst old family photos paying tribute to Farman-Farmaian’s noble Persian heritage. Founding Members include Agnelli’s, Getty’s and Santo Domingo’s. When not dining on Mediterranean and Persian cuisine and experimenting with prosecco and pomegranate Bellinis, members can enjoy the lectures, readings, classic film screenings, and musical performances curated under the watchful eye of its esteemed Cultural Advisory Council including world renowned architect Zaha Hadid and Swiss art gallerist Bruno Bischofberger.
Mr. Farmaian, how does a non member enjoy these delights?
It’s all so lovely, I was fortunate to taste a bowl of pasta before the club opened (one of the best), and sampled some of the music too…
There should be a way to have interesting and interested non members visit…
All of these dresses are one of a kind pieces found only at Miu Miu 57th street.
Which means you’ll never walk into another soul, ever, ever wearing the same thing.
I imagine it would also be too difficult to replicate.
That said these are dresses for the confident and fun loving woman.
Go ahead knock yourself out.
How happy are Brazilians!
Red lipstick, full eyebrows and a hat. Simple and elegant
A young woman at the Band of Outsiders presentation Feb.13th 2010
We wouldn't want to upset Mr.Klitchko, seen here seriously discussing art.
Beginning Aug.1st, the Transportation Security Administration will begin inspecting art crates on commercial flights.
Do I see a new job here? Airport art security…
Lancome Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
I recieved this product with my L’wren Scott Fashion show invitation along with some other things.
I was quite amazed last night when I took off my FASHION FOR RELIEF HAITI makeup.
One swoop and it was gone.
I 100% recommend this product, satisfaction guaranteed.
Margarita Missoni at New York's Amfar Gala Feb.10th 2010
I think Fabiola's one of the most stylish and creative women I know.
In Page Six today(necessary reading in the morning)
Marc Jacobs is quoted: (later discovered the post was wrong, it was actually said by Robert Duffy)
“We used to have all the celebrities and people there,[his show] and I think that at that moment in time, that’s what people loved. It generated so much press and at a certain point it was like, ‘Did anybody actually watch the show?’
I think Mr.Arnault is on the same page: “Bling went out of fashion…” he says. (WSJ)
TA DA!
In the ladies room at the Mark Hotel
Elle Muliarchyk hard at work. Though I think she might be on the wrong side of the camera.
Take a look at some of Elle’s work here.
Elle Decor's Carlos Mota tries on a shade of red.
And the girls follow suit. Nadine Johnson, Elizabeth Von Gutman, Alexia Niedelski
Rachel Chandler at Interview Magazine's party. Feb.9th 2010
I recommend:
Run this town: Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West
Many moons: Janel Monae
Jungle Jay: Olu Dara, Nas
And cause I heard it at the Prada store the other day: Get By: Talib Kweli
Let's hear it for New York! Interview Magazine kicks it off at The Hudson Hotel.
What'd you say Gov.Patterson?
Don't speak. Act!!!
P.S I don’t understand people who speak in a loud disco…I just can’t hear what you’re saying.
Chances are I won’t remember either.
If the music’s loud, don’t speak, just dance.
xxs.
"Three women looking in the same direction"
I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more.
No, I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more.
Well, I wake in the morning,
Fold my hands and pray for rain.
I got a head full of ideas
That are drivin’ me insane.
It’s a shame the way she makes me scrub the floor.
I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more. (more…)
Showing for only two weeks.
Michael Wright plays the role he was born to play.
No one can do Miles Davis like Mike can.
Starring: Michael Wright, Marcus Naylor, Stacey Dotson, Ellen Martin. Directed by: Chuck Patterson
Hope it turns to a movie.
Buy tickets here.
He's been M.I.A, but hopefully this is just a tease.
AND YOU CAN LISTEN HERE. TOO.
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2010
Just discovered this, enjoy here.
Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2010
Quote from the Wall Street Journal Feb.5th 2010
That said, Louis Vuitton realised an increase in profits.
Go Marc Jacobs go!
Photo: Rey Gost, Hair: Soween, necklace: Pebbles, bra: Alaia, skirt: Issey Miyake,
words by Major Lazer, model: Sessilee Lopez photo: Richard Prince
Just go see the play. That’s all I have to say about that. You can’t speak about it you have to FEEL it.
BUY TICKETS HERE.
shoes: miu miu
Painting by: A. Gossman
Richard Prince and Sessilee Lopez (Cowgirlfriend)
Quote from: Crick, Crack Monkey
Merle Hodge is a Trinidadian Novelist.
like a rolling stone... (bob dylan)
Richard Prince and his cowgirl-friend.
“I’VE BEEN TORN UP INSIDE
BUT STILL I RISE
I’VE THE WILL TO SURVIVE”
Lyrics from SOLDIER OF LOVE by Sade.
DON’T FORGET TO READ SADE’S INTERVIEW IN POP MAGAZINE.
Photo: Rey Gost, Top: Issey Miyake, Hair: Soween Brooklyn
Quote from Cowboys by Richard Prince. Model: Kelly @ Ford Models
cowboys and africans A SAFARI STATE OF MIND
Abby Lee and Richard Prince (Cowgirlfriend)
They apparently jump like dolphins too.
A still from 'La Dolce Vita'
Billy Nigel of ELEMENTS OF A CYNICAL UNION photo by Oroma
Last night I had dinner with Oroma!
Oroma of PopAfricana.
Exciting.
Oroma will now be a POP partner at PopWorld!
Anyway I found her article about this band ELEMENTS OF A CYNICAL UNION on her blog.
Read the article here.
ODE TO BETH.
This quote from Beth at bethostylista
Dear Beth,
It also makes me think of Dorothy. Click Click.
shoes: Chanel Spring Haute Couture
Such elegance.
Check out his song and video here.
And while we’re here:
Did you know that Carsten Holler, him of the Double Club can gyrate his hips exactly like a Congolese?
Here is a response from another reader,
Oh Shala – I knew Gaga in her pre-superstar days. She performed burlesque shows in the East Village with her partner then, Lady Starlight. I’d never met anyone quite like her before and I’ve had my share of NY’s colorful characters. At our first meeting she was extremely pleasant and though shy in speech quite loud in fashion. She attached a bra to the outside of a faux-ballet dress, her feet were adorned with shoes, mock vintage, and whose heels had seen better days. I inquired about her fashion and her music and was moved by the intensity of her passion, drive and dedication that was so forcefully apparent as she spoke. Her performance consisted of about 4 or 5 songs with an intermission between a pair of songs where she and her 2 backup dancers would undergo an elaborate costume change – though a glance around the sparsely filled room (10-15 people) would have one wondering why she would go through the trouble. Even before the fame, the hit records, the fans, the fashion blogs, the photo-spreads, the magazine covers there was always GaGa and her art. It is not always what one achieves but how one achieves. . . . and so here’s to GaGa and her uncanny ability to find pleasure in the things that are not so ordinary.
At Museum of Contempory Art Los Angeles
Performing with Francesco Vezzoli: "The shortest ballet you'll never see again"
I’d like to add here that I’ve been to a few Galas, and I’m sorry if I’ll offend anyone but usually people are interested in their own show. Mostly looking at their watches wondering when they’ll get the hell out of there.
But Lady Gaga got on stage and the whole room, about 1000 people, shut up and didn’t speak for the duration of the performance. Not many people can command that sought of attention. It felt almost like a dream.
And Betho, you don’t have to agree with me we can have a conversation…
A still from a Warhol film that was on view at the Graz Art Museum, Austria last fall.
I’ve put up this image because I read that Mr. McQueen is inspired by Warhol.
Now back to the point about him being sexy.
Any man who can focus on a drop of water dangling, glistening, conjuring images of of bodily fluids as it hangs on the tip of a barren branch must be sensitive.
And of course sexiness comes out of sensitivity.
The frame of which I speak comes from his video installation “Giardini” that I missed at the 53rd International Art Exhibition of the Venice Bienale. A little secret, I don’t see much art then. Too overwhelming.
Luckily for me, the show is now on view at the Marianne Goodman Gallery in New York until March 6th. The good side of seeing it now is that there aren’t any lines, as there was in Venice and so it’s usually just you and Mr.McQueen’s video ramblings.
Also on view is another piece by the artist titled, “Static, 2009″ which is a continuous rotating view of the Statue of Liberty shot from a helicopter. At times it made me recall 9/11, the opening scene of La Dolce Vita where the statue of Jesus hovers over Rome, suspended by a helcopter, with the chopping sounds of its rotor blades. This sound also makes me think of the doom of Apocolypse now and yet it is Lady Liberty we are looking at, who seems to be at times spinning, dizzy, and at times static.
It makes me think, and men who can make women think are sexy.
That’s my point.
Giardini 2008 and Static, 2009
Marianne Goodman Gallery
24 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
GAGA THE AVATAR
DEAR WORLD,
WE ARE NOT AFRAID.
We will keep creating beauty no matter how many planes fall from the sky.
I mean she makes me gasp.
I can’t breathe,
I love her for what she’s wearing here.
Where do I start?
Clothes and Art. That seems to be the question floating around the ether these days. Is fashion art? I think it sometimes can be. I went to see the Madeleine Vionet exhibition at the Musee Decoratif in Paris last week, and she is quoted as saying, “I discovered dressmaking is an art.” I can agree with that only if the dress maker is an artist, because not all of them are. In this case I think the wearer of these fantastic things is the artist. Lady Gaga. Oh Gaga I think you are an Avatar. She is definitely a Marchesa Casati. Both muses come down to give us light, to stop our breaths, to make us pause and change our minds. What better way to forget about recession or terrorists, though briefly than to be awed by the presence of such a muse? There are many ways to fight a war and Gaga makes us forget about such lowly humans as terrorists. In that way she kills their intention. DEAR PEOPLE WE ARE NOT AFRAID. We will keep creating beauty no matter how many planes fall from the sky.
Marchesa Luisa Casati
The sprinkling of GAGA dust seems to float everywhere. Chanel Haut Couture
Detail of a painting by the french symbolist: Gustave Moreau
Valentino Haute Couture
I met Brigitte in Doha.
It was at a reception for the premiere of the first ever Tribeca Film Festival there.
She was circling round and round with her leica camera. She was immediately striking, eyeing everything in sight.
We met again the next day on a trip to the falcon farm. Then we saw a movie together. Then I saw her in LA for the Moca Gala.
She completely fascinates me as she is a woman living her passion while it supports her, travelling the world taking photos.
Brigitte Lacombe is definitely a POP ICON.
For more on Brigitte take a look at her website here
Madame Lacombe, hard at work.
Brigitte often works on film sets. Here a shot of Ava Green hard at work.
As well as working as a travel photographer for Conde Nast Traveller, Miss Lacombe also does advertising.
One of her many travel photos
All you POP fans,
Those who loved all that POP paper and all that flare
check out POP’s Art Director Olu Michael Odukoya’s selection of photos downstairs as well.
Art love and everyday life.
xxs
Like Ali in the Jungle, like Nelson in jail…like ludwig van how I love that man, how the guy went deaf… and didn’t give a fuck!
OH NO OH!
Photo: Rey Gost for Pop Magazine, Dress: Prada, Lyrics: from Ali in the jungle by "THE HOURS"
Friday night at Gagosian Gallery on Madison Avenue, Damien Hirst’s show “End of an Era” drew a magnificent crowd.
Lines to the elevator went out the building, and it was really a sight to see load after load spilling out as the bell clincked and doors opened.
Oh my, it’s Mick Jagger, Bono, James Franco, Diana Picasso, Peter Brant, Richard Prince, Daphne Guinness, Nicola Vassel,
Takashi Murakami, I could go on for quite a while here. Outside it was a nice and frosty 12 degrees fahrenheit, but that didn’t
stop the legions of curious public from all over the city, and for that matter the world from seeing what one of the world’s best artists,
(my opinion) had to show.
“End of an Era” is on at Gaosian till March 6th.
Painful Memories/Forgotten Tears, 2008
Damien and Milly
Polar Star, 2006
Stacy Engman wearing Chanel and a lovely hairdo.
A beaming Andy Avini, don't let that bright smile decieve you, Andy literally holds up the Gallery.
Victoria Gelfand, sealing a deal.
Damien Hirst hard at work
There were many babies taking in the art as well.
Damien and megafan.
Later at the Boom Boom Room:
Young Petey Brant/ One to watch on the fashion and cultural scene, stay tuned.
Ron Delsener, Mr.Music Man and Wise Guy
Inga Rubenstein and Ronnie Madra
Happy People: Damien Hirst, Sandy Heller, Takashi Murakami
Ant from the band THE HOURS and Mega-Gallerina Victoria Gelfand
Hirst fans. Oh and yes that is James Franco
More Hirst fans
Francesco Bonami and Nicola Vassel
Prima-Gallerina Valentina Castelliani
The irreplaceable Toni Shafrazi
Charles and Olya Thompson and Maria Baibakova crisp out of Moscow
Other Mega-Gallerina Millicent Wilner and Artist Rachel Feinstein
And thank God it can breathe.
And here’s a comment from my favourite readers about this badass shewolf:
I’ve always been a fan of Kelis. Incidentally we share the same hairstylist. She inspired me to finally chop of my curly fro for a shorter do and imagine all kinds of “metallic-esque” shades for my hair. When I first heard the grungy punk repetition of “I hate you so much right now, I hate you so much right now, Aaaaarrrrghhhh” in between hip-hop beats off the single “caught out there” from her first album kaleidoscope I found the album’s title appropriate not only for the inclusion of the aforementioned dope song but simply Kelis herself. A wonderful confusion. So when I first saw this outfit though the first thing that came to my mind was “wow, her body’s amazing” the hook of “caught out there” immediately came to mind. I would like to think the outfit was inspired by the McQueen shoes and thus I still have love for Kelis. . .
Let freedom reign!
I confess
I love that which caresses me. - Sappho
Dress: Valentino. Gargoyle earrings: Delfina Delettrez, Photo: Gilles Bensimon
Let me tell a story about the white Valentino dress.
Last fall, in Paris, I sat next to one of the most deliciously, intelligent, and splendidly dressed gentlemen at the Miu Miu dinner in Paris. Ahhhh. I melt with the memory. It was delicious for me because we got to speak about why we wear the things we wear when we wear them. It’s not as shallow as it sounds… You could learn some things in conversations like that. Like the fact that Burano in Venice, is where all the lace is made as opposed to Murano where all the glass is made… Any way we got to the topic of where lace is made, because in Venice last summer, during the biennale, the one thing I got myself was a lace collar that I HAD to buy, because it reminded me of my mother. I wore it to Dasha’s birthday party…
But this gentleman was making the point that certain things in our memories especially from our childhood has an effect on the choice of things we wear from day to day… subconsciously. My example being this collar that I pinned with a safety pin whilst wearing only a bustier, only because I had to buy it (because it reminded me of my mother) and because I had to wear it; NOW! My mother is also guilty of such things, like wearing the same dress two days in a row. Her reasoning being, “ I love this dress so much, what if I die tomorrow…” I swear her EXACT words.
Anyway the crotchet part conjured up things like, I’m named Shala, because (more…)
Goodbye Mr.Salinger, with much respect to a master of the art of literature: J.D Salinger may your star burn bright...
“An artist’s only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else’s. “
Chanel Iman @ Dior Haut Couture today.
Can’t tell you, but Pop seems to be be able the grab the future by the horns, like a real cowboy. Yee haw…of things to come.
Marc Jacobs after receiving the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres/Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. Paris France January 22nd 2010
Screaming children, it’s such a lovely sound. It takes me back to my school days, when I got back home, my plaid overalls, and orange poplin shirt dirty as hell. I now look at this dirty little girl I was as sign that I had a childhood well lived. I was definitely a screaming, running, skipping, happy child.
Screaming children is what I hear outside my hotel room in Paris. It’s not even sunny, it’s grey as a London fog day, but I can hear the peals of laughter joyously penetrating through the sealed windows.
The bell rings.
Silence
Photo: Victor Demarchellier, Hat: Prada, DreAnn Demeulemeester, Shoes, White Kitten Brooch: Miu Miu, Teddy Bear: Gucci
Today Dasha and I went to Googleplex J
We were graciously welcomed by Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt.
First things first, we were fed, a delicious Mexican meal. At Googleplex as it is affectionately called, there are about 14 different eateries. That does not include what “Googlers” call micro kitchens, that can be found every 100 feet. It’s founders Sergey Brin and Lawrence Page believe that staff should never be hungry, as a hungry googler is not efficient. In addition to the micro kitchen Dasha and I helped our selves to frozen yogurt in wafer cones. Apparently there is a genius pastry chef at one of its kitchens, who makes devilish crème brule and croissants. Are you getting the drift here, Googlers are happy people.
So happy that Andrew, who gave us a tour of Googleplex, in reasoning the 3 minute response time he is allotted to address a problem (it used to be 24 hours) ecstatically exclaims, “we love our users.” I would be in a good mood too if I could play volleyball at work, get a massage, learn to salsa or dance hip-hop or listen to performers such as John Legend in the summer at google’s outside café. Imagine that the masseuse could have a chat with one of google’s lead economists at lunch. Mr. Schmidt explains that ideas often come from unexpected places and therefore the democratic stance of Googleplex is really its driving force.
Google’s 20% time is a prime example of how its philosophy only helps to push the company forward. Engineers are allowed to work at other departments that they are passionate about 20% of their time. That’s how gmail was developed. Its author developed it in his 20% time.
What about Google’s users? At several points on the complex there is a screen that shows in real time what the world is searching. One interesting inquiry: “what are they dropping my blood in at donation.” I’m going to Google that as well. There is also a program called “Geo Display”. It’s a rotating globe that shows in real time where searches are originating. The ones that stood out were South America, as it seems no one in the Amazon uses the Internet and so it’s a dark spot on the globe. Africa is still literally a dark continent as far as Google goes, there seems to be almost no inquires coming from there either. It would appear that Africa is the one place in the populated world with no technological rays of light.
All in all we’re talking about a 14-year-old company started by two Stanford University PhD students. In such a short space of time it has created a revolutionary culture in the corporate world starting with two employees and just 14 years later becoming a worldwide corporation with close to 20 thousand HAPPY employees. It seems like the sun never sets on Google. And as Andrew said in reference to playing volleyball in the cold, “we herd the nerds!”
I don't really know anyone who loves commuting to any job. But after going to Googleplex i understand why. There was apparently a point when staff would even sleep in their cubicles
Dasha takes a spin on one of the bicycles used for commuting between buildings
Google's outdoor cafe where a different band performs every day in the summer.
The Geo Display. To the left South America and on the right the dark continent Africa.
A view out the window
All clothing Cynthia Rowley
Dress Cythia Rowley
The last thing I want to do is glamourise Colton Harris Moore.
But there is something to be said of a teen stealing three planes who’s never flown before. (among other things, boats too…)
And the police can’t catch him?
Read here at Time Magazine for the full story.
Words can only hurt you if you try to read them. Don't play their game.
Pop editors hard at work, with the only true fashion legend, Derek Zoolander and the SUPER-NOVA-STAR Fernita.
Rügenfigur 2009 neon and black paint 24 x 145.5 x 4 inches (61 x 369.6 x 10.2 cm) Ed. of 3
Off book: works by Glenn Ligon now on display at Regen Projects, Los Angeles.
I can’t wait to tell you the story of the red suitcase.
But that will have to wait till the next issue of POP Magazine comes out.
Check back here in February.
Meanwhile,
Hold your breath.
helen of the west!
красный чемодан or The case of the red suitcase
By the way I hated the movie “Nine” what a waste of Daniel Day Lewis.
Helpineedhelp products can be purchased here.
Dress: Marni, Glasses: made in china...photo: Victor Demarchellier for shala.thepop.com
EXERCISE
Want to live longer, with a happier, healthier life? Start exercising…
It reduces the incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure.
It can reduce the risk of recurrent breast cancer and lower the risk of colon cancer.
It’s more effective at combating depression than anti-depressants among a long list of things.
Don’t take my word for it read it here in the Wall Street Journal.
GOOGLE PHONE
Google now sells a new version of its googlephone. The Nexus One.
Read here what the NY Times has to say. Also read here at the Huffington Post to see some other readers comments.
I’m curious to know what readers think.
MORE WHITEHOUSE CRASHERS?
Excuse me but what’s going on with the White House?
I never got the impression that one could just swing on by for a beer.
Is there something I’m missing?
Laeticia Crahay (left) All accessories by Chanel. Head piece: Maison Michel
Laeticia Crahay is the accessories designer for Chanel and Maison Michel.
Anyone who knows Laetitia, knows she has the energy of a comet.
Any conversation she has will include elaborate gesticulations, waving of hands ect.
Imagine that she bumps into this woman who was covered in accesories created by her, spanning about five years.
What happens is she jumps up and down in the highest heels, like a kid.
Look at them, can you blame her?
Photo: Victor Demarchellier for shala.thepop.com, Dress: Hussein Chalayan, Sunglasses: Thierry Lasry, Shoe: Miu miu
Derek Walcott is the second St.Lucian citizen to win a Nobel prize.
The first was Sir Arthur Lewis who won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1979.
Anyway, these two events coming from an island with a population of 160.000 people has left me and many other St.Lucians with the idea that we can achieve anything…
But back to the quote: “and when he left the beach, the sea was still going on.” It comes from Dereck Walcott’s epic poem “Omeros” for which he won the Nobel Prize for literature.
The line makes me think that, we are born, we look around, we die; but nature keeps doing what nature does. Life goes on.
When I first read that line, I thought it was the most brilliant thing I’d read. I had to read the whole book to get that, as it is the last line in the story.
P.S I wanted to add that I am so very fortunate that I didn’t have to look up to “John Plus Eight makes Cake” or what ever its called.
America give us proper idols please!
Photo: Victor Demarchellier for: shala.thepop.com, Hat: Prada, Glasses: Virgin Megastore, Book: The House of Mirth, Dress: Miu miu, Feather duster: at stores near you.
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth….
Calvin Klein store window at Madison Avenue New York.
Here is an email I received from Linda at The Hat Shop.
It’s a forwarded message from Jo Fidgen who interviewed Joseph for the BBC.
Hi Linda, Funny things just happened. Someone contacted the BBC saying she’d like to help with Joseph’s education fund. I forwarded her your address (I hope you don’t mind) – and it turns out she knows you. An occasional customer of yours called Katie…
Also, a station called WNYC called this evening to arrange to do an interview about Joseph… They’re planning to play a couple of clips of Joseph and then talk to me briefly about the flying lesson. Joseph will be here – perhaps they’ll interview him too.
Will try to find out about the school details tomorrow. I think Florence has set up an email account now – perhaps I could put her directly in touch with you?
Happy holidays.
Jo
Because of that dazzling sparkle in her eyes.
Because she has so much spunk walking down the runway, that if she had her head covered with a paper bag I could tell it was her just from her swagger.
I’d like to see a walk off between her and Miss Campbell.
Because she is not another drone stuck on a conveyor belt…
Because she is memorable.
KARLIE KLOSS BETTER WERQUE.
Karlie Kloss for Marc Jacobs.
Here’s an email I just recieved from Linda at The Hat Shop
It was very special to listen to Joseph with you last week. At the last minute they aired the follow up story this morning. Awesome. I am in the process of gathering information so I can set up a scholarship fund for his boarding school fees etc.
Joseph Banda had to walk for two hours everyday to get to school, and two hours to get back home, until Linda helped get him a bicycle.
There’s nothing you can’t do
now that you’re in New York.
“Shawn Jay Z Carter”
"Empire State of Mind" by Jay Z feat.Alicia Keys. Dress: Prada, Brooch: Miu miu, Hat: The Hat Shop
Here is a comment I recieved from Safiya in response to a recent post.
“Let’s hear it for New York!”
Whats not to love?[New York]…. passing both actresses Naomi Watts and Parker Posey within 5 mins of each other on a crowded Soho street. Bumping into Mickey Rourke and tall blonde girlfriend while exiting the IKEA Brooklyn…realizing that Mark Ronson does indeed come into your part of Brooklyln…discovering that the best and cheapest vintage stores are right next door to your apartment building if you look hard enough enjoying your cousin’s amazing rendition of broadway classics on a west village stage, sneaking into free John Mayer concerts because the door guy thinks you’re cute, never having to wait in line at your frequented nightclub or perhaps that waitress at the cute little French place that always remembers your order and escorts you pass the long line on a crowded Sunday brunch day – even if you’re nobody special. But best of all finding out that fashion is not exactly whats advertised by the many overly detailed shopping windows but is as a result of a subtle somehow subliminal meshing together of many inspirations on a day out in this dynamic mecca I call home ….. for now.
photo: Victor Demarchellier for shala.thepop.com, turban and gloves vintage, blouse: miu miu, skirt: prada
I mean the movie “Nine”.
So far all the reviews I’ve read this morning, top of my list is the New York Post. Words like “tacky”, “clumsy” and “mediocre” were in that review. I won’t repeat what the NY Times had to say.
My main interest is Daniel Day Lewis, so I will still see it.
Otherwise I always wondered why anyone would want to touch a film that was already perfect.
Nine is based on Fellini’s master piece 81/2. If you haven’t seen it, its really a deep surrealist intropection on the director’s psyche, but done in the most stylish way.
It is such a work of art that one can take any still or scene and it would still be captivating…
But I love all the actors so I will take a look anyway, in spite of what the critics say.
photo: Victor Demarchellier for shala.thepop.com, dress and shoes: miu miu, gloves: George Rech
President of the world...
I know I’ve posted this little boy’s story before but he is so filled with joy, though his village is dirt poor. And he is a dreamer, he wants to fly, he doesn’t want to be President of his country, he’d rather be a pilot and fly the president… “it happens” he says, without a drop of doubt. I’m sure he will be one day.
The interviewer from the BBC who had this conversation with him has already taken him on a small plane ride, and ofcourse he was over the moon.
I will keep you updated on his next interview with the BBC.
frontpage of popafricana blog
Thula Neka, a South African model featured on Popafricana
Nigerian born New Yorker, Oroma Elewa is the founder and Editor of Pop’Africana. She is also a photographer and contributes to the editorial pages of the Magazine. Oroma Shares her time between New York, Abuja and Dar es Salaam- a costal city she finds, feeds her creativity. Oroma posses an eye for visual quality and she is serious about redefining the image of Africa with Pop’Africana. Armed with a background in fashion, she is quickly emerging as one-to-be-watched.
Please note there is no relation between Pop Magazine and Popafricana. It’s just something I discovered and thought was really cool!
photo: Victor Demarchellier for shala.thepop.com dress Rodarte, shoes miu miu, hat prada, gloves vintage, sunglasses Thierry Lasry
Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte were announced as one of the 50 recipients of the 2009 United States Artists Fellowships on Monday, December 14th.
Fresh mint at the market
Margarita Missoni at GBV Studio in Paris
Giambatista Valli hard at work
The garden at the Hotel Ryad Madani
GBV Mood board
accessories
Hard at work with Giamba and Anne McNally
spring summer 2010 collection
spring summer 2010 collection
MARRAKECH PART II
This summer I watched Bernado Bertolucci’s, “The Sheltering Sky.” I cannot explain here how this movie affects my life. Life, like Kandinsky, is full of circles. In any case I saw this movie after I had been to Marrakech. It’s where I met Giambatista Valli for the first time through a mutual friend, Carlos Mota who’s a style editor for Elle Décor.
The first thing Giambatista did was, order us mint tea while sitting on the crowded side of the Café Des Epices, in the center of the Medina. Morrocan mint tea, it’s served cold, and very sweet, often in a small, decorated glass; Morrocco is full of details. I mention mint because when I first promised in Paris to explain to you the reason there was so much green in his collection, it is due to the ever present mint, and it is fresh mint, Emerald green! There is lots of green to be seen, like date palm leaves, like olives, like orange trees, like all the green you can find in the dessert. I had no idea. I hardly ever research a city before I visit. I’ve said before, I’m lazy. Actually I did google it but my mind still thought desert meant orche, not verdant.
In the middle of the Medina, in the middle of my hotel, Ryad Madani, is an extremely lush garden. It reminded me of home (St.Lucia). Outside of my room – banana trees, bougainvillia, palms and cypress trees just to name a few. And so Giamba’ as I now call him because he is a darling, in the desert, saw lots of trees; hence the green in the collection.
And there was Picasso too.
We all had breakfast one morning where Giamba took me to a nook at the top of his villa and showed me the snow capped Atlas mountains. It sucked the wind out of me. He then brought me over to a dainty little table shaded by honeysuckle vines. Breakfast here includes, in addition to flat bread, fresh coffee, fruit and tea – fervent discussion. Everyone had a book or the paper, about six of us. I was happy to just listen because I don’t come across this thing in New York often. Smooth transition from Italian, to French, to English, Arabic, like music… One gentleman was reading poetry, the other an Egyptian newspaper, Giamba going over a copy of a certain Picasso book of late paintings. Ever so politely one would stop and remark on something that moved them and so the breakfast went. The silences were most delicious.
To be continued…
and so I went to THE HAT SHOP.
Linda is the sales woman there, and what a delight she is.
The thing is I’m beginning to have a problem with Department stores, only because its too stimulating… I digress.
Amid her many stories, one of them explaining why the Mad Hatter is so called, she excused herself to make a very important phonecall.
I need to call this journalist she said, and I said fine because I really felt at home at the little shop and didn’t mind, it was also evil cold outside.
Her call was to the BBC about Joseph Banda. Listen here. Joseph reminded me a bit of Amelia Earhart.
Here’s our little interview recorded on my iphone.
Hat: The Hat Shop, Dress: Rodarte for Target (only $39.99) Watch: Prada.
Linda: After I heard the story I sent the BBC an email, they sent an email to the reporter, she got back to me and said that several people had asked, you know how they could help but nobody really knew what to do. Then because I had experience with the Thorntree Project in Kenya I started to put together a long-term strategy for Joseph because he is definitely going to need help, as he gets older. (more…)
CLICK HERE. LISTEN TO JOSEPH BANDA’S VOICE.
I WILL LATER TELL YOU MY STORY CONCERNING THIS.
AT THE HAT SHOP, THOMPSON STREET NYC
This Russian beauty wears: chloe sweater, missoni scarf,ysl bracelet.
Standing next to the Russian beauty is Arturo Di Modica the man who made the world famous "Wall Street Bull" sculpture.
What’s not to love about New York?
Thank you good good lord, that Sade is back.
To hear the song, listen here.
Andre, creator of the music standing above the fire in STYLE.
Style is the answer to everything.
Music with the kind generosity of Rey Gost.
A vintage Chanel clutch at Vintage Paris.
I was feeling adventurous.
By that I mean,I felt like walking the Marais with no specific goal.
It’s a wonderful thing to do. There are wonderful shops to discover like VINTAGE PARIS, which has a great selection of old pieces from Chanel, Hermes and Gucci to name a few.
I also discovered another shop that I OVER THE MOON recommend: CHRISTOPHE LEMAIRE.
It turns out he designs for LaCoste, but his little store has some very exquisite clothing made mostly in Japan with some of the best fabrics you you’ll ever touch or lay eyes on.
Back to the getting lost story. Don’t go to the Marais between 5pm-7pm if you don’t know how to take the subway, or bus, if you don’t have a driver or don’t speak french too well.
YOU WILL NEVER GET A TAXI!!!!! They exist. They just stare you right in the face, like cows, wide eyed. Long story short they don’t like driving in Marais traffic at these hours.
One little lesson learnt in Paris.
This left me with one of the many times where I hated France!
But I’ll always love Paris. (It’s a case of true love)
I have a nice little sleeping pill story from Paris which i’ll write about on one of my nights of insomnia.
Back to the story sorry. I’m used to taxis fighting to pick me up in New York. Except on rare occasion where they pass me by and pick up a white passenger.
There I just wish them the worst things in hell. They deserve it.
I have another such story (not a taxi driver) just someone who drove their car into me. I shake at the memory of it. (I will tell that one too) but that person must be dead now or suffering really badly cause I wished him something worse than hell.
So let’s end on a lighter note.
I finally got picked up after waiting for two hours.
It was raining, just so i’ll have a nicer image for my story.
I ended up at a vintage magazine shop, I don’t remember the name now.
But I did discover some wonderful things, like this sentence from one of the many people I desparately called for advice on how to deal with being lost in the Marais.
“WHY DON’T YOU GO TO ALAIA, BUY A PAIR OF SHOES AND THEY’LL BE SURE TO GET YOU A TAXI.”
Sounds practical no?
What I am concerned with here is the exact symmetry of my legs with his. who's copying whom? In this instance I'd say it is I. I walked up to this lovely man eating his ice-cream. I suppose the capirinha must have readied me for mimicking. "... the truer the facts the better the fiction..." VW
“A good dinner is of great importance to good talk. One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
Or maybe I had dined well…
Quotes from: a room of one’s own by Virginia Wolf.
Comments please.
Please see my post on hats below.
Photos Life Magazine.
Kusama sculptures at the Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Miami Florida USA
Open 7 days except when I tried to drive through.
Maurizio Cattelan at the Rubel Collection in Miami
Cattelan, in better days. Athens, Greece 2008
Not naming names on this one. Sorry. But this is Todd Eberle's hat...
The art-dealer, Toni Shafrazi making a sale.
The W Hotel's Aby Rosen busts some moves.
Alberto Mugrabi and friend
Derek, I'm dying to know what you said to Diana.
Aaron Young and his dealer, Almene Rech
In an earlier post with Irina Lazareanu, I’d said “Beautiful people have brains too”…
As you can see they are all the same image manipulated digitally. It’s interesting how color and light can change the appearance of the same subject. Can this be an analogy applied to other aspects of life.
Isn’t there a line in a song that says: “Accentuate the possitive, eliminate the negative…”?
The shadows make the first image much more menacing, and when those shadows are “given light” then it seems like that “person” is now afraid rather than one that causes fear. But its still the same image…
I saw ”Men who stare at goats” this weekend. It stars George Clooney, Ewan McGregor and Jeff Bridges.
About the movie: I just don’t understand… except it reminded me of Jimi Hendrix’s “Rainbow Bridge”.
If you’re curious, that way inclined or have a lot of time on your hands, take a look at these two movies and report back to me. I’d love to discuss it.
I'm still staring at the goat... this one's actually a sheep, but in the spirit of the movie...everythings hazy you know what i'm getting at?
Because my mother sent this poem to me via email.
Because my mother stopped school at age 9.
Because I recited this poem at school, and my mother never heard it, cause she was busy, working…
Because it’s on the wall of my secondary school.
Because Maya Angelou…
Because
STILL I RISE.
by Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
A line from a song by Boubaka Traore/ Karkar. It’s from the film Je Chanterai Pour Toi by Jaques Sarasin, presented by Jonathan Demme.
A still of KarKar from the movie, "I sing for you"
“We don’t fall in love by accident” Karkar
“Immigrant even if you come from a great family, the people around here know nothing of your fame and fortune.” Karkar
I saw this film on Time Warner Cable, OnDemand. Try it out if you have any interest.
I think, that within the next 5 years, head coverings (hats, turbans, ect) will make a nice big splash of a comeback in women’s fashion.
model at Hussein Chalayan SS/10
Maria Bell, Moca Trustee, writer among a myriad of other things
Lady Gaga
Tavi the new girl in town.
I just can’t wait till their album comes out. Can you…?
The Spiceburns: Drummer Tatiana Santo Domingo, Lead singer Eugenie Niarchos, Guitarist: Margarita Missoni at their performance in LA. The girls wear Missoni.
I have but one complaint, and I’d like to say it loud!!!!! and Clear. Why does a museum whose trustees I’m sure wear heels have to have them ruined by Hadid’s subway grate stairs. Apart from that the museum is spectacular, fullstop.
There they are, those beautiful stairs, that kill your shoes' beautiful heels. Why? I really want to know why? Perfect case of form over function. Am I not considered because I chose to wear heels???? By the way every Roman woman I've seen wears heels in Rome's cobble stone streets. I await a response that will shut me up. I understand I can take the elevator but...
Another good read at Vanity Fair.
Yes I understand the picture below has nothing to do with Vanity Fair or Avedon, but who cares?
my (yes ladies he's straight) friend who's very proud of his "travelling" Birkin Hermes bag. Pharell isn't the only one. At least it's not croc and purple.
But really, thank God there are still some thinking people left before 2012.
I’m not sure the article’s available online yet but you can either buy the magazine or read it online at some point???
all clothes by: Chanel
Marquee at the makeshift tent that housed the dinner and ballet
Eli Broad whose $30 million pledge to the museum has helped keep the L.A institution open
Maria Arena Bell, Moca trustee.
LadyGaga in costume by Miuccia Prada, hat by Frank Gehry, Piano: Damien Hirst
Lady Gaga sang, "speechless"
Francesco Vezzoli and Lady Gaga
Painting by Ed Ruscha. Told you he was one of my top three favorite American artists.
Elizabeth Von Gutman and Alexia Niedielski cling to bikini hangers at the almost ready store.
Yep the “Saturday Group” girls can’t wait till they can scoop up some teeny, weeny, itsy bitsy red hot missoni bikinis.
Hair by Soween, Brooklyn USA
A seventies kinda girl, in Moscow, Russia
Above lyrics from the movie “car wash”.
telling you I’m in a 70’s mood.
Caravaggio, The Inspiration of St. Matthew 1602, Contarelli Chapel, San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome
At Prada Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles
Tavi Thenewgirlintown
Genevieve Jones
Thrice would suffice.
Fingers crossed
Legs too.
Alexia Niedelski hard at work.
I’m getting a racing heart as the countdown to Francesco Vezzoli’s Ballet begins. Take a look here
Johnny Pigozzi, not missing a word.
Johnny is the man behind, Limoland.
Thrice would suffice.
Fingers crossed.
Legs too.
LA is kinda pretty.
So many different kinds of trees, with with so much character.
Weeping willows and reaching cyresses.
Ancient palms and lazy pines.
I don’t mind LA so much.
For some reason I keep thinking of the movie CHINA TOWN.
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie.
I’m in LA and I’m in a seventies mood.
Boogie woogie SHAFT.
Boogie Woogie, Car Wash…
Waiting in traffic in L.A I pass my time away taking photographs...
dress and purse: Prada
To the spa lady in Doha, who upon my departure said to say hello to Lady Liberty.
Construction worker in Doha, Qatar
All that glitters IS gold.
I took my baby to the doctor
With a fever, but nothing he found
By the time this hit the street
They said she had a breakdown
Someone’s always tryin’ to start my baby cryin’
Talkin’, squealin’, lyin’
Sayin’ you just wanna be startin’ somethin’
Michael Jackson
Lift your head up high
And scream out to the world
I know I am someone
And let the truth unfurl
No one can hurt you now
Because you know what’s true
Yes, I believe in me
So you believe in you
Help me sing it, ma ma se,
Ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa,
Ma ma coo sa
Ships?
Sure I’ll sail them
Show me the boat,
If it’ll float,
I’ll sail it.
Men?
Yes, I’ll love them.
If they’ve got style,
to make me smile,
I’ll love them.
Life?
‘Course I’ll live it.
Just enough breath,
Until my death,
And I’ll live it.
Failure?
I’m not ashamed to tell it,
I’ve never learned to spell it,
Not Failure.
Maya Angelo
"life? 'Course i'll live it" with Charlotte Stockdale and Alaia purse.
I arrived in New York after 15 hours of flying and basically went straight to the Boom Boom room for Valentino’s DVD release party. All I have to report back is Genevieve Jones’ feet. I love that she does this often, reminds me of Dorothy from the “Wizard of Oz”.
There’s no place like home…
Genevieve Jones, Dorothy, Holly Golightly...
For a moment I had a slight worry that I was becoming a budding alchoholic.
Doha has erased that fear as I have been here for 5 nights and have not had a single glass of wine.
Ok I’ll admit I did have a couple of cocktails with a bunch of the film festival organizers, at the W Doha, but that doesn’t really count.
In New York, I have at least one cocktail a night, at least.
I can actually hold my own with the boys but here, I’ve been having fresh fruit juices like I’ve never had, and I’m from the Caribbean; land of fruit.
For dinner tonight, mint tea, lamb tanjine and morrocan salad.
I did also begin my day with a swim.
No breakfast and didn’t have lunch, or a glass of rose, but didn’t have lunch till four and hadn’t even realized I’d missed lunch.
My point must be that the culture here doesn’t require much consumption (I suppose I didn’t need to go to the Amazon after all).
I did go to the super market (big mistake) Walmart K-mart and Target has nothing on the Doha Carrefour.
I must have bought every tea and spice under the sun.
Oh and bars of soap, they smell like i’d leave a trail of desire behind me.
And why after that did I feel the need to go to a souk? You’d think I’d learnt from Marrakech.
That must mean no India for me!!!
At least there’s no shopping after rose here. (a la St.Tropez)
Voilà I’m not an alcholic.
night scene, Doha Qatar
palm tree, Doha Qatar
A prototype of Marc Newsom's "space plane"
Marc Newsom ponders in his space plane.
Nice
“As long as I got rubber band stacks in my pocket…” ”I’ll Gas up the jet for you baby, and you can go where ever you like”
“if you like” Yeah…
Love the sentiment T.I!!!
Of course we like
Lyrics by the musician T.I
Even though I abandoned you…
If this city was bleak during the Soviet era, there is something still and sad about it. Many of the structures are dilapidated. I can’t imagine the cost of up keeping the infrastructure. Though yesterday I learned that the buildings are not painted in years not because a lack of finance but because the bureaucratic process is not a walk in the park. Apparently no building that is land marked as having significant historical importance can be painted without approval. To get this approval the original color of the building must be proved, since many original copies of images of buildings date as far back as the 18th century, one can imagine how complicated it is to get a coat of paint on.
On the day I arrived we strolled the streets near the campus and it was riddled with empty beer cans and liquor bottles. Late at night many people walk around sipping exposed, large bottles of beer, and I even saw a young woman in her twenties, in heels and silk carrying a half empty bottle of liquor.One thing I find frustrating is the vitrine that blocks you from all of the products at the pharmacy. How does one stand and ask for many things and wait? Imagine walking into Duane Reade or Boots Pharmacy with a list in your head, of soap, nail polish remover, tanning lotion, aspirin, toilet cleaner, toothpaste… then you remember or realise you need other things, you have to ask the woman behind the vitrine for it. And if you forget you go back. It is a capitalist hindrance, and as a modern day American consumer I find this one fact of life in Russia very challenging.July 14th It is beginning to sink in that though its called white nights, it rains a lot. One of the first things I am told on my way from the airport is that it rains 300 days of the year. I am hoping this is an exaggeration! I am also told by a friend, that in St.Petersburg its 9 months of anticipation and 3 months of disappointment. (Bad joke, no offense).
So there is much to discover in this wonderland. Most memorable today was the tanners on the embankment. Anyone who looks at a postcard of St.Petersburg will instantly realise that one does miles of walking. Every building is so wide that to get from one location to another takes a toll on your feet. But a post-card and reality are two different things so of course I didn’t give enough thought to comfort. Style yes, but comfort? I suppose I don’t have the tolerance of young Russian tarts who glide around the cobble stones of St.Petersburg in stilettos.So, I had to sit and rest my hurting toes and aching back at which point the nearest place to sit was on the steps of the Peter and Paul Fortress and embankment, the first significant structure built by Peter the Great. I had the good fortune to turn around and there it was like planks of wood laid out to dry; about eight or ten people, of various ages but mostly older in, bikinis – tanning.One man would stand with his face against the wall, hands raised high as if under arrest. Then he would lean with his back to the wall, face to the sun. A well baked, golden tan like a rotisserie chicken was my immediate thought. And I saw how it unfolded.
A woman like the one I saw and the “SUPER-market” whom I bought my pillow from (I couldn’t deal with my pillow from the dorm) walked casually along the embankment, purse hanging on her side like she had just gotten off duty. She got to the wall, faced it, her back toward me, placed her purse on the ground and as she would do if she got to work and were changing to her uniform she began to undress. She was old enough to be my grand-mother. First to go was her blouse, a button down black and white printed blouse. Then she peeled of her pants to reveal what seemed to be a white bikini! And like that back against the wall she stands and bakes.What makes this scene more striking is the vast expanse of the Neva River with not a single soul in it. also the fact that there are probably not many days of the year when one can do this, I’m thinking 300 days of rain…. Who are these people who so value the golden kiss of the sun? Are they painting themselves golden like the facade of most of the buildings to reflect more radiance and to have a warm visage when the dark fog of winter comes? This is only one group of characters that interest me here. There are lovers, punks and drunks. Toilet ladies and waitresses. Even with my aching back I look forward to tomorrow.The Winter Palace
An ad on a bus.
A view from the embankment.
I can only imagine what that's about but I thought it was cute.
I admire the sense of pride in the dress of Russian women.
Citroen Cars that had been driven from Paris and through St.Petersburg.
Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna, one of the last of the Romanov Dynasty.
Needless to say I bought one.
Paulina who accompanied us to the cinema for the movie "Anti-Christ" by Lars Von Trier
This woman! Climbed the 1000 steps up to the steeple of St.Issac's Cathedral. I wasn't joking about Russian women and heels. By the way she was not the only one. Those little legs next to her belongs to her daughter.
Folk dance.
No comment.
Russians hard at work
The beautiful simplicity of my dorm.
My chaperone Boris, who was 23 and was about to get his PhD in Economics. Boris knew everything about music.
A Finnish singer at the Music Festival
The group "Model Reign" which was one of my favourites.
A couple of young women at the music festival
And again.
More music festival
Russian style.
A bit of Warhol in St.Petersburg
Me with Fydor who had received his doctorate in medicine that day. Again he was 24!!!
More Russian style.
Tanners on the Neva Embankment
A former Romanov Palace turned Lenin center for the people.
Sometimes its nice to eat alone.
That there in my hand is an iPhone. It’s also the the virtual POP office. And so there I am working. What a wonderful job I have no? Sorry to brag but I can smoke while I work. And eat while I work and be inspired! Not tired!
The Mummy al-momia
Just a few stills from this movie made in Egypt in 1969 by the director Shadi Abdel Salam. It was restored in 2008 by Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Foundation at Cineteca di Bologna/ L’lmmagine Ritrovata Laboratory with the support of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture from the original sound and camera negative preserved by the Egyptian Film Centre.
The movie was screened outside beneath the vast Doha sky.
Audience
still from al-momia
Sorry I will explain later. Rushing to see a film about Mummies.
xxs.
From the movie “Amelia” directed by Mira Nair based on Amelia Earhart’s life. It was the opening night feature of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival.
See the movie and you’ll understand why she wants to be a vagabond of the sky.
Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart
First things first, the airport is impecable. All the male officers in crisp white thobe: (Fashion moment, I want one!). These men covered from head to toe in spotless white makes me love this country already. I am of the belief that nurses, waiters, doctors ect. should wear white that way you can tell that they are always clean, fullstop. Side note I’m always weary of waiters who wear black. I won’t say anymore you can use your imagination.
Ok, so the immigration officers are friendly! Huh? Read my post lower about “The Sheltering Sky”. Extremely friendly and kind I need say no more.
I arrive at my hotel Al-Sharq Palace and I’m asked by the Indian porter, “May I have your sweet name”. (For those who know, it reminded me of one of the main characters in Shantaram) They kill you with grace here. As if that wasn’t enough two black men who open the doors to let me in say, “Welcome my sister”. I want to move here. At least a couple of months, it could be heaven. I’m dying to see the Museum of Islamic Art. Where does all this grace and serenity come from I’m sure their art will tell.
The lobby smells like Jesus’ birth scene in Bethlahem. You know how the Three Kings brought him Frankincence and Myrrh.
I am seated for check-in and proptly given a small cup of “Arabic coffee”. It tastes like nothing I’ve ever had. Not much like coffee, I can’t describe. Check-in is a breeze and then I’m taken to my room which I am completely delighted with, it’s on the ocean…
must go to city center, (I needed phone charger) but if you're a shop-a-holic beware. I bought this little portable I-pod speaker (beach utility) at the super-market there, among other things... didn't I ask for the Amazon???
At the opening of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival at the Museum of Islamic Art designed by I.M Pei. The woman next to me lives in Doha and is a T.V writer. Oh and my dress is Prada. My necklace has a story that involves Delfina Delettrez.
Those lovely security guards I mentioned.
The moon seems closer to the earth here.
Americans getting festive in Doha.
Undeniable elegance...
In need consumption rehab now!!!!!
Billboard in the Tulleries
Fellini Vezzoli
A still of Anita Ekberg surrounded by her many Magazine covers
Run don’t walk if you’re in Paris to see this exhibit.
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli had me really happy in Rome! Of-course dresses make me really happy and what a dress I had. It’s so playful, it made my legs look so long, it made me eat less pasta at lunch (God and all my friends know how much I love pasta and pasta from Rome? It would only take a dress to make me eat just a little bit less. And then just one bite of tiramisu. Didn’t you know all the things one dress can do? I’m really loving the new Valentino attitude. Bravo!
Pier Paolo, Pepi Marchetti Franchi, Shala Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Alexander Calder Sculpture
Shala Valentino, Princess Alessandra Borghese, Pepi Marchetti Franchi, all in Valentino
I’m bound to go to heaven because I’ve already served my time in hell.
sweet perils by Aaron Young
dress: alaia, mouse brooch: marc Jacobs painting: Richard Prince
louis vuitton purse, revolutionary iphone
Thanks Anne-Gaelle for the tshirt, it means a lot more than you’ll ever know.
Cats sleep anywhere, any table, anychair.
Top of piano, window-ledge, in the middle, on the edge.
Open draw, empty shoe, anybody’s lap will do.
Fitted in a cardboard box, in the cupboard with your frocks.
Anywhere! They don’t care! Cats sleep anywhere.
Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965)
Elizabeth, Alexia, Julia,Leigh,Charlotte (pretty cats at miumiu or meow meow Paris)
For the record there were cats on some the dresses from Miumiu.
Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Paris.
I’m feeling Whitney Houston a whole lot.
all you have to do is smile.
tshirt:prada trousers:balenciaga shoes:topshop sweater:dries van noten purse:chanel
Eden and Tavi hard at work.
Tavi and Eden preparing looks for their shoot.
Laia hard at work.
Hard at work.
Eden, Tavi, Elizabeth, Laia and hair and make-up team hard at work.
Tavi really hard at work.
Tavi taking some time off.
Olympia hard at work. By the way don't you love the POP uniform?
Olympia really working hard, in the heat. But really hard, hot with crickets that wouldn't shut up. I'm sure the poor guy couldn't hear her. Everything want's to sing in Ibiza the crickets never stop singing.
No shade for Olympia. Sadly no party either.
Olympia, Naomi, Roger hard at work in Ibiza.
black shoes, Prada art work, Franz West
Prada
Louboutin
shoes:Prada
artwork by Damien Hirst and Franz West
shoes; L'autre Chose
Photos above: Frieze Art Fair, London 2009
Basel Switzerland, summer 2009
After all its not a tough code to crack; high heels sells paintings, strong women sell art.
A rose in Marrakech
Not my words, from a reggae song, but I thought Sam might like that, since we’re standing between Annie and War Surplus by Ed Ruscha at the Hayworth in London. I would say one of my top three favourite American Artists.
Me and Sam at the Hayworth for Ed Ruscha
The best music I’ve heard in a while. Get it now.
Everyone should run not walk to the bookstore and get a copy of ID Magazine, it will save your soul.
I KNOW THE WORD GETS OVERUSED BUT JUST SO YOU GET THE IDEA.
I beg to disagree!!! He will always live in my heart.
Alexia at Versailles last year for Jeff Koon's installation. Sorry for those who missed it. NO words to describe
from Derek:
No, the Eurostar is normally fine and I’ve taken it a million times. But this one decided to stall UNDERWATER and I was convinced I was going to die. That, and I was still suffering my post-fashion month hangover… Hahaha. xx Derek
Tatiana Santo Domingo, Derek Blasberg, Margarita Missoni at Regine's, Paris
I don’t care what anyone says she’s a strong elegant woman who gets the job done. Please people don’t sit in the front row and criticise; is that the best you can do? GET THE HELL UP AND DO SOMETHING!
All you people who are interested in Vezzoli’s action… you can see him November 14th in Los Angeles. He is producing a ballet with the Bolshoi and Lady Gaga, that’s only the tip of the ice-berg. He’s not only hot but has one of the most brilliant minds I know.
Laetitia has devised one of the most important inventions of the 21st century for women. Really in the spirit of Coco Chanel.
It is a hook. Yes you know how you always have to put your purse on the floor, or behind your back on the chair or maybe not bring one at all? Well she has made a hook that flips and you can place it on the dining table and you can hang you bag right in front of you.
I don’t know when its in stores but…start asking you’ll find out.
THEY ARE ONLY ACCEPTING STONE COLD CASH FOR THESE VALUABLE FAVORS. AND THEY ARE NOT SORRY.
Elisabeth post fashion week
Alexia and Alex de Betak
Though we're beat up we can still be nice. Have a nice day you're still cute.
As delirious as I was when you told me about the Guy Bourdin exhibit at the Bon Marche I made it there before the show closed. I went with Alexia and Alex de Betak and when we got out of the room we all released simultaneously a collective sigh.
I couldn't help but dance.
Exactly how I felt after fashion week. I vowed never to do it again but I can see that I may soon be eating my words.
Even though I spent less than 5 mins. at Eugenie and Gaia’s reception for their new collection of jewelry for Repossi, I GOT THE PICTURE. Hint, hint, christmas gifts.
Eugenie Niarchos wearing jewelry from the new collection for Repossi
At the olive stand with my "brother"
I found myself in Marrakech. I was lost. But once I got there, there I was. I was home and my family was there. I wanted to capture everything, remember everything, make love to everything. I am wondering now if its because it was my first time in Africa. I am Caribbean and I’m made of every other race under the sun but I identify and feel in my bones most that I am black. As a child my grand-mother’s friend would come to our smoke filled kitchen and play his banjo. You have no idea I was 3, 4, 5, his name was Mr.Fatty and I can’t describe how happy it made me. He smoked and I thought it was so cool (cigarettes) I wanted to be cool too so I asked him for a hit and he let me. I suppose if he were alive and in Switzerland he would have been arrested too. In anycase in those days behind the house my brother myself and the rainbow of cousins I had smoked many things, breadfruit twiggs, paper and such. None of us are smokers now. I think people get things so wrong. Like at fashion week a mike and a camera was shoved in my face. Have you heard in London they want to ban high heels. I responded but I just can’t now… Anyway I inherited that banjo, actually I used to say to him, “Mr.Fatty when you die I want your banjo”. So in reality I claimed it, I claimed many things like my grand-mother’s sewing machine. I still have both of those items in St.Lucia, they are both broken but so what.
with Christian Louboutin in Moscow. Marc Ronson and Josephine de la Baume
David Lynch/Christian Louboutin Moscow
Well yes she knows the 14 page speech by heart. Not just a beauty but a brain.
Irina at the Ritz
PS. She has also said to say hello to ROSA PARKS. Holla!!!
By the way style.com – I really love what she’s wearing.
Didn’t realise Mary J.Blige had a song called PMS. A must if you’ve never heard it.
Immediate response needed!!!!
Francesco Vezzoli, sitting next to me is 110% single and looking for action. Isn’t he hot? I’m melting with just the thought of it.
Afef Tronchetti, Baz Luhrmann, Francesco Vezzoli, Me at MiuMiu show Paris.
For those who missed it take a look at our party pics from New York. Click here to view.
The new issue of Tank Magazine.
MGMT song: Time to pretend.
Book titled: The old man and me. written in 1962 by a woman.
Also the book titled: The most beautiful book in the world.
EMILY DICKENSON
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I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too? Then there’s a pair of us — don’t tell! They’d banish us, you know.How dreary to be somebody! How public, like a frog To tell your name the livelong day To an admiring bog!  Artwork by Maurizio Cattelan at the Deste Foundation, Athens (lady not included) |
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A presto!
Dedicated to Mrs. Miuccia Prada and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. (The inspiration for me wearing the blue dress last night)
Dress Vintage Prada.
for more please read Barbra Bush’s interview in POP Magazine.
WELCOME TO THE POP SHOP.
Because we women at POP are never afraid,
Just because we can’t spell Feb-roo-air-ree.
We are never afraid to share
To LOVE
To dance
laugh
and
cry.
We are POP.
We are popping
poppers
always popping
hopping
shopping
chopping
cropping
sopping
popping
pop.
Welcome to the POP SHOP.
At Chanel. Paris SS10 Collection Coco Chanel would have been very proud yesterday.
The artist formally known and also now known and will always be known as Prince was at Chanel this morning. And man did he look regal. More like KING to me. But I’ll have Prince any day of the week.
I can’t wait to see the Fela play on Broadway this fall. I have a feeling that its going to be big. When a tennis pro in the Hamptons tells me he’s listening to Fela. Not that its random but that over the years i’ve met random people who were interested in his music and life.
NOT USED TO ALL THIS ENERGY IN ONE DOSE BUT I WILL DELIVER. I PROMISE.
From gay Pari...with lots of xxxxs
Thank you for waiting. I will briefly post a few shots and give full details within the next few days.
Notice that i’ve only posted images with a bit of green… I will get back with a little story about that. So please be sure to come back.
It feels like being in a church, but yes we are in a church (to be precise I’ve found out now, that its a convent). It’s dark and when I kissed one of the production assistants hello, there was a smell of catholic incense in her hair. (I now believe I was imagining that too.) I get the feeling of Baptist Evangelicals ( and so now back in my room I’m listening to Mahalia Jackson, it being Sunday and all, all that thought of church). But Just because there is a mini stage with instruments, drums a piano, (I later saw the accordion which led me to think, not so baptist after all). Lots of older ladies for some reason, with pleated satisfied faces, or maybe satisfied in their dissatisfaction; but it does have a “pre-mass” or maybe “after-mass” feeling. The gay chatter, the chatter after mass was always made for pleasantries, or gossip, not much repentance. I’m curious what the show will look like, I’m often wrong in my many premature predictions.
At Hussein Chalayan Paris
At the pulpit a gentleman announces the models
Front-row (pew)
The first nun
Praying with the blackberr(ies)
And then an angel appeared
What I think reminds me of Fellini's 8 1/2 but looks like a 10 to me.
The drummer is clearly spirited
The angel departs
Victor & Rolf S/S10 Paris
V&R
Silver spider bracelet with pearls and gold bracelet with pearls and diamonds
I stopped by Delfina Delettrez’ jewelry presentation in Paris and there is so much to be desired. Jewelry can be bought at Collette’s in Paris, Calypso in St.Barths and at her store in Rome.
Delfina, a 21 year old mother began her business while pregnant.
If you’re in Paris and crave a good Italian feeding try out Alfredo Positano.
Visitor at the Tate Modern
“I have often said that I have nothing to say as an artist. Having something to say implies that one is struggling with meaning. The role of the artist is in fact that we don’t know what to say, and it is that not knowing that leads to work.” Anish Kapoor
Visitor at the Royal Academy of Arts
Yellow
Wool Warhol Newman
Though I almost had a nervous breakdown sitting in the car for almost an hour to get round the block, I still love Russia! Vodka and all.
The Moscow Biennale.
Pepsi sign in the Moscow night
Window at Tsum Department store equivalent of New York's Barneys
I love the muted colors of typical Russian fashion
at alexander wang
twice is nice.
Laia hard at work
Tavi
Tavi and Fabiola Beracasa at Alexander Wang
Derek Blasberg, Lauren Santo Domingo, Poppy Delevigne at Alexander Wang
When this first look came down the runway, my very first thought was the word "Massai". Nothing will change how I feel about the Rodarte's last collection. I LOVE IT!!!
The crowd takes in Murakami's: Picture of fate: I am but a fisherman who angles in the darkness of his mind
