TGIF

Sydney Pollack

Sydney Pollack, director of movies such as "The Swimmer", "They Shoot Horses Don't They?" and "Three Days of the Condor", died Monday afternoon. He was remembered not only for his Academy Award-winning direction, but also for his acting talents. He played Victor Ziegler in Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut".
In "They shoot Horses, Don't They?", Jane Fonda plays a suicidal failed actress who enters a Depression-era dance marathon where the last couple standing wins. This film predicted the tragedy of reality tv, where has-beens' & never-was' put their health & dignity at risk for money and fame. It also inspired Steven Meisel's March 1997 Italian Vogue editorial and Alexander McQueen's Spring 2004 fashion show.

Suzanne Diaz - The Awakening

Judith Puckett-Rinella directed Suzanne Diaz for a short film, "Awakening", on April 9, 2008 in Central Park's Wildflower Meadow (5th Ave x East 102nd St). Suzanne is an amazing model - she studied ballet while growing up in New York. Awakening can be seen at T/New York Times website. Music for the video: Sufjan Stevens' "To the Workers of the Rockford".

To do this weekend

1. Veruschka in Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow Up at the Museum of Modern Art(11 West 53 Street, between Fifth Ave x Sixth Ave, ph: (212) 708-9400).; tonight at 7pm, & Saturday, May 24, 2008 3:00 p.m.
   
   


2. Ridley Scott's Alien at the IFC Centre 323 6th ave (at 3rd street), (212)924-7771, Friday & Saturday at midnight.


3. Jean-Luc Godard's Band of Outsiders at Film Forum (209 West Houston Street, Between 6th Ave x Varick Street, ph: (212) 727-8110). This film is the most exciting collaboration between Jean-Luc Godard and his wife Anna Karina. Showing Fri/Sat at 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, and 9:30.
4. Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing starring Jennifer Jones at the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (West 65th Street, between Broadway & Amsterdam Aves on the upper level), Saturday May 24th at 2:30 pm. This film tells the story of a married but separated American reporter (played by William Holden), who falls in love with a Eurasian doctor originally from Mainland China (played by Jennifer Jones), only to encounter prejudice from her family and from Hong Kong society.
5. Orson Welles' Touch of Evil at the Museum of Modern Art. (11 West 53 Street, between Fifth Ave x Sixth Ave, ph: (212) 708-9400). This reconstructed version of the film is based on the legendarily eloquent fifty-eight-page memo that Welles wrote to Universal Studio executives after they barred him from the cutting room during post-production. Gone are the title credits that obscured the exquisitely choreographed opening shot, as Russell Metty'scrane follows newlyweds Charlton Hestonand Janet Leigh along the pulsating, garishly lit streets of a U.S.-Mexican border town, until a car explosion suddenly brings evil and corruption into their lives. Also starring Marlene Dietrich. Playing Saturday, May 24, 2008, 8:00 p.m., Theater 1, T1 and Sunday, May 25, 2008, 5:00 p.m., Theater 1, T1.

Shannan Click - transformations

Shannan Click is a great model - she will work the hardest to make a picture great. Clearly, she loves fashion. Her hair has gone through many transformations. When she signed with Women, her hair was its natural blonde color. Her hair was dyed medium reddish brown for her first show season, spring 2005. Immediately Shannan was a star - she opened Luella Bartley & did the Prada show and campaign. Currently Shannan can be seen in the Dior Addict High Shine campaign & the May 2008 US Vogue, ph:Raymond Meier.

Prada Fall 2008 Linea Rossa - Natalia, Georgina & Amanda

Today it is 62°F (17°C) mostly cloudy in New York.Josh Olins photographed Georgina, Amanda & Natalia for Prada Linea Rossa lookbook on March 15th, 2008 at The Superstudio Studio (13 Via Forcella), Studio #1 & 2, in Milano. Today all three models were in the agency to meet Karen Collins. All three are sweet girls who know how to make a rainy day fun.

1. Natalia is from the Ukraine, and opened & closed the Prada show this season.
2. Georgina is from Serbia, and is on the cover of Numero this month, ph: Greg Kadel.
3. Amanda is from Canada, and is the winner of the V Magazine/Supreme Model Search. Mario Testino photographed her for the current issue of V Magazine
   

Calvin Klein Collection Resort 2009

Francisco Costa presented the Calvin Klein Collection for Resort 2009 on Monday, May 19 at 10:00 am at the Calvin Klen show space (205 West 39th street). Camilla Nickerson styled this show, and the fall 2008 collection. Kasia Struss & Vlada were in the show.

Vlada - Chanel Cruise 2009 behind the scenes

Vlada visited an alligator farm in Miami last week, while in town for the Chanel Cruise 2009 show.

Beauty: Veruschka

I might even show you my photograph album. You might even see a face in it which might remind you of your own, of what you once were. You might see faces of others, in shadow, or cheeks of others, turning, or jaws, or backs of necks, or eyes, dark under hats, which might remind you of others, whom you once knew, whom you thought long dead, but from whom you will still receive a sidelong glance.

—Harold Pinter, No Man's Land, 1975

Beauty - Polly Allen Mellen

Francesco Scavullo photographed & interviewed stylist Polly Mellen for his book Scavullo Women (1985). As a protégé of the charismatic Diana Vreeland, Mellen became a sittings editor first at Harper’s Bazaar, then at American Vogue, collaborating with such legendary photographers as Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, and Irving Penn, and eventually continuing her career at Allure magazine. "She was and still is the most creative sittings editor I ever worked with," says Richard Avedon.

on Fashion:

"Fashion is what we're seen in, and it is the way we present ourselves. And thats important. I care deeply about fashion, but I must tell you the way I care. I care about fashion for the person who is wearing it. I care that that person knows what she can wear. How she should look. Because I honestly think that I can look at any woman and say, 'Gee if she did it this way, she'd look so terrific.' I never think, Is she beautiful looking?"

on Beauty:

" Beautiful-looking is a girl, who has been born beautiful. Brooke Shields is a beauty. Carole Lombard was my ideal, a woman with wit, glamour, style......"

on Style:

"Style can be a person who is not beautiful-looking. Style is a person who dares, who has the confidence of knowing what is right for her. I've said a lot of times that you should try something out something first before you take it out. But I don't do that always. Sometimes I just put on my purple leather pumps, with the bright green cocardes on the toes, and go out anyway."

Viktoriya

Maciek Kobielski photographed Viktoriya on March 23, 2008 at Lili Abir Regen's apartment on 23rd Street for the June 2008 Numero Tokyo. Stylist Leslie Lessin accessorized her with Bijules gold nail ring (available at Cry Wolf , 212.995.9653 111 St. Marks Place, Between 1st and Ave A).
Laura in the Women art department has been rocking her gold ring all summer. The best thing to wear with that ring is a David Lee Nagel t-shirt from artist Thom Lessner. Pay respect to both David Lee Roth and artist Patrick Nagel!

TGIFF

J'adore JD

JD Ferguson is a real New Yorker. We share the same passion for beauty. On April 29, 2008 we worked together with Carolina Pantoliano & Andressa Fontana - he shot, I styled. The fashion was Proenza Schouler for Target mixed with mens briefs, boxers & tube socks. Last Wed he stopped by the agency, & photographed Heather Marks and Suzanne Diaz in the shirts that were done with Lacoste for Visionaire 54: Sport. JD has the best energy - he lit up the entire agency & put everyone in a good mood. His blog, JD Vision, covers the waterfront - girls, boys, men, women, porn stars, fashion stars, stars - the entire spectrum of beauty & sexuality. And he always inserts his healthy sense of humor into everything he does. JD also covers fashion week backstage for V Magazine. Backstage at shows, I always look forward to seeing him - he makes you feel like you are the most fascinating person in the room, & he is focused on you alone.

To do this weekend

1. Radiance from the Rain Forest: Featherwork in Ancient Peru at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.In the Andean regions of ancient South America, the brilliantly colored feathers of Amazonian birds were a luxury that was much treasured and long used. From the third millennium B.C. onward, feathers served various ceremonial and secular purposes throughout pre-conquest Peruvian history. Radiant blues, yellows, reds, and greens embellished high-status apparel and accessories such as ear ornaments, pectorals, fans, headdresses, miniature ritual offerings, and large-scale hangings.
   Met hours:Saturday 9:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The Met is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, ph: 212-535-7710.
2. Dargerism: Contemporary Artists and Henry Darger at the American Folk Art Museum. The American Folk Art Museum is home to the single largest repository of works by one of the most significant artists of the twentieth century, Henry Darger (1892 - 1973), who created nearly three hundred watercolor and collage paintings to illustrate his epic masterpiece, The Story of the Vivian Girls, in what is Known as the Realms of the Unreal, of the Glandeco-Angelinnian War Storm, Caused by the Child Slave Rebellion, which encompasses more than fifteen thousand pages. The American Folk Art Museum is located at 45 West 53rd Street (5th ave x 6th ave), ph: 212. 265. 2350,
   Museum Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:30am - 5:30pm, Friday 10:30am - 7:30pm , Closed Mondays.
3. The Butterfly Conservatory at the American Museum of Natural History. Timed entrance to The Butterfly Conservatory is available every fifteen minutes from 10:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The last timed-entry to the exhibition is at 5:00 p.m. The Museum is open daily, 10:00 a.m.—5:45 p.m. The American Museum of Natural History is located at Central Park West and 79th Street, ph: (212) 769-5100.
4. The Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain at the The Frick Collection. The Arnhold Collection, one of the greatest private holdings of early Meissen porcelain assembled in the twentieth century, was established in Dresden between 1926 and 1935 by Lisa (1890–1972) and Heinrich (1885–1935) Arnhold with a focus on tablewares and vases and on objects of royal or noteworthy provenance. The Frick is located at 1 East 70th Street, at 5th Avenue, ph: 212-288-0700. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Tuesday through Saturday; 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays; Closed Mondays.
5. Warhol's Jews: Ten Portraits Reconsidered at the The Jewish Museum. Andy Warhol's Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century (1980) depict renowned luminaries of Jewish culture: Sarah Bernhardt, Louis Brandeis, Martin Buber, Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, George Gershwin, Franz Kafka, the Marx Brothers, Golda Meir, and Gertrude Stein. Warhol referred to this pantheon of great thinkers, politicians, performers, and writers as his "Jewish geniuses." Warhol's iconic portraits attest to the lasting achievements and fame of these singular figures. Originally published as a portfolio of silkscreen prints on paper, Warhol was so pleased with the commercial success of his Ten Portraits that he decided to create additional versions of the series as silkscreen paintings on canvas. The Museum is located at 1109 Fifth Avenue (northeast corner of 92nd Street). Museum Hours: Saturday - Wednesday 11:00 am - 5:45 pm, Thursday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm, Closed Friday.

Chanel Cruise 2009

Karl Lagerfeld presented the Chanel 2009 Cruise collection yesterday at the Hotel Raleigh in Miami, where Esther Williams swam in the 1940's. There were 6 Women Models in the show:

1. Julia Dunstall
2. Jourdan Dunn
3. Bruna Tenorio
4. Shannan Click
5. Vlada
6. Natasha Poly

Karl Lagerfeld's current reading list:

1. Diva: Defiance and Passion in Early Italian Cinema
2. Women Who Write
3. Brilliant Women: 18th Century Bluestockings

Jourdan Dunn - i-D Magazine

Mark Mattock photographed Jourdan Dunn, stylist: Judy Blame, for the June 2008 i-D Magazine. In this shot Jourdan reminds me of a chic, self confident version of Susan Moonsie from Prince's girl group, Vanity 6. Susan was Prince's high school girlfriend, and is allegedly the inspiration for the song " When Doves Cry ". I love how Vanity 6 would mix humor with sexuality - they didn't take themselves to seriously. "If A Girl Answers" is a classic - the lyrics are addictive!

Melody Woodin ph: Chadwick Tyler

On Tuesday night Chadwick Tyler photographed Melody Woodin for a personal project - I styled. Chadwick and I have been working together for three years now & collaborating on shoots for over a year. On October 20, 2007 we shot Katriina O'Kane -Russell Marsh cast her for a POP Magazine new faces story, shot by Nigel Shafran.

Shooting Katriina with Chadwick was a blast- we stayed up late, shooting on the streets of his neighborhood. Each shot, Katriina would surprise me with a new expression, a new posture, a new interpretation of the dress. The fashion was vintage Azzedine Alaia, Ossie Clark & Calvin Klein. Katriina is a runner - her endurance on the track translated into endurance on set.

Melody is a pleasure to shoot - an expressive face, long limbs & a genuine comfort with her body. Her work ethic is admirable - we shot her in the cold, applied "dirt" to her body, & shot late into the night - and she still made it seem like play. She offered up smiles, laughter & a inspiration.

The vintage shorts have a unique trim - the correct term for it is faggoting!It is a variation of lace knitting, in which every stitch is a yarn over or a decrease. There are several types of faggoting, but all are an extremely open lace similar to netting.

Now Representing Natalia Chabanenko

Natalia Chabanenko opened and closed the Prada fall 2008 show.

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009

Backstage Georgina & I talked about books - we both love Jacqueline Susann's Valley of the Dolls - Goergina calls it a "lemonade book". Perfect for the beach - fun summer reading. Georgina quite literary - she can read in Serbian & English.

Jennifer Starr Interview

You may think you know Jennifer Starr from the hit Bravo show “Make Me a Supermodel”. Jennifer is the original independent Casting Director – world renowned photographers and designers hire her for her opinion and point of view. In her words: “I have the best job anyone could have – I have a license to go up to anyone I find interesting – and I do”. Jennifer has collaborated with photographers such as Bruce Weber, Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Terry Richardson and Steven Klein. She has cast campaigns for icons such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gap and Gucci.

Q: Where are you from?

A: New York City – but at 14 my family moved to Miami which I really didn't mind because I loved sports and the outdoors. In Manhattan we had a 40 minute gym class each day where we were in a small school gymnasium. If we were lucky we got to go over to central park and kick a ball around. At my school in Coconut Grove, Miami, I was on the swim team, volleyball team and basketball team. On weekends I was at the beach. Miami was completely different then than it is now. Coconut Grove and South Beach are practically unrecognizable.

Q: How did you get into this business?

A: Through Bruce Weber’s sister Barbara DeWitt. Bruce was shooting The Calvin Klein Obsession and Jeans campaign and she was the producer. I was 17 and she asked me to scout locations for the shoots. There were about 40 models, including Christy Turlington, and we needed private homes where Bruce would be comfortable shooting nudes in natural light. I lived in a high-rise but many of my friends had beautiful homes that I knew would work perfectly. Once the shoot began, Bruce asked me to stay on as a production assistant – I remember one of my first responsibilities included taking the models to the beach to get a healthy tan, and making sure they didn’t get sunburned. I decided I couldn't really tell my friends what I was doing (LOL). Who would believe it? After working for Bruce for a few months I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I received a B.A. in Sociology, and studied Political Science at Oxford. Right before graduation, Bruce and his partner Nan asked me to come back to New York and work for them full time. Somewhere along the line my primary job became casting the models. I think I just really enjoyed that part of the job more then anything else and I guess was innately good at it. Bruce would send me all over the world to find fresh new faces.

Q: Tell me about working with Bruce-

A: Bruce wanted to know everything about the people he would shoot – where they were from, what sports they played at school. He was curious about who they were as individuals. For many Abercrombie & Fitch and Versace campaigns I would travel ahead to the shoot location and cast locals. This would help guarantee us new faces that hadn’t been overexposed. Using local people as models would bring spontaneity to the shoot – really great energy. Bruce really captures who a person is in his photographs. I refer to my time there as BW school. It was a real education into music, film, fashion, and art. Bruce would say we are going to do a Pasolini story and I would then go and watch every Pasolini film made. He would make cinematic references all the time. I made the best of friends over those four years. With Bruce and Nan and the dogs at the helm, it was very much a family.

Q: How did you start your business?

A: When I began there were no independent casting directors. There were no rules. No fee structures. There was no program or structured course of action to follow to become a casting director…like there is for lawyers, bankers or doctors. Bruce taught me how to do street casting – to find real beauty that would be accepted in a commercial ad campaign. He used to say- when you leave here and you’re a big casting director... he planted the seed. Bruce was super supportive when I left and even recommended me to Calvin. Then, my first phone call on my own was from Richard Avedon. Things just kind of snow balled after that. I was incredibly blessed.

Q: What was it like working with Richard Avedon?

A: He was larger than life. I admired him and his work even before I entered this business. He had so much energy. I kept calling him Mr. Avedon and he kept saying- please call me Dick. I said I just couldn't do that. At our first meeting he told me that he wanted me to travel around the world - that I should pick twelve different countries and find the most beautiful women in each country for the next Pirelli Calendar called Women of the World. After he said this I started looking around the room. He said "what are you looking for"? I said that I am looking for the man to tell me that I am on candid camera because these things don't happen to me. He said he loved me and I had the job.

Q: I loved those old D&G ads.

A: I loved casting those D&G campaigns for Steven Meisel. We used real people. I presented Steven with an extensive biography on each model because that's what Bruce liked. Steven was like- Jen- I'm not writing a book on these people- it's a portrait! He’s so funny! I cast real families and couples- many of them same sex couples, and they were shot in very normal, very casual, and very beautiful situations. I think it was the first time gay couples were portrayed in a very affectionate, loving and tasteful way. These ads had a big impact on the way homosexuality was perceived and I was so proud to have been a part of them.

Q: How has modeling changed in the last 5 years?

A: Celebrities have become the new supermodels.

Q: Where do you see the modeling industry changing in the next 5 years?

A: Well, I would say that street casting is still going to be important and I feel that reality television is going to affect the fashion industry as well.

Q: What do you look for in a model?

A: Someone who is comfortable in their own skin. A relaxed body attitude, not studied body language. Not “super-modely”. The ability to really look with their eyes and connect with the camera. I am always searching for unique and different types of beauty. I love people who are passionate about something and that passion comes through in a picture. And, quite often I am drawn to people with great personal style.

Wednesday

Your clear eye is the one absolutely beautiful thing.

-Sylvia Plath

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009

John Pfeiffer, Kasia Struss, Georgina Stojiljkovic

Kasia Struss, Kannon Rajah, Georgina Stojiljkovic

Oscar de la Renta showed his Resort 2009 Collection at the Third Church of Christ, Scientist (583 Park Avenue at 63rd Street)at 11:00 am today. The collection was all about living the good life. The colors were amazing - Caribbean blue, coral, ochre yellow, cocoa brown, and emerald green. Orlando Pita pulled the hair into a sleek pony tail at the nape of the neck - this created a chic silhouette of a small head that complemented the nipped in waists of the gorgeous dresses.
Tom Pecheux drew bold parallel lines on the upper and lower lids - creating a dynamic symmetry. Casting Director John Pfeiffer and his right-hand-man Kannon Rajah used models that brought vitality & grace to the flawless clothes. An orchestral remix of Coldplay was the soundtrack.Women models in the show:

1. Georgina
2. Kasia
3. Jourdan

The opulent intimacy of Stefan Beckman's set design reminded me of the Oscar de la Renta fashion show in the movie Bright Lights, Big City. In the movie based on Jay McInerney's book, Michael J Fox' character Jamie Conway sneaks in to a Oscar fashion show to plead with his girlfriend Amanda, played by Phoebe Cates, as she walks on the runway.

Christian Dior Resort 2009

John Galliano presented the Christian Dior Resort 2009 Collection at Gustavino's restaurant (409 East 59th street, 1st Ave x York Ave). Women Models in the show:

1. Alison Nix
2. Ana Mihaljovic
3. Georgina
4. Heloise
5. Jourdan
6. Kasia
7. Masha Tyelna
8. Sheila
9. Vlada

This collection was inspired by Lady Bird Johnson (First Lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969, wife of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson). Lady Bird was dressed by Arnold Scaasi, who also dressed First Ladies such as Barbara Bush and Laura Bush. Lady Bird's passion was spreading beauty all throught the country, specifically by planting wildflowers on the nations highways. Through efforts such as the Highway Beautification Act she made simple, familiar beauty accessable to all Americans.

Toni Garrn

Mario Testino photographed Toni Garrn for the new V Magazine on March 4th in Paris.

Star quality

It takes more than beauty, symmetry, and height to become a star. All great models have star quality - for some it comes naturally, some work very hard to develop it.

Diana Ross has star quality. Besides being a great singer & actress, she is a fantastic model. Like all good models, she adapted her look as fashions changed. Francesco Scavullo photographed Miss Ross for the cover of her 1980 album diana, with her natural hair slicked back, wearing a t-shirt & Gia's jeans. This showed that Diana could leave her Bob Mackie gowns behind and show the real Diana behind the Miss Ross persona.

Originally, the Supremes were Diana Ross, Florence Ballard & Mary Wilson. The head of Motown Records, Berry Gordy, saw the star quality in Diana & chose her to be the lead singer of the group. In 1996, Berry Gordy explained why Diana should be the lead singer.

Look, Diana had magic. She had feeling. Exuberance. Florence had a good voice,
sure. Florence was fine. She did what she did, but she wasn't unique. Mary was
fine. She did what she did. It was fine. No one ever said those two couldn't
sing. They wouldn't have been in the group if they couldn't sing. But, Diana?
She was more than fine. Her voice was totally unique, totally something you
never heard before. It wasn't just a big voice, you know, a loud voice. Just
because a person sings louder than the other person doesn't make that person a
better singer. Also, Diana put everything into it, her shoulders, her
body....all of it.

The Supremes evolved into Diana Ross & The Supremes, & then Diana went solo. Her success was bittersweet for Mary & Flo, who didn't have the same level of success after Diana left the Supremes. I have observed the same situation amongst models. Several will arrive in NY at the same time, and after being polaroided & tested a star will emerge from the group. She may not be the tallest, thinnest, or most beautiful but her star quality will make great photographers want to shoot her & inspire stylists to want to use her for editorials & shows. Her roommates in the models apartment may be happy for her...or envy her success. They will think: "Why her & not me? It's not fair!". No one ever said that life was fair. If you want to become a star, you must put all of your energy into making it happen. Like Diana, models should keep their eyes on the prize.

In Maghogany, Diana plays an aspiring designer named Tracy who moves to Milano, changes her name to Mahogany, and becomes a supermodel. She learns a valuable lesson: success is nothing, without someone you love to share it with.

TGIF

THE ARTDEPARTMENT WISHES YOU
AN INTERGALACTIC WEEKEND!!!

* LOVE RYOKO AND LAURA

To do this weekend

1. Night of a Thousand Stevies 18: Nightbirds. at the Highland Ballroom, tonight at 9pm. Suggested Dress: Nightbird Glamour In Black And Blue, Capes, Cloaks And Enchanted Eveningwear, Eye Makeup Dark And Careless, Hand-Held Decorated Birds, Stevie Nicks Boot Fetish (All Summer Long), Black Glitter Tambourines, Coq Feathers And Cokespoons, Midnight Blue Velvet, Moonstone Amulets, Lindsey Or John McVie Prince Of Darkness Interpretations, Victorian Mourning Hankies or Black Chiffon Wings. Highland Ballroom: 431 west 16th street (at 9th avenue) (212)414-5994.
2. Grey Gardens at IFC Center: 323 6th ave (at 3rd street), (212)924-7771, Friday & Saturday at midnight. The Maysles Brothers capture two dowagers wearing the revolutionary costume.
3. Last Tango in Paris, starring Marlon Brando at the Film Forum.(209 West Houston Street, Between 6th Ave x Varick Street, ph: (212) 727-8110).
4. ASSCAT 3000 at the UCB Theatre.The Upright Citizens Brigade performs longform improv with possible special guests from Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.Sunday night at 7:30 & 9:30 pm. 307 West 26th street, (8th ave x 9th ave), ph: (212)366-9176.
5. Polaroids: Mapplethorpe at the Whitney Museum of Art (945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street, ph:(800) 944-8639).

Eva Mendes photographed by Steven Meisel

Steven Meisel photographed Eva Mendes for the May 2008 Italian Vogue (Stylist: Andrew Richardson, Makeup: Pat McGrath, Hair: Guido, Set Design: Mary Howard).
This editorial has utterly inspired me.

Confession: I have never seen an Eva Mendes film before. I was disappointed to hear that Calvin Klein chose Eva to be the face of its new fragrance & Underwear line. Just another celebrity stealing a job from a model. However this story shows what a great model Eva is.

Observe how Eva tells a story with her body language - relaxed left hand, right toe extended, left toe in her mouth, eyes focused directly at the camera, eyebrows arched. She is frankly aware of her carnal power, and not at all afraid of the male gaze. Mary Howard's set completes the story: this is a woman who has en extensive library - she is sexual and literary. The varied height of the books suggest a women who gets a lot of pleasure from art and from literature. The sunlight reflected from her spotless glass table & vase reveal that she wears her lingerie in the day time - is she wearing it for herself, or for a lover? The artificial flowers in the vase reveal that although she is a woman of leisure, gardening is not one of her passions. Andrew Richardson's chiffon knickers give a dowdy, high waisted silhouette, but their sheerness reveal her light panties and latent naughtiness. The blue satin high heeled open toed mules deliberately reveal that her coral manicure matches her coral pedicure. Clearly she is into shrimping.

Eva is taking advantage of the props at her disposal. Her right hand gracefully holds her cigarette. She is aware of the dangers of smoking but doesn't care. Sheer Fendi kimono open, breasts exposed, arms & legs wide open, in a spread eagled position on a wooden bench inside of a lawn chair frame. Her body is where the fabric covering would be. This position seems to invite the viewer, who has become a voyeur, to sit on her. However, her confrontational expression & defiance betray her prone body language - there is no doubt that Eva is in control. Guido's wig reminds me of the volume of this girl sitting on her bed with her shirt off with the sheen , darkness and control of this young Brooklyn family going on a Sunday outing. Again, the daylight reminds you that she is not a creature of the night, she pursues her succor in the daytime.

Here Eva reminds me of one of my favorite models, Shana. Steven Meisel photographed Shana for three consecutive Italian Vogue covers, several Italian Vogue editorials and the Alberta Ferretti campaign. Shana reminded me of the actress Raquel Welch. All three women are excellent models who were comfortable performing for the camera. Like Eva, Shana modeled for a Calvin Klein fragrance campaign, Escape. Chris Von Wangenheim photographed Raquel Welch for the cover of Playboy.

This shot on the right is my favorite of the entire series. Ths shadows dancing across Eva's torso are gorgeous. The sunlight caresses her left eyelid & cheekbone. the joy Eva feels for finally connecting with her someone to touch is palpable. The stockinged feet caressing her breasts may or may not be her lover. Either way, it is obvious that she loves being touched.

The nudity in the story shocked me. Steven Meisel rarely photographs nudes. His most famous series of nudes was Madonna's Sex book. the book was styled by Paul Cavaco, who was assisted by Andrew Richardson at the time. Besides styling, Andrew is also the editor-in-chief of Richardson Magazine. Fabien Baron shot the Sex sessions on video, including super 8 mm. Baron used the footage for the video for the song "Erotica", which he directed. Fabien Baron photographed Toni Garrn for the spring 2008 Calvin Klein Collection campaign.

This story rocked my world. The first thing I did before work was head to the store to buy Pat McGrath's Cover Girl Line Exact liquid Eyeliner. In this video Pat teaches how to apply the Cover Girl Line Exact liquid Eyeliner she used at the fall '07 Louis Vuitton show. That is the purpose of great fashion photography - to entertain, to provoke, and to inspire the customer to buy something : an eyeliner, a shoe, a bra, a pair of stockings, or a fragrance.

Heather Marks

Heather Marks is a real beauty. Yesterday I took polaroids of her in the morning - the room we were in faces south, and the sun was still in the East. The light is better in the afternoon, when the sun is setting in the west and comes in at a golden angle. The flash was creating a strange halo - so I taped over it to trick it. The polaroid came out way too dark - But I still love it. The darkness emphasizes the chic-ness of Heather - the length of her neck, the symmetry of her head, the lankiness of her arms. The silhouette & matte texture of the polaroid reminded me of a Mats Gustafson illustration. Heather performs for the camera, is aware of her posture, and does her best to make the picture look great. Watch her at work, and learn how a picture can go from good to great:

he likes to sneak in something red

Pascal Dangin is founder and head of Box Studios in New York City, the fashion world's most sought-after photo-retouching firm. Some of his clients include Patrick Demarchelier, Michael Thompson, Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Roni Horn, Steven Klein, Annie Leibovitz, Craig McDean, Steven Meisel, Mario Sorrenti and Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin to name a few.

In the spring of 2004, the Prada campaign, shot by Steven Meisel, had a retro, vacationy look—tie-dyed cardigans, hairbands, sailboat prints. Using a Photoshop tool called a smudge brush, Dangin applied extra color to every pixel, giving the pictures—hard and flat, at the outset—a dreamy, impressionistic texture, as if they had been wrought in oil and chalk. This was Hannelore's fourth Prada campaign.

Lauren Collins of the New Yorker wrote an excellent article about Pascal Dangin in the current issue- read it here.

I believe in transformation - changes are unavoidable

Best Dressed: Tilda Swinton, dressed in Prada, took Justin Bond as her date to the Costume Institute Gala.

Tilda Swinton is a genuine photographers model. Her talent & true beauty inspired Viktor & Rolf to build ther entire fall/winter 2003 collection around her. Juergen Teller photographed Tilda for the Spring 1996 Yves Saint Laurent campaign.



Observe how modelling is done - Tilda, being photographed by Craig McDean for Another Magazine:



Justin Bond is celebrity's celebrity. As Kiki of Kiki & Herb she performs the original versions of pop, classic and alternative rock songs. Their songs have been covered by Gil Scott Heron, the Edwin Hawkins Singers, PJ Harvey, Dusty Springfield,Kelis, Pulp and Kate Bush.

Kiki & HerbPerforming "Total Eclipse of the Heart":

Family

It is currently 74°F (23°C) and sunny in New York. Louise Pedersen , her husband Arthur and daughter Maya soaked up the sun on the roof at Women today.

Party

Last night was the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The theme was "Superheroes". Attending were :

1. Rosie Huntington Whiteley, wearing Burberry.


2. Jourdan Dunn, wearing Bill Blass by Peter Som.


3. Natasa Vojnovic, wearing Alexander Wang.


4. Natasha Poly wearing Phi.


5. Isabeli Fontana, wearing Versace.

Beauty

It is currently 75°F (24°C) and mostly sunny in New York.

Radical simply means "grasping things at the root."

- Angela Davis

Beauty

Today is 55°F (13°C)Sunny in NY.

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.

-E.B. White

To do this weekend

1. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane at the Chelsea Clearview, starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, on Saturday May 3rd at 10pm. Chealsea Clearview: 260 West 23rd Street (at 8th avenue), ph: 212-691-5519 .
2. Jasper Johns at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Met hours:Saturday 9:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The Met is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, ph: 212-535-7710.
3. Design and the Elastic Mind at the Museum of Modern Art. (11 West 53 Street, between Fifth Ave x Sixth Ave, ph: (212) 708-9400). Hours: Saturday 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Sunday 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
4. Karl Nierendorf Collection at the Guggenheim Museum. (1071 5th Ave, at 89th Street, ph: 212-423-3500). Hours: Sat-Wed: 10:00 am -5:45 pm, Friday 10:00 am - 7:45 pm.
5. Deception at the Regal Union Square Stadium 14. Look out for Shannan Click in it!

Yves Saint Laurent

Kasia Struss was photographed by Tim Richardson for Dazed & Confused Magazine (stylist: Karen Langley ) on March 7, 2008 at Pier 59 Studios. The editorial is a Yves Saint Laurent special, celebrating Stefano Pilati's contribution to the house of Saint Laurent. A video of the shoot can be seen here.

Jerry Schatzberg ,fashion photographer and filmmaker, documented the first Yves Saint Laurent show. He saw the backstage world of the models, photographers such as William Klein & Helmut Newton, and editors such as American Vogue's Jessica Daves & Harper's Bazaar's Diana Vreeland through his camera. The candid images from this series can be seen in the book Paris 1962: Yves Saint Laurent and Dior, Christian Dior, The Early Collections .

Lee Radziwill is a true fashion icon. She is a mother, sister, cousin, author, actress, model and inspiration. She lived through many public tragedies, yet always remained graceful, with a palpable sense of optimism. Lee had this to say about Yves Saint Laurent in 1962:

Q: You're looking for simple things?
A:That's right.

Q:People say Yves Saint Laurent isn't easy to wear.
A:It's very easy to wear. I should know my suit is Saint Laurent. It's easy
to wear.

Q:Could US stores copy it?
A:Yes, But I hope not.

Q:Why's that?
A:For myself! I don't want the same suit, same dress, same coat as everyone
else.

Beauty

It is currently 53°F (12°C) with light fog in New York.

People have to snatch at happiness when they can, in this world. It is always easier to lose than to find.

-Willa Cather

David Lynch

David Lynch will be on Long Island tommorow night at 7:15 pm at the Huntington Cinema Arts Centre to speak and take questions from the audience about his films, his creative process, his recent best-selling book Catching the Big Fish, and the David Lynch Foundation, which is bringing stress-reducing, creativity-enhancing Transcendental Meditation to school children.
General tickets are $75, VIP tickets are $95 & include a private reception with David Lynch, book signing,and a complimentary copy of Mr. Lynch's book Catching the Big Fish. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office during theater hours or by calling Brown Paper Tickets toll free at 1-800-838-3006.

David Lynch's Twin Peaks really captured the sinister beauty of the suburbs. Beneath a veneer of normalcy there were hidden problems like drug abuse, infidelity, murder & incest.

Beauty II

It is 55°F (13°C)and mostly sunny in New York today.

Can one desire too much of a good thing?

- As You Like It, Act IV, Scene I, by William Shakespeare