Wednesday, January 27, 2010

geometry lesson: alexis mabille's spring 2010 couture collection

What do we think of the Alexis Mabille Spring 2010 Couture collection? I actually really love it except I wonder if the presentation (i.e. the dyed hair) here distracts from how awesome the work is.

He said he was inspired by "Cubist and Suprematist art, and Calder... I wanted something cleaner with less embroideries." The first dress reminds me of La Dolce Vita.










































































































































































































































Alexis Mabille's website.




Monday, January 25, 2010

from paris with love



















Martin Witt has delivered many low-key, social dramas. My favorites are Sounder and Norma Rae which deliver the emotional goods in a quiet, understated way. 1961's Paris Blues is a fascinating glimpse of a bygone era, brilliantly scored by Duke Ellington, where American expatriates in Paris survive by playing jazz. Supposedly the heyday for jazz was over by then but it's a lovely imagining nonetheless--a glamorous romance with extremely appealing stars.

Paul Newman plays Ram Bowen, a talented trombonist who seems dissatisfied with his career. His cohort, Eddie Cook (Sidney Poitier), is another musician who moved to Paris to escape the violent racism of America. Their relationship is at times tense but otherwise knowing. They fall in love with two vacationing Americans, Lillian and Connie (Joanne Woodward and Diahann Carroll), who both challenge their life decisions.

The story is a bit flat and the pace is slow. But it's still an interesting watch for the great jazz, its frank discussions of racial identity and as a time capsule of the stylish, cool cat early '60s. The musical performances kick the film to life--including a brilliant cameo from Louis Armstrong. ***



Sunday, January 24, 2010

where the boys are, part III

More favorites from Fall 2010 Paris runways.










































































sag ladies

These two were my favorites. Who were yours?

I'm not a fan of Sandra Bullock nor The Blind Side but she has been looking great lately. This black Alexander McQueen keyhole dress with blue beading may be my favorite red carpet look so far this year!



































































































Friday, January 22, 2010

where the boys are, part II

More menswear favorites: these are Fall 2010 collections from this week in Paris. Thoughts?



















































































































































Dries Van Noten (perhaps my favorite overall collection)