Dita + Decades = Decadence!

Dita Von Teese is indeed a style icon.  She alone has brought back an extreme glamour look dripping with sex appeal.  Her taste in clothes is impeccable, and she embodies perfection - perfecting the art of blending vintage and modernity.  I have never seen her look bad or make a wrong choice. It makes sense that Dita would continue her love affair with fashion and style and create her own style line.  The other night I was able to see her clothing line, make up line, brooches...  Of course it is all vintage inspired, so it also made sense that the line was launched and sold exclusively at Decades vintage boutique on Melrose in Los Angeles.

Dita with Cameron Silver and Jeff Snyder

Decades was transformed by the always amazing designer Jeff Snyder, and it felt as if you were walking into the world of Dita.  Upstairs was like being inside her own dressing room, with a selection of some of her favorite costumes, luggage, and feather fans.

The clothes, all dresses, are simple and beautiful.  Dita was wearing my favorite one, a long floral clingy number that is playful yet sexy.  I also really loved a simple black dress that leaves a lot to the imagination - an idea that has somewhat become lost when you think of most fashion today.  Sometimes coverage and a slim silhouette is more enticing than the strapless, short numbers. (don't quote me on that...)

I am in love with the Trench Coat.  Who isn't?  We all need this coat!!! Whether it's raining or not, this is a coat for all body types and all ages.  It is a classic, timeless piece that remains feminine and alluring.

The ultimate hostess

Amber Hackett sat down for a little Dita-izing with Dita's new makeup line

The launch was a fun LA scene, with lots of characters and great people watching. We ladies tried our best to release our Inner Dita, wearing the black liquid liner and red lips.  I donned a 40s modern do, and wore one of my favorites, a vintage Givenchy black crepe dress.

My hero, Charlotte Olympia

But for me, I had two other highs that night, besides being surrounded in the utter beauty and sensuality of Dita's "closet".  I most enjoyed meeting shoe designer Charlotte Olympia.  I am slightly obsessed with the shoe line right now, and seeing her in person and getting a chat in was just the best.  Dita even commented on my shoes, and I was happy to tell her that they were Charlotte Olympia. I was also able to speak with Luca Guadagnino, the writer/director for the I am Love or Io sono L'amour (which just sounds so much cooler in Italian).  Beyond humble and quiet, he was open to speaking of his film and listening to me drone on and on about how much I love it.  If you haven't seen it, go download it now!  Have tissues at hand...

The eclectic world of Dita Von Teese is transfixing and magnetic.  I enjoyed spending just an hour or so in her realm and fantasy.  I suggest everyone go and check out her clothes on the Decades website.  Or at least get a little Dita with beautiful red lips and black liner.  Pull out those vintage grandmother brooches, and you are set for a little Teese-ing!

American Ballet Theatre celebrates the American Spirit!

Some things in life are better than others.  Some wines are better, some restaurants are better, some days are better.  This week I attended a ballet gala that was better than others.  American Ballet Theatre's Opening Night Gala on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at New York City Center was truly a gala of perfection and balance, under the brilliant Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie.

The night opened with Mark Morris' Drink to Me Only within Thine Eyes (1988).  We can thank the great Mikhail Baryshnikov for commissioning this work for ABT during his tenure as Artistic Director. It is such a different and stand out part of the repertoire for the company.  Danced in pointe shoes, and very balletic, the ballet has a certain modernity and swiftness on stage.  The stunning white and airy costumes, designed by Santo Loquasto, brighten the work as if grounded angels have arrived to dance.  Morris' early works are so uplifting and fluid - it was the perfect way to begin the night.

Two Pas de Deux followed. The first was exquisite.  James Kudelka's Cruel World (1994) is an abstract work focusing on the idea of man's control over women.  Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, the quiet duet is filled with sexual tensions and releases, eerie trance-like moments and the most subtly beautiful dance movements.  Julie Kent, original to the role, danced this night, and she stole the night for me.  Her delicate quality was mesmerizing.  I don't know the work of Kudelka, but I am surely going to try to see more.  And I'd love to see the complete ballet of Cruel World.  (the pas is on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA0EO24POis)

Stars and Stripes by George Balanchine was next.  Balanchine's Americana pieces are usually not my favorite, but on this night it was a perfect moment to catch a breath (not for the dancers) and have some fun.  Danced by 2 soloists, not principals, Daniil Simlin took the stage with fury.  He was magnificent in his Coda, and though his surprising round of leaps ended in a fall inside the curtain, the audience gave an audible gasp and loud applause.  And the end of the Pas led us all to a more festive intermission...

Champagne at Intermission: as chic as our guests

The star of the night was the 70th Birthday presentation of Agnes de Mille's Rodeo.

First choreographed for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (who had taken residence in New York during World War II), this ballet was one of those great collaborative moments of dance in the 1940s.  The magical combination of choreographer de Mille, composer Aaron Copland, and set designer Oliver Smith.  We were presented with a documentary video, Rodeo@70, featuring old clips from the original production and new clips of ABT rehearsals.  Peppered with interviews with a quirky and quick de Mille (who danced the original lead role), the video gave us insight of how important the work was and still is.  It's the story of a cowgirl finding true love in a master cowboy and friend.  I found it to be a piece on feminism, with this girl working hard to fit in with men, to be their equal.  The sets are still modern in their simplicity and Americana genre.  The stage literally glows from within as the curtain rises.

  

Xiomara Reyes was delightful as the pining cowgirl.  Her strict ballet training was left at the wing as she humored us with movements of riding a horse and hoe-down circles.  It's a story of happiness and tale of "just be yourself and you will succeed".

The repertoire was perhaps the most balanced for any ballet company I have seen.  The nod to ABT's history and courage in the 1980s was smart and reverent.  And bringing in an older work like Rodeo and making it modern (due in large part to the wonderful costumes of Santo Loquasto) was a treat to an eager and hungry audience.  We all left satisfied and happy.  And talking about dance.

Of course the dinner after was beautiful.  The Pierre ballroom is a magnificent gold, and the brown and white gingham tablecloths and yellow sunflower arrangements complimented well.  Frederic Franklin (original cast member/cowboy of Rodeo) joined in the festivities.  Steak was served as the main course - reminding us of the Copland score we had just heard and all remembered from the "Beef: it's what's for dinner" commercials.

Some things in life are just better than other things.  This was one of those things.

2 Days in LA, from Art to Fashion to Art

Los Angeles is an interesting town.  When most people think of LA, they probably think the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater, swimmin' pools, movie stars...  But once you start to peel the layers off this lovely onion, you can discover some true beauty and some fascinating people.

Jenny Wu in front of her own design (photo courtesy of Stefanie Keenan)

This week I first found myself at The Los Angeles Antiques Art & Design Show, benefitting the Decorative Arts and Design Council for LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art).  Held at the Barker Hangar of the Santa Monica Airport, this hangar was transformed into a haven of lovely chairs, sparkling silver, hung paintings and exquisite chests, clocks, rugs, bronzed horses etc.

I went with Christine Chiu, my partner in crime for the evening, and as we first stepped in, we discovered this beautiful stand.  I think I will have my dream Paris apartment look like this...

I went on a mission to find a dining room table for my new LA house.  After all, Thanksgiving will be here at any moment, and I just can't imagine my family from Georgia eating on the floor.  I saw a few nice pieces, but nothing quite right for the room.  I did, though, find this stunning 1950s French Desk from EPCOA.  This might just make my office perfect...

All in all, I skipped buying antiques this night.  Keeping the desk idea for later.  But Christine and I did manage to shop the antique jewelry counter.  I came home with a charm bracelet of large cat head with all the fish and mice he could devour.  And Christine scored a beautiful Buccellati inspired cuff.

  

The next morning, I was off to The Blue Ribbon luncheon and presentation of the Ralph Lauren Collection for SS13, courtesy of friend Judy Chang.  Held at the most incredible home of Carla and Fred Sands, the event was tented in the backyard with the catwalk running through the center.  Carla, the new President for Blue Ribbon, was poised and well-spoken as she explained that The Blue Ribbon is a charitable support group raising funds for the Music Center of Los Angeles, which includes Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Master Chorale and Center Theatre Group.  Raising over $70M, it prides itself in bringing in over 700,000 fifth graders to the Music Center.

The clothes were typical Ralph Lauren.  It was as if we were transported directly to Spain or Santa Fe, NM.  There is one thing that I respect and like about Ralph Lauren: the line is always American in style.  From sportswear to evening wear, Mr. Lauren's clothes celebrate the American spirit, heritage and all her offerings.

The splendor of living in a city like Los Angeles is that you can be moments away from a fashion show like this, a small art gallery, a large art museum or a dance performance premiere.  But the best part could be having spacious gardens that can house striking, over-sized sculptures.

Los Angeles.  It surprises me each day.

Allez Alexis!

Alexis Alexis Alexis.  Imp on earth.  I simply adore this guy and his designs.  His spirit and love of life are apparent in every garment he makes, and he brings a smile to my face every time I see a design.

Alexis at the Carlyle pre-Met Gala

My first Paris Fashion Week Pret A Porter SS 2013 show was Alexis Mabille last week, held at Cite de la mode et du design.  I attended with my fashionista friends, Adrienne Eischeid and Stacey Bailey.  With seats lined outside with views of the Sienne, the venue was industrial and cool.  There was a lot of buzz before the show, as there always is, but this one seemed a bit more excited.  Perhaps it was the cool fall air off the Seine.

Alexis described this collection as clothes for the spontaneous girl who loves the sun and is a city girl at heart.  Oh yes.  And he used a new take on gingham in a lot of the pieces, something he thought was a bit of a modern Brigitte Bardot.  I am in.

The show did open with a lot of the gingham, and I really liked how it was gingham but still modern - there was never a Daisy Duke moment.  All very pulled together and sweet.  But there was also a little punk mixed in with these sweet pieces - mostly due in part to dresses like a summery white lace dress paired with black motorcycle boots by Inga Shoes.  We met the shoe designer after the show, and we all wanted to grab the boots and run.  This is certainly going to be my look for spring.

The show moved from the sweet, sunny pieces to more sophisticated blues and blacks.  I adore the blue vinyl trench coat, and the black linen bomber jacket is beyond chic.  It commands attention and pulls together an entire look, whether worn with the long white and blue pleated skirt from the show, or with the white lace dress above.  This is a classic piece good for anyone's wardrobe.

The evening wear was true Alexis with lots of embellishments and small "Alexis" bows.  The gingham returned in a more abstract way, adorned with lace and organdy.  All three of us girls came away from the show wanting a few pieces - Stacey and I may have to fight over that bomber jacket.  And Adrienne may have found her perfect gown for the Met Gala.  

Of course just going to a show is part of the fun.  The people watching is always amazing, and the fashion watching cannot be beat in Paris.

Can't beat front row seats with a great friend

Stacey in a little post-papparazzi shoot

Alexis' new boutique is open in Paris at 11 rue de Grenelle now.  Though I missed the grand opening a few days later, I know that I will stop by on my next visit to Paris to check out his collection in person and all of his fun and quirky accessories.  Comment magnifique!