December 30, 2016
As the days and nights get colder, it's that perfect weather to cuddle up on the couch, sip a hot cup of coffee (or hot chocolate or something else just as satisfying), curl up in a cozy blanket and watch some movies.
To help you with the latter part of this laid-back adventure, I wanted to share some fashion films that may have slipped your radar.
The First Monday in May
The film is all about the fashion exhibition that is held at The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, along with an inside look at the 2015 Met Gala. Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and Met Gala chair is on hand, along with Andrew Bolton, the curator of the exhibit.
The emphasis is placed on the exhibit, "China: Through the Looking Glass." The viewer gets an inside look at the entire process of putting on an exhibit of this scale - from the research to the approvals to the design and the production - with all of the hurdles thrown in.
I was lucky enough to attend this exhibit, and I found this film quite fascinating. Of course, I could only imagine all of the work that went into it when I was viewing it at the time, but there was a lot more I hadn't thought about. When you are working within the setting of a museum, many questions arise. Is fashion really art? Should fashion be housed with artifacts that date back not ten or twenty years, but hundreds and in some cases, thousands of years? And, as fashion can be creative, it can also be seen as something else - controversial. Where does one draw the line?
This film is not just for those that appreciate fashion, but also for those that appreciate history.
In Vogue: The Editor's Eye
What I loved most about this film was the mere fact that you didn't have to have opened one issue of Vogue before to appreciate this film. Instead, you gain insight into the world of fashion shoots, styling and photography. You gain insight into the fashion world from, just as the title implies, the editors. You hear from fashion editors that include Grace Coddington, Tonne Goodman, Polly Allen Mellen, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Camilla Nickerson, Phyllis Posnick and Babs Simpson. Others are also on hand to offer insight, such as designers Alber Elbaz, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang.
This film is a must watch for those that appreciate how a fashion story comes together. And, just wait until you begin hearing all of the varying opinions on styling - each editor has their distinct look, and that is what makes each of the stories they created so unique.
Mr Selfridge
Yes, this is a PBS series and not a movie, but I still had to include it. You can always binge watch! I must first point out that how much of this series is based on facts could be debated, although, why I love this series is because it takes you back in time. The series takes you back to a time where Harry Selfridge took risks - it's amazing to think cosmetics and beauty were not on the ground floor of a department store at one time. But wait, this meant there was actually makeup on the selling floor? What a stir that certainly caused! And, what are Harry's thoughts on sales?
Of course there is plenty of drama to be had with key characters, which makes it a series you could just keeping watching and watching.
This film is fantastic for those that appreciate fashion history, but also for those that are interested in business. Additionally, it has an American connection - Harry was from the Midwest.
And, on that note, happy holidays and speak with you in 2017!
- Aimee
P.S. Be sure to stay comfortable and cozy this winter by wearing a Long Sleeve Layering Top from Adea.
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October 22, 2020
I just read an article that sounded – to me at least – like “a canary in a coal mine” or an early warning of danger. This piece, written by Joe Pompeo, appeared in the May 2020 issue of Vanity Fair magazine with the title “The British Tabloid Invasion” and a subtitle that read, “How the Daily Mail is conquering American gossip.”
The paparazzi horde, La Dolce Vita, 1960 – photo courtesy of Vanity Fair
October 14, 2020
Apparently the good old U.S. is a nation of “not great” sleepers. Really? And I thought I was the only one! According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was revealed that one out of three Americans are chronically sleep-deprived. Yikes!
October 06, 2020
I think we’re all taken by the incredible mystique of the famous French fashion house, Hermès that has been with us for two centuries and is still owned and operated by the same family. From its beginnings in fine equestrian leather goods, they are – in the tumultuous year 2020 – best known for their handbags and many other items.
My image of Hermès has always been rarified products at equally rarified prices so imagine my surprise when I recently received a very stylish publication of theirs in the mail.