Fashion on Film: 'Devdas'

I just recently saw this epic Bollywood film and was taken away by the splendor of India with it's gilded palaces, kitschy dance sequences and the breathtaking beauty of Aishwarya Rai.  Though this film has a tragic ending, it is a celebration of life throughout the entire movie- from it's bold vibrant costumes to the men's impeccable styling. Here are a few stand out images that illustrate this film's ornate art direction and costume design.

 

Alice Springs aka June Newton

While in Berlin a few weeks back I took on the daunting task of visiting at least 6 museums per day for about 5 days straight. Aside from some amazing German Expressionism like Emil Nolde, Max Beckmann,  Otto Dix and Kirschner there were some must see contemporary shows. It was my dream to visit the Helmut Newton Foundation, I was awestruck from the very moment I walked in. On the main floor is a  display of his life's work complete with all of his notable magazine covers, archival video footage and an installation of his actual living room. On the second floor is a special exhibition of photographs called  'Alice Springs'  shot by his wife June Newton who operated under that same alias.  Click here for a complete gallery

Pat Cleveland in the 70s shot by Alice Springs


 I added this classic disco track by Cerrone as a throwback to Cleveland's hey day

  09 Give Me Love by jasminmira1980

Madonna in 1982 before she made it big

I always love getting glimpses into Madonna's pre famous life when she was still accessible, broke, and hungry. Aside from seeing her in her 'oh so cool' thrifted outfits you also get to see traces of a New York City that no longer exists. A kittenish 24 year old Madonna is featured on the April 2011 cover of OUT magazine ( shot by Richard Corman) click here for entire slideshow

Ernest Rosenberg, one of the last real Soho artists

So delighted that I came across this pic on Lee Oliveira's blog.  Ernest is one of my dear friends who I've known for about a decade, a truly talented prolific artist with a wide range of styles. Besides street art, he also delves into portraiture, abstract, and figurative pieces. Ernest also possesses great style which he manages to finagle on a shoestring budget. Ernest will always be dear to my heart :)

Lee Oliveira

Fashion on Film: 'What A Way To Go'

I really want to showcase a tribute to the great Edith Head, costume designer to the stars during the Hollywood's Golden Era, but this clip from the 1964 Shirley Maclaine film will suffice. It will give you just enough to grasp her sartorial magnitude. I watched this delightful film over and over again throughout my teens and it affirmed my love for fashion then. It will always be a special film for me.

Fashion on Film: Party Girl

I ADORE this film, so New York, so relevant and represented my existence for  too long. This special little film is like the 'Desperately Seeking Susan' of the 90s. It showed a New York that has diminished slightly since the 80s but how has now gone through a complete facelift in the 2010s. Nonetheless, the fashions in the movie speak volumes - pleather skirts, faux leopard coats, leather gloves and dainty vintage handbags. Parker is lovable as the unaffected, urban, downtown clubgirl who just wants to weave through life with no responsibility. Until finally she does realize her calling and rises to the occasion.

one of my all time fave magazine covers i-D Sept 2009

One of my all time fave magazine covers is the i-D Sept 2009 issue 'Pretty Young Things'.  Aside from the stunning cover which featured Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez and Arlenis Sosa, there were several fashion editorials titled from various Michael Jackson songs. ( it was a total homage!) Here is a video detailing the 'making of' process with some fun footage.