Appearances Can Be Deceiving - Frida Kahlo's Dresses on Exhibit

Illness, pain, physical disability, depression, and the eventual amputation of her polio devastated leg is the basis of Frida Kahlo's style. As a creative person will often do she turned her tragedy into intensity and passion - taking the traditional Tehuantepec style of dress to new levels and creating a personal style which was envied and quickly embraced by the European women of the day. Proud of her heritage and needing to disguise her many physical flaws - her backbrace became a beautifully decorated corset, her prosthetic leg a fashionable boot.  The Exhibit "Las Aparencias Engañan" (Appearances can be Deceiving) or "Smoke and Mirrors" was opened in the "Casa Azul" in Mexico City on November 22, 2012.

Look Tattooed without being Tattooed

Here is a quick, fun tutorial.  By drawing in permanent ink on a pair of nylons that matches your skin color you can give the illusion of having tattoos.  Use your imagination.  Why not make a shirt out of nylon material to give the same effect on the sleeves?

Drape Patternmaking: Lesson 1 How To

Tutor Couture gives you your first lesson in draping a bodice. Draping is the more intuitive way to make patterns. For a perfect fit drape it right on your client's body rather than on the dress form.

Teen Shot in Florida - Was His Hoodie to Blame?

The initial reaction of course is outrage. An innocent unarmed teen was shot and killed by a neighborhood watchman. Mr. Zimmerman was determined to protect his neighborhood from crime. Somehow Trayvon Martin, running out to buy a pack of Skittles and a soft drink ended up dead. So far this is about all we know of the incident, the rest will come to light in future weeks. Here is what Geraldo Rivera had to say about it. Think about the sociology of fashion.  One of the reasons people dress is to send a message to society.  Society may misinterpret the message, as did Mr. Zimmerman for sure.  But perhaps it is worth taking a deeper look into what Geraldo is trying to say.

Read the full Washington Post article

Girl Model - A Documentary Film

Not a new controversy - albeit one that has not ever been fully addressed - the documentary film "Girl Model" shows the side of the fashion industry that most forget. In a world where later aged teens are considered "too old" and runway workers are "disposable" a story is told . Girl Model will be released in select theaters February 10th just in time for London Fashion Week.  In a situation strikingly similar to that of slave workers at fashion sweatshops in Latin America and other parts of the world - thirteen year old Nadya is selected from a group of hundreds of girls and promised work as a model in Tokyo.  In a TNT Magazine article covering the film Nadya's experience is described: "Indebted to her agency and, under the constant threat of being sent home should she gain any weight, she is left to fend for herself. It is a miserable existence, shorn of illusions. There are no fabulous parties, no designer clothes. She is bonded labour." For more information visit http//girlmodelthemovie.com

All Cotton Dye it Yourself Scarf for Sale on Etsy

I am finishing up a crochet scarf, all cotton. If you follow my blog you know all the wonderful ways you can dye cotton.  Or maybe you would just use it in winter white like I would.  Get it now at my shop on Etsy.  When the scarf is finished - approximately three days from now - the price will go up. Look at the beautiful flower motif. Shop Etsy for handmade items or open your own shop to sell your designs.

Holiday Party Hair

What ever will you do with you hair for the holiday festivities?  From sleek, straight Asian to thick, natural African hair and anything in between the following dos will work. Add length if you choose with extensions or a homemade ¾ wig!  The final look will look very different on each head depending on your hair's texture and thickness.  Use styling gel, mousse or hairspray. Maybe even your usual hairdo will work for as a party hairstyle. Just add a few sparkles and you are ready to go! (Click on the YouTube logo beneath each video to make it larger.)

French Fishtail:                               Zipper:                                          Sculpt-Your-Own:
  

Bouffant:                                        Under-a-Minute styles:                   Short Hair Updo:


Make and install your own wig if you want length:

Elizabeth Taylor Auction at Christies through Friday

Gingham is in for Spring 2012!

Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry grossed an incredible $115,000,000 yesterday at Christie's Auction House - and the sale is not over yet! Although the necklace known as "La Peregrina" given to her by twice husband Richard Burton sold for 11.8 million - setting a world record - you will find that some of the items at the online only auction are quite reasonable.  Taylor's 1970s gingham skirt by Valentino for example is only 300 dollars at the time of this post. Until Friday you have a chance to obtain items once owned by Elizabeth Taylor either by attending the live auctions at Christies or by bidding on items through the online auction.  Don't delay; view her designer jewelry, clothing, accessories, interior decor and memorabilia. Perhaps you will venture to make a bid to own a piece of American movie star history, or at least some of Liz' belongings that didn't quite make it to the big tag sale. A portion of the proceeds from the Auction will be donated to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Liz' style was hit or miss. 

Spring already?

Well, if you live in the Southern hemisphere this article is actually past due.  It is almost summer there.  For the rest of you here is what you have to look forward to in a few months. Good news though.  It looks like we don't have to be slaves to fashion anymore.
Read the article:
Womens Office Wear Tendencies for Spring 2012

Menswear Design

Emil Fusaro, Candadian tailor most generously shares his suit design process with us on YouTube. This is a series of 10 videos.  If you watch from this blog the videos will run one after the other in order without you having to do anything.  Otherwise you can see the video playlist by clicking on the link.

Suit Design with Emil