"Madmen Yourself"

Mark Rothko, Blue and Grey, Oil on Canvas, 1962.

Mark Rothko (1903-1970) was a Latvian-born American painter known for his abstract paintings of color juxtaposed against one another. He was influenced by mythology and Nietzsche, and later in his career developed his signature style of "multiforms," or fields of color. He recommended we look at his paintings 18 inches away from the canvas for a sense of intimacy and transcendence into the unknown. There's something remarkable about seeing a Rothko painting in person, it's definitely a moving experience--a moment where you are transported into the deepest of emotions,

feeling beyond each layer of color.

Rothko was a prominent figure in the art world during the 1960's. One of his paintings can even be seen in the office of Bert Cooper from the Emmy award winning show dedicated to the era, Madmen.

...Which brings me to 60's fashion, specifically, how to

"Madmen Yourself."

For the Gentlemen...

Attache Case. Keep your work papers in place nicely inside this sleek and classy attache, it's a must for hardworking gents like yourself.

Amazon.com, $119

Simple Striped Skinny Tie. Simple and skinny is key here for a clean and polished look.

JCrew, $49.50

Lucky Strikes and Scotch...Just kidding...Well, let's keep the scotch :o)

Perfectly Tailored Suit. It's all about the fit!...And also that perfectly folded flat pocket square a la Don Draper. Brooks Brothers teamed up with Madmen costume designer, Janie Bryant, to create an exclusive Madmen edition suit. Sharp and sophisticated!

Brooks Brothers, $998

Fedora. What better way to top off your dapper suit than with this cashmere fedora, another Madmen inspired accessory.

TheFedoraHatStore, $112

On to the Ladies...

Gold Pen Necklace. A staple in Joan Harris' wardrobe, this pen necklace adds a special kind of refinement to your already

beautiful ensemble.

1928, $20

Sweater Clips. Why we don't wear more sweater clips, I don't even know. What a classy invention! Find tons more at your local flea market, each so unique and precious.

Ebay, $18.85 (for now)

Laurel Brooch. A darling brooch to accessorize even your other accessories! Joan Harris pinned a gorgeous brooch to a long scarf on the back of her neck with the rest of the scarf flowing behind her.

Tres Chic!

Etsy, $15

Sheath Dress. A sheath dress is a form fitting dress that curves to your body, and we see many on Madmen. This is the ideal dress to accessorize with gloves and of course, something shiny.

Nordstrom, $109.90

The dress must not hang on the body, but follow its lines. It must accompany its wearer and when a woman smiles the dress must smile with her. --Madeleine Vionnet

Accessorize Your Fall

Elisabeth-Louise Vigee-Le Brun, Queen Marie Antoinette

and her Children, 1786.

Elisabeth-Louise Vigee-Le Brun (1755-1842) was a French painter who painted in the Rococo style and was said to be the most famous woman painter of the 18th century. Marie Antoinette invited Le Brun to the Palace of Versailles to paint more than 30 portraits of the Queen and her family. During this time, fashion was used as a signifier of status, and accessories, the "etceteras of fashion," especially marked nobility. The color palette of red, white, and black in Marie Antoinette's dress symbolizes the traditional royal colors of France. The pouf of her hat decorated with white silk and ostrich feathers are associated with the romantic East and the luxury of Parisian fashion.

What do your fashion accessories say about you?

Accessorize Your Fall

Men

White Pocket Square (Flat). It's no longer about the pointed pocket square--it's all about the clean and crisp flat look. The Sartorialist loves it. A white, flat pocket square looks especially classy

tucked inside a navy suit blazer.

On how to fold a perfectly flat pocket square, click here.

Ralph Lauren, $30

Colorful and Patterned Socks. Thom Browne started the whole cropped pants look for men to showcase their collection of socks, or no socks depending on the season. Now, so many stores are stocking up in slimmer cuffed pants to grow and evolve with this trend. For warmer months where you do want to go bare,but not totally bare inside your

shoes, loafer socks are your answer.

Oki-ni, $9.73

Interesting Brooches. Brooches are not only for women. Now, more designers like Raf Simmons, Dior, and Philip Lim are including brooches in their line of luxury for men. DIY by getting a ladies' metal hair pin (H&M, local drug store even) and gorilla glue-ing onto it, your own special charm/pendant.

Oki-ni, $267.82

Lapel Pins. Let's take lapel pins to the next level with exciting charms to adorn your suit jacket. What a dashing attention grabber!

Black Sheep and Prodigal Sons, $100

Backpacks. An excellent functional fashion statement.

Marc Jacobs stores (comes in a variety of colors), $17

Beanies. True, beanies are always IN for the chilly months, but how about pairing them with blazers instead of thermals? The Band of Outsiders presentation this past NY Fashion Week showed some of their models wearing suits and button down shirts with cashmere beanies. Go oversized like this beanie, or go with the more fitted traditional, either way this is a very fun piece to play with.

Topman, $8

Women

The Bowler Hat. Have you seen Coco Avant Chanel? Audrey Tautou wears a couple bowler hats in the movie that look absolutely lovely. Chanel's avant-garde look of her time is perfectly in line with the recent fascination with menswear today. I, too, will happily jump on this bandwagon and get my hands on a bowler hat!

Topshop, $44

Shoe Clips. I had a pair of pink rose shoe clips when I was little, and it felt like I had brand new shoes each time I would clip them on to another pair. I'm glad these clips are back. Dress up any everyday flat, bootie, even socks, sweaters, purses, scarves, and headbands.

H&M stores, $3.95

Rhinestone Necklaces. We love the bling, and rhinestones are everywhere this season. A rhinestone necklace is the perfect, stunning accessory for your LBD.

Forever21, $10.80

Statement Rings. This ring is certainly unisex and very much a statement. I've been watching this ring for about a year now, but it never seems to go on sale.

Go on sale already!

80sPurple, $229

Beautiful Headbands. They aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Feel like a Queen with these jeweled embellishments atop your head. One idea for those who have mid to longer length hair, is to loop your hair and tuck it into the bottom band for a retro-beautiful look.

Anthropologie, $32

Banana Clips. Modernize the 80s by straightening your hair before you clip this on for a spiky, girl mohawk look that is both edgy and sexy--something new from something old. Enjoy!

Walgreens, $2.50

NY Fashion Week Spring 2010

Rinpa Eshidan, 1 Week of Art Works, 2006.

Rinpa Eshidan (Rinpa: "to bring people together" Eshidan: "art crew") is a team of artists based in Japan: Noiz-Davi, Daisuke Yamamoto, D.H. Rosen, Akari Sasai, and XOLA, who film live art performances--painting in action. Their pursuit is to engage us in their process of creativity instead of focusing on the end result. This video invites us to see a week in the life of the Rinpa Eshidan.

A week of art is marvelous through the vision of Rinpa Eshidan, and a week of fashion is just as inspirational with all its innovative creations.

NY Fashion Week Spring 2010

Fashion Week kicked off with the first ever Fashions Night Out, a global shopping event to encourage us to shop again to boost the economy and help sustain jobs in the fashion industry. Walking along Madison Ave., on my way to stalk my favorite designer, Alex Wang (who was making an appearance at Barneys), I felt like I was walking through an upscale block party with ladies and gents in cocktail attire sipping champagne while trying on the latest fall collection YSL boots. Though I didn't see many people with shopping bags, the retailers say that's a-ok, because the seed was planted--customers saw what they wanted, and retailers believe they'll be back to buy, buy, buy.

At Barneys, A.W. was swarmed by his groupies, including me (not pictured). Listening to him speak, he was just so down to earth--I wanted to pull him aside, sit him down by his T's, sip champagne, and have us share our hopes and dreams...

Ra'mon Lawrence of Project Runway Season 6, showcased his Spring 2010 collection at Touch in Midtown. With both a women's and a men's line to boast, his collection felt very California with fabrics that would flow beautifully in an ocean breeze and also casual, wearable shapes for the everyday.

Sitting front row at Ra'mon Lawrence! The Good Life!

The SartoriaLUST was a special pop-up at Barneys curated by Scott Schuman, the Sartorialist himself. The items in this special space are all of the Sartorialist's favorites from the Barneys Mens Department.

His booksigning was held in the middle of SartoriaLUST, where complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres were served. When it was my turn, I secretly was hoping for him to say, "Stop the presses! I must photograph YOU and put you in my next book!!!" Just Kidding :o). The Sartorialist was super nice and very appreciative of the turnout.

My main reason for going to his booksigning was for W., who could really be on the cover of The Sartorialist's book,

my favorite fashionisto...

Happy Anniversary!!!

The Band of Outsiders show was a special treat, in presentation form instead of a runway, Milk Studios in the Meatpacking District was transformed into an oasis inspired by explorer of the sea, Jacques Cousteau. Bandage skirts reminiscent of Herve Leger and smart navy blazers were worn by some of the female models. Spotted on the male models, were peacoats, a hint of striped linen in the form of blazers and shorts, and also, Band's version of fitted sweatpant shorts.

A few good men in effortless style, waiting to get in to the Band show. Exposure of socks! Loafers! Fitted slacks! ...and who said men can't accessorize? Just look at that wonderful man bag...

Fashion Week concluded last Thursday with an exciting panel discussion around the "Economy of Fashion." Participants included John Demsey, Group President of Estee Lauder, Suzy Menkes, author and fashion critic, for the International Herald Tribune, Mazdack Rassi, Milk Studios Co-Founder and Creative Director, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, Co-founders of Opening Ceremony, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, and Simon Collins, Dean of Parsons the New School for Design.

To answer Suzy Menkes' question on why designer clothes are so expensive, Humberto Leon explained that the fabrics itself can be pricey, but it is also the designer's job to make the garment worth its price. Stitching, detailing, fit, fabric--all these things must be carefully and thoughtfully designed specifically for the targeted audience.

In terms of his process, Alexander Wang revealed that he works organically, beginning with the fabric, and that sometimes, the inspiration comes after.

It was a very busy week in fashion, and a special thanks to W., CityCityBangBang, and Picturelylesque Sightings for all your gracious invitations to these fabulous events, thank you!!!

"September is the January in Fashion"

Jorge Pardo, Untitled, 2002, Installation, Bar am Kaiserteich 

K 21, Dusseldorf.

Jorge Pardo (1963-     ) is a Cuban artist based in Los Angeles, who blurs the boundaries between art, architecture, and design. He unifies art and life by creating environments through light fixtures, furniture, floor coverings, buildings, and more. Looking at this piece, it reminds me of fall...the leaves changing colors, falling, and transforming our surroundings into an exciting new chapter for the year. 

Jorge Pardo, Untitled (Restaurant), 2002, Installation, 

Paul-lobe-haus, Berlin.

Pardo often times uses lights as elements to create a composition. I'd like to have dinner here and be absorbed in the space of these lovely autumn colored lights.

Jorge Pardo, Oliver, Oliver, Oliver, 2004. Movie Theatre Installation, 

Braunschweig Parcours, Germany.

Pardo said of his movie theatre that "...you are as much a part of the event as the story in the film." Wouldn't it be nice to watch old movies and watch the foliage change through a different colored lens?

p.s. "Oliver" is the name of his cat...

Speaking of the Fall season, we've now entered September, the month where the weather and greenery changes around us...it's also a very pivotal month in Fashion.  As said in The September Issue, 

"September is the January in Fashion." 

8 Fall Essentials

Leggings. Since we last tucked these away in Spring, transformations have occurred, more add-ons, texture, colors, shimmers, and yes, even knee pad-like patches. Take your pick.

80sPurple, $48.80

The Boyfriend Blazer. Keep it sleek, simple, and chic with this silk version. This blazer is perfect to dress your outfit up or down.

Urban Outfitters, $78

Structured Shoulders. Think 80s. This dress combines two of Fall's trends, bold shoulders and the long sleeve mini dress. FYI this dress comes sans belt.

H&M, $49.95

Ear Cuffs. Think 90s. Alexander Wang included vertebrae ear cuffs as a futuristic accessory to complete his Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear collection. How will you wear your ear cuffs?

NastyGalVintage, $18

Faux Fur/Leopard Print. To me, these two things are very timeless. Both will take on the spotlight once more as fall favorites. Combine the two, and you have the coat above.

Forever 21, $34.80

Embellished Tights. Doo.Ri is just one of the many designers that included embellished tights as part of their Fall collection. What's wonderful about this look, is that it can easily be recreated. DIY with a pair of your favorite tights, fabric glue, and sequins. Refinery 29 explains. Your wallet will thank you.

Leather. Or in this case, faux leather. This Alexander Wang-esque piece extends the idea of a traditional leather vest into a dress, creating a very rocker chic look. 

Forever 21, $27.80

Stud Embellishments. Studs are everywhere this Fall, on clutches, jackets, tights, and various footwear. Complete your rocker chic look with these and make your feet your Fall statement.

Bloomingdales, $77.40

Americana Menswear

Jasper Johns, Three Flags, 1958, Encaustic on Canvas, 

Whitney Museum, New York.

Jasper Johns (1930-     ) had a dream one night about the American Flag, and the next morning he went off to get materials and began to paint it. Though Johns explains his reasoning for painting his flags through a simple dream, maybe his inspiration lies in a deeper paradox. It's not just one flag he paints here, but three. The flag isn't billowing in the wind like we usually see it, but reduced and flat. Five years before Johns painted this, he was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Three Flags--patriotic or ironic? 

Whether or not Johns' Flags are patriotic or not, the symbolism is there, it's still an American Flag...and on this note, thinking about the American... it's time for some fashion :o)

Top 8 Trends in Americana Menswear

The Levi's Jean Jacket is a timeless piece that is perfect for all seasons...easy to throw on and showcase in Spring as well as a great piece to layer under a coat for Winter. 

Levi's + Jean = Americana all the way.

Levi's Store, $68

Skinny Knit Ties are perfect for the warmer months and don't always have to look hipster. Keep it classy with the nice accessory below.

JCrew, $49.50

When dressing Americana, it's all about the details that keep you shinin'. Enjoy the glory of tie bars. You can find really unique and very affordable ones at your local flea market, I promise.

J.Press, $69

How about we take Americana back, way back to the 1920s, where oftentimes gentlemen wore these collar pins to keep both their dress shirt collars and ties in place. Aren't functional accessories the best?

J.Press, $24

Khaki pants are very Americana, and these days the trend is for the cut to be slimmer with an added cuff to the bottom. 

JCrew, $65

The Oxford Half Sleeve is best by Band of Outsiders. Band creates great quality fitted shirts for men. You can tell when someone is wearing one of these shirts--it just looks really good on them.  By the way, those are little boats on the shirt, the nautical is very IN this season and next.

Opening Ceremony, $74 

Seersucker--either you love it or you hate it. But you have to admit it's such a nice, lighter fabric for the warmer months, and it's hard to deny its strong presence this season. American Apparel has plenty of seersucker to choose from among shorts, shirts, and bow ties.

American Apparel, $52

G.H. Bass started making shoes in Wilton, Maine during the 1870s. His Penny Loafers epitomized Americana "cool" when they were worn by James Dean in the '50s and Michael Jackson in the '80s. With a variety of styles and colors to enjoy, Bass shoes will forever be a staple in men's footwear.

Piperlime, $63.99

*This post is dedicated to W. Thanks for your inspiration!