A Couture Life...

Paradise

2012-02-23T22:11:00.001-05:00

If I could magically transport myself into any photograph right now, this would be the one.

New Favorite Websites

2012-02-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

http://www.sadanduseless.com

http://www.pleated-jeans.com

Tunnel of Love in Kleven, Ukraine

2012-02-06T06:10:00.000-05:00

Obsessed: Christian Louboutin Summerissima Heels

2012-02-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

[Above] Leather and suede - available at Neiman Marcus

[Above] Leather and python - available at Neiman Marcus

NYC via Bird's-Eye View

2012-02-04T12:54:00.002-05:00

Photographs by Navid Baraty
http://www.navidbaraty.com

I Miss LA

2012-01-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Honor by Giovanna Randall Pre-Fall 2012

2012-01-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

[Below] I've been really into peplum silhouettes lately. This one is a bit edgier than what I usually see.

Effortless

2012-01-23T20:33:00.001-05:00

Interview with Artist Isaac Bonan

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

French artist Isaac Bonan uses a variety of mediums to illustrate his subjects, including watercolor, acrylic, pencils and markers. Somehow he manages to capture the unique essence and beauty in each face or object. I particularly love his portrayal of eyes.

ACL: How did you become interested in painting?

IB: Asfar as I remember, I've always liked drawing and painting. It wasnatural and could not conceive to do anything else. I realized thatonly physical contact with the traditional equipment can give me realfeelings.

ACL: How did you develop your style?

IB: I try to eliminatethe maximum of elements, to de-construct in order to highlight what seemsimportant to me like, eyes, lips or hair. I like when negative and positivespaces compete together on the paper in order to show a balance. But what I tryto highlight the most is the eyes expressions because they can reflectemotions. Therefore, I mostly use watercolor pencils and colored inks becausethey allow a particularly bright result, they give a certain freshness andlightness to the piece, plus they naturally create shapes and colors I hadn'tplanned! My artistic work and style aims to generate emotion and beauty.

ACL: What inspires you?

IB: Many sources inspire me everyday: all medias (magazines, books). Colorsand music can touch me. Sometimes, the nature of a shade can suggest ideas tome. Generally, I make my environment a jumble of ideas: I seek the detail thatwill form, bring something, and sublime my work.

ACL: Who are your favorite artists?

IB: Artists such as Raymond Moretti, ReneGruau and Georges Mathieu, the dynamism and the timelessness of theirwork inspire me a lot.I also admire David Downton for the relevance of his work.

ACL: What would your dream future project be?

IB: Iwould love to collaborate with great stylists to draw theircollections.

Thank you, Isaac, for sharing your story and your art.

For more information about the artist and to see more of his work, please visit his website.

Why I Love American Men: Tom Brady

2012-01-15T13:11:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dolce & Gabbana 2011 Jewelry Ad Campaign featuring Bianca Balti

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Animals I Love

2011-12-23T13:03:00.000-05:00

[Below] Tree kangaroo

[Below] Axolotl

[Below] Capybara - I always think of my old dog, Drake, a small golden retriever who was the exact shape of a capybara. I miss him.

[Below] Cottontop tamarin

[Below] Dumbo octopus

[Below] Emperor tamarin

[Below] Fennec fox

[Below] Golden lion tamarin - so wise

[Below] Slow loris

[Below] Red panda - my all time favorite and the cutest animal on the planet

[Below] Ring-tailed lemur

[Below] Serval

Coral Accents

2011-12-21T08:03:00.000-05:00

Visions of Grandeur

2011-12-17T07:58:00.000-05:00

Why I Love British Women: Charlotte Rampling

2011-12-16T07:51:00.000-05:00

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld for Kiki de Montparnasse

2011-12-15T07:39:00.000-05:00

2012 Pirelli Calendar by Mario Sorrenti

2011-12-14T07:34:00.000-05:00

2011-12-13T07:28:00.000-05:00

Beautiful + Serious

2011-12-12T07:21:00.000-05:00

Fashions at a California High School in 1969

2011-12-11T19:04:00.001-05:00

Favorite Models: Hailey Clauson

2011-12-02T19:13:00.000-05:00

Dennis Basso

2011-12-01T07:09:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Blonde

2011-11-30T07:06:00.000-05:00

Why I Love Italian Women: Monica Vitti

2011-11-29T07:41:00.001-05:00

Ocean View Club, Harbour Island, Bahamas

2011-11-20T13:53:00.001-05:00

I really love the easy, beachy feel of the Ocean View Club on Harbour Island. All of the guest rooms are different. Bright colors and lots of light make the hotel serene and tropical.

Ocean View Club website

Joanna Koltuniak by Jacek Zajac

2011-11-11T05:45:00.000-05:00

Marilyn Monroe by Lawrence Schiller on the set of Something's Got to Give

2011-11-10T05:31:00.000-05:00

Il Salviatino Hotel in Florence, Italy

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Interview with Artist Shelly Porter

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

ACL: How did you become involved in art?

SP: I have always been creative. I dreamt of being an art major in college, but a more promising avenue for employment seemed to be Interior Design. I did that for several years. Although I enjoyed the creative aspects of it, the sales and general business end of it - I did not. I eventually decided to seriously pursue my creative talents after I was diagnosed with cancer in 1990. I went back to school and took several studio courses. I then began submitting my work to local exhibits and have had several two-women and solo exhibits.

ACL: How did you develop your style?

SP: Initially I painted in a traditional style, rooted in the Mexican culture and combined with some Renaissance and Victorian period symbolism. My emphasis has always been on color and pattern. But my obsession with detail started driving me nuts! I decided to make a 360 degree turn and started painting with the other side of my brain in an abstract style that was influenced by artists Wassily Kandinsky and Gustav Klimt. I have found it very satisfying and much more fluid and poetic. I feel like it is a truer expression of my feelings and intuitions.

ACL: What inspires you?

SP: Color shape and pattern in any milieu or circumstance.

ACL: What is your dream future project?

SP: I would love to design or create a contemporary line of jewelry or fabrics.

ACL: Which mediums do you use? Are there others that you would like to try?

SP: I paint mainly in watercolor and use sepia ink and watercolor pencils and some pastel. I also use a powdered gold gouache that I like to accent my work with. (I can thank Gustav Klimt for that inspiration.) I particularly like working on paper, however I am currently working with some acrylics on deep cradled canvas. I have been tempted to use some sewn thread in my work but have not actually tried it...

ACL: Which is your favorite pieces that you've done?

SP: My most favorite piece that I have made is a portrait of my daughter that I did for my husband - the obvious reason being that I adore them both, but also because I really don't have any interest in portraiture, so that will be the one and only!

Many thanks to Shelly for her participation

Please visit her website and Etsy store for more information

Grace Coddington by Willie Christie

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Spring 2012 Bridal Collections: Part 2

2011-11-06T17:07:00.000-05:00

[7 Below] Marchesa's impressive collection of embellished and expertly constructed wedding gowns

I love the dress below so much. The tailored style defines appropriate sex appeal for a bride. A sheer back with covered buttons adds an element of surprise.

[Below] A one shouldered lace gown by Cymbeline

[Below] The soft romanticism of this Claire Pettibone dress is enhanced by the flowing, asymmetric skirt.

[2 Below] Anne Bowen's unconventional wedding gowns are incredibly beautiful. They offer a different twist on classic gowns while still remaining feminine.

Like film noir...

2011-10-28T19:01:00.000-04:00

Interview with Photographer Sophie Van der Perre

2011-10-26T14:11:00.004-04:00

ACL: How did you become interested in photography?

SVdP: In some way I've always been interested in images. I used to shoot a lot with disposable cameras, capturing my world and my friends', but never took it really seriously until I did a fashion photography course in Amsterdam and I fell completely in love with the creating a story-part and the excitement of not knowing what you're shooting. So I proceeded.

ACL: What inspires you?

SVdP: A lot of things, but especially a person's personality combined with their look. It makes me want to create a story.
.

ACL: Where are your favorite places to shoot?

SVdP: Nature for sure, or beautiful old houses.

ACL: What are your favorite subjects to shoot?

SVdP: People who have the charisma of freedom in beautiful landscapes.

ACL: Are you working on projects now? What are they?

Yes, I'm preparing on some projects now. I'm having some exhibitions later this month in Amsterdam, and after that I'll be going to NY and when I come back I want to focus mainly on shooting new work.

ACL: What would be your dream future project?

SVdP: Anything which I feel I can explore myself and be proud. I have a lot of dreams, but if I tell they might not come true ;)

ACL: One more question - which is your favorite photo that you've taken?

SVdP: I don't really have one favorite. I'm not easily satisfied. It's easier to ask the question, what is your favorite photo out of one series?

ACL: I think my favorite is the one below. The girls look so carefree, lounging in the sun with their feet in the water.

Many thanks to Sophie!

See the rest of her work on her website.

Favorite Models: Anais Pouliot

2011-10-25T09:39:00.001-04:00

Spring 2012 Bridal Collections

2011-10-22T09:26:00.000-04:00

[Below] Carolina Herrera's adorable 50s inspired dress would be perfect for bridesmaids or the rehearsal dinner. I love the little pockets above the pleats.

[Below] For all you bohemian brides out there - Nicole Miller's draped back gown

[Below] The length and shape of this Reem Acra dress make it unconventional. Sparkly beads give the otherwise simple dress a bit of embellishment.

[Below] A beautifully modern gown by Saja

[Below] Kate Middleton inspired millions of gowns with her Alexander McQueen dress. This Temperley London gown clearly took inspiration from her as well. I absolutely love everything about this one.

[Below] Another Kate Middleton-esque dress by Theia

All images from Nymag.com

Real Random

2011-10-21T10:23:00.000-04:00

OTK

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

I really, really love these thigh-high leather boots by LD Tuttle. They are perfect and I wish they didn't cost $849...a girl can still dream though!

Available at Oak

Ashley Smith by Stacey Mark

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

My Other Blog

2011-10-18T10:49:00.001-04:00

I now have another blog. No words, only pictures.

UBER-FEMME

The Brooklyn Home Company

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

The Brooklyn Home Company designs and develops residential properties in the greater New York City area.

The materials and colors create a sleek, simple aesthetic that easily serves as a backdrop for either modern or traditional decor.

Check out the home of Lyndsay and Fitzhugh (two of the designers at TBHC) on The Selby.

The Brooklyn Home Company's website

Orange.Pink.Yellow

2011-10-17T09:39:00.000-04:00

Rachael Ruddick

2011-10-16T04:49:00.000-04:00

Every woman's wardrobe should contain a simple clutch. These clutches by Rachael Ruddick are elegant and versatile. The red one would complement a sleek black cocktail dress perfectly. With a price tag under $300, they're a steal.

Available on Rachael Ruddick's website

Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe by Annie Leibovitz

2011-10-15T16:45:00.001-04:00

Favorite Models: Carla Bruni

2011-10-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

La Perla Autumn/Winter 2011/2012

2011-10-08T16:52:00.001-04:00

La Perla is by the far the most elegant lingerie brand today. The autumn/winter 2011/2012 collection drew inspiration from the roaring 20s.

How incredible is the set above? The design and peacock color complement each other in their originality.

My favorite out of the collection is the set below. I would wear the bra under a sheer black top. It's simply too beautiful to hide.

Favorite Photographers: Henri Cartier-Bresson

2011-09-27T06:25:00.000-04:00

Too Cool

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Eyescapes by Rankin

2011-09-25T18:07:00.001-04:00

Favorite Fashion Illustrators: Antonio Lopez

2011-09-17T15:06:00.002-04:00

Heavy Metal

2011-09-15T16:32:00.001-04:00

Saw Metallica last night at Yankee Stadium. Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer played as well, but we didn't get there until right before Metallica went on. It was AWESOME. Hard rock is really my favorite genre and it had been a while since I'd been to an intense concert like that. The guitar solos were out of control and the crowd was surprisingly well behaved. Might have had something to do with the 9pm last call for alcohol at Yankee Stadium...pretty lame if you ask me! Couldn't get a great pic with my iPhone, as you can see below.

Going to Mercury Lounge tonight to see Motopony. My favorite of their songs is "Seer", which has a funky, 1970s, Blood Sweat & Tears vibe. Listen to it here.

Ana Beatriz Barros by Doug Inglish

2011-09-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Nur Hellman by David Gubert

2011-09-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

Nothing can compete with the beauty of a white dress on a stunning woman. David Gubert photographed Nur Hellman in Villefranche sur Mer, France, which is located just west of Nice. With its effortless glamour against a backdrop of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, the south of France is one of my favorite places in the world.

The two dresses below are my favorite from this set. The zig-zag lace adds bohemian flair to an otherwise simple design.

The fabric below has enough weight to create a full skirt. A small cutout on the midriff area gives the tailored dress a surprisingly flirty touch.

Concept Korea Spring 2012 Presentation

2011-09-12T11:46:00.001-04:00

On Friday, I attended my first-ever show during New YorkFashion Week. I was invited to the Concept Korea Spring 2012 Presentation,which featured five Korean designers. The presentation was held at at LincolnCenter in Avery Fisher Hall, a beautiful modernist space with high ceilings andnumerous windows. At 6:30 pm, the sun was streaming through the glass, catchingthe different fabrics in its light and creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Please pardon the quality of these pictures, as I only hadmy iPhone with me and not a regular camera. They are more clear if you click on each image to see it full size.

[Below] The balcony of Avery Fisher Hall overlooks thecentral plaza and fountain of Lincoln Center. The presentation had an open bar,of which I gladly partook. I stood out on the terrace, drinking white wine andwatching all the fabulous people walk around in their stylish outfits. It was atruly luxurious experience.

[Below] My favorite designer of the five was Son Jung Wan, whosegarments were at once feminine and modern. Glass in various shades of blueinspired her to create these pieces. The white jacket/top in the second picture was chic in a minimalist way. I wasn't able to fully capture the beauty of its simplicity in this photo.

[Below] Also of note was Doho, whose intricate interlockingdesigns were woven from strips of fabric. I took the photo of the back of thegown through a window, so it didn’t turn out as I wanted. The back had a cutoutas well as a short train, which gave it some extra dramatic flair.

[Below] I loved the architectural structure of the blousethis woman wore. She was in attendance at the presentation, but did not speakEnglish, so I was unable to ask her anything about who designed the top orwhere she bought it.

I could not have had a better time at the presentation. Icouldn’t believe I was finally getting to experience New York Fashion Week.Hopefully there will be more shows to come!

Starbucks Cups

2011-09-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

How awesome are these Starbucks cups by artist Bernadette Moke (aka Downtown Doodler)? What an imaginative way to create art out of something so ordinary.

Check out more of her work on her website.

Look at her...

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Letter Project

2011-09-07T13:48:00.001-04:00

Snail Mail My Email was a project that took place last summer. The organizers wanted to revive the art of letter writing and offer a more personal alternative to today's digital communication. Volunteers around the world signed up to pen letters, which were sent in via email. The letters were sent free of charge to the specified recipient.

I wanted to volunteer to write letters for Snail Mail My Email, but sadly, the project ended in mid-August. I have always been somewhat obsessed with writing letters. I have too much stationery to ever use myself. I love the excitement of opening a handwritten letter and it saddens me that this method of communicating is becoming extinct. So, I've decided to launch my own mini version of Snail Mail My Email.

To participate, please send me an email (kimjoymhanna@gmail.com) with your letter written out, along with the recipient's name and address. Please include your own return address and name as well. If you wish to remain anonymous, please let me know and I will gladly leave out any identifying information. The letters are 100% confidential and I promise not to use your email address or the mailing addresses for anything other than the sending of this letter. Whether sending a letter to simply say hello or to express something deeper, it will undoubtedly make the opener smile.

For more information on Snail Mail My Email, visit the http://snailmailmyemail.org/.

Romance

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

High Class

2011-09-06T21:39:00.002-04:00

In White

2011-08-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

Georgia May Jagger and Henry Hopper by Alasdair McLellan

2011-08-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Interior Designer Greg Natale

2011-08-26T07:00:00.022-04:00

Interior designer and architect Greg Natale has an eclectic aesthetic, with his style ranging from simple traditional to quirky ultra-modern. Some of his projects could have been taken directly from my brain. I absolutely love his use of varying textures and patterns to create interesting rooms with a black and white palette.

I believe the picture below is an artist's rendering.

The matte black tiles used for the backsplash in the kitchen below are incredible.

In many of his bathrooms and kitchens, Natale incorporates marble, which is one of my favorite materials.

See more of his work on his website.

Lady

2011-08-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

Jonathan Saunders - Langley wool dress

Available at Net-a-Porter