Photographer: Martin Munkacsi

This photo was taken by Martin Munkacsi, an influential photographer in the 1930s/1940s. At the ICP (http://www.icp.org/) there is a collection of his 4,000 glass-plate negatives - it is sort of amazing - including his earlier photojournalism work and his later celebrity shots. He worked closely with Harper's Bazaar and Carmel Snow.

He loved photographing beaches, babes, bathing suits... and umbrellas.


I especially liked this one.

How did I almost miss this?

For those of you who love fashion photography, or the art of photography in general. the Internation Center of Photography is the place to go. The first time I went to the ICP was in my Art in New York course, which was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend visiting! The Dress Codes exhibition runs through January 17th so hurry!

Here is the ICP's Dress Codes exhibition statement:
"The Triennial is ICP's signature exhibition: a global survey of the most exciting and challenging new work in photography and video. The only recurring U.S. exhibition specializing in international contemporary photography and video, the Third Triennial will mark the closing cycle of ICP's 2009 Year of Fashion, a series of projects that critically examine fashion and its relationship to art and other cultural and social phenomena. Through the lens of fashion—in its broadest conception—the Triennial will look at the proliferation of photo- and video-based work exploring the uses of style, image, and personal presentation.

The theme of fashion encompasses a diverse range of practices and ideas, including explorations of identity and affiliation; the production, distribution, and consumption of images and goods; contemporaneity; age; gender; and global industry. The themes of the Triennial express the exuberance, wit, and astute social observation taking place within contemporary image-making. These artists variously explore fashion—whether in everyday dress, haute couture, street fashion, or uniforms—as a celebration of individuality, personal identity, and self-expression, and as cultural, religious, social, and political statement."

Even Vogue loves Chuck Close

Old editorial, but always lovely.

Annie Leibovitz for Vogue 2005

I've always liked Chuck Close's work since my high school art honors class when we had to create our own work in the artist's grid style. The photo triggered me to wondering if there were any Chuck Close exhibitions right now in new york. Unfortunately not right now, but the Whitney Museum is always a good place to see some of his work.

Latest goal: go to the UK & lounge here.

I have this weird phobia of staying in hotels, I just don't like hotels, period. I don't know why or where this all came from, but that is just me!

However, I read up on Hotel Missoni.. yes, the designer brand Missoni.. and the new hotel that just opened in Edinburgh, UK. I would absolutely love to stay in that hotel.

I think the pictures say it all. No more words necessary.

PS. do the upholstery and fabric designs look similar to Missoni's signature look?
(yes.)

Missoni Runway

Growing up in western-Massachusetts farm town for my entire pre-fashion school days, I was not exposed to high fashion, models, photographers, etc. etc. and the constant fashion lifestyle that I am exposed to in NYC on a daily basis. The interest of fashion was always there, however magazines were the extent to my exploration into the fashion world.

Clearly, things have changed.

Living in East Village for the past three months, I have seen more quirky, fashionable and inspirational styles than I have seen my entire time living in NYC for the past 2.5 years. It's crazy.

So, as soon as I open my Nikon SRL on Christmas morning (the only gift I asked for this year.. be proud - my usual Bloomies website markdown stalking did not take place this season), I will be photographing the true new yorker fashion scenes. Can't wait!

The MK and A Obsession

Back in 2004, Costume Institute Gala - love their vintage-inspired frocks!

2009, at the opening of the retailer, Opening Ceremony, in Tokyo

Those who know me know of my crazy obsession with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.. for those readers who don't know me.. well I am obsessed with them. They have been fashion icons to me since the days The Adventures of Mary Kate and Ashley and Passport to Paris. So as I was filling in to style.com, I saw an article written specifically on MK&A.

The article was written about the twins influence on fashion/street fashion over the past decade. They popularized the boho/grunge trend, sometimes called the "ashcan" trend. As masters of this look to its finest, they are known to mix vintage clothing (often from What Comes Around Goes Around), high-end designer bags, funky sunglasses (either large bug-eyed frames or John Lennon style) and bold jewelry.

Although some do not take MK&A seriously as fashion icons or even in the fashion world, I think otherwise. Recently, they have been admitted membership to the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which is a high honor within the fashion industry. The success of their fashion lines, Elizabeth and James and The Row, is just another indication of the girls fame beyond their celebrity status.

Personally, I cannot wait to continue to see what Mary Kate and Ashley continue to do in the realm of fashion in future years to come!

Some favorite MK looks:

Mary Kate - Elizabeth & James sequined mini-dress

Mary Kate - Givenchy studded leather jacket,
Louis Vuitton scarf, Balenciaga boots, Chanel purse

what an outfit!...sigh.. this makes me happy

I'm back I promise!

So sorry I haven't written in a while, the amount of schoolwork since Thanksgiving has been a super overload. But now the semester is over and I can get back into the swing of things, especially since I have been sitting in bed sick for the past two days... bored out of my mind! sigh....

So here comes posting after posting of missed fashion knowledge from the past few weeks!

XX