The Morning After…

“It should take you exactly four seconds to cross from here to that door. I’ll give you two.” -Holly Golightly

 

 

I don’t know if you love Holly Golightly as much as I do but the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is Pure Brilliance.

I fell in love with Holly’s lost girl character, her charm and of course her clothes.. But I think above all, that damn party scene is the best I have ever seen in film.. I don’t even know if I’ve been to a party that great.

But… back to the style…

Hepburn as Holly, carrying an oversized cigarette holder, is considered one of the most iconic images of 20th century American cinema.  Another iconic item throughout the movie is Holly’s sunglasses. Often misidentified as Ray-Ban, they are Manhattan sunglasses manufactured by Oliver Goldsmith. In 2011 the model was re-released to mark the 50th anniversary of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. One of three dresses designed by Givenchy for Hepburn for possible use in the film sold at auction by Christie’son December 5, 2006 for £467,200 (~US$947,000), about seven times the reserve price. The little black Givenchy dress worn by Hepburn in the beginning of the film is cited as one of the most iconic items of clothing in the history of the twentieth century and perhaps the most famous little black dress of all time.

 

 

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Elephant and Castle

I woke up this morning thinking about London. The big city with its bright red, double decker buses, a king and queen, streets named Elephant and Castle, areas like Picadilly Circus… All of it feels so whimsical when I’m there…

I love the high tea (two lumps please), the palace guards in their big fur hats, the doll shops, the pubs, the ferris wheel and how it all reminds me of Peter Pan, nursery rhymes and Miroslav Sasek’s water color images of the enchanted city..

Art From the book “This Is London”

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Mademoiselle Betsy

“Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves and, of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys they’d just walk around naked at all times.”
― Betsey Johnson

I have been a long time lover of the Betsy Johnson silhouette. Fun, Flirty and all things girl. My closet is full of her playful designs..  Seeing her close the doors on her stores breaks my fragile heart. There is not a girlie girl on the planet that doesn’t love how much fun she brings to fashion..

“Long-time luxury retailer Betsey Johnson has seen the last of its flowery patterns and animal prints. The funky, gleefully spirited brand is going out of business, announcing an “everything must go” blowout sale that even includes the actual store shelves themselves.

During the 20% to 50% off sale, customers can purchase the newest Betsey styles at a discounted rate with no chance of return. Inventory will not be replenished following the sales at the privately held chain’s 54 stores and nine outlets.”

 

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Requiem

Years ago, I’m in Milan doing the usual, having drinks with friends…it’s around 3 or 4am and we are all laughing and sharing secrets. We are dancers, actors, designers, lovers and Franco Bruccoleri (he’s like a father to me, to all of us), says he has something we must see. It is the work of Gregory Colbert. He introduced us to “Ashes and Snow” and for the first time, all of us were… silent.

The photos were like a dream that we had all shared… I cried (I blame it on the liquor) when he showed us the film and then for my birthday Franco gave me a Colbert Original.

Shortly after moving away from Milan, Ashes and Snow was coming to LA. I was thrilled! Franco was coming to stay with us and he was going to introduce me to Gregory, the creator.. I could barely sleep.

Even though I was excited, I remember days before, something about all of it felt off.  My feelings were right… Franco died just one day before his trip to LA.

I was crushed and didn’t want to go but still felt the pull to see Colbert’s great work in person.  So.. I go. I cry. I’m inspired… As I’m leaving, I actually see Gregory Colbert. It was like Franco orchestrated us running into each other in that very moment. Gregory loved Franco just like all of us did. Gregory and I got to talk and hang in LA and NY. Such a great spirit and artist.

Thank you Franco! Ciao!

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Hotel Des Arts…

America is my country and Paris is my hometown.  -Gertrude Stein

These words express how I feel best. Some one once asked me, “Why must you always go to Paris?”

“No one ever asks why one goes home, Paris is like going home”, I replied

The streets, the people, the music, the PDA, the bread, the wine, the fashion, the poetry that pours out of me the minute I land… I’m planning a trip, as we speak.

I want cheese and croissants for breakfast whilst sipping on du chocolat before I sit on the Sacre Couer steps and daydream. I want to walk and walk and walk in the rain… I want to kiss in Montmarte.. I want to sit at a cafe on Rue Tholoze for hours and think about what Van Gogh’s life was like here and… I want you to come..

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Paging Bettie Page…

“She expressed sexual liberation. Also sexual experimentation I think she represents, self-gratification for women.” – Olivia De Berardinis

Those blunt bangs, the heels, the stockings, that come hither look and those iconic black and white images has had such an influence on me. But I’m not the only one; Katy Perry, Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna and women all over the globe have channeled Miss Page.

By far, the world’s most famous pin up, I will never forget seeing her so confident and beautiful in her garters, gloves and gorgeous poses. Bettie seemed so happy and free and I would always think, “I’ll have what she’s having!”

I didn’t even know what the letters S&M meant when I would see her being spanked or tied up, but it was fascinating to see.. I would wonder how those photos were received in 50′s and 60′s when America was struggling to keep it squeeky clean image.

“I was never the girl next door.” -Bettie Page

Thank you for your boldness Madame Bettie. A true Icon

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Petite Couture

“It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.”

— Alexander McQueen

The uber talented Jerrell Scott from Project Runway designed this dress I wore to my film premiere and Mkcoi Zeno did my make up. I loved the dramatic sleeves on this wild see-through number and the heat from this smokey eye… a great night!

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My Dearest Augustine

Women are aristocrats, and it is always the mother who makes us feel that we belong to the better sort. – John Lancaster Spalding

I will Never get over how lucky I am or how good I must have been in a past life to have you as my mum.

You are such a gift and a blessing to me! Happy Mother’s Day!

God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers. – Jewish Proverb

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