When I arrived at art school, at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, to finally finish my BFA at the age of 28, I was still really green. I didn’t know nearly what many of my peers did, as I hadn’t been taking summer classes at Cal Arts in high school, nor had I been in New York going to galleries in SoHo. I spent my 20’s wandering around Colorado, working part of that time at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, but mostly just learning life lessons and having a good time.

So when I showed up, I felt a tad bit out of place. But to my luck, not long after I got there, someone brilliant showed up with an installation at the Art Institute Museum: Olafur Eliasson. Instantly I was in love.

I would spend hours at a time, sitting in his light-filled room, watching the clouds go by, as the light shifted from bright sunlight, to clouds rolling overhead, all mimicked by technology. It was in his work, full of openly exposed modern technology, that I understood nature. It is a paradox that he uses perfectly. As I felt like a fish out of water in this new place, I turned to his work for comfort and tranquility.

About the idea of taking your time, he said, “I think the principal question about taking your time is really also about generosity.” It is a generous thing, to allow someone to take their time. Many people rush, abbreviate, text, and hurry those around them. To offer someone time, is the most generous gift in modern society.

Throughout my time in Chicago, Olafur returned for more installations at the museum, as well as a lecture that I attended at University of Illinois at Chicago. And as my luck would have it, and yours too if you’re near San Francisco, he is currently having his first US museum retrospective at SFMOMA, called Take Your Time. And I intend too.

Browsing the SFMOMA website, there is an interactive web page set up for the exhibition, including video footage of Olafur talking about his work, his studio practice, and more. Most interesting to me was his conversation about sensing the world around you. Here’s an excerpt:

“We can take in our surroundings; but we can, as we do that, also be critical about how we do it. How do we take part in the world in a way that is both responsible, but also has an impact on the world? How can I, by looking at art, for instance, make sense? And isn’t that what we essentially all want, just to make sense to some extent? And I like this wording ‘make sense,’ because that is a proactive idea: I would like to make sense. And I’m not sensing the world; I would like to make sense of the world by sensing the world. The thing is, I don’t think we should be afraid of doing something very beautiful and very engaging, and very somehow seducing, emotionally very challenging.” - Olafur Eliasson

To learn more about the show, go to the page for Olafur Eliasson. And while you’re at SFMOMA, check out the other amazing artists also showing: Joseph Cornell, Jeff Wall, and Douglas Gordon.

Photos from sfmoma.org

For those of you just tuning in, I’ve been slowly but surely going through the Spring 2008 collections from the shows around the globe, picking my favorites, letter by letter. Welcome to the letter J. Within the J’s are two of the most influential designers around: John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier. Both are visionaries who, no matter your personal taste, must be respected for their place in fashion history. Along with them, there are some bright newcomers in the bunch. Enjoy!

Top row, from left to right: simple feminine touches at J.Mendel; a fun strapless dress from Jenny Han; one of my favorites from all the collections at Jason Wu; an Oscar gown if I’ve ever seen one from Jenny Packham; another dreamy look from Jason Wu; and a modern minimalist dress from Jonathan Saunders.
Bottom row, from left to right: a rare burst of color at Jil Sander; a grecian inspired gown from Julia Clancey; a look from the one and only John Galliano; an adorable vintage inspired look from the team at Jovovich Hawk; another legendary outfit from the amazing Jean Paul Gaultier; and another simple but sexy dress from J.Mendel.

Photos from Vogue

I was walking with a friend by the newly rehabbed Eastern Columbia Loft building in downtown LA last week, and we got to talking about Kelly Wearstler who designed the model units.

Few people have the ability to combine different styles and influences into a seamless space, but Kelly Wearstler is one of the exceptions. I’m not into fussy, I’m more of a clean minimalist type, and although there is always a lot going on in her interiors, they aren’t restricting or confining. She maintains a sense of breath and approachability that I so admire. Her amazingly designed Santa Monica Viceroy Hotel is down the street from my home, but I still hope to have a rendezvous there one day.

To see more of her projects, buy her books, or to browse her collection of home accessories, stop by her site.

Photos of commercial projects from kwid.com

The collections from the H and I designers were very diverse. Some traditional, some much more avant garde. And then there’s Hussein Chalayan, who’s in a category all by himself! But that’s why we love him.

Top row, from left to right:
Part bondage, part evening gown from Haider Ackermann; A fun picnic romper at Heatherette; Minimalism at its finest at Helmut Lang; and a stunner at Hip Hop by Cheryl Arthur.
Bottom row, from left to right:
Another playful look from the always eccentric Heatherette; Jean Paul Gaultier channels exotic influences at Hermes; Hussein Chalayan at its best; and a sweet day dress from Issa.

Photos from Vogue

Next up: J!

Last night I went to see the Spring/Summer 2008 Costa Nostra by Jeffery Sebelia show in downtown LA. First off, I feel so lucky that my favorite Project Runway contestant happens to live in the same town as me, so I am able to catch his shows. Thanks Jeffery, and please never leave us for New York!

I arrived at the old cathedral where Jeffery’s show was held, followed by other designers later in the evening. The building had a side gate that led to a garden area. Here there were large-scale photographs hanging, bathrooms, coffee bar, a regular bar, cocktail tables, and a sculpture made of boxes set up. Quickly the space filled with LA hipsters that looked like a runway collection on its own.

As is typical for most shows, the doors opened late, and we went inside the cathedral. Here I found the typical runway and chair set up, but in this setting, everything was taken to a whole different level. There was a large video projection screen where the pulpit would be, the runway was down the center with the large arched rooftop overhead, and the chairs were set up facing the runway. Atop the chairs was a sheet of paper with notes and thanks from Jeffery as well as a quote identifying some his influence for the show: “One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. - Andre Gide” Personally, I think this is beautiful.

As people took their seats, I had the opportunity to sit down, but I wanted to stay at the end of the runway with the rest of the press. I knew I’d get much better photos! Although let me just say that there is no photo included of Jeffery, as my camera died during the finale! My battery was eaten so fast by my flash. But at least everyone can see the collection.

After a brief announcement from the organizers, the show started. A video of what looked like an animation of heart and birds and blood was projected on the screen, topped with the words Cosa Nostra by Jeffery Sebelia, the music started, and the show began.

As with his Fall/Winter 2007 show, Jeffery started and ended the show with a pair of models, though this time with a man and woman instead of two women. After reading about his influences for the show in an LA Times article I was very intrigued to see how Jeffery would interpret Christopher McCandless’ journey from Into the Wild into his already existing personal aesthetic. What we saw was a lot of shine, white, silver, hoods, some actual color, and a lot more wearable sportswear pieces. As I am a dress hound, those were my favorite, but all the works had amazing detail. It might be hard to see in the photos, but a lot of things that you wouldn’t expect had shine to them, like denim.

My favorites from the show: a dress with an off center gap that revealed shiny metallic fabric inside; a gorgeous white printed dress with piping at the waist and a sweet vintage neckline; a draped metallic silver dress with drawstring hem; and a beautiful printed fabric with pinks that Jeffery used in dresses as well as the more risqué finale look.

After the show ended, everyone, Jeffery included, ended up in the courtyard. The only other Project Runway person I spotted with Santino, who was front row center for the show. In fact he’s behind the models in most of my shots. Unlike the last show, I didn’t spot Jeffery’s mom or step dad, or any models from past collections. Though on a personal note, one of the models in Jeffery’s show is a model I hired for my own Spring/Summer 2008 collection shoot. Though I have no photo of Jeffery, he looked good. Mostly the same, with tight jeans, T-shirt, and hat. Just like in the LA Times article.

Overall, I was blown away by the show. Much like his last collection, the attention to detail is amazing, and probably doesn’t show on camera. But it is there. Also, both shows really revealed a softer more romantic side to the character that reality TV created. Watching him interact, he seems sweet and real. And like at the last show, I had clear opportunities to talk with him after the show, but didn’t take them. I picture the conversation in my head and I can’t possibly see how my gushing would be interesting to him. Here in LA we see famous people all the time and are trained to just leave them alone. But maybe next time I’ll say hello. I have to remind myself that he’s just a regular LA dweller like me.

Photos by Christine

Above: Great Northern

Above: Ladytron

I went a couple of weeks ago to see Ladytron with opening act, Great Northern. I got free tickets to the show sorta by accident. At the last Thread Show, organizer Lara Matthews handed out envelopes to the vendors with tickets to the House of Blues San Diego. My tickets were for a comedy show for a night that I was out of town. My friend Stephanie’s tickets were for the Ladytron show on a night that she was out of town. So we swapped! Lucky for me, as she hadn’t heard of Ladytron, and I’m a big fan. Much to my surprise, I found out later that Great Northern was the opening act. I’ve been hearing their music on my favorite station Indie 103.1 and liked what I heard. So I was excited to hear more.

I headed out to San Diego to see the show, found parking, and went in. Great Northern, another hot band from the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, took the stage right on time, and instantly won me over. Their sound rocks a lot harder in person, and the harmonies of the two lead singers intertwine seamlessly and fit their haunting sound. Go check them out at their site: GreatNorthernMusic.com

After Great Northern, Ladytron took the stage. I was really taken by the two lead singers. They have an incredibly striking and sexy presence that matches their music. Their live show lived up to their recordings, though who knew that it took six musicians and eight keyboards to create their sound in person! No matter what it took to make it happen, they were amazing live and I highly recommend catching them on their tour. Check them out at their site: Ladytron.com

Photos by Christine

The collections starting with the letter G are varied and stunning. Here are my picks for the very best. Drop me a comment and let me know which ones you like!

Top row, left to right:
An amazing dress that I’d love to own from Gavin Douglas; one of the fabulous geometric prints from Gucci; following the strapless trend at Georgina Harley-Smith; I love the neckline of this top from Gianfranco Ferre; and a look from one of my absolute favorites from Spring 2008 at Giles.
Middle row, left to right:
Three completely different looks from Giambattista Valli, all amazing; a flowing dress topped in a silver band from Gianfranco Ferre; and one of the bright solids at the Gianni Versace show.
Bottom row, left to right:
Another bright solid from Gianni Versace thanks to sister Donatella; sexy elegance from the master, Giorgio Armani; another adorable look at Giles; more graphic details at Gucci, this time on a bathing suit; and this is a darker Breakfast at Tiffany’s at Givenchy’s spring show.

Next up, H & I!

Photos from Vogue

Sorry for the break! But now that I’m back home, it’s back to reporting from the Spring 2008 collections!
Here are my picks from designers within the letters E and F.

From left to right, top row:
Two absolutely adorable looks from Eley Kishimoto; two lady like outfits from Erdem; and a toga inspired one shoulder dress from Erin Fetherston.
From left to right, bottom row:
A great color blocking shift from Emilio De La Morena; a pop of color from Pucci; a sexy shorts romper from Emma Cook; and two gorgeous looks from the always amazing Fendi.

Next time: the G’s!

Photos from Vogue

Last Friday I flew to Raleigh, NC to join Ileana, Christy, and Shannon for Crafty Bastards in Washington DC. Shannon and Christy drove in from Atlanta, and I flew, and on Friday, we all joined forces at Ileana and Charles’ home in Raleigh. It was great to see Raleigh, great to see Washington DC, and great to sell so much to the massive crowds. But most of all, it was great to be with these amazing ladies. They listen to me as I debated over and over and over again the fate of our company Twospace. I’ve been back tracking and gaining more time for my life. And talking over my situation with these ladies whom I respect and trust so much was priceless. I’ve been so lucky as I got to spend time with these same ladies in Chicago for Renegade Craft Fair, along with the amazing Jenifer and Bob. Though one downside to the unknown future is that I’m not sure when we’ll all be together for an event again. So I think a group vacation is in our future!

Photo by Christy