- By Teresa Greenfeld -

In a fashion world where good battles evil, there lives a woman who has vowed to serve and protect the innocent from the atrocities of evil fashion.  Mild-mannered by day, she springs into action at the site of a signal in the sky – a sparkling beam of light, in the shape of a stiletto.  She becomes fashion’s caped crusader; ridding the world against the bad, the ill-fitting, and the all around hideous.  Her identity remans a mystery; before you know it, she’s gone.  All that remains is the echoing click of her Louboutins –  and the swoosh of her cape.

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1. Matthew Williamson Cape Coat 

2. Tsumori Chisato Cape

Hi Everyone. Happy Sunday! Today I am attending the DVF Spring show in NYC. My outfit and shoes are by DVF. My clutch is Charlotte Olympia and sunglasses by Givenchy.

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Toying with the idea of a Vespa in NYC!

Top by Fifteen-Twenty, Shoes by Converse.

- By Andrea Mestrovic -

Pencil sketch (yes, it's pencil) by Paul Cadden

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He is one of the world’s most intriguing hyperrealists; one who turns stills, photographs, or videos into enormously meticulous drawings where the virtual image becomes alive with emotion.  Born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1964, Paul Cadden has been drawing since the age of six and has always been fascinated with emotion portrayed through literal illustrations of a particular scene or subject.

“Hyperrealism tends to create an emotional, social and cultural impact and differs from photorealism which is far more technical.  My inspiration comes from the phrase “to intensify the normal”. I take everyday objects and scenes of people and then create a drawing which carries an emotional impact – it can be quite beautiful,” – explains Cadden.

His work has been recognized and celebrated by the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, Artists & Illustrators Magazine, The Daily Mail UK and countless influential galleries worldwide.

We caught up with Cadden recently for some quality Q&A time.

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OP: Your art is based on photographs, but you intensify the normal. What is your process and how do you achieve this?

PC: Reference material is a big factor when working from photos I have taken or stock footage, which is then manipulated in Photoshop to enhance detail or add certain elements.  I then use the grid method to transfer the design to the canvas.  As the picture progresses, I refer to the source material less and less, and the drawing takes on a life of its own.

OP: What inspires your choice of subjects?   

PC: There has to be an emotional context with the reference material, whether it be social or political context.  If the artist can’t feel everything that humanity feels, the artist isn’t capable of art.

OP: Your work is incredibly intricate.  How demanding are your projects in terms of time commitment and how many new works can we expect in 2012?

PC: Due to the time involved with each drawing, it’s very demanding.  I find myself falling behind with my work schedule and lately it’s been a balancing act between managing my exhibition and project commitments and doing interviews – which is important, of course, because it helps distribute my ideas.  I have a number of exhibitions lined up for next year, and again, because of the time involved in each drawing, it will realistically be two years of work or more to fulfill them all. This time next year, I hope to have between 15 and 20 new works together, some in colored pencil and acrylic.

OP: Do you think it’s possible to understand a person’s life by looking at their face?

PC: I don’t think it’s ever possible to fully understand anyone’s life just by looking at a piece of art, but I hope that art will help us engage more fully with the ordinary in a more artistic way – i.e intensify the normal.

OP: One of your inspirations is Craig Wylie. Can you tell us a bit about this connection?

PC: I don’t know Craig personally, but we are both represented by Plus One Gallery, London.  I would encourage anyone to view his astonishing work at the gallery – the online images do not do his work justice.

Paul is represented in London by Plus One Gallery.  For further information on prices, contact  www.plusonegallery.com. 89-91 Pimlico Road, London SW1 8PH – Tel: 020 7730 7656
www.paulcadden.com
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Andrea Mestrovic
Andrea Mestrovic is a multi-lingual, multi-talented, but modest multi-tasker who has lived on both sides of the Atlantic. Andrea has a sure-footed instinct for discovering magnificent finds all over the globe. You can follow her on twitter @AndreaMestrovic

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- By Teresa Greenfeld -

They say a true sculptor sees not a block of stone, but the sculpture that exists within.  Coiffure connoisseur Andre Davis, sees not the over-grown layers, the lifeless locks, or awkward length bangs, but instead sees the bouncy, full, and glossy hair waiting within.

I first met Davis, Olivia’s long-time hair stylist about five years ago.  She was getting a trim, and having a borderline-obcessive devotion to all things hair-related, I happily accompanied her.  After five minutes, I set up my own appointment.  The more than 20-year veteran’s instinctive knowledge of hair – and its uniqueness from head to head, has been seen on magazine pages and runways, from Harper’s Bazaar to Galliano.

Olivia for Spanish Vogue

Currently a senior stylist at the Julien Farel Salon, Davis shares his start to finish guide to styling Olivia’s hair, and the tools and products in his toolbox:

Prep & Cut 

• All great hair starts with great prep.  We wash and condition Olivia’s hair – we have been cleansing with the Julien Farel Restore line.  Olivia has a lot of fine hair; in my opinion that’s the best hair to have.  You can build lots of volume, then transition to sleek in minutes.
• After the hair is cleansed, we start with a great precision cut.  Since we’ve been going shorter than we have in the past, I’ve kept the lines cleaner, cutting above the neckline and graduating into slightly longer in the front, into what we call now ‘the lob’.  What set this cut above the rest is twofold:  the angle it’s cut on, and the long layers I cut, giving the hair great movement.
• Olivia’s hair grows very fast; she is in my chair every 3-4 weeks.  We flirt a bit with the length, so I just cut it shorter for spring. This is a classic – so therefore always fashionable, sexy, and uncontrived look that works well with Olivia’s style.

Olivia for ASOS

 Style  & Finish

• Styling always begin with mousse or root lifter.  As I said before, Olivia has a lot of fine hair, and she likes to wear a middle part, so no matter how I am styling her hair, I take a palm full of mousse, and work it into the roots of her hair, lifting as I go.
• To dry, I begin by blowing mega fullness into her hair, directing the blow dryer towards the root, giving it lots of volume.
• Olivia likes to change up her look, but she always likes her hair with a lot of texture.  Taking 3″ sections, I finish her blow-out with a medium ceramic brush, pinning up each completed section with steel clips.
• Depending on the look we’re going for, we may include using a curling iron to finish. After years – 6 years and some months, she’s just reminded me – of watching how I style her hair, from super long and super blonde, to rich, medium brown that’s sun kissed naturally, Olivia can style her own hair very well.

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In His Toolbox

•  Japanese hair-cutting scissors- they’re the best.

- By Teresa Greenfeld -

The mood for fall 2012 fashion thus far is decidedly retro inspired, with 1940s hemlines and 70s luxe bohemia being two of the biggest influencers.  But what about its accompanying  beauty trends we’ll soon be pursuing the isles of Sephora in search of?   I got a sneak peak at BCBG‘s hair and makeup test run the day before the show, where I chatted with Charlotte Willer, Maybelline‘s global makeup artist, and hair stylist Neil Moodie of Bumble & Bumble, about everything from the next big look in beauty, to their favorite beauty tips.

Makeup

Hair

- By Teresa Greenfeld –  

In my fantasy life, I lounge around my apartment wearing flowing chiffon kaftans, hair in loose, cascading waves.   In reality, I very rarely have time to lounge, and my lounge wear consists of tissue tanks and leggings.  Though come to think of it, my hair is very often in loose waves.  Only after spending an exorbitant amount of time getting it that way every morning.   That being said, I adore kaftans.  

Some may think these brightly printed, lightweight garments resort wear only. But that’s only one way to wear them.  They’re also stunning – and my personal favorite – for evening wear (making sure to appropriately layer a nude slip dress under the more sheer kaftans, of course).   For more causal occasions, pair shorter ones with tights, sky high booties, and a blazer.  In the event that you live my fantasy life, and wear them “lounging at home”, I request that you provide me with your address.  I will be making surprise visits.  

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1. Afroditi Hera Kaftan Dress

2. Camilla Sharman Cosmos Round Neck Kaftan

3. Kite & Butterfly Moss Fringed Silk Velvet Kaftan

4. Antonio Berardi Printed Kaftan Gown

5. Camilla Wrap Dress Kaftan

6. Camilla Sphinx Medusa Round Neck Kaftan

7. Emilio Pucci Gradient Kaftan Dress

8. Matthew Williamson Orange Waist Kaftan

9. Camilla Pentacle Zodiac Long Lace Up Kaftan

10. Mara Hoffman Wolfie Dashiki

11. Escada Nicolina Kaftan

12. Camilla Halo Bless Long Lace Up Kaftan

13. Diane Von Furstenberg Nannusha Kaftan

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Feature image of Olivia Palermo in Emilio Pucci courtesy of Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold for Elle Mexico

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                            Vote for your favorite fashion sites in the Bloglovin’ Awards (one of the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ Nominees is oddly familiar…)

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- Andrea Mestrovic -

Some of the world’s most iconic events happened under the reign of Robert Isabell, a New York event planner whose highly effective mechanisms captivated the mighty around the globe.  He orchestrated and ornamented a long list of most memorable weddings and funerals, among which was the 1994 funeral of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, 1996 nuptials of John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, eight Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute galas, and Nan Kempner funeral at Christie’s.  Anna Wintour calls him “the king of the event world” and since his passing in July of 2009, there has been no notable replacement.  And significantly less glitz…once upon a time, at a New Year’s Eve party at Studio 54, he trucked in four tons of glitter, thus fashioning the glitziest floor covering in New York!

1996 - Planned wedding for John Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Bessette

Although Isabell’s events were most often described as thrilling and lavish, he would timidly refer to his work as understated, which only added to his already unassuming allure.  It is this unpretentious charm and undeniable magnetism that attracted the world’s richest, most reclusive dames, who desired his friendship and company.  One of his most fascinating relationships was his somewhat anomalous friendship with Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon – a horticulturalist, philanthropist, fine arts collector, member of the International Best Dressed List, and a woman almost twice his age.

Just in time for spring socials, we are celebrating and remembering this true genius with a few abridged guidelines for your “understated” fêtes at home.

1. Draw a blueprint.
Every event starts with a concept map – a theme that will unify all other elements. For Alexandra Miller’s nuptials to Prince Alexandre von Furstenberg, the son of Diane von Furstenberg, Isabell’s theme was a daydream of Hong Kong. He turned a tent in Battery Park City into a scene from The King and I.

Robert Isabell in 1995. Photo By George Chinsee

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2. Budget for flowers.
This is where budgets break.  But flowers are costly for good reason – they enhance and add an undeniable tenderness to the room.  (Flowers and dusty, vintage books.)  Isabell’s favorites were lilies of the valley and violets – both very fragrant – but the king of flowers also loved peonies in a range of pinks and reds, as well as orchids, potted or cut. If your budget is unyielding, ELLE DECOR’s Carlos Mota suggests omitting the exaggerated centerpieces and replacing them with miniature potted primroses or pansies and even herbs or tiny hot pepper plants – perfect for unfussy, but nimble rendezvous at home.

3. Light up the room.
Isabell obsessed over lighting. It’s an element that most often came together at the very last minute, but apart from flowers, it was his most ardent concern.  It is the single way to unmistakably set the mood you desire at your event.  Although lighting can be multifarious in a grand venue, it is always done with maximum discretion and minimum exposure.  For your soiree at home, opt for candles and bring in ridiculous amounts for a truly majestic effect.

The simple rule is: the square-footage of your home divided by five equals the number of candles you need. Paper lanterns in interesting colors and prints like ikat or suzani are another brilliant alternative (or a welcomed addition).

4. Play host.
As the lead on an event, Robert Isabell was usually out the door as the guests arrived. In your case, you planned your event and you are staying to hosting it.  To do this right, you will need to delegate bartending and foodservice to the professionals.  Consult with and hire a skilled caterer – it is only then that you can truly enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Happy planning.

Andrea Mestrovic is a multi-lingual, multi-talented, but modest multi-tasker who has lived on both sides of the Atlantic. Andrea has a sure-footed instinct for discovering magnificent finds all over the globe. You can follow her on twitter @AndreaMestrovic

- By Carson Sieving -

Spotted: canvases filled with colorful dots in eight cities around the world.  The Gagosian Gallery is devoting all eleven of its galleries (including three in New York) to a retrospective of artist Damien Hirst’s spot paintings.  Taken as a whole, the exhibition  will showcase over 300 paintings which were completed over the span of twenty-five years.  Anything but monotonous, the color of every dot is random and each visitor will have her own favorite painting.  The consistent pattern is executed in various scales and  pieces range in size from a Chanel 2.55 bag to the width of 31 Rue Cambon. The spots are cheerful and bright, like a mix of fall’s polk-a-dot polish and spring’s confident colors.  And it being January, a dose of art this upbeat is a brilliant antidote to winter’s grayness.

Visitors can attempt The Complete Spot Challenge by having an official card stamped at each gallery they visit.  Anyone who manages to visit all eleven galleries during the exhibit will receive a Spot Print signed and personalized by the artist.  While I may not fill my card, I definitely want one for a souvenir.

The Complete Spot Paintings 1986-2011
The Gagosian Gallery
New York, London, Paris, Geneva,
Rome, Athens, Hong Kong, Beverly Hills
www.gagosian.com
January 12 – February 18, 2012

Carson Sieving drinks Manhattans in Manhattan, where she makes lists, collects postcards, and attends the opera.  She writes about how beautiful things inspire and influence a beautiful life.  You can follow her on Twitter @CarsonSieving