LIFE: ethnic ice dancing and rodarte, oh my!

 source: b-listed

Ice dancing. Maybe not the most exciting sport. Or the most popular. Or even taken very seriously. This year, the Russian ice dancing team caused a lot of controversy with their ill-researched program highlighting the cultural dance, song, and costume of Aboriginal Australians. My initial reaction to their costumes was actually relief- someone did something different- and more importantly, creative- in the field! After hearing a bit more about why people were outraged (like I said, ill-researched...going off of web images...i can just picture this whole routine based off of some google image search?!), and seeing the darkened "skin" bodysuits, I guess it could definitely have been done in better taste- but I definitely applaud their fresh look at skating music, movements, and inspiration from a different source.

 a closer look: la times

Their look was "toned down" for the Olympic performance; bare-faced, and with light, more fleshy-tone bodysuits, less white markings.

 

hhmmmm...this maybe? bodypaintings.com

even nick verreos blogged about it (guess i'm late)

I could just imagine one of them hearing an Aboriginal tribal beat and suddenly being hit with the idea that it would make a great dance routine on ice. At least, I hope that's how it went. Makes me think of influential composers and designers.

But really, it's all about taste, and how the look is carried out. Apparently a requirement of this year's competition had the skaters incorporate "folk themes" into their programs. The Americans seemed to have done a better job of it (or maybe because they're Americans, and we're not hearing the bad press), presenting their take on Indian wedding gear and music. Regardless of their authenticity, I would definitely say that they incorporated their theme in a more tasteful manner. (or maybe it's just that it's prettier). Overall, a lot of the ice dancing costumes seemed a bit Halloweenish and hokey...but I'm not going to bother with pics of those.

you don't see any skin darkening here...freep.com

But back again to designer inspirations. Just a few months back, one of the most well-received collections of Spring 2010 was by Rodarte in September. Graffitied with body-paint tattoos inspired by the Maori tribe, the look was then used by Carine Roitfeld on the cover of French Vogue's November issue. It was, of course, applauded. This woman makes a fortune inspiring others and breaking new ground- it better be good! I guess you could even say the Russians' look may have even been influenced by Rodarte. Or Vogue. However you spin it...they definitely received a different reaction.

photo: cult beauty

 check out the stampings up close: eye4style.com

Being a designer, a stylist, a CREATOR, is really about the editing. It's amazing how similar seeming details can come together with either great success...or great failure. I love the creative process, and love to see people challenge themselves and what is expected...because NO- I don't want to hear or see another program set to Love Story.

all images above: ilvoelv

STYLED: the work mag

Check out my work featured in the new Work Magazine. We had an adventurous time shooting in a hidden rocky cove at the beach, dodging waves and hopping around to the dry spots. I had a great time shooting chameleon Devon Weiss with my favorite hairstylist, the in-demand Tony Vin, and lots of laughs with Kat Reyes on makeup. Thank goodness photographer Kesler Tran shoots fast, and we were able to climb out of the cove (with all of our gear) just as the sun began to set and the tide started to "lick" our toes (and the rest of our legs!). I had to make sure the crashing waves didn't attack our furs!!

Beautiful, beautiful location!! (we were practically in the water!)

LIFE: happy day!

 

image source: Life In The Slow Lane

Happy Groundhog day! Wait, I missed that? Well, how about Chinese New Year, Valentines, or President's Day? I missed those too?? Fine then. Happy Olympics watching! I know it's been a bit (well, most of the month of Feb), and not only haven't I gotten you my Vegas pics, I haven't gotten you much of anything else. I just wanted to let you know I've been a bit (obviously) behind on my posting, and tell you I'm well. :) I have a new refreshed viewpoint, a few new projects, and a few new friends! Just digesting it all and finding my focus. I hope you've all been well, and I thank the readers who have stuck with me. Somehow, I've been getting a lot more spam comments and can't figure out where they're coming from....but hope that just means my blog is getting out there more in the sphere...have fun and play nicely!

STYLED: AfroStyle Magazine Issue 2 out!

AfroStyle Magazine, Issue 2
 

just a couple looks from the issue

AfroStyle Magazine's highly anticipated second issue was released today with much fanfare here, and with three fashion stories styled by none other than myself alongside fellow stylist Camille Yvette. In this issue we showcased South African-influenced modern styles and traditional Moroccan fashions.

The African Outlet in SF

Also, check out my published written work debut here, an interview with Judah Dwyer, co-owner of The African Outlet. Let me know what you think! I loved hearing about her childhood and how she came to find her African self.

Actually, to prepare for the styling of these shoots, I was lead by Judah to the most beautiful and well-researched book- part fashion and style, part costume, part anthropological, and part documentary- but all beautiful photography- African Ceremonies by Carol Beckwith. I bought it off Amazon as reference, but will definitely be keeping it in my library. (and it was on sale!) You should check it out- there are some strong connections to some of the things we see in modern fashion- and I just love seeing the crossovers between different countries' clothing- like how some of the Ndebele tribe's blankets that look at bit like South American ponchos...

I LOVE that about clothing.

It's not just something you put on your body- it tells a story, it has a history, it represents a culture, society, or even individual. It makes a statement. I love researching the facts, history, anthropology, sociology- the LIFE of clothing, and how it relates to us all. And it amazes me to see the similarities between both tribal and modern-day dressing between people separated by oceans, miles, years, decades, and lifestyles. Judah had actually recommended Africa Adorned instead, also by Beckwith, but I wasn't able to find a copy of the book (I mean, an affordable copy) as it is currently out of print. It'll be something for my treasure hunts...but can't wait to see where the next project takes me!

In other news, I spent the weekend in Vegas and have lots of pics to update you with, there were so many things to look at- in both awe and disgust! I promise I'll update soon!