Drawn That Way - Michael Ward's Life-In-Style

MICHAEL WARD'S TAKE ON SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FALL 2015If you have any interest in the fashion world, you know there is a new trend in the Fashion Press, taking a piece of the hysteria around the oh-so-popular "street style" blogs / editorials.  Finally, a return to some artistry.  Something a bit more romantic and whimsical from creative artists and designer illustrators .   Illustrations and fashion sketches are a welcomed diversion from dressed up fashionistas in painfully "natural" photo-ops.   ("Street Style" shots from a studied eye like the Sartorialist are great, but others have really muddied the water).  After all, you don't really think all those girls are actually invited to those shows they are shot "on the way to" - #Puhlease !! TOM FORD & CARINE ROITFELD - BY DONALD "DRAWBERTSON" ROBERTSON

The celebrated sketches of Donald Robertson aka #Drawbertson are everywhere.  His instagram account counts 156k followers to date.  His creative take on headlines and red hot fashion is always entertaining - and intriguing.  If you don't know Drawbertson - put him on your list now.

DIOR Couture Spring 2015 as told by Michael WardOne super talented illustrator and fashion designer is Michael Ward. Dries Van Noten Springl 2015 by Michael Ward    (MichaelWardNYC on Instagram).  Ward might look familiar to those who watch reality television as he is the man behind several interior designer and fashion stylist- turned designers #RTW collections.  He's been known in the industry for years and now for the first time coming front-of-house.  Ward's sketches are usually profile and his ladies STRIDE like a #Supermodel from the 90's - watch out!  Michael is bound to become the next Drawbertson (he already announced a partnership with a fabric company).

So be on the lookout for this guy and his talented sketches.  They are always inspiring, pretty, and beautiful.... how many things can you say that about?  Thank you for the re-mind Mr. Ward.  Fashion should be beautiful.  #WhatAConcept #Bravo #Pretty #Brilliant #MichaelWard

Click on illustrations to see how they looked in real life.  #ClickOverALLESANDRO DELL'AQUA'S NO. 21 - RESORT 16

JACKET OF THE SEASON - Fall 2015

The iconic "New Look" from Christian Dior" circa 1947The Iconic CHANEL tweed skirt suit The iconic Thierry Mugler skirt suit - the new guard of fashion in the 1980'sThe Fall 2015 collections for women offer a wide variety of styles and looks.  To be a designer muse, or to emulate that certain look, has never been more selective.  Today, it's such melange.  From season to season one house can change dramatically.  From the 1950's until the 2000's, the select few that wore runway fashion were usually devotees of a certain degree.   Many woman wore one designer, and that was HER look.   For all those years there were iconic Dior Ladies, Givenchy Ladies, Chanel Ladies, Oscar Ladies, Mugler Ladies, and Armani ladies for sure.  Those women rarely overlapped their wardrobe choices.  In fact, many wore it like a badge of honor. 

In recent years designers know that very few women shop at just one fashion house. DONATELLA VERSACE FOR GIVENCHY - FALL 2015 Arguably, we can look to the rise in relevance of luxury accessories for this effect.   As RTW sales decreased, and Handbag and Shoe sales increased - loyalty to just one house also decreased. 

There are many great looks from the 2015 Fall collections.  One jacket that seems to be popping up again and again is the asymmetric peplum design from Givenchy.  Riccardo Tischi is the designer behind the label and he is at his best when creating fitted, clean lines that cut a mean silhouette. There are several versions of the jacket in the collection for Fall.  As is often the case, the more exaggerated are in the campaign.  One reason the jacket, and the campaign have gotten some extra buzz is due to Tischi's model choice for the ad campaign.  Fashion designer and friend - Donatella Versace herself stars in the campaign.   It's quite a publicity stunt of course.   To have one of the biggest designers in fashion appearing in the campaign of one of the most recognized luxury houses - it's rare to say the least.   While Donatella might not be on any list of "models in demand", she is a strong, stylish woman.   Few could have navigated the global spotlight she was thrust into after the murder of her brother Gianni.  She not only took the helm of VERSACE, but many say elevated the sophistication of the brand.  RICCARDO TISCHI AND DONATELLA VERSACE - GIVENCHY FALL 2015 Donatella is known for her dresses.   That's the piece to own of Versace, a dress.   Tischi has found his signature item in the jacket in his designs at Givenchy.   So in a way, the cross promotion in not in competition.   They complement each other.   Naturally, they are friendly in real life.   Donatella has an allure that casts a wide net.   Lady Gaga wrote a song about her, Tishci has now made her a fashion model.  What's next - ambassador Versace?

The Fall Givenchy collection is in stores now.  In the US, it is carried at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks 5th Avenue, and select specialty stores.   Cotton or wool jackets generally run in the $3,100.00 range.   

 

David Geist and his musical life.. from NY to Santa Fe

David Geist doing what he loves to do best.. PH: courtesy of David GeistI love NYC for so many reasons.  One that I think of often: how lucky I am to meet, cross paths with, and sometimes just experience extremely talented people.  I caught up with Broadway musician David Geist who played in Cats, Miss Saigon, The Lion King, The Boy From Oz and a host of other shows.   Today, David lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico and brings his music to Pranzo Geist Cabaret.  We talked about the importance of fashion for performers and what it’s like walking away from New York’s classic all black attire to embracing the wonderfully vibrant colors and designs of the Southwest. 

1. When you moved to Santa Fe, did you have to give up your black neutral NYC wardrobe?

Absolutely, not! I’m an urban fellow and my style reflects that. 

2.  You recently released a new CD called Inside the Flame.  What were you trying to capture with CD’s artwork?

  The “flame” aspect represents our creative force. That to me is fiery, emotional, wild, unpredictable, raw and powerful. I wanted the artwork of my CD to capture this and one of Santa Fe’s premiere art designers Jasmine Quinsier helped me achieve this and more!

 3.  How important is style when you’re performing your Cabaret show?  Do your patrons prefer you in a tux, suit or casual wear?

 I think costuming is crucial in any kind of performance. When I am doing shows that are mostly American Songbook-oriented – I will wear a lot of black and white – to give the feeling of being of in New York during the old black & white movie days. No tuxes, but very dressy solids to give-off the strength of skyscrapers in a Metropolitan whirl. When I’m doing shows that have more original compositions, I may wear something very flowing like a beautiful Tibetan shirt to give a relaxed emotional aspect, that will help an audience let go a bit more in their minds.  

Pranzo Italian Cafe (Home of Geist Cabaret) in Santa Fe, NM4.  Your Cabaret room Pranzo Geist Cabaret is in Santa Fe, New Mexico. How has the Southwest fashion affected your own sense of style?

I bring a certain experience I got from the city to this desert oasis called Santa Fe. At first I wasn’t sure how it would be received, but as soon as I got here I realized that there was an appreciation for classic Broadway musicals. There are a lot of folks who live here who also came from places like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and they want to be reminded of their urban beginnings so I’m sort-of the go-to-guy for that. Sometimes I when I’m driving to a gig in very sophisticated clothes surrounded by all these mountains it may feel incongruous. But as soon as I enter the cabaret room and start to perform this glorious music, it all comes together in one swanky package. In a sense, the southwest has helped me represent and an elegance that wants to be celebrated here.TURQUOISE AND SILVER - LEGENDARY SANTA FE STYLE

 5. Who do you think was more stylish – Gershwin, Porter, or Irving Berlin?   

Probably Cole Porter because he came from a wealthy family, went to Yale and lived in Paris. Porter was very much aware that he was part of an upper class that he loved to poke fun of. Gershwin and Berlin were more part of American’s immigrant story and their music reflected that. All these men had impeccable taste regarding their style, as did most men who lived in the first half of the twentieth century.

6. Do you model your own style based on any past or present day artists?

I love how Elton John treats his shows like they’re parties he’s dressed for. The rockers have more style. I think the cabaret-concert world is starting to catch on that people like to see their artists having a ball! Lang Lang is a great example of that.

7.    The southwest is known for vibrant colors and homemade jewelry.  In terms of fashion, what catches your eye in New Mexico?

This strongest aspect of New Mexico is the preservation of Native American culture. We have festivals that celebrate this and it is rich and gorgeous in its art, fashion and storytelling. PIANIST LANG LANGPhotographers and painters come from all over the world because of our relationship to the sun and its light. The hues of purple, orange and lavender skies are no joke here and I’ve been completely inspired by our majestic red mountains. You can’t live here and not be influenced by this. I paid tribute to this on my latest CD with a piece called “The Letter”.

8.    What is one outfit you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing at your show?

 A cowboy hat and some turquoise - maybe if I was a blues musician!

If you plan to visit Santa Fe, include a night of great food and really great piano at Pranzo Geist Santa Fe.   David Geist's music, including his new album is also avaialble for download.  Click David Geist itunes to shop

Caitlyn, formerly Bruce, Jenner on Vanity Fair Cover

CAITLYN JENNER MAKES HER DEBUT TO THE WORLD ON VANITY FAIR PH: ANNIE LEIBOWITZ I swore I would never write about the Kardashians.   I'm so glad I was able to keep that promise and still report on the biggest tranformation we will see in a long time.  The person formerly known as  Bruce Jenner has made a debut of their new self on the cover of Vanity Fair.   The Olympic gold medalist informed the world last month via an interview with Diane Sawyer that, yes, in fact, she was identifying as female.   With their own reality show about to debut, Jenner took to Vanity Fair to show the world this new self.   Caitylyn Jenner, shot by famed Photographer Annie Leibowitz is the cover girl of the July issue.   Sure to be a best seller, Caitlyn is definitely poised to write the next chapter of her life - truly on her terms.  Bravo to Ms. Jenner.   Whatever angle you look at the situation, the route to expressing their true self was not easy.   This took courage and guts.  Maybe we shouldn't be too surprised.  You don't become the "World's Greatest Athlete" without being tough as nails!  Bravo Bravo Bravo!   To get exclusive access to the 22 page story and photos, click over to Vanity Fair now.    Looks like Kim won't be the Kardashian to "Break The Internet".