Annie Hall

So I must express how much I enjoy incorporating menswear inspired fashion accessories in my wardrobe.   It is in my humble, yet sophisticated opinion, that a woman reeks of wild confidence when she decides to mix it up a bit and wear a tie or a pair of cordovan oxfords.  Of course, nobody ever pulled off this look quite as good as Diane Keaton did in Woody Allen's 1977 film, "Annie Hall".  Not only was Diane Keaton's character, Annie Hall, a major box office success, but she also managed to launch a whole new and amazing fashion trend.  Throughout the film, you see the notorious Annie Hall sport oversized blazers, fitted pocket vests, wide leg slacks, sensual ties, bohemian chic hats and sexy fedoras.  It really revolutionized fashion, making a huge impact in the industry of style.  I've often wondered why some women always shy away from this look.  I think for many, the fear lies in having their sexuality questioned or judged; however, they sadly fail to realize how much more feminine and sensual they really do become. I myself always get shifty eye glances by people passing my way when I feel like channeling Annie Hall, but it doesn't bother me.  I've grown to become quite the confident woman.

Fashion FYi Update

I'm excited to announce that my Fashion FYi book is finally completed...at least for now it is.  Looking back, I feel a sense of uber joy that I decided to continue on with what started off as a small and fun thing to do over a weekend.  That small and fun lil project eventually turned into a 584 page book covering over 280 fashion designers, illustrators, icons, stylists, etc, etc.  Alas, my love letter is finished.  I truly hope that the book gets picked up soon by some wonderful publisher.  I am positive that this book will help many fashion students as well as enthusiasts get their fix on fashion history, knowledge and interesting factoids.  Now on to Volume II and III.

Channeling Vreeland

I woke up this morning and realized how much time has gone by since my last post.  It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and pressures of work and mundane routines.  But every now and then, when I finally get a free moment to myself, I remember.  I remember my old life, the one where I lived in a big city, exhibited my photography in galleries, designed clothing and had fashion shows.  The one were I entertained guest in my tri-level townhome and attended glamorous fashion events to hear the exquisite dark haired and violet eyed Liz Taylor speak.  Various circumstances can and will change the path of your life.  You come to terms when you realize you may not be able to make a living out of doing something you are truly passionate about.  Seven years later, you suddenly find yourself packaged up in a cube and programmed to do what you never intended to be your life.  Every day a bit of your soul is sacrificed so you can pay the rent and utilities.  However dismal I may sound, I am not....I am quite the opposite.  It is because of my circumstances that challenged me to rediscover what I once enjoyed being and led me to begin the love affair that will help me find that state of being once again in the near future.  Diana Vreeland once said, "A new dress doesn't get you anywhere; it's the life you're living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later."  

Candy Darling!

Watched a doc the other day about James Slattery, aka the very famous and glamorous Candy Darling.  The doc beautifully highlights the downtown New York scene in the mid-sixties and great fashion.  She was the total glam girl who desired to become a famous actress.  Her gorgeous figure and stunning looks attracted the likes of Andy Warhol and Tennessee Williams.  Throughout the doc, you see Candy wearing exquisite gowns, plush furs, chic head scarves, theatrical outfits, feather boas and dramatic make-up.  Her blonde hair and sense of style bare close resemblance to Marlene Dietrich.  I LOVE the boho chic and fun psychedelic prints.  A must see doc for all fashion enthusiasts!   

Bill Cunningham New York

So I recently watched Bill Cunningham New York at The Loft theater and it was fabulous!  Anyone who is a fashion enthusiast and loves the urban street wear fashion scene of New York City MUST watch this documentary!!!  The doc is of course based on the life of New York Times fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham and his amazing love of true fashion.  Although he appreciates the fine fashions that sway down the runways, he is a strong believer that true fashion really begins on the streets of New York City.  For decades, he has passionately chronicled New York’s street fashion through the lens of his camera.  He peruses the streets on his bike, only stopping to take photos of random people who are dressed to stand out of the crowd.  His skillful eye has captured countless people wearing everything from vibrant, colorful, outrageous, bold, funny and stunning fashions.  Many times what’s out on the streets is later seen on the runways.  This proves Bill’s point that fashion, perhaps does begin on the imperial streets of New York City.      

Who Knew?

So, I must apologize for the long delay in between my posts.  I've been working on my book and trying to perfect it as much as I can.  The process has been long, but I've enjoyed every minute of it.  Although the book is done, I was compelled to go through it once more.  I was only going to revise, but instead decided to rewrite most of it.  I gave myself a goal to do at least four entries a day and its worked out pretty well.  I've advanced quite a bit, considering that its roughly a 480 page book.  Even if I don't get published, which would REALLY be a shame and truly DO believe that it WILL get PUBLISHED, I could still relish in the new found knowledge I gained from it.  I do see other fashion enthusiasts, such as myself, who could get really excited about my book though.  Lilke, who knew that Prada was once a member of the communist party and who knew that Isaac Mizrahi's cousin is the former guitarist of the ultra punk band New York Dolls, Sylvain Sylvain.  Well, I better get back to my book now. Cheers!

Fashion FYi Update

So, I've been polishing my fashion book while I wait patiently to get published.  Each time I work on my book, I just think about how many young fashion enthusiasts will benefit from it.  The history and stories behind some of these fashion subjects is incredibly fascinating.  In case you didn't read an earlier blog of mine, my book focuses on fashion designers, textile designers, miliners, jewelers, stylists and so many more people from history to now that have contributed to the fashion industry.  So one of the fascinating tid bits from my research includes discovering that the owners of Adidas and Puma are actually related, they are brothers!  Stay tuned for more updates!!!

Mad about fashion

So, I'm back with a new post and update on my book.  In case I haven't mentioned this already...I've been working on a book I'm calling Fashion FYi.  I've been putting it together for about two years now and still perfecting it.  I finally found myself a Literary Agent and couln't be any happier.  However, I'll be in a state of bliss once it is published.   

First time blogger, long time listener

So, my name is Kat and this is my first blog.  My interests remain in the deep trenches of photography, painting, music, art, film, but most importantly, fashion.  All things fashion!  So much so, that I'm in the midst of writing a book about fashion.  I've noticed that there are many people who are interested in the subject, but they don't know that much about it.  Which is the catalyst that led to me writing my book.  I will use this blog to report my true and raw experiences and details of what it takes to put such a book together, completing it, polishing it and polishing it some more and finally getting it published.  I'm also hoping to use this blog as a platform for people to learn, share and just gab about all things fashion.  With any luck, (like Julie & Julia) this little blog experience of mine would lead me to one of my biggest fashion idols....Jeanne Beker!  Yes, Jeanne Beker from Fashion Television!  It still bums me out that I can't get Fashion Television anymore.  That is by far the BEST fashion show ever created.  Fair warning, I will most likely be repeating how much I wish I could have Fashion Television here in the USA.  You can't even download it through iTunes from the US store, the ones they do have are old and not complete.  Okay, okay...I'll stop talking about my obsession with FTV.  You know, "obsession" is the theme song to FTV too, cool song.  Okay, that's it.  Stay tuned for the next blog folks!

Cheers,
Kat