Observations

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Scene: Early Spring to early Summer. Another change, from cool to warm. Summer just arrived and Spring just left. Oh, transition how I love you so. A new beginning to sow and to be so part of. Warming treads weather or not. Coats off, jackets on, wools away, and linens out. A lighter feel, a lighter mood, a lighter touch. But it’s not always as warm as we wish. So, layering is still a hitch.


Scene: Ovila Leman, at the Upper West Side Pottery Barn on Broadway, setting up her art for her gallery presentation. “I am one half of Mut’Sun (moot-son) which is a signature name to describe the tag team efforts in painting collectively with my nine year old son, Cleson.  He came up with our signature. In the Ancient Egyption language of Kemetric Medu Neter, “Mut”  is mother and “Sun”  is son. What sets apart Mut’Sun from other artist besides the obvious, mother son partnership, is color. Coming from 20 plus years in the fashion industry I am not afraid of to use color. The way I see color is different than most.”

 

 

 

Studio 54 Radio

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Scene: Studio 54 Radio. On my anniversary at Studio 54 Radio, Sirius XM holding a Studio 54 Jeans ad I did when I was fashion art director at Bloomingdales after my interview with the co-hosts of the Marc and Myra Show. Myra Scheer, former Executive Assistant to Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell, and Marc Benecke former Studio 54 Doorman.

A few days later I heard from Myra saying she would like to introduce me to Matthew Yokobosky, Senior Curator of Fashion and Material Culture, at the Brooklyn Museum because they were having an exhibition “Studio 54 Night Magic”. We spoke and Matthew was interested in this ad and my Thierry Mugler ad. And two pairs of Maud Frizon spectator pumps of my wife’s, Beth. She wore her Maud Frizon’s to Studio 54 a few times. One night she wore one red/white and one blue/white, it was a hit that night and in the press the following days.

Lower right, another ad I did revising the headline for a post to reflect the acceptance of our archives and to promote the exhibit  “My Bloomingdale’s Days and Our Studio 54 Nights”. Thank you, Myra, Marc, and Matthew! xox

Studio 54 Jeans ad photographer and airbrush effects by Richie Williamson. String-like-a Butterfly’s satin shorts and jeans ad illustrated by Antonio Lopez. Photo Bernadette Beauvais.

 

 

 

Halston Night

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Scene: Halston campaign, one of four ads, this one was for his Night fragrance that ran in The New York Times in the early 80’s when I was fashion art director at Bloomingdale’s. Photographer Arthur Elgort, Models Joan Severance and Tony Spinelli both wearing Halston, Stylist Jill Glover (rip), Hair Stylist Lindy King (rip), Art Director Fred J. DeVito. A wonderful opportunity to speak with Halston before the shoot to review my concept. He loved it!

 

 

 

Cooler Days

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Scene: Transition, from cold to cool. Spring just arrived and Winter just left. A Movement, passage, or change from one position to another. Warming up and cooling down. What’s the weather going to be today? I look at my cell to find the temperature. I look outside the window to see what people are wearing helping me to plan my day. From heavy wool to light cashmere, a mohair scarf to a silk one, from a hat to none. Let’s see what Spring brings.


NYFW NiuNiu Chou

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Scene: WMTM by NiuNiu Chou culminated the Global Fashion Collective during New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 20/21 show at Pier 59 Studios. This show commanded the runway with its traditional and striking pieces and bright-eyed children models. Describing the collection in one word as heritage, the main inspiration behind the collection was Chinese vintage. The heritage theme ran deep within this collection with fabrics over 70 years old and made from the craftsman with the traditional technique. The colorful palette was the perfect pairing with this historic and timeless collection. Each child model strutted across the runway with plaid vintage dresses, some with embroidery and others with intricate Chinese symbols.
Talent for the show: Hair & Makeup & Nails: BCC Lead Akemi Ichiba; “Modern, tight hair with braids” hairstylist, Kumiko Ikeda; “Japanese kimino style geisha” makeup artist, Sachie Kishihara.


Scene: Suzanne having her hair and makeup done.


Scene: Desmond Napoles, stage name Desmond Is Amazing, having hair and makeup done.


Scene: Modern, tight hair with braids.


Scene: Japanese kimono geisha makeup.


Scene: Micki after the WMTM by NiuNiu Chou runway show.


Scene: Desmond Napoles, stage name Desmond Is Amazing, after the WMTM runway show. They are getting ready for The Blonds show which was at Spring Studios. Desmond, 13 years old, is America’s teen drag superstar. Self described child drag kid since two years old  “was inspired by and began imitating the drag queens on RuPaul’s Drag Race by fashioning household items into dresses and wigs.” They are an awarded LGBTQ advocate, outspoken gay youth, editorial and runway model, public speaker, performer, designer, actor, and published author. They are the founder of their own youth drag house, the Haus of Amazing. Desmond is the author of Be Amazing: A History of Pride. Their motto is “Be yourself, always.” They live in New York City with their Mom and Dad, cat, and parrots. A youth in a wig and dress challenging what gender and identity means.


Scene: Desmond, taking a moment before leaving. Dressed and ready to go to The Blonds show.

A special thank you to Helen Oppenheim, US Correspondent for Peluquerias Magazine, archivist, blogger, and hair guru, for asking me to collaborate during Fashion Week.