Alien & The Undead: Fashion Among Mortals

First, I want to say I am EXCITED to be back with ADSH. I have missed everyone, but had a much needed rest and had to step back for a moment. Whew...it's good to be home.

Since before HG Wells' 1898 version of "War of the Worlds", our society has been fascinated with the unknown, undead, and things that go bump in the night. Almost every weekend you can go to your local movie theater or turn on your TV and be mesmerized by nonhuman creatures. This intrigue for all things creepy has crossed over to the fashion houses of New York, Milan, Paris, Tokyo, and independent designers and boutiques.

Thierry Mugler Alien Perfume Print Ad

You can see the unearthly influence in Thierry Mugler's Alien perfume campaign from the molded bodice of the regal golden gown to the alien/cat orbital makeup to her hair resembling a crown; a queen among mortals. It reminds me of the female costumes of the 1980's film "Flash Gordon".

The Women of the 1980's Flash Gordon Movie

Perhaps when you turn the pages of your favorite fashion rag, you see Rick "Zombie Boy" Genest, the fashion model that is tattooed in zombie like markings on the majority of his body.  This enigma has been used in various ad campaigns, runways, and was even featured with the diva Lady Gaga in her music video, "Born This Way".

Lady Gaga & Zombie Boy in "Born This Way"

Paris has recently celebrated monsters in fashion by holding a traveling exhibit at the La Gaîté Lyrique.

A Traveling Exhibit Now at La Gaite Lyrique

But you dont' have to stray far to see the influence of the unknown. Independent designer and boutique for plus size women, Domino Dollhouse, was recently featured on Joe Zee's reality fashion show, "All on the Line". The brand has released their new Astralnauts Collection, featuring the little sparks of light in the sky.

Domino Dollhouse's Babydoll Dress in Galaxy $89
(only available in 4X - all other sizes sold out)

I look forward what the next trend will be. Oh yes, there will be a new one. Soon aliens, zombies, monsters, and any unearthly phenomenon that comes to mind will be old and something new will be on the horizon. But in the meantime, there are many who want to make fashion an out of this world experience.

~ Ruby

FNO 2012 Revisited

Happy Friday!! Came upon some pics of this awesome night we put on at the Indianapolis International Airport. This year FNO 2013 is on its way to be bigger and better so be sure to stay tuned :)

Until Then,

Julia

In the Oddest Places

I take my girls to the Indianapolis Children's Museum tonight and as we peruse the exhibits I find the work of my dear sweet friend and colleague Catherine Fritsch. Apparently in her costuming days she created this awesome fit for "Treasure Island" and there it sits in its own little world (electronically protected as well it says) for all to enjoy :).

Found this awesome necklace artifact I thought I'd throw in as well. I mean I almost tried to break the glass to wear it right then it's so freakin' amazing!!!

Until Then,

Julia

Vintage Fur - Local # - Fashion Fate

So we're trying to write at least one blog morsel a day - so far so good :)

I wanted to share this amazing little vintage find and I discovered right before Christmas. It seems to be a one-size-fits-all and can be worn two different ways. It is pure mink (which I usually don't go for but this piece had me at hello) and the perfect length to add with jeans or over that LBD.

Also we have to show our new t-shirts which are set to be printed within a few weeks. My team and I tried them out at a huge event held here in Indianapolis and had awesome feedback - we'd love to know what you think.

To end our day I want to leave you with this thought from Grace Coddington: "When I arrived at British VOGUE it was fun going to the fashion shows-a different kind of fun from how it is now. We weren't there to be seen or to be fabulous. Everybody was kind of anonymous, there to look at the clothes." Let's get back to this :)

Until Then,

Julia

GRACE: A Memoir

 

Helllllllloooooo 2013!!  Boy am I glad to see you!!!  With this new year, clean slate, and renewal comes new knowledge and new changes in each of our lives. 

One of my very favorite things to do is read - that is in between running my business, being a wife, being a mom, and maybe cleaning my house every so often :)  When I do make the time to read (usually between quarters of some football or basketball game, in a waiting room, waiting on a client, or cuddled on the couch while my girls watch BRAVE again) I love the feel of a book in my hands.  Now don't get me wrong all of those electronic readers are fab for traveling etc.  There is just something about the excitement and anticipation of ordering something you want so badly, having it arrive, and unwrapping that little something just for you.  There is nothing like print - nothing!  Books, magazines, etc. there is no substitute for print especially in fashion - except for being in front of the actual collection of course!

Over the holiday I treated myself to 'GRACE:  A Memoir' in which Grace Coddington, whose official title is still Creative Director for VOGUE, shares her most amazing 71 years of life, love, and fashion with the world.  As one may know Grace is always very shy and reserved yet when 'The September Issue' came about we did find she that may be all of the above but what she definitely was NOT was a doormat.  Still one of the only people in the world able to tell Anna Wintour what she really thinks or what she doesn't like, Grace has an air of humility and loveliness to her that you cannot help but fall in love with on so many levels. 

AND THE STORIES!!  Oh the stories she recalls about her life and the Photographers, Models, Designers, and Stylists she has had the honor of working with and being able to truly call her close friends is simply incredible. 

You don't even need to be a lover of all things fashion to appreciate this great work.  Do yourself a favor and try something new by picking up this bright orange masterpiece and escape to another world if just for awhile :)

Until Then,

Julia