Dolls in the Desert

Last May I took a trip to the desert--we went hiking at Joshua Tree and stayed at Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs.  I was working on an art project that had to do with creating costumes and then styling a photoshoot for dolls (My Fan Art Project for Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), so I decided to bring them with me and practice posing and shooting them.  I made caftans for them which I thought were appropriate for Desert Hot Springs.  They seemed to enjoy themselves.  :)

Here's Edith at the beginning of our 49 Palms Oasis hike at Joshua Tree National Park.  All ready to go in her snazzy desert caftan. 

Posing and working on her angles....

Enjoying some badass desert plants.

Almost to the Oasis.

Made it!  Resting in the shade.

Oh wait.  Now we have to go back the way we came...

That is one steep hill to climb and it's about 1000º F right about now.

But it sure is pretty--and worth it.  And dang, I look good in my caftan!

Meanwhile, back at Two Bunch Palms....

Olive knows how to live it up and stay cool and comfortable at the resort.

She's practicing her poses and finding her angles too...

...in the shade of some Bougainvillea.

And now that Edith's back, they can enjoy an afternoon Martini...

...hang out by the pond...

...and just enjoy the sweetness of life.

But ultimately, it's time to make the trip back to LA...

Passing some cool wind turbines on the way.

Stay tuned for more photoshoots with the Dolls.

London Olympics: Graphic and Fashion Inspiration

The Olympics are always exciting and inspirational on many different levels.  Athletes are getting bigger, stronger and faster and their uniforms are getting more high-tech, not to mention fashion forward (maybe with the exception of the shiny, gaudy gymnastics leotards).  I'm going to try and do a few Olympics post over the next 2 weeks of things that catch my eye or imagination.  Starting off will be the location.  There's always something intriguing about London.  I love all the Keep Calm posters and how the Union Jack is interpreted in fashion--both incredibly iconic images.

Keep Calm and.....[fill in blank].  Such an iconic poster that is being reinterpreted in so many different ways.  Here is my version:

Feel free to add any of yours!

The Union Jack.  Maybe it's the angular graphic elements in such contrasting colors.  Or perhaps it's the history that goes along with it.  Either way, between the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, it's become a fashion trend.  Here are some of my favorite products.

Alexander McQueen clutch and boots.  Jimmy Choo bag.  Paul Smith cufflinks.  Lulu Guiness lip clutch.  Studded ring.

Shiny, Pretty Things: Victoire de Castellane's Jewelry

Victoire de Castellane has designed jewelry for both the houses of Chanel and Dior.  There.  That's all I need to say about her.  But I'll say more.  Her colorful, imaginative and edgy pieces take fine jewelry to the next level.  Her fantastical designs take you through the looking glass...and they're shiny, pretty pieces of art.

You can Like her on Facebook.  See her Dior pieces.  See her Gagosian exhibit.

Siren Call: Mermaid Inspiration

I watched this totally trippy show about Mermaids (actually Merfolk) the other night...kind of like a Blair Witch Project only you felt sorry for these poor creatures that were oppressed by humans.  Too bad it was a work of fiction because mermaids are so ethereal and cool, not to mention a little bad-ass (Siren call anybody?).  I'm seeing a lot about mermaids in pop culture, sub culture and art culture--and of course fashion.  Here's are some inspiring pictures.

I love all the red-headed versions of these beauties. (Photo)

They have captured artists imaginations for hundreds of years. (Photo)

They have dolphins with tribal tattoos as pets...so much more badass than pitbulls.  (Photo)

 They color coordinate with their friends.  (Photo)

Design ethereal, flowy dresses.  (Photo)

They get morose and moody too.  (Photo)

And go buy themselves a pretty handbag... (Photo)

...or two.  (Photo)

This necklace would go perfect with red hair and a flowy tail.  (Photo)

They get all crafty and DIY with their home accessories.  (Photo)

And glam it up for a hot night out.  (Photo)

Conquer the sea.  (Photo Vogue)

Save the mermaids!  :)

My Fan Art Project for Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends

To celebrate Cartoon Network's 20th anniversary, I had the opportunity to participate in an art show--creating a piece of fan art based on a Cartoon Network show.  I chose Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.

Foster's is a whimsical, character rich show about a home where imaginary friends go to when they are no longer needed--or believed in.  It is funny and sweet and has colorful, creative characters.

I decided to use my love of fashion and photography as inspiration to create couture interpretations of 3 of my favorite characters.  For logistical reasons (and because I didn't have 3 supermodel friends on hand--not to mention studio space to create the set), I designed the fashions for dolls.  Here is my vision for Bloo, Eduardo, and Coco.

The Characters

These are the characters from the show.  My muses are: Coco on the far left, Bloo right next to her, and Eduardo, the big purple guy with horns and the skull belt in the middle.

The Designs

My concept sketches and fabric swatches.

The Models

You'll be seeing more of these girls.  I already have another photo shoot with them.

The Artwork

I titled it "House of Foster's: Eduardo, Bloo, and Coco Couture".


There will be an exhibition (curated by Mark Murphy) of all the artwork created for this show at the Jett Gallery in San Diego this week during Comic Con.  Come by if you're in town!

Treehugger Series: Cargo Homes

Shipping containers only have so long of a life span.  What to do with them once they are unusable for shipping?  Some innovative architects have given new meaning to "repurposing"...think: tricked out mobile homes or recyclable pre-fab construction.

My architect husband was conceptualizing a home in the CA desert based on grouping cargo containers together and creating an outdoor/indoor space.  Here is some inspiration I found:

The above photos from Vectro Ave.

The above photos from Coolist.

Photo from Jetson Green.

Photo from Design Building Source.

  

You sure have come a long way from this: