PINK!

My favorite time of year... the much anticipated event of the Christmas Season blew up in my studio as I gathered my gaggle of girls to watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. With a table full of champagne and candy, the bonbons literally dropped from our hands as we gawked at the gorgeous gals dominating my screen in itty bitty undies and oversized angel wings. The Biebs stole our hearts with his acoustic version of "As Long As You Love Me," and the Angels stole our appetites with their tantalizing physiques and sultry catwalk struts. Oh, to be an Angel...

Abstract Grace

Color illustration by me. Black and white illustration by Grace Coddington.

Presenting Grace Coddington-- former model turned legendary Creative Director for Vogue. With her new memoir hitting bookstores November 20th, Grace's book is sure to top the Christmas lists of fashion-oriented individuals worldwide.
The creative force behind Vogue magazine became ferociously famous overnight with the premiere of The September Issue back in 2009. While the documentary film highlights Grace's career and the important role she plays behind-the-scenes of the magazine, the memoir focuses on her life in front of the camera, working as a young model with some of the most influential photographers of the late 50s and 60s. The icing on the cake? This book is sprinkled with charming illustrations drawn by the amazing Grace herself.

Cream-Colored Ponies and Crisp Apple Strudels...

Furniture and decor from Room Service, shoes by Dolce Vita.

Fashion Island, Newport Beach. A magical place where you can find anything at all that your heart desires. I tend to do more browsing than buying, but I'm one of those strange birds who enjoys just looking. While admiring all the pretty (and expensive) things, I decided that:

1. I will one day put sparkling checkered floors in my foyer.
2. My home will have a scattering of strange objects and savvy furniture (a given, considering my knick-knack-packed studio at the moment).
3. I must find a place to wear shoes like THIS. 
Of course, acquiring all of these things requires a generous budget, so, lastly on my list:
4. Must obtain enough freelance contracts to afford weird decor and ridiculously amazing shoes.

Je Suis Un Tigre, Écoute-Moi RAARRR

Believe it or not, we do experience some cold weather in California... but after last week's 85 degree heatwave and 23 years of braving the Canadian wind-chill, I refused to pull out my winter outerwear just yet. Attending a backyard art show in some light layers, I realized I may need to embrace the idea of beachside bundling and invest in a winter coat this season. And perhaps a new toque. 
"Hear me Roar" tiger necklace by Jenny Bird, jacket and jeans by JBrand, silk blouse from Urban Outfitters, boots by Vince Camuto, scarf--borrowed from a friend who will probably never see it again.

In This Town of Halloween

My inner Tim Burton has emerged this year in the form of Jack Skellington cake-pops! I got slightly carried away in the Halloween isle at Target, loading my basket with cake mixes, icing, ribbons and dyes, and crystal-like sprinkles I used for Jack's eyes. These halloween treats aren't too tricky too make, but they are time consuming so be sure you're awake. To make a pair of faux Louis Vuitton bunny ears (as seen in the Tim Burton Harper's Bazaar editorial circa 2009), all you need are two wire hangers, a black hair band, a pair of black nylons, scissors, and some raw glue-gunning talent. The drawing of Frankenweenie's Weird Girl was done by artist Max Becker, and happens to be my favorite new addition to my studio. The striped string lights are another Target purchase, but I'm pretty sure I scored the last two sets in the Los Angeles area thanks to my friend, Tiffany. Unnecessary? Perhaps. But they'll be most useful when I create my Tim Burton inspired Xmas tree in December.

CouCou for Karl

Images from Coco Chanel Lookbook, Spring 2013. Illustration by me.

Because I just can't seem to get enough of Karl, I dedicate yet another post to the iconic fashion marvel. The Coco Chanel Lookbook for Spring 2013 presents a soft palette of pastel hues, while featuring exquisitely styled black and white photographs taken by Karl himself. J'adore.

About A Boy

Photos from Bryanboy.com Illustrations by me

He blogs from the front rows of fashion shows... he travels the world in outlandish outfits... he is a master of accessorizing.... he is BRYANBOY! This extraordinary blogger has taken the fashion world by storm, befriending designers and editors alike. I'd call him a superhero, but this guy never wears the same thing twice. 

Florence

The third of 3 October brides-to-be. Florence has lived and died in black and lace, and cherishes the work of the late Lee Alexander McQueen.

Carmen

The boys, the girls, they all like Carmen. She gives them butterflies, bats her cartoon eyes, she laughs like god, her mind's like a diamond...
('Carmen' lyrics: Lana Del Rey)

Hey, Lolita, Hey

The first of 3 October brides-to-be. These illustrations are inspired by Tim Burton's "The Corpse Bride" and the dark side of haute couture.

Solar Chic

Photos (bottom left) Sylecaster Pictures, (Center) Kevin Tachman, (Others) Reuter. Illustration by me.

Karl Lagerfeld wowed fashion week show-goers yet again with his magnificent (and literal) display of the beauty and elegance of energy. Wind turbines lined a solar panel runway at the Grand Palais in Paris, where the pearls were big, the jackets short, and the tailoring simply impeccable. The statement piece of the season, however, seemed to be the designer's fresh take on Chanel's signature quilted leather handbag. Introducing.... the hula-hoop beach bag. 

More is More

Background photo: Tommy Ton.

Eccentric style and formidable attire.... Anna Dello Russo, Editor-at-Large for Vogue Japan, is the latest fashion icon to pair with H&M for a new line of accessories launching October 4th. What to expect... opulent jewels, thigh-high boots, crocodile sunglasses, and TONS of gold.

Sweet Escape

Photos from W Magazine, October 2012. Illustration by me.

I don't remember subscribing to W Magazine. Nonetheless, month after month in my mailbox it appears, and I must say I am always delighted upon its arrival. This month, photographer Nick Knight has created a beautiful 12 page spread featuring model Karlie Kloss. Knight's digitalized approach to photography creates a dark, cotton-candy-filled, Marie Antoinette fairytale that is so refreshing it will take your breath away.  To see more from the mag, click here.

Modern-Day Poppins

Photos (left and lower middle) Getty Images, (right) Imaxtree.

Mary Poppins! Is that you?? Marc Jacobs put the SHOW in fashion show with a haunting backdrop fit for a film set. The elaborately proportioned apparel could be described as Mary Poppins meets Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter for a tea party with the Mad Hatter. The daunting fur hats and prim florals paired with black leather and embellished wool scarves create an ensemble fit for a trip down the rabbit hole. Now that's entertainment.

The Bigger The Better

Photos (left): Monica Feudi/Feudiguaineri.com, (center & right): Vogue.com

Oversized outerwear will be keeping us warm this season as Chloe and Celine prove that bigger IS better.

The Butterfly Effect

Background images: Numero Magazine. Photo (bottom right) courtesy of Vogue.co.uk.

These delicate insects graced the Fall 2012 runway of Giambattista Valli, as models were adorned in butterfly headpieces for his couture collection.

Orange You Glad It's Fall?

Photos (left) Harper's Bazaar, (right) Rex.

Tangerines and eggplants are all I see as Prada introduces the highlighted brow for Fall 2012.

Fashion, Art, Sex & Disco

My latest purchase... the iconic art of Antonio Lopez. His provocative illustrations influenced the work of fashion designers and stylists throughout the 60s, 70s, and 80s. (above right: my own rendering of Antonio's favorite muse, Jerry Hall.)