The Craft and Art of Embroidery and Beading.

I believe my love, interest and appreciation of beading and embroidery came from watching Sonny & Cher, as well as The Cher Show Show in the 70's as a child. I came to know who Bob Mackie was because at the time television programs ran credits and I wanted to know who did what.

When I designed for my former group Shalamar, some of our costumes gave me the opportunity to work a few hard to find local specialists who did the work by hand.

This video about Francois Lesage of the legendary Maison Lesage, Paris provides a meaningful glimpse into the traditions and beauty of the craft of beading and embroidery as well as fabric creation. There's a sweet and poignant moment when he mentions that when he started out taking over for his parents at Maison Lesage that he was the youngest, and now he is the oldest. There's also a nice recollection of creating a beaded crocodile for Yves St Laurent among other experiences he shares here.

Check it out!

H&M Menswear Lookbook SS 2012

Mix and match. Add your own flair.

Modern Classics Styling Session

Trend Guide. Spring Summer 2011.

The menswear collection has some pieces I'd rock, though I'm a woman. I especially like the one piece 'playsuit' and jackets. The range of looks for men gives updated options for the more conservative or fashionista.
On the women's wear side of the spectrum the long flowy color blocked dresses are a must and always classic as are white pants for men or women.

With regard to the bold color trend; if you want to ease into it, I'd say add pieces of colorful chunky jewelry.

Spring Forward. H&M Lookbook 2011

Taking a diversion from holiday and winter style, courtesy of Barracuda Films is a first look at what's going to be in-store at H&M for Spring/Summer. I'm digging the vibrant colors (this from an absolute black-a-holic) and the maxi dresses from the women's wear collections.