A revolutionary digital space that explores life as we all evolve within it. I present my personal commentary on Fashion, Style, Art, Parenting, Crafting, Music, Literature, Culinary delights, Inspirational people and their stories. I aim to share the tips, tricks and knowledge that I have gathered on my journey in an effort EMPOWER and INSPIRE! Xxo
Seventeen years ago today fashions brightest light was brutally extinguished. It was because of Gianni Versace that I fell into my life long love affair with Fashion. What remains is an amazing legacy of bold, unique, designs and a giant gaping hole in the industry. He will always remain an inspiration to me.
I still remember where I was when I got the news. I didn't want to believe it and I still don't. Seventeen years later I look back at the child I was, so enamoured with this man's vision for women and liberating them through garments that were way ahead of their time. Garments that the house of Versace continues to make a gallant attempt at emulating but never quite hits the same mark. He was a genius, icon and will always be an muse to me.
I can't help but believing that the style and fashion landscape would be a different place if Gianni were still here. I long for the day's where the supermodels reigned supreme and the celebrities only occupied the front rows at fashion shows, not the magazine covers. He created the supermodel, the spectacle that we now know as fashion shows and presentations with his over the top cast, music, orchestration and front row. From his mother's dress shop in Southern Italy (Reggio di Calabria) he was THE trailblazer to the celebrity, the supermodel, unique textiles and glamour that was so bad it was way too good.
Image: Helmut Newton
Gianni had an attitude in the business I wish more designers and successful people in general would replicate; There is room for everyone. He would give "unknown" creative's (like Brian Atwood, Todd Oldham, etc..) opportunities that they never otherwise would have received. His pursuit was beauty and expression. He never wanted to stop learning, experiencing and growing from all corners of the world and culture.
1990
In the wise words of Mr. Versace, "Beauty will save the world"
I was having an on-line discussion this morning with a group of ladies who sell Vintage clothing and accessories about FUR and it reminded me of my previous BLOG: Wear Your Own Skin
The consensus in the group seemed to be that if the fur is Vintage one should use it rather than waste it. Some sell it and some do not. I do not sell fur at EVOLUTION VINTAGE but I totally agree about the non-waste element. I would never wear it so what can you do with your fur? There are several places and organizations that will compassionately recycle your vintage (and non-vintage) fur coats, stoles and accessories.
PETA SAYS: “Whether the animals were killed yesterday or 50 years ago, vintage fur sends the same unacceptable message as new fur—that it is OK to allow animals to languish in steel-jaw traps, have their necks snapped, or be skinned alive simply for the sake of vanity.”
Donate & Re-Cycle your old or new fur for education, helping the homeless AND helping other animals. Not only is it a compassionate choice but you will receive a tax credit. I think PETA's point with the homeless is that one would need to be destitute with no options and use the fur to keep warm and essentially stay alive. I don't think they are making an exception to those that are without homes. Some of PETA's methods are unorthodox but no matter what your opinion, they DO help animals and provide a voice for them they would not otherwise have!
PETA uses furs for education displays, to warm the homeless AND for Women/Children in Afghanistan & Iraq - Click HERE for more information on their program(s).
How To Donate?
Mail your unwanted furs to:
Attn.: Fur Campaign PETA 501 Front St. Norfolk, VA 23510
The Humane Society of the United States has a "Coats for Cubs" program. All of the furs received by The HSUS are sent to wildlife rehabilitators, who use the furs to warm and comfort orphaned and injured wildlife.
HOW DOES IT HELP THE ANIMALS?
"According to the HSUS"More than 200 rehabilitators from across the United States and Canada now participate in the program. The furs are cut into an appropriate size for the animal, whether it be a bobcat, fox, raccoon, squirrel, or rabbit, and placed inside the animal's enclosure. The furry blanket becomes a surrogate mother to orphaned animals, reducing stress and giving comfort."
How To Donate:
Place your fur in a sturdy box (a large padded envelope is fine for small items) and mail it to The HSUS at the following address:
The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L St., NW Washington, D.C. 20037 Attn: Coats for Cubs
Jessica Stam for FENDI - F/W 2010
In my opinion wearing real fur is WEAK and NOT CHIC! and it is my sincere hope that fashion houses realize it, like FENDI who's brand has literally been built using the backs of animals. With all the faux fur alternatives and textiles there is now NO excuse for wearing real fur or for designers to use real fur in their designs.
Imagine a world like this??? I bet the animals can.
Style Yourself Compasionately Chic this Fall/Winter in a FAUX-FUR Vintage Bomber Jacket, Caplet Coat/Cape or 3/4 length Coat from EVOLUTION VINTAGE
Cindy Crawford is (in my humble opinion) one of the most beautiful women in the world. Since my early days of thumbing through Vogue and other various fashion publications her face was everywhere. Imagine my wonderment at the tender age of 10 years old watching her on the runways of Paris, New York and Milan. The Gianni Versace runway shows were ALWAYS my favourite where she seemed to be a permanent fixture. I remember her being articulate in interviews and versatile in photographs; and she still is. She was one of the ORIGINAL SUPER MODELS. Never has their been such a more beautiful or versatile group of models in the history of fashion.
Her beautiful face and iconic mole has graced hundreds of magazine covers all over the world. This collage is just the tip of the publication ice burg, there are literally HUNDREDS from over the years.
My personal FAV cover (for the late John F Kennedy Jr.'s George 1st magazine):
and too many ad campaigns to possibly count. I wonder if Cindy even knows. My favourites were the Versace ad's over the years primarily shot by famed fashion photographer Richard Avedon.
Her beauty even reached tv commercials (pepsi) and music videos, My fav being the video of George Michael's "Freedom 90" it takes singing in the shower/tub to a whole new level:
Cindy is still a successful model and the face of OMEGA watches for over a decade but she is also an actress, business woman, wife and mother of 2.
Her business ventures include:
* Cindy has a line home furnishings and accessories called "Cindy Crawford STYLE" available at JC Penny (www.jcp.com/cindycrawfordstyle)
* A line of jewelry called "One Kiss: By Cindy Crawford" also available at JC Pennys
* A skin care line called Meaningful Beauty partnering with Paris DR. Dr. Jean Louis Sebagh (www.meaningfulbeauty.com)
When she has some spare time (HA HA) she supports a multitude of charitable organizations. CINDY STANDS UP FOR CANCER
What I love about Cindy's style is her effortless approach. She has a casual chic look with t-shirts, motorcycle jackets or blazers and a great pair of jeans, worn with either heels or flip flops and she ALWAYS ROCKS it!
I had a chance to ask Cindy my 5 Style Maven questions:
LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?
CINDY: My personal style aesthetic has evolved over the years. One of the things I love about living in Malibu and west coast style is how relaxed it all is and how jeans and flip flops are the staple. I think I am less concerned about what the latest trend is and am more confident in my own style. I like mixing different designers and pieces. My attitude about fashion is that you should only wear something that gives you more confidence. Second guessing if you can pull off a "look" is stressful and makes me feel insecure!
LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?
CINDY: Key wardrobe pieces for me are jeans (current favs are Paige and J Brand,) leather jackets and heels. I feel like I can go just about everywhere in that!
LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?
CINDY: I love vintage clothing although I don't wear a lot of it in real life. We use amazing vintage pieces on shoots often and I'm always interested in the fabric and construction. I have some old Chanel, Versace and Alaia that are probably considered vintage by now!
LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?
CINDY: I have a beautiful vintage caramel colored leather Hermes trench coat and an amazing Alaia belt.
LISA: What are you wearing this fall? Tell our readers the key elements for your Fall/Winter wardrobe.
CINDY: Favorite pieces for fall---I bought a beautiful khaki Cavalli leather military jacket that looks cool with jeans or thrown over a khaki knit dress for that monochromatic military look. Fall is also all about great boots. I just bought some Henry Begulin brown shoe boots that I can't wait to wear. I'm also getting more and more into accessories--more interesting necklaces and earrings.
A small collection of Cindy's red carpet and casual looks (CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE):
Thank you Cindy for your ageless and timeless beauty. It gives every woman the hope that aging beyond gracefully is a real possibility!
