FIVE MINUTES FOR FASHION - DIOR F/W 2017

I just can't get over how gorgeous this collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri is.  

The fluidity and grace is just beyond.

The softness of the tones.

The timeless elegance.

The femininity.  But never frailty.

The harmonies of line and texture.

Coincidentally, I've been wearing dresses a lot lately

and having to wonder what a person could wear over a long dress

on a cool summer evening in L.A.  That is not a frumpy-making cardigan.  The answers to those wonderings are all here.  If I hurry up and get out my sewing machine.

I won't be throwing out any of my skinny little belts anytime soon.

I know these pieces are supposed to reference 70 years of Dior, but I'm thinking cashmere shawls, kimonos, spiders webs, smoke, riding habits, the odd flapper - and this romantic movie: Far From the Madding Crowd with Kerry Mulligan.

I need a little bit of romance just at the moment.  Don't know about you.  It feels a little like a necessary retreat.

BUT NEVER DEFEAT.

Here's my version of that old expression:  Dressing Well is the BEST REVENGE.   (So there you winds of austerity and horrid old Donald Trump!)  And you don't need Dior Couture money to achieve it. 

Just a little inspiration.

Summoning.......

It's been a hectic fall for this blogger.

 (My favorite dim sum spot in London - Jia)

I've had builders doing some small improvements around my house and garden.  I've been in need of small comforts.........amidst the occasional chaos.

There has been a momentous election.  Which I have distracted myself from with fashion.  (Whatever works, huh?)

I had a big birthday - and this girl, who was last year's birthday gift is finally settling in with us vs., fighting, biting, swiping and not being able to share a room with our other girl.

 (Matt Mattus' amazing chrysanth'- see more here)

Since fall is planting season in L.A. I am still putting things in and tending to them.

(Camilla Engman link here)

This painting seems to sum up what many are feeling about the U.S.'s new President.

And many are pondering what we can do about it.  I thought seriously of buying this little boat and just......sailing away.  But it's terribly little, isn't it?  I couldn't go far and - Mr. Paradis doesn't swim.  But it does seem a metaphor for a present moment?

It's hard to be lighthearted somedays.

We returned to Crystal Cove for Thanksgiving and found this offering.

 (pic: Christopher Lane for the Guardian)

In case you didn't know already, these are two guys I really like.

Despite all this, life goes one.  Particularly in the burgeoning, busting out and booming L.A. arts district.  Which has provided me a message to you for our new December weekend.  With 2017 barely a month a way now.

I've been absent from this space lately but one thing never changes.  Love is love.  And you guys are part of it.  Hugs and kisses from L.A.

The Jazz Age at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London

Located on one of the oldest streets in London.....(Bermondsey St.)

where you'll find lots of little shops and restaurants of every kind.

Just steps out of London Bridge Station and about a half mile

from Borough Market and Shakespeare's Globe.

The Fashion and Textile Museum is not the biggest, or best known museum in London.

But it is almost required revisiting for fashionistas, nostalgic types, textile junkies, you know who you are.

Last time for me, it was the Missoni Exhibit.  And now, my favorite fashion era...the Jazz Age.

Comfortable, feminine clothes.  That bespeak simplicity, elegance and panache

all at once.  Floaty too.  Who doesn't love floaty?

And next up - for the New Year which is coming faster than we'd like.......

Josef Frank!  What you can't see on that poster are the words spelling:

BOOK NOW!

Gucci Geeks Unite. Happiness is a Silly Outfit!

Look away if you're not embracing the "Maximalist" style of fashion that broke out all over

this Summer.  Alessandro Michele at Gucci seemed to have been the worst "offender"

if you are inclined to see it this way.  I did not think America would go for this flamboyant

exuberant, cartoony, colorful look which so speaks

to the fourteen-year old in me.  (I am of Hawaiian and Italian extraction - so - you know?!  More is more!)

Where the concept of "Cruise" quite fits in

to this 2016 Collection is perhaps not a conversation we need to have.  But whether or not boats are

involved, I've had a look in the shops and even Zara, ground zero for basic black Euro-chic

is rocking the geeky

and flying the freak flag.

Who would you like to be today?  Florence Welch?

or Tavi Gevinson?  (God, I love it!  Where do I start?  The skirt, the shoes, the sleeves, the dogs...)

Me?  I would like to be ME.  This is SO!  (Madeline in Mexico)  ME!

Oh to be very young again and shopping Gucci!  You know, sometimes fashion just has to be fun.  And this seriously IS. 

More Missoni Maybe

Mmmm  Mmmmmm ..... now where did I find these......

My photo file notes say "Text Muse"

I tried to track back and google Textile Museum, Textile Muse, Fashion and Textile Museum - 

But couldn't track down my source.  It's possible they came through the Facebook page of the latter, or via Selvedge's ... links to both here!  Anyway, you get the idea.  Thought you might like these.  Makes you want to dance - yes?

HAPPY HAPPY WEEKEND !!!

Missoni At The London Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey

Until the 4th of September, 2016, at the London Fashion and Textile Museum

MISSONI.  With gorgeous examples of Missoni fashion

over the years, and an extensive exhibit of art work that has inspired Ottavio Missoni

as well as cool videos with interviews and inspiration.

The Fashion and Textile Museum - close by Maltby Street both a short walk from

the London Bridge Tube Stop is a "nouvelle decouverte" for Mlle Paradis.

Concurrently on the King's Road, I found some Missoni inspired fashion

enlivening shop windows.

Might make you want to clear out your closets and embrace a brand new squiggly style.