"White Mischief" Vogue 1993 Helmut Newton

What was lost has been found!

I have been looking for this particular editorial for the past 10 years, and I finally found it! 

When I was 12 I was an avid reader of American Vogue and when this issue came in the mail I ran up to my room to read it cover to cover. Back then I had a pretty regular view of beauty, I gravitated towards the Cindy Crawford/Marilyn Monroe sort of glamour. I really hadn't registered the darker side of femininity. Well, as soon as I turned the first page of this spread I started to feel like I was looking at something I wasn't supposed to, something I would be embarrassed to let my mom know that I had. Certainly something I wouldn't be sharing with anyone else. I was a little surprised, and disturbed, but I loved it all! Who knew summer whites could be so dark and seedy. Who knew role playing and hooker heels could be so powerful. A woman playing a man being dominated by a glamazon? A boredom with luxury?  The suggestion of a holiday devoted to naughty indulgence? These were concepts I had not considered before. These were images forever burned into my brain. This was the moment that transformed my outlook on fashion, art, photography and sex. Helmut Newton became my hero. 

In other words: MY MIND WAS BLOWN.

It is amazingly satisfying and a little disappointing to find something you have been obsessing over. The search is over, mystery solved... now what?

xoxo

Talent Show 1992

 

In sixth grade on the last day of school, we had a talent show. At the last minute I decided to sing "More" by Madonna from the Dick Tracy soundtrack. I had my costume, cassette tape, and accessories in a plastic grocery bag in my back pack just in case I mustered up the courage to get up in front of 100 kids and sing. Keep in mind I never had any singing lessons, I just assumed I could do it. And for whatever reason, I did and I won! It was a really satisfying way to end sixth grade. As time went on though, I never sang in front of an audience again (unless you count karaoke). 

Now, my son is 11 and in sixth grade, and is a better singer than I'll ever be. He loves to be on stage, and he has had so many more opportunities, music lessons, and encouragement than I ever had. And I am so happy that he gets to experience his dream. Now that I have come full circle, I want to learn how to sing for real! And, to have fun with music. And to know the joy of performing. Will I be able to recapture that feeling on the last day of sixth grade?

 Time is a stranger and life is a song.

xoxo

Groomed to Perfection

Madonna in a Versace ad from the 90's shot by Steven Meisel.

The poodle mania continues.

Blew My Mind

 Elizabeth Hurley in 1994 wearing the Versace safety pin dress. 

This completely blew my 13 year old mind and it is still making my head spin!

It feels weird to revisit the 90's, but nostalgia is inspiration.

Oh Lord!

What an amazing bodice! 

Made by Dolce and Gabbana and worn by Madonna to the premiere of Truth or Dare. I'm dying!

image via Dazed and Confused Magazine

Influence: The Dark Side

I adore Helmut Newton and his powerful influence on the fashion editorial, pop culture, and fine art photography. His images have heavily swayed my artistic tastes and even my desire to major in photography in college. I recently came across the George Michael video by accident, but as soon as I watched it I remembered vividly how obsessed I had been with it. It too is obviously referencing Newton to some extent. Some may take offense, but it cannot be denied that his immense collection of work has taken it's toll on all that has come since.

Inspiration: Ellen Von Unwerth

I have always loved the Ellen Von Unwerth woman: exotic, sexual, powerful, magical, glamorous, and a little untouchable. These are the kind of images that can only be achieved through the careful camera lens. You wont catch Ellen's breed of femme out in the open of reality. Ellen strikes me as the feminine version of Helmut Newton. From the early 90's through today she continues to inspire me both as a photographer and as a style maker. Fashion needs more photography influence that is provoking, attention getting, and not afraid to get a little dirty!

All images by Ellen Von Unwerth.

Inspiration: FALLON

 I love Fenton/Fallon. This jewelry line is one of the reasons I craft jewelry. Their aesthetic provides amazing inspiration. I love this super cool late 80's-ish ad campaign. It's all about the power of making a statement. 

Check it out HERE

I'm Waiting for You...

A favorite. Love the hypnotic nature of this song and the makeup...so, right now!

Cannonball...

I waited 6 years to wear this dress!

I found this vintage circa 1990's Moschino dress at a consignment shop in Ashland, Oregon and fell in love! At the time I couldn't get it zipped, but I just couldn't leave it on the rack. The 40's cut and the unbelievable print on the chiffon was just too amazing. So, this Thanksgiving I finally got it zipped! 

Dress: vintage Moschino

Necklace: Dark Pony Designs

Belt: Forever 21

Tights: Betsey Johnson

Shoes: Target

The Gods Have Spoken

Well, this Greek fascination started a long time ago. When I was around 13 I was watching the show Fashion File, one of the collections that was getting a lot of attention that season was Jean Paul Gaultier. His closing bridal ensemble was modeled by Madonna and I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. It was amazing. The staging, the concept, and I loved that gold winged headband. Another one of those iconic pictures that crept into my subconscious to stay. Over the years I have had this image (below) on my bulletin board or in an inspiration file. I have moved 8 times in the last 12 years and I have managed to keep track of it. I guess it must be pretty important.

 Madonna with Jean Paul Gaultier 1994. She closed his show in Paris with this bridal number.

 Love the drama of this image. What's in that carriage??

 Turns out there was a fluffy white dog in the carriage. I loved the humor and the spectacle.

After all that inspiration the Greek Goddess Feathered Headband was born 16 years later!

Just recently I came across this: Alexander McQueen for Givenchy from the 1990's. All I can say is that this is just all kinds of WOW! It took it to the next level.

So, tonight when we take the kids trick-or-treating, I will be a Greek goddess.  I have even created a new amped up version of my headband for tonight. Let the fun begin. 

Happy Halloween!

xoxo

FACE MELTER FRIDAY!

Well, I don't know about you all, but I'm about ready to rock my socks off over here! This is a collection of some of my all time face-melting favorites. Sometimes there just ain't anything else left to do but bring down the house with some good ol' stickin' it to the man. 

Am I right?

xo

Robin

PS I was at the Rage Against the Machine Free Tibet performance. Does this make me old school?