I Love...Ralph Lauren (Who Doesn't?)

Hello All,

Well, I am putting myself "Right out there" today.  Let me just "tell it like it is", okay?
I LOVE RALPH LAUREN!!!  And, make NO mistake about it.  Do we understand each other?  Well alright, then.

I don't want to get any one's "dander" up, but I am very passionate about this Marvelous Man.  It doesn't get any better than Monsieur Lauren, in my book!  Were it not for the fact that I am an artist and putting all discretionary funds back into my art, I would, literally, live (full boar) in Ralph Lauren.

His sense of style is unmatched when it comes to sensuality brilliantly coupled with easy Town and Country couture.  Soft flowing drapability in silk and wool dresses, seductively belted with fine leather and perfectly finished off with magnificently appointed boots gets me every time.  Sighhhhhh!

 

And then, there's always lacy femininity in combination with classic wide leg trousers (and, the ever present leather belt...reminiscent of equestrian elegance).  Oh, Ralph.  "You really have a way with the ladies"!  This one, anyway.



Hold on.  I'll be right back.  The pot is boiling in the kitchen...wool washing day!  Back in a jiff with more on Mr. Lauren.  What a Guy!

I'm back, and dreamily thinking of Ralph, me and "La Look Boheme".  Ralph does it again with tweed jackets and fawn colors for fall.  How does he do it?  And, so perfectly tuned to my tastes and sensibilities?  I think Ralph Lauren is one of those geniuses who captures the essence of his own lifestyle, and transforms it into ART.  The art of the "Bohemian", all polished up with the smell and feel of "tack and leather"!  (Oh...someone, quick.  Bring me my smelling salts!)

Ralph has the gifted knack of projecting his unique vision out of his subconscious, right onto the human figure, and polishing up the subject to spotless brilliancy.  Prestidigitation.  Even with all of those words, I am not sure if I am capturing the true essence of Ralph Lauren.  Therein lies the challenge.  Perhaps, that, in the end is the true beauty of him.  The mystique of him.  Ralph Lauren is an experience.  One that you or I want to "live" in.  He makes us feel the sensuality of our being.  That part of us that hearkens back to Bohemian nature.  Aah, yes.  I think I have it now.  In the feeling, the senses of sight, smell, sound and touch.

I think I will leave it at that, so that I do not tarnish or diminish him with words.  I simply, close my eyes, run my hands over the textures of his palette and "experience" the magic of Ralph Lauren.  Sensual Bohemian.



[Pause.  Slow, deliberate intake of breath...]

Ralph Lauren.  'Nuf said.



All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved

Mystical Merlin...Made for Valued Patron

Sold to Private Collector
Le Mariage Silk Organza Kimono in Merlin

This lovely silk organza kimono in Merlin just sold to a valued collector who was recently in San Diego on holiday.  She popped into the studio one day last week with an entourage of bubbly family members, and tried Merlin on.  It was a perfect fit.  She has promised to send photos of herself wearing Merlin.  As soon as she does, I will post them here for all of you to enjoy."

As I create each piece or length of yardage, I always keep in mind the final outcome, literally watching for signs of completion.  The cloth "tells me" when it is finished.

I stand back and if the colors and composition look right, then it is done.  I had a graphic design employer ask me once (in reference to a design layout), "Does it look right to your eye?  If it looks right, then it's right.  "If it don't look right...it ain't right!"  (Thanks, Larry.  Great advice.)





Merlin looked right and was made just for my collector.  Each creation always seems to go to the "right" patron.

Sold to Private Collector
Le Mariage Silk Organza Kimono in Merlin
(View from the Back)

And, now for the "flip side" of Merlin...Mmmmm!  Just as good from any angle.  That's what the collector thought, and so do I.  The pattern and colors in this kimono are reminiscent of deep forest greens, brightly colored lichens, twining vines and a little splash of orangey rust; bringing forth images of cool dark "bois" where nature plays a whimsical surprise by adding a splash of color, just to liven up the palette.

I call this dance of dark and light "Mambo #5".  The mambo of cool and warm hues in random (uh-huh) syncopation.  And, yes, that is totally possible.  Just take a look at Merlin, and you will understand what I mean.


Oh yeah.  That's the stuff!






Hope you enjoyed the history of Merlin.  Keep an eye peeled for the photos from my collector.  I am positive she will look RIGHT in her new Merlin Kimono, and wear it for Life.  Uh-Huh!!!



All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved

Mais, Monique Lhuillier n'est ce pas Chopped Liver, either!

Monique Lhuillier
Ultimate Collection of Designed Wedding Gowns

Hello All,

What is it about wedding gowns that turn otherwise sensible calm women into wet noodles with soft doe eyes?  SIGH-HHHHH.  Looking at this vision of lace and flowers, I just want to reach out my hand and touch it.  "Isn't she Lovely?  Isn't she Beautiful"?  Once again, a familiar melody plays itself out in my subconscious (...thanks, Stevie.  You really hit the nail on the head with that one!)  I have just discovered Monique Lhuillier...magnificent Monique...effusive elaborate Monique...c'est magnifique... MONIQUE LHUILLIER!

White Satin and Crystal Embroidered Wedding Gown
by Monique Lhuillier

Another of Lhuillier's
"Visions in White" reminiscent of snowy mountains and intricately patterned snowflakes in winter.  Just a few of "my favorite things"... "snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes".  White gossamer butterflies nesting together...shavings of white chocolate mounded one on top of another...white images, nothing so lovely as this!  Tres Bon, Monique!

Monique Lhuillier
White Satin Rose Motif Wedding Gown

How do you solve an enigma like Monique Lhuillier?  Answer:  "You Don't"!  You just, simply, sit back and marvel.  Monique Lhuillier, young, gifted and oh, so Filipina French.  Vive la France...vive la femme.  "Vive la Monique Lhuillier"!  Oh, Yeah.












And now for "All the Rest", fashion that is!  Opulent and Grand, Lhuillier, as only Lhuillier can be!

Monique Lhuillier
2011 Spring Dresses Collection

Monique Lhuillier
2012 Spring Dresses Collection

Monique Magnifique!

MONIQUE LHUILLIER...WALK, WALK GIRL!  You have got it "All Going On".

Monique Lhuillier, designer

All images, text and content copyright, 2011, all rights reserved to perspestive owners

There's No "Thang" like Vera Wang!

Vera Wang, designer

White by Vera Wang
2012 Bridal Collection

Hello All,

This thought has been going around and around in my head for quite some time.  The name of Vera Wang comes as no surprise to any of us fashionistas.  It's just a given when one thinks of fashion, feminine style and simplistic luxury.  A subliminal melody keeps playing in my mind..."Small and white, clean and bright....you look happy to greet me".  Though the lyrics of this well-known song are clearly referring to the edelweiss blossom, I can't help but think of Vera Wang when I hear it.  Especially, Vera's exquisite and oh, so feminine Wedding Gown Collections.  "Blossom of snow.... may you bloom and grow, forever.

Vera Wang Spring 2012
Bridal Collection

Was there ever a more perfect usage of cloth and fiber?   Even in Vera's most extravagant gown designs, where every imaginable type of chiffon, lace, tulle and silk has been utilized, billowing out, tucking under, ruching in and folding back upon itself in impossibly unbelievable patterns, there is that ever-present, undeniable sense of "less is more", when more (and, I do mean "much more"...Wow, just look at those ruffles!) is no "less" than Magnificent!
And, so very Vera.







Am I impressed, or what?  "Whoa...Climb down there, cowgirl"!  I have to reign in my Texas style enthusiasm, before I start "Yee Haa-ing" all over the place!  I'm sure that I am not the only cowgirl out there right now shouting, "Hell Yeah"!  It may not be so "lady-like", but it sure is "Right On".

2012 Bridal Collection
Mermaid Wedding Gown

So, as far as my vote goes, Vera Wang is the "Thang" when it comes to Wedding Gown heaven. Oddly, enough, Vera has said that her Wedding Gown Collections were just the "gold" that paved the way for her to do what she really loves...creating her private fashion couture.  Once again, it just goes to show what a "bombshell", Vera Wang really is.  If the wedding collections are her "bread and butter", so to speak, then all of us aspiring designers really need to "step up our game"! 

Vera Wang
2011 Bridal Collection

"And, Which of us can ever forget This?"

As I said,  "There's No Thang like Vera Wang".....XO, XO Vera.  You are an Inspiration...and then Some!


Hold that Inspiration, and I will be back with "Visions of Vera" in a jiff!  The shape of gowns to come, huh Vera?  YEEE-HAAA!


(Well, the photos are in, but I like that last entry so much, that I have decided to leave it in the article....Texans and cowgirls never get enough of the ole "Yee-Haa" enthusiasm.)  See, Vera.  It's all your fault!



Photography: Kevin Sturman for Vera Wang, 2012 Bridal Collection

All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved to perspective owners

The Shape of Things to Come

                      Chocolate jeweled blouse and skirt, Linda Stokes 2010 Collection
                                                 Model, Von Gretchen Shepard


Hello All,

Just a little peek-a-boo at my "high aspirations" of returning to the glitz...or should I say, the "Ritz"? And, Putting it On! Let's not give up the beauty and glamour of the Silver Screen. Those ladies had it "Going On". And, you can, too.

Coming soon, is my new Pia Zza! Collection of gowns, dresses and wraps of nuno felted featherweight silks, exotic wools and natural fibers. Soft, flowing and billowy visions of fabulous female fashion. Ranging from watered silks reflecting the moods of the ocean to glorious spectral colors combined with ribbons, hand painted textiles and natural wool fleeces.

Faux print dress, Linda Stokes 2010 Collection

Model, Von Gretchen Shepard

So keep an eye peeled, and your "DeMille Closeup" attitude close at hand. A fantastic new Pia Zza! OOAK original is coming just for you. You Girls are all OOAK and originals. So be FIERCE and glamorous. We are waiting for you at the "Ritz"!

Champagne sequined gown, Linda Stokes 2010 Collection

Model, Von Gretchen Shepard

Photography by Michael Stokes, copyright 2010, of Linda Stokes, designer


All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved

Organza and I ... "Sway Me, Now"!

Artist's Private Collection

Le Mariage Silk Organza Kimono in Azul Backsplash

(Seagulls in flight with backsplash motif)

Hello All,

Don't you just love the floaty feel of sheer organza to "step out on the town" in?  I sure do.  I just can't help hearing that sultry voice of Nicole Scherzinger crooning, "Sway me...sway me.  Sway me, now".  Aw, yeah ...That's the Stuff!  And, even more titillating is the coming of my new summer coats, tunics and vests featuring lightweight silks and cottons in combination with some other amazing natural fibers.  Just you wait and see! 

Floating about in one of my coats, you will be the "talk of the town", and all your friends will, simply, be "...Pea Green with Envy"!  Isn't that right, Scarlet?  "Fiddle dee dee, Girls".  Wear it, wear it ...Own It!

Presenting, "Water Sprite" by Pia Zza!  Experience the Eternal Flow of Elemental Water...Water inspired silk and layered organic couture for the free spirited femme in us all.  See you at the studio.  Studio 32 in Spanish Village Art Center, that is!

"Sway me...sway me.   Sway me, now."  (fade to you on the town...)


Feeling free form felt forged by feminine hands.  "Felting with feeling"...Fabulous!


All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved