That’s refreshing because I completely missed the era and it’s so unlike fashion from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s.
Like Renaissance art, look feminine and romantic with opulent embellishments and elaborate prints (think upholstery patterns & textures).
I love the lavishness of it, especially after wearing neutrals all Fall/Winter. It’s great as long as only a little bit is incorporated into your wardrobe at a time. Of course the runway is always more detailed but you can include a piece like a decorative jacket (I’ll get out my David Meister brocade) or even an ornate neck piece to jazz up an outfit. My full length opera coat would be perfect but I’m still not sure about wearing it in a city where people wear jeans to an actual opera. Hey, maybe it would look great with jeans!
Valentino
Valentino has released its complete spring-summer 2014 campaign. Valentino’s line is romantic with dreamy lace looks inspired by costumes found in the Renaissance.
Other designs featuring renaissance looks are found at Dolce & Gabbana (no surprise here)and Alexander McQueen.
Palette: eggnog, pale gold, peach, pastel blue, plum, brick reds Materials: Velvet, lace, pearls, golden details, embroidery.
Last summer two friends insisted requested I make this as part of their birthday brunch. Baked rather than cooked on the stove top, these Dutch pancakes emerge from the oven puffed up like balloons and then quickly deflate, making for a dramatic presentation at the table. Rich and eggy, with just a hint of lemon zest, they’re the perfect foil for sweet, fresh blueberries – preferably wild. I adapted this from Martha Stewart Living replacing whole milk with buttermilk, using maple sugar (or coconut) in place of granulated sugar and adding a tsp. of pure vanilla extract to the mix. It’s not overly sweet. When serving, a few extra blueberries and a sprinkling of icing sugar on top make for a nice presentation. Don’t leave out the maple syrup.
To make four individual pancakes, you will need four little cast-iron skillets, 6 1/4 inches to 6 1/2 inches in diameter. You can use one 12-inch cast-iron skillet instead; it will take about 20 minutes to bake. If you’re able to get them, the little ones make a nice personal touch.
INGREDIENTS
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup blueberries, plus more for topping
Confectioners’ sugar, for sprinkling
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Blend together eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest and salt in a blender.
Heat either one 12 inch or four 6 1/4- to 6 1/2-inch cast-iron skillets over high heat. Divide butter among them, and melt. Divide batter among them, then scatter with berries. Bake until puffed and cooked through and tops are set, 15 to 20 minutes. Top with berries, and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately.
If you love regular pancakes and crepes you should try making this for something a bit more unusual.
After Jackson Pollock, de Kooning was the most prominent and celebrated of the Abstract Expressionist painters.
Willem de Kooning (April 24, 1904 – March 19, 1997) was a Dutch American born in Rotterdam, Netherlands who was widely considered to be among the most important and prolific artists of the 20th century.
His pictures typify the vigorous gestural style of the movement and he, perhaps, did more than any other of his contemporaries to develop a radically abstract style of paining that used Cubism, Surrealism and Expressionism. Although he established his reputation with a series of entirely abstract pictures, he felt a strong pull towards traditional subjects and would eventually become most famous for his pictures of women, which he painted in spells throughout his life. Later he turned to landscapes, which were also highly acclaimed, and which he continued to paint even into his eighties, when his mind was significantly impaired by Alzheimer’s disease.
Gorgeous Abstract Composition Edition 98/100 Stone lithograph (1986 – 28 x 25 in.) Available at: Elan Fine Art Limited –Vancouver, B.C. info@elanfineart.ca
He possessed the polished techniques of painters in the New York School, one that compares to that of the Old Masters, and he looked to the likes of Ingres, Rubens and Rembrandt for inspiration. De Kooning’s influence on painters remains important even to this day, particularly those attracted to gestural styles; the highly abstract and erotic work of prominent 1990s painter Cecily Brown is inconceivable without his example.
“I’m not interested in ‘abstracting’ or taking things out or reducing painting to design, form, line, and color. I paint this way because I can keep putting more things in it � drama, anger, pain, love, a figure, a horse, my ideas about space. Through your eyes it again becomes an emotion or idea.” – de Kooning
Leave trends to the fashion industry– Trends come and go, and when you’re talking about changing a pair of jeans, or buying a new dress, that’s fine, but where your brand identity is concerned, longevity is key. Don’t follow the pack. Stand out. ~David Airey
I like to work first in black and white to ensure that the logo will look good in its simplest form.Color is very subjective and emotional. This can distract from the overall design – say if you saw your logo in all red, that color may be the first thing that you respond to and not the composition of the design elements. I will not even consider submitting color suggestions to a client for review until they have signed off on a final black and white logo. ~Patrick Winfield
Should a logo be self-explanatory? It is only by association with a product, a service, a business, or a corporation that a logo takes on any real meaning.A logo derives its meaning and usefulness from the quality of that which it symbolizes.If a company is second rate, the logo will eventually be perceived as second rate. It is foolhardy to believe that a logo will do its job immediately, before an audience has been properly conditioned. ~Paul Rand
We’ve all done it: overdosed on movie theater popcorn or pizza and woken up the next morning feeling bloated but what you don’t realize is that a sprinkling of pimples a few weeks later can be traced back to your onetime indiscretion.
Now, armed with new research on the biochemical processes of digestion, scientists, clinicians, and dermatologists are revisiting the idea that a healthy diet is the key to a glowing, acne-free complexion. Save face by eating right. Here, experts tell us what foods to eat for a flawless visage.Be IN THE CLEAR:
Move over, MILK: the mix of growth hormones, proteins, and testosterone precursors like 5-alpha-androstanedione – the stuff that makes it an effective growth agent for babies – can tamper with adults’ hormone levels, which critics argue leads to acne and health problems like diabetes. The reason? Milk bumps up cell proliferation and sebum production, resulting in clogged pores. If you’re acne prone, Danby advises avoiding milk for at least six months, and trying unsweetened vitamin D – supplemented almond, rice, coconut, hemp or soy milks instead. I prefer a mix of almond & coconut with granola/ cereal.
Skip Starchy Carbs: Refined carbs increase insulin secretion, which is thought to promote acne by helping testosterone clog pores and ramp up oil gland secretion. An occasional croissant won’t hurt, but eat processed carbs daily and you’ll notice problems. So swap your lunchtime sandwich for a leafy green and lean protein.
Fill up on Fruit: Experts say that acne is a disease of post-industrial Westerners: In countries where natives eat just fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean proteins, it hardly exists, thanks in part to the population’s low levels of free radicals and high concentrations of antioxidants. We’ve heard about the connection between free radicals and wrinkles, but a 2012 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that oxidative stress, or damaging cellular activity, in pores allows acne-causing bacteria to flourish. When cravings hit, try eating produce and drink green tea for its free-radical busting polyphenols.
Go with your Gut: Your skin and digestive tract are linked, says cardiologist and cleanse expert Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of the best-selling book Clean; your facial skin merges with your lips and mouth, which connect the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. “If you want beautiful skin,” says Junger, “you need a beautiful gut.” Take a probiotic daily to replenish healthy bacteria, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, or add natural sources, like tempeh, into your diet.
Get Fishy: The heart and brain health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acid DHA found in salmon, haddock, and sardines have gotten lots of attention. But according to a study published in the journal of Lipids in Health and Disease, another fatty acid, EPA, seems to inhibit pro-inflammatory compounds, like prostaglandins, which can act as a “starter gun” for acne. Aim for 6 ounces of fish a week, says naturopathic physician Dr. Alan Logan, co-author of Clear Skin Diet.
LOGOS have become part of our culture. Have you ever wondered WHAT MAKES A LOGO SPECIAL?
A good logo takes time to come up with. It must be distinctive, appropriate, practical, graphic, simple and be able to inform and convey an intended message at a glance . I hope that I’ve been able to express all of that in my logos.
There are five principles that you should follow to ensure that this is so…
1) SIMPLE
A simple logo design allows for easy recognition and allows the logo to be versatile & memorable. Good logos feature something unique without being overdrawn.
Blog logo: I’m Female, my last name is KING, I like to RULE! Oh; and be worshipped (hee, hee). Makes perfect sense!
2) MEMORABLE
Following closely behind the principle of simplicity, is that of memorability. An effective logo design should be memorable and this is achieved by having a simple, yet, appropriate logo.
3) TIMELESS
An effective logo should be timeless – that is, it will endure the ages. Will the logo still be effective in 10, 20, 50 years?
Probably the best example of a timeless logo is the Coca-Cola logo… if you compare it to the Pepsi logo, you can see just how effective creating a timeless logo can be. Notice how the Coca Cola logo has barely changed since 1885? That is timeless design.
4) VERSATILE
One way around creating a versatile logo is to begin designing in black and white only. This allows one to focus on the concept and shape, rather than the subjective nature of colour. One must also remember printing costs – the more colors used, the more expensive it will be for the business over the long term. An effective logo should be able to work across a variety of mediums and applications. The logo should be functional. For this reason a logo should be designed in vector format, to ensure that it can be scaled to any size. The logo should be able to work both in horizontal and vertical formats.
5) APPROPRIATE
How you position the logo should be appropriate for its intended purpose. For example, if you are designing a logo for children’s toys store, it would be appropriate to use a childish font & colour scheme. This would not be so appropriate for a law firm.
It is also important to state that a logo doesn’t need to show what a business sells or offers as a service. ie. Car logos don’t need to show cars, computer logos don’t need to show computers. The Harley Davidson logo isn’t a motorcycle, nor is the Nokia logo a mobile phone. A logo is purely for identification. For further evidence of this, take the top 50 brands of the world – 94% of the logos do not describe what the company does.
Things you may not have noticed before:
What’s so special about the amazon logo? Look at the arrow, it goes from A to Z.
This is the FedEx logo, it is quite common. What’s so interesting about it? Look at the E and the small X, you are now noticing the arrow inbetween the E and the X. Then look over at the word Fed, if you look at the small E, you see a spoon. You’re’ being “Fed,” get it?
Credit: JustCreative.com Jacob Cass does personal branding. He is responsible for the graphic art on Jerry Seinfeld’s show “Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee” – an excellent web series.
Anthelios 50 Primer – La Roche-Posay. This in the “best thing” I’ve bought in a long time.
What it is:
An anti-aging face primer with SPF 50protection. It goes on so smoothly and feels like cashmere. Great base for makeup or even if you don’t wear any. It means not having to wear a face cream or lotion with SPF as you put this on after your day cream.
What it’s used for:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer provides high UVA and UVB protectionto prevent skin damage while giving you a smoother, more refined complexion. The non-greasy and fragrance-free formula leaves your skin feeling smooth and silky. Formulated for all skin types.
I’m using this right now and in the summer I’ll switch it for La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen (with SPF 50) and use a regular primer.
Having said that, no sunscreen is a substitute for avoiding the most intense sun of the day and wearing appropriate clothing. Always wear fashionable sunglasses of course.
CNN had this to say: Beach goers and others enjoying fun in the sun will soon have a new option for blocking the sun’s harmful rays. A new sunscreen, Anthelios, offers BETTER cancer protection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Anthelios SX, an over-the-counter sunscreen that offers protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Anthelios offers various advantages to traditional sunscreens. Most sunscreens sold in the United States mainly block UVB rays, which helps prevent sunburn and other types of skin damage. But Anthelios offers better protection from deeper penetrating UVA rays, according to the manufacturer. This may help reduce the risk of various types of skin cancer — including melanoma and basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Better UVA protection also may reduce sun-related skin wrinkling. But the added protection may come at a cost. Products sold in Canada cost about twice as much as traditional sunscreens — or even more. From Mayo Clinic – Special to CNN.com
I’ve always loved the idea of tying my coat with something other than the belt it originally came with.
You can get creative here too. For instance, in the past I’ve used long scarves & a long thin leather studded boot-belt accessory to tie light coats and shirts and even a removable long patent purse handle (which sounds kind of strange). Here are a few other examples which are ideal:
Best Looks: From left to right, Reed Krakoff, Altuzarra, Max Mara, Edun, Paul Smith. Photo – Garance Dore. She says: “This idea of tying them with a tiny belt or string or ribbon (or whatever you can find?! ) is a fun way to play with proportions and keep your coat closed!” I agree.
This is a truly comforting dish for this time of season. Sweet, smoky paprika meets the mellow richness of roasted garlic in this perfectly spiced bird. Roasting the chicken at a lower temperature than most achieves a crisp skin without burning the paprika.
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Coarse sea salt
1 whole (3-4 lb.) chicken
1/8 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup chicken stock (made from bouillon – I recommend organic “better than”)
8 heads garlic, halved horizontally
fresh squeezed lemon juice from ½ lemon
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix together smoked paprika, oregano, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Place chicken, breast side up, on a rimmed baking sheet or dutch oven, and tuck wings under. Tie legs of each bird together with kitchen twine. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub skin with 1 tablespoon oil, then with paprika mixture. Stuff 2 garlic-head halves into each cavity.
STEP 2
Reduceoven temperature to 400 degrees. Roast chicken for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and baste with pan juices. Scatter remaining garlic-head halves around chicken; add small potatoes cut in half, carrots, chopped leeks (white part only) and onion cut into quarters. Drizzle garlic and veggies with remaining 1/8 cup olive oil and ¼ cup ready-made chicken stock, then turn cut side down on sheet. Squeeze lemon over top. Roast for 10 minutes. Tent bird loosely with foil. Turn oven to 375 degrees. Roast until juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh reaches 165 degrees, about 45 minutes more. Remove chicken to platter and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Remove garlic and veggies but keep warm. In the meantime you can make gravy (optional) by putting dutch oven over high heat on stovetop (or if using a baking sheet, pour liquid into a pot) and whisk in more stock if needed and to thicken add flour or an instant gravy thickener (like Savoie’s Instant Roux). Add spices if needed.
The artist’s record breaking sculptures SELL FOR MILLIONS
Timothy A. Clary / AFP / Getty (L-R) Balloon Swan (Blue), Ballon Monkey (Red), Balloon Rabbit (Yellow) at the Gagosian Gallery in New York City on May 9, 2013.
Stephen Colbert probably summed up the meaning of Koons’s balloon animals best in an interview with the artist on The Colbert Reportlast year. “A lot of them are shiny, you know,” Colbert observed, “so when I look at them I can see me, and then I’m really interested in it.” Koons agreed, arguing “art happens inside the viewer… and the art is your sense of your own potential as a person.” These reflective balloon sculptures “just trigger that information in you.”
On a more somber note, Koons added, “I’ve always enjoyed balloon animals because they’re like us. We’re balloons. You take a breath and you inhale, it’s an optimism. You exhale, and it’s kind of a symbol of death.” (And somewhere, a clown just cried…)
Last year, Jeff Koons’s Balloon Dog
went for a whopping $58.4 million at Christie’s, making it the most expensive contemporary art sculpture ever sold. On February 14, 2014, the artist’s wonderfully whimsical Cracked Eggsculpture (Magenta – see below) part of the same series: Celebration—went to auction for the first time and fetched 14.1 million pounds, within the expected range. The winner was a client of David Linley, Christie’s chairman in the U.K. and a grandson of King George VI.
In his own words, Koons says, “Cracked Egg is a symbol of birth. It’s already happened, so it’s about moving on and transcendence, like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. It was technically very difficult to create due to both the concave and convex surfaces.” When he says “technically difficult,” he means it took a staggering 12 years to produce the impossibly thin two-piece eggshell replica. Every detail, from the reflection of the viewer in and around the sculpture to the cartoon-like, saw-tooth edges has been a carefully calculated labor.
Celebration takes inspiration from a number of calendar events, replete with Valentine’s Day hearts, Easter eggs, and other pop symbols at magnified proportions. Conceived in 1994, some of its pieces are still in progress. Those who wanted to gaze at the sculpture without reaching deep within their pockets were able to view the egg on display at Christie’s King Street in London from February 8-13, before it went to auction.
from images
Koons lives and works in both New York City and his hometown of York, Pennsylvania.
How do you feel about these sculptures – elevated kitsch or fine art?
Credit: Harper’s BAZAAR magazineand Time Newsfeed.
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