A Visible Trace

It’s been a productive week over here and all kinds of exciting things are happening, not just in my world but in the world around us.  Below, a few things that inspired me this week.  Have a great weekend, and if you live in LA enjoy this crazy beautiful weather.

I’ve noticed new takes on wearing fur both on the runway and on the street, and I’m liking what I see.  The fur decorated single lapels that made a mark at the impeccably executed Bouchra Jarrar Couture show and on this handsome man in a photo shot by Scott Schuman had a huge visual impact on me.  Such a chic, statement-making detail on both.  I had to show the backside of the model, too. The fur and knit piece is completely backless and is fastened by leather onto the model.  Very, very cool.

I’ve always admired the artwork and the vision of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.  She was institutionalized in the 70′s for mental illness and although she continues to struggle, she puts all of her energy into her art to create iconic paintings and sculptures.  I was happy to hear that Louis Vuitton will be collaborating with Kusama and come spring her well known polka dots will be found on bags, clothing, and jewelry.  I think it’s a great message for a luxury fashion house.

My friend Ronda sent me a link to an essay in the LA Observed written by Barbara Kraft where she writes about her LA encounters with both Anäis Nin and Henry Miller. She writes of each individually, but also draws comparisons between the two and talks about their relationship together in Paris in the 30′s.  It’s a beautiful piece and full of facts that I didn’t know, further piquing my interest in both of them. Also included is an excerpt (all about Henry Miller) from Kraft’s new memoir, Anäis Nin The Last Days, which has just been released.  The book goes into detail about the literary icon’s last days before she wast taken by cancer.  Definitely intrigued by this one.

I finally had a chance to read the interview with Jean Toitou, founder of A.P.C., in the latest Interview magazine and I have to say it’s pretty inspiring, especially for anyone who has their own business.  His ethics, values, and business model are never compromised and I can’t help but think of what this industry (fashion) would be like if everyone followed suit.  But, I guess that’s what makes him beyond special.

I’m not gonna lie, I can be kind of a music snob.  So when I first heard that Destroyer recently covered the New Order song, “Leave Me Alone,” I was a little turned off, mostly because New Order is one of my ultimate favorite bands and I couldn’t bare the thought of someone covering such iconic, epic songs that have been so monumental in my life.  Selfish, I know.  But I gave it a listen and I’m not disappointed; I kind of like how brave he was to take it on.  The song is on a compilation released by MOJO that pays tribute to New Order’s Power, Corruption, and Lies album with other artists covering New Order songs that I have yet to listen to, but I’m gonna go ahead and high five Destroyer for this one.  You can listen to it here.

Fringed

I scored on the most insane pair of vintage black suede shorts at a flea market a few years back, but they weren’t just black suede shorts.  They were black suede shorts with fringe up and down the sides.  I wore them one night and met my pal (and now studio mate) Melissa behind the charming line, Wren, and we bonded over said black suede fringe shorts.  She was inspired to design a more modern pair for Spring 2012, and voilà.  Here you have the “Joanna” short, with some beautiful illustrations by Bernadette Pascua of Decade Diary.  Now all I need are those long legs.

Rainbow Brights

Going through my archives this morning I found these from an old issue of Elle. Angela Lindvall wrapped in bright, chunky knitwear in the middle of a forest.  I can only feel happy when I look at these.

Newness

Last weekend my very awesome mother-in-law gifted me with this first edition copy of Sonia Delaunay by Arthur Cohen book.  It was such a great surprise, especially since it was given to me at my brother’s birthday celebration!  I’ve had fun browsing through it and am looking forward to actually sitting down and reading about her gorgeous artwork and prints she became known for.  A few pages that caught my eye below:

Texture

I wrote about designer Jenny Postle and her line Leutton Postle a few months ago and just recently visited her site to find her Spring/Summer 2012 collection.  She really has a way with textiles, as evidenced in her insanely cool knitwear that brings to mind the arts & crafts movement of the 60′s; in particular the textiles and weavings of that decade.  These are definitely pieces worth collecting – a rare case for a designer who only made her debut in September 2011.

A Visible Trace

It’s been a while since I’ve posted A Visible Trace, but this week has been filled with too many awesome things to skip this time around.  I’m happy to be home for longer than a month and am looking forward to a weekend filled with museum-going, movie watching, and a sibling birthday celebration.  Hope all of you have a dreamy weekend. xo Joanna

I don’t really follow men’s fashion, although I appreciate it just as much as I appreciate women’s fashion.  But when I caught a glimpse of the men’s Prada A/W 2012 show I was mesmerized by what I saw.  Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, and Gary Oldman looking both handsome and aristocratic on the runway?  Yes, please.  They are high on my list of creatives when it comes to film, and I couldn’t help but have a congratulatory moment in my head with whomever the casting director was for the show.  I’m guessing Miuccia had something to do with it?  Either way, quite brilliant in my book.

And while we’re on the topic of fashion, I have to declare my love for Jil Sander’s pre-fall collection.  I look at these photos and think of one of my favorite films, Dead Poet’s Society. But this society is pure feminist.  A secret feminist society filled with your closest, most charming girlfriends donning monogrammed dresses and letterman sweaters.  You devour books and contemplate what’s inspiring in life while laughing and telling secrets.  And then there’s the dress and the hooded coat emblazoned with the words Silence and Promise – so devastatingly cool I can barely handle it.

Olympia Le-Tan’s embroidered “book bags” are a work of art that can be carried and shown to the world.  When I read about her paying homage to Italian cinema and books for her project with Pitti in Florence, I expected something smart and beautiful and spot on in her creations. But she went beyond that and completely captured the essence by having a group of friends be photographed as a character in each of the 36 films and books she chose to represent Italy.  I adore this photo of Tilda Swinton as Silvana Mangano in Teorema.  There’s also a cute little video with Olympia Le-Tan talking about the project here.

I am beyond excited x 1,000 to see the upcoming LACMA exhibition, In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the United States.  I have been waiting for this one and it’s right around the corner.  To see Frida Kahlo’s work displayed next to the work of Leonora Carrington and Louise Bourgeois will be a dream come true.

And lastly, I’m way inspired by these images from the latest Une Fille Un Style on the Vogue Paris website.  So, so good.