R.I.P. Michael Jackson

One of the ironies of Michael Jackson’s death at 50 is that he had been back on the radar for so many people lately, fashion watchers included. Just yesterday there was the news that the King of Pop would be outfitting himself in hundreds of thousands of Swarovski crystals at his upcoming sold-out London concerts. There were the paparazzi pictures of him in Riccardo Tisci’s Givenchy creations. And, of course, there were Christophe Decarnin’s much-photographed spangled band-leader jackets for Balmain, inevitably reminiscent of the one Jackson wore on his Grammys victory lap for Thriller. In fact, the star’s long career was almost as full of influential fashion moments—the white socks and black loafers, the red leather motorcycle jacket, the infamous single sparkly glove—as it was chart-topping hits.

—Nicole Phelps (Style.com)

Rest In Peace, Michael Jackson. You will be greatly missed.

3 days of fashion...

= 3 days of HELL.

so glad it's over.

where's kerr bear?

I'd like to know where Kerry Lathon is. He was the coolest guard at FIDM and now he's not around anymore. He hasn't been around in awhile. Someone please tell FIDM that we, the students, want him back. He was our story-teller, our funny man, our kare-bear. He brings so much warmth and joy to the rotunda, FIDM elevators aren't the same without him.

spotted: dmf

some friends and i met up at the yardhouse at LA live for some drinks and spotted dawn marie forsyth, fidm's very own fashion design chairperson, having dinner with some of her colleagues. i've met her a couple of times, but not enough to just say hello outside of school. it was the night after the 2009 graduation ceremony - which was held at the staples center in downtown LA. the crowd at the restuarant was lookin' fierce. ms. forsyth herself wore this fabulous black ensemble and a beautiful headpiece that collected just the right side of her hair. it's a great look, but i'm hoping she's NOT wearing one of *cotton cocky kid's design. we admire designers who love fashion for the heart and soul of it...not for fame and money. so let's hope dmf is on our side.

*code name for privacy purposes.

little elbaz

as i waited for michelle and carlos outside of the design studio lab on the 3rd floor of the annex, I witnessed a talented new designer in the making. this little fellow could be the cousin of alber elbaz or a long lost brother of galliano... but of all my time at fidm, i've never seen anyone so innovative and provocative with fashion design. i wish i could show you a photo... but think rick owens' futuristic and gothy essence, but calvin klein's practicality. it was made purely of muslin - yet in my head, i see it in black and gold down a runway at ny fashion week. it was so conceptual, so abstract, so uncommon... i've seen a lot of cool designs in the past, but this one made my head turn. kudos, little man. i didn't even know this kid. but the way he pushed the envelope and designed a garment entirely on personal vision and innate passion, i applaud.

... ahh, i love fashion.

rich and powerful

The strongest power has no need to show itself or to prove itself. It is quiet, calm, determined and unshakable.

Boastfulness is the surest sign of weakness and insecurity. True confidence has no need to speak of itself.

Authentic richness is endlessly generous. Anyone who has the need to appear rich suffers from a terribly painful poverty of the spirit.

How do you fill your life with richness and power? Honestly be yourself, and give freely of yourself.

Give up the fantasy of gaining benefit over others, for even if you could get it you would receive no real value from it. Instead, make it your business to promote, encourage, raise up, love and appreciate others at every opportunity.

Pretending to be rich and powerful is agonizing work that incessantly erodes your spirit. Being truly rich and powerful fulfills your deepest longings and brings you fully to life.

-- Ralph Marston (The Daily Motivator)

tuesday

the financial aid office is the most dreadful office at fidm.

i went by today and found that my paperwork for federal student aid still hasn't been filed.

that's two weeks and two days.... and counting.

then, i tripped on my 4-inch heels.... seriously? this is fashion school. of course i was appalled. 

also, because i procrastinated on studying, i blew the quiz for my management concepts class.

there goes that A.

then subway made my sandwich wrong.

and i missed the shuttle home.

today was one of "those" days...

barbie is back...

3rd floor, FIDM main building Los Angeles