CLAUDIO CINA

MEMOIRS OF A GAGA - V MAGAZINE #71 The Asian Issue - LIMITED EDITION

Very reminiscent of the Dragon with three heads or Hecate, the greek goddess of the crossroads.  All the reason to give Gaga three totally amazing looks on one sick body. There is something very Gianni Versace about this cover!

taken from Nicola Formichetti's twitter page, a twitpic of him stopping by V headquarters to try on on of the limited edition t-shirts that comes with the Collector's Edition

Calling All Monsters!!!!!

V Magazine has come out with a Collector's Edition to their Issue #71, The Asian Issue, featuring Lady Gaga in Memoirs of a Gaga, with an interview by Elton John and cover photography by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and styling by Nicola Formichetti of course!

10% of all proceeds from the Collector's Edition go towards Japan Relief Efforts.  You can order your copy online here.

The regular copy of this issue can be found on news stands or in the mail if you receive a subscription.

GAGA i-D

all photos courtesy marianovivanco.com; photographer: Mariano Vivanco, styling: Nicola Formichetti, hair: Bob Recine, make up: Billy Brasfield

 film: Mariano Vivanco; editing: Luca Finotti

Aesthetic Surgery is the message that Lady Gaga has been sending with her latest move to alter the appearance of her visage with face plastys. By adding sculpted external pieces to mold her cheek bones, she makes fashionable the idea that altering your appearance does not necessarily need to involve a good plastic surgeon, but rather an amazing idea and fabulous make-up artist.

This new Gaga could easily have popped off the pages of a David LaChapelle photograph.  Mr. LaChapelle has frequently used this subject matter in his work.  In the above cover and editorial pages, Mariano Vivanco and Nicola Formichetti have done a brilliant job in creating these gorgeous images.  What do you think about Gaga showing her teeth for I-D Magazine?

We Will Miss You L-I-Z

Dame Elizabeth Rosemond "Liz" Taylor (February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011)

Andy Warhol's Famous Portrait of Liz Taylor

Nick Knight & Another Magazine - Amazing Editorial

Nick Knight is an original.  His stunning photography and amazing style can sometimes go unnoticed, but to a fashion person or photographer's trained eye, you know right away who this is.  Although one might think that some of his work recalls Avedon, or Jean Paul Goude, it is not. His photographs have their own voice.  The way he has chosen to depict the movement and compositions in these photographs through the use of clothing, models and dancers is unbelievable.  Thank you to Another Magazine, Nick Knight and Alister Mackie and to all the designers whose dresses have been used for this editorial. It is breath taking. I have only posted some of the pictures as there were too many to choose from. You can purchase the issue on Magazine stands now to see the rest.

all photos from Another Magazine Issue 20; Spring/Summer 2011;photography Nick Knight, styling Alister Mackie

"I DON'T WANT TO BE COOL, I WANT TO BE FASHION" Illustration Homage to ANNA DELLO RUSSO

For those of you who read my blog, it is no secret that I am a huge admirer, fan, and proponent of one of the most influential editors in Fashion today, ANNA DELLO RUSSO.  Her work can be seen on her website, annadellorusso.com.  When she is not busy running a magazine, styling an editorial, modeling in a fashion show, or dressing in the latest runway looks (a different one each time she leaves the house) she is spending time with her dog Cucciolina.

Here is the beginning of what I am planning to be a larger body of work, I have done some illustrations of ADR wearing only a few of the many memorable and iconic outfits that have made it to fashion week, where she has been photographed by the magazines, paparazzi and fashion bloggers. Let me know what you guys think.

Anna Dello Russo wearing Dolce & Gabbana, illustration by Claudio Cina

Anna Dello Russo wearing Worth Couture, illustration by Claudio Cina

Anna Dello Russo wearing Balmain, illustration by Claudio Cina

Anna Dello Russo wearing headpiece by Alan Journo

Anna, I love you and let me know when you are in NYC so I can show you these in person!  

For more information on these illustrations, please email me; info@claudiocina.com

Christian Lacroix designed "Hotel Le Petit Moulin" in Paris

During my trip to Paris in July 2010, I had the luxury and pleasure at staying at the 'Hotel Le Petit Moulin' designed by one of my favorite French fashion couturiers, Christian Lacroix.    He collaborated with owner Nadia Murano to transform a seventeenth century building, the site of an ancient bakery in the Marais district in Paris and completely renovated it.  Staying in one of the 17 rooms designed by him is like living out one of the dreams in his mind.  Lacroix describes it as "a mixture of fashion and theatre".  There is something truly mesmerizing, poetic and enchanting about this place.  The eclectic mix of antique and mid-century modern furniture is such a brilliant contrast.  Much like his designs, you can't help but be taken by the hotel's color, pattterns and embellished surfaces. Take a look.....

" As for fashion design, where harmony is a jigsaw of inspiration in which today's influences are fed by pieces from the past, where modernity lives on in the traditions of the present." Christian Lacroix. 

"I immediately fell for the slightly twisted perspectives, the maze-like passageways on the different floors and the new functional areas which have been added in full respect of the "old Paris" style of the classified parts of the building." Christian Lacroix

all photos taken by Chee Chung

Where else can one experience Christian Lacroix's complete vision then when staying at "Hotel Le Petit Moulin" . The staff there is extremely helpful and nice.  It is in such a quant and quite part of La Marais.  It is so easy to get around. And right next door to the hotel, you will find the most amazing interiors shop, The Collection, that Lacroix also used to bring his vision to life. You definitely can't pass up going in there.

The one thing that I found each time I went into the hotel is that I discovered something different that I didn't see the time before.  The longer you stay there, the more you feel it is like your home. I will definitely go back and highly recommend the hotel.  Reservations must be made way well in advance, especially if there are any fashion happenings in the city as it fills up quickly.  

Hotel Le Petit Moulin; 29/31 Rue du Poitou, 75003 Paris

Christian Lacroix and one of his favorite models "Vlada Roslyakova" as the bride at one of his Couture shows

Due to the financial crisis in 2009 Christian Lacroix filed for bankruptcy.  The line still exist in Pret-a-Porter and Menswear, but the famed designer no longer designs it.   Monsieur Lacroix can be seen using his time doing other things that he is very talented at such as designing hotels, illustrating children's books, curating Museum exhibits as well as clothing collaborations with "Desigual", a high street clothing company creates and distributes colorist, fun and creative garments for man, women and kids worlwide.

I am such a big fan and admirer of his work. I as many people who can appreciate the artistry of his work will definitely follow wherever he goes. 

Armani Privé Spring 2011 was an ode to Tailoring, Couture Craftsmanship & Thierry Mugler

all photos Armani Privé Spring 2011 courtesy Style.com

With the feeling of Mugler in the air with Men's fashion week coming to a close and Couture Fashion week commencing, it is no surprise that Armani chose this future spin as the starting point of their Spring 2011 collection.  Armani, Formichetti, and Lady Gaga have recently collaborated on costume project for the new Queen of Pop, so I am not surprised at all with the new women's line to debut for Mugler at Fall 2011 RTW Fashion Week in Paris that someone would want to be the first to say, "here is what it should look".  And Armani did it with polish, sophistication and fabric innovation.  This wet cloth that look like it was dipped in the same stuff that Jeff Koons uses to make his life size sculptures molded to the body and photographed amazingly. One can only think what it would have looked like in person.  

The larger than life jewels than encrusted the bodices of dresses, bustiers and jacket were stunning in range.  Ready for battle in a polished manner, the face masks looked as though they might have adorned the face of Audrey Hepburn.  The sculptured shiny hats that covered part of the face for that 'Couture look' were brilliant via Philip Tracey.  My least favorite moment where I thought things got a bit heavy and contrived were the color blocked looks (which I conveniently chose to leave out). My favorite pieces were everything in RED.  The reminded me of the 'Hanging Heart' of Jeff Koons.  I really liked this collection and the fact that Armani is still pushing boundaries while making beautifully made tailored clothes. Nothing wrong with that!

On a last note, I am predicting that ADR has already signed up for some of these pieces (of course the accessories) to wear to Fall RTW Fashion Week.  Let's see if my prediction comes true, non Anna???

Jeff Koons 'Hanging Heart' Sculpture conceptualized in 1994

Click here to watch an amazingly informative video on the hanging of the 'Hanging Heart' on display at Sotheby's NYC for the first time I believe back in 2006.

Ruben Toledo's Fashion Almanac Book

above images courtesy Nordstrom

Nordstrom and the fashion illustrator extraordinaire Ruben Toledo are celebrating a 10-year collaboration with the release of a hardcover limited-edition book highlighting the amazing work that Mr. Toledo has produced for them.  The book can be ordered online at nordstrom.com or will be available at selected Nordstrom stores for $65.  It is the perfect gift for any lover of art or fashion.  So be sure to get it before they run out!

Ruben Toledo at his studio, photo courtesy theselby.com

The Album is Out - Rihanna 'LOUD'

Pictures from the Album Loud which is on sale now!!!!! Only Girl (in the world) is a huge hit and I can't wait to listen to the rest of the album.  It just came last night in the mail courtesy a little angel of mine and I am so excited to listen to it for the first time today. The pictures are beautiful and sexy. We love the red hair. Only few to my knowledge and liking have pulled RED head off as good as Rihanna.  Linda Evangelista, Sybil Buck, Karen Elsen and Coco Rocha.

 

Julien D'ys Upclose and Personal - Behind the Scenes at the Metropolitan Museum Exhibition

(From Left, Viktoriya Sasonkina, Coco Rocha, Karlie Kloss, Jourdan Dunn & Raquel Zimmermann) US Vogue March 2009; Hair by Julien D'ys; dresses John Galliano

Julien D'ys process is so inspiring to me.  I have blogged about his book Julien D'Ys par Juliette Butler  and posted some of the most beautiful photographs from it.  Well there is a video that I have already seen many times that I want to share with anyone that can appreciate art and the creative process.  I fell in love with it immediately.  Each time I watch this clip, it excites me and gives me such a creative boost of energy.  I love all of his sketches and mood boards in it as well.  Here is Julien creating headpieces and make up for all the mannequins at the annual Metropolitan Museum fashion exhibit "Model as Muse" from 2009.

Julien, I am a huge fan and if I see you on the street and build up the courage to say hello, please don't think I am crazy......I am a huge fan.