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I loved the exhibition which presented Madame Grès and Azzedine Alaïa's pieces in conversation. This bit of the exhibition text struck a note:
"When you find something that is personal and unique," said Madame Gres, "you must make the fullest possible use of it, pursuing its realisation wichout stopping until the end." Alaia echoed her words years later: "When an idea comes into your mind, you must capture it with a lasso and circle around it relentlessly."
I liked how they saw couture as sculpture and I wondered if I should experiment with the sewing machine next. Something I am already considering. The place itself was small but lovely, with one of the most beautifu, cosy and quiet terrasses I have seen in a while, and well populated only by fashionable folks. Something similar to something I should open in Karachi, with artist studios upstairs perhaps. Grès' photographs of her dresses worn also touched me. I wonder how much of capturing imagination is image creation, and if this is a sign I should start experimenting with film now that I have an array of lenses from M. Chacha.
Grès' story was also remarkable to me because of her true love for creation and art, and how she just opened a storefront and did not follow fashion week calenders. I wonder if I should too, just buy a storefront here and start my own thing, like Nazish and I were discussing on Saturday evening.
Mar 11, 2024
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Was Hedi Slimane’s residence in NYC and is a case study for Saint Laurent’s design language for their stores while he was at the helm from 2012-2016, a design language they still cling onto today even with Vaccarello running it. It might not be the most relevant to what I’m into now (gimme a mid century modern midwest home or a california craftsman please) but I’m fascinated with it as a large scale project + absolute commitment to have his stores be reflective of his living space.
May 14, 2024
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My friend Carly Mark is a genius artist, making work about the female gaze, body horror and conspicuous consumption. But now you can conspicuously consume Puppets and Puppets, the high meets low endless design experiment she’s running like it’s Gucci in the Tom Ford era only EVERYONE is invited. Gender, size- she’s blowing up all the binaries of fashion. It ain’t cheap, but the prices reflect couture level production, fascinating fabrics and playfully sinister details (a demure Mary Jane with a wooden wedge of cheese for a heel, a chic little purse with a resin black and white cookie slapped on its front in place of logo hardware.) This is high fashion for the kid who liked to layer macaroni necklaces, for the former Emily The Strange who now works in branding, for any person who wants to add “art witch” to their resume. Carly has made me a few dresses and whenever I wear them, I feel like I can change the world with the power embedded in the layered skirts. It’s also so genderfluid that my husband can (and does) steal.
Jan 3, 2023
Loved this little installation at the open studios at the Montmartre site of the Cité des arts this evening. Makes my mind wander back to doing intimate projections on pieces of fabric and making the projection integrate with the form. The black shape here is used to its fullest illusionary benefit. I wonder how this can be adapted to the show I am ideating with bollywood film and dance...
Feb 9, 2024
Top Recs from @princesszahra
I am an absolute slut for letters, notes, emails... I love giving them because I also love getting them. One of those basic childhood principles of doing as you would want to have done to you. This was such a small thing but it gave me such joy. My new work colleague dropped in this morning to hang out and work with me in my office as I was alone, using the rain outside as an excuse. I like being in her presence and making small banter/quips. I had to leave her to go for another meeting and when I came back, she'd left and I was instinctively sad but upon seeing this little thing on my desk I smiled very hard.
Feb 7, 2024
This was a gamble for me to do, especially on a piece that I'm liking so far, but in a bout of late-night risk-taking mood, I decided to layer the fabric with transparent gesso. I didn't dilute with water or stretch the fabric better, just going at it with gusto. Now dried, it looks and feels fantastic. The oilstick and pastel feels mummified. I can't wait to go in with washy oil paint on top.
Feb 4, 2024
I have always believed that any relationship is more about yourself than others because you are nothing, you are not, without your relationships. Usually, it is a mix of time and self-discovery that leads to forgiveness and having difficult or emotionally tiring conversations with people.
I don't know why sometimes things end up messy and I catch onto shared feelings, usually a cachéd behavior and lack of communication.
The last time I experienced forgiveness was when after much distance, I finally called A*****. It was poignant for me because it signalled self-forgiveness as well as more of an internal moving on for me, from my hurt and acceptance that some things would not be understood on her part and I had to take that.
Last night, me and the friend in question right now, chatted along the Canal St. Martin and I sobbed uncontrollably.
Life is really a piece of work sometimes. Forgiveness and generosity are the hardest things to do, and I admire the people in my life who have shown me how to accomplish even a little amount of both these.
Feb 6, 2024