Boston Ballet: The Nutcracker

It was an absolute dream to visit The Boston Ballet for a behind the scenes look at the new costumes and production opening on November 23.

What a marvel to view the craft and intricate handiwork of the costumes in the costume shop and speak to costume shop manager Charles Heightchew. 2,000 yards of net and tulle along with cottons, silks and linens were some of the materials used, with extensive hand painting (award-winning costume designer Robert Perdziola hand tipped every Sugar Plum and Snow Queen tutu with metallic paint) and jewels (as many as 200,000) individually sewn on with 3,600 jewels alone for the Sugar Plum's and Dew Drop's costumes.

The creative team wanted to keep the dancers' silhouettes streamlined and control the color palette in Act I in an early 19th century inspired way. Act II showcases a burst of color as we saw during the dress rehearsal, where the costumes were tested for the very first time.

Creative Director Mikko Nissinen tells us that the set design was inspired by "18th century Prague with the use of flats with everything hand-painted to incredible detail and resembling a puppet theatre". As the play goes on, layers of of the story unfold, irising out of one another.

Robert Perdziola on Mikko Nissinen:

"We needed a strong Captain and needed to abide by that. Mikko is the Captain!"

It was a magical day at the ballet; very Degas-esque for me! I can't wait for what promises to be an extravanganza of a production, the biggest show the Boston Ballet has built in over a decade!

The Nutcracker runs from November 23 - December 30 at the Boston Opera House. For tickets visit BostonBallet.org

Boston Ballet: La Bayadère

The Boston Ballet is celebrating it's 50th season at the Boston Opera House, and with an opening night like La Bayadère, it's easy to see why.

“La Bayadère is a feast for the senses,” said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “Complementing the technical qualities of our dancers is an intriguing love story, set in the vibrant and exotic India, and performed to a beautiful score by Ludwig Minkus. It is the quintessential classical ballet.”

Elaborate sets, fantastical costumes, the cornerstone of which are the enticing performances by an incredibly talented cast, beautifully supported with an enchanting musical score. The entire production is of a calibre that is out of the world, and maybe only surpassed by THIS production.

Florence Clerc's La Bayadère premiered in Boston in 2010 to rave reviews and is considered to be one of the greatest classical masterpieces ever to be choreographed.

To me, every time my hand flutters to my face in open-mouthed awe and amazement, that is the magic of the ballet...

La Bayadere is on now at The Boston Opera House until Sunday November 2, 2013, for tickets visit the Boston Ballet website.

Boston: Saks Fifth Avenue: DONNA KARAN

I had the honor of meeting and photographing the iconic Donna Karan, thanks to commissioned coverage for Saks Fifth Avenue, this Fall. I was delighted to cover the opening reception party for her luxurious designer shop in the newly remodeled space for modern and contemporary fashion.

In grand company, Ms. Karan was welcomed by Stephen Sadove, CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue, Gretchen Pace, VP General Manager, Jennifer De Winter, VP of Stores at Saks Fifth Avenue as well as other friends and guests.

To me, Donna Karan has always represented the modern woman; the strong woman. Her Fall 2013 collection is no different. Built upon her first stand-out collection of seven easy pieces and also influenced by her late husband Stephan Weiss' sculptures, the pieces are sensual and sculptural, working together by addition or subtraction.

Of course, I wore her clothes, and loved capturing the essence of the collection up close, each piece is beautiful, timeless and powerful, just like the woman herself...

Boston: Hippie Chic at the MFA

I was born in the 70s....um...that's the LATE 70s, but have always been a fan of the 70s boho chic look. Especially all of the colors and patterns of that decade, so when I was invited to check out the new Hippie Chic exhibit at the MFA, I brought Anathalia along for the "trip".

Boston: Jason Wu at the ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art recently hosted fashion designer Jason Wu for a conversation with chief curator Helen Molesworth.

I met up with Elizabeth, Jaime, Noelle and Elissa for the talk and I think we were all impressed by how warm, candid and genuinely funny he was!

Wu credits his parents for allowing him to go to any college he wanted, with the only condition being that he went to boarding school. Wu went to Parsons.

He also thanked Debi Greenberg, owner of Louis Boston for being a tastemaker and one of the first stores to carry his designs.

He reflected on how gorgeous the First Lady Michelle Obama is, and how well-dressed!

He mentioned that his "approach to fashion is that it's super wearable" and reflected upon the first time he saw someone wearing his clothes, thinking "That's look #9!"

A few quotes I tweeted:

"As designers we have to react to what's relevant." "It's the ability to do something when it makes sense" - @JasonWu @ICAinBOSTON #JasonWu

"I'm most myself when I'm doing my work." @JasonWu "I do things that I want to do" @ICAinBOSTON #JasonWu #ICABoston

Wu laughingly remarked:

"A Jason woman doesn't want to talk to you. She's a little bit bitchy."

For more coverage of the event, be sure to check out Elizabeth and Elissa's awesome recaps!

Boston Ballet: All Kylián

All Kylián is one of the most moving ballets I've ever seen. I was excited to attend opening night on Thursday and happy that Anna was able to join me at the Opera House! The last time I was there was for this magical production by the Boston Ballet!

The show is comprised of three pieces which are now being performed for the first time by an American company, the Boston Ballet. The choreography is by world-renowned choreographer Jiří Kylián, and I was amazed by the incredible beauty and epic strength of the dancers in executing the most complicated to minute movements to an enigmatic score.

Full of allegory, beauty and strength, the first piece: Wings of Wax opens with a giant overturned hanging tree and a single rotating light over the cast of eight dancers. Their simple costumes made it easy to notice all the subtleties in their dance movements. I literally was holding my breath during this entire piece. It was so moving.

Tar and Feathers set the tone with a beautiful piano accompaniment by Japanese pianist Tomoko Mukaiyama, playing from a grand piano elevated 10 feet above the stage. The whole piece is puncuated by Jiří Kylián himself, asking "what is the word" resulting in a most amusing and breathtaking choreography of quick movements and repetitive gestures. This piece was my favorite!

The Symphony of Psalms, first choreographed in 1978 is set to a luscious backdrop of several Persian rugs hung from the rafters. The dancers exude elegance, power and poise throughout, and it's mesmerizing to watch.

As photography is not allowed, I am sharing some images (by Rosalie O'Connor) courtesy of the Boston Ballet, however, I did manage to Instagram curtain call and the interior of the beautiful Boston Opera.

All Kylián is playing at The Boston Opera House until March 17, 2013, for tickets please visit: http://boxoffice.bostonballet.org

Boston: MFA: Tracy Aiguier

Since moving to Boston last year and shooting at Boston Fashion Week, I've wanted to meet fashion photographer Tracy Aiguier, who I'd heard so much about. Yesterday, I was lucky to meet her at the Museum of Fine Arts for her fashion photography demonstration.

Tracy went through a series of four fashion shoots with models Sherika Pitsch and Nicole Hoehle, with makeup and hair by Mariolga Pantazopoulos, and was assisted by photographer Feda Eid. All the looks sported were from the School of Fashion Design - we loved the LBD with the pockets designed by the model who sported the look herself!

Lighting techniques varied from soft boxes to a massive parabolic to some back lighting to enhance the clothing's texture and detail. Tracy also invited volunteers to come up and try their hand at a few shots (and with some persuading from Lei Ann, I did - thank you Lei Ann (on duty) for capturing me in action!)

It was so nice to hear Tracy speak about her love for fashion and photography, how some things have changed in the industry with the rise of digital formats (cameras, iPhones, Instagram), young people who shoot for free and how sometimes it doesn't matter how you get the shot as long as you get it, which is something I believe in, myself.

It was a terrific demo at the MFA, thanks Tracy! And it was nice to see some familiar faces like Jay Calderin, Eric Levin, and to hang out with friends Lei Ann, Nicolle and Helena.

Tracy Aiguier will be doing another fashion photography demo on Wednesday November 14 from 5:30pm-8pm at the Druker Family Pavilion, and if you're going to the MFA, be sure to check out the Mario Testino exhibit while you're there!

Jay Calderin takes a photo of the team for this.

Boston: MFA: Mario Testino

I am BEYOND thrilled about Mario Testino's exhibits "In Your Face" and "British Royal Portraits" at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts! I have been a fan of this Vogue and Vanitfy Fair photographer for so long that I couldn't even believe this exhibit was in town. When I was invited to go to the press preview yesterday, I was blown away, so thank you Sami for bringing me along! Sami, Lei Ann and I had a spot of tea beforehand to get into the spirit of things.

"In Your Face" is provocative, rich, seductive, inspiring, elegant and iconic all at once, a feast for the senses. Even the installation itself, with the subtle emanation of light around each photo frame against the teal blue wall, creates an engaging "window" for us to peek into. It's visually appealing, shameless yet compelling. Each photograph is more surreal than the last; the next more aesthetically pleasing than even possible!

Testino's work spanning 30 years, is a showcase of celebrities and models and offers us a glimpse into their world, but doesn't stop there, sometimes revealing the most daring and private of encounters, all blatantly exposed in celebration of beauty and fashion.

In contrast there are the "British Royal Portraits" a complete juxtaposition of worlds. Here we have the very private lives of the Royal Family presented in a touching, classy and completely honorable manner. It is perhaps one of the most striking exhibits I've ever encountered, for these are a few of the most famous images the world has ever seen. Quite literally took my breath away.

To experience such a rich, contemporary and CURRENT photography exhibit as Testino's is a chance of a lifetime. It was truly an honor listening to him speak a few feet away and then to meet him after? I can't even.....

Thank you to Malcolm Rogers, Karen Frascona, Anne Havinga, Julie Frey and everyone at the MFA Boston who've made this exhibit possible!

"Mario Testino: In Your Face", Ann and Graham Gund Gallery from October 21, 2012, to February 3, 2013

"Mario Testino: British Royal Portraits", Herb Ritts Gallery from October 21, 2012, to June 16, 2013

Renata taking a photo!

MFA Curator Anne Havinga giving an interview in front of "Karlie Kloss, Bao Bao Wan & Shaolin Monks, Beijing, 2011, American Vogue"

L: Louise Pederson & Adam Senn, Los Angeles, 2002, Gucci Spring/Summer 03 | R: Kate Moss, London, 2011, British Vogue

Gemma Ward, Los angeles, 2004, Vogue Paris

Hana Soukupova, Los Angeles, 2003, Gucci Spring/Summer 04 | Carolyn Murphy, Cap d'Antibes, 1999, American Vogue | Brad Pitt, Prague, 2007, V magazine

Madonna, Miami, 1998, Ray of Light Album

Patricia Schmid, London, 2005, British Vogue | Lady Gaga, New York, 2009, V magazine

Angelina Jolie, Los Angeles, 2004, Allure | Lara Stone, Paris, 2007, British Vogue

Diana, Princess of Wales, London, 1997, Vanity Fair

TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, London, 2010, Engagement Portrait | TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, London, 2010, Official Engagement Portrait

HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince William & HRH Prince Harry, London, 2004, Personal Work

HRH Prince William & HRH Prince Harry, London, 2005, 21st Birthday Portrait

Mario Testino during his Q&A segment, my favorite part was when he compared being a photographer to being a cowboy and having to draw the "gun at a speed where you don't die", reminiscing about his time on the bus with his friend growing up, when he (who'd always sit by the window) would see something fly by and nudge his friend, but by the time his friend looked, the moment was gone.

Mario Testino with Helena (L) and Ben (R)

Mario Testino with Malcolm Rogers, Ann and Graham Gund Director Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Miami: What to Pack

Off to Miami for a few days! I'm looking forward to photographing ArtWalk and WallPeople2012 while I'm there and am so excited to meet up with Elizabeth who's been incredible with sending me restaurant suggestions and an extensive list of things to do!

To Miami HEAT, baby!

Miami: What to Pack by hoggerandco featuring a white shirt dress

Boston: SOWA Blogger Meetup

Location:

The South End Buttery + SOWA Market, Boston

I'm always up for any blogger meetup ops, or meet-ops, and one such opportunity arose when Elizabeth from Miami tweeted that she was going to be in Boston this past weekend. A glorious plan to meet on Sunday morning at the Southend Buttery, then head to the SOWA market, was born.

Here's how Anna, Natalie, Melissa, Elizabeth and I spent our Sunday morning. We even ran into Anne from Adjewelry who has a jewelry shop at SOWA. I purchased a pretty bracelet for my niece's upcoming birthday.

And thank you Anna for the following Instagram:

Here's the item I purchased for my niece from Anne's SOWA shop:

And here's Anne at SOWA (via Instagram)

February: Art to Inspiration

I'm so excited about today's post as it's the first installment of the "Art to Inspiration" project, created by Supal from Chevrons & Eclairs. Every first Wednesday of each month participants produce a post inspired by a work of art as selected by Supal. The collected results will be posted over here.

Today's work of art comes from:

Hiroshi Matsumoto, December 2010 - 4

I was inspired by the two vibrant patches of blue in this painting. It reminded me of this pair of cobalt hued shoes I bought (a score at $7 from a shoe store in Downtown Crossing) but haven't yet worn. We're seeing cobalt a lot lately; I've worn it before, and now I'm inspired to give these heels a test drive. (Check out my Pinterest for more cobalt inspiration).

Want to join the Art to Inspiration Project? Contact Supal!