THE LANGUAGE OF LEGS

Check out this article from vintage Playboy. Science? Excuse me.

The ubiquity of minis and micros has produced for confirmed girl watchers an abundant display of lower limbs – a utopian leggy domain that’s a far and happy cry from the days when “a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking.” Now, thatnks to a unique study by clinical psychologist John A. Blazer, what was only a pleasant pastime is also a useful science. How a girl disposes her legs when seated can instantly signal your most effective approach. Of the prevalent leg positions displayed on these pages, pay particular attention to the Schemer and the Philanthropist. According to Dr. Blazer, if the former dangles one shoe, she’s a delightfully incurable flirt, a veritable study in come-hitherness. But keep cool – the girl doesn’t always intend to deliver. The Philanthropist, however, digs talking and reading about sex and is apt to seek numerous love affairs, as she prefers constant sexual excitement. But we suggest you take note of them all; the next seated chick you meet may turn out to be a sitting duck for your romantic wiles.

Schemer: though outwardly well balanced, she actually feels threatened by men. This girl is ambitious and competitive. Gently challenge her to a game of gin rummy and manage to lose – you’ll win the bigger game.

Conformist: If you spot her at a party, dead determinedly but quietly for her chair; she likes being told what to do, but doesn’t like to attract attention. A slow starter, once committed, she’s wholeheartedly yours.

Perfectionist: Concerned with impressions, she’s apt to be insecure and overly anxious. She sincerely enjoys helping others, so have a problem and tell her about it. When her sympathy becomes aroused, so does she.

Social Worker: She shares many traits with the Perfectionist but is even more selfless. Act helpless and she becomes affectionate and generous. It you indicate you really need her, she’ll put your interests ahead of hers.

Emancipated Woman: Independent and unconventional, she’s the epitome of the “new girl.” She dis her freedom up-to-date fashion and faraway places. The Out Islands are in – take her there and you’ll be, too.

Philanthropist: Warm, easygoing and good humored, she’s comfortable with herself and everyone else. This romantic has a lot to give and she gives it freely. But don’t try to tie her down – she’s a lover of all men.

TWINKLE TOES

When Los Angeles Ballet opened its doors 5 years ago with the intention of creating a world-class classical ballet company, it seemed an unlikely goal. Everyone knows that, in LA, Hollywood usurps power over classical arts. But the company is still in existence and though it may be struggling to survive (and probably always will), it put up an impressive performance of Giselle this month that rivaled far more established companies.

Giselle; choreography by Jean Corelli & Jules Perrot, Marius Petipa, music by Adolphe Adam, is the story of a peasant girl with a fragile heart who falls in love with the wrong guy (we've heard that one before). Prince Albrecht, already engaged to another women, disguises himself in peasant clothing to have a good time, but meets and falls deeply and instantaneously in love with the innocent Giselle. Forgetting himself and his present circumstance, Albrecht proposes to the young Giselle, promising himself to her. Of course, the royal family inevitably arrives, finace included, and Albrecht is forced to face Giselle with the unfortunate truth. Giselle is struck with horror and falls mentally ill, then dies of a broken heart. Giselle then joins the ranks of the mournful spirits of the Wilis (where the phrase "gives me the wilies" derives from). When Albrecht comes to kneel at Giselle's grave, the Wilis appear to haunt him, forcing him to dance until he dies. But love prevails beyond the grave and Giselle exhausts herself in an attempt to save the undeserving prince (the moral there is...?).

Giselle, portrayed by the youthful Allyssa Bross, is given a charming and very appealing innocence. Through Bross does not possess the lines or power of a world-class principal dancer, it appears she was cast because of her innate ability to tear at heartstrings. Giselle is one of the world's earliest full-length story ballets, first appearing at court in 1841. As is typical of such ballets, most of the story is told through mime; theatrical gesturing. Though there are rigorous technical sequences, the majority of the ballet is carried by mime scenes and, therefore; acting. This is where Bross excels. The famed "mad scene" where Giselle discovers the betrayal, is often played like a girl falling to her death, instead of a girl going insane, before falling to her death. Bross seems to hallucinate, fantasize, making strained facial expressions that recall creepy dolls. The scene is nuanced, subtle, so that we see the progression of her insanity and, ultimately, her death.

Though Albrecht doesn't find this kind of clarity in his acting until the very end (my guess is that he appears exhausted because he allows his actual exhaustion to show, instead of covering it up with a smile - as is usually the case in dance). Christopher Revels also brings a youthful attitude to the character, but lacks Bross's focus. What he does possess is an undeniable technical potential that will gain control and finesse with age.

The result is a clean, well articulated, moving, and surprising performance from Los Angeles Ballet. Though the clear technical stars are Allynne Noelle and Zheng Hua Li, who perform a peasant pas de deux, Bross and Revels are fresh, eager, and just rough enough around the edges that LA will be able to follow their growth and their ascendancy to Los Angeles's own principal dancers.

For more information on LAB, click HERE.

UNBELIEVABLE

For those loyal followers who have read about my chance encounters (and paralyzing shyness) with Mexican director Alejandro Gonzales Innaritu, hear this:

This weekend I was on my way to a workout when I noticed a cherried-out beige Vespa parked on the sidewalk. I KID YOU NOT. I thought to myself; what is the likelihood of their being two identical Vespas in Santa Monica? This had to belong to him. I parked my car in the space conveniently located in front of the Vespa. I considered skipping my workout and waiting in the car until he inevitably came back to leave. Then I noticed the store in front of which the Vespa was parked: a hair salon for people with curly hair. Innaritu most definitely has a head of curls, so that had to be the obvious answer. I gathered my courage and went into the salon (with the excuse of exchanging a dollar for quarters) and sure enough, there he was!

It wasn't the most convenient or luxurious moment. He was in the midst of a haircut, writing e-mails on his blackberry. But I wasn't going to test my luck this time, so I marched right up to him and interrupted. No more excuses!

Our conversation was brief; I didn't get the chance to tell him my story, or ask him any significant questions, or have him offer me some incredible opportunity (like I'd dreamed), but I achieved something by overcoming the fear of speaking to him. I left the salon and attacked my workout with more energy than I've had in a while.

The encounter with Innaritu must have sparked my confidence, because the rest of the day included a series of celebrity sightings, chance meetings, and new introductions. I met a producer on the street who took my contact information (sketchy, maybe, but I'll take my chances). I met Wolfgang Puck, Candy Spelling, and the daughter from Mad Men at the Los Angeles Ballet Gala, then had a wonderful night on the town with a good friend.

Just goes to show: all you have to do is jump the hurdle, and the rest of em don't seem so tall.

HAPPY WEEKEND

Sophia

The higher the hair, the closer to God. 

via: hoodoothatvoodoo

IT'S ALL IN THE EYES

Catherine

Humphrey

Vivien

Ingrid

Joan

Kim

Katherine

Gina
Images via: hc, forgotten hollywood

LIVE LONGER, ATTAIN PERFECTION

Neutra house

My father handed me a book this morning entitled, "Rules for Aging," by Roger Rosenblatt. At 22, I found this premature and slightly insulting...that is, until I read it. Here are some funny insights in the form of "rules":

1. Nobody is thinking about you

Yes, I know, you are certain that your friends are becoming your enemies; that your grocer, garbage-man, clergyman, sister-in-law, and your dog are all of the opinion that you have put on weight, that you have lost your touch, that you have lost your mind; furthermore, you are convinced that everyone spends two-thirds of every day commenting on your disintegration, denigrating your work, plotting your assassination. I promise you: Nobody is thinking about you. They are thinking about themselves - just like you.

2. Listen for the question "What are you talking about"

Should that question arise in response to an accusation, know for certain that the person who said it knows perfectly well what you are talking about. Respond accordingly.

3. Run when you hear any of the following in a sentence:

"...unity and harmony"
"...love, unity, and harmony"
"...humanity"
"...the human condition "
"...the human spirit"

4. Never say any of the following:

"That's the best thing you've ever done!"
"How much is this boat"
"My door is always open"
"You look lovely today"
"Why not?!" or "Oh, what the hell" or "What have I got to lose?"
"Do we really need a contract?"


5. Culture rules:

See no movie that has been called "exquisite"
Read no novel that has been called "brave"
Attend no concert that has been called "long, but worth every minute"
Attend no opera that begins with the word "Der"
Attend no other opera.


6. It doesn't matter

Whatever you think matters - doesn't. Follow this rule, and it will add decades to your life. It does not matter if you are late, or early; if you are here, or if you are there; if you said it, or did not say it; if you were clever, or if you were stupid; if you are having a bad hair day, or a no hair day; if you boss looks at you cockeyed; if your girlfriend or boyfriend looks at you cockeyed; if you are cockeyed; if you don't get that promotion, or prize, or house, or if you do. It doesn't matter.


See the book HERE

VIEWFINDER

A Chronicle of Drifting, Kansuke Yamamoto

Kansuke Yamamoto
Vintage Photographs 1935-1955

Kansuke Yamamoto (1914-1987) was a seminal experimental photographer, poet and member of the Japanese avant-garde who was active in Japan from 1931 until 1987 [...] Yamamoto's highly aesthetic imagery can be seen as a Japanese interpretation of the language of European surrealism with many works in dialogue with artists such as Salvador Dali, Yves Tanguy, Joan Miro, Man Ray, Rene Magritte, and Jean Arp. Yamamoto published over a 40-year span in avant-garde journals with limited circulation in Japan, and the strangeness and transgressive nature of his imagery was considered threatening, inviting persecution of the artist by the Tokko (Thought Police).

VIA: LIKEYOU  

BIRTHDAY SUIT

Happy 70th

DOUBLE FEATURE

Tomorrow night at the Aero Theater: "The sass and sexy double entendres of writer and film star Mae West"

My Little Chickadee (1940), 7:30 pm
Universal, 83 mins, USA, Dir: Edward F. Cline

She Done Him Wrong (1933)
Universal, 66 mins, USA, Dir: Lowell Sherman

Screening format: 35mm

ROUNDTRIP

New York City offered a warm welcome, despite the cool weather. From Bill Clinton, to LES fashion, Alexander McQueen, pin-up parties, Indefinite Transit, and great friends - the time away from my routine gave me inspiration and incredible insight, as is so often the case.

Bill Clinton's commencement speech for New York Universtiy, Class of 2011

Fashion show featuring up-and-coming designers on the Lower East Side

Open air fashion show w/ music

The models walked the perimeter of a square, stopping at each point to feature the clothing.

The show also featured silent auction

Alexander McQueen's costume/fashion retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY

Alexander McQueen, Variations on a theme: Plaid dresses.

.

Alexander McQueen

This was truly one of the best costume exhibits I've ever seen. The wait in line is worth the tested patience.

Rooftop cocktails

That's Alright Mamma presents: Pin-up night at The Shop

Spring Issue, That's Alright Mamma

The Shop: functional motorcycle repair shop & dive bar in Williamsburg...check it out.

Thanks also to Indefinite Transit & The Blind Barber for hosting a grand night as well. Keep an eye out for Blind Barber, opening in Los Angeles this fall!

ALL WET

The fabulously talented Nikko La Mere shot me last week for a personal project. Above is a teaser from the shoot. In the meantime, check Nikko out HERE. 

Here are some related shots, for your viewing pleasure: 

photos via: hoodoothatvoodoo 

GRAD SEASON

I'm back east this week, visiting my alma mater for 2011 graduation. New York is warm and wet, but we won't let the rain dampen our spirits!

Two of my closest friends had launches this week: one for a new travel show called Indefinite Transit from Andrea F. Pagliai (see more HERE), another for the Spring Issue of That's Alright Mamma Magazine from Scarlet Moreno (see more HERE).

I have to congratulate another friend, Daniel Silverstein, who started his environmentally responsible fashion line, 100%, earlier this year and can already boast Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson as a customer!

It's inspiring to see my friends move on to bigger and better things. I am so proud of everyone and thrilled to be a part of the celebration!

WORDY

For the rain in LA

Severine Cousot aka Sey

As One Listens to the Rain

                               Listen to me as one listens to the rain,

                 Not attentive, not distracted,

               Light footsteps, this drizzle,

                     Water that is air, air that is time,

       The day is still leaving,

              The night has yet to arrive,

  Figurations of mist,

         At the turn of the corner

Figurations of time

          At the bend in this pause,

                            Listen to me as one listens to the rain

                     Without listening, hear what I say

                   With eyes open inward, asleep

             With all five senses awake,

                                             It's raining, light footsteps, a murmur of syllables,

                           Air and water, words with no weight:

   What we are and are,

                     The days and years, this moment,

                       Weightless time and heavy sorrow,

                           Listen to me as one listens to the rain,

   Wet asphalt is shining,

              Steam rises and walks away,

                Night unfolds and looks at me,

                          You are you and your body of steam,

          You and your face of night,

                           You and your hair, unhurried lightning,

                                  You cross the street and enter my forehead

                          Listen to me as one listens to the rain,

                                 The asphalt's shining, you cross the street,

                      It is the mist, wandering in the night

                  It is the night, asleep in your bed,

                           It is the surge of waves in your breath,

                     Your fingers of flame burn my eyes,

                            Your fingers of air open eyelids of time,

                      A sprig of visions and resurrections,

                         Listen to me as one listens to the rain,

                        The years go by, the moments return,

                                  Do you hear the footsteps in the next room?

                   Not here, not there: you hear them

        In another time that is now,

             Listen to the footsteps of time,

                                 Inventor of places with no weight, nowhere,

                            Listen to the rain running over the terrace,

                           The night is now more night in the grove,

                         Lightning has nestled among the leaves,

         A restless garden adrift-go in,

           Your shadow covers this page.

     Octavio Paz (1914-1998)

SEEING DOUBLE

Laurence Le Guay, 1960

May Ran for Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics, 1932

Georgia O'Keeffe, Oriental Poppies, 1928

Eugene Von Bruenchenhein, Wife's Portrait

RCA, 1955

Ken Probst, Tattooed Twins, 1989

The Rockets, Radio City Music Hall
hoodoothatvoodoo