I Plead Neutrality

Whites, creams, ivories, blushes -- heavenly hues of a softer sort of palette are everywhere.

I, personally, can't get enough of them: as long as they're worn in the proper way. I'm talking small, subtle bursts of color and other coordinating accessories to break up an otherwise entirely-mute outfit. Also, these beautiful blush shades are best to my liking in billowy, light fabrics such as cotton or linen -- summer dressing, anyone?

Places I Want to Go

Installment # 1:

It's summertime, and I haven't been to a beach in a year! So I guess it makes sense that I have been desperately wanting to make a trip up to Cape Cod.

I want fresh sea air blowing in my face, my toes dug deep into pebbly New England sand, and some really good seafood to enjoy when I leave the beach hungry at the end of the day.

EbieQuote

"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men."

-Marlene Dietrich

Red Carpet Finesse

I loved Anne Hathaway's classic and exquisite Valentino gown (second from left) that she wore to the Met's American Woman Gala. I would jump at the chance to wear that beautiful creation...especially to such an event!

P.S.

I can't wait to see the Costume Exhibit's American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity exhibit this summer!

Gold Mine

A sudden, new fancy has taken a strong hold of me as of late: gold. So I thought it would be fitting to create a small celebration of the precious metal that has transfixed me so much all of a sudden, among other things.

From my treasured bottle of Chanel Facettes D'Or Gold Fiction nail polish to shimmering golden eye makeup, I can't get enough of it. Gold jewelry is now in abundance in my wardrobe. Gold accents accompany every outfit -- because a little pop of it here and there goes such a long way and so prettily!

I guess it represents warmth to me, and decadence and richness. As for silver? I avoid it like the plague. It's so cold, so tinny in comparison with a buttery gold ring or belt clasp. However, I am very cautious with metallic cloths -- too eighties for my liking.

Besides the gamut of jewelry, makeup, and accessories, how else do you think you could incorporate gold into your trousseau?

Featured Artist: Georgia O'Keeffe

Evening Star No. IV, 1917

Georgia, Georgia, Georgia. Quite possibly my very favorite.

I chose Georgia O'Keeffe as my first Featured Artist for so many, many reasons. I have been endlessly fascinated with O'Keeffe since I was ten, and still find myself that much more interested in her life and her work as I get older.

She was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin in 1887, one of seven children and showed strong artistic ability from an early age, as well as an affectation for exploring the hills surrounding her home (this following a move to Virginia in 1902). I can identify with her so easily: I, too, was born in a remote place, to a (blended) family of seven children, with early interest in drawing and nature.

Later, following a teaching career, Georgia was encouraged by her circle of friends (and her longtime love Alfred Stieglitz) to devote herself entirely to her artwork. She blossomed, and went on to become one of the most prolific and most well-recognized female American artists of the twenty-first century.

As far as fashion went, Georgia O'Keeffe delved gloriously into menswear and voluminous use of fabric. She dressed mostly in dark colors and is known for her trademark wide-brimmed hat. Because of her striking physical beauty, I think the simplicity and austerity of her wardrobe complemented her nicely and is a lesson to young people like me in how one should dress with modest luxury and, well, with eloquence.

Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico/Out Back of Marie's II, 1930

Interesting People

Interesting People, Installment # 1: Phoebe Philo

My choice for my first Interesting Person is Phoebe Philo, for the simple reason that she is the first person who came to mind when I began to decide who my choice would be. I read about her in July 2009 when Mark Holgate celebrated Philo's return to fashion in "Women's Reaction to Céline? Phoebe Philo, Thank Goodness You're Back". Philo was recently heralded again, in May 2010, by William Norwich in "Basic Instinct", celebrating Phoebe Philo's "streamlined style".

Creative director of Céline, formerly known for her work at Chloé, former design assistant to Stella McCartney -- she's got me won over.

Happy Birthday, Vera Wang!

Okay, so this is two days late. I hope Ms. Wang doesn't mind this belated birthday tribute!

(I plan on doing special features like this in honor of designers whose birthdays come and go, tipping my cap to them with brief bios, examples of their work, and various other photographs and tidbits).

This past Sunday, Vera Wang turned 61 years old. Can you believe that? Only a few months ago I was stunned to discover how old the lovely designer really is. I am not lying, I never would have guessed that she was a day over 45. Am I the only one?

Bio

Vera Ellen Wang was born on 27 June 1949 in New York, New York (lucky!). She was the daughter of Chinese immigrants and has a younger brother, Kenneth.

In 1967 Wang graduated from the private, all-girls Chapin School in Manhattan. It was then on to the University of Paris as well as an art history degree from Sarah Lawrence College. Wang was also a dedicated figure skater, and when she did not make the U.S. Olympic team, she transitioned into her massively successful fashion career.

For sixteen years, Vera Wang held the position of senior fashion editor at American Vogue. She left the publication in 1985 for a design director role at Ralph Lauren. The year 1989 brought a marriage for Wang, to a Mr. Arthur Becker. In 1990, she launched her Vera Wang Lavender label in New York City's Carlyle Hotel and brought about the inception of her gorgeous (and highly-renowned) bridal wear. That very same year she had her first daughter, Cecilia, and three years later a second daughter, Josephine. (Beautiful names, aren't they?)

In 2001, Vera Wang's book Vera Wang on Weddings was published and a year later, in 2002, she entered the home fashion business with the Vera Wang China and Crystal Collection (expanding it in 2007 with Simply Vera, exclusively for Kohl's). 2005 brought a CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award for Wang, and in 2006 the Savannah College of Art and Design presented the designer with the André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award.

Last Note

I am personally a fan of the filmy, ethereal qualities of much of Vera's work. The looks she plays with in all of her shows may vary, and very naturally do, but that very Vera Wang aesthetic always comes through. It's like a cool, neutral, and very classy take on true American style. (By the way, how does she make filmy material and neutral palettes look so edgy?) I really adore this woman. Do we even need to reiterate that Vera is one of definitive American visionaries in fashion design today?

Examples of Ms. Wang's Work

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/S2010RTW-VWANG/?loop=0&iphoto=21&play=false&cnt=59

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/S2010RTW-VWANG/?loop=0&iphoto=17&play=false&cnt=63

From her Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear show.

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/2009RST-VWANG/?loop=0&iphoto=13&play=false&cnt=50

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/2009RST-VWANG/?loop=0&iphoto=25&play=false&cnt=35

Some looks from her Resort 2009 show.

http://www.verawangonweddings.com/fashion/GownCollection.aspx?Catalog=VWOW%20Fashion%20Content&SubCategory=Bridal%20-%20Fall%202010#

A few Fall 2010 bridal looks.

Happy Birthday, Vera Wang!

EbieQuote

"Genuine beginnings begin within us, even when they are brought to our attention by external opportunities."

-William Throsby Bridges

And so begins this newest endeavor!

This blog, Ebie, is my way of contributing my stances on the world of high fashion and art --blending general fashion news with smallest of small details that stir up inspiration in me. You can expect emphasis on color, historical reference, artistic value, and society (both past and modern). I hope this blog takes what is most beautiful about fashion today and puts a smart, socially-relevant spin on it in only the most Ebie of ways.

My perspective should shake things up a little. I'm sixteen and stranded here smack dab in the middle of the Upstate New York countryside. I admit that I'm only living in the world's fashionable spheres vicariously. But I am a devout student of art and history and fashion, and as my tastes develop and broaden I really hope you'll check up on how things are coming along. It's sure going to be interesting.

Enjoy!

P.S.

You can anticipate a daily EbieQuote -- among other things as I branch out and get a feel for exactly what it is I'm doing with this blog.