Homage to Yves Klein Blue: from art to fashion

Originally uploaded by scalleja

Blue Monochrome

Yves Klein (French, 1928-1962) 1961.  "Monochrome abstraction—the use of one color over an entire canvas—has been a strategy adopted by many painters wishing to challenge expectations of what an image can and should represent. Klein worked with a chemist to develop his own particular brand of blue, called International Klein Blue, and adopted this hue as a means of evoking the immateriality and boundlessness of his own particular utopian vision of the world."

 

Blue.  Period., The Queen of Gems (2011) 

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In my favorite combination, with coral and a geometric print at 

Rag & Bone Fall 2011 (via style.com) 

 

Glamour in blue, Diane Von Furstenburg Fall 2011 (via style.com) 

 

A look from Thakoon Fall 2011 (via style.com)

5 Questions with...Ellen Black Invites & Stationery: Brides.com

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As a follow-up to my post about engraved stationery,  a short excerpt from 5 Questions with... Ellen Black Invites & Stationery: Brides.com.  The Lehr & Black co-owner and stationer to the stars shares her best advice:

What is your favorite new invitation trend?

I love the idea of going back to engraving. Even though I love letterpress, engraving has a more modern feel while being clean and crisp. It is all about being simple while incorporating unique details.

Most couples choose fine engraving for classic invitations. That said, many brides drawn to the high quality papers and the engraving process also want something non-traditional. Use an unusual type-style, create a custom design (this invitation's main card is watermarked with an artist's sketch of the Cathedral where the ceremony will be), or select a custom ink color. This suite features a modern type in Yves Klein blue with a monogram in gold leaf. 

 

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It is easy to tell whether a piece of stationery has been engraved (rather than thermographed -- the somewhat less crisp imitation). On the reverse of the lower card in the image above (and the card at far left in the image below), the tell-tale "bruise", caused by the pressure from the press, can be seen.  Also, thermographed text is shiny, while engraved text is more subtle and matte, even in gold leaf.

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Tribal takeover

 

A stylized, custom silk in coral and Yves Klein blue shot with gold threads, hand-crafted in the traditional weaving style of the Bontoc tribe of the Philippines. Based on the ikat technique of resist-dyeing the warp thread before weaving, geometric motifs of stripes, triangles and arrows are incorporated in brightly colored panels of cloth.

 

Marchesa Resort 2011 goes tribal with stripes, triangles, and arrows 

(via style.com)

 

A look from Missoni Spring 2011 (via style.com)

 

Perpetually cool Proenza Schouler, Pre-Fall 2011 (via style.com)

 

A Bontoc weaver carrying on a centuries-old tradition, made new again by the world's top designers.

From the Queen of Gems, a recipe for Galette des Rois

 

The galette des rois, a traditional French pastry served during the Epiphany (The Feast of the Three Kings).  A tiny ceramic toy (big enough not to swallow!) is baked into the galette.  In the old days, a dried fava bean was used, so to this day the favor is still called la feve.  The galette is cut into as many slices as people in the party, and everyone picks 1 piece of galette.  The one who discovers the toy is made the 'King (or Queen) of the day' and wears a paper crown. He or she then picks a Queen/King by putting the toy in another's glass.  Tradition says that the next party should be at the king's expense. 

Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the pastry: 1 or 2 packages (17.3-ounce) store-bought puff pastry sheets.  If frozen, thaw in refrigerator.
• Frangipane cream for the filling, enough for 2 galettes:

• 1 cup soft butter
• 1 cup ground blanched almonds
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 pinch salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. With an electric beater, mix all the ingredients for the frangipane cream, until blended. On a slightly floured cold surface, cut 2 circles the size of dinner plates out of the puff pastry. Put one of them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush one inch around the edge of the circle with egg wash (beaten egg yolk). Spread half of the frangipane cream on the center and place the second circle on top matching the edges of the circles. Press all around the edges to glue them together. Press softly in the center to evenly spread the filling. If making 2 galettes, use remaining cream and follow the same method for preparation. 

Decorate the galette with a fork, press edges together all around -- no pricking. With the point of a knife, make any kind of design, being careful not to go all the way through the puff pastry. Brush the surface with egg wash, without getting any on the sides. 

Bake the galette in the center of a preheated 450-degree oven for 15 minutes, then at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle with powdered sugar and bake until golden brown. Serve warm with a gold paper crown on top. 

Food Network recipe 

Green with envy

 

Kate Moss' wedding dress is going to be designed by Galliano.
(http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/02/kate_mosss_wedding_dress_will.html?mid=372665&rid=125875346)

Color me jealous.

Pantone 362 C Cow
Originally uploaded by Smeerch

Cornucopia of color

 

Sarees that are a feast for the eyes, courtesy of my dear friend and long-time roommate.

 

Intricate details make it difficult to look away from this cobalt creation. 

 

Graceful seafoam green.

These call to mind the spices of India.

Fabulous fabrics...part 2

  

An essential component that makes the bespoke clothing experience so special is the ability to choose fabrics that speak to you.  Italian mills are known for a variety of exceptional shirting fabrics, including 2-ply, Egyptian, or Sea Island 120's or 140's cotton.

 

 

There is an almost unlimited number of possible combinations for the main shirt and accent fabrics on the inside collar, cuffs, or elsewhere.

 

Photo credit: Tyra Bleek Photography

Providing a Virtual Appointment Service via webcam for clients not in the Boston area, 9Tailors offers a dazzling array of fabrics and shirt features to help create your ideal shirt, ranging from the subtle to the bold, the minimalist to the daring!