I’ve seen a few other Thin Man movies with William Powell and Myrna Loy but for some reason had never actually seen the original 1934 The Thin Man film. This past Sunday while the snow fell outside and I tried not to think about html codes, I finally caught the classic. While I always enjoy the chemistry between the leading characters Nick and Nora, this time I was swept away with the clothing and the style of the 1930′s, especially this particular dress worn by Nora (Myrna Loy).

Look how beautiful the back is!

This striped, bias-cut dress with layers moved so wonderfully and looked so well-made that I couldn’t keep my eyes off of it. I missed some of the movie thinking about where to find a dress like that. This is the stuff my vintage-inspired dreams are made of. There’s something about this time period that I just love and am completely drawn to.

♥ the alchemist

Georgia Russell is an a mixed-media artist who transforms ephemera, especially books into beautiful works of art. Here are some images from her series titled The Library. These scupltures are so wonderfully intricate but I must admit that my irrational love of books might prevent me from ever doing something like this…

* Side Note: Hey guys, it’s going to be a little slow in the alchemist’s laboratory for a couple of days due to the holiday and all. I promise that there are exciting things in the works and wonderful changes. Talk to you guys in a few days. Enjoy! 

♥ the alchemist

Does anybody else remember that episode of an early cycle of America’s Next Top Model, where they tried to capture the girls dressed in gowns in a tank of water? I get what they were going for but they clearly missed the mark when you look at the work of renowned underwater photographer Zena Holloway.

These pictures are absolutely beautiful and her portfolio is equally amazing.

(c) all photos Zena Holloway

♥ the alchemist

The annual HRD awards is a celebration of fresh talent showcasing international contemporary diamond jewelry. Out of 1,092 designs entered, 44 laureates were chosen and finally narrowed down this past June at the HRD Awards 2007 Prize Awarding Ceremony titled: A Night at the Opera.

Some of the entries included

Ahluwalia Reena of Canada with her homage to Maria Callas Necklace.

Windeshausen Timothe of Belgium with this intricate arm/shoulder jewel.

Finalist Hitomi Sasaki of Japan created a head jewel titled ”Chrysanthemum” which used traditional Japanese techniques to make the flowers out of cloth. The jewel contains 59 brillant-cut diamonds.

Finalist Sancha Livia Resende of Brazil designed a mini coat set with 345 brillant-cut diamonds

But the grand prize went to Alina Sossou-Alamorean of France for her stunning interpretation of a cape. First, I have a thing for capes, I love them. They exude a sense of mystery and glamour. Alina’s cape is made out of iron wire draped with 574 rough diamonds, pearl drops and cabochons that all came together into this surreal creation.

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One of my favorite books…ever. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is now a film and I couldn’t be more excited. John Leguizamo, Javier Bardem, gorgeous costumes and beautiful scenery! It looks amazing.

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Roger Deckker is an amazing photographer. Here are some images from his portfolio.

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These illustrations from artist Erin Petson are lovely. There’s so much movement and I love the colors and the vitality in each image.

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I love my polaroid camera and I always marvel at fashion editorials that are shot with a polaroid. That is why I like Wendy Bevan so much. Here is another talented photographer who also works with the polaroid camera, Jair Sfez. Here are some images from his portfolio. These are from Androgyny Magazine.

This is set is also from Androgyny. Titled Castel

Simply stunning, the color, composition. Love!

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Wow, I stumbled onto the porfolio of photographer Yelena Yemchuk and it’s amazing. So many wonderful images that I have stored away and marked for inspiration.

This editorial is from Vogue Nippon and is titled The Dancing Sea

Here are a few more images

all photos (c) Yelena Yemchuk

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Why did I not know about this movie?

Released last year in Austria, Klimt is finally making its way to the old U. S. of A. and is playing in limited release in NYC. Really, it looks visually amazing and the talented Malkovich, Malkovich (John) is in it. Must go to check this out before it is no longer available.

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I love when looking through various collections, I find that the designers explain their inspiration behind the designs. What I love even more is when you find connective threads with certain types of inspiration. The Ballet Russes, which has been discussed here and here seems to be one of those ongoing muses where people are constantly drawn to the beauty and the artistry of the work.

The designers behind Ostwald Helgason have also been influenced by the Ballet Russes for their A/W 07 collection. Specifically, Diaghilev’s “Le Train Bleu”. (Yes, the fashion website is also named after this ballet) Le Train Bleu was a luxury French overnight express train which carried travelers to the French Rivera. Coco Chanel added to the production by designing the costumes for the dancers. Interestingly, it was the set curtains created by Pablo Picasso for which the main inspiration for Ostwald Helgason is based on.

Here are some images from the collection:

The movement in the curtain is referenced in the model’s movement. Either the clothing or the hair is caught moving in each picture.

One of the interesting little details are the collars of some of the pieces which resemble frames.

♥ the alchemist

Hey guys! Sorry for the lack of posts. Things have been so hectic lately and I am just getting over a cold but I haven’t forgotten about you, there are plenty of wonderful surprises in the works!!

So here’s a quick update on stockists from the wonderful people of Mjolk. (thanks!!)

I knew that you could find it in Australia (Ben, I hope there is one near you)

Farewell Lucy Coconut/ Melbourne.Vic.3000 
Alice Euphemia/ Fitzroy.Vic 3000 
 
Orson & Blake/ Surry Hills. Sydney. NSW 2010 
INCU/ Paddington. Sydney. NSW. 
 
Dirtbox Brisbane City. QLD 
Blonde Venus. Fortitude Valley. QLD 
 
Harry High Pants. Perth. WA 
Libertine Perth. WA 
 
Also, super excited about the international stockists list: 
 
Loveless Tokyo, Wood Wood Copenhagen, Bblessing New York, American Rag LA, Concrete London, Apartment Berlin, Chocolate Cube Sao Paolo, Sportivo Madrid. 

side note: I know Bblessing is a men’s store so I’m not sure where to find any women items but you could always get the guy in your life something special 

On another note, I remembered a photo feature that I liked in L magazine (a local read) where they captured a day in NY with images at specific times. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Who said roosters were only for the farm?

This is titled 5:30am Williamsburg. Photographer: Miguel Diaz de Lopez

I love photos of the subway system and this is beautiful with the shadows and silhouettes.

Titled 12:00 am Flatiron District. Photographer: Garry Waller

Have a happy Friday!!

♥ the alchemist