Pirate John

This video features the wonderful John Galliano in conversation, as he explores the wonderful treasures of the House of Dior. He such a pirate, that John, and I admire him. Here we get to see a small sampling of the fantastic archives of Maison Dior. As John shows each piece, he explains the story behind it and highlights the workmanship in each fantastic garment. I love the contrast, yet similarity, between the original work of Christian Dior, and John's present day creations.

Who is John?

John Galliano - Trustee of the Dior Legacy, is my Fashion Idol. John's talent is monumental. But beyond this, it is his outlook on life and his humanity that I so strongly am drawn to. He has served as mentor to me for as long as I can remember an interest in fashion. His business sense, immense creativity and humlity teach me that I can become a success, while keeping my soul intact. I am forever in his debt.

A cool quote from John : " It's been a long time since I left (college) but I still feel like a pirate that is plundering the globe for beauty and gems of ideas. A memory, a moment, a person is the greatest treasure... but a diamond is a very good second."

Wish list: Coffee table books

Every time I go to Chapters, I lust after the following books. To me, they are so much more than just books. These tomes chronicle the lives of two men who have hugely influenced by interest in fashion and represent for me the dream that I will one day achieve. I study these books like text books, and pour over them like a good novel. I dream that they will one day find their way into my possession.

BOOK # 1 - Dior, 60th Anniversary Edition by Assouline

It is MASSIVE, and it probably weighs about 15 lbs. Whenever I flip through it, I have to prop it up against a shelf to support the weight. But it contains every image and detail on the House of Dior. Maison Dior is of course under the cloak of the formidable John Galliano, who I adore. This book commemorates 60 years of this celebrated couture house.

There is a copy of it in the Scott Library at York. I stumbled upon it one day while I was researching a paper. It's hidden up on the 3 rd floor, WAY at the end of long corridor, in the Oversize section. Sometimes when I'm really frustrated with life and in dire need of a good pick-me-up, I go there after class. There, in a little secluded nook, I lay it out on the ground and pour over the images.

I have made a pact with myself. This Christmas, I'm investing in myself and buying this book. Some people invest in good shoes, good furniture, why not good books? That will be $305 well spent.

BOOK # 2 : Valentino by Taschen

Valentino recently retired last year, and the documentary chronicling his career gives us a peak into the life of fashion's last emperor. This book is stunning. Val is one of my major inspirations and to own a piece of his legacy would mean so much to me. What then is $70? Never a trip to the bookstore goes by without a good flip-through. If it goes out of print before I can afford it, I would be heartbroken.

Too often we sit around, hoping and wishing for things to happen. I've got more important financial priorities at the moment, but I will continue to work toward adding these two canons of fashion history to my library.

Photo Credits: Dior Book: Assouline.com; Valentino Book: Taschen.com

Holt Renfrew Challenge #3

CHALLENGE #3:

Choose your favourite style icon from 1920 - 2000 and recreate their signature look.

When I read the challenge mandate, only one person came to mind - John Galliano!

John Galliano is Fashion's Pirate, Trustee of the Dior Legacy & my Mentor. His talent is monumental. But beyond this, it is his outlook on life and his humanity that I am so strongly drawn to. His business sense, immense creativity and humility teach me that you can become a success, while keeping your soul intact. I am forever in his debt.

A cool quote from John :

" It's been a long time since I left (college) but I still feel like a pirate that is plundering the globe for beauty and gems of ideas. A memory, a moment, a person is the greatest treasure... but a diamond is a very good second."

John is known for his outlandish looks. While some designers shyly poke their heads out to the crowd at the end of a runway show, John relishes the opportunity to make his entrance. He has been known for taking to the runway in full hair and makeup, strutting like his models and posing for the camera. What really gets attention are his outfits. Always interestingly-attired, John emerges to his public as character from his collections. One season it was Charlie Chaplin, another it was Madame Butterfly's Colonel Pinkerton. He has been the Spanish bullfighter, the bloody and sweaty boxer, or even the Marquise De Sade. John has explained that this is his way of closing the chapter on the present collection, and creatively clearing his mind for the next. Also, he is following all those beautiful models in their Dior clothes, so he has to make some effort!

Here are a couple of his iconic looks:

John as a vintage sea-explorer, a Spanish Bullfighter, a Colonel Pinkerton, & a street imp

Pinning John down to one look is hard, because he is such a chameleon. But if you look closely, some elements are always present. The fitted vest/ blazer, an theatrical coat/ jacket, and a hat. There must always be a kooky hat!!

I've chosen his look from the Fall/Winter 2005 Couture show, that commemorated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Christian Dior. John served up a genius collection of transparency, classic Dior shapes, and cultural influences.

Let me paint you a picture of his spectacular entrance: As the final girl exited the runway (more like a movie set with lavish props), there was a clash of thunder on the speakers. Smoke filled the room and an actual carriage, drawn by a horse, pulled up. The lights dimmed, and out emerged John looking amazing.

John Galliano after Dior's Fall/Winter 2005 couture show

This look would be relative easy to replicate. I already have the vest. I would need a pair of really funky pants, the hat, the flower pin, and a blond wig. The challenge would be translating his fierceness and energy onto camera. A friend of mine has a trampoline in his backyard, and I was thinking that I could ask him to take the shot as I jumped up and down in the air. Can you imagine the finished snapshot?! Hair flying, fabric flapping, arms and legs extended, all frozen in mid-air. How cool would that look! The only question is, would the wig hold up?

Photo Credits: Style.com

Holt Renfrew Challenge #1

I've been up keeping with the Holt Correspondent search, even though I wasn't able to be apart of it. It has been interesting to see the challenges the two contestants have to face, and it's been fun to see how they bring their own unique spin on thing to the tasks. Of course I can't help but wonder what I would have done, so I've decided to do that here.

CHALLENGE #1

Recreate your favourite look from the Fall/Winter 2009 shows.

Inspiration #1

The opening look from John Galliano; a tall ship in the Toronto Harbour

I selected this look because of all pictures that I scanned through during the Menswear shows, this one stayed in my mind. John Galliano, my fashion mentor and favourite designer, has a deliciously mad-cap way of approaching fashion, and this show was no different. Complete with ghoulish pirates, voyeuristic judges and lawmakers, John sent out a collection rich with imagination. What I love equally about John is his strong eye for cut. If you look closely at the opening look, beyond the crazy hair and makeup, you see a gorgeously-constructed trench coat, a brocade vest and a perfectly-fitted pair of pants. These pieces are the most practical parts of a guys wardrobe as a camel trench and brown pants go with everything in the closet. The fit and proportion of both pieces are so John: modern, tailored and theatrical.

Implementation:

What other way to look for such kooky gear than combing through second-hand stores?! I would head to the one on Yonge St. that specializes in old army gear. That's a great place to find an old overcoat. I love the broken-in, lived-in feel of John's version. Next I'd buy a pair of Straight Fit/ Skinny pants. Banana Republic and H&M always stock a pair of close-fitting brown ones. Finally, I'd rent a pirate hat & wig from a costume store and cover myself in white baby powder. Who says you can't have fun?!

Setting:

To create a really great picture, setting is key. To truly do justice to John's look, I would need to go all the way to find an interesting locale. I would the sign up for one of the 2 hour cruises onboard Tall Ship Toronto, a company here in the city that takes tourists out onto the Lake Ontario harbour on a tall ship. After begging the crew supervisor for permission, I would scale one of the masts. Can you imagine the picture?! ...wind in my coat, as I hang onto the mast with a fierce growl...billowing sails, the lights of the skyline in the background.

Inspiration #2: Dolce & Gabbana.

Look #31 from Dolce & Gabbana

The boys from Sicily outdid themselves this season. The fashion world has finally gotten the memo that we're in a global recession. Money is drying up everywhere, sales are down, consumer buying habit is radically changing. Therefore many of the collections for the Fall season reflected the shifting change from disposable, 'It' pieces, to solid investment clothing that will stay chic for years to come. Dolce & Gabbana provided a show that was chalk full of such gorgeous basics. I love their mantra this season - simple pieces, flattering fits, the best fabrics. What more does one need? Look #31 was all about the trenchcoat. As you can tell, I have a passion for outerwear. Which man alive wouldn't want to imagine himself as a dandy dressed to the nines like this?

Implementation

This would be relatively easy to do. I already own a great trench from last fall (H&M), and a newsboy hat in black felt (Big It Up). I'd need to pick up a white shirt and black tie (maybe H&M again?) and a pair of grey slacks. The real challenge would be replicating that great bag. I'm sure the original will cost thousands, but I'd probably find mine at a second-hand shop.

Setting:

While I can't fly to Italy, I can recreate old Europe right in my backyard. I'd head down to the distillery district where old factories and cobblestone streets abound. I'd snap a picture against an old wall, down a deserted alleyway. Can you see it?....dark shadows, a crumbling wall, moody glances, the hat?

What do you think?