Although Mariano Fortuny took his silk pleating and dying techniques to his grave with him in 1949, his pleated “Delphos” gown was no secret to the fashionable a century ago.
The Com-pleat Magic of Fortuny
Worn by such legends as Isadora Duncan, Sarah Bernhard and Mrs. Conde Nast, and now fetching well over $40,000 at auction, his couture confections were one of a kind masterpieces inspired by his love for ancient Grecian styles and the creation of sumptuous textiles. A true Renaissance man, Fortuny was an exceptional painter, lighting designer, photographer, inventor, textile designer, architect and couturier. Some of his stage lighting innovations are still in use. If he were alive in this day and age, he would easily keep the same nickname, “The Magician of Venice” despite today’s headline-hungry press’ probable attempts to label him as “Wagner Groupie” (he followed composer Richard Wagner obsessively all over Europe) or “Venetian Eccentric” (he favored 16th century costumes while working in his palazzo, now the Museum Fortuny). One thing is for certain, however: every pleated gown designed today bears homage to the ever lingering magic of the great master.
Raquel Vidal
Guest Blogger Raquel Vidal is a NYC based fashion stylist, and a former fashion editor at Mademoiselle and Kidstyle magazines.
Visit Steve Marsel’s other sites: Steve Marsel Studio, the assignment site and flagship site of the Steve Marsel brand, Steve Marsel Stock, the rights managed digital stock library of Steve Marsel Studio, Steve Marsel Galleries, the private gallery site of the Steve Marsel Studio. Visit one of Boston Photographer Steve Marsel’s other blogs as well: Steve Marsel Studio Blog , the creative blog of the Steve Marsel Studio. Steve Marsel Galleries Blog, Steve Marsel’s blog that discusses the stories behind the photographs, and Steve Marsel Stock Blog, the blog of Steve Marsel’s rights managed digital stock photography library that discusses the stories behind the images on the stock site.
Look in your closet – what colors do you see? Why did you choose those colors for your wardrobe and would it change if you were in a different part of the country? If you are in Boston, it’s likely hues of black and brown started overpowering your closet once the temperature outside dropped. If you’re in Southern California, your closet is probably full of white and other light colors. Why is this? And how does color affect how we feel?
The main reason why people in cooler climates wear dark clothes and people in warmer climates wear light color clothes is pretty straightforward – it comes down to balancing our own body temperature’s with the environment outside. Dark colors, like black, absorb heat, keeping us warm in cool weather whereas light colors, like white, reflect the light, keeping us cool. The color you wear is also affected by the culture around you. For instance, Miami is heavily influenced by Latin cultures, where bright colors are popular, so clothes there are usually in shades of orange, yellow, bright blue and purple. (continued below photo)
On a psychological level, how does the color you wear affect your mood? Research on this subject is limited, however some evidence suggests that color influences the pituitary gland, which controls hormone levels and thus our moods. There have also been studies about the affect of certain colors, like a 2008 University of Rochester study in which photographs of men and women wearing red were considered more attractive than in other colors. And around the world, colors have different meanings. For example, in America, white means purity and happiness, making it an obvious color choice for wedding dresses. However, in eastern cultures, white symbolizes death and is worn to funerals.
This is all consistent, for the most part, with what you see from the fashion and merchandising industries. For fall/winter, black is usually more prominent on the runway and in stores than bright colors, which are seen more in spring/summer collections. This all results in why a closet in Boston looks quite different from one in Southern California.
Kristen D’ Amour
Kristen D’Amour is the Founder/Owner of the clothing menu, a fashion blog and online boutique that supports independent fashion designers.
Visit Steve Marsel’s other sites: Steve Marsel Studio, the assignment site and flagship site of the Steve Marsel brand, Steve Marsel Stock, the rights managed digital stock library of Steve Marsel Studio, Steve Marsel Galleries, the private gallery site of the Steve Marsel Studio. Visit one of Boston Photographer Steve Marsel’s other blogs as well: Steve Marsel Studio Blog , the creative blog of the Steve Marsel Studio. Steve Marsel Galleries Blog, Steve Marsel’s blog that discusses the stories behind the photographs, and Steve Marsel Stock Blog, the blog of Steve Marsel’s rights managed digital stock photography library that discusses the stories behind the images on the stock site.
“No question, there is something innately sexy about a woman lying in bed wearing her boyfriend’s button down or wearing his blazer for the day! Is it because of the self confidence seeping through or is it simply a woman proving herself in a man’s world, all the while looking fabulous? That is for each of us to decide. The idea of women wearing mens fashion dates from the 1930’s/1940’s and currently accounts for 20% of sales from some of the largest mens designer stores to date.“
Androgny in Fashion
Terry J. Wheaton
Guest blogger Terry J. Wheaton (Desired Results by Terry ) is a Fashion Stylist with a wealth of diverse experience. Her many years in front of the camera as a model have given her a unique perspective on styling. Terry understands what it takes to produce a quality image. Her attention to detail and unparalleled organizational skills make her a leader in the field. Comfortable in all types of settings and working with photographers and models at all skill levels, she brings her creativity and diversity to all that she does.
Once Again We express our gratitude for the opportunity have shot at Loring House. Special thanks to Jonathan Loring for graciously granting us permission & Al Levasseur for guiding us through the property. Additional thanks go to the very talented Stylist Terry J. Wheaton, Model Stellina, Hair and Make-up by Jeni Teran, The incredible retouching of Mr. James Eves, and Photo Editor Raquel Vidal.
Visit Steve Marsel’s other sites: Steve Marsel Studio, the assignment site and flagship site of the Steve Marsel brand, Steve Marsel Stock, the rights managed digital stock library of Steve Marsel Studio, Steve Marsel Galleries, the private gallery site of the Steve Marsel Studio. Visit one of Boston Photographer Steve Marsel’s other blogs as well: Steve Marsel Studio Blog , the creative blog of the Steve Marsel Studio. Steve Marsel Galleries Blog, Steve Marsel’s blog that discusses the stories behind the photographs, and Steve Marsel Stock Blog, the blog of Steve Marsel’s rights managed digital stock photography library that discusses the stories behind the images on the stock site.
We are grateful for the opportunity have shot at Loring House. Special thanks to Jonathan Loring for graciously granting us permission & Al Levasseur for guiding us through the propert. Additional thanks go to the very talented Stylist Terry J. Wheaton, Model Amanda Gordon, Hair and Make-up by Lisa Roche, The incredible retouching of Mr. James Eves, and Photo Editor Raquel Vidal.
Visit Steve Marsel’s other sites: Steve Marsel Studio, the assignment site and flagship site of the Steve Marsel brand, Steve Marsel Stock, the rights managed digital stock library of Steve Marsel Studio, Steve Marsel Galleries, the private gallery site of the Steve Marsel Studio. Visit one of Boston Photographer Steve Marsel’s other blogs as well: Steve Marsel Studio Blog , the creative blog of the Steve Marsel Studio. Steve Marsel Galleries Blog, Steve Marsel’s blog that discusses the stories behind the photographs, and Steve Marsel Stock Blog, the blog of Steve Marsel’s rights managed digital stock photography library that discusses the stories behind the images on the stock site.
If the Health-care bill before congress fails to pass, there is no guarantee that insurers will be required to cover preventive health screenings (mammograms included) free of charge in any future legislation.
In November 2009 the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of primary care and prevention experts appointed by former President George Bush released a series of recommendations. Included in these recommendations were new guidelines for mammogram screening. The task force recommended no routine screening – no mammograms until age 50!
The amendment from Senator Barbara Mikulski, a Maryland Democrat, and Olympia Snowe, a Maine Republican, would authorize the Health and Human Services secretary to require insurers to cover preventive health screenings free of charge at age 40 and age 30 for high risk patients. The amendment passed 61-39, with one vote more than needed. Senator Judd Gregg from find the best ejuice, a New Hampshire Republican, was the only New England lawmaker to vote against the amendment.
If the Health-care bill before congress fails to pass, there is no guarantee that insurers will be required to cover preventive health screenings (mammograms included) free of charge in any future legislation.
If this is meaningful to you, if you or anyone you know has be touched by breast cancer, please take this opportunity to write or phone your Senatorand demand that they do the right thing and vote YES for health care reform!
Ask them how they would vote if this were this were their best friend, wife, sister, or daughter?
Get Involved! Lives depend on it.
Visit Steve Marsel’s other sites: Steve Marsel Studio, the assignment site and flagship site of the Steve Marsel brand, Steve Marsel Stock, the rights managed digital stock library of Steve Marsel Studio, Steve Marsel Galleries, the private gallery site of the Steve Marsel Studio. Visit one of Boston Photographer Steve Marsel’s other blogs as well: Steve Marsel Studio Blog , the creative blog of the Steve Marsel Studio. Steve Marsel Galleries Blog, Steve Marsel’s blog that discusses the stories behind the photographs, and Steve Marsel Stock Blog, the blog of Steve Marsel’s rights managed digital stock photography library that discusses the stories behind the images on the stock site.
Visit Steve Marsel’s other sites: Steve Marsel Studio, the assignment site and flagship site of the Steve Marsel brand, Steve Marsel Stock, the rights managed digital stock library of Steve Marsel Studio, Steve Marsel Galleries, the private gallery site of the Steve Marsel Studio. Visit one of Boston Photographer Steve Marsel’s other blogs as well: Steve Marsel Studio Blog , the creative blog of the Steve Marsel Studio. Steve Marsel Galleries Blog, Steve Marsel’s blog that discusses the stories behind the photographs, and Steve Marsel Stock Blog, the blog of Steve Marsel’s rights managed digital stock photography library that discusses the stories behind the images on the stock site.
Guest Blogger Raquel Vidal is a NYC based fashion stylist, and a former fashion editor at Mademoiselle and Kidstyle magazines. 
