Monday, October 10, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Alexander McQueen SAVAGE BEAUTY at the Met
On July 16th, the FIDM NY Alumni Chapter organized a sort of "fieldtrip" for NY-based alums to see the acclaimed Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty"exhibit at the Met. I went and I must say I am SO GLAD they did this for us... because just weeks later, the waiting time and line for this particular exhibition was literally out the door and around the block! By the last day, it was reported that Savage Beauty attracted over 600,000 visitors, a record for a fashion-related exhibit!! INSANE.
In my attempt to write about my experience at the Met... I came to the conclusion that it is hard, if not impossible, to put in words just how AMAZING it was. For those of you who were fortunate enough to see it, you should know what I mean... it was a completely indescribable experience. I will try to summarize though....
Our wait wasn't long... between catching up with old schoolmates, meeting new ones, and admiring the beautiful interiors of the Met, we got to the exhibit fairly quickly. From the moment you walk in to the very end... you are taken on a journey... one that I believe was a glimpse of Lee McQueen's mind. It felt like a dream... to be THIS close to his masterpieces. The ominous soundtrack in the background, the different eras... and the CLOTHES.... my god, I was at lost for words. From the impressive tailoring to the showstopping gowns to the sculptural corsets to the fantastical headpieces and accessories... oh and the hologram of Kate Moss was cool to watch and various videos from his runway archives brought everything to life. I completely drooled over all the one-of-a-kind, never before seen pieces from the Isabella Blow collection (on loan from the Hon. Daphne Guinness). Everything felt like a fantasy. A dark, gloomy yet beautifully crafted fantasy. My jaw was on the floor the entire way... my eyes wide... my heart beat-fully ran... and I gasped at almost every step. Here was a man who changed the way we look at fashion--even beyond fashion...every reference was something deep, a piece of history, a piece of ancestry, something that meant a lot to him. I admired the way he looked into the ugly of things and made it beautiful. He saw things and knew things we often overlook. He made fashion come to life again.
Towards the end as I stared deeply into his final collection, I couldn't help but get emotional. Lee is no longer here with us, I instantly remembered to myself. He was an artist. That is no question. Savage Beauty... what a way to commemorate a legend, the presentation rightfully honored him the way it should. I will never forget how moved I was and I am grateful for such an experience. Many thanks to the curator at the Met for putting on such a presentation... it not only praises a genius of our time, but affirms once again that FASHION IS ART.
#LongLiveMcQueen
Check out Natalie Alvarado's coverage from the exhibit with great candid photos right from her iphone!
In my attempt to write about my experience at the Met... I came to the conclusion that it is hard, if not impossible, to put in words just how AMAZING it was. For those of you who were fortunate enough to see it, you should know what I mean... it was a completely indescribable experience. I will try to summarize though....
Our wait wasn't long... between catching up with old schoolmates, meeting new ones, and admiring the beautiful interiors of the Met, we got to the exhibit fairly quickly. From the moment you walk in to the very end... you are taken on a journey... one that I believe was a glimpse of Lee McQueen's mind. It felt like a dream... to be THIS close to his masterpieces. The ominous soundtrack in the background, the different eras... and the CLOTHES.... my god, I was at lost for words. From the impressive tailoring to the showstopping gowns to the sculptural corsets to the fantastical headpieces and accessories... oh and the hologram of Kate Moss was cool to watch and various videos from his runway archives brought everything to life. I completely drooled over all the one-of-a-kind, never before seen pieces from the Isabella Blow collection (on loan from the Hon. Daphne Guinness). Everything felt like a fantasy. A dark, gloomy yet beautifully crafted fantasy. My jaw was on the floor the entire way... my eyes wide... my heart beat-fully ran... and I gasped at almost every step. Here was a man who changed the way we look at fashion--even beyond fashion...every reference was something deep, a piece of history, a piece of ancestry, something that meant a lot to him. I admired the way he looked into the ugly of things and made it beautiful. He saw things and knew things we often overlook. He made fashion come to life again.
Towards the end as I stared deeply into his final collection, I couldn't help but get emotional. Lee is no longer here with us, I instantly remembered to myself. He was an artist. That is no question. Savage Beauty... what a way to commemorate a legend, the presentation rightfully honored him the way it should. I will never forget how moved I was and I am grateful for such an experience. Many thanks to the curator at the Met for putting on such a presentation... it not only praises a genius of our time, but affirms once again that FASHION IS ART.
#LongLiveMcQueen
Check out Natalie Alvarado's coverage from the exhibit with great candid photos right from her iphone!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Life has been a whirlwind. That line alone is a complete understatement.
Let's rewind. Remember when I talked about Fashion September? Well, now let's fast-forward... 5 months later and there I was having lunch with my fashion icon. *pause for reaction* Yes, you heard it. UNREAL? I know... even I still cannot believe it. So exactly WHO is this "fashion icon"? Let's just say she's quite the fashion rockstar. Trust, you wouldn't believe me even if I told you.
But I will tell you this: People aren't always what they seem. As amazing and unexpected and surreal and mindbogglingly magnificent as it was to be sitting across from someone that I've admired so wholeheartedly, I couldn't help but wonder how exactly I got there. "What's going on? What's happening? IS THIS REAL LIFE?" Here, next to me, sat a completely genuine woman, with all her authenticity, integrity, style and humor, sharing with me some of her craziest finds and stories. "AM I DEAD?" She was everything I imagined her to be... and MORE.
But I will tell you this: People aren't always what they seem. As amazing and unexpected and surreal and mindbogglingly magnificent as it was to be sitting across from someone that I've admired so wholeheartedly, I couldn't help but wonder how exactly I got there. "What's going on? What's happening? IS THIS REAL LIFE?" Here, next to me, sat a completely genuine woman, with all her authenticity, integrity, style and humor, sharing with me some of her craziest finds and stories. "AM I DEAD?" She was everything I imagined her to be... and MORE.It is all a blur now, but it was one of the most pivotal moments of my life. My heart, to this day, still soar to the moon and back. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. For a fashion girl, I think I am.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Moving to the Big City
It wasn’t long ago when I was discussing with my family for long hours about pursing my career. They questioned why I would move away to pursue a dream of becoming a Fashion Designer? They thought I should be more realistic and stay home and study, law, or medicine. I didn’t take their opinion all too seriously.
Until I saw it on their faces on the day of my graduation at FIDM, had I realized that they were being serious… They really did think I wasn’t going to make it and that my next step would be a big mistake—they thought I was going to end up like one of those girls that move out of the house just to party and have fun, dropping classes and end up dropping out of school as well. That hurt the most. But as I was about to explode into tears, I realized—I had proven them wrong …and I can do it again.
But graduation was only the first step to a new life. I decided to move to New York City… after all is the city where dream are made of, WHY NOT?! I’ve heard that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Let’s just put this to the test.
Of course, at home… some thought the idea was crazy, others thought I was brave.
I didn’t know what to expect until I got here. Once I was in the city and felt the vibe, I was immediately in love with Manhattan.
I arrived in New York on September 7th Center, the day of the Fashion’s Night Out: The Show. When I passed by the Lincoln Center in the town car, they were setting up, at that moment, I felt the world stopped for a few seconds I felt my heart beating fast… and I thought to myself: I am finally HERE!
Then I arrived to my address, I was shocked! It must be a mistake. What is this hood? Living in LA, I was very spoiled. I lived just across the street from FIDM in a luxury apartment with doorman, pool, gym, sauna and a Ralphs across the street and of course, LOTS of space! I must have been crazy. Let’s not talk any more about my living situation. But moving to NY means sacrificing a few things.
Fast forward to surviving my first month as a New Yorker: I scored an interview and landed a job as an assistant designer, joined the gym, started paying for my own stuff, and shopped till I dropped! There were some nights when I wondered how I became so lucky, everything was on track.
A few months ago my company sold the brand that I work for. (Yikes!) In the beginning they said that everything was ok… NOT to look for another job because they were going to keep us all. Last week, the majority of the company was laid-off! 55 to be more exact and the new company took only 20 of those. My boss, the creative director and I ended up with no job. Now I’m back to square one.
Deep breath. This is how life is. I realize that nothing comes handed to you, and I remember those nights thinking that this was too good to be true… and it was. Now I am in the hunt again. Trying to be strong and stand still for whatever is to come. My friend said to me once that when you live in New York City, you are always looking for three things: an apartment, a love or a job. At this moment I am looking for all 3.
--Natalie Alvarado
FIDM Grad, Fashion Design, June 2010
Follow my personal journey on my blog.
Until I saw it on their faces on the day of my graduation at FIDM, had I realized that they were being serious… They really did think I wasn’t going to make it and that my next step would be a big mistake—they thought I was going to end up like one of those girls that move out of the house just to party and have fun, dropping classes and end up dropping out of school as well. That hurt the most. But as I was about to explode into tears, I realized—I had proven them wrong …and I can do it again.
But graduation was only the first step to a new life. I decided to move to New York City… after all is the city where dream are made of, WHY NOT?! I’ve heard that if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Let’s just put this to the test.
Of course, at home… some thought the idea was crazy, others thought I was brave.
I didn’t know what to expect until I got here. Once I was in the city and felt the vibe, I was immediately in love with Manhattan.
I arrived in New York on September 7th Center, the day of the Fashion’s Night Out: The Show. When I passed by the Lincoln Center in the town car, they were setting up, at that moment, I felt the world stopped for a few seconds I felt my heart beating fast… and I thought to myself: I am finally HERE!
Then I arrived to my address, I was shocked! It must be a mistake. What is this hood? Living in LA, I was very spoiled. I lived just across the street from FIDM in a luxury apartment with doorman, pool, gym, sauna and a Ralphs across the street and of course, LOTS of space! I must have been crazy. Let’s not talk any more about my living situation. But moving to NY means sacrificing a few things.
Fast forward to surviving my first month as a New Yorker: I scored an interview and landed a job as an assistant designer, joined the gym, started paying for my own stuff, and shopped till I dropped! There were some nights when I wondered how I became so lucky, everything was on track.
A few months ago my company sold the brand that I work for. (Yikes!) In the beginning they said that everything was ok… NOT to look for another job because they were going to keep us all. Last week, the majority of the company was laid-off! 55 to be more exact and the new company took only 20 of those. My boss, the creative director and I ended up with no job. Now I’m back to square one.
Deep breath. This is how life is. I realize that nothing comes handed to you, and I remember those nights thinking that this was too good to be true… and it was. Now I am in the hunt again. Trying to be strong and stand still for whatever is to come. My friend said to me once that when you live in New York City, you are always looking for three things: an apartment, a love or a job. At this moment I am looking for all 3.
--Natalie Alvarado
FIDM Grad, Fashion Design, June 2010
Follow my personal journey on my blog.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Marjaneh is back... well almost
Hi Friends!!
It's Marjaneh.. I know it's been a while, right?? I've been M.I.A. for good reasons. Besides spending countless hours applying to the endless (or they say) jobs in NYC from my desk in LA, I've also been fighting to become Sunglass Hut's Next Fabulous Fashion Blogger.
I've been working hard to get to the top for 3 weeks and I need your help!
If you want to see a fellow FIDM Alum go far and accomplish her dreams, then please take the two seconds (no joke) to vote for me!
It's not too late!! Voting ends TONIGHT (Nov. 17th) at 11:59 PM EST and every vote counts. Make your parents, friends and classmates vote. Re-post this on your Twitter and Facebook pages and even use that email you created to stalk your ex ;) haha jk.
It's real simple. Here's what you have to do.
Go to:
http://fulltimefabulous.com/video/view.aspx?vid=x_dLVDqIOGY
To the RIGHT of my video there will be a VOTING SECTION (refer to image below)
-Enter First Name Only
-Enter Email Address
-Confirm Email Address
Once you do that you will receive an email verification from techsupport@fulltimefabulous.com (either in your spam box or inbox, depending on your settings).
There will be a link in the email that reads... "Yes! Give them my vote!" all you have to do is click on that link and your vote will be submitted.
You also receive an instant coupon for $20 off an online or in store purchase at Sunglass Hut. So go out and buy those cute pair of shades you've been eying all year... who says the holidays can't come sooner than they're supposed to?
It's one vote per email and the more votes I get the better my chances will be.
It's Marjaneh.. I know it's been a while, right?? I've been M.I.A. for good reasons. Besides spending countless hours applying to the endless (or they say) jobs in NYC from my desk in LA, I've also been fighting to become Sunglass Hut's Next Fabulous Fashion Blogger.
I've been working hard to get to the top for 3 weeks and I need your help!
If you want to see a fellow FIDM Alum go far and accomplish her dreams, then please take the two seconds (no joke) to vote for me!
It's not too late!! Voting ends TONIGHT (Nov. 17th) at 11:59 PM EST and every vote counts. Make your parents, friends and classmates vote. Re-post this on your Twitter and Facebook pages and even use that email you created to stalk your ex ;) haha jk.
It's real simple. Here's what you have to do.
Go to:
http://fulltimefabulous.com/video/view.aspx?vid=x_dLVDqIOGY
To the RIGHT of my video there will be a VOTING SECTION (refer to image below)
-Enter First Name Only
-Enter Email Address
-Confirm Email Address
Once you do that you will receive an email verification from techsupport@fulltimefabulous.com (either in your spam box or inbox, depending on your settings).
There will be a link in the email that reads... "Yes! Give them my vote!" all you have to do is click on that link and your vote will be submitted.
You also receive an instant coupon for $20 off an online or in store purchase at Sunglass Hut. So go out and buy those cute pair of shades you've been eying all year... who says the holidays can't come sooner than they're supposed to?
It's one vote per email and the more votes I get the better my chances will be.
I greatly appreciate all your support =)
Thank you,
Marjaneh
Saturday, October 23, 2010
get inspired.
"I've never had a job. I've always had a passion. The fact of the matter is I have the same passion about business that I had when I started in 1968. And I think that's what it's about. If you can't get up in the morning and be excited about what you're doing then you better figure out something else. So, what's your passion? Stop and think about it."
--Michael Gould, President & CEO of Bloomingdales
--Michael Gould, President & CEO of Bloomingdales
Thursday, October 21, 2010
2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists Head to Los Angeles for a Fashion Show
FIDM ALUM... so JUICY.
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