I have loved Michael Jackson’s music all my life. As a huge fan of anything Motown, I grew up on The Jackson 5, danced to one of my favorite albums of all time - Off the Wall, and of course watched MJ become a superstar during the unprecedented megahit Thriller years. Now that he has left us, it feels like the world will never be the same. For the past 10 days, I’ve watched continual coverage on MSNBC and CNN and bonded with my friends from high school on facebook. I have been trying to wrap my brain around the fact that he is gone and it’s been very difficult. So – I decided that it was time to blog.
In all the countless images that have been televised over and over since Michael’s death, one that I actually found on my own (BET On Demand) has affected me the most. It’s a clip of MJ surprising James Brown at the last BET Awards Brown performed at. http://www.bet.com/onblast/?chan=3&id=3261&itype=e Apparently it was a well kept secret because all Michael did was step on stage and the crowd went wild. There is something so captivating about this clip that I have watched it repeatedly. MJ’s grace & humility - not wanting to upstage the Godfather of Soul, his exceptional talent even doing just a few steps, and his love and respect for his mentor…. all communicated in a 90 second clip. This, my friends, is the power of image.
Michael Jackson reinvented himself over and over during his 40 year career, often to great scrutiny and ridicule. Regardless of what the reviews were, MJ made you take notice of him. He was THE first celebrity brand. And he was always in control, which cannot be said for many other celebrities who have not achieved half of what MJ did. Like him or not, he was a pro. There are many questions about Michael Jackson’s life and death that we may never really have answers to. But no matter what, he lived his life with the courage to be himself and the vulnerability to put it all out there. And the truth is that Michael’s personal life is none of our business. Michael Jackson’s job was to entertain and he never let us down as a consummate performer and innovator of his industry.
Goodbye Michael. We will miss you.
“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.”
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Unabashed Authenticity is Such a Lonely Word
Yesterday the "Is he or isn't he?" question about Adam Lambert's sexuality was finally answered, by him, admitting that yes indeed, he's gay. And I just want to say thank you. Traditionally performers have waited until their stardom was at a secure level to publicly embrace their identities. However, the world has changed drastically since Elton John first hit the scene and I believe the time for full disclosure is now. I mean, look at the economic mess we're in because of lies and deceit in the financial sector. And don't even get me started about the previous administration... So, I think we can all use a little transparency in the media.
My work with clients, especially performers, is all about helping them to become real for their audiences. So, it's refreshing to see a talented young man doing it by himself right out of the gate. Kudos to you Adam. It will be interesting to see how this bold move affects his career.
I for one, think the timing is perfect.
For more about Adam's coming out party in Rolling Stone, click here: http://bit.ly/lr6f6
My work with clients, especially performers, is all about helping them to become real for their audiences. So, it's refreshing to see a talented young man doing it by himself right out of the gate. Kudos to you Adam. It will be interesting to see how this bold move affects his career.
I for one, think the timing is perfect.
For more about Adam's coming out party in Rolling Stone, click here: http://bit.ly/lr6f6
Thursday, May 28, 2009
American Corporate Vested Interest Idol
So many of us have been scratching our heads (and running our mouths) in disbelief since the American Idol results a week ago and now there's been evidence that the Kris Allen victory was, let's just say, "encouraged" by a major sponsor http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/business/media/27idol.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss. Very interesting. And now the follow up story today was fascinating as well http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/27/att-admits-overeager-empl_n_208281.html Especially in light of of what I wrote (but didn't post) the day after the results. Enjoy:
America the Inexplicable
I am not an American Idol fan. I am actually proud that I never watched the show for the first 6 seasons. Then I watched one episode during the Jordin Sparks season when they had to do Bee Gees songs and was intrigued. Today, I am still not an avid Idol viewer but I do keep tabs on it because I work with emerging artists and I like to see how Idol is packaging their up-and-comings. I don’t even watch the show and I was upset all day the day after.
As an image expert with a passion for music, I believe I know good talent when I see it. I tuned in a few times in season 7 and was impressed with David Archuleta, whom I feel was robbed of the crown. When I checked in back in this past March, I was blown away by Adam Lambert. He had me at Tracks of My Tears. He seemed to have it all – a superior voice, stage presence out the door and a unique image. Well the other night I had to tune in and literally gasped when I heard the results.
There has been tons of speculation about what went wrong on the Internet and I would like to weigh in. Was it homophobia in the heartland? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-michaelson/why-it-matters-that-adam_b_205588.html Or did Kris Allen get all of Danny Gokey’s votes when he was voted off, cause they are both a similar type? Or was the result a backlash to all the Idol adoration of Adam all season? http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/178713/america-gets-it-wrong-kris-allen-wins-idol/
I personally believe that finding an Idol is should be all about voice quality and the ability to command the stage and audience. I don’t think they should be allowed to play an instrument. Standing on stage leaning on an instrument is not half as scary and vulnerable as standing there with just your voice. For two years now I feel that the more talented performer was ousted out because he did not play an instrument on the Idol stage. And then I remembered that the show is on Fox, an unapologetically right wing company, and I’m not surprised at the results. I just keep thinking that we’re making progress in this country and I hate to think that Adam didn’t win because of his androgynous image. So, I’ll just focus on what one of my gay boyfriends, completely devastated by Adam’s defeat said, “This is why little girls shouldn’t have cel phones.”
America the Inexplicable
I am not an American Idol fan. I am actually proud that I never watched the show for the first 6 seasons. Then I watched one episode during the Jordin Sparks season when they had to do Bee Gees songs and was intrigued. Today, I am still not an avid Idol viewer but I do keep tabs on it because I work with emerging artists and I like to see how Idol is packaging their up-and-comings. I don’t even watch the show and I was upset all day the day after.
As an image expert with a passion for music, I believe I know good talent when I see it. I tuned in a few times in season 7 and was impressed with David Archuleta, whom I feel was robbed of the crown. When I checked in back in this past March, I was blown away by Adam Lambert. He had me at Tracks of My Tears. He seemed to have it all – a superior voice, stage presence out the door and a unique image. Well the other night I had to tune in and literally gasped when I heard the results.
There has been tons of speculation about what went wrong on the Internet and I would like to weigh in. Was it homophobia in the heartland? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-michaelson/why-it-matters-that-adam_b_205588.html Or did Kris Allen get all of Danny Gokey’s votes when he was voted off, cause they are both a similar type? Or was the result a backlash to all the Idol adoration of Adam all season? http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/178713/america-gets-it-wrong-kris-allen-wins-idol/
I personally believe that finding an Idol is should be all about voice quality and the ability to command the stage and audience. I don’t think they should be allowed to play an instrument. Standing on stage leaning on an instrument is not half as scary and vulnerable as standing there with just your voice. For two years now I feel that the more talented performer was ousted out because he did not play an instrument on the Idol stage. And then I remembered that the show is on Fox, an unapologetically right wing company, and I’m not surprised at the results. I just keep thinking that we’re making progress in this country and I hate to think that Adam didn’t win because of his androgynous image. So, I’ll just focus on what one of my gay boyfriends, completely devastated by Adam’s defeat said, “This is why little girls shouldn’t have cel phones.”
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Return to Glamour
I love movies. I’ve probably spent more time in my life watching movies than doing any other activity except sleeping. And I’ve always loved the Academy Awards. As jaded as you might be in this crazy world we live in, the Oscars are still an event, unparalleled anywhere. There are many other film awards - Golden Globes, SAG Awards, BAFTAs, Cannes, etc. but none are or ever will be the Oscars.
In the past few years the Oscars have lost their lustre. The dresses, films & hosts were unmemorable. There were few truly exciting moments and actually I didn’t care who won. But this year – finally - things changed. With new blood at the helm – Hugh Jackman was born to wear a tuxedo – there was a much needed infusion of fabulosity at the Oscars once again. Finally, a return to old Hollywood glamour. A lot of gorgeous gowns, diamond jewelry & up-dos. The way the Oscars should be! And as usual, some got it right and some got it very wrong. But what’s really interesting is that the new generation is getting it much “righter” than most of the veterans.
In my humble opinion, the winner hands down was Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive. Classic silver beading, strapless, fitted, hair up, simple makeup and red lip – perfect. Second place goes to Natalie Portman for making bright pink work. I was proud of Angleina Jolie for finally looking like she cared about the event she was at – again classic simple black strapless Elie Saab, flowing hair, with statement making chunky emeralds on her ears and hand. And she actually smiled a few times! Last but never least – I give the eternally stunning Penelope Cruz extra credit for choosing vintage Pierre Balmain. I appreciate when someone takes a chance and does something really different, and of course she looked gorgeous.
Relatively unknown actresses like Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson were flawless. So – what is wrong with some of the older pros? Marissa Tomei is one of the most prolific actors ever with a killer body and she always looks like she just threw herself together. She tried really hard this year in light grey Versace but it was just too much for her, especially because she hardly had any makeup on. And when you’re wearing Versace, the rock star of fashion, leave your hair down! And what are we going to do about Meryl Streep? How is it possible that the greatest actress of our generation can’t find a decent dress – ever?! Does she even use a stylist? She brought her daughter to the awards and they chose to wear grey drab and cocoa brown, and they looked ridiculous standing next to each other. And don’t get me started on Sophia Loren. She was an embarrassment to all Italians, usually known for our unparalleled taste in fashion.
Just a little shout out to the men… Philip Seymour Hoffman – we know you are a brilliant artist but who told you it was okay to wear a skullcap and look bored to death the entire night? Shame on you. And thank you Mickey Rourke for shaking it up in white Jean Paul Gaultier. I personally hope Mickey’s comeback is here to stay – in both fashion and film.
In the past few years the Oscars have lost their lustre. The dresses, films & hosts were unmemorable. There were few truly exciting moments and actually I didn’t care who won. But this year – finally - things changed. With new blood at the helm – Hugh Jackman was born to wear a tuxedo – there was a much needed infusion of fabulosity at the Oscars once again. Finally, a return to old Hollywood glamour. A lot of gorgeous gowns, diamond jewelry & up-dos. The way the Oscars should be! And as usual, some got it right and some got it very wrong. But what’s really interesting is that the new generation is getting it much “righter” than most of the veterans.
In my humble opinion, the winner hands down was Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive. Classic silver beading, strapless, fitted, hair up, simple makeup and red lip – perfect. Second place goes to Natalie Portman for making bright pink work. I was proud of Angleina Jolie for finally looking like she cared about the event she was at – again classic simple black strapless Elie Saab, flowing hair, with statement making chunky emeralds on her ears and hand. And she actually smiled a few times! Last but never least – I give the eternally stunning Penelope Cruz extra credit for choosing vintage Pierre Balmain. I appreciate when someone takes a chance and does something really different, and of course she looked gorgeous.
Relatively unknown actresses like Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson were flawless. So – what is wrong with some of the older pros? Marissa Tomei is one of the most prolific actors ever with a killer body and she always looks like she just threw herself together. She tried really hard this year in light grey Versace but it was just too much for her, especially because she hardly had any makeup on. And when you’re wearing Versace, the rock star of fashion, leave your hair down! And what are we going to do about Meryl Streep? How is it possible that the greatest actress of our generation can’t find a decent dress – ever?! Does she even use a stylist? She brought her daughter to the awards and they chose to wear grey drab and cocoa brown, and they looked ridiculous standing next to each other. And don’t get me started on Sophia Loren. She was an embarrassment to all Italians, usually known for our unparalleled taste in fashion.
Just a little shout out to the men… Philip Seymour Hoffman – we know you are a brilliant artist but who told you it was okay to wear a skullcap and look bored to death the entire night? Shame on you. And thank you Mickey Rourke for shaking it up in white Jean Paul Gaultier. I personally hope Mickey’s comeback is here to stay – in both fashion and film.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Summer (Not) in the City
Because I own my own business, I work all the time – Saturday afternoons, Sunday nights, even Tuesdays at 2am if I want to. And – it is summer and summer is about taking a break. And no one is a machine - we all need some balance. So – I’ve taken a few lovely breaks recently - in the Hamptons and Sonoma, California and I want to share a few lovely finds from both coasts.
Any savvy New York shopper knows that Southampton is one of the premiere shopping destinations in the east. There are countless stores in the Hamptons, but Anya’s Women’s Boutique truly made an impact on me. They have a lot of this summer’s usual suspects – cotton tank dresses, ballet flats, Havaianas flip flops, as well as some unexpected items. My favorite unique thing in the store is these little tank tops for babies with inspirational quotes like, “I Will Make a Difference” and “I Love My Life.” I actually collect t-shirts with inspiring quotes and now we have an option for children. What a great gift for someone who just had a baby – and for our future. Go to www.missblink.com to see the complete line for kids. Anya’s also has a beautiful layout, attentive staff and some fantastic belts and jewelry. It is located at 28 Jobs Lane in Southampton, 631-283-1018 (no website).
Now – on the other side of the country it was time to escape the city (San Francisco this time) and I am very much a luxury hotel kind of gal – Hilton, Hyatt, or better and I am happy. I don’t camp or do anything at all rustic. However – I love sun and beautiful settings of all kinds – and I love the wine country. It was a last minute getaway and challenging to find accommodations but an eleventh hour tip from a friend turned out to be fantastic. Relais du Soleil is a guest ranch (yes a ranch!) in what feels like the middle of nowhere but is actually 5 minutes away from downtown in the breathtaking Sonoma Valley. It is truly the best of both worlds. Our host, Tim Korn, rolled out the red carpet, greeting us with a glass of his homemade wine, gave us our itinerary for the day (I highly suggest the Benziger winery tour and tasting: www.benziger.com), and then spoiled us with appetizers in the afternoon (with more wine of course) and a three course gourmet breakfast the next morning. We also had a three room cottage with everything we could have wanted, including a complete kitchen. The Relais is peaceful, sunny and very private – definitely off the beaten path. Prices at the Relais are also quite competitive in the mostly outrageously pricey wine country. Go to www.relaisdusoleil.com for more information and to make a reservation.
Okay – I have to go do some more work and get ready for my next fabulous break. Enjoy the summer – wherever you are.
Any savvy New York shopper knows that Southampton is one of the premiere shopping destinations in the east. There are countless stores in the Hamptons, but Anya’s Women’s Boutique truly made an impact on me. They have a lot of this summer’s usual suspects – cotton tank dresses, ballet flats, Havaianas flip flops, as well as some unexpected items. My favorite unique thing in the store is these little tank tops for babies with inspirational quotes like, “I Will Make a Difference” and “I Love My Life.” I actually collect t-shirts with inspiring quotes and now we have an option for children. What a great gift for someone who just had a baby – and for our future. Go to www.missblink.com to see the complete line for kids. Anya’s also has a beautiful layout, attentive staff and some fantastic belts and jewelry. It is located at 28 Jobs Lane in Southampton, 631-283-1018 (no website).
Now – on the other side of the country it was time to escape the city (San Francisco this time) and I am very much a luxury hotel kind of gal – Hilton, Hyatt, or better and I am happy. I don’t camp or do anything at all rustic. However – I love sun and beautiful settings of all kinds – and I love the wine country. It was a last minute getaway and challenging to find accommodations but an eleventh hour tip from a friend turned out to be fantastic. Relais du Soleil is a guest ranch (yes a ranch!) in what feels like the middle of nowhere but is actually 5 minutes away from downtown in the breathtaking Sonoma Valley. It is truly the best of both worlds. Our host, Tim Korn, rolled out the red carpet, greeting us with a glass of his homemade wine, gave us our itinerary for the day (I highly suggest the Benziger winery tour and tasting: www.benziger.com), and then spoiled us with appetizers in the afternoon (with more wine of course) and a three course gourmet breakfast the next morning. We also had a three room cottage with everything we could have wanted, including a complete kitchen. The Relais is peaceful, sunny and very private – definitely off the beaten path. Prices at the Relais are also quite competitive in the mostly outrageously pricey wine country. Go to www.relaisdusoleil.com for more information and to make a reservation.
Okay – I have to go do some more work and get ready for my next fabulous break. Enjoy the summer – wherever you are.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Inspiration - only $19.98
Despite my heavy-handed, judgmental tone in my first blog entry, I actually am quite a delight to be around – and I truly do want to change the world. At times though I get discouraged and question if I can really make a difference with my own little life. But then I snap myself out of it and remember that… if I didn’t believe one person could have an effect on the world, I would have a crappy desk job that I hate and watch the Food Channel every night. I do what I do out of a commitment to make a difference - even if I only reach one person a week. I have a website and a blog and I speak to organizations in order to make people think and empower them.
I just heard about something that further renewed my faith in this mission. Sarah Jessica Parker has designed a new clothing line. Now – being a huge fan of Sex and the City (people actually say I am a lot like Carrie Bradshaw) and knowing about SJP’s (and Carrie’s) much hyped love affair with Manolo Blahnik, I expected her collection to be couture beyond couture. It isn’t. The line, called Bitten, is designed for sizes 0-22 (most go to 12) and contains nothing over $19.98. Unbelievable. One of the tag lines is “Fashion is not a Luxury; it is a Right.” Also - Bitten is available exclusively at one retailer (Steve & Barry’s) who does no advertising. Check out: www.bittensjp.com.
This is great for a lot of reasons. SJP never has to work another day in her life and could easily forget about the “little people” in the world who work long hours for little money and cannot afford $200 designer jeans. But she hasn’t. In fact, she has created Bitten specifically for people like them. Also – this line solves a problem for many people whose weight fluctuates and cannot buy a designer wardrobe for every size they move through.
Bitten is a perfect example of a simple concept that has the potential to do a lot of good. I see it in my work all the time. People feeling good because of one great shirt or necklace… it can literally alter their lives. So, this is what keeps me going. The idea that we can all have an impact, even in small ways – and all these small ways combined together will make a huge difference.
I’m inspired – how about you?
I just heard about something that further renewed my faith in this mission. Sarah Jessica Parker has designed a new clothing line. Now – being a huge fan of Sex and the City (people actually say I am a lot like Carrie Bradshaw) and knowing about SJP’s (and Carrie’s) much hyped love affair with Manolo Blahnik, I expected her collection to be couture beyond couture. It isn’t. The line, called Bitten, is designed for sizes 0-22 (most go to 12) and contains nothing over $19.98. Unbelievable. One of the tag lines is “Fashion is not a Luxury; it is a Right.” Also - Bitten is available exclusively at one retailer (Steve & Barry’s) who does no advertising. Check out: www.bittensjp.com.
This is great for a lot of reasons. SJP never has to work another day in her life and could easily forget about the “little people” in the world who work long hours for little money and cannot afford $200 designer jeans. But she hasn’t. In fact, she has created Bitten specifically for people like them. Also – this line solves a problem for many people whose weight fluctuates and cannot buy a designer wardrobe for every size they move through.
Bitten is a perfect example of a simple concept that has the potential to do a lot of good. I see it in my work all the time. People feeling good because of one great shirt or necklace… it can literally alter their lives. So, this is what keeps me going. The idea that we can all have an impact, even in small ways – and all these small ways combined together will make a huge difference.
I’m inspired – how about you?
Sunday, May 27, 2007
I Bitch Because I Love...
OK – it is time for me to break my silence and come out of the closet (pun firmly intended). I have been bitching to my friends and colleagues for months and now it is time to share my thoughts with the world. I am sick of people walking around looking like slobs in public. There – I have said it. Why is it that people will follow stringent rules of dress at jobs that they hate and then walk around looking like crap during the time when they can be/do/have whatever they want? Is it a rebellion of sorts? Or is it utter apathy? I have been traveling on planes like crazy these past 6 months and I have noticed that most air travelers look more like they are going to a slumber party than to the Caribbean. I have had enough of the sweatpants that are 2 sizes too big and the scrunchies (wince!) pulling back as much wet hair as they could grab with one hand severely. Yes ladies I am talking to you… No one wants to see this! Take the time to do your hair, put on a little makeup and at least wear some nice jeans or cotton pants. They are comfortable and the material breathes at high altitudes. Pair this with a sweater or cute t-shirt and you’re good to go. I promise you’ll have a better time.
If you know me, you know that although I am generally modern about life and relationships, I am a traditionalist about fashion. I yearn for the days of Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, when women wore dresses and hats and men wore suits (even when they weren’t required to) and took off their hats as a sign of respect. People dressed for every occasion: dinner, the theatre, the opera, travel, etc. I think I got this appreciation of the past from my mother, who to this day does not leave her house without lipstick on. I realize people need to be comfortable, especially in cities like New York where we walk everywhere. However, there are ways to have both comfort and style. I see it everyday on the subway. And it does not require and should not ever include Crocs. Here’s my other bold statement: Unless you are under the age of 10 or you actually wear them to do gardening, Crocs are not cute, attractive or in any way, shape or form a fashion statement. End of conversation. I have had countless conversations with people who agree with me about this and finally just found a website (thanks to my colleague Sarah's husband Jeff) that speaks to this bane of my existence. Check out: http://www.ihatecrocs.com/.
Here’s the deal: dressing well is actually quite simple. However, so many people have no clue. I guess I should be grateful for this because herein lies the need for image consultants. Conversely though, being fashionable comes easy to some people, especially in Europe. (A gross generalization, I know, but there is significant evidence to support this). For numerous examples of finding the inherent style in the everyday (mostly in Europe), check out: http://www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com/. But I don't live in Europe - yet...
Welcome to my blog. See you soon.
If you know me, you know that although I am generally modern about life and relationships, I am a traditionalist about fashion. I yearn for the days of Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, when women wore dresses and hats and men wore suits (even when they weren’t required to) and took off their hats as a sign of respect. People dressed for every occasion: dinner, the theatre, the opera, travel, etc. I think I got this appreciation of the past from my mother, who to this day does not leave her house without lipstick on. I realize people need to be comfortable, especially in cities like New York where we walk everywhere. However, there are ways to have both comfort and style. I see it everyday on the subway. And it does not require and should not ever include Crocs. Here’s my other bold statement: Unless you are under the age of 10 or you actually wear them to do gardening, Crocs are not cute, attractive or in any way, shape or form a fashion statement. End of conversation. I have had countless conversations with people who agree with me about this and finally just found a website (thanks to my colleague Sarah's husband Jeff) that speaks to this bane of my existence. Check out: http://www.ihatecrocs.com/.
Here’s the deal: dressing well is actually quite simple. However, so many people have no clue. I guess I should be grateful for this because herein lies the need for image consultants. Conversely though, being fashionable comes easy to some people, especially in Europe. (A gross generalization, I know, but there is significant evidence to support this). For numerous examples of finding the inherent style in the everyday (mostly in Europe), check out: http://www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com/. But I don't live in Europe - yet...
Welcome to my blog. See you soon.
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