Robin Givhan, The Battle of Versailles, A Detroit Book Signing at SHINOLA

I know where I'll be this upcoming Saturday, March 28th at 1:00 PM, how about you?  Detroit native fashion critic and award winning writer, Robin Givhan will be at a public book signing hosted by SHINOLA, in midtown, Detroit. Give this recent National Public Radio interview podcast a listen to learn more about the book.  Hope to see many of you there!

The Detroit News Archives: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Arrive in Detroit, 1932

Photo: The Detroit News Archive - Permission to share granted by staff writer Louis Aguilar

The Detroit News Archives - Permission to share granted by staff writer Louis Aguilar

"In this 1932 Detroit News story of #DiegoRivera and#FridaKahlo arriving at Michigan Central Station, the female News reporter on the scene figures out the unknown-24-year-old Kahlo is as interesting as her famous husband. Reporter: Are you a painter,too? Kahlo: "Yes, the greatest in the world." - Shared with permission from The Detroit News and staff writer Louis Aguilar - Gracias Senor! — in Detroit, Michigan."

To celebrate the opening of the #Diego Rivera and #Frida Kahlo Art exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Art I'm sharing these gems from the #The Detroit News Archives with permission from staff writer Mr. Louis Aguilar.  The story is packed with the kind of information Historians love and I hope you can appreciate the Mexican Chic style of Frida Kahlo complete with Jadeite bling and plenty of youthful confidence.  Now to solve the mystery on the varied spelling of her name...Frieda (Given Birth, German Origin) , Freda (Referenced in the article and others),  and Frida (Formally changed to by the Artist and commonly knows as).  Any help out there?

Ode to Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Exhibit Opening at the DIA - Detroit

Art Installation at FRIDA Boutique, Detroit's Park Shelton Building - All photos by - Alvita Lozano

Detroit's fashion boutique/retail owner Rachel Lutz opened her FRIDA specialty shop last year on the heals of her renowned Peacock Room retail store.  Both located in the historic Park Shelton building next to the Detroit Institute of Art Museum on Woodward Ave, you can't miss it if you attend the exhibit March-July 2015.  This installation is a wonderful collaboration between Rachel and I to celebrate the opening of the much anticipated Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo opening later this week at the DIA.  The installation has two of my pieces (both made with re-purposed material from my personal collection).  The vintage framed hunting photo on glass is called "Deer Frida Kahlo".  It is a tongue and cheek reference to the famous Mexican artist #Bisexuality, as the Buck proudly wears a floral headdress, an iconic element associated with Frida Kahlo's personal style.  FRIDA (15 east Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202 ) the shop is a sumptuous adventure and the go to retail experience.  I'm happy to say, I shop here and highly recommend a buying trip!  If you happen to stop by and see my installation please let me know what you think.  Viva Detroit Art, Culture and Fashion!

Vintage Wedding Shoot Part II -

All photos: Alvita Lozano, Model Natalie Perkins 

This is what I see and love about working with local creative talent (Original shoot photos by Vankou Photography, Model Natalie Perkins, and MUA, Crystal Drake).  Abstracting and re-contextualizing a favorite shot for contemplation, I explore underlying emotion.  In these shots the young bride is beautiful, vulnerable and a bit fearful.