Nick Cave Takes Detroit, the launch

All photos by Alvita Lozano at Cranbrook Museum of Art

One of the great things about living in Metro Detroit, is the ability to catch events like this one.  Nick Cave was professionally photographed in front of a live audience at the Cranbrook Museum of Art this afternoon to promote his Here Hear city wide performance art exhibition.  A collaboration between he and the Cranbrook Art Museum.  Keep an eye out for Nick Cave Takes Detroit!

Flora Will Save The Day

Floral Bouquet on display at shop in Paris France

Photo by Sevil Sungar, world traveler, co-owner of Goodnight Istanbul

former Detroit resident and an unstoppable Stylish Friend

Pinterest Board: Flower Power Jacket

 

Mother Nature respects Beauty.  Flora, an unstoppable celebration of color, texture and scent.  As the perfume and fashion industry seeks to mimic it's force and allure we embrace it all with open arms, eyes and hearts longing to dress ourselves in divine forms of praise for our creator.

Happy Mothers Day to you and yours may the beauty of nature, friendship and faith find and keep you everyday. -  xoxo alvita

Sugar Man Lost And Found In Detroit: Rodriguez

Image Via: Killeraphrodite review

 

Let's face it, Detroit and America could use some good news right now and this movie is right on time. 

 

I made a point to see this film over the labor day weekend and what can I say but Only In Detroit!!! 

 

Rodriguez, the subject of this film is alive and well indeed and from what I can gather, starting to enjoy some of the fruit of his gifts.   Enjoy it Sir, true talent is not manufactured like our automobile industry goods are however your story is just as inspiring and keeps us all moving forward!

 

The film is playing right now in theaters across America and the soundtrack is also available in many formats via Sony Classics. 

European Magazine Fix via Leopold's Books

Another Magazine: Fall/Winer Cover 2011

Great selection of magazines in stock now



Leopold's Books Facebook Page

Leopold's bookstore is a smart and unassuming place to visit.  If you are a bookish/magazine sort this is a must stop and see and buy something for good keeping kind of place.  I initially stopped into Leopold's Books on one of my trips to the DIA not long after it's grand opening and made note of all the obscure semi counter culture/art/political gems it stocked.

Recently I was on the hunt for a copy of the fall issue of "Another" magazine which is published bi-annually and otherwise available on-line (Super Smart Magazine Format by the way).  The mall based book store I purchased it at last year is now closed so I knew I'd have to do some digging.  Dig I did.  The Internet search for local distribution was fruitless so I called "The Book Beat" in Southfield and was told they did not carry it. 

When I contacted the owner of Leopold's via e-mail I got a quick response back on the magazine and made arrangements to pick up a copy when it arrived.  Score!!!

Now that is what I call service Detroit.  This is why it's so important to support local business people and the resources they bring to our city.  Next time you are in the mood for some international news on Fashion/Art or Culture make a B-line for Leopold's Book store.

ThinkThis! Designs: Hip 2B Smart

Above photos: Work of photOtassa photography

Styled by Adriana Pavon

Nichole Christian - Founder of ThinkThis! Designs

There are times when we cross paths with individuals that seem to be divine appointments. I got that impression when I met Nichole Christian last year at a Women's Art show at the Crofoot in Pontiac where she was selling her cool T-shirts. The next time I found myself in her company, at a Birthday gathering my first impression was confirmed.

You may have seen her work in a few of the shops around Metro-Detroit, including Bureau of Urban Living, and Nakka, which carry a creative mix of "Detroitcentric" products. ThinkThis! Designs is one of those urban T-shirt brands to emerge with a powerful social voice. It's founder, Nichole Christian is deft at rolling complex social experiences and emotions into a simple tag line. She is a Detroit native and professional journalist with experience at The Wall street Journal, New York Times, and The Detroit FreePress. Ever the curious story teller, she collects portrait photography, and a large variety of journals which hold her many ideas and reflections.

Nichole notes her young daughter, her 90-year-old grandmother and Dr. Maya Angelou as constant sources of Inspiration. Each providing a different kind of wisdom. Speaking of wisdom we can't overlook the blockbuster movie oracle of Star Wars the oddly humble and powerful Yoda, whom Nichole is fascinated with.

"I didn't create ThinkThis! Designs to be just another T-Shirt company. I'm out to ignite more inspired living, unleashing the power of Words, Ideas, and Images on whatever canvas speaks to me. My T-shirts are just chapter one."

"Visit ThinkThis! Designs at VegFest on March 27. Nichole's inspired journey is taking her to this year's premier Vegetarian Tastefest and expo. It has been said "Where the Mind is lead the feet will follow" so be smart, get your "Style On" with ThinkThis! Designer T-shirts and feed the visual world around you with hip and healthy fashion. Bon Appetite Detroit!

Fashion Blogger, Photographer, Local Girl: Elaine Von Vintage

Ashlee Harris...AKA Elaine Von Vintage

Ashlee's Fashion Photo Shoot Work

Ashlee Harris aka Elaine Von Vintage is the real deal. Model, Photographer, Vintage Guru, and creative visionary. For here 22 years, I was thoroughly impressed with her confidence and fashion knowledge. She works at Forever 21 and hones her photography skills shooting various friends and events on the side.

I have been a fan of her stylish blog: "Elaine Von Vintage" for the last year, and adore her shopping adventures featuring thrift finds and her diverse stylish ensembles. She often models the clothes and also shares what she pays for each item.

Ashlee collects vintage handbags and enjoys thrift store shopping to find various pieces that are "one of a kind items" to add to her wardrobe.

I was tickled to find out she loves James Taylor, whom I am also a huge fan.

Check out Ashlee's flickr page "FancyDior" for her latest fashion photography and make sure to follow her blog: Elaine Von Vintage for more on this Detroit Girl Gone Fashion...and local rising star.

Vintage Fashion Doll: Debutant Of Style

An American Fashion Voice
Ruby Amae Ford

Recycled Flag Head Scarf


Dress by Matt Richmond: Saving The Planet 1 Dress at a Time
Made of Detroit Telephone Pages

Ruby Amae Ford
Is A Fashion Doll Debutant
From Detroit

She knows what it’s like to live
Through Recession and War
She’s a FreeStlye Original
A Revolutionary Force

Her Style is spun from Ideas
Found in Music, History and Art
“Osado" In Detroit
With a Bold and Daring Heart

Found Vintage Fashion Doll, 'Ruby Amae Ford" is a metaphor for Fashion in Detroit. She speaks to the complex change occurring in society as we move from the economic industries of the past to forge creative opportunities of the future.

"Osado" is Spanish meaning "Bold and Daring", which will be required of Detroit's Leaders, Workers, and Citizens. That's Detroit Style: Vision, Hard Work....Osado!

To Bid or Not to Bid...This is the Question

Hudson's Mink Stole: DuMouchelles On-line Catalogue

Auction houses have a historic and distinguished presence in the market place. Sotheby's and Christies are known world wide, but here in Detroit, we have DouMouchelles, Fine Art Auctioneers and Appraisers, in operation since 1927.

Earlier this year I searched their on-line catalogue http://www.dumouchelle.com/ to get a feel for the type of clothing items to be found. I was happy to spot this Hudson's Vintage Mink Stole in the lot. The bid price range for the piece was reasonable to my thinking so I made a special trip to 409 East Jefferson in Detroit.

There it was in the gallery hanging on a mannequin ready for me to inspect. I studied the lining, seaming and condition of the fur. It was well cared for over the years. I tried it on for fit, and quickly began to dream of owning a piece of retail history. Hudson's was a retail gem back in the day and has a special place in the memories of many native Detroit families.

I could not be available to attend the actual auction so I decided on a "Telephone Bid" process, and filled out the necessary paperwork to participate. I found the staff to be genuinely helpful and attentive. This made my first splash into the world of auction bidding easy and enjoyable.

Long story short, I lost the piece to another bidder with deeper pockets. I had a definite price limitation going into it and quickly lost my dream in three bids.

I was told by a staff member at DuMouchelles that they don't normally get large amounts of clothing or collections come to auction. I hope this will change soon. I just know there are so many collectors of Important Fashion in the Detroit Metro Area. Those who collect, take care of the investment and understand the value of buying and selling it. Those of us who hunt for fine Vintage Clothing are links in the recycling chain of history and Style. Clothing is a Cultural element of history and DuMochelles has a special place in both the past and future of Detroit's fashion runway. Happy Bidding!

Location...Location...Location

You got it...Detroit is my earth seat. It's my adopted home and believe it or not it's a fascinating place to be. Oh sure it's 'Ground Zero" when it comes to big cities in the United States...but hey it's a distinction with limitless creative possibility as well. We have a chance to reinvent ourselves! Isn't that what visionaries do? Look at Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga...their Style changes and works for them...not the other way around.

The photo is one I took at the Detroit Institute of Art (grand opening night, 2007). The DIA underwent a spectacular renovation that included additions and important changes. It was always an important cultural gem in Detroit and now it Sparkles even brighter. I call this photo my DIA Bling shot!