Bill Cunningham New York

The New York Times Style photographer Bill Cunningham is a living legend.  Seeing him on the street or at fashion shows will never cease to excite the fashion flock.  He once took my picture on Fifth Avenue and even though it never made it into the paper, it was still a thrilling moment.   He reminds me of Jeremiah Goodman in that he continues to pursue his lifelong passion at 80.  I'm sure it keeps him young.  It also seems fitting that the new documentary about him is entitled Bill Cunningham New York because he is New York.  The film is the first feature by director Richard Press and it has already won the audience award for best documentary award at the Melbourne International Film Festival. I'm not sure when Bill Cunningham New York will be in the theatres but I'll keep you posted.  Anna Wintour once said, "we all get dressed for Bill." I will definitely continue to dress for Bill in the hopes of catching his eye.  But if I don't, I will be just as excited to catch a glimpse of him.

Avedon: Photographs from The Richard Avedon Foundation

There are so many wonderful events coming up in Paris this fall including Avedon: Photographs from The Richard Avedon Foundation sale at Christie's November 20, 2010.  Over 60 Avedon iconic photographs as well as several unique and extremely rare items will be up for sale.  Proceeds from the sale will initiate The Richard Avedon Foundation’s endowment in support of its philanthropic mission. Usually, photography is a great place to start collecting art but I have a feeling from the estimates that these will be out of most our budgets.  Also, if you can't make it to Paris, I'm happy to report that the photographs will be on view at Christie's in New York October 1-7, 2010.  Elephants sold separately of course.  

Marilyn Monroe, actor, New York, May 6, 1957 (Estimate: $100,000-150,000)

Richard Avedon Self-Portrait, c. 1963 (Estimate: $8,000-12,000)

Top Image: Dovima with elephants, evening dress by Dior, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris, August 1955 (Estimate: $500,000-700,000)

Visite Privée by François Halard

Photographer François Halard recently had an exhibition which was compiled into an accompanying book entitled Visite Privée.   The collection of photographs of artists and their studios include Cy Twombly, Julian Schnabel, Carlos Mollino, Ahn Duong, Richard Avedon, Paul Cezanne, Robert Rauschenberg, and others.  My favorite space is of course Mr. Hallard's own home in Arles, France.  There is a great story in Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People about how he wasn't intending to buy a home but fell in love with its "melancholy spell."  He spent years restoring the home and filled it with many pieces he already owned in storage including the Louis XVI lit a la polonaise canopy bed from the antiquaire Compoglio.  I've included photos from both books here but unfortunately Visite Privée seems to only be available in Europe.  A reason to hop on a plane to Paris if I ever saw one but if that's not possible, you can also check out the rest of the artists online.  À tout à l'heur‎e!

Photos by François Halard

Dylan Thomas Photography....(Via Made By Girl)

Most of LOVE looking at photos, whether it's of someone's home or of a dreamy landscape....a GREAT picture stops us in our tracks. For me, a picture can be inspiring, making me want to take a vacation or re-decorate my home. 

How about you?? Ever had that feeling after looking at a picture??!  

This inspiration happened today while I came across photographer Dylan Thomas. His photography takes you away to another place and time and his creative flair always seems to be in full swing within every photo! I SWEAR, now I am SERIOUSLY thinking of a vacation!!

You can catch his entire portfolio here.

all images by dylan thomas

Virginia Macdonald Photography....

Hello everyone, how's your Monday going so far? I had a great weekend, but as always......I blinked & it was Monday once again! 

To brighten up the start of your week I've decided to highlight Virginia Macdonald's photography work. It's already been featured on several blogs but I couldn't help but share some of my favorites here with you. If you get a minute, check out her bio page...it's so quirky, and it's obvious this woman has a great sense of humor! Enjoy! 

images by virginia macdonald

Photography by Carl Pendle ...(looking to shoot homes in UK)

Welcome back!  I've love to look through a good photographer's portfolio and see the way they SEE things. The way they capture people's homes, neighborhoods and even food.  Carl Pendle introduced me to his work recently and I fell in love with it. He's a freelance interiors photographer based in England.  


For those of you residing in England, Carl is actually LOOKING for people with great homes to shoot & then try & publish them with interior magazines! Of course, if your home is published you get £100 if he gets a commission to publish your house.  If you're in that part of the world & interested.... please shoot Carl an email letting him know you saw this post. In the meanwhile enjoy his lovely images and visit his site for more.

below: some of my favorites from his Venice shoots, gorgeous don't you think?

images copyright by carl pendle

Hope everyone had a superb 3 day weekend! For me, it went by so fast. But, it's back to work.

Icons by an Icon

I love how in New York the art isn't always confined to the museums and galleries. Tod’s commissioned the famed photographer Elliott Erwitt to shoot 22 prominent families for its new exhibition called Icons by an Icon. It's also another example of what I like to call stealth marketing. Each photo contains a pair of Tods shoes or a bag but the photos are more about presenting a lifestyle than hitting you over the head with the product which I quite prefer. No word yet if they will be bound into a book like the Italian's photographed for Italian Touch but you can view them at the Tod's boutique on Madison right now. Enjoy!

Photos by Elliott Erwitt for Tod's