alina kulesh

Baudouin’s 75 Parisiennes: Parisian women have long been regarded as the ultimate symbols of elegance and chic. But is this, in fact, a reality? Photographer Baudouin (yes, a one name wonder) sets out to uncover the world of Parisian women, resulting in the eclectic photo series, 75 Parisiennes.

Bless this man. And these women. Photographer Baudouin created a photo-series that is long overdue. He visited the homes of over 300 Parisian women to photograph them in their daily surroundings; this resulted in 75 visually rich and eclectic photographs that challenge society’s notion of the typical Parisiennes.

You can’t and shouldn’t miss this one. How I wish I could meet these women.

Get to know Baudouin’s 75 Parisiennes here.

Impressions Dior: The honorary rebels of the art world, the Impressionists were inspired by modernity, daily life, and the ever-changing qualities of light. With the Normandy Impressionist Festival in full-swing, we explore the enchanting exhibition, Impressions Dior, with curator Florence Müller.

 

While studying art in school, the Impressionists were my favourite. I admired that the artists in this group were considered the rebels of the art world. (If I were to ever want to be a rebel of anything, I think it would be of art.) Yet, they painted such beautiful, light, and sensual subjects. There is nothing pretentious about their work. Nothing feels forced, just everyday imagery bathed in light and colour.

I’ve heard of the Normandy Impressionist Festival before, but I was not aware that Christian Dior was so influenced by the region and the Impressionists. How lucky? Being surrounded by (extreme) natural beauty from birth ought to have a positive outcome. If you like art, fashion, and are at all interested in the ideas of “inspiration” and “creativity”, this article is for you.

Read the full piece here.

The Silent Partners of the 20th Century: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Vladimir Nabokov, Jackson Pollock, Alfred Hitchcock and Man Ray: men who have shaped the arts in the 20^th century. But look closely at their shadows, and you’ll see their unsung partners, better halves, and, in many cases, worst enemies – in female form.

With all of the world talking about The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald, I couldn’t help but wonder about Zelda. Who was she? What was her passion? As I started to dig deeper, I found out that not only did she have a passion for writing, but she was also an amazing artist. But, her image was heavily clouded with the stigma of mental illness and simply being F.Scott’s wife, nothing more.

Originally this piece was supposed to be only about Zelda–but, her story got me thinking that there must be many other females who were hiding in the shadows of the great men that we still celebrate. Women who had passions, were talented, but just didn’t get the recognition they deserved.

SILENT PARTNER #1: Zelda Fitzgerald -Writer, Painter, F. Scott’s Biggest Insecurity:

SILENT PARTNER #2: Véra Nabokov - Editor, Muse, Vladimir’s Better Half:

SILENT PARTNER #3: Lee Krasner - Abstract Expressionist Painter, Babysitter of Jackson Pollock:

SILENT PARTNER #4: Alma Reville - Film Editor, Screenwriter, The Woman Hitchcock Admired and Feared:

SILENT PARTNER #5: Lee Miller - Surrealist, Photojournalist, Man Ray’s Biggest Heartbreak:

You can read the full article here.

A Quiet Luxury: Since its debut in October 2012, luxury label Maiye thas been capturing hearts across the world by embracing traditional artisanal techniques – a rarity in a typically lacquered fashion industry. Alina Kulesh uncovers Maiyet’s world – its philosophy, work and inspirations. (The Genteel)

Maiyet’s quiet and luxurious aesthetic caught my eye mid-2012, and without any over-exaggeration their designs and campaigns literally took my breath away. I find many high-fashion labels are often trying too hard, so much so that their clothes, etc. feel so forced. Maiyet’s designs seem organic, relaxed yet luxurious, and definitely…easy. And there’s something sexy about easiness and comfort.

Besides designing great goods, their branding (strategy and its transparency) is smart, and is working wonders. Read the full designer profile on The Genteel.

Ukraine Welcomes Vogue in Russian:March 2013 marked the launch of the 21st international Vogue publication, Vogue Ukraine. A celebratory moment for the country, Vogue Ukraine shines a light on Ukrainian talent – in the Russian language – and highlights the creeping issue of the Russianisation of Ukraine.

I was very excited to learn that my birth country, Ukraine, has finally received some luxury and style recognition…and then I realize that the Vogue is published in Russian. Conde Nast’s decision to publish Vogue Ukraine in Russian is a strong example of the “Russianisation” of the country – not new news, but still, this gloomy crowd hovers steadily over the country.

Masha Tsukanova’s – the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Ukraine – answer to why the magazine is published in Russian, as opposed to the country’s national language, Ukrainian, was, well, honest. She stated:

“When people will start to buy publications in Ukrainian, then magazines, like Vogue, will be published in Ukrainian. As soon as the first happens – then the latter will follow immediately. In the meantime we want to profit.”

Obviously money over patriotism.

But what doesn’t make sense is that 67% of the country speaks /reads in Ukrainian, 24% in Russian, so what’s happening? Why isn’t this taken into consideration? Is it because most of those 67% Ukrainian speakers are in rural areas where magazines like Vogue are scarcely available? Or does Conde Nast and UMH Group want to keep the their playing field open and appeal to Russian consumers in Russia? Looks like they want to keep their options open.

You can read the full article here. What are your thoughts?

One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Art: At his studio in Jersey City, artist Kirk Bray is creating unique mixed media art pieces which unite the past with the present. Through found materials, vintage photographs, magazine clippings, and the work of the late artist Arthur Sturcke, Bray’s witty and satirical masterpieces are not to be missed.

Learning about Kirk Bray and his mixed media art was one of the highlights of my visit to NYC during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. (Kirk happens to be one of the co-founders of the leather-goods-meets-Americana-cool accessory brand, BillyKirk.) His work is witty, a bit dark, satirical, and technically “vintage” – he basically uses found materials and objects to create these little detailed, clever collages.

Kirk’s home studio looks like a well curated thrift store – except everything that’s in it is a treasure. Recently Kirk acquired a scrapbook, artworks, and writings of the deceased artist Arthur Sturcke (talk about a good find); Kirk is completely fascinated by him and is using these materials in his own work. Recycled art anyone? Kirk Bray’s artwork is not to be missed, see it / read about it here.

While I was at his studio I remembered a collage that I had pieced together one Summer weekend afternoon (below) out of a few magazines I have lying around, maybe it’s something I’ll start exploring a bit more…

Dolce & Gabbana’s Beautiful Sin: Drawing inspiration from the unusual coupling of Byzantine art and the films of Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, Dolce & Gabbana’s A/W 2013-14 collection was dynamic and sinfully pleasurable. Alina Kulesh delves into a collection that was at once, wicked and genius.

Fashion show after fashion show after fashion show can get really monotonous – you see a lot of “recycling” from season to season, designer to designer. But there’s always that one collection that makes you remember what high-fashion ought to look like; this season, for me, it was Dolce & Gabbana’s A/W 2013-14 collection. Sophisticated opulence at its best! Crimson lips, jeweled crowns, velvet shoes, chunky rosary earrings and necklaces, and religious mosaics, Dolce & Gabbana were definitely influenced by the extravagance of Byzantine Art.

But where would Dolce & Gabbana be without Fellini! Their admiration was clearly illustrated in this collection as well. An odd pairing–”Byzantine art and Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, founder of ‘paparazzi’, doodler of ‘butts and tits’, and masterful fuser of fantasy and baroque imagery.” It was exactly this juxtaposition that made the collection so memorable.

If you care to explore more, you can read “Dolce & Gabbana’s Beautiful Sin” here.

We’ve been doing a really exciting series on frank called “Workspaces” – essentially, we are going into the offices / studios of some really creative and influential people, companies, and organizations.

So far – we’ve published two:

Solomonoff Architecture Studio – they have this really inspirational “idea” room, that is filled with books and photographs, and then they have a “hustle” room – where all the magic happens. Check it out here.

And then we also went into Davis Moss-Thompson’s studio – he’s a photographer and mixed media artist – located in the eclectic Crown Heights neighbourhood, in Brooklyn. His space had such warm and zen energy, I really loved being in there. Check it out here.

One of the coolest things I’ve done in 2013, thus far, is attend Art Gallery of Ontario’s Media Preview for Patti Smith’s photography exhibit Camera Solo.

I’m a huge Patti Smith fan girl – words cannot explain – so this was very special for me.

I took several photographs and detailed my experience on frank and wrote an in-depth article about Patti and her work for The Genteel. 2013′s looking good!

I feel so guilty for neglecting this space!

Since the launch of frank by The Genteel – a new arts and style journal – things have been hectic and at times overwhelming. But, everything is going well–most importantly, we are receiving great feedback from our readers/visitors! If you haven’t checked it out yet, head on over now!

In the meantime…here are some highlights from the last couple of months:

• Costume Designer, Jacqueline Durran, won an Oscar for her work in the film Anna Karenina. When I interviewed her – about the film and the costumes – back in September she talked so passionately about their process and vision, I was quite glad to see her win! You can check-out the interview here.
• I wrote this piece about Patti Smith and her photography exhibit, Camera Solo (currently on at the Art Gallery of Ontario). I can’t express how much of an inspiration Smith has been in my life. As well, since writing this piece I haven’t been able to stop listening to her album Banga and am re-reading Just Kids.
• I discovered the world of “Phillumeny” and wrote about it here.
• frank’s fashion expert panel weighed in on the Best Dresed and Worst Dressed at the Academy Awards; I chose Charlize Theron as my Best. Take a look at the rest here.
• Irene (Editor-in-Chief of The Genteel) and I recorded our first frank talk with movie maven Teri Hart – I found it very entertaining, the process, the conversation, and the end product. You can listen here.
• I spent 10 days in New York City for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – I love NYC so it was such a pleasure, despite the busy schedule. Irene and I wrote a little something something in response to Susan Menkes’ “The Circus of Fashion” piece in T-Magazine. It’s gotten quite a few reads and Jeanne Beker (fashion pioneer) gave it a shout out on Twitter.

The photograph above is of Irene and I during NYFW – somewhere in between a presentation and a photo shoot.

New! Phaidon’s The Art Book new edition, as seen on The Genteel’s Coffee Table Book Gift Guide.

A classic, really.

Here’s a quickie for your Monday AM:

I recently wrote a piece about one of the best evenings of my life. Well slight over exaggeration, but only slight. I found the entire experience quite inspiring, so perhaps you will as well; you can read Advice From David Sedaris in The Huffington Post Books section here.