Monday, September 20, 2010

When life gives you scraps.....


.........make a slipcover with Kermit in it. :)










A Look at the Art of Napery (Pt. 2)


A few designers had actually used "napery" in fashion and needless to say it created stunning effects as seen in these designs by Japanese designer Junya Watanabe.

Polyester and organdy jacket and skirt from 2000 (photo via: http://www.wilsonart.com/design/statement/viewarticle.asp?articleid=192)




Fashion spread from US Vogue July 2000.





Cotton polyester dress with metal rods from S/S 1999 (via: Hiroshi Sugimoto)

A Look at the Art of Napery

I recently saw a feature about this old art of paper-folding similar to the origami. A man who goes by the name Joan Sillas, (yes he's a he) has revived the art of "napery"* and has created sculptures using the technique. According to the interview, this form of paper-folding has been around since the 14th century and perhaps the most known form is the fan.

(*Perhaps a fusion of "napkin" and "drapery" as it was used as decorations for banquets during the Middle Ages)

Here's a look at the interview with Joan Sillas.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Everyday Art

The Bonifacio Monument is one of those sights which I see for as long as I could remember. Created in the 1930's by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino as an honor to Andres Bonifacio who is considered as the Great Plebeian in the 1898 Philippine Revolt.

The work features a tableau of 23 key figures depicting events in Philippine history with a 45-ft. obelisk with a winged figure of victory on top.



Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Pint-sized couture

I recently went to a screening of "An Education". A coming of age film set in 60's London and stars Peter Saarsgard, Alfred Molina and Carey Mulligan who played the protagonist Jenny (The role scored her a Best Actress at this year's Oscars BTW.) Apart from the plot, what caught my interest are the costumes featured in it. (Something which I consider as "staple" whenever I watch period films.)

Costume designer Odile Dicks Mireaux did a great job with the costumes as she was able to capture the spirit of London back in the 60's (one of my favorite era). The actors looked great with the male cast in their suits whilst the female cast fit like a glove in their dresses.

I was so inspired after that i looked at my archive for pieces and took these photos. Enjoy :)

"Vintage" leopard print coat.



Front of white lace dress with "jeweled" collar.



Back detail.



Printed silk dress with belt detail.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Today

I just love unplanned trips. Earlier, I happened to be in Manila by "accident" and while within the area, I've decided to drop by two places which I read about a couple of days ago.

Ambos Mundos

I'm not sure if the owners named it after the famous hotel in Cuba, but according to sources the restaurant has been around since 1888 and as the name suggests, the restaurant's claim to fame is its "authentic Spanish cooking".

Just to give an impression of the place: just eclectic.




One willl find an assortment of birds in these cages. It is reported that the owners are pet lovers.



Outside looking in.



Guess who's in for an afternoon nap? A staple attraction of the restaurant.



Wah Sun Cantonese Restaurant

Just across Ambos Mundos is this restaurant. Not sure if it belongs to same owner as Ambos, but as the exterior would suggests, it must be.

Below this what seemed to be an ordinary looking house is the restaurant.



Ramon Lee

A few walks from Ambos and Wah Sun is Ramon Lee (perhaps named after its owner?)



The restaurant's been in the same location since it opened in 1929.



A view from outside. Sources tells that they serve one of the best chicken and pancit (stir-fried noodles with a variety of toppings) in town.



Until then.:)

Friday, September 3, 2010

The Black Swan

I was so excited when I first heard about the film. The excitement elevated when I saw the trailer.