One of THE Questions... "Nature or Nurture?"
Ryan Reynolds just got People magazine's Sexiest Man of the Year cover... and he is a fellow Vancouverite.In his interview he said something like..."Canadians can apologize for anything, anytime anywhere at the drop of a hat. We have an amazing ability to say "I'm sorry".' I think that there were more than a few Canadians who laughed at themselves over that one...myself included.Which...as I relive my formative years back at home in Vancouver over the holidays brings the question to mind..."How much of me is "me" and how much is me, because of where I grew up?"
Quick list that I think is true: Canadians are pretty well educated...I think 5th in the world list overall( no offense...just data here, but America comes in at 35 I think.)I always read a lot and was privileged to go a great all girls prep school which gave me amazing academic training( I was writing 2-3 page study papers that I had to research in grade five and writing formal final exams at the same age. I chose to be in debate, public speaking and drama as well as student government...but everyone had to be able to study and sit and write formal exams and papers from a young age.I had a few classes under my belt from the University of British Columbia when I went to the University of Arizona...and all my Canadian credits transferred 2-1.) but all of the people I hang out with here have a great grasp of what's going on in the world...nobody is a narrow perspective of religious belief's,,,and I mean NO ONE no matter what their family background or religious affiliation.Canadians on the whole are a polite considerate people... actually we are famous for it....our 'niceness'our consideration our tolerance and laid back demeanor.
So when people tell me I am gracious, or well mannered...well...I wouldn't have had any friends here...so I assume I am not just naturally polite...but socially well trained.
I have always been aware of how important it is to eat nutritionally, to exercise to enjoy the outdoors and nature. this was partly my family, but in greater part the amazing lap of mother nature that is British Columbia. Ocean, rivers, forests, lakes, mountains, orchard laden valleys, vineyards...it was the most beautiful place in the world...the most most incredible gift to have that as my playground...my home.I think that one of the reasons Canadians in general have a different relationship to their world...is because their world is different. Even if you live in one of our big cities...mother nature is right there. You cannot ignore her and she is not subject to man's dominion...we sit in HER lap.You can feel it when you are here-every where you turn, you cannot ignore the fact that we are a minuscule part of the bigger picture... and it changes you.People here are more respectful, more peaceful, less materialistic, more balanced...because they have respect for their mother and some very good values of life have been bred to the bone. Is this world I describe perfect? Of course not... but everyone that comes here, thousands and thousands of visitors now comment and notice because what I grew up with is obvious even in a few hours to someone who arrives here from another place.
Cultures are formed by their geography...so my home in the larger sense was Canada, and in the smaller sense the home my parents gave me, Greece.My parents were, and are, people of good values and an honorable sensibility.When someone gives their word...that means everything. You offer people hospitality, because when there is nothing else to share...there is nothing more valuable than offering someone sustenance. I don't know how many times I saw my father offer people food,clothes..help. My parents made their lives here; they were born in Greece, but became adults here in British Columbia... and unlike many immigrants...never yearned for Greece. They taught me of my heritage, they gave me roots...but they never said that Canada wasn't home.Canada to them was the vessel that brought their dreams to life, and they were- like all good Greeks- very appreciative of any hospitality offered to them... and Canada gave them a home.
perhaps my upbringing was different too to that of most of first generation, because my parents wee educated, spoke English fluently, read, traveled, and saw the world as one of an infinite and wonderful rainbow or people and places to see and show me.So is my appreciation and respect for other peoples and places me...or because of my parents?Is my appreciation of nature, environment, health and body...me or because of where I grew up?Am I genetically inclined to be kind? Probably. Am I genetically inclined to be empathetic? Probably. But where I grew up certainly influenced me as much as my parents.
I am fortunate. I grew up with love, a roof over my head, food on the table and parents who were wonderful role models.The backyard was a safe place to be 'and incredibly beautiful as well.Of course that made me part of who I am...and I will probably never know...how much of it was the 'where' and how much of it was the' how . When you are surrounded by an overwhelming majority that show similar traits and behaviors...you cannot dismiss just how important the 'where' is. It is life changing and incredibly formative.My parents didn't hit me or disrespect me...ever. When i was little my dad would ask me what I though and he would listen to my answers. My mom and dad showed me how to treat others, so that I would know how i wanted to be treated. My world was safe and beautiful... and that is what it takes to create a nest where a person can grow, flourish and thrive... and that will never change- it is just more uncommon that it should be.
Quick list that I think is true: Canadians are pretty well educated...I think 5th in the world list overall( no offense...just data here, but America comes in at 35 I think.)I always read a lot and was privileged to go a great all girls prep school which gave me amazing academic training( I was writing 2-3 page study papers that I had to research in grade five and writing formal final exams at the same age. I chose to be in debate, public speaking and drama as well as student government...but everyone had to be able to study and sit and write formal exams and papers from a young age.I had a few classes under my belt from the University of British Columbia when I went to the University of Arizona...and all my Canadian credits transferred 2-1.) but all of the people I hang out with here have a great grasp of what's going on in the world...nobody is a narrow perspective of religious belief's,,,and I mean NO ONE no matter what their family background or religious affiliation.Canadians on the whole are a polite considerate people... actually we are famous for it....our 'niceness'our consideration our tolerance and laid back demeanor.
So when people tell me I am gracious, or well mannered...well...I wouldn't have had any friends here...so I assume I am not just naturally polite...but socially well trained.
I have always been aware of how important it is to eat nutritionally, to exercise to enjoy the outdoors and nature. this was partly my family, but in greater part the amazing lap of mother nature that is British Columbia. Ocean, rivers, forests, lakes, mountains, orchard laden valleys, vineyards...it was the most beautiful place in the world...the most most incredible gift to have that as my playground...my home.I think that one of the reasons Canadians in general have a different relationship to their world...is because their world is different. Even if you live in one of our big cities...mother nature is right there. You cannot ignore her and she is not subject to man's dominion...we sit in HER lap.You can feel it when you are here-every where you turn, you cannot ignore the fact that we are a minuscule part of the bigger picture... and it changes you.People here are more respectful, more peaceful, less materialistic, more balanced...because they have respect for their mother and some very good values of life have been bred to the bone. Is this world I describe perfect? Of course not... but everyone that comes here, thousands and thousands of visitors now comment and notice because what I grew up with is obvious even in a few hours to someone who arrives here from another place.
Cultures are formed by their geography...so my home in the larger sense was Canada, and in the smaller sense the home my parents gave me, Greece.My parents were, and are, people of good values and an honorable sensibility.When someone gives their word...that means everything. You offer people hospitality, because when there is nothing else to share...there is nothing more valuable than offering someone sustenance. I don't know how many times I saw my father offer people food,clothes..help. My parents made their lives here; they were born in Greece, but became adults here in British Columbia... and unlike many immigrants...never yearned for Greece. They taught me of my heritage, they gave me roots...but they never said that Canada wasn't home.Canada to them was the vessel that brought their dreams to life, and they were- like all good Greeks- very appreciative of any hospitality offered to them... and Canada gave them a home.
perhaps my upbringing was different too to that of most of first generation, because my parents wee educated, spoke English fluently, read, traveled, and saw the world as one of an infinite and wonderful rainbow or people and places to see and show me.So is my appreciation and respect for other peoples and places me...or because of my parents?Is my appreciation of nature, environment, health and body...me or because of where I grew up?Am I genetically inclined to be kind? Probably. Am I genetically inclined to be empathetic? Probably. But where I grew up certainly influenced me as much as my parents.
I am fortunate. I grew up with love, a roof over my head, food on the table and parents who were wonderful role models.The backyard was a safe place to be 'and incredibly beautiful as well.Of course that made me part of who I am...and I will probably never know...how much of it was the 'where' and how much of it was the' how . When you are surrounded by an overwhelming majority that show similar traits and behaviors...you cannot dismiss just how important the 'where' is. It is life changing and incredibly formative.My parents didn't hit me or disrespect me...ever. When i was little my dad would ask me what I though and he would listen to my answers. My mom and dad showed me how to treat others, so that I would know how i wanted to be treated. My world was safe and beautiful... and that is what it takes to create a nest where a person can grow, flourish and thrive... and that will never change- it is just more uncommon that it should be.
Why Not a Model?
Well...quite obviously to anyone who follows my body of work....I am the face of Mahlia Collection. I am Konstantina Mahlia, I am the heart , the voice and the visionary behind Mahlia Collection, and I am the 'house model.'
When I launched Mahlia in February of 2005, it was obvious to me, that the name, the 'brand' the lifesytle and the face all had to tell the same, seamlessly linked story. The aesthetic footprint came from my soul.. and 'oh well' the aesthetic composition was evident in every nuance of 'me'.
My family was not happy at all about my face being out in public at first They had to adjust to the idea. Last year, my mum, (who is not that computer savvy),was told by some relative, that there were 'naked' pictures of me on the internet. I had to show her my Facebook account, so that she could see the images for herself; and yes, there was some skin showing...but they were not 'naked' pictures of me on the internet for anyone and everyone to see.
I get it all the time. 90%...maybe 95% of the people who know of and watch my brand, love that I too, am the 'face' of my brand.There is that 5 percentile though who will say," You need to get your designs modeled on other models. "You should get a sixteen year old 'hottie' to wear your things. Then they will sell off the shelves." And then you ask..."AM I on the right path?" And to me, the answer has always been "yes".I think that my pictures show my character as well as my 'face', and that to me is hugely important, because I am a female of 'substance." I believe in what I am doing. There is a purpose to my work. I work very hard at it, and I want to share things of good value with others...so why not endorse my beliefs, with my art, with my image? Who could do it better?How could I hire someone to be the 'face' to represent what I believe in? I couldn't. No- one can fulfill that role except me. there is the reality that there will come a time when wrinkles age spots and sagging skin don't work;mthe battle that all models face... but as long as I can do it...I will.
At first, though I had been asked to model before, I never had. I was honestly very ambivalent about being in front of the camera, even though I had chosen to do so, and the photographers I have worked with since this started will tell you so.I learned to model. I learned that there are angles that work and angles that don't; that if it hurts...a LOT, you've probably got it right...and to hold it! I learned to like it...and now..enjoy it. I am in the very , very fortunate position that I am the boss..I am modeling for me... and if it's not what I want...it's over. That's a very different position to be than projecting what some one else wants for their brand identity.To sell your soul because you need the job. I don't have to be a chameleon...if anything, the more I am me, the better. This last shoot of 'La Marionette Rouge' was a departure from that agenda. Yes I wanted the shot to be 'glamorous, sexy, timeless, beautiful...but I got to play act and 'remove 'myself this time.I have had comments like, "It's hard to take my eyes off of your face. My eye s jump between you and the jewelry" Or " It's YOU in every picture, -not the jewelry."and then you have to try and analyze what's good for the brand...and if the picture has grabbed their attention...then to me... we won...THAT"S a good shot.
I have always gotten a lot of attention for my personal style.I was voted best dressed at my all girls prep school; as well as being on the student government god knows how many times- and the lead role in every school play in high school as well as one of the provincial champion debaters, people always noticed the way I looked and how I dressed. Even as a teenager.For me, as much as I LOVE fashion...clothes were another artistic palette with which to express myself.And then too, I was fortunate to be able to wear them well. When I was five and decided to run away from home. I had to drag the suitcase up two flights of stairs in order to get all my clothes,because I wasn't going without them. When I got to my room and finally managed to get the suitcase onto the bed...my plans to run were a 'no go' because with all my party dresses on the bed, I could not unlock the suitcase to pack them.And I was NOT going ANYWHERE without my beautiful dresses. The dice was cast. I was a born fashion maven in the making.
My stylist had noticed the attention I always got at the salon, and we were talking about this one day when I was at the salon. I was finishing up to go and I was wearing jeans a a pale blue Gap t-shirt when we walked into the lobby of the salon. A woman stopped me to say" I Iove your t-shirt. Where did you get it?" My stylist and I looked at one another and started laughing; I mean it was a blue Gap t-shirt.But a seed was planted at that moment... and I thought...if my t-shirt gets that kind of attention...EVERYTHING I wear is going to be me. I will not be a billboard for anyone else.
The thing is that the brand is indivisible from me. The jewelry, the book, the interior designs have all had their endorsements from awards to editorial exposure..but when they want the interview, they want a picture of me in the story. They want me for a radio interview. Very rarely do they want a picture of the jewelry without me;the request is almost always with me, unless of course it's the men's stuff...but then I can wear that fairly well as well.( just joking) All of these elements come what feeds the work and that is -my values, my philosophy of life and what inspires me and my heart.I think that one of the things that makes my images memorable is there is a a connection form me to the camera...the person looking at the picture.There is something in my eyes...the look in my eyes that's a connection. But have not been able to find clothes that are both sweet and sexy, stylish but not unwearable, comfortable and well made with fabrics that travel like a dream. I want lace and gorgeous buttons and fabrics that hug my form without being too provocative. these are all the things they say of my fashion designs....and that nobody else is doing it. And partly the fashion has evolved because I can't find what I want out there. I would have to live in stores and quite honestly...I don't like shopping or going to stores. I go for 'homework." to see what's out there and where's my competition...but I don't shop. I get most of what I need on the internet.
( YOOX....my secret addiction)
So...i started making my own. I found some amazing cutters and seamstresses...yes....HERE in Tucson... and it all began to become another division of the brand. All of the pieces are 'one of a kind' because that to me is true style...to be your self, and make a statement of who you are when you walk out the door. And they are also the fashion pieces in every photo shoot. I always wear Mahlia Collection. Always. And when I'm doing a show, when I'm at a big social event, or even a smaller one...i wear Mahlia... and people know that now.Mahlia clothes, Mahlia jewelry.
When I was at Paris Fashion Week in October, I went to a fashion show. There was a horde of photographers -99% male- at the end of the runway taking pictures of the girls and they come down the runway with this blank look on their faces. The girls aren't supposed to show emotion and they are not supposed to have a 'form' that distracts from the clothes.They are walking human, mannequins.The are wearing the same hairstyle, the same shoes, the same makeup... and they 'model' the clothes. No wonder these girls get so messed up. there are very, very few who make it to become' themselves' in that world. the majority are denied the ability to be themselves and are a canvas for the designer. i am the designer, i am my own canvas, I am my own story. That's why i am the 'model.' Much, much simpler.
When I launched Mahlia in February of 2005, it was obvious to me, that the name, the 'brand' the lifesytle and the face all had to tell the same, seamlessly linked story. The aesthetic footprint came from my soul.. and 'oh well' the aesthetic composition was evident in every nuance of 'me'.
My family was not happy at all about my face being out in public at first They had to adjust to the idea. Last year, my mum, (who is not that computer savvy),was told by some relative, that there were 'naked' pictures of me on the internet. I had to show her my Facebook account, so that she could see the images for herself; and yes, there was some skin showing...but they were not 'naked' pictures of me on the internet for anyone and everyone to see.
I get it all the time. 90%...maybe 95% of the people who know of and watch my brand, love that I too, am the 'face' of my brand.There is that 5 percentile though who will say," You need to get your designs modeled on other models. "You should get a sixteen year old 'hottie' to wear your things. Then they will sell off the shelves." And then you ask..."AM I on the right path?" And to me, the answer has always been "yes".I think that my pictures show my character as well as my 'face', and that to me is hugely important, because I am a female of 'substance." I believe in what I am doing. There is a purpose to my work. I work very hard at it, and I want to share things of good value with others...so why not endorse my beliefs, with my art, with my image? Who could do it better?How could I hire someone to be the 'face' to represent what I believe in? I couldn't. No- one can fulfill that role except me. there is the reality that there will come a time when wrinkles age spots and sagging skin don't work;mthe battle that all models face... but as long as I can do it...I will.
At first, though I had been asked to model before, I never had. I was honestly very ambivalent about being in front of the camera, even though I had chosen to do so, and the photographers I have worked with since this started will tell you so.I learned to model. I learned that there are angles that work and angles that don't; that if it hurts...a LOT, you've probably got it right...and to hold it! I learned to like it...and now..enjoy it. I am in the very , very fortunate position that I am the boss..I am modeling for me... and if it's not what I want...it's over. That's a very different position to be than projecting what some one else wants for their brand identity.To sell your soul because you need the job. I don't have to be a chameleon...if anything, the more I am me, the better. This last shoot of 'La Marionette Rouge' was a departure from that agenda. Yes I wanted the shot to be 'glamorous, sexy, timeless, beautiful...but I got to play act and 'remove 'myself this time.I have had comments like, "It's hard to take my eyes off of your face. My eye s jump between you and the jewelry" Or " It's YOU in every picture, -not the jewelry."and then you have to try and analyze what's good for the brand...and if the picture has grabbed their attention...then to me... we won...THAT"S a good shot.
I have always gotten a lot of attention for my personal style.I was voted best dressed at my all girls prep school; as well as being on the student government god knows how many times- and the lead role in every school play in high school as well as one of the provincial champion debaters, people always noticed the way I looked and how I dressed. Even as a teenager.For me, as much as I LOVE fashion...clothes were another artistic palette with which to express myself.And then too, I was fortunate to be able to wear them well. When I was five and decided to run away from home. I had to drag the suitcase up two flights of stairs in order to get all my clothes,because I wasn't going without them. When I got to my room and finally managed to get the suitcase onto the bed...my plans to run were a 'no go' because with all my party dresses on the bed, I could not unlock the suitcase to pack them.And I was NOT going ANYWHERE without my beautiful dresses. The dice was cast. I was a born fashion maven in the making.
My stylist had noticed the attention I always got at the salon, and we were talking about this one day when I was at the salon. I was finishing up to go and I was wearing jeans a a pale blue Gap t-shirt when we walked into the lobby of the salon. A woman stopped me to say" I Iove your t-shirt. Where did you get it?" My stylist and I looked at one another and started laughing; I mean it was a blue Gap t-shirt.But a seed was planted at that moment... and I thought...if my t-shirt gets that kind of attention...EVERYTHING I wear is going to be me. I will not be a billboard for anyone else.
The thing is that the brand is indivisible from me. The jewelry, the book, the interior designs have all had their endorsements from awards to editorial exposure..but when they want the interview, they want a picture of me in the story. They want me for a radio interview. Very rarely do they want a picture of the jewelry without me;the request is almost always with me, unless of course it's the men's stuff...but then I can wear that fairly well as well.( just joking) All of these elements come what feeds the work and that is -my values, my philosophy of life and what inspires me and my heart.I think that one of the things that makes my images memorable is there is a a connection form me to the camera...the person looking at the picture.There is something in my eyes...the look in my eyes that's a connection. But have not been able to find clothes that are both sweet and sexy, stylish but not unwearable, comfortable and well made with fabrics that travel like a dream. I want lace and gorgeous buttons and fabrics that hug my form without being too provocative. these are all the things they say of my fashion designs....and that nobody else is doing it. And partly the fashion has evolved because I can't find what I want out there. I would have to live in stores and quite honestly...I don't like shopping or going to stores. I go for 'homework." to see what's out there and where's my competition...but I don't shop. I get most of what I need on the internet.
( YOOX....my secret addiction)
So...i started making my own. I found some amazing cutters and seamstresses...yes....HERE in Tucson... and it all began to become another division of the brand. All of the pieces are 'one of a kind' because that to me is true style...to be your self, and make a statement of who you are when you walk out the door. And they are also the fashion pieces in every photo shoot. I always wear Mahlia Collection. Always. And when I'm doing a show, when I'm at a big social event, or even a smaller one...i wear Mahlia... and people know that now.Mahlia clothes, Mahlia jewelry.
When I was at Paris Fashion Week in October, I went to a fashion show. There was a horde of photographers -99% male- at the end of the runway taking pictures of the girls and they come down the runway with this blank look on their faces. The girls aren't supposed to show emotion and they are not supposed to have a 'form' that distracts from the clothes.They are walking human, mannequins.The are wearing the same hairstyle, the same shoes, the same makeup... and they 'model' the clothes. No wonder these girls get so messed up. there are very, very few who make it to become' themselves' in that world. the majority are denied the ability to be themselves and are a canvas for the designer. i am the designer, i am my own canvas, I am my own story. That's why i am the 'model.' Much, much simpler.
The next day was a full schedule. I had meetings in NY with different people from breakfast until late, and the day after a private event at a Park Avenue client's apartment( which lasted all day) and then dinner which lasted until 1 am at Cipriani's downtown. The Cipriani family did VERY well with my NY visit this time around.
A six hour flight back to Phoenix was highly entertaining as I got one of those rare and great neighbors all the way back. I like to get home on Fridays... because I am so exhausted...I need two days to hibernate and get my self back to normal for the real world. With a week like that in NY, I am "ON" like a marionette 24/7... and it's just not healthy.NO normal schedule,no normal diet, too much energy expended and too much attention.
And then Monday WORK...to catch up from NY.
A phone call, came in. Elite Traveller which services the private jet industry had been after me for MONTHS to advertise with them. Their advertisers are, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany's, Hermes..These guys have enormous advertising budgets. Just to get them out of my hair... to call the wolves off, I spoke to the agent. ... and he made me an offer I couldn't refuse. The deadline to submit the ad was November the 19th. It was November the 8th. Ten days,and two of those non working. And then I had an idea that required a photo shoot; something fresh, new and great enough to compete with the big boys.
Call in to Sylvia Hardt...who ususally works with me to see if she could fit in a shoot on Saturday the 13th...so that she could send me the raw files to select from, and give me another day to edit and compose the ad for submission. On a fast track AGAIN...one day after getting home.Again..not an opportunity I could pass up. This ad was going to be seen by a captive audience for 6 months, who would have it in their hands for hours at a time... and their average household income was my clientele. I played around with some ideas all day... and who knows from where ( I do have a very fertile imagination)..but the idea of the puppet, puppet theatre came to mind.
Most of the images I have taken for Mahlia Collection are me. Me in the sun, me in a chair, me in different clothes with different jewelry. But the two shots I have taken with the guys in the picture and me get so much commentary , you have to wonder why. And my conclusion is...people like a story and they like pictures that have a story more than those that don't. SO, I decided to tell a story with the picture, and the dress from the WWD summit party could not have been more perfect, because I wanted a mirror in the shot, and this dress had a story form the back and the front, it was a great color, and it would get the readers attention.Attention would then hopefully, create curiosity and then a desire for everything Mahlia.
Then I decided that unless you are a photographer, or a stylist, you have NO idea how much work it is to pull one of these shoots together. I decided that I wanted flowers strewn on the 'theatre stage...for the end of performance for the puppet. I didn't want rose, I wanted poppies, or something that looked ruffly to complement the dress.Those had to be ordered online with a company who would ship them from Japan, and I had to order a minimum of 200.( Sylvie has flowers, I have flowers, the store has flowers...EVERYONE has red aranunculus flowers from the shoot right now. There are three in the picture...all of THAT ...for three flowers.).They HAD to be delivered by Friday..or they wouldn't make it for the shoot. The florist guaranteed they would be there on time.( The flower saga continues...)
I wanted a puppeteers stick...LIFE size to set the scene. That meant trips to Home Depot, looking through the lumber section, getting my carpenters to cut them, glue the sections together and drill holes for the finials at the ends- all on Friday afternoon. I needed to paint the marionette sticks.Which I did at 9:30 at night on Friday... after going to the wholesalers for ribbon, because the ribbon to tie my wrists had to be the perfect, red satin to match the dress.Of course.
Meanwhile I thought, "This is interesting. It's complex. I never have a record of the shoots so people can see what it's like behind the scenes. It would be fun to have someone take a behind the scenes movie. Right?" SO then looking for someone to take the movie. Then it occurred to me that the marionette would look cool with a Venetian mask. Dramatic. SO then I had to track down a Venetian mask for the shoot. Thank fully, Sylvie could pick it up.
It was Friday at 3:30 pm, when the florists called that the flowers had been delayed, BUT NOT TO WORRY. The VERY expensive flowers would be there for pick up at FEDEX Saturday morning.
Up at 6 am Saturday to get clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, puppet stick ( still a bit sticky) in the car, to then go for the flowers. At Fedex. No flowers.
I was upset. How was that possible? They were so sorry, but could not help me. My mind always switches to damage control mode, which is" How do I fix this without flowers...even as I was trying to get Fedex to find the flowers I ordered.
Half an hour later..."OH"...the flowers are found. They were there the whole time. Off to Phoenix, where I arrived at the studio at 2 pm. Something light to eat, and into makeup. Sylvie loves the music I like, and luckily, I had left the CD's I had burned there from the last shoot. The guys helped to unload the 'stuff' and the had to run to the antiques dealer for another mirror. I wanted a BIG mirror... and the mirror at the studio was not big.Sylvie started on my hair and makeup. I was going to be a puppet... so white face, rosy cheeks and a cupids bow mouth in cheery red take a lot of time to do right. I became the canvas and Sylvie painted, and painted and painted, while the video guyed filmed, and talked to me when Sylvie had to supervise the set. My hair was straightened and I was ready.By now, it was 6 pm. Dress on, shoes on. Sylvie looked at me and said, "Somethings not right. Let's try a wig.""A wig?" I don't think so"."Let's just try it." She did, and it was perfect. I was... a marionette.
The 'set' was set on black plexi-glass, which smudges with every little fingerprint, and I had to get in position, and then not move, because sitting on the floor with my hands tied above me...I had nothing to leverage myself so that I could change position.I got claustrophobic very quickly.And hard floor HURTS, ankles, knees, anything without padding and even that with after a very short time.We were shooting until 8. We lost the lights, we got light again, I changed positions several times, we tied my fingers, then we tied my wrists when my fingers started to get blue and I lost feeling in them...etc. It takes while to get,"THE shot". But here it is...The shot..."La Marionette Rouge".
La Marionette Rouge II
SO...got my self to Phoenix to catch a direct flight to NY, and arrived to be picked up by my good friend Michael.So nice to see a freidly face upon arrival when you travel as much as I do.A small carry on and a BIG box of books, tags, bags, labels and pretty Mahlia matches to go into the gift bags ..and LOTS of silver ribbon to tie them all up with.
I was still coughing constantly...a leftover from my Paris trip, so Michael's first stop was at a pharmacy, the second to drop me at my hotel so I could get myself organized.
I was up at 5:30 in the morning( so 2:30 for me) ....worried that I had to get a head start to make sure i wasn't short of time at the end of the day. I had 8 crates of books in my room. It was crowded...and there were going to be three of us working in there later on.
Rene arrived at 8:30, Dan at 10 and we were "rollin". We just finishing up at 3:30...ahead of schedule when my office called.W had asked for 300 books, instead of 250. I had 250 books..ribbons, cards, bags etc...for 250 books- and they had to be delivered in the next half hour. Now what?!!!
I told Andrea( my assistant) to let them know that this was pretty UNCOOL..to up the ante at the last minute with no notice. We needed more time to deliver the last 50 books... and they would have to ship from Tucson.
Dan had an SUV..so we packed all the books downstairs and down to SOHO ( I was uptown).That took the next two hours... and I was done. Dan left me back at my hotel...one of my best friends...I adore him... and I walked around a bit until I went to the hotel. I was beat. I went into the bar for a snack and sat down a a single table with tall stools to hand my feet and let them relax, and as soon as I did, i felt this guy nearby eyeball me. I willed him to stay in his seat, but no...he had to come over and say,"You should find another seat where your feet don't danngle like that." Now...even a few months ago...my ingrained Canadian politesse would have responded politely...lest I 'hurt' his feelings. I was a bit more evolved now.
He saw the look on my face. "Am I bothering you? Would you like me to go away?"I look at him directly and said, "Yes."
You are bothering me." He looked startled and turned away. Thank you...
Packed, in a car to JFK and on a plane ( AGAIN) the next day to Phoenix... and then drove to Tucson after dinner with a friend. It was Thursday... and I didn't feel like going in to the store the next day...but...oh well....I had all of my Paris contacts that I still hadn't followed up with... and two weeks had gone by now...packing books.
Sunday I had another fitting for the dress and small changes were made; but it was looking good. Since the back was completely open, it needed a small wire to hold the sleeves in place and the bodice had to fit perfectly. The red silk tassels for the back had finally arrived, and the red crystals for the shoulder detail. Gym... light food, sunbathing because I had hardly eaten in NY and had had no time to excercise... and I just needed some quiet time and to REST!
I also had a show to do for clients after the WWD summit...so we were pushing the goldsmiths like crazy to get the jewelry ready... and then I had jewelry out at some photo shoots in NY...so there was a LOT to manage.All the fixtures for the jewelry show had to ship almost as soon as I was back in Tucson to get to NY in time. We still hadn't unpacked everything from PARIS..they had just arrived days ago.
The last lot of books had arrived, were packaged and sent of to NY. We wer also working on the new website..still not officially launched because there were so many details I wnated fixed... and that sucked up major amounts of time...hundreds of images to be sized..hundreds of descriptions to be written, hundreds of data entries to be made...photos that still needed to be taken and uploaded...( we're still not done...2 weeks later).
Then I needed to pack...to get back to NY.te dress was perfect for travel...it didn't crease at all. I would take out my shoes and prance around in them once a day...they were so pretty... and SOOO unconfortable!
NY bound..red eye flight, because the day before I was up at 6 am and still going all day until I got on the plane to get everything ready. Crazy.
Arrived with just enough time to get my luggage, blot for a taxi, and run up to my room at The Plaza( where the SUmmit was being held) to change and run downstairs again to the registration and meetings which started at 11:30.
One of my strategies..and it works very well...in Paris, New York or Dallas...is that I represent my brand. I wear, walk, talk and AM Mahlia Collection.My style, my clothes, my jewelry... are all my brand... and people remember, and notice...even in that group.
I listened to Henri Pinault the first day,Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren; it was exciting..it was stimulating and it was such a whirlwind of activity. Lots of compliments on my outfit. I was wearing a short black wrap, suede skirt with an irregular hem edged with heavy crocheted lace and a see through peasant style silk chiffon blouse with a opera sleeve length jacket in soft black/grey chequered soft wool also edged in heavy lace and thigh high, high heeled fitted black suede boots.
That night was a formal dinner and Salma Hyack was nearby, absolutely beautiful in Alexander McQueen.My book was on my mind when we met, and I spoke to her in spanish to ask her to take a look at the book on top of the gift bag in her room,; my memoir.
After dinner there was an after party set up in the lobby and that lasted until 1 am, even though we had a 7am breakfast on the agenda the next day...which meant 4 am wakeup call for me AZ time.The BIG party at CIPRIANI was the next night as well.I need very little sleep....but was way past my own limit by now.Bed was looking pretty good...with soft sheets, comforter and mounds of pillows.
The W staff had sent wine to my room, a beautiful coffee table book and note to thank me for my contribution to the gift bag for their event.Super nice of them.
"Up and at em" the next morning - talking and talking and networking from 7 am onwards. The rooms at the Plaza are GORGEOUS. they have been refurbished so beautifully...but OMG were they freezing. the Euros especially were complaining about the American penchant for overly cold rooms.."My god" they said..."It's November...why do you Americans need air conditioning?"We all agreed. And I kept thinking... my dress for tonight is not covering much skin. And it's thin. Oh well...the sacrifices we make.
As soon as the last lecture was over I bolted for my room ( Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen..charming sweet and savvy). A sweet heart of a stylist Nicolas was waiting for me with his assistant to do my hair and makeup for the party. I am not good at that stuff....at all. I'm actually pretty natural every day.We had an hour..I was supposed to be at Cipriani at 6 pm... and it was 4:45. Wheew!!
I wnated a stick straight ponytail.. and smokey eye makeup so that my earrings would show, and the back of the dress as well. We all agreed that was the way to go. Flat ironed my hair....pulled it back into a 'tight' ponytail and went to work on the makeup. We were trying to be calm...but we knew we were running late.
We all looked in the mirrior when they were done...transformed! WOW pretty cool and dramatic for me with slanted black eye liner on my eyes and poppy red lips to boot.My earrings hung down to my chin, and my rings were rubies, diamonds and red jade. I put on my dress. "LOVE IT" said Nick. "Just wait" I said..."When I put on the shoes...the focus shifts and the legs compete with the dress"...which was what happened. 5 inch red satin platform stilettos with 40 inches of toned and tanned bare leg will do that. ANd a back cut down WAY to THERE was all tanned and toned skin from the backside as well.The dress fit me like a skater's dress..slim and to the body...but the fabric made the magic. This gorgeous apricot, peach silk devoree velvet, with a red shimmer was captivating....and then the cheeky red tassels anchored the back straps and swung against my back.We got into the elevator and I walked out into the lobby. Heads turned.I could feel it. Nick could see it. We had done good.It was working.We said our goodbyes and I went to hail a cab. It was 6:55.
I stepped out into the cold air, and stepped down the red carpeted steps slowly in my red shoes. At the bottom was a gentleman from the summit in his tuxedo, waiting for his car to go to the party. I wasn't the only late one.He was soon out of superlatives. He definitely LOVED the dress , the legs, the shoes..all of it... the whole get up- and he was a designer. Did I have a ride? No. Could he offer me a ride? Of course. So I got to go to the party in a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce. I felt like Cinderella.
The crown at Cipriani's was amazing. We drove up and people didn't know who I was...but they liked the look and started taking pictures. I don't know where they all are...but a lot of photographers took my picture and asked me to pose for them,The dress was a great success. At one point the Dean of Parsons stopped me to compliment me, as well as many others. Pretty cool.
Courtney Love was one of the last to arrive, and we were amongst the last to leave. She was quite a mess. Sad to see.
We ended up at Cipriani on 5th Avenue for a late night snack. More eyes on me. My escort was thrilled by all the attention I was getting....my back was to them so I had to listen to him describe the room.
A lot of fun. It was very satisfying to know that all of my 'designs' worked; that the composition I planned on..this real life composition...could be as effective as the still life ones.
Then Cinderella got to walk across 5th Avenue back to the hotel in painfully beautiful red satin stilettos, her apricot silk velvet dress, dark ponytail and red tassels swinging in the evening air.