gems of fashion: Lanvin

Alber Elbaz's accessories for Lavin's 2010-2011 fall/winter collection look like magical viking armor straight out of an epic fantasy. This is some serious jewelry, certainly not for the faint of heart or weak of wrist.

These pieces are totally heavy! I can only imagine how heavy they are literally. Almost as if the person wearing them must earn them and be honored with the task. All of that metal and crystal is so intense and threatening, the elemental cherry-on-top of some fantastic battle gear. Just imagine all the of powers you could wield whilst wearing such decadence.

(all images via StyleBistro)

artist of interest: Debra Baxter

You have to believe we are all magic, 2010

ceramic, mirror, lab grown bismuth (Germany)

Sculpture created from ceramic, stone, and crystals! What could be more wonderful? Debra Baxter's work is a harmonious marriage of organic forms, sparkling surfaces, and elegant materials. I first came across her work online as I was browsing my tumblr feed. The piece Crystal Brass Knuckles (I am going to realign your chakras motherf*****) (pictured below) seemed to be everywhere in my mineralogical internet world. A powerful and humorous image, it's no wonder it generated attention from the fashionably sarcastic.

Crystal Brass Knuckles (I am going to realign your chakras motherf*****), 2009

quartz crystals, sterling silver

But humor and fashion aside, there is something more that draws me to this object. It looks like a magical weapon from another world, glowing against a blue moon and shooting lightning rays into a starry sky. The science fantasy aspect of Baxter's work is what I find so compelling. Any time a piece lends itself to the viewer's imagination and opens up a window into an original, individual fiction, I consider it successful.

Join (it will stop screaming if you let go of it), 2010
cypress knee, epoxy, laminate, mirror

Baxter's work is so aesthetically pleasing. The juxtaposition of smooth, fleshy alabaster and wood, brilliant crystals, and shining mirrors is so rich and satisfying. The use of these elements in her compositions provides plenty to draw the eye around each piece over and over again.

Not only does the artist create beautiful sculptures, she produces a collection of very wearable jewelry, which you can purchase here. Also check out her tumblr page, which has some great images of her work and inspirational images of crystals in nature, fashion, and art.

Quartz Bomb II

 (all images via http://www.debrabaxter.com/)

Unicorns

Currently doing some research on the mythology of unicorns. The unicorn has roots in the bible and writings of Greek natural history (apparently the Greeks thought unicorns actually existed). According to Wikipedia, in Medieval times the unicorn horn was believed to stem from the tooth of the narwhal. The narwhal is, of course, a real animal, although it's resemblance to the unicorn does make it seem mystical and more interesting than just a regular whale. Anyway...

The narwhal's horn is not a horn at all, but a tusk stemming from their upper jaw.

What is it that makes unicorns so great? Is it because they are unattainable? Is it because they are beautiful, magical creatures? Do the sparkling .gif animations have something to do with it? Or 1985 Tom Cruise?

I think everything has to do with it. Personally, I find unicorns to be quite dazzling for all of the above reasons. My reason for all this research is because I've suddenly had the urge to begin an installation project involving unicorn horns. Perhaps I'm trying to figure out why I want to use this particular mythological imagery. Perhaps I'm also trying to understand what the imagery means to me. In any case, there are a few things I know for sure: 1. I love mythology and mystical creatures; 2. I love sparkles, glitter, and shiny things; 3. I love a pastel color palette; 4. I love that unicorn horn may translate to sex toy (see below).


(all images via Google.)

save the date!

Space Rocks is getting a round 2!

I am participating in a group show this coming winter called Close Encounters, which is about science fiction, aliens, and outer space. Get the details here.

my artwork

Madeleine Bliss » Portfolio | Local Artists

Mystic Space Metal

Mystic Space Metal by spacecrystal featuring a grey jacket

I can't wait to wear my new metallic blue docs.

April's Vintage

If you're ever looking for really creative vintage clothing finds, check out April's Vintage. From 70's ballgowns, to 80's sequin jackets, to the most incredible jumpsuits and rompers, April's Vintage literally has something for everyone. She literally hand sifts through endless amounts of vintage garments to find the most unique and stylish pieces. And there's always bound to be something sparkley!

This weekend I got to do some guest modeling for April. Of course, this was my favorite outfit...

A few of my favorite pieces up for auction right now are a 70s beige terry cloth praire dress, a 70s/80s new wave sailor dress, and a 70s kimono-sleeve wide-leg jumpsuit.

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