more beautiful than the stars

Watching the solstice lunar eclipse slowly encompass the full, bright moon was an incredible sight to see.  Making the shortest day and darkest night of the year much more delightful than expected.  As the moon darkened to a deep, rich red the magic of the night was powerful.  An eclipse, much like the beginning of a new year, is a perfect time to reflect and find ways to clear all limitations from the mind.  Stay present.  Embrace the freshness of the new year and celebrate with gratitude this weekend.  Wishing you all a happy new year!

"The garden of the world has no limits

except in your mind.

Its presence is more beautiful than the stars,

with more clarity

than the polished mirror of your heart."  ~Rumi


Some holiday treats for you:

Kindness Inspiration ~ pay it forward
Summer Elegance ~ Louis Vuitton Cruise 2011
Love Dree Hemingway (Ernest's great-granddaughter) ~ great video
Water for Elephants ~ trailer

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{sweet moment}

Marilyn Moment-------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the beginning of an editorial section, of sorts.  A sweet moment to honour women of past and present who walk through life with depth, honesty and the strength to be passionate
regardless of interference.  Embracing those that inspire us while remembering to indulge in the riches
that life has to offer for ourselves.
Take time.
Take it in your hands and claim a moment for yourself each and every day.
Play your favourite record (yes, I said record), savour a silent evening with a cup of hot tea
and a good read, wear your loveliest perfume for no reason at all or luxuriate in the
extravagance of pearls and champagne.

 As my first edition of  sweet moment, it had to be a tribute to the one and only...Ms. Marilyn.  I've been reading Fragments and it has inspired me to write more, to read more and to indulge in the little moments of sweetness in each day. To find the time, make the effort and be present.

Whether its relaxing in my favourite velvet chair, writing a letter the good old-fashioned way, buying fresh flowers or spending an entire Sunday in bed with my cashmere throw I take some time throughout each day to be still and steep fully in 'a moment.' 

Marilyn most definitely gave herself time to revel in life's divine, simple pleasures.  Bathing in Chanel No. 5, curling up with a good book or writing poetry and heartfelt letters.  But she was also so much more than that.  Filled with wisdom and insight, beauty and a yearning heart ~ searching for love and yet loved by the whole world.  She was true to herself...always seeking to be her best, continuously learning and paving the way for future generations of women and actors alike.

In honour of the passion and perseverance of Ms. Marilyn, let's enjoy some delectable moments ourselves. Begin making time without question and dedicating yourself to what is true, what you believe in and what brings nothing but sheer delight!

{Clockwise from top left:  1. Lanvin choker, 2.Tiffany's Keys crown pendant, 3. vintage silver tea pot, 4. Lip Tease cup, 5. Paris Flea Market Champagne Chandelier, 6.cashmere dress, 7. Dom Perignon Rose, 8. Decadent Dusting Powder, 9. Louis Vuitton gold ballpoint pen, 10. Italian wrap journal, 11. Chanel No. 5, 12. Heine.de Chair }  

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{images: 1. all photos other than Marilyn images via This is Glamorous, 2. Top Right: Living etc., Bottom Right: curiousleigh via Flickr, 3. Savio Firmino bathroom, other images This is Glamorous, 4. vanity via 100 Layer Cake,  Love Letters by Heather Waraksa, Chanel shoes via This is Glamorous, 5. Key by Anthropologie, 7. images via This is Glamorous} 

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an ode to the moleskine

A timeless tradition of artists and writers, the Moleskine is a simplistic array of journals, diaries and sketchbooks.  They pay tribute to the sleek, durable notebooks used by many of the great thinkers from the past including Ernest Hemingway, Henri Matisse, Oscar Wilde, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh.

A nameless black notebook carried throughout the world recording the thoughts, stories, sketches and ideas that would become the writings and art cherished today. Now, Moleskine artwork can be found throughout the digital world and fuses many mediums together - watching the progression of this paper bound book move into the virtual realm is quite intriguing.  

The Sketchbook Project is the newest chapter in this legacy.  A tour of thousands of sketchbooks created by anyone, anywhere in the world will go across the US on an exhibition in museums and galleries.  After the tour the books will make their final stop in a permanent collection at the Brooklyn Art Library where they will be available for public view.  Artists can track where their sketchbook is and how many times its been pulled off the shelf.  They can also have the entire book digitized to flip through online and have it viewed internationally.    

Artists must order their Moleskine by October 31st '10 and choose a theme.  Check out the site for details.

The Sketchbook Project

To get inspired and see how others fill up their Moleskine's visit the site.  It'll be sure to get the creative juices flowing. ;) xoxo love,

jolie

{photo sources: Extrasist0le}

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sunlit afternoon

{photos by Jolie Adele}

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burnt orange

As the leaves fall off the trees and the sunlight dims golden earlier each day I am reminded of how much I love the crisp, fresh colour of burnt orange.  Whether its a hint of the rich hue in a soft, flowing fabric or a touch of boldness in a bright white room it is lovely any time of the year.

Channeling the darling Miss Anna Karina in a spread long ago for Mean Magazine, Kate Beckinsale adorns the classic orange button-up and striped stockings.  This shoot is one of my favourites.  A tribute to 'Roller Girl' from 1967's Anna (written by Serge Gainsbourg).  This was the first colour film made for French television and the colours are bright, vibrant and vivid.  If you haven't had the pleasure of watching Roller Girl (or even if you have) - you must watch it now!

 And how can I talk about orange without mentioning Hermes?!  This past Spring while I was in Paris walking along the Seine I encountered two striking, dark horses and a carriage overflowing with orange Hermes gift boxes.  They were shooting this fall campaign.  The horses rested while waiting for night to fall along the river for the perfect, mystic setting.  Ahhh what a moment! Only in Paris.

{photo sources: 1. Mean magazine, houzz.com, Harper's Bazaar; 2. Mean magazine, Mean magazine, Garance Dore; 3. Hermes S/S 2011, Mean magazine, Pottery Barn; 4. Hermes}

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Sunny Sundays

 Spending a day off in Toronto's Kensington Market is the perfect way to leisurely get ready for the week ahead.  Shopping at the organic markets, browsing (and perhaps buying) a little vintage and maybe even doing a little laundry.

 It always makes for an intriguing day of delicious treats, spontaneous adventures and lots of fashion inspiration.  A must for everyone visiting the city!

 xoxo love,

jolie

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the wilderness downtown

 The Wilderness Downtown is an incredibly creative, interactive film designed to watch online (preferably with Google Chrome).  It features the beautiful Arcade Fire song "We Used to Wait."  The concept harmoniously blends the audiences past experiences using a very unique idea (I don't want to spoil it) with emotive imagery.  If you haven't already watched it ~ you must check it out! And be sure to make a postcard!  Some postcards received will be used during Arcade Fire's tour and if you are lucky enough to come across one then be sure to plant it ~ it will grow into a tree.

The Wilderness Downtown

{image: my personal postcard}

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Sofia

Endless talent, delightful intellect and completely gorgeous on top of it all! Marie Antoinette is one of my all time favourite films but Sofia's entire body of work is wonderfully humanizing.  She is able to capture the sweetest, truest moments on film.  She is one of the great directors of our generation.  Now that's inspiration!  Her latest film Somewhere opens in December 2010.  Sofia Coppola by Peter Lindbergh for L’Uomo Vogue September 2010

 {photo source & more photos of the spread: Fashion Gone Rogue}

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Artists Books

Artist's books:  from inspiration to conception the artist's book is a unique piece that involves its audience by engaging their sense of discovery and exploration.  From the textile sensation of the book to the journey through images, words, objects - it is part book, part sculpture and an all-encompassing experience.  I have always had a fascination with books, strolling through old book shops for hours on end but this artform has made me appreciate books in a very different way.  Often taking for granted the process of producing a book, I now find myself wondering about the binding techniques and papers and inks used as I touch and turn each page. 

 

Artist's Books can be done in a series, produced multiple times or as one-off pieces.  The creativity is endless - sculptural pages, materials like clay and lucite, precise cut outs and folds.  This book above, "Nietzsche 'Beyond Good & Evil' altered book", by Steve McPherson was created for a Newport, Wales exhibit entitled 'Rich & Strange' where they allowed the public to check all the books from the exhibition out on loan.  Allowing them to explore and familiarize themselves with the piece so that they may gain true insight into the artists' vision but also to develop their own interpretations.    

It is said best by book artist Clifton Meador who explains that "a book (or at least the book I am interested in making) is portable, creates its own context, has an intimate relationship with its reader, and exists in multiple. The reader becomes immersed in the book, an act of willful self-hypnosis that is unique in art. The reader experiences this immersion in the book over time, allowing for complex, layered meanings to accrue. I am very interested in the development of an idea over time, from the accumulation of small details, hints, tiny nuances, broad gestures, and overwhelming contrasts. Every part of a book presents interesting possibilities for expression, discovery, and meaning."

... And so I begin etching out my first artist book.  A recent trip to a fantastic exhibition has left me inspired to create and combine a million ideas into one unique piece.  Stay tuned ~ I will post more details and inspiration as I go.

xoxo love,

jolie

{photo sources: 1, 2&3. 100 Layer Cake, 4, 5&6. Steve McPherson, 7. Visual Arts Network, 8. Steve McPherson}      

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a fancy affair

 Glowing skin, backstage lights and perfectly polished 50's attire make for a very glamorous new campaign from Louis Vuitton.  It is so terrific to see Christy Turlington back in the forefront of fashion (her new Vogue Italia cover is simply stunning)!  She embodies grace with her amazing philanthropic work, inspires with her intelligence and passion and remains effortless when it comes to her physical beauty.  Plus she's a yogi so perhaps I'm biased!

The concept of having three decades of women in this campaign is refreshing and as 'Fashion Gone Rogue' put it 'beauty and success can come at any age.'  I couldn't agree more.

 

 

 

 

 {Shot by Steven Meisel, Styled by Karl Templer, found on Fashion Gone Rogue}

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Afternoon Sunlight

 The intrinsic beauty Naomi Campbell for Italian Vogue (shot by Steven Meisel).  A captivating display of luxury, light and poise.  Simply divine!

{Photos from Vogue Italia ~ thanks to Fashion Gone Rogue for the find!}

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The beautiful Diane Kruger

Photos of the lovely Miss Kruger at the recent 2010 Chanel Cruise collection party that Karl Lagerfeld held in St. Tropez remind me of those long, spontaneous summer days by the water.

When the sun slowly sets and the celebrations continue into the balmy night.  Ahhhh...

Here are some more photos of the effortlessly gorgeous Diane Kruger including a behind the scenes shot from her recent, Bardot-inspired Allure shoot.  Love, love, love!

{photo sources:  1&2. Garance Dore, 3. fashionindie, 4. Elle France, 5. Interview Magazine, 6. Allure}

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lovely links

 

Toby Burrows ~ a great article about this Australian photographer's latest series "Fallen."  The photos are striking and captivating!  With an influence of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, the composition of "Fallen" reminds me of Sam Taylor-Wood's series "Suspended."

Somewhere ~ by Sophia Coppola  :::  as always Miss Sophia looks like she has done it again with her latest project.

Lookbook ::: gorgeous summer dresses by Malene Berger here 

& the sweetest pieces from Erin Fetherston (as is the image above).

via This is Glamorous  

Chanel ~ a beautiful collage by Karl for S/S 2010

xoxo love,

jolie

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discoveries...

Some findings I thought I'd share....

The HeArt of Papercuts

~ this is a wonderful artist who's paper cutting designs are absolutely beautiful.

I highly recommend you check out this amazing stop-motion, paper-cutting short.  Its a book come to life made by the New Zealand Book Council.  

Another great paper-cutting artist Lena Wolff.

A Summer Blast of Colour ::: lula's Buenos Aires apartment

Military-chic shoot for Elle magazine.  Shot by the lovely Garance Dore.

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back from paris and feeling ignited...

First, let me apologize for being such a negligent blogger but I have been trying so dearly to hold onto the Parisian mindset for a little while longer.  Although I returned a few weeks ago I feel as though the city illuminated a spark within me that I don't want to stifle.  The best treasure I came home with is this overwhelming desire to create. 

The fashion, the art history, the architecture ~ the city dances with delight.  The Parisians reminded me that life is art.  Every part of our day to day lives is a moment to reveal ourselves freely and be open to possibilities.  What you choose to wear each morning, the conversations you have throughout your day, moments that are shared and each moment completely alone is an artistic expression of who you are.

"Life has been your art.  You have set yourself to music.  Your days are your sonnets."
~Oscar Wilde

{photo by Jolie Adele}

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Bonjour Paris

I'm heading to Paris next week and the excitement is mounting.  Looking forward to the possibilities of shooting those "defining moments" as the late Henri Cartier-Bresson so poignantly captured in his photographs.  It is simply wonderful how everyone gives you their 'must-see' and 'must-visit' spots when they hear that you are going.  But as a lovely woman at the yoga studio said "part of the fun is discovering your own favourite places and making your own memories...it's Paris, and everything is a feast for the senses!"  I couldn't agree more! À Bientôt!

 {Photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson ::: Cartier-Bresson Foundation}

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a stop motion moment

Angela Kohler is a Los Angeles based photographer and artist who's captivating pieces are simply stunning!  Her photos have a genuine, unstaged feel to them and her illustrations are so delightful.  Designing fortune teller tokens, making stop motion shorts, shooting fashion photography ~ she is an artist through and through!  

I stumbled upon this stop motion film that she made with her artist/ photographer boyfriend Ithyle on Lobster and Swan.  It has completely inspired me!

 The video was created in collaboration with Alison Sudol from A Fine Frenzy (who also stars in it) and was a compilation of everything that inspires them.  Flea market finds, vintage clothing, musical elements (by Alison) and lots of creativity!  An illuminating film of play, magic and beauty.

Also, take some time to browse through Angela's portfolio and I am sure you too will fall in love.

xoxo  love,
jolie

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