Emily Brickel – Page 19 – Emily Brickel Edelson

Articles Tagged with: Emily Brickel

January 29, 2011

Couture Season!!!

And so my loves, this is my most anticipated round of collection runway shows – Paris Couture has started. This is the stuff my dreams are made of, the art of fashion, the heart of my inspiration. How gorgeous and intricate, boundary pushing and gravity defying these gowns are. These frocks are sure to grace the red carpets for awards season and peppered among celebrities at premieres, galas and fetes.

Here are my top picks from the masters of the atelier…. Stephanie Rolland, Elie Saab, Christian Dior and Givenchy.

From Stephane Rolland – chic, architectural minimalism at its finest.

Elie Saab really out did himself. For this collection he channeled allurist and demuretrix Norma Shearer, a 1920’s actress once dubbed the Queen of MGM (playing such roles as Marie Antoinette, Juliet from Romeo & Juliet and acting along side greats like Clark Gable). The details in these gowns are admittedly stunning and seem like floating frothy confections delicious enough to eat. Layers of sumptuous tulle, organza, mousseline as well as flowers and pearls bring back delicate dressing. Really feminine and old hollywood, I think this collection is superb and a must for nominated Actresses.

I really can’t get enough of all the details and delicate design elements. The flesh tone is mesmerizing and incredibly flattering. These dresses emulate the glitz of hollywood and the influence of greek goddesses.

This red is incredibly luxurious and so brilliant.

Not personally such a fan of this peridot green in general, however I am won over by Elie as his creation looks ravishing with porcelain skin and garners resemblance of Judy Garland in MGM’s 1944 “Meet Me In Saint Louis” (one of my all time favorite musicals – If you have never seen it I highly recommend).

These white numbers are show stoppers and really just such artful perfection.

Simply gorgeous, this saloon esque frock really drives the lady-like home.

This dress looks like something the 1950’s classic Barbie would dream of wearing, and that Charlize Theron could rock with her bewitching elegance.

Below: The re-define of black. Its hard to remember the last time black was THIS alluring. The sheer and the sparkle melt together to create something similar to my ambrosia.

And like the perfect punctuation to an eloquent sentence, the stunning antiqued wedding gown brought the show to a close.

Elie Saab himself, kudos.

Next, one of the loves of my life and genius John Galliano for Christian Dior. Season by season he continues to eclipse himself and capture the essence of our imagination. With the grandeur of his shows and the commitment to marrying the past with what is now, Mr. Galliano is a master of the art of couture. As the 1950’s trends always are my favourite, the continuation of the Dior New Look in Galliano’s representation of the House of Dior is much appreciated and timeless. And with this collection, the master of house has preformed a salute to the legendary fashion illustrator Mr. Rene Gruau, the man who gave life to the haute of the 40’s and 50’s and to whom we owe Christian Dior’s iconic illustration imagery. Galliano said this was his most technically challenging collection yet.

An unexpected side cowl/drape is quirky and modern. Interpreting the play of light and shadow that mimics Gruau’s illustrations in watercolor and pencil, Monsier Galliano ensued with several layers of tulle, instead of the less painstaking way of achieving this look by hand painting the fabric. The outcome was an impressive taste of degrade, along with the addition of embroidery and sequins on one side of the gown to evoke the like of the illustrator’s pencil marks. Like I said, the reason why this is the essence of what dreams are made of, especially for young designers like myself.

Melding fantasy with wearability.

The belles of the ball.

Bravo. A look at the magic. Close ups, beauty shots and a flash from genius past: Illustrations by Rene Gruau.

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The master John Galliano (recent hair cut questionable.).

At Givenchy, designer Riccardo Tisci was inspired by Japan and the art of Robot toys. With incredible detailing, one dress requiring 2,000 hours of cutting and 4,000 hours of sewing, these gowns are pure artwork. Appliqués on boleros included a catholic cross over a robot’s face, a three dimensional spread of vermillion wings cast out of laser cut organza appliqued on layers of chiffon and tulle, and an appliqued japanese crane rising out of a cloud of feathers. Toped with sci-fi head armor by Philip Treacy, one could least expect these creations are out of this world.

Hope that Inspires you, It has me mesmerized still. The love of knowing anything is possible with dedication, vision and resolve to me is the passion of my life.

Enjoy and create!

January 24, 2011

The Secret is…

“All you require is YOU, and your ability to think things into being. Everything that has been invented and created throughout the history of humankind began with one thought. From that one thought a way was made, and it manifested from the invisible into the visible.” – Rhonda Byrne The Secret

That amazes me…

I hope that inspires you!

January 21, 2011

Daniel Loves… and So do I!

Get ready. I’d like to share something that got me in an effervescent mood and that is Daniel, and his love for objects, furniture, lighting and well, all things interior design. Daniel reminds us that all things – even the ordinary – can be transformed to hold a magical and whimsical new objective.

Introducing Daniel Loves Objects.

Take these gold plated adjustable mannequins turned lamps for instance; I need one of these in my apartment! According to the elusive Singapore based designer, the lamp becomes “a translation of man’s inner thoughts and desires” and might be “controversial, provocative or elegant”. Interesting. Here are the Lighted Mannequins entitled “At Your Command”.

Ever want your own personal genie? Well heres the next best thing – “Ask & You Shall Receive” Lighting.

Or, how about my other favorite “Of Wars & Wits & Power”.

The designer is certainly of Wits with this Powerful image of creativity, imagination and statement.

And I quote (the product description): “Driven by the recent crisis of certain countries who got very uptight over issues of being asked to disarm their missile test launched, their alarming action to remain hostile and persistent in their belief had stirred me to create this part of a furniture combination to depict their behavioral trait, a bookshelf with their golden army, strategically placed underneath, to uphold and to protect their ultimate plans, frozen in time for all to see.” Well that solidifies Daniel’s coolness I must say.

It inspires me so much when young designers not only have guts, passion and talent but they have the courage to maintain a voice. Thank you Daniel for keeping the inspiration alive.

Check out some more fantastic inspiration.. Enjoy!

Incredibly clever for those in shopaholics anonymous. (AKA Me)

A branch bench.. How lovely and chic.

Charming function meets eerie illusiveness. I like.

I’d love to come home to this cheerful and interactive functional art.

I need this above my bed for sure! This creation lives in the world of my perceived future’s methods of practicality. I can see this in forward generation based movies where a Neo-esque character awakes and moves on his way to work. Great Job Daniel in keeping it innovative.

I hope you are inspired!

Check out more on Daniel at Coroflot Portfolios – Daniel Loves Objects.

January 14, 2011

Kanye’s Phoenix – “Runaway” masterpiece

Now, I’m not sure who of you have about 34 and a half minutes to spend watching a music video, however if you are looking for complete inspiration – you should. It seams I have completely under estimated Mr. West and his artistic prowess. I have always been a fan of his music but this video has really raised the stakes. He has completely commanded my attention in this dramatic, artistic and visually stunning “epic” – as many in the hip-hop arena have deemed it. The film’s roster boasts many talents including a script by Hype Williams, Eye candy du jour Selita Ebanks, couturier Martin Izquierdo, visionary designer Phillip Lim and an introduction by Nicki Minaj.

I will give you a brilliantly depicted snapshot with help from my favourite images in his film. Aside from the beauty in it, the story of the phoenix and my analogy of it at the end is what really inspires me. I hope you enjoy …

Kanye’s Full Length video Runaway is an artistic masterpiece. If you still need to be convinced, see the screen shots that follow. The premise is of a young gorgeous phoenix personified by Ebanks that emerges from a fiery car crash.

Kanye takes her in and like Audrey Hepburn a la My Fair Lady, accustoms her to (2011 and) high society.

She explores our world, her likeness to other animals, and her innate attraction to Kanye’s music all while delicately adorned in 5 pounds of couture feathers.

Victoria’s Secret model Selita Ebanks is incredibly mesmerizing and seductive in this video. Her wings and feather bikini were dreamed up by Kanye; influenced by amazing designer Phillip Lim and made by the hands of costume designer Martin Izquierdo who, famously designs the Victoria’s Secret Runway show wings. It’s no surprise that Kanye interned at Fendi in his past, his immense detail to fashion has been illustrated here.

Befittingly, when the Phoenix arrives at Kanye’s home, she is captivated by a televised news report to which Kanye replies: “First rule in this world baby, don’t pay attention to anything you see in the news.”

Beyond aesthetics (and the figurative Michael Jackson parade that symbolizes the cult of pop and the pressures of society, see also: http://www.glamazonsblog.com/2010/10/kanye-west-runaway-full-length-version.html for further dissection.), this is the story of a naïve phoenix spellbound by fireworks and our world as she is preparing for her introduction to society with Mr. West by her side.

Adorned in a crown of chains that echos the grandeur of Elizabeth Taylor in the movie Cleopatra, Kanye guided the Phoenix in.

At the dinner party, bringing to mind Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” the Phoenix is detested for being different and special. Kanye steps up to preform a solo while a troop of classical ballerinas appear to present abstract choreography.

The meal ends in torment as she has been alerted to the truths of our carnivorous culture – both figuratively and literally (when one of her related feathered friends arrives as dinner).

The Phoenix’s ideas of this new world have shifted dramatically and Kanye and the Phoenix go to his rooftop to talk philosophy as well as the difference between our worlds.

—————

Some say this is the view of life as a child – pure, innocent and curious – not yet afraid of society’s judgment, of the word “No” or of the Ego’s facades.

In the end our hero chases after his new love, only to discover that she has burst into flames to reincarnate herself and go back to her world.

This is so inspiring to me because many times I feel like the Phoenix, with an open mind and a trusting heart. So many times I get reminded that the world doesn’t work that way. However, it is ok to keep that mindset, that fantasy and playfulness. It is what makes your art, Art – your love, Love – your beauty, Beauty – and your dreams, Reality.

Like the phoenix, any chapter of your life can end up in flames – but alas– you emerge a new.

For the mere visual spectacle that was “Runaway”, as a fashion designer I have (since the first time I saw this video a few months ago) been in artistic awe. I have so many ideas in my head that I want to create; yet I don’t know how I could possibly eclipse this gorgeous execution – but I wont stop trying.

January 11, 2011

Be your own *AIKHAN

This post’s theme is Be your own *AIKHAN, and whenever I am for lack of inspiration – I call upon my friend and mentor Nicholai Cerezo Khan, aka NICHOL*AIKHAN, pronounced like it sounds, icon. Nick is an artist, life enthusiast, enlightened philosopher, entrepreneur and self made mogul. Personally, as an artist and someone who thrives on inspiration, occasionally I hit a creative block. Part of the reason I began this blog was to make it “my job” to inspire myself constantly and to hopefully impart some inspiration onto you. Below intertwined in to this post are works done by Nicholai Khan.

Nicho is one of those people that if you have never encountered him – you have probably heard of him, if you have met him – you will never cease to be amazed, if you spend a day with him, you conclude you must spend many more days with him. His vast knowledge and ingenuity is astounding. He is my teacher and friend. A mentor and guru in his own right. He’s the guy with the impossible story, the one who has overcome mountains, and comes back to you screaming for more. He has been to the depths of the world, and back. His bio page on Nick’s Aikhanbuyhouse.com (another one of his ventures with co-partner Leon Bourn, others include NicholaiKhan.com ) describes him as living a “nefarious lifestyle, realizing the folly of his ways and decided to clean his life up.”

Nick started out as a graffiti artist, getting arrested for it’s illegal nature, educated at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York facing the streets of Manhattan then, years later traveled the world and studied at The Oneness University in India. He had achieved the path of enlightenment by way of study, meditation and reading through sleepless nights of Da Vinci, Machiavelli, Chopra, Hoftstadter, Lipton, Osho as well as books like “The Secret” and “A Course in Miracles”. Nick is an artist, an entrepreneur, a visionary and an inspirational leader. He believes in the strength of humanity and the guidance of your heart and intentions.

(Emily Jessica Brickel) EJB: What Inspires you?

(Nicholai Cerezo Khan) NCK: There is inspiration found everywhere in life itself, in everything I see, and in everything I experience. The little lessons that we learn along the way are inspiring. We can discover great clues about ourselves just by being truly present. A lesson in consciousness can be learned from anyone whether it be homeless person or a billionaire, you have to know how to truly hear their story. I try to get to know everyone I meet and get insight from them, deep and intricate insight and information. Almost like a celebration of humanity. When you find individuals you see real raw life, everyone is experiencing it and no one is alone in that.

EJB: So would you say you get your inspiration mostly from people?

NCK: No, everything, anything, deep thought. A good feeling will be inspiring to me, an Ah Hah moment and I realize Wow, I can make this feeling into something tangible. If you step into something unpleasant and you invent something from it you can make it so no one ever has to step into that something again. It (life) can be either a comedy or a tragedy, you have to take the positive out of it. Every step is a reality.

EJB: Do you ever have a creative block and if so, how do you get out of it?

NCK: No, I’m chasing with my creativity, I have things running through my mind all the time and I let them play, your thoughts should be allowed to play because life is not that serious, and when it is that serious you should let them play more. My thoughts fly, they have their own wings, and one day those thoughts will come back to me and give me a new experience and then the hands of my physical being will create it.

Let your inspiration come though, It’s not a matter of doing, It’s a matter of being and awareness of what you are being, and everything comes out of that. THE FLOWER KNOWS TO BLOSSOM AT SOME POINT. DOES IT BLOSSOM RIGHT AWAY? NO, BUT IT DOES WHEN IT IS SUPPOSED TO, WHEN IT IS NURTURED BY THE ELEMENTS, WE ARE ALL MEANT TO BLOSSOM, THAT IS THE REALITY OF IT. The truth is that we are all unique and amazing! We need to see this about ourselves before we can truly be free in our own lives. Each flower holds infinite beauty, and each person should embrace their need to expand and flourish in order to find such radiance in themselves.

EJB: Thats amazing, What do you hope to leave as your legacy?

NCK: I want to leave behind a group of individuals, and not just a group but a reality of individuals that will inspire the world – not just wait for inspiration but play with it and create. (I want to leave behind) Smiles, recognition, (and) Ah Hah moments – for everyone. If I were to go tomorrow, I want everyone to have an Ah Hah moment and say, yeah I get it, I finally truly understand what he was saying. (On Nick’s many teachings and speeches).

EJB: What is your daily routine?

NCK: I wake up and I’m on my phones Immediately. From that point on I am giving advice and helping people create businesses for themselves. Those are the things I do constantly, building businesses and giving advice. There’s no such thing as a routine in my type of lifestyle, there’s only doing, being and handling one task at a time, giving the time allotted to each task. Easier said than done, time management is an art in itself. Harnessing time and making it work for you is difficult but once you get down to it and most effectively be motivated by just being and doing what you have to no matter what (comes up) or no matter where you are. Thats how they (artists, entrepreneurs) are successful.

EJB: Quote to live by?

NCK: Know your goals, know the steps to take, always be patient, never settle and never give up.

EJB: Who said that?

NCK: Nicholai Khan. I live by my own quotes, not any one else’s. I love other quotes, I have hundreds that speak to me, but I WRITE MY OWN BOOK.

This “Lennon” resembles another great besides John. See below photos of the Guru himself and a few of his projects.

Nicholai’s AIKHANIC Clothing Line

Nicho The Tiger Children’s book NichoTheTiger.com available at Amazon.com

Nick’s Beginnings as a graffiti artist.

The artist with his work, at Aikhanbuyhouse.com and Vespa Restaurant in NYC

Meet the guru.. Nick all over the world. Modern Renaissance Man

Nick living life to the fullest.

The man himself…

I’m not even sure this can do him justice but I hope, at the very least this inspired you.

It’s the true story of the power of intentions and taking control of your destiny. Nick was a huge force in the creation of my baby Rock Hard Atelier along with many other companies in his profile and for that, his friendship and his guidance I am eternally thankful.

January 6, 2011

OSHO's Courage, Steve Job's genius.

So my new friend Monica Taylor (inspirational Entrepreneur and founder of MomsMadeEasy.com – check out her bio!) and I were chatting, exchanging iPhone applications that we liked and she recommended OSHO Zen Tarot. I never really got so far into Tarot, only a few times, I’ve always been curious about it yet kind of nervous to get my cards read – however I am a huge fan of Zen and Osho. So I downloaded it and the instructions were to focus your energies on one question. After a little bit of guidance from the app and a little bit of thinking, my question was “What do I need to take from this situation”. As everyone does, in life sometimes you feel insecure. As an entrepreneur, and someone looking into their future with open possibilities, freedom is insecurity, uncertainty is wonder. This was the card I pulled: Courage.

The Commentary:

“This card shows a small wildflower that has met the challenge of the rocks and stones in its path to emerge into the light of day. Surrounded by an aura of bright golden light, it exposes the majesty of its tiny self. Unashamed, it is equal to the brightest sun.

When we are faced with a very difficult situation we have a choice: we can either be resentful, and try to find somebody or something to blame for the hardships, or we can face the challenge and grow.

The flower shows us the way, as its passion for life leads it out of the darkness and into the light. There is no point fighting against the challenges of life, or trying to avoid or deny them. They are there, and if the seed is to become the flower we must go through them. Be courageous enough to grow into the flower you are meant to be.

OSHO says:

“The seed cannot know what is going to happen, the seed has never known the flower. And the seed cannot even believe that he has the potentiality to become a beautiful flower. Long is the journey, and it is always safer not to go on that journey because unknown is the path, nothing is guaranteed.

Nothing can be guaranteed. Thousand and one are the hazards of the journey, many are the pitfalls – and the seed is secure, hidden inside a hard core. But the seed tries, it makes an effort; it drops the hard shell which is its security, it starts moving. Immediately the fight starts: the struggle with the soil, with the stones, with the rocks. And the seed was very hard and the sprout will be very, very soft and dangers will be many.

There was no danger for the seed, the seed could have survived for millennia, but for the sprout many are the dangers. But the sprout starts towards the unknown, towards the sun, towards the source of light, not knowing where, not knowing why. Great is the cross to be carried, but a dream possesses the seed and the seed moves.

The same is the path for man. It is arduous. Much courage will be needed.”

For me this is a strong symbolism to where I am right now. Three and a half years ago graduating college, getting my first real job after many internships – now for the last almost two years being an entrepreneur, living life with a plan but an uncertain one. Knowing your dream, but not knowing how to get there. Knowing you believe, but not seeing fruition. Having faith while trembling. Starting one company, about to embark on a new. This life I have chosen will never be secure and certain, but after all – if it was where would the fun be in that?

Osho says “If you understand, insecurity is an intrinsic part of life – and good that it is so, because it makes life a freedom, it makes life a continuous surprise. One never knows what is going to happen. It keeps you continuously in wonder. Don’t call in uncertainty – call it wonder. Don’t call it insecurity – call it freedom.”

This inspires me because all the Greats have done this before. Taken the path not yet created.

Steve Jobs said it best:

“Here’s to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They invent. They imagine. They heal.
They explore. They create. They inspire.
They push the human race forward.
Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.
While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

Thanks Steve and Osho for giving me the courage to keep chasing the dream!

January 5, 2011

Entrepreneurial Spirit… Let it fly!

So I am completely loving my new hobby as a blogger – It’s something about that quest for knowledge and the Zest of finding it that I eternally seek. I love the idea that I get to do this and not just take my hours of web-surfing and click-through tangents to merely lock it up in my head for future use – now I can share it with you – which in itself makes me full of excitement and gives me that zing that I am addicted to!

SO, here’s what I found tonight: I just finished watching all of the episodes of inspirational and “femme forte” minds of several well known female Entrepreneurs on PowerWomenTV created by Amy Palmer with the likes of Bethenny Frankel, Carmen Wong Ulrich, Gabrielle Bernstein, Karen Robinovitz and Lyss Stern. Some of whom you have heard of – the others I suggest you get acquainted with for these are women of power.

They discuss their trials and tribulations, their “Jump” moments when they decided to risk it all and take a leap of faith, their innate belief in themselves, the story behind how they solidified their complete conviction and dedication to their vision, and other incredible advice one could only attain by living through it.

Hat’s off to these women – they truly are an inspiration. I am spell bound by the things they have said, even though parts of their successes you’ve heard before; “believe in yourself, no one’s going to do this but you etc., etc., etc.,” their main messages are so unique and current according to where we are NOW in society, culture and the economy. They are so motivating because they remind us that we each have our own story. As humans we each have unique pasts, different hurdles we have over come and diverse experiences we can draw from. These Power Women really show what it looks like to take your own individual never-been-out-there-yet vision and make it into a business.

Amy Palmer, the founder and host of PowerWomenTV herself is an entrepreneur, who says she started this “online series about women entrepreneurs and business leaders (to) reveal how successful women create their businesses, the steps they took to achieve their goals and how others can learn valuable work and life lessons from their journeys.

Women entrepreneurs or “femmepreneurs” as my friend Christina Rozakis of The Lights has coined, are on the rise sparked by the Great Recession or at least are more and more visible then they ever have been before. With reality shows like “The City” on MTV and webisodes like TheLights.TV (that yours truly has been a cast member of) we, collectively – and I am speaking for myself and all the young female entrepreneurs I have spoken with – all support a voice that will empower the brains of the next booming business to create and spread her message.

As a “femmepreneure” myself and only a quarter of a century old I have MUCH to learn, much to explore. I’ve had my fair share of hurdles and heartbreaks and I know there will be more but each day I have to motivate, self discipline and be fearless because if I don’t, my fear of regret will take over; and I am not going to let my dream go unfulfilled!

So here are a few things I’ve learned from these ladies: “Everything you do is a reflection of what you see in yourself”, “Your career path is never a straight line”, and “It will always get better” – Carmen Wong Ulrich.

Watch and you will empowered!

January 1, 2011

Getting inspired….

Ok.. here we go. I’ve been wanting to do a blog for the longest time and my focus is to blog about INSPIRATION. Something I am constantly on a quest for, a thirst for, to satiate my palate. I crave it and never can get enough. So many times I’ll hit an artistic block and I hope that this blog will track my search for the zing we call inspiration.

So here I am flying about 34,862 feet above the United States on one of my biggest “inspirators” Richard Branson’s Virgin America. Flying Vegas to NY and roaming the internet for inspiration, for my next epic, for my next muse or idea.

Just wanted to share something that tickled my fancy – www.pecha-kucha.org Barcelona #10 “Painting with Light” by Mateusz Staniewski, Piotr Wankowicz, Agnieszka Sobota and friends – Which led me to their blog – http://selectedlightworks.blogspot.com/ Genius!

Check it out, their half paintings / half photographs are out of this world and really amazing. Click through for images or listen to how they created their masterpieces. This team really is a talent – and they are pretty cool themselves!

January 1, 2011

Cheers to a brand New Year … and New Decade!

Yours truly ... ringing in the New Year!

Happy 2011!!

Happy New YEAR 2011! This year is sure to be a great one, I can feel it!

Appropriately enough today is the launch of my new blog all about Inspiration. I have been cooking this up for a while and am bursting with excitement at the chance to share my inspiration with you! I hope you enjoy my blog and feel free to tell me what inspires you at Emily@EmilyBrickel.com

xoxo

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