Gina Schiappacasse

Rebel Without A Cause.

2012-02-12T21:31:00.002-05:00

Agyness Deyn, James Dean style, shot by James Franco (I didn't know he was a phtographer either).

For Elle Magazine.

Happy Fashion Week!

-G

Sunday Morning

2012-02-05T14:47:00.000-05:00

A little ink painting to start your sunday. :)

P.S. I will be showing as part of a group Fashion Week exhibit this Thursday in Chelsea, NYC. All are welcome. More info here: http://popuparteventny.tumblr.com/

Happy superbowl!

Lykke Li.

2012-01-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

Another portrait of Lykke Li. A gift for a friend.

Love drawing her almost as much as i love her music. She has such a fantastic gritty edge to her beauty, and a vey unique sense of style.

Doppelgangers.

2012-01-24T17:11:00.000-05:00

A commissioned piece for a friend of her and her doppelganger.

Fierce. ;)

G

Sketches.

2012-01-23T20:01:00.000-05:00

Hair blowing in the breeze...

Pencil sketch

-G

Late-Night Ink.

2012-01-03T01:46:00.000-05:00

Prepping for my fashion week
show with the Fashion Pop-Up Art Event on February 9th!

Sketches.

2011-12-27T16:04:00.000-05:00

From the Sketchbook.

Ball point Pen.

Yellow Dress.

2011-12-05T17:58:00.001-05:00

"Self-Portrait."

Andi.

2011-12-02T13:19:00.001-05:00

Add caption

Life drawing session in my living room with my stunningly beautiful and talented best friend, Andi.

Love working with live models!

I think she looks a bit like my image of Scheherazade from Arabian Nights.

"A Light of Our Own."

2011-11-10T14:46:00.001-05:00

Hi friends,

Just wanted to share a few photos from the recently published shoot I wrapped this summer with photographer Corey Hayes for Spirited Magazine.

Headdresses and body paint (liquid latex)are my work, hair by Kelsy Osterman, and our fabulous dancers-turned-models are Alexis Convento, Marla Phelan, Allison Jones, and Laura Kendall.

Check out the full spread on Spirited Magazine's Site: www.spiritedmag.com, The Plastic City Issue.

-G

Gaga II.

2011-10-30T18:47:00.002-04:00

Falling with Style.

2011-10-02T19:14:00.001-04:00

I hate being sick, but at least I get around to doing things that I should have done months ago. Been meaning to put this one up for awhile.

Cheers!
-G

Instagram Batch.

2011-09-25T22:08:00.000-04:00

Instagram magic.
From the sketchbook...

Tranquility.

2011-09-05T15:32:00.000-04:00

ALIOMI Take II.

2011-08-27T18:30:00.000-04:00

While sitting and waiting for Hurricane Irene, I thought I may as well be productive and update. Here are the original images for the ALIOMI tote bag designs, for your viewing pleasure.

Hoping to possibly make a few more to sell on ALIOMI's site soon. :)

Stay safe, East Coast!

ALIOMI + Gina Schiappacasse Aniversary Party Collab.

2011-08-22T11:43:00.001-04:00

Naomi w band Spit Hot Fire rocking the t-shirts

Signing tote bags for our VIP guests

Some photos from the ALIOMI 1 Year Anniversary Party last Thursday at Hotel Chantelle where my tote
bag collaboration made it's debut! The even was sponsored by Disaronno, Crispin' Cider, and Perrier, with DJ Louie XIV spinning and performance by band Spit Hot Fire (wearing t-shirts with my design above). Also featured was jewelery by the lovely Creature Couture. A fabulous night!

More photos here.

Sketches.

2011-08-16T14:22:00.001-04:00

Recently obsessed with Instagram. Since my scanner has given up on me, it's a nice alternative to updating. For those of you without the iphone app, here's the latest. Been squeezing drawing into my crazy schedule on coffee breaks and while riding the train.

Gaga.

2011-08-07T14:37:00.000-04:00

The infamous.

Saint Transmission.

2011-08-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

Hi all, finally updating again with some fresh work. Hot off the presses, it's the new flier for Transmission NYC, a local DJ dance party in the New York City area. August 27th is a special transmission as our friends, Saint Motel, an LA-based band, will be guest DJing the night at Blackout bar in Greenpoint Brooklyn. These gentlemen are sure to not dissappoint as they have a reputation for bringing the party.

Design work by the talented Hilary Davis.

New Yorkers, come one, come all.

Graphics for ALIOMI.

2011-07-27T23:26:00.001-04:00

Some original silkscreen designs for ALIOMI that were never realized. Thought it would be nice to show them the light of day.

Possibly for future...

-G

Sketches.

2011-07-16T15:34:00.000-04:00

Lyrics doodled from the Bjork song, Hyper Ballad. <3

Happy Saturday.

-G

Sketches.

2011-06-25T15:12:00.000-04:00

Night Sky.

2011-06-20T14:45:00.001-04:00

Sketches.

2011-06-07T14:14:00.000-04:00

These ladies could use a splash of color, but I thought I'd share the sketches anyway.

Happy Tuesday! Hope your week is off to a good start...

-G

At the Savoy.

2011-06-06T11:29:00.000-04:00

A little piece for my dance friends that I unearthed from the archives. The image came from an old photo of Harlem Savoy Ballroom dancers doing the lindy hop by Gjon Mili titled "Lindy Hop Improv" (1943). Gjon was a photographer for Life magazine well know for his photos that captured motion. As I've been a lindy hop dancer for several years, the image holds a special place in my heart.

For those of you who don't know anything about the dance, take a peek at this clip: Hellzapoppin (1941).

Gaia.

2011-05-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

Inspired by A Eugenio Recuenco photo.

Kevin Kramp.

2011-05-26T15:43:00.001-04:00

Inspired the other day by the fabulously talented Kevin Kramp, an extremely talented Men's Knitwear Designer who just happens to be from my home state (Minnesota, if you don't already know). I was turned on to him by a few other Minnesotans in the Big Apple and was instantly captivated by his exquisite use of shape and texture. A truly unique perspective. You can also see his work in motion in this music video by Minneapolis band (yes, I know, my state pride is obnoxious) Dearling Physique:

Late Night Painting Blues.

2011-05-19T00:50:00.000-04:00

Painting in the quiet of night.

Flower crowns and summer hats.

Lyrics on the third piece from The Decemberists song Of Angels and Angles.

Queen of the Night

2011-05-18T13:40:00.000-04:00

My contribution for the New York City Opera's fundraising event Divas Shop.

An illustrated version of The Queen of the Night from Mozart's opera The Magic Flute. I grew up listening to a version in english and loved the queen's aria, a very dark and powerful character, she seemed like the perfect candidate for an illustrated diva.

The piece was auctioned off at the event in the company of pieces by such illustrator and designer talent as Bil Donovan, Nicole Miller, Peter Som, Christian Siriano, ect.. At the opera in very good company!

Sketching.

2011-05-14T00:42:00.000-04:00

Sketching from the Bergdorf Catalog. :)

Stormclouds.

2011-05-03T00:04:00.000-04:00

Stormcloud Goddesses. :) Charcoal.

Sketching.

2011-04-29T16:00:00.000-04:00

Callie + Zach

2011-04-25T11:35:00.000-04:00

A recent piece for a childhood friend's wedding. Congrats, Callie! xx

Relic.

2011-04-22T15:41:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen I Present....

2011-04-15T18:42:00.000-04:00

Acroback Productions Inc. 2011 from Shane Geraghty on Vimeo.

The long-anticipated world premiere of the Acroback Productions Video recently shot at Cipriani's NYC! An incredible cast and crew! Beautifully done.

As previously mentioned, I worked styling with the talented Chelsea Bacon, and makeup. Watch for my headdresses on the girls on human mobile!

It's a Glamorous Life.

2011-04-13T10:59:00.000-04:00

Another tote design. This one for my fabulously talented roomie (www.silks-nyc.com).

Happy Hump Day!

G

Big Hair.

2011-04-11T17:00:00.000-04:00

A tote design for my amiga. Kind of reminds me of Kill Bill for some reason...she could be a character. :)

G

Head in the Clouds.

2011-04-09T17:09:00.000-04:00

Messin' w Photoshop...not sure how successful I actually was, but it was fun. :)

Acroback Shoot.

2011-04-06T16:41:00.000-04:00

Rachel Salzman

The Aerialists in My Headdresses!

Hi friends!

After a short, but lovely trip to the West Coast, I'm back and updating. These shots were from a few hundred I snapped while doing makeup and styling at the Acroback promo shoot a few weeks back with the fantastic Chelsea Bacon (of The Citizen's Band) who makes the most mind-blowing costumes.

A well-oiled machine, the team shot at Cipriani's in NYC and covered just about every act in their diversely talented line-up of artists in a single day. Ranging from back-flipping bartenders, to enchantingly beautiful aerial acts, the company has extreme entertainment covered.

I also had the opportunity to feature my headdresses on the human-mobile. Overall, an awesome experience.

Hope to share the video with you soon!

G

p.s. Yes, I really am joining the circus now. ;)

The Human Mobile

Sadie Wilhelmi of Silk NYC warming up.

Running Away with the Circus.

2011-04-04T15:57:00.000-04:00

The talented Olga Karmansky

Was fortunate enough to get a gig painting faces at a benefit in CT with Phoenix Entertainment a few weeks ago, and what an incredible experience! I did a series of Venetian masks on the performers ranging from jugglers, to hoopers, to stilt-walkers, to contortionists!

I was one of two face-painters (the other made the costumes as well(!)) The talent in the room was mind-blowing and on top of it they were all a really lovely group of people.

Actually running away with the circus may not be such a bad idea...

The enchanting Elaina Royter.

The lovely Nata Imbragimov

Last of the Winter Coats.

2011-03-29T13:35:00.000-04:00

Sketching along.

Bells and Whistles.

2011-03-25T20:51:00.000-04:00

A mini headpiece I recently made for my friend Judit who was just married in Flordia to her husband Jeff. A truly stunning bride! It was a fun custom project and I was so happy to be able to contribute something unique for her special day.

Photos are by the talented Abi and Mark Litwa at Tea for Two Photograpy. Beautiful work!

-G

Balloons and Babies!

2011-03-19T21:20:00.000-04:00

A recent piece for a baby shower a friend is throwing.

Slightly inspired by the old Curious George paintings by H.A. Rey. Such a classic.

Vita.MN Covers and Variations!

2011-03-13T18:17:00.000-04:00

Hi friends,

Hope you're having a marvelous end to your weekend!

There have been a lot of projects on my end lately, so, therefore, not a lot of blogging. But, now's the time for all those things to come into fruition, which is really the exciting part as I get to share them with you!

The images attached are the original cover illustrations for Vita.mn magazine, for a feature on Minneapolis fashion bloggers (written by Jahna Peloquin). The final cover they chose was actually the second one (the image of the 3 women, but in blue), although, I personally prefer the first, just a little bit more.
Curious to hear your thoughts..

Overall, definitely thrilled to see the finished product though! More good things to come...

-G

Kelsy Lillian Osterman Hair.

2011-03-05T12:20:00.000-05:00

Apologies for being M.I.A. for the last few weeks. Everything keeps happening all at once, as things often do in NYC. Wanted to share one of the several projects I've been working on lately, A logo for a friend's hairstyling business, Kelsy Lillian Osterman, (previously of Eclecticoiffeur) who I can honestly say is magic with a pair of scissors. This was a logo concept for her business cards and website (currently in the works), based around her identification with cameos and her initials spelled out in bobby pins, and images from her portfolio.

Kelsy currently works at Cutler Salon in NYC, and gives fabulous cuts, she recently demoed how to give a Kate Middleton cut for the BBC, as well as styles, heading the Tara St. James (Study NY, eco-fashion) show this past Fashion Week.

Looking forward to seeing the finished site!

TRANSMISSSION NYC! March 26th, 2011

2011-03-03T18:40:00.000-05:00

New Poster art for Transmission NYC! If you're in the NY area on March 26th, come on out and get your dance on!

Wings.

2011-02-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

Another Feather head piece, so excited I got to put this in the shoot!
Shot by the fabulous Elizabeth Waugh.
Styling by Xavi Sostre.
Dress: Daniella Kallmeyer.

Totes!

2011-02-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

So I decided to start doing a limited-edition series of hand painted totes, in slight protest of the world of mass-manufactured art and fashion. Also thought it might be kind of fun.

This is the first in a series, acrylic on canvas (which is certainly not my usual medium, but is kind of working). I'll put more up as I go along. This one's already spoken for, but if there's any interest, please don't hesitate to email me at: artbreatheson@gmail.com.

-G

Extreme Bobs...

2011-02-03T18:48:00.000-05:00

Bil Donovan: Fashion Illustration, Visual Poetry

2011-01-27T14:24:00.000-05:00

Recently, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend the opening reception for Bil Donavan's new curated Fashion Illustration show at Gallery Hanahou: Fashion Illustration: Visual Poetry. The show was wonderful, and featured pieces from some of my favorite illustrators: Laura Laine, Stina Persson, Sara Singh, as well as some new ones that I hadn't been exposed to: Daniel Egneus, Tina Berning, ect. Some really wonderful talent. On Saturday I returned to Hanahou to hear Bil speak and demo, on fashion illustration. He painted beautifully for almost two hours from live models, engaging the entire audience crowded into the tiny one-room gallery. It was a pleasure and privilege to hear such a master talk about his craft and his path to a successful creative career, that I fell in love with the art-form all over again.

Mainly, It was important on my end to hear a professional in my desired field talk about the need for such a career and the about of skill and dedication that goes into the practice. All too often, people dismiss fashion, or fashion illustration, as being frivolous and and simple, but so few are able to comprehend the amount of training and level of craftsmanship required to go into such practices. This is perhaps due to the fact that we live in a society where crafts seem a thing of the past and the majority of people, not only have no idea how to work with their hands, but also deem careers that do somehow less-important or lacking in tangible value. This is not to say that either way of working is above the other, but the idea of having and embracing different forms of intelligence in our world would probably get us a lot further.

But, I digress.

The beautiful thing about this experience was the fact that Bil was able, not only to express himself through the media he has mastered, but verbally. He was an eloquent and motivating speaker. Gives me a reason to want to be an educated being as well as pursuing creative self-expression.

In Bil's words about the show:

"I believe that we all share a fascination with the figure, its form and its nuances, especially when played against a backdrop of fashion. My intent is to create a show that communicates the poetry inherent in the use of line, shape, and wit, through a combination of images that reflect a personal vision…."

I'm inspired to create all-over again.

Bil's Models.

By the Sea.

2011-01-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

An old piece I stumbled upon while organizing sketchbooks.

Thought it might be worth putting up.

-G

Ombre Hair.

2011-01-17T13:43:00.000-05:00

Ombre Hair. Kind of love this trend...maybe I should try it....hmmm.

From an image on Be Nice to the Queen, Dear.

Hope your week's off to a good start!

-g

Peppermint Tea.

2011-01-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

From the sketchbook.

She needs some color, but she most certainly has attitude. :)

Musings on the Train.

2011-01-14T16:23:00.000-05:00

I got stuck on the train yesterday for a bit, and usually when that happens I get really antsy and frustrated that I'm not moving. This probably has something to do with the fact that New Yorkers are always in a hurry, myself included.

Anyway, this time I had my sketchbook and a bunch of fresh pens from Muji (They have the best pens!) and I was quite content to just sit and draw people indefinitely.

This in itself was unusual, because although I love drawing people, I typically get a little too self conscious, in public, when I realize they might notice that I'm drawing them. In this case, the girl saw my sketchbook and closed her eyes for almost the whole ride, as if she knew I might want to draw her...almost as if she was posing.

Crazy? Maybe.

TRANSMISSSION NYC! January 15, 2011.

2011-01-11T14:06:00.000-05:00

Hi all!

Here's the latest poster collab for Transmission NYC! (My illustration turned flyer by the lovely and talented Hilary Davis).

If you'll be in the city this Saturday, head on out to Greenpoint's Blackout Bar for the most fabulous dance party around.

See you on the dance floor!

-G

Film Projects.

2011-01-09T16:18:00.001-05:00

Around Halloween, I was invited to take part in a fun, creative project with Ghost of A Saber Tooth Tiger (Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Mulh's band). I already loved their music and whimsical artistic sense and so jumped at the chance to be involved. I played the role of Marie Antoinette, and characters involved ranged from Che Guevara, to Albert Einstein, to Marilyn Monroe. The filming was a blast (everyone in elaborate historical costumes hanging around in Union Pool all day, really doesn't get much better) and the end product, from director Jordan Galland, kept consistent with the dreamy ethereal quality of GOASTT's music.

The track Shroedinger's Cat is recently released on the duo's new album Acoustic Sessions on Chimera Records. Below are the video, and the making of. Enjoy!

-G

A New Decade.

2011-01-02T01:03:00.001-05:00

Loosely based on the character Howl from the Miyazaki film "Howl's Moving Castle."

A little pen and ink to welcome in the new year and a new decade.

I'm excited to see what this year has in store...I think it's going to be good.

-G

Falling Up.

2010-12-30T19:11:00.001-05:00

Yes I did recently watch "Black Swan" (which was a great film), and no, that's not really why I painted this.

She's a commission for a friend for her roommate (another friend) who used to do ballet.

Although, I can't say I wasn't inspired/influenced by the film, I also love this clip of "Amelia" (choreographer Edouard Lock's amazing film with Lalala Human Steps, the Canadian dance company). Such powerful music. When I saw this for the first time a few years ago, I loved the song almost as much as the dancing and went out and found it somewhere. Definitely played it a few times while painting this one...

eerie and beautiful.

-G

With Flying Colors.

2010-12-14T19:32:00.001-05:00

All colored in. By the fabulous Rich Tu.

Love it!

Work In Progress...

2010-12-11T02:06:00.001-05:00

Love how this sketch turned out, now debating what to do with her...

Comments? Suggestions?

I'm open.

Thoughts In Ink.

2010-12-07T00:22:00.002-05:00

On the way...

In Living Color.

2010-12-05T02:55:00.000-05:00

From Zink Magazine. Summer 2010.

Exercises late at night sometimes turn out better than expected.

-G

Paper Cranes.

2010-11-29T22:28:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Turkey Day!

Mine was delicious and relaxed, finally had a chance to get some sketching in.

Maybe I had birds on the brain, as this is what I came up with while sketching in my uncle's kitchen.

I think it was a slightly nostalgic piece as the girl's clothing feels reminiscent of something I wore once as a little girl (shiny black dress shoes and a winged dress). I also used to make a lot of origami as a child; I could make puffed up frogs, cranes, rhinos, even a parrot!

Diagnosis: I think I may have a case of the Never-land blues...

In The Blood: Berlin, Germany.

2010-11-26T16:13:00.001-05:00

All Photos: Alena Schiappacasse.

Shot in black and white film, 400 speed, un-edited.

I stumbled onto these photos on my cousin Alena's Facebook page a few weeks ago and was captivated. I didn't even realize that she even dabbled in photography, but I was so impressed with the series that I wanted to share them. She's currently living in Berlin, and I thought the images were a nice glimpse into the world there, channeled though a strong, artistic eye.

Enjoy!

Flightless Bird.

2010-11-23T18:29:00.000-05:00

Tornado.

"You grow, you roar
Although disguised
I know you

You'll learn to know

You grow, you grow like tornado
You grow from the inside
Destroy everything through
Destroy from the inside
Erupt like volcano
You flow through the inside
You kill everything through
You kill from the inside

You'll...
You'll learn to know

I wonder if I'm allowed ever to see
I wonder if I'm allowed to ever be free

You sound so blue
You now are gloom

You sound so blue
You now are gloom

I wonder if I'm allowed just ever to be."

-Jonsi

Melting point.

2010-11-17T14:37:00.000-05:00

From the Archives...

Sketches.

2010-11-15T20:41:00.000-05:00

Love Approximately: Lips.

2010-11-06T23:51:00.000-04:00

More from Love Approximately.

Words by Chas A. Kennedy.

Deep Water.

2010-10-27T14:51:00.000-04:00

As All Hallows Eve, approaches. I am so prepared.

A little piece I did inspired by Barnaby Ward.

Hope your Halloween prep is off to a good start! Happy Haunting

An Androgynous Sunday Afternoon.

2010-10-24T15:21:00.000-04:00

So recently I feel like I've been seeing androgyny everywhere. And, granted, it's a human trait that's existed for, what I'm sure is, the duration of our species' existence, but it's something that I just seem to be keying into more lately. Especially with performers like La Roux and Janelle Monae putting the feminine/masculine edge on things (obviously this has been done before, i.e. David Bowie, Michael Jackson, ect). Style really has taken a dip back to the 80s (women in power-suits and shoulder pads...never thought I'd like it). But, frankly, there is something really appealing-not to mention powerful- in the whole look.

Maybe it's attractive in the way it averages out sexuality into one entity, the same way we find symmetry and averaged features beautiful on people (note, I'm referencing some study I read about a while back where they took a ton of human faces and averaged them out with a computer to get a really "perfect" and attractive person).

Either way, that, combined with my recent thought that I should work on putting a few more men in my painting subject-matter, lead me to this piece. And I'd like to think it's fairly successful. I've also been playing with trying to get more background in my work, as it can feel a bit shallow sometimes, so that's where the lines come in. I think my favorite bit, though, is the colorful collar he's got going on. :)

-G

Love Approximately: Sisters.

2010-10-20T15:21:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

I've been slacking on the posting lately, my apologies.

Just finished up this project with a friend. The long-awaited, Love Approximately book project! A collaboration between my friend Chas and I, the book is essentially a collection of vignettes about love and human experiences with love, loss, and the strikingly similar patterns we all encounter in our romantic endeavors.

I've attached two images from L.A. called: Sisters. The finished (above) is actually not the one we ended up using as we felt the sketch carried a little more weight, and really captured the emotion. The text (missing here) is simply:

"Your sister taught me how to love you."

A beautifully written, and poignant collection, you can check out the whole Love Approximately here.

Enjoy!

-G

Happy Hipster-Tuesday.

2010-10-12T14:20:00.000-04:00

Yes. This image is from a Versace ad campaign (not typically a big Versace fan, but love these asymmetrical mini-dresses). And Yes, I did ad lightning bolts in bright colors.

My inner-hipster is taking over....Aaahhhh!

TRANSMISSSION NYC!

2010-10-07T08:10:00.000-04:00

Good morning!

A bit of shameless promotion for my friends here: if you're in the NYC area this weekend come on out for Transmission NYC in Brooklyn for the dj debut of two charming Minneapolis friends, Di and Hilary at Blackout (916 Manhattan Ave).

Hilary, Di, and I schemed up the flyer shoot we have here a few weeks back for a little something different. Hilary and I spent a the better part of a Sunday night gluing rhinestones to these headphones in Di's apartment with the result that is this shot. We may be taking our arts and crafts a little too seriously(!).

Photography by Mini, i.e. Erin Smith Photography.

Prarie Fire.

2010-09-26T23:07:00.000-04:00

Painting from my photo from Nary Manivong's Spring 2011 show.

This model was so sweet, she'd turn and look at me whenever I'd take a shot of her. You can see the photos in my post from the show.

Styling (oh, how I love the wicked cool bonnets) by Ally Hilfiger.

-G

Nary Manivong Spring 2011.

2010-09-20T18:45:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Here's a little bit of fashion to re-vitalize your Monday.

Spring 2011 looks by Nary Manivong. If you check out my older posts you can see the actual photos from his finished collection. So lovely and springy (maybe not as appropriate on the last day of summer, but pretty all the same).

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Alice.

2010-09-17T13:27:00.003-04:00

Alice, an old piece I posted back at the start of this blog. Just re-scanned her so she looks a little cleaner. Thought I'd share with you. Hope you're having a happy Friday!

Color Forcast...Looks Like Seafoam.

2010-09-14T01:41:00.000-04:00

So, in collaboration with the talented Nary Manivong, I pulled together these watercolors for the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2011!

If you check out the link, you can download the whole document, which is pretty cool as Betsey Johnson is on there too.

Happiness!

-G

NYC Fashion Week 2010, Nary Manivong.

2010-09-13T01:08:00.001-04:00

Hi all, hope your Fashion-weekend is wrapping up on a good note.

Thought I'd share the photos from Nary Manivong's Spring 2011 Show! An excellent collection, Nary chose to head back to his roots and draw from Amish and Laos culture present in Ohio.

Nary chose to present in display which was actually a great format as it allowed the viewer to take a longer, closer look at the garments. The awesome styling (love the bonnets) was done by Miss Ally Hilfiger.

Beautiful show!

Pen + Ink.

2010-09-12T13:15:00.000-04:00

From an image in the NY Times Style Magazine. Ballpoint pen on paper.

Points if you know the model...I can't remember her name...

Happy Sunday! Hope your weekend was fashionable.

-G

Fashion Week Begins...

2010-09-11T12:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Fashion Week Everyone!!!

To kick-start my fashion week, I headed to Le Poisson Rouge with Rich to check out Jihae's CD release party. Wow! Such an incredible show! Not only is Jihae a great performer, but she had a fantastic line up of costumes, incredibly cool back up dancers (photo), and a really bizarre and fabulous cast of creatures that acted out a storyline as the concert progressed. Stellar.

It's so refreshing to see an artist do something different like that. I left feeling quite inspired. And although it wasn't officially fashion-week related, I think by connection of the unique costumes the whole thing qualifies rather easily.

More style to come!

-G

Foley + Corinna, Part I.

2010-09-04T13:11:00.000-04:00

And the countdown to fashion week begins!!!

An old sketch from a project that was never realized with Foley + Corinna.

Happy three-day weekend!

Yena Returns!

2010-08-19T03:23:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Sorry for the lack of updates, been getting lots of fun drawing projects (hopefully some of which I can share at some point...). But managed to slip in time for some quick sketching.

Here's one I did from one of the images from my Photoshoot at the Mews with Yena. I am so obsessed with headdresses.... ^_^
This Headdress: My own design!

May add some color to this one later just for kicks...

New Beginnings.

2010-08-09T00:37:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, this painting was my very first attempt at acrylic on canvas(!). I'm pretty excited about it, although, the last thing I need is another hobby...

What I realized in the process, however, was that, compared to watercolor, acrylic is disgustingly easy. Now I understand what everyone means when they've been telling me that 'watercolor is really hard'. It definitely requires a lot more control, as you only get one shot, and layering isn't generally an option (at least not a good one). Acrylic, on the other hand you can go over and over on till you get exactly what you want. It generally isn't really time efficient for a designer or fashion illustrator working on the fly (which is precisely why I've never delved in in the past) but, for an artist, it's smooth sailing.

Brilliant.

Heat Wave.

2010-08-05T13:21:00.000-04:00

In all this heat all I seem to want to do is hibernate in my bedroom with my a/c and paint. Apparently I'm dreaming of fall as my subconcious keeps dragging me to images like this. Lots of texture and layers.

I think I'm ready for cool and breezy.

Nary Manivong.

2010-08-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

Today's Sketch: Part of the Nary Manivong Fall 2010 Collection. Work from a very talented and gracious young designer. :)

Jungle Bird

2010-08-01T23:31:00.000-04:00

Great Expectations.

2010-07-27T16:00:00.000-04:00

Inspired by an Alexander McQueen feather Headdress. I love the way the model actually looks like a bird herself.

I seem to have a thing for headdresses (if you haven't caught that yet). I guess this is my little tribute to him, a bit delayed, but I'd been meaning to get around to it for awhile; I just happened to be reminded of my little personal project when I walked by his store last night in the Meatpacking district and nearly tripped drooling over the window display. It was such a huge loss for the fashion world when he left. He was one of my heroes, and by far my favorite designer. A true genius, he absolutely epitomized creativity- the act of creating something from nothing- and never ceased to amaze and astound.

Sneak Peak...

2010-07-26T13:10:00.000-04:00

A little preview from the Love Approximately book collaboration. Coming soon... :)

Happy Monday!

Boots.

2010-07-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

Shooting at the Mews.

2010-07-16T18:58:00.000-04:00

Hello friends!

I've been slacking on the posting lately, so sorry! It's been a busy few weeks. Whew!

Here's a little insight into the constant chaos. I'm glad nice things are coming out of it.

Got back into making my own things again (clothing-wise), which has been more fulfilling than I remembered. So i decided to pull together a photo shoot and combine forces with some of the creative and talented individuals I know, if for no reason other than to keep us all fresh in our ingenuity and resourcefulness. And here are the results: a lovely day shooting at the NYU Mews street. The colors were great, even if the weather was not. :)

Photo: Corey Melton
Designer (Dress and Headress): Gina Schiappacasse
Hair: Kelsy Osterman
Make up: Di Medlock
Model: Yena Kim

Eden and Kemp.

2010-06-17T15:21:00.001-04:00

Eden and Kemp.

Two beautiful, charming, and talented young ladies that I've had the pleasure of meeting recently. Also, very talented artists (and great cooks!). :)

Anya

2010-06-16T16:55:00.001-04:00

My Bond Girl, from an old project. Really love how she turned out. I want to be that bad-ass. Nothing beats platform heels and a leather jacket. ;)

Flower Vision.

2010-06-10T11:25:00.001-04:00

Original inspiration photo credit: be nice to the queen dear.

A cool shoot complete with instructions on how to make your own fresh flower glasses. :)

Gaea.

2010-06-09T22:11:00.000-04:00

GAEA or GE (Gaia or Gê), the personification of the earth.

She kind of needs some color. Hmmmm....

Coloring contest, anyone?

amfAR Gala

2010-06-05T21:03:00.001-04:00

Lately I've been giving a lot of thought to the fact that this is a fashion blog, and that it might be about time to start showcasing some photos in addition to the artwork. :)

After all, this city is teaming with fashion (both street and runway).

So, with that said, here are a few photo's from the amfAR Inspiration Gala men's runway show that my friend Mimi Eayrs produced for 2010. I took the opportunity assisting to snap a few shots of the backstage activity. As you can see, it was an awesome production. :) Three cheers for Mimi!

We Can Only Go Up From Here.

2010-05-30T15:55:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday! Or maybe it's more appropriate to say happy 3-Day weekend? Either way, it's good.

Lately I've been fortunate enough to meet a lot of amazing new people, experience some wonderful new things, and have a few really exciting opportunities extended in my direction (as well as to some really lovely people around me).
Keep your fingers crossed, but I think summer is off to a good start. :)

This piece is a continuation of the big-hair-series. Enjoy!

Sadie + Trevor

2010-05-27T23:15:00.000-04:00

My lovely roomie and her bf Trevor. A little piece for her birthday. I loved the original image, and we'd talked about my painting it at some point, but birthday's are always a good excuse for some artwork. That and (as I teased her about earlier) she's a bit forgetful and would probably not have reminded me to follow through. Hehe. I'm so sneaky. ;)

Or, so I think, anyway...

Hunter.

2010-05-23T19:23:00.001-04:00

From a John Galliano Image for Dior circa May 2002.
From a Steven Klein photo of Natalia Vodianova.

Cheers, Darlin.'

2010-05-19T19:50:00.000-04:00

Discovered this image on FFFFound! last week. It's part of a really fantastic series of women with BIG hair (my favorite). Couldn't resist. I'm working on a few more but this one was one of my favorites. Love the shape of her body and the floppy, hat-like quality of her coiffure.

The text is from a Damien Rice song by the same title. It's motivation is a little lost without vocals, as the song is ultra-angsty, in true Damien style.

Incidentally, this is one more thing I'm fond of (besides, Damien, of course): good sad music. ;)

Flower Child.

2010-05-17T20:03:00.001-04:00

Since I've been getting such positive feedback on the friend portraits (and having so much fun painting them), I decided to make this a more regular practice. Here I have for you the beautiful and talented Lisa Casper (In her words: think Lisa Simpson meets Casper the friendly ghost).

Dancer, artist, and genuinely sweet person, she paints murals and Dr. Seuss-style landscapes, and nanny's for two little boys that go by the names Thor and Wolfgang.

P.S. hand-crafts the flowers in her hair out of felt. Almost as pretty as her!