MONTGOMERY FRAZIER "The Image Guru" SCRIBES!....... Read What's On The Mind And In The Heart Of New York's Preeminent Image Guru
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
"Wherever You May Live!"
Wishing you all a festive season...wherever you may live!
From ME with LOVE, with GOOD TASTE, GOOD SENSE and HEART & SOUL, with LAUGHTER & LIGHT! But please just one thing, make sure YOU set out, from here and now on, to have a reason to make your world BRIGHTER & SMARTER and HAPPIER & HEALTHIER with FAIRNESS & HONESTY...wherever you may live!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
From ME with LOVE, with GOOD TASTE, GOOD SENSE and HEART & SOUL, with LAUGHTER & LIGHT! But please just one thing, make sure YOU set out, from here and now on, to have a reason to make your world BRIGHTER & SMARTER and HAPPIER & HEALTHIER with FAIRNESS & HONESTY...wherever you may live!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Divinity's Trick-ety Mock!
Tickety tock!...Clocks ticking away to sleighbells in sleepy haze, landing oer' so gently atop roofs aglow. When cherubs awake in amazement's delight, spying the rosey fat man's perks all set in a row. Tis' yuletide hour, which comes but once yearly and merriment makes to those who pay dearly...For now the Light is 'scene'......tis' Divinity's trickety mock!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
President Obama and the Democrats, Need to "WAKE UP AMERICA!"
December 02
I say here and now that the Republicans are already up to their old tricks and shenanigans!
By blocking key bills and acts of legislation in the Senate, they are betraying their country...not their party.....their country! I know this is the fundamental principle of American politics, to get what you want for your party only, but what about the American people? Don't we count anymore? Although in all fairness to the Republicans, they did seem to win farily in the November elections, but the American people can be swayed by whomever is yelling and pointing the finger the loudest and surely many were swayed!
President Obama and the Democrats have got to devise a strategically cohesive and precise platform (aimed at the young, the poor and the middle class) and implement an aggressive campaign (internet viral marketing) for the next 2012 Presidential elections extolling their rather startling and monumental accomplishments. They must site exactly and concisely what they HAVE DONE and stop being so incredibly wimpy and limp-dicked about the strides they have actually made on the behalf of the American people! They (the Democrats) must "go for the jugular", so to speak, just like the Republicans did in 2010. I mean really, the Republicans basically had no leg to stand on in 2008 with McCain and Palin, but nonetheless, in 2010 they maneuvered and finnagled themselves back into prominence and power by playing on the disallusionments and fears of the American people, who were none-to-happy with President Obama's performance. They expected "immediate and overnight" redemption and respite (just like we like our "wash and wear" American lifestyle) from the brink of an economic calamity that this country and the world hasn't seen since the last century's, Great Depression. Ah, but Obama did manage to pass an unprecedented healthcare bill which in my humble opinion took up too much of his valuable time and the Democrats' regained political clout. But the American public wanted, needed and were promised JOBS from their then "new-messiah" Obama... but that simply didn't happen in Obama's first 2 years in office, so the Demcorats were out again and the good ole' fat-cat Repubicans, who actually put us in that dilemna, were back in! FICKLE IS AS FICKLE DOES!
I say to the Democrats... expose the numerous faults and flaws of the Republican Party, the lies, (bordering on criminal) the manipulations of the American people (every other Republican and or Tea Parti-diot was urging their party to "Take Back America") and the gross incompetence (bordering on political ineffectualness) since George W. Bush, should all be called into play! In other words, President Obama and the Democrats need to "WAKE UP AMERICA!" in a big way!
How do they do this? By simply telling the truth and having the facts and data to back up their claims! Ah, but will the truth be well received by those disgruntled people who found that Mr. Obama did not live up to his claims initially? That is the 3 trillion dollar question!
I say simply site the facts.... expose the lies of the George W. Bush administration and contend and address the platform of the Republican Presidential candidate in a "this is what we accomplished in our administration" stance and "what have you done for the country lately"? posturing. Let's see how they bask in the dimness of their own incompetence, which they seem to do quite well and somehow many Americans seem to believe their bullshit and lies!
Give the Republicans enough rope and they shall surely hang themselves, but the Demcorats have got to supply the rope and then push the stool from under them!
I say... take a strong stance, President Obama and don't be so fuckin' politically polite and correct.... unless you want to be a one-term President where all of your incredible accomplishments shall be literally swept under the filthy carpet of the archaic and antiquated Republican/Tea Parti-Diots ideology I say to the Obama.........."WAKE UP AMERICA!"
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
I say here and now that the Republicans are already up to their old tricks and shenanigans!
By blocking key bills and acts of legislation in the Senate, they are betraying their country...not their party.....their country! I know this is the fundamental principle of American politics, to get what you want for your party only, but what about the American people? Don't we count anymore? Although in all fairness to the Republicans, they did seem to win farily in the November elections, but the American people can be swayed by whomever is yelling and pointing the finger the loudest and surely many were swayed!
President Obama and the Democrats have got to devise a strategically cohesive and precise platform (aimed at the young, the poor and the middle class) and implement an aggressive campaign (internet viral marketing) for the next 2012 Presidential elections extolling their rather startling and monumental accomplishments. They must site exactly and concisely what they HAVE DONE and stop being so incredibly wimpy and limp-dicked about the strides they have actually made on the behalf of the American people! They (the Democrats) must "go for the jugular", so to speak, just like the Republicans did in 2010. I mean really, the Republicans basically had no leg to stand on in 2008 with McCain and Palin, but nonetheless, in 2010 they maneuvered and finnagled themselves back into prominence and power by playing on the disallusionments and fears of the American people, who were none-to-happy with President Obama's performance. They expected "immediate and overnight" redemption and respite (just like we like our "wash and wear" American lifestyle) from the brink of an economic calamity that this country and the world hasn't seen since the last century's, Great Depression. Ah, but Obama did manage to pass an unprecedented healthcare bill which in my humble opinion took up too much of his valuable time and the Democrats' regained political clout. But the American public wanted, needed and were promised JOBS from their then "new-messiah" Obama... but that simply didn't happen in Obama's first 2 years in office, so the Demcorats were out again and the good ole' fat-cat Repubicans, who actually put us in that dilemna, were back in! FICKLE IS AS FICKLE DOES!
I say to the Democrats... expose the numerous faults and flaws of the Republican Party, the lies, (bordering on criminal) the manipulations of the American people (every other Republican and or Tea Parti-diot was urging their party to "Take Back America") and the gross incompetence (bordering on political ineffectualness) since George W. Bush, should all be called into play! In other words, President Obama and the Democrats need to "WAKE UP AMERICA!" in a big way!
How do they do this? By simply telling the truth and having the facts and data to back up their claims! Ah, but will the truth be well received by those disgruntled people who found that Mr. Obama did not live up to his claims initially? That is the 3 trillion dollar question!
I say simply site the facts.... expose the lies of the George W. Bush administration and contend and address the platform of the Republican Presidential candidate in a "this is what we accomplished in our administration" stance and "what have you done for the country lately"? posturing. Let's see how they bask in the dimness of their own incompetence, which they seem to do quite well and somehow many Americans seem to believe their bullshit and lies!
Give the Republicans enough rope and they shall surely hang themselves, but the Demcorats have got to supply the rope and then push the stool from under them!
I say... take a strong stance, President Obama and don't be so fuckin' politically polite and correct.... unless you want to be a one-term President where all of your incredible accomplishments shall be literally swept under the filthy carpet of the archaic and antiquated Republican/Tea Parti-Diots ideology I say to the Obama.........."WAKE UP AMERICA!"
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Monday, November 29, 2010
"Lady of The Manor" styled by Montgomery Frazier on HairDesignerTV.com
http://hairdesignertv.com/mod_11_10/#/M.O.D%20Current%20Issue/32
See what the "LADY OF THE MANOR" is wearing! Montgomery Frazier
"The Image Guru"
See what the "LADY OF THE MANOR" is wearing! Montgomery Frazier
"The Image Guru"
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Port of Long Beach and Vision Sign Agreement for Zero Emission Truck Demonstration
Nov. 17, 2010, 8:30 a.m. EST
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov 17, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- The Port of Long Beach and Vision Motor Corporation of El Segundo, California /quotes/comstock/11k!viic (VIIC 0.25, +0.09, +55.69%) have entered into an agreement to develop and demonstrate one (1) hydrogen fuel cell/plug-in electric TYRANO(TM) class 8 on-road truck and one (1) hydrogen fuel cell/plug-in electric zero-emission terminal tractor (ZETT), which is produced jointly by Vision and Capacity of Texas. Vision's zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles will be tested to evaluate their suitability for short distance cargo-hauling ("drayage") and terminal operations. Vision trucks will be put into service and evaluated by Cal Cartage and TTSI, two trucking companies that operate at the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. Robert Curry, President of California Cartage Company, said: "Zero-emission is a laudable goal, if it can be coupled with the power to handle heavy-duty drayage, it could make these new trucks a valuable addition to any fleet. We are pleased to have been selected to test the capabilities of these tractors." Vic La Rosa, President of TTSI offers this statement: "TTSI has always been and will continue to be leading edge when it comes to the introduction and use of new clean technology. We are extremely excited about the Vision's zero-emission heavy duty vehicle. We believe that port cities located in the middle of major population areas will greatly benefit from this technology."
The Port of Long Beach is contributing $425,000 to assist in the project development and demonstration. The Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners is planning to consider cost-sharing this demonstration project in the amount of $212,500 at an upcoming board meeting. Vision CEO and President Martin Schuermann stated: "We are very excited to add the Port of Long Beach to our list of demonstration partners for our Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Trucks. Together with Cal Cartage and TTSI, we will be able to expose these exciting trucks to a large base of potential users and customers."
Stated Phillip Ford, President Capacity of Texas, "Capacity is the leader in the Terminal Tractor industry with environmentally friendly products. The world's first Pluggable Hybrid Terminal Truck (PHETT(R)) was introduced in 2009 and has been recognized as the most innovative new product in the terminal truck industry in the last 20 years. The Zero Emission Terminal Truck (ZETT(TM)) will be based on the PHETT's platform. The ZETT(TM) will be the only zero emission terminal truck that will meet the demanding environment and duty cycle of a terminal truck and have zero emissions. We have thousands of trucks in Southern California and are pleased to work with Vision Motor Corporation to provide this zero emission terminal truck to the Port of Long Beach.".
About Vision Motor Corp
Vision Motor Corp (Vision) headquartered in El Segundo, California designs and manufactures advanced zero emission, hydrogen fuel cell hybrid electric drive, Class VIII heavy-duty commercial trucks. Vision provides cost effective, zero emission, vehicle solutions to help short-haul freight carriers meet local, state and federal air emission standards and also provide a vehicle that delivers a lower cost of operation which has a direct impact on freight carriers profit margins. The Company is traded on the OTCBB (VIIC.OB) as Vision Industries Corp, and is a SEC reporting company. For more information on Vision Industries Corp., please visit www.visionmotorcorp.com
A Company Snapshot of Vision Motor Corp can be found at: http://ir.issuerdirect.com/tearsheet/html/VIIC
About Cal Cartage
Cal Cartage opened in 1944 as a small pickup and delivery carrier in Los Angeles supporting this country's aircraft industry during the war. This is a family-owned and controlled company. They are now into the third generation involved in the company's operations on a day-to-day basis as well as for the future. During the intervening 60 years, they have developed into a Southern California powerhouse for import trucking, warehousing, deconsolidation, and distribution. They have over 1200 owner-operators in their fleet nationwide, to provide drayage, intermodal drayage, and consolidation trucking services to their warehouses. Cal Cartage has specific terminals in three locations, in Southern California, as well as in San Diego, Seattle, and points along the border with Mexico. www.calcartage.com
About TTSI
TTSI began as an air-freight agency in 1989. They started with only the commitment to providing the highest levels of customer satisfaction and determination to deliver better expedited services. In 1991, TTSI started a cost-effective alternative to air freight by pooling shipments and using expedited trucks. It worked so well, customers asked to find better solutions to many of their supply chain needs. TTSI responded by creating companies that delivered better quality, service, and security in everything from drayage, transloading, warehousing, and truckload management. Since 2006 TTSI has made a major commitment to be a good corporate citizen and a steward of the environment. www.tts-i.com
About Capacity of Texas, Inc.
Capacity of Texas, Inc., has been serving the terminal tractor industry for over 39 years under the Trailer Jockey(R) brand. Capacity manufactures the Trailer Jockey(R) completely in-house and is solely focused on the manufacture and support of this product. Located in Longview, Texas, Capacity is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc, ("ASV") and is the largest American owned manufacturer of terminal tractors in North America, offering a full product line of terminal trucks used throughout the world. Capacity distributes products through a national and international authorized representative network. For a current listing of Capacity products and authorized representatives, visit www.capacitytexas.com
About Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc.
ASV, with revenue of approximately $1 billion, is a market leader in three industry segments: Fire & Emergency, Recreational Vehicles, and Bus & Industrial. The Company was formed on August 25, 2010 through the combination of four existing portfolio companies of American Industrial Partners (AIP): E-ONE, Inc., Collins Industries, Inc., and Halcore Group, Inc.; with Fleetwood RV, Inc. to be combined in the fourth quarter of this year. Within the Fire & Emergency segment, ASV offers an extensive line of fire apparatus under the E-ONE brand name including pumpers, aerials, tankers, rescues, and airport firefighting equipment. Additionally, the Company offers a full line of ambulances under the Horton, Wheeled Coach, American Emergency Vehicles, and Leader Emergency Vehicles brand names. Within the Recreational Vehicle segment, the Company produces Class A and Class C Recreational Vehicles under many of the industry's iconic brand names including Discovery, American Coach, Bounder, and Tioga, among others. Within the Bus & Industrial segment, the Company produces Type A bus products for both the school and childcare markets under the Collins, Mid Bus, and Corbeil brand names as well as terminal trucks and street sweeper products under the Capacity and Lay-Mor brand names. For additional information on Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc. please visit www.alliedsv.com
About American Industrial Partners
American Industrial Partners is an operationally focused middle market private equity firm comprised primarily of multidiscipline engineers and experienced operators which makes control investments in North-American based industrial businesses and implements strategies to grow the earnings of those businesses. AIP has managed three prior funds which totaled over $1 billion and is currently investing its fourth fund, $405.5 million American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV, LP. For more information, visit www.aipartners.com
Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors available from the Company.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: Vision Motor Corp
CONTACT: Vision Industries Corp.
Rudy Tapia, Vice-President of Business Development
1-877-340-8909 ext 203
Rudy@VisionMotorCorp.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Rusty Miller, Investor Relations Director
1-877-340-8909 Ext. 205
rusty@visionmotorcorp.com
Martin Schuermann
CEO & President
Vision Motor Corp
310-450-0299 ext 201
310-450-0202 fax
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov 17, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- The Port of Long Beach and Vision Motor Corporation of El Segundo, California /quotes/comstock/11k!viic (VIIC 0.25, +0.09, +55.69%) have entered into an agreement to develop and demonstrate one (1) hydrogen fuel cell/plug-in electric TYRANO(TM) class 8 on-road truck and one (1) hydrogen fuel cell/plug-in electric zero-emission terminal tractor (ZETT), which is produced jointly by Vision and Capacity of Texas. Vision's zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles will be tested to evaluate their suitability for short distance cargo-hauling ("drayage") and terminal operations. Vision trucks will be put into service and evaluated by Cal Cartage and TTSI, two trucking companies that operate at the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. Robert Curry, President of California Cartage Company, said: "Zero-emission is a laudable goal, if it can be coupled with the power to handle heavy-duty drayage, it could make these new trucks a valuable addition to any fleet. We are pleased to have been selected to test the capabilities of these tractors." Vic La Rosa, President of TTSI offers this statement: "TTSI has always been and will continue to be leading edge when it comes to the introduction and use of new clean technology. We are extremely excited about the Vision's zero-emission heavy duty vehicle. We believe that port cities located in the middle of major population areas will greatly benefit from this technology."
The Port of Long Beach is contributing $425,000 to assist in the project development and demonstration. The Port of Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners is planning to consider cost-sharing this demonstration project in the amount of $212,500 at an upcoming board meeting. Vision CEO and President Martin Schuermann stated: "We are very excited to add the Port of Long Beach to our list of demonstration partners for our Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Trucks. Together with Cal Cartage and TTSI, we will be able to expose these exciting trucks to a large base of potential users and customers."
Stated Phillip Ford, President Capacity of Texas, "Capacity is the leader in the Terminal Tractor industry with environmentally friendly products. The world's first Pluggable Hybrid Terminal Truck (PHETT(R)) was introduced in 2009 and has been recognized as the most innovative new product in the terminal truck industry in the last 20 years. The Zero Emission Terminal Truck (ZETT(TM)) will be based on the PHETT's platform. The ZETT(TM) will be the only zero emission terminal truck that will meet the demanding environment and duty cycle of a terminal truck and have zero emissions. We have thousands of trucks in Southern California and are pleased to work with Vision Motor Corporation to provide this zero emission terminal truck to the Port of Long Beach.".
About Vision Motor Corp
Vision Motor Corp (Vision) headquartered in El Segundo, California designs and manufactures advanced zero emission, hydrogen fuel cell hybrid electric drive, Class VIII heavy-duty commercial trucks. Vision provides cost effective, zero emission, vehicle solutions to help short-haul freight carriers meet local, state and federal air emission standards and also provide a vehicle that delivers a lower cost of operation which has a direct impact on freight carriers profit margins. The Company is traded on the OTCBB (VIIC.OB) as Vision Industries Corp, and is a SEC reporting company. For more information on Vision Industries Corp., please visit www.visionmotorcorp.com
A Company Snapshot of Vision Motor Corp can be found at: http://ir.issuerdirect.com/tearsheet/html/VIIC
About Cal Cartage
Cal Cartage opened in 1944 as a small pickup and delivery carrier in Los Angeles supporting this country's aircraft industry during the war. This is a family-owned and controlled company. They are now into the third generation involved in the company's operations on a day-to-day basis as well as for the future. During the intervening 60 years, they have developed into a Southern California powerhouse for import trucking, warehousing, deconsolidation, and distribution. They have over 1200 owner-operators in their fleet nationwide, to provide drayage, intermodal drayage, and consolidation trucking services to their warehouses. Cal Cartage has specific terminals in three locations, in Southern California, as well as in San Diego, Seattle, and points along the border with Mexico. www.calcartage.com
About TTSI
TTSI began as an air-freight agency in 1989. They started with only the commitment to providing the highest levels of customer satisfaction and determination to deliver better expedited services. In 1991, TTSI started a cost-effective alternative to air freight by pooling shipments and using expedited trucks. It worked so well, customers asked to find better solutions to many of their supply chain needs. TTSI responded by creating companies that delivered better quality, service, and security in everything from drayage, transloading, warehousing, and truckload management. Since 2006 TTSI has made a major commitment to be a good corporate citizen and a steward of the environment. www.tts-i.com
About Capacity of Texas, Inc.
Capacity of Texas, Inc., has been serving the terminal tractor industry for over 39 years under the Trailer Jockey(R) brand. Capacity manufactures the Trailer Jockey(R) completely in-house and is solely focused on the manufacture and support of this product. Located in Longview, Texas, Capacity is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc, ("ASV") and is the largest American owned manufacturer of terminal tractors in North America, offering a full product line of terminal trucks used throughout the world. Capacity distributes products through a national and international authorized representative network. For a current listing of Capacity products and authorized representatives, visit www.capacitytexas.com
About Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc.
ASV, with revenue of approximately $1 billion, is a market leader in three industry segments: Fire & Emergency, Recreational Vehicles, and Bus & Industrial. The Company was formed on August 25, 2010 through the combination of four existing portfolio companies of American Industrial Partners (AIP): E-ONE, Inc., Collins Industries, Inc., and Halcore Group, Inc.; with Fleetwood RV, Inc. to be combined in the fourth quarter of this year. Within the Fire & Emergency segment, ASV offers an extensive line of fire apparatus under the E-ONE brand name including pumpers, aerials, tankers, rescues, and airport firefighting equipment. Additionally, the Company offers a full line of ambulances under the Horton, Wheeled Coach, American Emergency Vehicles, and Leader Emergency Vehicles brand names. Within the Recreational Vehicle segment, the Company produces Class A and Class C Recreational Vehicles under many of the industry's iconic brand names including Discovery, American Coach, Bounder, and Tioga, among others. Within the Bus & Industrial segment, the Company produces Type A bus products for both the school and childcare markets under the Collins, Mid Bus, and Corbeil brand names as well as terminal trucks and street sweeper products under the Capacity and Lay-Mor brand names. For additional information on Allied Specialty Vehicles, Inc. please visit www.alliedsv.com
About American Industrial Partners
American Industrial Partners is an operationally focused middle market private equity firm comprised primarily of multidiscipline engineers and experienced operators which makes control investments in North-American based industrial businesses and implements strategies to grow the earnings of those businesses. AIP has managed three prior funds which totaled over $1 billion and is currently investing its fourth fund, $405.5 million American Industrial Partners Capital Fund IV, LP. For more information, visit www.aipartners.com
Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors available from the Company.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: Vision Motor Corp
CONTACT: Vision Industries Corp.
Rudy Tapia, Vice-President of Business Development
1-877-340-8909 ext 203
Rudy@VisionMotorCorp.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Rusty Miller, Investor Relations Director
1-877-340-8909 Ext. 205
rusty@visionmotorcorp.com
Martin Schuermann
CEO & President
Vision Motor Corp
310-450-0299 ext 201
310-450-0202 fax
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Will Kate Middleton Be the Next Diana?...The Feeding Frenzy Has Already Begun!
November 16
Who is Kate Middleton, you might ask?
Well for all of you Americans, whose concerns don't wander past your own sphere of 50 miles or so, Kate Middleton is the current (and by that I mean it could change for any number of reasons) betrothal to Prince William of England, which could make her the current, future Queen Catherine of England, whence and only whence their current Queen Elizabeth II, dies and or abdicates. Then, if and only if, Prince Charles (Prince Charles, you remember him, he was married to that lovely Lady named Diana, the late mother of Prince William), ascends to the throne, then Prince Charles would be crowned King Charles the something, that number is unbeknownst to this commoner. Confusing? Well, yes it is.
So back to who is Kate Middleton? Well, apparently Kate Middleton is just another "English Rose", but one who apparently caught the amorous eye of Prince William.. ahhh, but unfortunately she is considered a "commoner", The plot thickens! A "commoner" is a person not of royal or noble birth. Not since King James II, has an English monarch opted to wed a commoner, which at the time infuriated the people. Kate's parents, a former English pilot father and former flight attendant mother became wealthy through the success of a "party rental" company and through their new found wealth, were able to send Kate and her siblings to all the most elite and prestigious schools in England attended by the nobility and aristocrats. WOW, those must have been some party rentals! And as a result of their successful "party catering and rental" company which apparently took off in a BIG way, the Middleton's were financially able to send their children, including their darling daughter Kate, to a posh and private "hallowed hall of academia", where she caught the eye of the future heir to the throne of England, Prince William. But what of William's rather specific family, not an easy family to be accepted into? And what of the public scrutiny unraveling for this young couple?
And why should we as Americans, give a damn about this new woman in Prince William's life? Well, because now for the rest fo our lives, we are going to learn absolutely anything and everything about Kate Middleton, just like we did about Lady Diana, who became Diana, Princess Charles of Wales, who would have become Queen Diana, (through the ulimate succession of monarchs, namely Elizabeth and then ultimately Charles) had she not have perished amongst the glaring spotlight of royal deliverance and then ultimately of royal outcast. So a point I'm trying to make here is that the world will see a constant acceleration, or "feeding frenzy" of the personal and public life of this calculating or unsuspecting English lass named Kate Middleton, but hopefully history will not repeat itself in her case. Will the royal family protect its own.. this time around?
So what have we learned from this blog so far about Kate Middleton? Well, we've learnt that she is the current fiancee of Prince William and that she is a commoner and that her parents are also commoners, albeit wealthy ones. She went to elitest schools where she caught the eye of Prince William. What else? Well from what else I've read about her, she's apparently very proper, as she doesn't drink or party, but she doesn't quite seem to understand or care about the value of work and or feels that because she's dating the future heir to the throne of England, work doesn't quite fit into her social schedule as she makes herself completely available and accessible to William, anytime (which might have a tendency to inconceniently hamper one's work schedule, I'm sure). But again, what about her acceptance by the father of Prince William (Prince Charles), well he apparently has so accepted their relationship (hopefully learning from his past mistakes with Diana) . But what about his grandparents, (who could be put a royal halt to any romantic daliance of Williams') HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip (also not a particularly easy couple to please).... well sources say that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has accepted William's choice, but has requested that Kate Middleton partake, or adopt appropriate charities so as not to give the public impression that Kate is idle and or spoiled, God forbid! As apparently Ms. Middleton, at 28, has never really been able to keep a job for any significant length of time. Kate's manners are reportedly exemplary and her personal appearance is impeccable (prerequisites for a successful Queen in the eyes of the current reigning monarchs). Ms. Middleton is currently working for her parents' party company ( I'm sure her hours are grueling) so that probably makes grandmama and gramps happy.
But what of the reason for this blog? Well we as Americans, liberated but nonetheless still fixated ex-pats of Great Britain, live in a consumerist society still interested in anything and everything celebrity and especially anything to do with the English royal family, who we've always seemed to hold near and dear (most recently Diana). The international media are already diluging and literally spewing anything and everything associated with Kate Middleton. Are we ready for this CIRCUS again, but moreover, is Prince William, Kate Middleton and the royal family ready for this too? Did we not watch the tragic demise of a grand and gentle creature named Princess Diana, who in this Image Guru's opinion, was ultimately "kicked to the curb" and literally "left to the media vultures", unprotected and unsanctioned by the royal family that she become more poplular and famous than? Are there not similarities here already and cannot history repeat itself, yet again?
I for one..... am NOT ready or willing to watch a repeat performance of "bad behavior" from all parties concerned, namely the international media, the royal family, the betrothed couple in question, and we as perverted voyeurs and humans who love to live vicariously through the lives of our objects of fascination!
Look what happened to dear Diana! Prince William, do not repeat the "sins of your father" and keep your love.... SAFE & PRIVATE!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Who is Kate Middleton, you might ask?
Well for all of you Americans, whose concerns don't wander past your own sphere of 50 miles or so, Kate Middleton is the current (and by that I mean it could change for any number of reasons) betrothal to Prince William of England, which could make her the current, future Queen Catherine of England, whence and only whence their current Queen Elizabeth II, dies and or abdicates. Then, if and only if, Prince Charles (Prince Charles, you remember him, he was married to that lovely Lady named Diana, the late mother of Prince William), ascends to the throne, then Prince Charles would be crowned King Charles the something, that number is unbeknownst to this commoner. Confusing? Well, yes it is.
So back to who is Kate Middleton? Well, apparently Kate Middleton is just another "English Rose", but one who apparently caught the amorous eye of Prince William.. ahhh, but unfortunately she is considered a "commoner", The plot thickens! A "commoner" is a person not of royal or noble birth. Not since King James II, has an English monarch opted to wed a commoner, which at the time infuriated the people. Kate's parents, a former English pilot father and former flight attendant mother became wealthy through the success of a "party rental" company and through their new found wealth, were able to send Kate and her siblings to all the most elite and prestigious schools in England attended by the nobility and aristocrats. WOW, those must have been some party rentals! And as a result of their successful "party catering and rental" company which apparently took off in a BIG way, the Middleton's were financially able to send their children, including their darling daughter Kate, to a posh and private "hallowed hall of academia", where she caught the eye of the future heir to the throne of England, Prince William. But what of William's rather specific family, not an easy family to be accepted into? And what of the public scrutiny unraveling for this young couple?
And why should we as Americans, give a damn about this new woman in Prince William's life? Well, because now for the rest fo our lives, we are going to learn absolutely anything and everything about Kate Middleton, just like we did about Lady Diana, who became Diana, Princess Charles of Wales, who would have become Queen Diana, (through the ulimate succession of monarchs, namely Elizabeth and then ultimately Charles) had she not have perished amongst the glaring spotlight of royal deliverance and then ultimately of royal outcast. So a point I'm trying to make here is that the world will see a constant acceleration, or "feeding frenzy" of the personal and public life of this calculating or unsuspecting English lass named Kate Middleton, but hopefully history will not repeat itself in her case. Will the royal family protect its own.. this time around?
So what have we learned from this blog so far about Kate Middleton? Well, we've learnt that she is the current fiancee of Prince William and that she is a commoner and that her parents are also commoners, albeit wealthy ones. She went to elitest schools where she caught the eye of Prince William. What else? Well from what else I've read about her, she's apparently very proper, as she doesn't drink or party, but she doesn't quite seem to understand or care about the value of work and or feels that because she's dating the future heir to the throne of England, work doesn't quite fit into her social schedule as she makes herself completely available and accessible to William, anytime (which might have a tendency to inconceniently hamper one's work schedule, I'm sure). But again, what about her acceptance by the father of Prince William (Prince Charles), well he apparently has so accepted their relationship (hopefully learning from his past mistakes with Diana) . But what about his grandparents, (who could be put a royal halt to any romantic daliance of Williams') HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip (also not a particularly easy couple to please).... well sources say that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has accepted William's choice, but has requested that Kate Middleton partake, or adopt appropriate charities so as not to give the public impression that Kate is idle and or spoiled, God forbid! As apparently Ms. Middleton, at 28, has never really been able to keep a job for any significant length of time. Kate's manners are reportedly exemplary and her personal appearance is impeccable (prerequisites for a successful Queen in the eyes of the current reigning monarchs). Ms. Middleton is currently working for her parents' party company ( I'm sure her hours are grueling) so that probably makes grandmama and gramps happy.
But what of the reason for this blog? Well we as Americans, liberated but nonetheless still fixated ex-pats of Great Britain, live in a consumerist society still interested in anything and everything celebrity and especially anything to do with the English royal family, who we've always seemed to hold near and dear (most recently Diana). The international media are already diluging and literally spewing anything and everything associated with Kate Middleton. Are we ready for this CIRCUS again, but moreover, is Prince William, Kate Middleton and the royal family ready for this too? Did we not watch the tragic demise of a grand and gentle creature named Princess Diana, who in this Image Guru's opinion, was ultimately "kicked to the curb" and literally "left to the media vultures", unprotected and unsanctioned by the royal family that she become more poplular and famous than? Are there not similarities here already and cannot history repeat itself, yet again?
I for one..... am NOT ready or willing to watch a repeat performance of "bad behavior" from all parties concerned, namely the international media, the royal family, the betrothed couple in question, and we as perverted voyeurs and humans who love to live vicariously through the lives of our objects of fascination!
Look what happened to dear Diana! Prince William, do not repeat the "sins of your father" and keep your love.... SAFE & PRIVATE!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Friday, November 12, 2010
The LYON King UES restauranteur takes den downtown By Carla Spartos
PetsEventsComics & GamesColumnists
Dan AquilanteSteve CuozzoAshley DupreLou LumenickPhil MushnickMichael RiedelFrank ScheckKyle SmithMichael StarrLinda StasiElisabeth VincentelliBlogs
TV BlogMoviesMusicOn the goFashionGame ReportTheaterHoroscope
AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPiscesLifestyle
DatingHealthStoryCommentThe Lyon king
UES restaurateur takes den downtownBy CARLA SPARTOS
Last Updated: 5:03 AM, November 12, 2010
Posted: 11:03 PM, November 11, 2010
Comments: 0 More Print There was no shortage of Chanel bags and perfectly coiffed hair on Tuesday night at Lyon, the just-opened West Village restaurant from François Latapie, a former partner at Madison Avenue’s erstwhile clubhouse La Goulue. When that storied boite closed last year, it left countless ladies who lunch in the lurch.
Among the former La Goulue regulars who had made the trip way downtown to Greenwich Street: Celebrity stylist Montgomery Frazier, socialite Marlyne Sexton and her daughter Nicole, and Linda Fargo, vice president at Bergdorf Goodman, where she heads women’s fashion and store presentation.
Tamara Beckwith
Lyon owner François Latapie (center) drew fans such as stylist Montgomery Frazier (left) and art dealer Island Weiss from uptown’s La Goulue to his new Village venture.
“I feel like Upper East Side restaurateurs are really starting to turn their attention downtown now, and I think that reflects [the fact] that people like more of a casual [setting],” says Fargo, looking effortlessly chic as she cools her heels at the bar.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that Fargo would mind a new spot closer to home.
“I want someone to open near Sutton Place!” she laughs.
Others, however, were happy to have a new downtown distraction.
“Now I have another destination place,” enthuses Frazier, who shows up with UES art dealer Island Weiss. Now that Frazier no longer has La Goulue for a “living room,” he counts The Boom Boom Room, The Breslin and The Lion among his home-away-from-home hangouts. “If it’s too easy to get into, then it’s not where I want to be,” he explains.
Modeled after a bouchon — the kind of rustic, family-run eatery particular to Lyon, France — the new restaurant has transformed the former Café de Bruxelles into a cozy, oak-paneled setting for slumming uptowners and fashionable downtowners alike. Yes, they will take reservations in the back room, outfitted with vintage maps and leather banquettes, but walk-ins will be welcome in the bar and cafe areas.
“Unlike some New Yorkers, I don’t divide New York,” says Latapie.
“For me, it’s hard to say that downtown is better or uptown is better — everything has a charm.”
Friends like Fargo describe Latapie as a “bon vivant cook,” and his passion for wine is well-known. At La Goulue, he hosted fabulous wine dinners, including one that re-created the menu served to first-class passengers on the Titanic, recalls Graham Head, vice chairman of ABC Carpet, who had joined attorney Paul H. Maloney IV at a wooden booth in the restaurant’s cafe.
Latapie and partner Penny Bradley made two trips to Lyon, France, this year to research their restaurant, bringing along chef Chris Leahy on their last visit, where they dined at many of the city’s traditional bouchons.
While typical bouchon dishes might include modest ingredients like offal, sausage and stew meats, the menu at Lyon has a bit more cosmopolitan polish. Think an entree of sautéed diver scallops with roasted fingerling potatoes and delicious “sauce charcuterie” made from smoked prosciutto, cornichons and Dijon buerre blanc ($20).
Chilled local wines such as Beaujolais are another bouchon hallmark. At Lyon, you’ll find the traditional serving vessel called a “Pot Lyonnais” (the equivalent of about two-thirds of a bottle), as well as a wine list that includes American bottles.
Latapie, for one, says he is more concerned with substance than scene.
“For many years, people accused me of being a snob, attending only to ladies who were wearing Chanel. We were much more than that [at La Goulue] — we got a Michelin star [and] it was not because of Chanel and Graff diamonds,” he says.
“I am not counting on my Upper East Side past to fill this restaurant,” he continues.
“I’m counting on my past to achieve a very beautiful result, with good food and good service. I think if you do that, people will come. It’s not [about] the geography anymore.”
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/lifestyle/food/the_lyon_king_fxHNyTstqGSBybU88d9jQO#ixzz1554q2pgO
Dan AquilanteSteve CuozzoAshley DupreLou LumenickPhil MushnickMichael RiedelFrank ScheckKyle SmithMichael StarrLinda StasiElisabeth VincentelliBlogs
TV BlogMoviesMusicOn the goFashionGame ReportTheaterHoroscope
AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPiscesLifestyle
DatingHealthStoryCommentThe Lyon king
UES restaurateur takes den downtownBy CARLA SPARTOS
Last Updated: 5:03 AM, November 12, 2010
Posted: 11:03 PM, November 11, 2010
Comments: 0 More Print There was no shortage of Chanel bags and perfectly coiffed hair on Tuesday night at Lyon, the just-opened West Village restaurant from François Latapie, a former partner at Madison Avenue’s erstwhile clubhouse La Goulue. When that storied boite closed last year, it left countless ladies who lunch in the lurch.
Among the former La Goulue regulars who had made the trip way downtown to Greenwich Street: Celebrity stylist Montgomery Frazier, socialite Marlyne Sexton and her daughter Nicole, and Linda Fargo, vice president at Bergdorf Goodman, where she heads women’s fashion and store presentation.
Tamara Beckwith
Lyon owner François Latapie (center) drew fans such as stylist Montgomery Frazier (left) and art dealer Island Weiss from uptown’s La Goulue to his new Village venture.
“I feel like Upper East Side restaurateurs are really starting to turn their attention downtown now, and I think that reflects [the fact] that people like more of a casual [setting],” says Fargo, looking effortlessly chic as she cools her heels at the bar.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that Fargo would mind a new spot closer to home.
“I want someone to open near Sutton Place!” she laughs.
Others, however, were happy to have a new downtown distraction.
“Now I have another destination place,” enthuses Frazier, who shows up with UES art dealer Island Weiss. Now that Frazier no longer has La Goulue for a “living room,” he counts The Boom Boom Room, The Breslin and The Lion among his home-away-from-home hangouts. “If it’s too easy to get into, then it’s not where I want to be,” he explains.
Modeled after a bouchon — the kind of rustic, family-run eatery particular to Lyon, France — the new restaurant has transformed the former Café de Bruxelles into a cozy, oak-paneled setting for slumming uptowners and fashionable downtowners alike. Yes, they will take reservations in the back room, outfitted with vintage maps and leather banquettes, but walk-ins will be welcome in the bar and cafe areas.
“Unlike some New Yorkers, I don’t divide New York,” says Latapie.
“For me, it’s hard to say that downtown is better or uptown is better — everything has a charm.”
Friends like Fargo describe Latapie as a “bon vivant cook,” and his passion for wine is well-known. At La Goulue, he hosted fabulous wine dinners, including one that re-created the menu served to first-class passengers on the Titanic, recalls Graham Head, vice chairman of ABC Carpet, who had joined attorney Paul H. Maloney IV at a wooden booth in the restaurant’s cafe.
Latapie and partner Penny Bradley made two trips to Lyon, France, this year to research their restaurant, bringing along chef Chris Leahy on their last visit, where they dined at many of the city’s traditional bouchons.
While typical bouchon dishes might include modest ingredients like offal, sausage and stew meats, the menu at Lyon has a bit more cosmopolitan polish. Think an entree of sautéed diver scallops with roasted fingerling potatoes and delicious “sauce charcuterie” made from smoked prosciutto, cornichons and Dijon buerre blanc ($20).
Chilled local wines such as Beaujolais are another bouchon hallmark. At Lyon, you’ll find the traditional serving vessel called a “Pot Lyonnais” (the equivalent of about two-thirds of a bottle), as well as a wine list that includes American bottles.
Latapie, for one, says he is more concerned with substance than scene.
“For many years, people accused me of being a snob, attending only to ladies who were wearing Chanel. We were much more than that [at La Goulue] — we got a Michelin star [and] it was not because of Chanel and Graff diamonds,” he says.
“I am not counting on my Upper East Side past to fill this restaurant,” he continues.
“I’m counting on my past to achieve a very beautiful result, with good food and good service. I think if you do that, people will come. It’s not [about] the geography anymore.”
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/lifestyle/food/the_lyon_king_fxHNyTstqGSBybU88d9jQO#ixzz1554q2pgO
Sunday, November 7, 2010
REPUBLICANS "This is your chance to 'Get It Right' For A Change!"
Quote
REPUBLICANS "This Is Your Chance...To Make Up For 8 Years Of BUSH!"
I am definitely not happy with the outcome of the recent national elections, all that I can say now is.... Republicans...be forewarned!
Although I truly believe that Mr. Obama, who adopted a series of catastrophies from his first day in office. should not have waivered in his campaigning platform to create more jobs immediately and should have made that his #1 priority! Now look what has happened. The easily manipulated "sheeplike" populous of America fell for all of the bullshit rhetoric of the even more bullshit "Tea Partyers" and the then laid to waste Republicans. So hear me now and believe me later, both of your parties are now put on notice from a much disgruntled "Memorex America" and by that I mean Americans who remember what the country was like when Mr. Obama took office.
The Republicans finnagled and many believe corruptly thrust their moronic candidate, George W. Bush, into 8 years of what could be considered one of the worst Presidencies in modern history, which inadvertently resulted in this country reaping the benefits of their machinations, thus causing the worst economic crisis since the "Great Depression". And to boot, we the American People, bailed out the WallStreet thieves and incompetently run corporations. Now that the Republicans have recovered many of their deservedly lost seats in Congress, I say....."do something for the country for a change" and not for the feathering of your own personal nests! You should be ashamed of yourselves! This is what creates revolutions, which is surprisingly some of the bullshit rhetoric that those "Tea Partyers" were suggesting. Funny how the people who yelled the loudest and were the biggest jokes and embarrassments, were the ones who shouldn't have been yelling at all! Maybe the stupid Democrats should use those exact tactics in the 2012 Presidential elections. I guess you have to "speak dumbly" to all the dumb people "and carry a big stick". Did not the many Americans who just recently reversed the structure of politcal power in Washington, also not realize that they were being hugely manipulated by the same forces that wanted to keep them in poverty, forget about the Middle Class. The "fat cat" Republicans have had total contempt for the American public that they've been raping and making money off for so long and now they've won.... yet again. What simple minds do we have in America.... not unlike sheep! BAAH, BAAH!
But what's more of a travesty is the creation of the "Tea Party" whose mantra was to "Take Back America". Well, now that they have "taken back" many of their lost Republican seats, they better damn well not "take back" this country onto the road it was on when Mr. Obama assumed the Office of the Presidency. Now all parties will have to account for themselves.... which somehow never seems to happen. But at least, New York got it right!
So we'll see what kind of advancements and achievements the country gain with the Republicans back in power, a party who basically was ineffectual and non-participatory over the past 2 years. So why would we possibly think that they will do anything now? They've fucked up our country so much and they will continue to do so and all that the American sheep (the public) can do.... is bleet!
And what of our renewed and reinvigorated "Positive Image" from the rest of the world? Will that all go to hell in a handbag again? REPUBLICANS....I say again..... this is your chance to make up for all that you have done and not done to and for this country!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
REPUBLICANS "This Is Your Chance...To Make Up For 8 Years Of BUSH!"
I am definitely not happy with the outcome of the recent national elections, all that I can say now is.... Republicans...be forewarned!
Although I truly believe that Mr. Obama, who adopted a series of catastrophies from his first day in office. should not have waivered in his campaigning platform to create more jobs immediately and should have made that his #1 priority! Now look what has happened. The easily manipulated "sheeplike" populous of America fell for all of the bullshit rhetoric of the even more bullshit "Tea Partyers" and the then laid to waste Republicans. So hear me now and believe me later, both of your parties are now put on notice from a much disgruntled "Memorex America" and by that I mean Americans who remember what the country was like when Mr. Obama took office.
The Republicans finnagled and many believe corruptly thrust their moronic candidate, George W. Bush, into 8 years of what could be considered one of the worst Presidencies in modern history, which inadvertently resulted in this country reaping the benefits of their machinations, thus causing the worst economic crisis since the "Great Depression". And to boot, we the American People, bailed out the WallStreet thieves and incompetently run corporations. Now that the Republicans have recovered many of their deservedly lost seats in Congress, I say....."do something for the country for a change" and not for the feathering of your own personal nests! You should be ashamed of yourselves! This is what creates revolutions, which is surprisingly some of the bullshit rhetoric that those "Tea Partyers" were suggesting. Funny how the people who yelled the loudest and were the biggest jokes and embarrassments, were the ones who shouldn't have been yelling at all! Maybe the stupid Democrats should use those exact tactics in the 2012 Presidential elections. I guess you have to "speak dumbly" to all the dumb people "and carry a big stick". Did not the many Americans who just recently reversed the structure of politcal power in Washington, also not realize that they were being hugely manipulated by the same forces that wanted to keep them in poverty, forget about the Middle Class. The "fat cat" Republicans have had total contempt for the American public that they've been raping and making money off for so long and now they've won.... yet again. What simple minds do we have in America.... not unlike sheep! BAAH, BAAH!
But what's more of a travesty is the creation of the "Tea Party" whose mantra was to "Take Back America". Well, now that they have "taken back" many of their lost Republican seats, they better damn well not "take back" this country onto the road it was on when Mr. Obama assumed the Office of the Presidency. Now all parties will have to account for themselves.... which somehow never seems to happen. But at least, New York got it right!
So we'll see what kind of advancements and achievements the country gain with the Republicans back in power, a party who basically was ineffectual and non-participatory over the past 2 years. So why would we possibly think that they will do anything now? They've fucked up our country so much and they will continue to do so and all that the American sheep (the public) can do.... is bleet!
And what of our renewed and reinvigorated "Positive Image" from the rest of the world? Will that all go to hell in a handbag again? REPUBLICANS....I say again..... this is your chance to make up for all that you have done and not done to and for this country!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
WEAR PURPLE..It's The Color of Dignity and Solidarity!
In today's remembrance of the gay students who were driven to suicide because of the "shockingly lethal harrassment" which they received from their tormentors, the "color purple" will commemorate a day of mourning of their untimely and tragic demises.
Ladies & Gentlemen, in today's fashion world and historically speaking, the color purple is a sign of regality, so wear your purple with PRIDE and not with a sense of shame or self-imposed fear. The old rules do not apply in this case!
I myself just last night in solidarity, having to attend a rather conservative discussion group and dinner at The Cornell Club with a panel of credible and rather notable financial commentators, authors, analysts and experts from the New York Times, MSNBC, CNN, etal, about "Wall Street" and why we as individual investors should still care about investing in it (which in itself was a bit hard to digest), built a stylishly classical ensemble around a beautiful Asprey purple V-neck cashmere sweater, pairing it with a bourdeaux silk Moschino patterned tie and plum (also in the purple family) Sean Jean mini pinstriped shirt, and over that I wore a lovely, crisp mocha chocolate waxed cotton blazer, by that new lesser priced diffusion line +J, by Jill Sander and slim pants by John Varvatos.
So you see, the point is that one can wear purple and somehow blend into the most ultra-Right Wing establishmentary-ist setting, however displaying your commemorance.
Here are 9 other ways to wear purple.
Men
1. Purple aligator wallets,(available at Dunhill, Asprey) are all so chic and fashionable now and exude a tremendous sense of confidence and wealth.
2. Obviously purple shirts in a multitude of pinstripes and shades of purple with crisp white collars, by Tom Ford and other impeccable menswear designers.
3. Purple luggage by T. Anthony, which looked surprisingly quite masculine.
4. Purple shirt cufflinks.
5. Racier, but none the less wiser, purple trimmed underwear by 2(X)ist
6. The obvious and most conservative of them all, purple pocket squares, or any pocket squares trimmed in purple in a gammet of purples and patterns
7. Now for the more saavy, fashion conscious bon vivant who has a tremendous sense of flair and elan, purple neck crevattes and any neck scarves.
8. Business card cases or passport cases in purple can look oh so regal and very VIP.
9. Last, but certainly not least, shoes in mauve to purple hues from Hermes, John Lobb and other such sartorial mens shoe makers.
But the women have it easy in this case and I shall site 10 easy ways for women to wear purple.
1. Dresses and gowns (perfect for the fete season)
2. Shoes
3. Handbags
4. Scarves
5. Silky under garments
6. Hats
7. Jewelry
8. Umbrellas and parisols
9. Shadows of eye makeup and makeup in general
10.Sun glasses and eye glasses of all styles
11.Coats
Come on ladies, this is a no-brainer for you all! Although, the male gender is supposedly the peacock of the human species, purple was definitely made for women!
But men can also look just as fetching and not be walkiing targets of "HATE" criminals, which in my book are those people
who force the gentile ( often many times GAY individuals) to commit suicide by constant goading and harrassment, with DEATH as the tragic and barbaric outcome. HATERS should not be tolerated in our American society of "Freedom for All"!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru" at www.montgomeryfrazier.com
Ladies & Gentlemen, in today's fashion world and historically speaking, the color purple is a sign of regality, so wear your purple with PRIDE and not with a sense of shame or self-imposed fear. The old rules do not apply in this case!
I myself just last night in solidarity, having to attend a rather conservative discussion group and dinner at The Cornell Club with a panel of credible and rather notable financial commentators, authors, analysts and experts from the New York Times, MSNBC, CNN, etal, about "Wall Street" and why we as individual investors should still care about investing in it (which in itself was a bit hard to digest), built a stylishly classical ensemble around a beautiful Asprey purple V-neck cashmere sweater, pairing it with a bourdeaux silk Moschino patterned tie and plum (also in the purple family) Sean Jean mini pinstriped shirt, and over that I wore a lovely, crisp mocha chocolate waxed cotton blazer, by that new lesser priced diffusion line +J, by Jill Sander and slim pants by John Varvatos.
So you see, the point is that one can wear purple and somehow blend into the most ultra-Right Wing establishmentary-ist setting, however displaying your commemorance.
Here are 9 other ways to wear purple.
Men
1. Purple aligator wallets,(available at Dunhill, Asprey) are all so chic and fashionable now and exude a tremendous sense of confidence and wealth.
2. Obviously purple shirts in a multitude of pinstripes and shades of purple with crisp white collars, by Tom Ford and other impeccable menswear designers.
3. Purple luggage by T. Anthony, which looked surprisingly quite masculine.
4. Purple shirt cufflinks.
5. Racier, but none the less wiser, purple trimmed underwear by 2(X)ist
6. The obvious and most conservative of them all, purple pocket squares, or any pocket squares trimmed in purple in a gammet of purples and patterns
7. Now for the more saavy, fashion conscious bon vivant who has a tremendous sense of flair and elan, purple neck crevattes and any neck scarves.
8. Business card cases or passport cases in purple can look oh so regal and very VIP.
9. Last, but certainly not least, shoes in mauve to purple hues from Hermes, John Lobb and other such sartorial mens shoe makers.
But the women have it easy in this case and I shall site 10 easy ways for women to wear purple.
1. Dresses and gowns (perfect for the fete season)
2. Shoes
3. Handbags
4. Scarves
5. Silky under garments
6. Hats
7. Jewelry
8. Umbrellas and parisols
9. Shadows of eye makeup and makeup in general
10.Sun glasses and eye glasses of all styles
11.Coats
Come on ladies, this is a no-brainer for you all! Although, the male gender is supposedly the peacock of the human species, purple was definitely made for women!
But men can also look just as fetching and not be walkiing targets of "HATE" criminals, which in my book are those people
who force the gentile ( often many times GAY individuals) to commit suicide by constant goading and harrassment, with DEATH as the tragic and barbaric outcome. HATERS should not be tolerated in our American society of "Freedom for All"!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru" at www.montgomeryfrazier.com
Monday, September 27, 2010
WALL STREET 2, "Greed Is Good" Wasn't The Message!
September 27
On a gray and cloudy Manhattan Sunday afternoon, I rallied some close friends together to go and see the new movie WALL STREET 2................. and may I say.....it was completely worth it!
Rarely nowadays, do I see movies upon their immediate release. However, I did receive a last minute email, last week, to be someone's guest for the premiere screening of WALL STREET 2 in New York, which Michael Douglas and his gorgeous wife Catherine Zeta Jones actually attended, but unfortunately I was unable to go. "DAMN IT" I thought. Movie ticket prices being so ridiculously expensive in Manhattan theaters, dissuades me from forkin' out the prerequisite 12 to 20 buck ticket prices in this, still hemorrhaging, economy. I wait, like the frugal Spanish/Scottsman that I am, to see them on HBO (albeit not in a timely manner)! I think the last movie that I saw a movie in the theaters (only because of the 3-D visual glasses, which I still have) was AVATAR and that was certainly worth the effort and expense, thank God, because I hate being ripped off by overly-hyped movies. But for some strange reason I felt compelled to see this particular movie, maybe because I missed the glamorous premiere, which was free and where the actors actually were in attendence. Boo-hoo!
But you know what, although I thought the original WALL STREET was an extremely well directed movie by Oliver Stone, and Michael Douglas was PERFECT as Gordon Gekko, I never really liked the message that it projected, which was that "GREED IS GOOD". I don't think greed is good! But then that message soooo epitomized the sentiment of the Reagan Era, where excess and unscrupulous dealings were rampant and commonplace, but yet everyone was making money, so who the f--k cared! I've always believed that GREED will eat you from the inside out... eatin' away all that is moral and realistic, creating something that is more likened to a cancer.
So why would I want to revisit such a distasteful concept?.... Well, because I (like so many millions of other schmucks who've been raped by the American financial institutions over the past years) wanted to see what the evolution of a soulless man's pursuit of greed, money and power would be! Did the character, Gordon Gekko (probably loosely based on Ivan Boesky), learn any valuable moral lessons and would "we the people" feel that he was punished sufficiently (PUBLIC REVENGE) as a result of his blatant greed-fest? Would the American public someone get some sort of REVENGE, or be AVENGED? I don't know.. but that's what piqued me about seeing this movie, in lieu of what's happened in the past few years with our economy. Would we get any new revelations or answers as to why this all happened? Knowing the briiliant and exploratory (or conspiracy theorist) work of Oliver Stone, I thought I might get some perspective into what might have actually happened that resulted in our economy tanking, via this movie. I was not desappointed! Would this simply be another off-based personal account of Mr. Stone's (who actually has several cameo appearances in the movie) or were there many factual depictions, or real life reenactments associated with the making of this movie?
I used that ancient word REVENGE! I believe that WALL STREET 2.....was all about REVENGE........
REVENGE for Mr. Moore, (effectively portrayed by Shia LaBouef), the fiancee of Gordon Gekko's daughter, who sought revenge against a rival financial mogul (Josh Brolin) when his (LaBouef's) financial mentor (superbly portrayed by Academy Award nominee, Frank Langella) leapt onto the tracks of an oncoming subway train, which set into motion the spiraling collapse of the world's financial world. Although Mr. Langella's time in the movie was short, his character set the tone for a whirlwind of REVENGE. Now Gordon Gekko wanted his revenge too... 1. for being locked up in prison for some 20 years and 2. worse yet, for being relegated to the heap of financial "forgotten-ness". Gekko's REVENGE, although probably warranted and misguided, was misdirected to the financial system who let him take the fall, to old adversaries (Josh Brolin) who facilitated his incarceration and even to his own daughter (Carrie Mulligan) who disowned him and renigged on a financial agreement they had made when he was first thrown into jail (a sort of bailout parachute, he thought) but who wasn't there for him when he was released ! That's a whole lot of REVENGE.
But the plot thickens! MONEY. GREED, REVENGE, now that's a triage worthy of a great plot, and a great plot it was. Great acting on the part of this ensemble cast. Great art direction, as Oliver Stone made Manhattan like more like the Emerald City.... simply gorgeous and soo chic! Real life New Yorkers in real life Manhattan situations. Cameo apperances from sooo many New Yorkers and New York social fixtures including Maria Bartiromo, mega publicist Peggy Siegel, Vanity Fair's Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter, Vogue's European Editor Hamish Bowles, Quest Magazine's Grace Meigher and so and so and so! Landmark New York buildings including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the interior of Cirpriani's on 42nd Street, Shun Lee Restaurant, the World Trade construction site (one of New York's embarrassing disgraces) and the beautifully shot panorama of that downtown "war zone" and on and on and on.
But who or what was the star of this movie?? Was it Shia Labouef, who actually had a heart and wanted only good things for his girlfriend (Gekko's daughter) and his Green Energy project? Was it Michael Douglas, who played, with continuity, his character with flawless precision and deception.....Was it MONEY, POWER and GREED?... The viewing public actually gets an accurate glimpse into the "behind closed doors" negotiations and frenzies of what it might have been like right before the "New Great Despression" occurred.
Or was it REVENGE? I think it was REVENGE.... REVENGE, but REVENGE with a positive outcome! Can this be.. you ask... well see the movie and judge for yourself. I most wholeheartedly recommend WALL STREET 2!
And that's all I'm going to say. See you at the "ATM's".
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
On a gray and cloudy Manhattan Sunday afternoon, I rallied some close friends together to go and see the new movie WALL STREET 2................. and may I say.....it was completely worth it!
Rarely nowadays, do I see movies upon their immediate release. However, I did receive a last minute email, last week, to be someone's guest for the premiere screening of WALL STREET 2 in New York, which Michael Douglas and his gorgeous wife Catherine Zeta Jones actually attended, but unfortunately I was unable to go. "DAMN IT" I thought. Movie ticket prices being so ridiculously expensive in Manhattan theaters, dissuades me from forkin' out the prerequisite 12 to 20 buck ticket prices in this, still hemorrhaging, economy. I wait, like the frugal Spanish/Scottsman that I am, to see them on HBO (albeit not in a timely manner)! I think the last movie that I saw a movie in the theaters (only because of the 3-D visual glasses, which I still have) was AVATAR and that was certainly worth the effort and expense, thank God, because I hate being ripped off by overly-hyped movies. But for some strange reason I felt compelled to see this particular movie, maybe because I missed the glamorous premiere, which was free and where the actors actually were in attendence. Boo-hoo!
But you know what, although I thought the original WALL STREET was an extremely well directed movie by Oliver Stone, and Michael Douglas was PERFECT as Gordon Gekko, I never really liked the message that it projected, which was that "GREED IS GOOD". I don't think greed is good! But then that message soooo epitomized the sentiment of the Reagan Era, where excess and unscrupulous dealings were rampant and commonplace, but yet everyone was making money, so who the f--k cared! I've always believed that GREED will eat you from the inside out... eatin' away all that is moral and realistic, creating something that is more likened to a cancer.
So why would I want to revisit such a distasteful concept?.... Well, because I (like so many millions of other schmucks who've been raped by the American financial institutions over the past years) wanted to see what the evolution of a soulless man's pursuit of greed, money and power would be! Did the character, Gordon Gekko (probably loosely based on Ivan Boesky), learn any valuable moral lessons and would "we the people" feel that he was punished sufficiently (PUBLIC REVENGE) as a result of his blatant greed-fest? Would the American public someone get some sort of REVENGE, or be AVENGED? I don't know.. but that's what piqued me about seeing this movie, in lieu of what's happened in the past few years with our economy. Would we get any new revelations or answers as to why this all happened? Knowing the briiliant and exploratory (or conspiracy theorist) work of Oliver Stone, I thought I might get some perspective into what might have actually happened that resulted in our economy tanking, via this movie. I was not desappointed! Would this simply be another off-based personal account of Mr. Stone's (who actually has several cameo appearances in the movie) or were there many factual depictions, or real life reenactments associated with the making of this movie?
I used that ancient word REVENGE! I believe that WALL STREET 2.....was all about REVENGE........
REVENGE for Mr. Moore, (effectively portrayed by Shia LaBouef), the fiancee of Gordon Gekko's daughter, who sought revenge against a rival financial mogul (Josh Brolin) when his (LaBouef's) financial mentor (superbly portrayed by Academy Award nominee, Frank Langella) leapt onto the tracks of an oncoming subway train, which set into motion the spiraling collapse of the world's financial world. Although Mr. Langella's time in the movie was short, his character set the tone for a whirlwind of REVENGE. Now Gordon Gekko wanted his revenge too... 1. for being locked up in prison for some 20 years and 2. worse yet, for being relegated to the heap of financial "forgotten-ness". Gekko's REVENGE, although probably warranted and misguided, was misdirected to the financial system who let him take the fall, to old adversaries (Josh Brolin) who facilitated his incarceration and even to his own daughter (Carrie Mulligan) who disowned him and renigged on a financial agreement they had made when he was first thrown into jail (a sort of bailout parachute, he thought) but who wasn't there for him when he was released ! That's a whole lot of REVENGE.
But the plot thickens! MONEY. GREED, REVENGE, now that's a triage worthy of a great plot, and a great plot it was. Great acting on the part of this ensemble cast. Great art direction, as Oliver Stone made Manhattan like more like the Emerald City.... simply gorgeous and soo chic! Real life New Yorkers in real life Manhattan situations. Cameo apperances from sooo many New Yorkers and New York social fixtures including Maria Bartiromo, mega publicist Peggy Siegel, Vanity Fair's Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter, Vogue's European Editor Hamish Bowles, Quest Magazine's Grace Meigher and so and so and so! Landmark New York buildings including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the interior of Cirpriani's on 42nd Street, Shun Lee Restaurant, the World Trade construction site (one of New York's embarrassing disgraces) and the beautifully shot panorama of that downtown "war zone" and on and on and on.
But who or what was the star of this movie?? Was it Shia Labouef, who actually had a heart and wanted only good things for his girlfriend (Gekko's daughter) and his Green Energy project? Was it Michael Douglas, who played, with continuity, his character with flawless precision and deception.....Was it MONEY, POWER and GREED?... The viewing public actually gets an accurate glimpse into the "behind closed doors" negotiations and frenzies of what it might have been like right before the "New Great Despression" occurred.
Or was it REVENGE? I think it was REVENGE.... REVENGE, but REVENGE with a positive outcome! Can this be.. you ask... well see the movie and judge for yourself. I most wholeheartedly recommend WALL STREET 2!
And that's all I'm going to say. See you at the "ATM's".
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Thursday, September 23, 2010
I Hate The Expression "B-List" Celebrity!
You know what really irks me? When someone uses the expression " B-list celebrity" or even worse, when they say "has beens"!
What constitutes a B-list celebrity? But better yet, who are the clever wunderkinds deeming them B-list celebrities? A PR person,, a journalist, some blogger who nobody's ever seen, or deems themself way too self-important, when in actuality they could be incredibly unnattractive, talentless, or just plain bitchy and unfulfilled in their personal and professional lives? These people may not have been able to have made their own brand or mark in the worlds of entertainment themselves, yet they are very busy living vicariously through the lives of their "A-listers"?
I've had the distinct privelage to have been involved in the worlds of fashion and entertainment in formulative and creative capacities and I've witnessed firsthand how difficult the arduous journey of FAME can be! Most of the people who sling that B-list label like mud, probably have never been a celebrity themselves and probably never will be! So to me, they have no credibility!
These people haven't a bloody clue as to what it really takes to be a "B-lister" in the first place. The entertainment world is a world that most mere mortals will never achieve (which is why people like Snooki and all the sexual thugs on The Jersey Shore are enigmatic to me....YIKES). Well this "Image Guru" has been in the entertainment world for far too many years to mention and may I say that it's a world without much loyalty, extremely competitive and full of ruthless and cruel rejection. "Boo-hoo" you might say......" then they shouldn't have gone into that world in the first place". Well then who the heck would entertain us all?? Try it and see where it gets you...I dare you.. but without shooting a campus full of college kids I mean, or fucking and drinking without abandon and acting like right assholes! Try the baring your soul and talent route!
B-listers must have some form of talent to even be considered B-listers (Snooki and Kate Gosselin are exceptions), but at least they have the gumption to get into the game of fame! KUDOS to you for that!
Now let's get back to the question "what constitutes a B-list celebrity"? Well to me, what constitutes a B-list celebrity is exactly what I just mentioned above....... no I take that back, they are not B-list celebrities, they are "no-list" sociopaths who will do anything to get their fat little faces in the newspapers and media wire feeds! So what?.... if a TV, film, or stage actor, or a physical performer, comedienne, or athlete hasn't been seen in years, are they considered a B-list celebrity? No I think the evil blogsters would call them "has beens" (but that's another topic for another day). You can never take away the success that they once achieved or may achieve in the future (look at Micky Rourke). In my profession, I bet on talent, much like you would bet on a racehorse. Who has sustaining power and who is a "flash in the pan" or "one hit wonder"?(which are other derrogatory expressions which I have distain for). I like these kinder and more respectful expressions instead...."veteran actor or veteran performer", "icon", "living legend", "up and comer", "hopeful", "TV personality", "promising hopeful", "natural beauty", "personality" and other such expressions.... but never B, C, or D lister. That's just crass, tacky and obnoxious on the part of the dubber!
Do we equate "B-listers" with age? Or are B-listers those performers who really were never that talented in the first place, or never made the stellar A-list category?. Is Kate Gosselin considered B-list? There is nothing particularly interesting to me about her (in fact, I find her quite annoying), but I would never call her a B-lister.... at least she captured or tapped into some sort of bitchy, motherly sentiment from the fickle American public, albeit not necessarily worthy of it! I mean she really couldn't even dance that well on "Dancing With the Stars", but she had the drive and I applaud her for her efforts, plus she seems to have a large fan base due to her highly and nauseatingly publicized marital woes! I mean, I'll give her this, Jon was a JERK, but then maybe she wasn't that easy to live with in the first place. Remember, there are always two sides to every story. Again that's another story!
But back to that stupid and tacky expression.... B-lister! Although I myself have, from time to time, used that expression (slap me... I abstain from using it now) anyone who labels people B-listers are just short-sighted, with short memories and pretty much common in my book. That kind of thinking represents everything that I hate about the entertainment/fashion industries. Fashion PR people are the biggest culprits of this expression and so are gossip columnists....oh and new-bee agents, who think their "shit don't stink" Wake up guys and gals.... if you had any more talent yourselves... you might have been the talent yourselves and not the critics. Those who can't do ....TEACH... or something like that (I was never very good at cliche expressions).
Anyway, the point of this entry is for all of the gossip columnists, blogsters, PR assts., agents, writers, journalists and whomever moniters the world of celebritydom, to please come up with nicer and kinder ways of referring to people who "once were" or "will or might bes". How about replacing "B-list celebrity" with expressions like "entertainment notable", "famed actor of yesteryear", "TV legend", "80's pop princess",, "TV personality" "up and comer", "hopeful" or anything that's more congenial and not soo bloody RUDE! Now I've given almost 10 different expressions to refer to celebrities who don't necessarily warrant a front row seat at a Marc Jacobs show (which in itself is quite subjective). It's hard work doing what many of these performers, who haven't quite made it yet, do do. (enter professionals like me!) But they may still get their days in the sun, or reach that pinnacle and coveted A-list status, given enough time, hard work and perserverance!
Now that's what America is all about... so give em' a frickin' break and stop using stupid and derrogatory expressions like B-lister... ya' bunch of clueless and short-sighted monkeys. (ha,ha)
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
What constitutes a B-list celebrity? But better yet, who are the clever wunderkinds deeming them B-list celebrities? A PR person,, a journalist, some blogger who nobody's ever seen, or deems themself way too self-important, when in actuality they could be incredibly unnattractive, talentless, or just plain bitchy and unfulfilled in their personal and professional lives? These people may not have been able to have made their own brand or mark in the worlds of entertainment themselves, yet they are very busy living vicariously through the lives of their "A-listers"?
I've had the distinct privelage to have been involved in the worlds of fashion and entertainment in formulative and creative capacities and I've witnessed firsthand how difficult the arduous journey of FAME can be! Most of the people who sling that B-list label like mud, probably have never been a celebrity themselves and probably never will be! So to me, they have no credibility!
These people haven't a bloody clue as to what it really takes to be a "B-lister" in the first place. The entertainment world is a world that most mere mortals will never achieve (which is why people like Snooki and all the sexual thugs on The Jersey Shore are enigmatic to me....YIKES). Well this "Image Guru" has been in the entertainment world for far too many years to mention and may I say that it's a world without much loyalty, extremely competitive and full of ruthless and cruel rejection. "Boo-hoo" you might say......" then they shouldn't have gone into that world in the first place". Well then who the heck would entertain us all?? Try it and see where it gets you...I dare you.. but without shooting a campus full of college kids I mean, or fucking and drinking without abandon and acting like right assholes! Try the baring your soul and talent route!
B-listers must have some form of talent to even be considered B-listers (Snooki and Kate Gosselin are exceptions), but at least they have the gumption to get into the game of fame! KUDOS to you for that!
Now let's get back to the question "what constitutes a B-list celebrity"? Well to me, what constitutes a B-list celebrity is exactly what I just mentioned above....... no I take that back, they are not B-list celebrities, they are "no-list" sociopaths who will do anything to get their fat little faces in the newspapers and media wire feeds! So what?.... if a TV, film, or stage actor, or a physical performer, comedienne, or athlete hasn't been seen in years, are they considered a B-list celebrity? No I think the evil blogsters would call them "has beens" (but that's another topic for another day). You can never take away the success that they once achieved or may achieve in the future (look at Micky Rourke). In my profession, I bet on talent, much like you would bet on a racehorse. Who has sustaining power and who is a "flash in the pan" or "one hit wonder"?(which are other derrogatory expressions which I have distain for). I like these kinder and more respectful expressions instead...."veteran actor or veteran performer", "icon", "living legend", "up and comer", "hopeful", "TV personality", "promising hopeful", "natural beauty", "personality" and other such expressions.... but never B, C, or D lister. That's just crass, tacky and obnoxious on the part of the dubber!
Do we equate "B-listers" with age? Or are B-listers those performers who really were never that talented in the first place, or never made the stellar A-list category?. Is Kate Gosselin considered B-list? There is nothing particularly interesting to me about her (in fact, I find her quite annoying), but I would never call her a B-lister.... at least she captured or tapped into some sort of bitchy, motherly sentiment from the fickle American public, albeit not necessarily worthy of it! I mean she really couldn't even dance that well on "Dancing With the Stars", but she had the drive and I applaud her for her efforts, plus she seems to have a large fan base due to her highly and nauseatingly publicized marital woes! I mean, I'll give her this, Jon was a JERK, but then maybe she wasn't that easy to live with in the first place. Remember, there are always two sides to every story. Again that's another story!
But back to that stupid and tacky expression.... B-lister! Although I myself have, from time to time, used that expression (slap me... I abstain from using it now) anyone who labels people B-listers are just short-sighted, with short memories and pretty much common in my book. That kind of thinking represents everything that I hate about the entertainment/fashion industries. Fashion PR people are the biggest culprits of this expression and so are gossip columnists....oh and new-bee agents, who think their "shit don't stink" Wake up guys and gals.... if you had any more talent yourselves... you might have been the talent yourselves and not the critics. Those who can't do ....TEACH... or something like that (I was never very good at cliche expressions).
Anyway, the point of this entry is for all of the gossip columnists, blogsters, PR assts., agents, writers, journalists and whomever moniters the world of celebritydom, to please come up with nicer and kinder ways of referring to people who "once were" or "will or might bes". How about replacing "B-list celebrity" with expressions like "entertainment notable", "famed actor of yesteryear", "TV legend", "80's pop princess",, "TV personality" "up and comer", "hopeful" or anything that's more congenial and not soo bloody RUDE! Now I've given almost 10 different expressions to refer to celebrities who don't necessarily warrant a front row seat at a Marc Jacobs show (which in itself is quite subjective). It's hard work doing what many of these performers, who haven't quite made it yet, do do. (enter professionals like me!) But they may still get their days in the sun, or reach that pinnacle and coveted A-list status, given enough time, hard work and perserverance!
Now that's what America is all about... so give em' a frickin' break and stop using stupid and derrogatory expressions like B-lister... ya' bunch of clueless and short-sighted monkeys. (ha,ha)
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru" Scribes: PLEIN SUD by FAYCAL AMOR Has Sustaining POWER! MOD...
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru" Scribes: PLEIN SUD by FAYCAL AMOR Has Sustaining POWER! MOD...: "As an image guru, I have come across many fashion designers and design firms that have come and gone, some with much ado and some without an..."
PLEIN SUD by FAYCAL AMOR Has Sustaining POWER! MOD Magazine Online
As an image guru, I have come across many fashion designers and design firms that have come and gone, some with much ado and some without any fanfare at all. The ones that I remember, throughout my extensive career, have always invariably had “a look” and PLEIN SUD has always met that criteria for me and my clients.
Now granted, most mere mortals aren’t pop stars, supermodels or wealthy socialites, but you don’t have to be one those creatures of fiction and fantasy to wear PLEIN SUD. All you need is the desire for something that’s chic and different and won’t go out of style in one season!
I first came across PLEIN SUD in my tenure as the Fashion Director for MTV and found that it served my purposes for an MTV diva named Downtown Julie Brown…. so if it was good enough for her, well then it must be fantastic. And you know what, I happen to know that she still has some of the more racier and editorial PLEIN SUD pieces in her wardrobe today!
So the point of this brief entry is that fashion houses and design firms come and go and then come and go again, even if they were the darlins' of Ms. Wintour or some other fashion empress (i.e Isaac Mizrahi, David Cameron, Stephen Sprouse, etc, etc, etc) but it's longevity and "sustaining power" that will carry a line for 20 years or more......and that is sustaining power! You really can’t go wrong with the designs of PLEIN SUD by FAYCAL AMOR and the investment is truly worth it! Enjoy the new Fall season!
Montgomery Frazier “The Image Guru”
Now granted, most mere mortals aren’t pop stars, supermodels or wealthy socialites, but you don’t have to be one those creatures of fiction and fantasy to wear PLEIN SUD. All you need is the desire for something that’s chic and different and won’t go out of style in one season!
I first came across PLEIN SUD in my tenure as the Fashion Director for MTV and found that it served my purposes for an MTV diva named Downtown Julie Brown…. so if it was good enough for her, well then it must be fantastic. And you know what, I happen to know that she still has some of the more racier and editorial PLEIN SUD pieces in her wardrobe today!
So the point of this brief entry is that fashion houses and design firms come and go and then come and go again, even if they were the darlins' of Ms. Wintour or some other fashion empress (i.e Isaac Mizrahi, David Cameron, Stephen Sprouse, etc, etc, etc) but it's longevity and "sustaining power" that will carry a line for 20 years or more......and that is sustaining power! You really can’t go wrong with the designs of PLEIN SUD by FAYCAL AMOR and the investment is truly worth it! Enjoy the new Fall season!
Montgomery Frazier “The Image Guru”
Saturday, September 18, 2010
"THE IMAGE GURU" Reveals His Select, "FAVE PICKS" From The Spring 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
September 18
MY TOP FASHION PICKS from the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!
Well I have to say that this particular Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, for me personally, was a bit lack lustre. The true star, to me, was the actual venue, New York's beautiful Lincoln Center!
I thought that the site was quite glamorous. Just the long walk from the taxi dropoff up to the entrance was glamorous! They really layed out the venue quite nicely, offering a multitude of services and treats (too many to mention unless they start paying me to mention them) to the hordes of "serious" fashion editors, journalists, stylists, celebrities, photographers, video news crews and internet blogmeisters alike, plus the hundreds of daily "standing room only" onlookers and budding fasionista wannabees! Whew, that's alot of people, now imagine actually having to conduct yourself appropriately and dressing the part and bascially keeping your cool thoughout this fashion frenzied circus!
But you know what.... nowadays you don't even have to attend the shows, because you can surf the thousands of blogsters, websites and networks that concentrate on FASHION. But what's the fun it that? At least once in everybody's life, everyone should have the opportunity to experience a really good fashion show..... ahhh but the really good ones are few and far between. Creativity and fashion's fabulousity has unfortunately been replaced by safe, and saleable "goods"! How garmento! The once grand spectacle of fashion has been reduced to getting "beige and boring" clothes that will invariably blend in with every other "beige and boring" collection just to get their "goods" into the stores. So no wonder, that everything ends up in clearing houses like Century 21, Daffys and every outfit mall like Tangor!
So what's the solution you may ask? Well designers and PR wizards today (or so they think) have always had the tendency to pimp their "goods" to the newest "reality" bimbos or "sensationalist morons" who happen to make the most noise on Bravo or MTV! What happened to the real stars, like Madonna, Gwen, J-LO ( who invariably only attend the European collections now) and others who actually were great trendsetters and image idols? Well, they started their own labels. Ha, ha, how ironic you might think.
Well I won't bore you with all the "fashion trends" which you can read in every blog, see on every website and in every segment of Fashion TV etc, etc. ad nosium. I am merely going to give you my select few "picks" of what this "Image Guru" actually saw and liked! Mind you, I am concerned with the "look" and whether or not I believe that my clients will actually want to wear these "new" (which most are rarely new) design themes, or even better yet, buy them. Wow what a concept to actually want to buy the clothes and not perpetually borrow them! But then most people don't have the the opportunity to borrow them, but then I don't deal with most people! However, reality bites.... someone somewhere has to purchase these clothes... or the fashion world would collapse. Sometimes the image of "Fashion" doesn't coincide with the reality of commerce, or of reality itself.
L.A.M.B: Well one such "pop" diva's collection that I thought was newsworthy for this "Image guru" was Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B., which actually represented her essence only too well. Although L.A.M.B reminds me of a contemporary interpretation of the great English designer, Vivienne Westwood, Gwen has managed to take Vivienne's inspiration and been able to stamp her "vibe" onto it, making it completely refeshed and not rehashed; just what any fabulous hipster would want to wear. Color, vibrance, patterns on patterns... COOL LIFE!
To view the L.A.M.B Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the following Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-LAMB
MARC BOUWER: I've had the pleasure of knowing the lovely designer named Marc Bouwer for many years now. I would say we are contemporaries and although I know he's dressed many divas in the past (Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton etc) I have to say that I was "blown away" by his most recent video of his Spring 2011 Collection, which he kindly sent me the link to. Now this is what I'm talking about, interesting design value, drama, beautiful draping and colorations, high style glamour and a collection that I would definitely put some of my "diva" clients in for that "instant impact, wow factor"! There was definitely nothing beige or boring to his collection. I loved the intricately orchestrated simplicity of his video which showcased anything but simple creations. Just like Lady Gaga's video tribute to Madonna in her video, "Alejandro", Marc Bouwer's video too was like a wet dream for me!
To view the Marc Bouwer Spring 2011 Collection, you may click onto the following link, which also can be seen on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU0rznPtRV4
PORTS 1961: I have always liked this collection. But since the departure of Tia Chibani, their former Creative Director and Head Designer, I thought that this could be damaging for this still relatively underestimated collection. But fortunately, Fiona Chibani, Tia's sister has taken the helm, so that was not the case for Spring 2011 which I thought was right on target. Beautifully elegant gowns which looked "new" and fresh. There always seems to be something interesting to look and thank God, this year it didn't seem to be overstyled, as has been the crtics' critiques in the past. The colors were an integration of natural colors, which can we quite dull to me, but then out would come emerald green, metallics, fuschia with brown, and stunning sapphire blue charmeuse gowns. Spectacular and so modern... almost a nod to Halston in my opinion.
To view the Ports 1961 Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the following Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-PORTS/
RALPH LAUREN: So who else did I like? Well, only in the latter years have I had a penchant for Ralph Lauren.... yes, Ralph Lauren. Mr. Lauren suits my personal "Gatsby" incarnation to a tee! But his Women's Spring 2011 collection was a throw back to the American Western TV series, "Big Valley" where Audra Barkley (Linda Evans) and the diva herself Barbara Stanwyck, who played the Barkley matriarch, ruled! A thoroughly retro-Western Americana theme, which Ralph seems to do so well ( and it actually sells) was so kitchy, but well executed, in my book. There was nothing cliche about his styling either. Although not completely original, if I was a woman and of a mind to go to an urban Western ho-down, or even a Polo match in Bridgehampton, then I would certainly give this "look" a toss! Talley-ho pardner!
To view the Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-RLAUREN
FRANCISCO COSTA for CALVIN KLEIN: Now we go from Ralph's Lauren's kitchy Western Americana-isms to Fracncisco Costa for Calvin Klein with his minimalist-minded, architectural minimalism, (which in itself is a bit redundant) but can only work if you happen to be svelt without cleavage and alot of natural grace (like Gwyneth Paltrow for instance). I'm really not one for minimalism, which I often equate with boring and unspiring, but I am a big fan of what Mr. Costa has done with the Calvin Klein label. The problem that I have with most of the women who wear minimalist designs is that they tend to look like haus-fraus, mid-wives, or albatrosses in their somber black, gray or beige "designer" potato sack creations at designer prices! Wow, now that's a an image with a rip-off price tag! Simply stated, to wear minimal creations, which in theory can be quite chic, one must be tall and thin as a rail, not particularly breasty, self confident, a truly natural beauty, wear minimal makeup, have a secure sense of self worth, have flawless skin, and the carriage of a thoroughbred. Now if you meet those requirements, then Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein would be perfect for you! His designs are, many times, works of architectural art.... but rarely can mere mortals wear art as fashion! I do however appreciate his wealth of dexterity in his craft! It's translating his vision to really suitable women that I always seem to have a problem with!
To view the Calvin Klein Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the follwoing Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-CKLEIN
OSCAR LA RENTA: This is "The Image Guru's" PICK for all of those frenzied and scurrying stylists desperately searching for that perfect gown for their nominated clients at the next Academy Awards. Now I don't know why more A-listers don't insist on Oscar de la Renta. Not only was his Spring 2011 Collection breathtaking and expensive looking (which it is, expensive that is, but at least it looks it), it also captures the whole "MAD MEN" trend which is soo prevalent in most of the top European collectionsl! I could easliy see January Jones, who in my opinion flopped at the Primetime Emmy's in her Versace monstrousity, wearing some of Senor de la Renta's exquisite confections. Not too much, not too little, just enough of the design value, style, sophistication, and "wow" factor that is needed for the most anticipated event in the entertainment world, The Academy Awards! That kind of "old world" styling is soooo right for all of the younger actresses trying to stand out in a world of "drag queen" glamour!
To view the Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the following Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-ODLRENTA
So, we'll see what we see on the red carpet.... and if it's wrong, I'm going to sweep you under the carpet..... puppies!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
MY TOP FASHION PICKS from the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!
Well I have to say that this particular Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, for me personally, was a bit lack lustre. The true star, to me, was the actual venue, New York's beautiful Lincoln Center!
I thought that the site was quite glamorous. Just the long walk from the taxi dropoff up to the entrance was glamorous! They really layed out the venue quite nicely, offering a multitude of services and treats (too many to mention unless they start paying me to mention them) to the hordes of "serious" fashion editors, journalists, stylists, celebrities, photographers, video news crews and internet blogmeisters alike, plus the hundreds of daily "standing room only" onlookers and budding fasionista wannabees! Whew, that's alot of people, now imagine actually having to conduct yourself appropriately and dressing the part and bascially keeping your cool thoughout this fashion frenzied circus!
But you know what.... nowadays you don't even have to attend the shows, because you can surf the thousands of blogsters, websites and networks that concentrate on FASHION. But what's the fun it that? At least once in everybody's life, everyone should have the opportunity to experience a really good fashion show..... ahhh but the really good ones are few and far between. Creativity and fashion's fabulousity has unfortunately been replaced by safe, and saleable "goods"! How garmento! The once grand spectacle of fashion has been reduced to getting "beige and boring" clothes that will invariably blend in with every other "beige and boring" collection just to get their "goods" into the stores. So no wonder, that everything ends up in clearing houses like Century 21, Daffys and every outfit mall like Tangor!
So what's the solution you may ask? Well designers and PR wizards today (or so they think) have always had the tendency to pimp their "goods" to the newest "reality" bimbos or "sensationalist morons" who happen to make the most noise on Bravo or MTV! What happened to the real stars, like Madonna, Gwen, J-LO ( who invariably only attend the European collections now) and others who actually were great trendsetters and image idols? Well, they started their own labels. Ha, ha, how ironic you might think.
Well I won't bore you with all the "fashion trends" which you can read in every blog, see on every website and in every segment of Fashion TV etc, etc. ad nosium. I am merely going to give you my select few "picks" of what this "Image Guru" actually saw and liked! Mind you, I am concerned with the "look" and whether or not I believe that my clients will actually want to wear these "new" (which most are rarely new) design themes, or even better yet, buy them. Wow what a concept to actually want to buy the clothes and not perpetually borrow them! But then most people don't have the the opportunity to borrow them, but then I don't deal with most people! However, reality bites.... someone somewhere has to purchase these clothes... or the fashion world would collapse. Sometimes the image of "Fashion" doesn't coincide with the reality of commerce, or of reality itself.
L.A.M.B: Well one such "pop" diva's collection that I thought was newsworthy for this "Image guru" was Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B., which actually represented her essence only too well. Although L.A.M.B reminds me of a contemporary interpretation of the great English designer, Vivienne Westwood, Gwen has managed to take Vivienne's inspiration and been able to stamp her "vibe" onto it, making it completely refeshed and not rehashed; just what any fabulous hipster would want to wear. Color, vibrance, patterns on patterns... COOL LIFE!
To view the L.A.M.B Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the following Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-LAMB
MARC BOUWER: I've had the pleasure of knowing the lovely designer named Marc Bouwer for many years now. I would say we are contemporaries and although I know he's dressed many divas in the past (Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton etc) I have to say that I was "blown away" by his most recent video of his Spring 2011 Collection, which he kindly sent me the link to. Now this is what I'm talking about, interesting design value, drama, beautiful draping and colorations, high style glamour and a collection that I would definitely put some of my "diva" clients in for that "instant impact, wow factor"! There was definitely nothing beige or boring to his collection. I loved the intricately orchestrated simplicity of his video which showcased anything but simple creations. Just like Lady Gaga's video tribute to Madonna in her video, "Alejandro", Marc Bouwer's video too was like a wet dream for me!
To view the Marc Bouwer Spring 2011 Collection, you may click onto the following link, which also can be seen on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU0rznPtRV4
PORTS 1961: I have always liked this collection. But since the departure of Tia Chibani, their former Creative Director and Head Designer, I thought that this could be damaging for this still relatively underestimated collection. But fortunately, Fiona Chibani, Tia's sister has taken the helm, so that was not the case for Spring 2011 which I thought was right on target. Beautifully elegant gowns which looked "new" and fresh. There always seems to be something interesting to look and thank God, this year it didn't seem to be overstyled, as has been the crtics' critiques in the past. The colors were an integration of natural colors, which can we quite dull to me, but then out would come emerald green, metallics, fuschia with brown, and stunning sapphire blue charmeuse gowns. Spectacular and so modern... almost a nod to Halston in my opinion.
To view the Ports 1961 Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the following Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-PORTS/
RALPH LAUREN: So who else did I like? Well, only in the latter years have I had a penchant for Ralph Lauren.... yes, Ralph Lauren. Mr. Lauren suits my personal "Gatsby" incarnation to a tee! But his Women's Spring 2011 collection was a throw back to the American Western TV series, "Big Valley" where Audra Barkley (Linda Evans) and the diva herself Barbara Stanwyck, who played the Barkley matriarch, ruled! A thoroughly retro-Western Americana theme, which Ralph seems to do so well ( and it actually sells) was so kitchy, but well executed, in my book. There was nothing cliche about his styling either. Although not completely original, if I was a woman and of a mind to go to an urban Western ho-down, or even a Polo match in Bridgehampton, then I would certainly give this "look" a toss! Talley-ho pardner!
To view the Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-RLAUREN
FRANCISCO COSTA for CALVIN KLEIN: Now we go from Ralph's Lauren's kitchy Western Americana-isms to Fracncisco Costa for Calvin Klein with his minimalist-minded, architectural minimalism, (which in itself is a bit redundant) but can only work if you happen to be svelt without cleavage and alot of natural grace (like Gwyneth Paltrow for instance). I'm really not one for minimalism, which I often equate with boring and unspiring, but I am a big fan of what Mr. Costa has done with the Calvin Klein label. The problem that I have with most of the women who wear minimalist designs is that they tend to look like haus-fraus, mid-wives, or albatrosses in their somber black, gray or beige "designer" potato sack creations at designer prices! Wow, now that's a an image with a rip-off price tag! Simply stated, to wear minimal creations, which in theory can be quite chic, one must be tall and thin as a rail, not particularly breasty, self confident, a truly natural beauty, wear minimal makeup, have a secure sense of self worth, have flawless skin, and the carriage of a thoroughbred. Now if you meet those requirements, then Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein would be perfect for you! His designs are, many times, works of architectural art.... but rarely can mere mortals wear art as fashion! I do however appreciate his wealth of dexterity in his craft! It's translating his vision to really suitable women that I always seem to have a problem with!
To view the Calvin Klein Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the follwoing Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-CKLEIN
OSCAR LA RENTA: This is "The Image Guru's" PICK for all of those frenzied and scurrying stylists desperately searching for that perfect gown for their nominated clients at the next Academy Awards. Now I don't know why more A-listers don't insist on Oscar de la Renta. Not only was his Spring 2011 Collection breathtaking and expensive looking (which it is, expensive that is, but at least it looks it), it also captures the whole "MAD MEN" trend which is soo prevalent in most of the top European collectionsl! I could easliy see January Jones, who in my opinion flopped at the Primetime Emmy's in her Versace monstrousity, wearing some of Senor de la Renta's exquisite confections. Not too much, not too little, just enough of the design value, style, sophistication, and "wow" factor that is needed for the most anticipated event in the entertainment world, The Academy Awards! That kind of "old world" styling is soooo right for all of the younger actresses trying to stand out in a world of "drag queen" glamour!
To view the Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 Collection, please click onto the following Style.com link at:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-ODLRENTA
So, we'll see what we see on the red carpet.... and if it's wrong, I'm going to sweep you under the carpet..... puppies!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sept 13 "THE 2010 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS WERE KIND OF A 'DRAG''
Hear me now and believe me later, I am not one for being "beige and boring", however, last night's MTV VMAs looked like a bad episode of RuPaul's Drag Race.
By this, I mean that flambouyance and bad taste have replaced cool and edgy! Why? you may all ask, well the "usual darlins' of fabulousity" (namely Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Katie Perry) who generally look "beyond" and uberly glamorosa, fell short of their marks!
Gosh darn, how the f--k can anybody who wears the iconic visions of fashion's dearly departed wunderkind, Alexander McQueen, fall short of not only being the "best dressed" by all the experts and fans alike, but to be voted the "worst dressed" is a major fuck up in my book. Now, not only did she have trouble getting up from her seat, but she had trouble, walking, climbing up the stairs to accept her multiple awards, and probably breathing. Plus, when you wear "couture" you really should think about realizing the designer's vision and try to emulate the entire look and not do interpretive variations on that theme. In other words, that Cher-like drag queen white long wig that she was sporting, just didn't make that incredible couture gown look expensive, it made it look cheap. In fact, I've seen more fabulous drag queens wearing McQueen better; or at least they interpreted his couture presentations sooo much more fabulously. Shame on her and her shameful stylist for screwin' up a much appreciated McQueen homage! Aside from that, she RULES!!!!!!
Also, was Rihanna incognito? Did she think that Chris Brown was going to repeat his only memorable performance when he beat the crap out of her? That's the only reason, that I can think of, for her to have plopped that cheesey vivid red Halloween wig on ( like we wouldn't have noticed her anyway) with that "fairy princess" head band. Then her brilliant stylist adds insult to injury and has her wear a tutu with combat boots. Didn't we see that "look" on Cyndi Lauper in the early 80's..... ahhhh but she did it sooo much better and back then it was new and novel! I hate bad interpretations of original ideas! Also, Rihanna's makeup artist puts "more on more" and gives her cat-eye liquid eyeliner, so that she looked like she's auditioning for Cats! Well all in all, Rihanna looked like a poor-ass little wannabee, who couldn't get her act together, not the slick poster girl for glamour that she has been. Well actually, she did look like a has-been drag queen, who wanted to be more fierce and flawless than Lady Gaga, who wasn't fierce or flawless!
Katie Perry..... Katie Perry.... paging Katie Perry, your Ice Capades outfit has been found! Yep, normally cool "California Girls" Katie Perry was not cool, she was cold, cold as the Ice Capades in her flouncy little "perky Patty" ensemble. All she needed to complete this cutesy little drag number were ice skating stilettos, which actually could have completed this pewtrid confection.
Now I bloody well can't stand the "The Jersey Shore". As Chelsea Handler quipped, "they represent the dumbing down of America" and yes, between that show and MTV's Jack-Ass, America has soo much to be embarrassed about! I've never liked "watching train wrecks", as people who like these shows try to qualtify their poor taste, so why in hell would I want to watch idiots doing stupid things and bigger idiots who can only think and talk (badly I might add) about fucking. Now I like to have sex and I'm certainly no prude, but I don't talk about it incessantly and I can at least pronounce the sexual words correctly! I mean, every other word on that show is fuck! What the fuck is American TV coming to? (ha,ha) I have to say that although my distaste for ignorance, vulgarity and bad taste runs deep, I must say that "Snooki" did sport an improved, non "Guidette" hairstyle, but she still looked like a Zeppelin stuffed into a condom in that nasty dress she was wearing. I guess her mirror lies to her!
The highlights of the evening for me, weren't the tasteless and tacky "Pop" DITS (Divas In Training), it was the creative art direction of the sets and the futuristic "starship" configurations, replete with that uber-licious techno rave "super DJ" with the neon mouse head! I loved the multi-medial presentations and lighting configurations! Now that is what MTV should be all the time (not a menagerie of morons from The Jersey Shore, no offense to the rest of the people from New Jersey who aren't morons). INSPIRATIONAL & ASPIRATIONAL, VISIONARY & VISUAL but with taste and newness and vibrance was what was presented in the Art Direction category. Congratulations to the powers that be at MTV for having the gumption and taste to hire people with gumption and taste in the art direction category; maybe now they can direct that energy to getting better stylists.
Other fabulous highlights:
USHER's amazing performance
JUSTIN BIEBER'S cuteness and his strong "white bread" impersonation of MICHAEL JACKSON
CHER's amazing body and her witty, self effacing "I don't give a fuck" atttiude
TAYLOR SWIFT"S flawless hair & makeup, although I thought she was a bit whiney-woo, boo-hoo me!
LADY GAGA'S fashion audacity, daring attitude, her humility and her fearless acknowledgment that she gives to her "gay" constituents
EMINEM's song and his blatant absence of awards acceptance
NICKI MINAJ'S perky ass and her adorable Jetson styled Pepto Bismol pink wig (also a throw back to the "drag" world, but an effective one at least)
CHELSEA HANDLER'S overall "kiss my ass" attitude and the bravery she displayed getting in the hot tub with those "Jersey Shore" skanks!
LINKIN PARK"S performance at the Los Angeles Observatory
I think next year they should bring back more MTV legends to present like Madonna, Downtown Julie Brown, and so many others like Cher, who actually had some "class " in their ass! But then maybe this is a generational thing on my part and I could be biased towards my own generation!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
By this, I mean that flambouyance and bad taste have replaced cool and edgy! Why? you may all ask, well the "usual darlins' of fabulousity" (namely Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Katie Perry) who generally look "beyond" and uberly glamorosa, fell short of their marks!
Gosh darn, how the f--k can anybody who wears the iconic visions of fashion's dearly departed wunderkind, Alexander McQueen, fall short of not only being the "best dressed" by all the experts and fans alike, but to be voted the "worst dressed" is a major fuck up in my book. Now, not only did she have trouble getting up from her seat, but she had trouble, walking, climbing up the stairs to accept her multiple awards, and probably breathing. Plus, when you wear "couture" you really should think about realizing the designer's vision and try to emulate the entire look and not do interpretive variations on that theme. In other words, that Cher-like drag queen white long wig that she was sporting, just didn't make that incredible couture gown look expensive, it made it look cheap. In fact, I've seen more fabulous drag queens wearing McQueen better; or at least they interpreted his couture presentations sooo much more fabulously. Shame on her and her shameful stylist for screwin' up a much appreciated McQueen homage! Aside from that, she RULES!!!!!!
Also, was Rihanna incognito? Did she think that Chris Brown was going to repeat his only memorable performance when he beat the crap out of her? That's the only reason, that I can think of, for her to have plopped that cheesey vivid red Halloween wig on ( like we wouldn't have noticed her anyway) with that "fairy princess" head band. Then her brilliant stylist adds insult to injury and has her wear a tutu with combat boots. Didn't we see that "look" on Cyndi Lauper in the early 80's..... ahhhh but she did it sooo much better and back then it was new and novel! I hate bad interpretations of original ideas! Also, Rihanna's makeup artist puts "more on more" and gives her cat-eye liquid eyeliner, so that she looked like she's auditioning for Cats! Well all in all, Rihanna looked like a poor-ass little wannabee, who couldn't get her act together, not the slick poster girl for glamour that she has been. Well actually, she did look like a has-been drag queen, who wanted to be more fierce and flawless than Lady Gaga, who wasn't fierce or flawless!
Katie Perry..... Katie Perry.... paging Katie Perry, your Ice Capades outfit has been found! Yep, normally cool "California Girls" Katie Perry was not cool, she was cold, cold as the Ice Capades in her flouncy little "perky Patty" ensemble. All she needed to complete this cutesy little drag number were ice skating stilettos, which actually could have completed this pewtrid confection.
Now I bloody well can't stand the "The Jersey Shore". As Chelsea Handler quipped, "they represent the dumbing down of America" and yes, between that show and MTV's Jack-Ass, America has soo much to be embarrassed about! I've never liked "watching train wrecks", as people who like these shows try to qualtify their poor taste, so why in hell would I want to watch idiots doing stupid things and bigger idiots who can only think and talk (badly I might add) about fucking. Now I like to have sex and I'm certainly no prude, but I don't talk about it incessantly and I can at least pronounce the sexual words correctly! I mean, every other word on that show is fuck! What the fuck is American TV coming to? (ha,ha) I have to say that although my distaste for ignorance, vulgarity and bad taste runs deep, I must say that "Snooki" did sport an improved, non "Guidette" hairstyle, but she still looked like a Zeppelin stuffed into a condom in that nasty dress she was wearing. I guess her mirror lies to her!
The highlights of the evening for me, weren't the tasteless and tacky "Pop" DITS (Divas In Training), it was the creative art direction of the sets and the futuristic "starship" configurations, replete with that uber-licious techno rave "super DJ" with the neon mouse head! I loved the multi-medial presentations and lighting configurations! Now that is what MTV should be all the time (not a menagerie of morons from The Jersey Shore, no offense to the rest of the people from New Jersey who aren't morons). INSPIRATIONAL & ASPIRATIONAL, VISIONARY & VISUAL but with taste and newness and vibrance was what was presented in the Art Direction category. Congratulations to the powers that be at MTV for having the gumption and taste to hire people with gumption and taste in the art direction category; maybe now they can direct that energy to getting better stylists.
Other fabulous highlights:
USHER's amazing performance
JUSTIN BIEBER'S cuteness and his strong "white bread" impersonation of MICHAEL JACKSON
CHER's amazing body and her witty, self effacing "I don't give a fuck" atttiude
TAYLOR SWIFT"S flawless hair & makeup, although I thought she was a bit whiney-woo, boo-hoo me!
LADY GAGA'S fashion audacity, daring attitude, her humility and her fearless acknowledgment that she gives to her "gay" constituents
EMINEM's song and his blatant absence of awards acceptance
NICKI MINAJ'S perky ass and her adorable Jetson styled Pepto Bismol pink wig (also a throw back to the "drag" world, but an effective one at least)
CHELSEA HANDLER'S overall "kiss my ass" attitude and the bravery she displayed getting in the hot tub with those "Jersey Shore" skanks!
LINKIN PARK"S performance at the Los Angeles Observatory
I think next year they should bring back more MTV legends to present like Madonna, Downtown Julie Brown, and so many others like Cher, who actually had some "class " in their ass! But then maybe this is a generational thing on my part and I could be biased towards my own generation!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Sept 12 "DOWNTOWN JULIE BROWN, THE MTV 80'S & 90'S 'ICON' RETURNS TO THE BIG APPLE FOR MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK!"
Well......I've just lived a lifetime in about 4 days with Downtown Julie Brown, where she flew in from LA to attend some events for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! Now you all know that FASHION WEEK in New York is BIG!!!....... and the revenues that this billion dollar industry generates is staggering (about 700 million)
When Julie and I worked together at MTV and collaborated at E! Entertainment, (in the last century, mind you) being with Downtown Julie Brown was like living the life with an MTV cultural-revolution "DIVA", plus with a 5 year stint at E! Entertainment TV as the host of "The Gossip Show" and the vivacious and well received "red carpet" celebrity interviewer..... she was the bomb! (as they used to say) I mean, we were "smokin'" and we whirled and twirled with everybody in the music and entertainment worlds.... but as life goes, times change and we all move on in our lives! Some get married, some get fat, some have babies and some do all. Well Julie just got married, and step-mothered her lovely daughter, Gianna
After my visit with Julie this past summer in Italy, I think my presence" sparked a small fading ember of that past life! So she called me from LA and said that she felt that it was time for her to "go back to work", now that her daughter was pretty much all grown up... she felt a desire to rekindle that flame! "Is Martin (her wonderful German husband) on board and supportive?" I asked. "You bet!" she responded.
Well, you know how everybody in the entertainment and fashion worlds are soooo quick to dismiss "has beens", (some people are just too short-sighted.....enter people like me, "The Image Guru") I thought to myself, could this be done??? And I have to say I was peaked, to say the least, by the prospect of this undertaking. If I personally didn't love this woman (from all that we'd been through in our lives) I probably would have said it can't be done and just be happy (which she is completely) in her current life and just FORGET ABOUT IT!. But I didn't.... I've always known how influential Downtown Julie Brown was, whether you liked her or not, she RULED MTV for a period of time..... just like Madonna did too! I lived it and I saw it!
So, "what to do" I asked myself. FASHION....... Wasn't Downtown Julie Brown always known for her FASHION? (thanks to me).... yes she was! "Ahhhh", I thought, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is coming up and they're presenting at their new venue.... Lincoln Center. "Why not come in for that?" I asked her.... and she agreed and decided to fly in and attend a few selective events and take some meetings with agents and try to get some indicator whether or not people still remembered her, or even cared. Now mind you, Julie does not have any network or PR firm behind her now .... she is a civilian for all intensive purposes, so she simply hasn't needed PR, being the mommy that she has been over the past 14 years. Truth be known, she really doesn't need to work at all at this stage in her life.... but she WANTS to work, which is the big difference!!!
So here's a rundown of the few events and places that we did attend!
Sept 8th: Julie arrives into Manhattan at 7:30PM and is hosted by her friends, Colin Heywood (a devilishly handsome Englishman who owns the chic apothecary and fragrance boutique cleverly named "The Bathroom" in the West Village) and his equally handsome partner Joe... who's last name I shall not mention as he is #7 in line at JP Morgan Bank. Now Colin and Joe own this fabulous historical landmark townhouse in the West Village, but we all met up for dinner on Julie's first night at The Lion, which is owned by an old friend Mark ( who was so lovely that he actually ran to our table when I came in). I was late to meet them all and had never been there before, being a predominently Upper East Sider, but I'd heard that it was one of the "hardest places to get into". So there we all were, "front and center" sitting next to Hollywood movie producer, Brian Grazier, Page Six's Richard Johnson, MTV's mogul and mega-producer Tony DiSanto, and so many others just to name a few, in one of the hottest and hardest restaurants to get into. "Hmmm, this is starting off to a great start" I thought... thanks to Colin's initiative in booking the reservation there. But everybody, who was anybody, seemed to be coming up to our table because of Downtown Julie Brown and our lot! Actually, Tony DiSanto walked up to Julie and said how nice it was to see her looking so good after such a long time (almost 15 years) and that his wife had always loved her on MTV. He subsequently invited her to be his guest at the VMA's (MTV's Video Music Awards) which he was producing that following Sunday in LA. Well that brief encounter ended up as an item in Page Six that Friday!
So after that most enthusiastic experience at The Lion, we went to Le Bain ( or The Black Room) at the Standard Hotel, where Emma Snowdon Jones, one of New York's young-ish, fashionable social bees was so excited to meet MTV's iconic Downtown Julie Brown. Emma, you were so sweet and Julie so enjoyed your enegy and meeting you!
Sept 9th: Julie asked me to meet her at William Morris W2 that afternoon, where she had a meeting with a potential agent. But I had other things to do, as I had to pick out her clothes from the PORTS 1961 showroom to wear in the front row of their show the following day. I chose something very, very different for her to wear, as I personally do not want her to be perceived as a "has been" celebrity who just "doesn't get it" and hasn't moved on or evolved from her former MTV glory days. She was so receptive and opted for exactly what I wanted her to wear, which was a beautiful PORTS 1961 salmon/champagne silk shantung strapless dress with a stunning obi sash around her breasts ( no not around her waist but around her still beautiful breasts... but that was her spin on the chicness of this gorgeous dress) and we discussed how she would wear her hair and do her makeup and what shoes to wear..... and it only took us 2 hours to decide all, not the arduous circus that Rachel Zoe goes through when she dresses a celebrity! (calm down tiger) Anyway, we ended up having dinner that night at Julie's dear friend, Rocco Ancarola's new charming restaurant, The Rabbit In The Moon, on 8th St..... yes 8th St. We were joined by Colin, (Julie's host) and his handsome Brit friends, (Andrew an Art Director and Patrick Mackie a fashion stylist) Dinner was delightful and full of fun (thanks Julie and Rocco).... but off we had to go to the "reopening" of Andre Balazs', Boom Boom Room, or as it is now referred to as The Spot. It's ridiculously hard to get into for mere mortals and if you aren't a friend of Andre's or somebody fabulously celebrated, then you should just forget about trying! There were literally throngs of people vying to get into both sides (Le Bain being another club, within The Standard Hotel, where Naomi Campbell was hosting her own party) and many people unfortunately didn't make the select lists. But we were literally ushered in for the main reopening party! YAAH!
Highlights of that evening were endless champagne, open bar, great friends, glamour, socialites, fab and danceable music, Courtney Love, Liv Tyler, Lance Bass, Naomi Campbell, Shalom Harlowe, Russell Simmons, Elijah Woods. May I say that I was pleasantly surprised and shocked when Downtown Julie Brown, somehow hopped onto the bar when Kanye West was performing towards the end of the evening. She said as he was performing, "Hello, I'm Downtown Julie Brown" and he said "Yes, I know who you are" and then he hugged her up on the bar. WOW, how the heck did she manage to even get up on the bar in her chic PORTS 1961 silver dress and 6 inch PORTS 1961 heels??? FABULOUS< FABULOUS< FABULOUS! Julie ended up on The Huffington Post.com website pictured with Russell Simmons and several photos of her appeared on PMC (Patrick McMullan's wesbite). I of course, was elegantly appointed as well and was featured too! (thanks Patrick)
Too, too, too much FUN! Gotta get some sleep... the next day we have to "Sparkle Nealy, sparkle!" ( Patty Duke in a line from Valley of the Dolls)
Sept 10th: I woke up early and ventured down to the West Village to style Julie for the PORTS 1961 show at Lincoln Center..... tons of photographs were taken from a multitude of photographers on the long walk from our cab into the venue. Now whenever a celebrity gets a "front row seat" at any fashion show, it is almost standard protocol to have that celebrity wear the designers creations , for the purpose of having their photos in the designers clothing... and if the PR person who handles the designer and the PR person (although Julie doesn't have one at this time and I am acting as PR person and stylist too) who handles the celebrity does a good job, then there should be tons of photos with that celebrity wearing the designers clothes.. Done deal.... I'm happy with how Julie looks.... chic Pop-Diva-Geisha, fresh and new.... not anything like people remember her from her "rock & roll" days at MTV. Evolution is a key word in my book!!!! But where are the "front row" photographers at the show??? Well I figured out that they couldn't find her because her front row seat was soooo close to the second model exit that they simply couldn't see her. "Bad move" I thought! DOWNTOWN JULIE BROWN is and will always be an MTV CULTURAL ICON! But you can't have everything in life and I am really just relaunching her, but I thought it was a very poor "front row seat" decision, for them to put her in! Every aspect of this process in crucial "puppies" and if you don't have the support of the powers that be, it's even harder. But this industry is also a double-edged sword and if you don't get the support from those people, then you don't give it back too when the shoe is on the other foot. It's that simple... but I am also soo gracious and appreciative to the people that do make MY job easier and they in turn will see my appreciation in the future!
The PORTS 1961 show was FABULOUS and I thought it was a bit of an inspired tribute to a great American designer, Halston! Great job Fiona Chibani (who now designs the collection after her sister, Tia Chibani's, departure). Julie gagged for the presentation and thought the clothes were exquisite! We also got to see a dear friend of ours, High Voltage, who's a Lifestyle Guru and the originator of The Energy Up! health and wellness program. But I would like to send a personal thanks to Jacqui Wenzel and Lou Iacovelli for allowing me to bring Julie.
Now on to New York's own FASHION'S NIGHT OUT... where over 100 fashion designers open their boutiques to the public (replete with their own marquee celebrities) for this romp into the exclusive world of glamour and fashion! How festive does this sound! Julie changes into a very YSL inspired (although I was inspired by YSL) confection of Gucci and Prada and Cavalli en tres YSL colours. I coordinated her in a Roberto Cavalli red silk charmeuse halter top with a low plungey back (uberly sexy) , low-waisted indigo blue Prada silk charmeuse hip slacks that she bought in Italy (extremely hip) and a showstopping canary yellow meribou Gucci coat. WOW! We couldn't walk down Madison Avenue without some photographer somewhere asking us all to be photographed, especially Downtown Julie Brown..... Yes....we made a definite fashion statement... but then that's one of the things I do as "The Image Guru"... I help people make statements for that "WOW" factor, even divas.
So where should Julie, Colin and I go???? Hmmm, let me see and try to remember. Not too many places..... but not too few! We started off at Roberto Cavalli, where they thanked Julie profusely for coming...click, click, photo, photo, glass of champagne and then up Madison to J. Mendel, whom I personally think is so chic..click, click, photo, photo. I introduced Julie to J. Mendel's PR Director Jessica Nagel (Gilles Mendel hadn't arrived yet) and said that we have to dress Julie for some events in the near future in J. Mendel (whose clothes I deem as exquisite) and she seemed very excited about that. Then up a few more blocks on Madison Avenue, ( at that point Julie's 6 inch heels were starting to ache) where we were again asked to be photographed in front of the Judith Ripka Boutique and we got some kick-ass cutie pictures from those photo booths that they had set up in front of their boutique. "Let's go to the Donna Karan Boutique and drink some Veuve Clicquot and see my friend Randle Doss" who's the Sales mManager there, "we'll hang out for awhile while Julie's feet stop aching" I shouted, "woo-hoo, wubba, wubba, wubba!, mutha-fucka's" I shamefully screamed on posh Madison Ave.
Donna Karan's Boutique event was sophisticated, if not culturally uplifting and they all ( I think I know everybody there) were soooo pleased that I brought Julie and Colin, who always adds life and color wherever they go! We were the "colorful" people there I was told by Randle! Yah, I wanted to "represent" well....click, click, photo, photo. Julie introduced herself to Donna Karan and I introduced Julie and Colin to everybody else that mattered. The entertainment was actually soo fabulous.... a pianist who was more like a modern, cool vibed Mozart. Yes honey-dews, I drank a few glasses of Veuve, which is one of my weaknesses!
Another good friend of mine Dennis Diaz, who's the Men's Boutique Manager of Dolce Gabbana invited me a few days prior and I told him I would bring Julie (also another prerequisite for being an Image Guru... connections who respect you) So we were on our way to Dolce & Gabbana where Naomi Campbell was dancing, signing cool t-shirts of her iconic images, looking flawless as usual and basically holding court! Fortunately, we were all whisked inside past immediately, past the velvet ropes without having to wait in the massive line outside. Soo many people to contend with inside too, click, click, photo, photo....but yours truly got us up into the VIP top floor ( that's where the likes of Naomi Campbell, Chris Brown, Daphne Guiness etc were all) which Bravo's Andy Cohen, serupticiously had closed off for a Bravo film crew ( I personally think that Andy Cohen is a tad bit "full of himself now") I mean really... everybody who couldn't get upstairs was pissed off! Tell it to Andy Cohen guys, who in my book is certainly no Anderson Cooper!
Naomi sees Julie and actually stands up from her seat to give Julie a big smile, hug and kiss. Great! Julie did look exceptional that night, but nonetheless, it was great to see Naomi acknowledge Julie in such a friendly and genuine manner! "MY BLOODY SHOES ARE KILLING ME MONTY!" exclaimed Julie, "and I need to eat". "OK, let's go to my favorite little eatery a few blocks down on 66 & Madison, Bistro Chat Noir" I suggested. Great.... we were gonna be outta there, but not before I had a met and briefly chatted with Daphne Guinness. Julie on the other hand, was hugged by Chris Brown on his way out. Mission accomplished... just enough and not too much.... in and out!
Now another friend ( believe it or not, I have alot of supportive friends), Suzanne Latapie, the proprietress of Bistro Chat Noir, had invited me to bring Julie that night and we all had a delicious dinner and a blast there! The restaurant was so jam packed that people were waitng in line just to get a table. Yay for Suzanne, who reserved for us her best table! As I said, I like to support when I can and I appreciate when it is reciprocated. Key words in my book are support, friendship and loyalty. Remember that... all you Phillistinal PR idiots who are soo fickle and fair weather that your best friends change according to what Page Six and Vogue writes. Trust me, morons, I know how to play the game too.... and I play with legends, moguls and icons, not new-bee fools who might not be around next year!
Sept 11th: Last day of Julie's visit. Have to secure ab-fab, kick-ass wardrobe for Julie's VMA debut. Although she will not be presenting, she will be in attendance and the personal guest of the ceremonies' producer, Tony DiSanto! Not bad for being a bloody housewife and mommy for 14 years! Who did I choose to dress her?.......I chose PORTS 1961. Why? Because it made sense and there were two exquisite dresses which fit her like they were made for her. Both black, one a chic and sophisticated shantung silk dress that had a "cocktail couture" fit... a tad bit Lanvin, but worthy enough that even Jennifer Lopez was sent a champagne version for her London premiere. Julie looked like a million bucks in it! Damn girl....you still got it and after all these years. The other dress was a confection of black paillettes and ostrich feather in a strapless above the knee length dress which was petaled and gathered on the bottom. Sounds hideous doesn't it? Well it wasn't, it was just what this Image Guru ordered! TO DIE FOR! Yes and then we coordinated the rest of the "look", which all has to be PERFECT, especially since Julie hasn't really been in the spotlight in over a decade! But now that we have new show ideas for her, she has to be "new and improved".
An early dinner at The Waverly Inn, seated in a booth next to Keifer Sutherland and then off to another private club named Norwood! Now can it get any better!
So now Julie is traveling back to LA and had to cut her NY trip short to attend the MTV Video Awards, which incidentally aires live tonight. We'll see if anybody notices her! I always say, everything "old" is "new" again and there is no such thing as a "has been", because that just means they once WERE! But this lady still has it, as I noticed first hand on the aforementioned occasions!
Keep your eyes open for more of Downtown Julie Brown!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
When Julie and I worked together at MTV and collaborated at E! Entertainment, (in the last century, mind you) being with Downtown Julie Brown was like living the life with an MTV cultural-revolution "DIVA", plus with a 5 year stint at E! Entertainment TV as the host of "The Gossip Show" and the vivacious and well received "red carpet" celebrity interviewer..... she was the bomb! (as they used to say) I mean, we were "smokin'" and we whirled and twirled with everybody in the music and entertainment worlds.... but as life goes, times change and we all move on in our lives! Some get married, some get fat, some have babies and some do all. Well Julie just got married, and step-mothered her lovely daughter, Gianna
After my visit with Julie this past summer in Italy, I think my presence" sparked a small fading ember of that past life! So she called me from LA and said that she felt that it was time for her to "go back to work", now that her daughter was pretty much all grown up... she felt a desire to rekindle that flame! "Is Martin (her wonderful German husband) on board and supportive?" I asked. "You bet!" she responded.
Well, you know how everybody in the entertainment and fashion worlds are soooo quick to dismiss "has beens", (some people are just too short-sighted.....enter people like me, "The Image Guru") I thought to myself, could this be done??? And I have to say I was peaked, to say the least, by the prospect of this undertaking. If I personally didn't love this woman (from all that we'd been through in our lives) I probably would have said it can't be done and just be happy (which she is completely) in her current life and just FORGET ABOUT IT!. But I didn't.... I've always known how influential Downtown Julie Brown was, whether you liked her or not, she RULED MTV for a period of time..... just like Madonna did too! I lived it and I saw it!
So, "what to do" I asked myself. FASHION....... Wasn't Downtown Julie Brown always known for her FASHION? (thanks to me).... yes she was! "Ahhhh", I thought, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is coming up and they're presenting at their new venue.... Lincoln Center. "Why not come in for that?" I asked her.... and she agreed and decided to fly in and attend a few selective events and take some meetings with agents and try to get some indicator whether or not people still remembered her, or even cared. Now mind you, Julie does not have any network or PR firm behind her now .... she is a civilian for all intensive purposes, so she simply hasn't needed PR, being the mommy that she has been over the past 14 years. Truth be known, she really doesn't need to work at all at this stage in her life.... but she WANTS to work, which is the big difference!!!
So here's a rundown of the few events and places that we did attend!
Sept 8th: Julie arrives into Manhattan at 7:30PM and is hosted by her friends, Colin Heywood (a devilishly handsome Englishman who owns the chic apothecary and fragrance boutique cleverly named "The Bathroom" in the West Village) and his equally handsome partner Joe... who's last name I shall not mention as he is #7 in line at JP Morgan Bank. Now Colin and Joe own this fabulous historical landmark townhouse in the West Village, but we all met up for dinner on Julie's first night at The Lion, which is owned by an old friend Mark ( who was so lovely that he actually ran to our table when I came in). I was late to meet them all and had never been there before, being a predominently Upper East Sider, but I'd heard that it was one of the "hardest places to get into". So there we all were, "front and center" sitting next to Hollywood movie producer, Brian Grazier, Page Six's Richard Johnson, MTV's mogul and mega-producer Tony DiSanto, and so many others just to name a few, in one of the hottest and hardest restaurants to get into. "Hmmm, this is starting off to a great start" I thought... thanks to Colin's initiative in booking the reservation there. But everybody, who was anybody, seemed to be coming up to our table because of Downtown Julie Brown and our lot! Actually, Tony DiSanto walked up to Julie and said how nice it was to see her looking so good after such a long time (almost 15 years) and that his wife had always loved her on MTV. He subsequently invited her to be his guest at the VMA's (MTV's Video Music Awards) which he was producing that following Sunday in LA. Well that brief encounter ended up as an item in Page Six that Friday!
So after that most enthusiastic experience at The Lion, we went to Le Bain ( or The Black Room) at the Standard Hotel, where Emma Snowdon Jones, one of New York's young-ish, fashionable social bees was so excited to meet MTV's iconic Downtown Julie Brown. Emma, you were so sweet and Julie so enjoyed your enegy and meeting you!
Sept 9th: Julie asked me to meet her at William Morris W2 that afternoon, where she had a meeting with a potential agent. But I had other things to do, as I had to pick out her clothes from the PORTS 1961 showroom to wear in the front row of their show the following day. I chose something very, very different for her to wear, as I personally do not want her to be perceived as a "has been" celebrity who just "doesn't get it" and hasn't moved on or evolved from her former MTV glory days. She was so receptive and opted for exactly what I wanted her to wear, which was a beautiful PORTS 1961 salmon/champagne silk shantung strapless dress with a stunning obi sash around her breasts ( no not around her waist but around her still beautiful breasts... but that was her spin on the chicness of this gorgeous dress) and we discussed how she would wear her hair and do her makeup and what shoes to wear..... and it only took us 2 hours to decide all, not the arduous circus that Rachel Zoe goes through when she dresses a celebrity! (calm down tiger) Anyway, we ended up having dinner that night at Julie's dear friend, Rocco Ancarola's new charming restaurant, The Rabbit In The Moon, on 8th St..... yes 8th St. We were joined by Colin, (Julie's host) and his handsome Brit friends, (Andrew an Art Director and Patrick Mackie a fashion stylist) Dinner was delightful and full of fun (thanks Julie and Rocco).... but off we had to go to the "reopening" of Andre Balazs', Boom Boom Room, or as it is now referred to as The Spot. It's ridiculously hard to get into for mere mortals and if you aren't a friend of Andre's or somebody fabulously celebrated, then you should just forget about trying! There were literally throngs of people vying to get into both sides (Le Bain being another club, within The Standard Hotel, where Naomi Campbell was hosting her own party) and many people unfortunately didn't make the select lists. But we were literally ushered in for the main reopening party! YAAH!
Highlights of that evening were endless champagne, open bar, great friends, glamour, socialites, fab and danceable music, Courtney Love, Liv Tyler, Lance Bass, Naomi Campbell, Shalom Harlowe, Russell Simmons, Elijah Woods. May I say that I was pleasantly surprised and shocked when Downtown Julie Brown, somehow hopped onto the bar when Kanye West was performing towards the end of the evening. She said as he was performing, "Hello, I'm Downtown Julie Brown" and he said "Yes, I know who you are" and then he hugged her up on the bar. WOW, how the heck did she manage to even get up on the bar in her chic PORTS 1961 silver dress and 6 inch PORTS 1961 heels??? FABULOUS< FABULOUS< FABULOUS! Julie ended up on The Huffington Post.com website pictured with Russell Simmons and several photos of her appeared on PMC (Patrick McMullan's wesbite). I of course, was elegantly appointed as well and was featured too! (thanks Patrick)
Too, too, too much FUN! Gotta get some sleep... the next day we have to "Sparkle Nealy, sparkle!" ( Patty Duke in a line from Valley of the Dolls)
Sept 10th: I woke up early and ventured down to the West Village to style Julie for the PORTS 1961 show at Lincoln Center..... tons of photographs were taken from a multitude of photographers on the long walk from our cab into the venue. Now whenever a celebrity gets a "front row seat" at any fashion show, it is almost standard protocol to have that celebrity wear the designers creations , for the purpose of having their photos in the designers clothing... and if the PR person who handles the designer and the PR person (although Julie doesn't have one at this time and I am acting as PR person and stylist too) who handles the celebrity does a good job, then there should be tons of photos with that celebrity wearing the designers clothes.. Done deal.... I'm happy with how Julie looks.... chic Pop-Diva-Geisha, fresh and new.... not anything like people remember her from her "rock & roll" days at MTV. Evolution is a key word in my book!!!! But where are the "front row" photographers at the show??? Well I figured out that they couldn't find her because her front row seat was soooo close to the second model exit that they simply couldn't see her. "Bad move" I thought! DOWNTOWN JULIE BROWN is and will always be an MTV CULTURAL ICON! But you can't have everything in life and I am really just relaunching her, but I thought it was a very poor "front row seat" decision, for them to put her in! Every aspect of this process in crucial "puppies" and if you don't have the support of the powers that be, it's even harder. But this industry is also a double-edged sword and if you don't get the support from those people, then you don't give it back too when the shoe is on the other foot. It's that simple... but I am also soo gracious and appreciative to the people that do make MY job easier and they in turn will see my appreciation in the future!
The PORTS 1961 show was FABULOUS and I thought it was a bit of an inspired tribute to a great American designer, Halston! Great job Fiona Chibani (who now designs the collection after her sister, Tia Chibani's, departure). Julie gagged for the presentation and thought the clothes were exquisite! We also got to see a dear friend of ours, High Voltage, who's a Lifestyle Guru and the originator of The Energy Up! health and wellness program. But I would like to send a personal thanks to Jacqui Wenzel and Lou Iacovelli for allowing me to bring Julie.
Now on to New York's own FASHION'S NIGHT OUT... where over 100 fashion designers open their boutiques to the public (replete with their own marquee celebrities) for this romp into the exclusive world of glamour and fashion! How festive does this sound! Julie changes into a very YSL inspired (although I was inspired by YSL) confection of Gucci and Prada and Cavalli en tres YSL colours. I coordinated her in a Roberto Cavalli red silk charmeuse halter top with a low plungey back (uberly sexy) , low-waisted indigo blue Prada silk charmeuse hip slacks that she bought in Italy (extremely hip) and a showstopping canary yellow meribou Gucci coat. WOW! We couldn't walk down Madison Avenue without some photographer somewhere asking us all to be photographed, especially Downtown Julie Brown..... Yes....we made a definite fashion statement... but then that's one of the things I do as "The Image Guru"... I help people make statements for that "WOW" factor, even divas.
So where should Julie, Colin and I go???? Hmmm, let me see and try to remember. Not too many places..... but not too few! We started off at Roberto Cavalli, where they thanked Julie profusely for coming...click, click, photo, photo, glass of champagne and then up Madison to J. Mendel, whom I personally think is so chic..click, click, photo, photo. I introduced Julie to J. Mendel's PR Director Jessica Nagel (Gilles Mendel hadn't arrived yet) and said that we have to dress Julie for some events in the near future in J. Mendel (whose clothes I deem as exquisite) and she seemed very excited about that. Then up a few more blocks on Madison Avenue, ( at that point Julie's 6 inch heels were starting to ache) where we were again asked to be photographed in front of the Judith Ripka Boutique and we got some kick-ass cutie pictures from those photo booths that they had set up in front of their boutique. "Let's go to the Donna Karan Boutique and drink some Veuve Clicquot and see my friend Randle Doss" who's the Sales mManager there, "we'll hang out for awhile while Julie's feet stop aching" I shouted, "woo-hoo, wubba, wubba, wubba!, mutha-fucka's" I shamefully screamed on posh Madison Ave.
Donna Karan's Boutique event was sophisticated, if not culturally uplifting and they all ( I think I know everybody there) were soooo pleased that I brought Julie and Colin, who always adds life and color wherever they go! We were the "colorful" people there I was told by Randle! Yah, I wanted to "represent" well....click, click, photo, photo. Julie introduced herself to Donna Karan and I introduced Julie and Colin to everybody else that mattered. The entertainment was actually soo fabulous.... a pianist who was more like a modern, cool vibed Mozart. Yes honey-dews, I drank a few glasses of Veuve, which is one of my weaknesses!
Another good friend of mine Dennis Diaz, who's the Men's Boutique Manager of Dolce Gabbana invited me a few days prior and I told him I would bring Julie (also another prerequisite for being an Image Guru... connections who respect you) So we were on our way to Dolce & Gabbana where Naomi Campbell was dancing, signing cool t-shirts of her iconic images, looking flawless as usual and basically holding court! Fortunately, we were all whisked inside past immediately, past the velvet ropes without having to wait in the massive line outside. Soo many people to contend with inside too, click, click, photo, photo....but yours truly got us up into the VIP top floor ( that's where the likes of Naomi Campbell, Chris Brown, Daphne Guiness etc were all) which Bravo's Andy Cohen, serupticiously had closed off for a Bravo film crew ( I personally think that Andy Cohen is a tad bit "full of himself now") I mean really... everybody who couldn't get upstairs was pissed off! Tell it to Andy Cohen guys, who in my book is certainly no Anderson Cooper!
Naomi sees Julie and actually stands up from her seat to give Julie a big smile, hug and kiss. Great! Julie did look exceptional that night, but nonetheless, it was great to see Naomi acknowledge Julie in such a friendly and genuine manner! "MY BLOODY SHOES ARE KILLING ME MONTY!" exclaimed Julie, "and I need to eat". "OK, let's go to my favorite little eatery a few blocks down on 66 & Madison, Bistro Chat Noir" I suggested. Great.... we were gonna be outta there, but not before I had a met and briefly chatted with Daphne Guinness. Julie on the other hand, was hugged by Chris Brown on his way out. Mission accomplished... just enough and not too much.... in and out!
Now another friend ( believe it or not, I have alot of supportive friends), Suzanne Latapie, the proprietress of Bistro Chat Noir, had invited me to bring Julie that night and we all had a delicious dinner and a blast there! The restaurant was so jam packed that people were waitng in line just to get a table. Yay for Suzanne, who reserved for us her best table! As I said, I like to support when I can and I appreciate when it is reciprocated. Key words in my book are support, friendship and loyalty. Remember that... all you Phillistinal PR idiots who are soo fickle and fair weather that your best friends change according to what Page Six and Vogue writes. Trust me, morons, I know how to play the game too.... and I play with legends, moguls and icons, not new-bee fools who might not be around next year!
Sept 11th: Last day of Julie's visit. Have to secure ab-fab, kick-ass wardrobe for Julie's VMA debut. Although she will not be presenting, she will be in attendance and the personal guest of the ceremonies' producer, Tony DiSanto! Not bad for being a bloody housewife and mommy for 14 years! Who did I choose to dress her?.......I chose PORTS 1961. Why? Because it made sense and there were two exquisite dresses which fit her like they were made for her. Both black, one a chic and sophisticated shantung silk dress that had a "cocktail couture" fit... a tad bit Lanvin, but worthy enough that even Jennifer Lopez was sent a champagne version for her London premiere. Julie looked like a million bucks in it! Damn girl....you still got it and after all these years. The other dress was a confection of black paillettes and ostrich feather in a strapless above the knee length dress which was petaled and gathered on the bottom. Sounds hideous doesn't it? Well it wasn't, it was just what this Image Guru ordered! TO DIE FOR! Yes and then we coordinated the rest of the "look", which all has to be PERFECT, especially since Julie hasn't really been in the spotlight in over a decade! But now that we have new show ideas for her, she has to be "new and improved".
An early dinner at The Waverly Inn, seated in a booth next to Keifer Sutherland and then off to another private club named Norwood! Now can it get any better!
So now Julie is traveling back to LA and had to cut her NY trip short to attend the MTV Video Awards, which incidentally aires live tonight. We'll see if anybody notices her! I always say, everything "old" is "new" again and there is no such thing as a "has been", because that just means they once WERE! But this lady still has it, as I noticed first hand on the aforementioned occasions!
Keep your eyes open for more of Downtown Julie Brown!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
September 07 "SUPPORT THOSE, WHO SUPPORT YOU!"
Fortunately I've had an interesting career!!!!!
Although this "Image Guru" is far from over in his life and career ( in fact I feel like I'm starting all over again), I've had the opportunity to do many interesting and relatively important things in my professional life. (refer to my bio on my website at www.montgomeryfrazier.com for those of you who have never heard of me before)
I will not bore you with my accolaides, or tout my own achievements on this blog, but my professional life has always been about helping people! Yes, I said "helping" people! (wow, what a concept in this "instant-fame society" in 5 seconds or less) ! By that I mean, I have never had to jump on the bandwagon of the "newest" and "hottest" "it" craze. Although I have been known to discover and help bring attention to many "it" designers (whose names shall remain nameless), creative professionals, artists, etc, etc, etc and blah, blah, blah, so I feel confident in the statement that I just made.
I subsequently have never held any positions at Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar or The New York Times, but I did hold a position on a somewhat successful explosive medium called MTV (maybe some of you newbees have heard of it?) that I did utilize to help the afore mentioned.. At the time that I was at MTV, the network actually played music (repeatedly and incessantly) and the "Reality Stars" of those days, had names like Madonna and Michael Jackson.....so that was my reality! So I guess I can use that on my resume to validate my professional and critical existence..... and we all need to be validated "by" our careers, now don't we? (inject sarcasm here!)
So what's the point of this blog entry you ask? It's all about SUPPORT! Those of the "now" successful wunder-kinds, with short memories, will realize that on your way down! SUPPORT drives those dirty, filthy, slick vehicles called Fame, Fashion, Flash and Failure.... or as I'd like to refer to them (but not necessarily in that order) as the 4 "F"s.
* Notice that there is not one "F" in SUPPORT....but there is an "F" in FUCK YOU!
S.U.P.P.O.R.T is my word for Simply. Unique. Posturing. Persons. Of. Relative. Taste!
And I have always had and shown SUPPORT to those that I felt were talented, humble and grateful creative children. Not for any personal gain mind you (much to my own dismay sometimes) but because that is "what" and "who" I am and hopefully known for!
So this season of Fall 2010 will display the new and improved "cast of characters" for the Spring 2011 fashion shows at the newly chartered Mercedes Benz Fashion Week location site at Lincoln Center; where all will be parading themselves like peacocks on a concrete lea. So it shall be interesting to see from this tride and true SUPPORT-ive veteran, who (out of this new cast of characters) will show their own SUPPORT!
Is it too late to teach "new dogs."..."old tricks"? Well, we'll see you on the concrete lea.....my fine young peacocks!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Although this "Image Guru" is far from over in his life and career ( in fact I feel like I'm starting all over again), I've had the opportunity to do many interesting and relatively important things in my professional life. (refer to my bio on my website at www.montgomeryfrazier.com for those of you who have never heard of me before)
I will not bore you with my accolaides, or tout my own achievements on this blog, but my professional life has always been about helping people! Yes, I said "helping" people! (wow, what a concept in this "instant-fame society" in 5 seconds or less) ! By that I mean, I have never had to jump on the bandwagon of the "newest" and "hottest" "it" craze. Although I have been known to discover and help bring attention to many "it" designers (whose names shall remain nameless), creative professionals, artists, etc, etc, etc and blah, blah, blah, so I feel confident in the statement that I just made.
I subsequently have never held any positions at Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar or The New York Times, but I did hold a position on a somewhat successful explosive medium called MTV (maybe some of you newbees have heard of it?) that I did utilize to help the afore mentioned.. At the time that I was at MTV, the network actually played music (repeatedly and incessantly) and the "Reality Stars" of those days, had names like Madonna and Michael Jackson.....so that was my reality! So I guess I can use that on my resume to validate my professional and critical existence..... and we all need to be validated "by" our careers, now don't we? (inject sarcasm here!)
So what's the point of this blog entry you ask? It's all about SUPPORT! Those of the "now" successful wunder-kinds, with short memories, will realize that on your way down! SUPPORT drives those dirty, filthy, slick vehicles called Fame, Fashion, Flash and Failure.... or as I'd like to refer to them (but not necessarily in that order) as the 4 "F"s.
* Notice that there is not one "F" in SUPPORT....but there is an "F" in FUCK YOU!
S.U.P.P.O.R.T is my word for Simply. Unique. Posturing. Persons. Of. Relative. Taste!
And I have always had and shown SUPPORT to those that I felt were talented, humble and grateful creative children. Not for any personal gain mind you (much to my own dismay sometimes) but because that is "what" and "who" I am and hopefully known for!
So this season of Fall 2010 will display the new and improved "cast of characters" for the Spring 2011 fashion shows at the newly chartered Mercedes Benz Fashion Week location site at Lincoln Center; where all will be parading themselves like peacocks on a concrete lea. So it shall be interesting to see from this tride and true SUPPORT-ive veteran, who (out of this new cast of characters) will show their own SUPPORT!
Is it too late to teach "new dogs."..."old tricks"? Well, we'll see you on the concrete lea.....my fine young peacocks!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
September 01 "MEMORIES OF JULIA ON BELLISSIMA LAGO MAGGIORE"
Okay, after this particular entry, I'll get back to the reality of my snappy, zippy-dippy life in the "Big Apple", but for now, I'm going to share with you some more of my memories of this past August en la bellissima Lago Maggiore.
When I travel, I don't like travel like a "typical American tourist" (no offense to typical Americans) and by that I mean, I do not have to see absolutely everything there is to see in 2 days or less. I went to Lago Maggiore to visit my friend, Julie (yeah you know, Downtown Julie Brown) and to relax and "live" the life of the people living on the lake. I hadn't seen Julie since last year, (my "annus horribiles") when she saw me on death's doorstep in the hospital dieing, (yes, literally dieing) of pneumonia. But obviously I didn't! So, this was our reunion vacation, so i wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. In fact, I think we went out to a public place (Vespuccis) only twice in 3 weeks. Why is that, because Julie and Martin (her handsome and very smart entrepreneurial husband who was absentee this summer because he couldn't break away from LA) have great friends in Lago Maggiore), so Julie and I were invited to everbody's homes for lunches, dinners and partees, woo-hoo! And every other friend's home or villa or
"casa" as they like to call them, were bigger, better amd more grand than the next. Some were charming and innovative and displayed interesting architectural elements which meshed synergistically with the natural beauty of the lake.
Now Lago Maggiore is quite the beautiful lake, where all the posh and affluent people from Milano have their summer homes, or else they summer in Lago di Como, another getaway for the super-rich, world traveling types (i.e George Clooney, Donatella Versace). I was informed that George (Mr. Clooney if you're nasty) looked at this massive estate on Lago Maggiore (it looked like a bloody resort), but decided that it was tooo public and could be easily spied upon from onlookers and sleazy paparazzi disguising themselves as hardworking fishermen (PS I don't believe they allow fishing on Lago Maggiore). In other words, there was no privacy!
So back to me!!! I was up for doing nothing but dressing well and eating fabulous Italian cuisine from all of the wonderful chefs and cooks in the lovely homes on the lake. So what did I do? I acted like a bloody American tourist; or to be more accurate a Japanese tourist (as one bigwig at Loro Piana, Signore Franco Artom, fondly exclaimed to me) and I took hundreds of photographs of everthing.... and I mean everything. "Oh, there's a leaf that's shining brightly in the sun with a lovely drop of dog-pee, oh, let me get a photo of that!" "Oh, look at that window with the sun shining brightly. Julie quick, get over there and pose. How very Vermeer that looks!" I mean REALLY! That's how silly I was, but Julie played along and did everything I asked her to do and fortunately, none of my hosts minded....fancy that! If that was America, I would have been ousted out and charged with "invasion of personal space", or some other stupid American ego-maniacal charge. Italians are soooo gracious, but don't fuck with them and definitely do not wear the wrong shoes or attire! They are a very proud and proper people and are very much into social ettiquette and protocol.... but somehow they still do manage to have a fabulous life! Maybe it's the lighting there! They just seem to look better than we do!
So enough said, here are some more of my memories of Julie on Lago Maggiore. Can't you just feel, smell and taste the life??? Grazie mile a Alberto e Gabriella Maccione, e Mimi e Franco Artom. Your hospitality and graciousness was much appreciated!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
When I travel, I don't like travel like a "typical American tourist" (no offense to typical Americans) and by that I mean, I do not have to see absolutely everything there is to see in 2 days or less. I went to Lago Maggiore to visit my friend, Julie (yeah you know, Downtown Julie Brown) and to relax and "live" the life of the people living on the lake. I hadn't seen Julie since last year, (my "annus horribiles") when she saw me on death's doorstep in the hospital dieing, (yes, literally dieing) of pneumonia. But obviously I didn't! So, this was our reunion vacation, so i wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. In fact, I think we went out to a public place (Vespuccis) only twice in 3 weeks. Why is that, because Julie and Martin (her handsome and very smart entrepreneurial husband who was absentee this summer because he couldn't break away from LA) have great friends in Lago Maggiore), so Julie and I were invited to everbody's homes for lunches, dinners and partees, woo-hoo! And every other friend's home or villa or
"casa" as they like to call them, were bigger, better amd more grand than the next. Some were charming and innovative and displayed interesting architectural elements which meshed synergistically with the natural beauty of the lake.
Now Lago Maggiore is quite the beautiful lake, where all the posh and affluent people from Milano have their summer homes, or else they summer in Lago di Como, another getaway for the super-rich, world traveling types (i.e George Clooney, Donatella Versace). I was informed that George (Mr. Clooney if you're nasty) looked at this massive estate on Lago Maggiore (it looked like a bloody resort), but decided that it was tooo public and could be easily spied upon from onlookers and sleazy paparazzi disguising themselves as hardworking fishermen (PS I don't believe they allow fishing on Lago Maggiore). In other words, there was no privacy!
So back to me!!! I was up for doing nothing but dressing well and eating fabulous Italian cuisine from all of the wonderful chefs and cooks in the lovely homes on the lake. So what did I do? I acted like a bloody American tourist; or to be more accurate a Japanese tourist (as one bigwig at Loro Piana, Signore Franco Artom, fondly exclaimed to me) and I took hundreds of photographs of everthing.... and I mean everything. "Oh, there's a leaf that's shining brightly in the sun with a lovely drop of dog-pee, oh, let me get a photo of that!" "Oh, look at that window with the sun shining brightly. Julie quick, get over there and pose. How very Vermeer that looks!" I mean REALLY! That's how silly I was, but Julie played along and did everything I asked her to do and fortunately, none of my hosts minded....fancy that! If that was America, I would have been ousted out and charged with "invasion of personal space", or some other stupid American ego-maniacal charge. Italians are soooo gracious, but don't fuck with them and definitely do not wear the wrong shoes or attire! They are a very proud and proper people and are very much into social ettiquette and protocol.... but somehow they still do manage to have a fabulous life! Maybe it's the lighting there! They just seem to look better than we do!
So enough said, here are some more of my memories of Julie on Lago Maggiore. Can't you just feel, smell and taste the life??? Grazie mile a Alberto e Gabriella Maccione, e Mimi e Franco Artom. Your hospitality and graciousness was much appreciated!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
August 30 "THE 2010 PRIMETIME EMMYS, 'THE IMAGE GURU' CHIMES IN"
I think "America" (or possibly the experts) doesn't have much taste when it comes to rating how celebrities dress!
The "fashion experts" (many times they are out-of-work comedians) always seem to invariably rave for the body hugging glitz factor, or just simply-safe, or just "Palin" oops I meant "plain" and boring.....never fashionably fabulous! America doesn't understand European fashion and doesn't have much understanding or tolerance for that look of chic. If it's not from an American designer, or they can't get it at the mall, they simply don't get it.... although some of the get ups that Cher wore from Bob Mackie (an American designer) were a bit hard to digust... even for me! Remember that, all you "stylists"... if you try to be too chic or clever, America simply won't respond well.... unless they are flawlessly executed and the actress knows how to carry the couture! (i.e Nicole Kidman) or they have to be wildly madcap or flambouyant (i.e Grace Jones) Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
My picks for best dressed actresses at this year's Emmy Awards were
1. Claire Danes
2. Anna Paquin-Alexander McQueen (although she had bad stance and carriage)
3. Tina Fey-Oscar de la Renta
Jimmy Fallon.... I don't think the public understood the cute Tweeted comments you read "before" the presenters came out! I thought it was tooo "text mentality" and it was just too, too clever for the public. Although your opening scene was the highlight of the show, the show lacked a mid section of excitement, but Betty White RULES! Why didn't they use her more? America seems to love Betty White! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
I absolutely adore NATE BERKUS, who did some Red Carpet interviewing on the pre-show. I will definitely watch his show!!!!!! Thanks Oprah for that one!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
What was with all the "up-dos" with the women's hair??? Did they all go to Kate Gosselin's hair stylist???? Yikes! One or two might have been okay, but nearly all the notable ladies (except for Claire), even Heidi Klum, opted for up-dos.. Was this the Emmy's or a glorified prom??? All that was missing was the "baby's brea...th".
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
What is it about Kate Gosselin that I simply do not like! She fuckin' irks me, but her hair was the best that I had ever seen it, but again, every other actress had their hair just like hers. Do they have little cloned hair fairies backstage, cloning all the actresses hair up? Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
GEORGE CLOONEY..... you are just toooo GEORGE CLOONEY! I actually loved what you said....moreso than how you looked! But you hit a "home run" with your entire presentation.... you always do! YOU give Hollywood class, heart and a great image! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
January Jones...... I understood what you were trying to go for, you know the " designer's concept", but unfortunately your hair looked like it was done in January and hadn't been combed since then.... and your dress, well, Donatella you should be shot for designing this nasty Gaultier wannabe! Madonna and Jean Paul Gaultier were the perfect team to introduce that "tittie cone" vibe! Your "look" was half-ass and not well executed at all and you looked incredibly miserable and unhappy in it and so were we for looking at you! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
I kind of loved all the really, silly retro inspired "gay" men's tuxedos (TOM FORD, TED BAKER, THOM BROWNE) on most of the actors at The Emmy's. BRAVO!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru
For me, the "wow" moments of last night's Emmy Awards were definitely dominated by the men, fashion-wise! However, if that bald guy (the "Mad Men" Creator or Director or whatever he was) in the future, is going to wear another shiney blue Tom Ford tuxedo jacket, then lighten-up and don't act like a "stiff old queen"! That stiffness made you look ridiculous... you needed to be vibrant to pull that one off! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
KIM KARDASHIAN you are so beautiful, but you definitely need a breast reduction if you want to wear such "regal" Marchesa gowns. I loved all, except for the fact that you looked tooo bodacious in your dress. You are a siren, you are not Grace Kelly...live up to your body! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Dear Ms. Paquin, a word of advice....... if you're going to wear a beautiful couture gown (which I happened to love) from a revered and recently deceased fashion icon, Alexander McQueen, then please, please, please have somebody teach you how to pose properly in it, bloody hell! In most of the paparazzi shots which I saw of you, you stood like a truck driver in most of your poses! Would Joan Crawford have posed like that? Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
A healthy and hearty shout out to an old friend of mine, Rubin Singer, who should be given honorable mention for designing and dressing a great American actress, Glenn Close! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
I personally thought this year's Emmy's were a bit lack lustre (fashion wise), although the highlights ( non fashion-wise) for me were when Jimmy Fallon did his rather impressive rendtion of Elton John and the lead singer of Green Day. Bravo, you sing better than half of the singers you immitate.
HBO is the leader of innovative television, although, Glee is completely adorable and so worth watching. But here me now and believe me later, just like "Queer Eye for The Straight Guy" became too stale and formulaic, the writers and producers will have to shake it up a bit for next season. The "Gay" factor was huge in television this year and was obvious by many of the younger male actors!
Congratulations to all the winners!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
The "fashion experts" (many times they are out-of-work comedians) always seem to invariably rave for the body hugging glitz factor, or just simply-safe, or just "Palin" oops I meant "plain" and boring.....never fashionably fabulous! America doesn't understand European fashion and doesn't have much understanding or tolerance for that look of chic. If it's not from an American designer, or they can't get it at the mall, they simply don't get it.... although some of the get ups that Cher wore from Bob Mackie (an American designer) were a bit hard to digust... even for me! Remember that, all you "stylists"... if you try to be too chic or clever, America simply won't respond well.... unless they are flawlessly executed and the actress knows how to carry the couture! (i.e Nicole Kidman) or they have to be wildly madcap or flambouyant (i.e Grace Jones) Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
My picks for best dressed actresses at this year's Emmy Awards were
1. Claire Danes
2. Anna Paquin-Alexander McQueen (although she had bad stance and carriage)
3. Tina Fey-Oscar de la Renta
Jimmy Fallon.... I don't think the public understood the cute Tweeted comments you read "before" the presenters came out! I thought it was tooo "text mentality" and it was just too, too clever for the public. Although your opening scene was the highlight of the show, the show lacked a mid section of excitement, but Betty White RULES! Why didn't they use her more? America seems to love Betty White! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
I absolutely adore NATE BERKUS, who did some Red Carpet interviewing on the pre-show. I will definitely watch his show!!!!!! Thanks Oprah for that one!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
What was with all the "up-dos" with the women's hair??? Did they all go to Kate Gosselin's hair stylist???? Yikes! One or two might have been okay, but nearly all the notable ladies (except for Claire), even Heidi Klum, opted for up-dos.. Was this the Emmy's or a glorified prom??? All that was missing was the "baby's brea...th".
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
What is it about Kate Gosselin that I simply do not like! She fuckin' irks me, but her hair was the best that I had ever seen it, but again, every other actress had their hair just like hers. Do they have little cloned hair fairies backstage, cloning all the actresses hair up? Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
GEORGE CLOONEY..... you are just toooo GEORGE CLOONEY! I actually loved what you said....moreso than how you looked! But you hit a "home run" with your entire presentation.... you always do! YOU give Hollywood class, heart and a great image! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
January Jones...... I understood what you were trying to go for, you know the " designer's concept", but unfortunately your hair looked like it was done in January and hadn't been combed since then.... and your dress, well, Donatella you should be shot for designing this nasty Gaultier wannabe! Madonna and Jean Paul Gaultier were the perfect team to introduce that "tittie cone" vibe! Your "look" was half-ass and not well executed at all and you looked incredibly miserable and unhappy in it and so were we for looking at you! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
I kind of loved all the really, silly retro inspired "gay" men's tuxedos (TOM FORD, TED BAKER, THOM BROWNE) on most of the actors at The Emmy's. BRAVO!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru
For me, the "wow" moments of last night's Emmy Awards were definitely dominated by the men, fashion-wise! However, if that bald guy (the "Mad Men" Creator or Director or whatever he was) in the future, is going to wear another shiney blue Tom Ford tuxedo jacket, then lighten-up and don't act like a "stiff old queen"! That stiffness made you look ridiculous... you needed to be vibrant to pull that one off! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
KIM KARDASHIAN you are so beautiful, but you definitely need a breast reduction if you want to wear such "regal" Marchesa gowns. I loved all, except for the fact that you looked tooo bodacious in your dress. You are a siren, you are not Grace Kelly...live up to your body! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
Dear Ms. Paquin, a word of advice....... if you're going to wear a beautiful couture gown (which I happened to love) from a revered and recently deceased fashion icon, Alexander McQueen, then please, please, please have somebody teach you how to pose properly in it, bloody hell! In most of the paparazzi shots which I saw of you, you stood like a truck driver in most of your poses! Would Joan Crawford have posed like that? Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
A healthy and hearty shout out to an old friend of mine, Rubin Singer, who should be given honorable mention for designing and dressing a great American actress, Glenn Close! Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
I personally thought this year's Emmy's were a bit lack lustre (fashion wise), although the highlights ( non fashion-wise) for me were when Jimmy Fallon did his rather impressive rendtion of Elton John and the lead singer of Green Day. Bravo, you sing better than half of the singers you immitate.
HBO is the leader of innovative television, although, Glee is completely adorable and so worth watching. But here me now and believe me later, just like "Queer Eye for The Straight Guy" became too stale and formulaic, the writers and producers will have to shake it up a bit for next season. The "Gay" factor was huge in television this year and was obvious by many of the younger male actors!
Congratulations to all the winners!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
August 27 "LUNCH AT A 16TH CENTURY VILLA WITH DOWNTOWN JULIE BROWN"
As an American, I've always had an affinity for anything that was over 150 years old! (no smart remarks from the peanut gallery)
I absolutely love antiques, castles, historical "period movies, and vampires but not necessarily in that order. In fact, True Blood on HBO is one of my fave shows around.
So I was keen to go on vacation to Italy (Lago Maggiore to be exact), known for being a country rich with history, a great civilization and reaking in antiquites, to visit my friend Julie Schuermann, aka Downtown Julie Brown, or DTJB to all you texters or bloggers who were born after 1980. Well I thought, "whoo-hoo", that she and I would be partying all night in some Italian disco in Milan, but my dear friends, Italy is closed in August! Well not completely closed, but most of the chic people are on vacation in Ibiza, Capri, Lago Maggiore, Lago Cuomo or even, hmmm, the Hamptons. But to my grand surprise, I discovered that, Julie, that once flambouyant British fashion "diva" of MTV in the mid-80's to early 90's (thanks to moi), had metamorphed into the "lady of the manor" of Lago Maggiore. Yes, the one-time uber hipster that used to capture the attention of a nation as that sparkly "wubba, wubba, wubba" shouting MTV VJ, was now so incredibly elegant and well poised and chic! Yes, chic and that coming from "The Image Guru" himself.
Now back to the point of this blog, Julie now divides her time between Los Angeles and Italy and is married to a charming and uberly handsome German entrepreneur named Martin Schuermann. Julie and Martin bought a lakeside home in Lago Maggiore about 9 years ago and live their during the summers along with Martin's beautiful daughter Gianna, who Julie's been a step mom to since she was a wee lassie. All of the friends that they've made in Lago Maggiore are quite the social set and very proper, yet still fun. So when we were invited by Mimi & Franco Artom (a big-wig at the Fashion House of Loro Piana), I was pleased, so say the least being "The Image Guru". Mimi and Franco Artom are the social bastions of Ispra, one of the quaint little towns off the lake where they all live. An invitation by them is apparently not one you turn down, but when I heard that we would be joining some of their friends for lunch at their 16th century villa, I was most eager to oblige my acceptance (also because I really love antiquities).
What does one wear to such an outing? I asked myself. I know, I'll do something completely "Hollywood meets New York" and present myself as if I were a 1950's American bon vivant, traveling the countryside in Italy with my BFF. So I chose a canary polo shirt (no, not from Ralph Lauren) from Vicomte Arthur (Paris, Palm Beach), some pale lemon sorbet slacks from Tommy Hilfiger, a beautiful royal blue linen blazer from John Barrett (which I purchased at Daffy's on West 57th Street, Manhattan for $59) and my navy blue Polo (yes, from Ralph Lauren) deck shoes and a lovely silk neckerchief from Hermes. Not a thing that I wore was Italian, which was deliberate on my part! Julie wore a crisp white pant suit from Dolce & Gabbana replete with a low-back plungy white top, a chic white chapeau (hat), some kick-ass black Chanel glasses and some groovey white wedgies from Gucci. Yes, she turned it out!
So we hopped in her smart little black Mercedes convertible and drove to meet the Orsis in Varese (say that ten times). I have to say that upon driving up to the arched entrance, I thought to myself, OMG, this is just like a Merchant Ivory movie location and the Orsi family seemed to look like they were from Central Casting, just because they looked the part. Carlo Orsi, the head of the household, is an antiquario (or antique dealer) and his lovely wife Norris is a PR maven for Loro Piana. Their villa, or as they like to say "casa" ( yes, "casa" my ass, this was a frickin' museum) was most impressive and situated in the most picturesque setting. Their "casa", although not literally a museum, was in fact a museum. Why because it was furnished with incredibly old, rare and valuable antiques. Why, they even had a very large stuffed ostrich (yes, I said ostrich) encased in the main drawing room, along with alot of other dead remnants of animals past. But, as one of the daughters confessed to me as she was showing me around, this was her home (although she also confessed that as a child she was a little afraid of living there).
The following photos were taken my yours truly and depict the richness and majesty of living in such a residence. Most Americans might find this "casa" intimidating, but for the Orsis, this was their sanctuary. I thank Carlo Orsi for allowing me to act like a Japanese tourist by invadiing their private spaces to take these photographs! Also, thanks to Livinia for the tour of her family's residence, plus the lunch and conversation was darn good too! Oh Julie..... I did get the white wine stains out of my pants after you knocked my glass over.... into my lap (tee,hee).
Ahhh, Italian living doesn't get much better than this. Tutti mangare!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
4:37 PM | Blog it | Travel
Someone on Windows Live
Comments
To add a comment, sign in with your Windows Live ID.
Trackbacks
I absolutely love antiques, castles, historical "period movies, and vampires but not necessarily in that order. In fact, True Blood on HBO is one of my fave shows around.
So I was keen to go on vacation to Italy (Lago Maggiore to be exact), known for being a country rich with history, a great civilization and reaking in antiquites, to visit my friend Julie Schuermann, aka Downtown Julie Brown, or DTJB to all you texters or bloggers who were born after 1980. Well I thought, "whoo-hoo", that she and I would be partying all night in some Italian disco in Milan, but my dear friends, Italy is closed in August! Well not completely closed, but most of the chic people are on vacation in Ibiza, Capri, Lago Maggiore, Lago Cuomo or even, hmmm, the Hamptons. But to my grand surprise, I discovered that, Julie, that once flambouyant British fashion "diva" of MTV in the mid-80's to early 90's (thanks to moi), had metamorphed into the "lady of the manor" of Lago Maggiore. Yes, the one-time uber hipster that used to capture the attention of a nation as that sparkly "wubba, wubba, wubba" shouting MTV VJ, was now so incredibly elegant and well poised and chic! Yes, chic and that coming from "The Image Guru" himself.
Now back to the point of this blog, Julie now divides her time between Los Angeles and Italy and is married to a charming and uberly handsome German entrepreneur named Martin Schuermann. Julie and Martin bought a lakeside home in Lago Maggiore about 9 years ago and live their during the summers along with Martin's beautiful daughter Gianna, who Julie's been a step mom to since she was a wee lassie. All of the friends that they've made in Lago Maggiore are quite the social set and very proper, yet still fun. So when we were invited by Mimi & Franco Artom (a big-wig at the Fashion House of Loro Piana), I was pleased, so say the least being "The Image Guru". Mimi and Franco Artom are the social bastions of Ispra, one of the quaint little towns off the lake where they all live. An invitation by them is apparently not one you turn down, but when I heard that we would be joining some of their friends for lunch at their 16th century villa, I was most eager to oblige my acceptance (also because I really love antiquities).
What does one wear to such an outing? I asked myself. I know, I'll do something completely "Hollywood meets New York" and present myself as if I were a 1950's American bon vivant, traveling the countryside in Italy with my BFF. So I chose a canary polo shirt (no, not from Ralph Lauren) from Vicomte Arthur (Paris, Palm Beach), some pale lemon sorbet slacks from Tommy Hilfiger, a beautiful royal blue linen blazer from John Barrett (which I purchased at Daffy's on West 57th Street, Manhattan for $59) and my navy blue Polo (yes, from Ralph Lauren) deck shoes and a lovely silk neckerchief from Hermes. Not a thing that I wore was Italian, which was deliberate on my part! Julie wore a crisp white pant suit from Dolce & Gabbana replete with a low-back plungy white top, a chic white chapeau (hat), some kick-ass black Chanel glasses and some groovey white wedgies from Gucci. Yes, she turned it out!
So we hopped in her smart little black Mercedes convertible and drove to meet the Orsis in Varese (say that ten times). I have to say that upon driving up to the arched entrance, I thought to myself, OMG, this is just like a Merchant Ivory movie location and the Orsi family seemed to look like they were from Central Casting, just because they looked the part. Carlo Orsi, the head of the household, is an antiquario (or antique dealer) and his lovely wife Norris is a PR maven for Loro Piana. Their villa, or as they like to say "casa" ( yes, "casa" my ass, this was a frickin' museum) was most impressive and situated in the most picturesque setting. Their "casa", although not literally a museum, was in fact a museum. Why because it was furnished with incredibly old, rare and valuable antiques. Why, they even had a very large stuffed ostrich (yes, I said ostrich) encased in the main drawing room, along with alot of other dead remnants of animals past. But, as one of the daughters confessed to me as she was showing me around, this was her home (although she also confessed that as a child she was a little afraid of living there).
The following photos were taken my yours truly and depict the richness and majesty of living in such a residence. Most Americans might find this "casa" intimidating, but for the Orsis, this was their sanctuary. I thank Carlo Orsi for allowing me to act like a Japanese tourist by invadiing their private spaces to take these photographs! Also, thanks to Livinia for the tour of her family's residence, plus the lunch and conversation was darn good too! Oh Julie..... I did get the white wine stains out of my pants after you knocked my glass over.... into my lap (tee,hee).
Ahhh, Italian living doesn't get much better than this. Tutti mangare!
Montgomery Frazier "The Image Guru"
4:37 PM | Blog it | Travel
Someone on Windows Live
Comments
To add a comment, sign in with your Windows Live ID.
Trackbacks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)