ZANA BAYNE LEATHER HARNESSES IN VOGUE NIPPON APRIL 2011

I remember the moment when I got an email with "styling request for Vogue Nippon" in the subjectline - completely surreal. And here it is now, the final result; a darkly sensual leather-based equestrian editorial, featuring pieces by Lanvin, Alaia, Hermes, Fleet Ilya, Alexander Mcqueen...and Zana Bayne! How did this happen?

The shoot is styled by Sissy Vian, and photographed by Mark Segal. The first photo features the Orion Harness, the second features the Armor Harness worn underneath the jacket.

DANGEROUS LADIES

STAY SICK

I've been keeping my head down, working hard on leather and trying to conquer the management of my time. Haven't been looking to fancy, but I swear to you these thigh high socks have been a complete life saver. The skull sweatshirt is oldschool Pleasure Principle which I've recently been enjoying wearing backwards.

Oh, hi!

TATTOO TUESDAY

If you asked me two months ago if I would ever get a tattoo, the answer would be something like, "I really like them on other people, but can't imagine them for myself.' Something about the combination of conquering my wrist injury, making the decision to work on my leather business full time without the a second job, and being completely dumbfounded by how enjoyably crazy my life is now, made me think that it would be great to mark this time with a tat. Besides, I thought it would be such a shame to go through my early 20's without getting any ink!

Also important - the piece was conceptualized as a kind of collaboration between artist/editor/friend MXM (of Sang Bleu etc) who is only in town for a short while. I've always admired his tattoo work, my favorites being the minimal geometric designs that he creates himself, and the artful way he arranges more victorian'esque elements. I told him that I wanted skeleton keys on a ring, and he went off from there. The hand & moon were a happy idea that we stumbled upon, which I loved because I had been wanting a hand portrayed in some way, but couldn't come up with anything elegant. The tattooing took place at East River Tattoo in Brooklyn.

Blame this dude.

NORISOL FERRARI FW 2011

This is part II to last week's preview post of Norisol Ferrari's collection, now set into motion on the runway.












The woman behind all of the dark opulence...

I STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD

While scrolling through twitter this morning, I read through last night's party shenanigans, the awesome news of a DI$COUNT jacket being worn in the new Britney video (congrats girls!), and oh...The House approval to block federal aid to Planned Parenthood.

My first reactions were shock and horror, followed quickly by fear and anger. I am admittedly not a close follower of politics, nor do I understand all of our government's complexities. What I can't comprehend is how it is possible in this country for such an outwardly offensive, antiquated, and harmful decision to be made so easily. How dare you take away my access to healthcare? How dare you stunt my ability to make independent decisions about my own body? How dare you intentionally cripple such an important organization & safe haven that stands for the protection of people without any ulterior motives or schemes? I am appalled.

It can be easy to write of such an institution with the thought of "Oh, this place has nothing to do with me" or "Oh, I'm a guy why would I need an abortion". Well guess what - Planned Parenthood also administers general healthcare, plans seminars on sex and sexuality, has STD & certain cancer tests...and gentlemen, this includes you too. To intentionally prevent Planned Parenthood from operating normally is not only disgraceful, but completely dangerous.

When I was 18, I had my own reasons to have to go to Planned Parenthood. I was freaked out and embarrassed, needing anonymity and knowledgeable care. I don't know what I would have done without them. I'm not sure of what else to say. Right now you can sign a letter to congress, and donate money to the cause if you want (I did). There will be a rally held in New York on February 26th - see the facebook event for more information. We can not allow to happen.

HOW TO WEAR LEATHER

Back when I was in Berlin, Adrian demonstrated a handsome way to style the Alter Harness, wouldn't you agree?

I WANT CANDY (MAGAZINE PARTY)

Over the last week, I've found myself more often than not at The Standard hotel or up near The Hudson hotel. Not normal for me, but I won't complain. Last night I was again at The Standard's bar Le Bain for Candy Magazine!! Naturally I would not miss an event for this amazing publication. I was actually pretty devastated last month when I realized that Candy was sold out everywhere in the USA. But sometimes things are just meant to be -while killing time before the Kris Van Assche show at Palais Tokyo, I wandered into their book & magazine shop and spotted a lone issue of Candy on the highest shelf on the wall! So I did what any other dedicated lady would do: grab a ladder, and climb up in 6" pumps (the Wang boots) to grab it for myself. (FYI I spotted a few copies at Do You Read Me?! in Berlin). Photos from last night should speak for themselves:

The correct way to make an entrance



Miss Honey Dijon!

Cam with Kenny Kenny


Subtle dancing

My dear & handsome Char


Cameron's outfit deets: Headpiece - Petrou/Man, Necklace - Chris Habana, Shirt - Pleasure Principle

Harness - Zana Bayne Basic Harness (worn backwards), Dress - Vintage from Berlin, Boots - Alexander Wang


I think this photo perfectly describes how we all felt by the end of the night (this was not even staged).

KRISTIN & HARNESS

Last night I ran into Kristin Gallegos, wearing none other than a Zana Bayne Necklace Harness. Kristin is one of those people who I always look forward to seeing, as she is not only an impeccable dresser but also a lovely human being. Needless to say, I love the way she has styled the piece - minimal yet effective.