Friday, February 12, 2010

The death of a dream maker...

Today I woke to very sad news, Lee Alexander McQueen had died. Of coarse the death of such an amazing fashion designer and artist was a shock but more so because we now know that it was by his own hand. I was suddenly very aware of how delicate even the most successful people can be, and how fragile life is.
Today and in the days to come, those that knew him will speak of his sweetness,  brilliance and personal struggles while those that did not know him will try to understand why anyone with so much talent and success could find nothing to live for.
I have decided to pay my respects by sharing images of McQueen's collections that inspired me, moved me and shocked me.


















RIP Alexander. U will be missed by many.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Images of the past...

Once again my busy life has interfered with my quest to document the world around me. Tonight, during a rare evening in, I watched a biography on two photographers that changed the way people experience the cities they lived in: Eugène Atget and Berenice Abbott. Atget documented early 20th Century Paris and as an "author-producer" developed a new style of photography and influencing other photographers of the time. Abbott, the former assistant of Man Ray, became fast friends with Atget near the end of his career and later compiled an amazing portfolio of her own, photographing the changing cityscape of New York in the 20's and 30's.

I love both cities and was swept up in the romance and beauty captured by both photographers. A few of my favorites...

Eugène Atget ~ Paris






Berenice Abbott ~ New York City





Saturday, January 23, 2010

Haiti help...

Two years ago I moved to the Main Street area of beautiful Vancouver and have since settled into the local community of artists, musicians and other creative types that live and work in the area. As the economy suffers and the funding for artists drops to almost nothing, the community has banded together in support of each other, a rarety these days.

One group of artists that is making a difference can be found on the corner of 5th and Alberta inside The Beaumont Studios. The Beaumont is an artist collective that is almost as well known for the super fun parties thrown in the theatre space, as it is for amazing creative works produced by its members. The variety of events hosted by owner Jude Kusnierz include art shows, workshops, concerts and markets.

This Sunday The Beaumont has generously donated space to host a fundraiser for the victims for the devastating earthquakes in Haiti. Set up like a garage sale, The Beaumont is asking people to bring anything and everything you no longer need, with all the proceeds going directly to The Canadian Red Cross and Doctors Without Boarders. Organizers suggest clothing and accessories, books, random stuff you have laying about in your storage or attic, and even baked goods or shoulder rubs. So tomorrow after you soothe your hangover with caesars and hollandaise sauce, swing by The Beaumont Studios (316 west 5th ave) with your wares or extra cash and help raise money for those who are definitely less fortunate. For more information about tomorrows fundraiser check out the FB page or website or contact organizer Chelah at: contact@chelah.com

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=309452030504&index=1

http://www.thebeaumontstudios.com/

Thanks my darlings and have a super fun night. xo

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Premier of Darling Things

I've been thinking about starting a blog for sometime now and on this lovely January evening I decided action was required. Writing has always been a secret passion of mine and fashion, design and all things I find beautiful or captivating seemed like the perfect topics to try my hand. And so I launch Darling Things. I often find wondrous treasures in my daily adventures, be it fashion, food, art, music and people and I hope by sharing, I will take more time to notice.

Maybe that should be my New Years resolution (I've been unable to decide on one).

So today I declare 2010 is my year to open my eyes to the world around me and share the darling things I find.