To borrow a phrase from Bill Cunningham the real fashion show is in the streets. I have had numerous requests for street style photos but I’m a one woman show holding down a full time job in addition to my freelance writing and this site. There is only so much one person can do! That said I’m pleased to announce a new segment here, Southern Street Style. Liz Beeson has joined the team to bring y’all interesting, stylish southerners that she snaps on the streets of New Orleans.
We are going to do our best to showcase the best of what the south has to offer and please let us know what you think of our new venture! You might even see us on a street corner near you.
Most of you have heard of pop up shops, those fun temporary stores that spring up, sell some wares for a day or even a few weeks then seemingly vanish into thin air. Most have you have heard of Express, the popular mall brand that stocks basics as well as current trends.
Express took the pop up concept one step further and did a pop up fashion show in the French Quarter last Friday and I was one of the lucky people to get the memo. If you didn’t get to go you are in luck! The Express fall ad campaign was shot during the runway show so footage will be displayed all across the country.
The streets of the Quarter are narrow, with not much wiggle room for a car and a bike to pass through. In the case of Rock the Sidewalk this made for the perfect space for a catwalk and enough room for spectators to get up close and observe every detail of every look.
Even on this steamy New Orleans day with high heat and humidity I was craving the fall looks for next season. The two overall themes were layering neutrals and color blocking. Different entities, I know but it makes sense to balance out a wardrobe of bright colors with more somber shades to suit every mood.
I really appreciated the chunky, short sleeved sweaters layered over a long sleeve t-shirt with well cut slim jeans. Sequins and fur added lux embellishment for a very rich, textural interest to pep up the monochrome looks.
On the opposite spectrum there were light, bright frocks paired with equally bold accessories such as a fuchsia dress cinched at the waist with an equally vivid belt. All too often fall and winter dressing turns into boring, fight the elements survivalism mode. Color blocking is a big trend for summer and carrying this look over to fall will help inject a bit more fun into even the dreariest of winter days.
BIG thanks to my friend Joseph Miner for letting me use these shots he took from his Blackberry. I brought my camera to the event but since I’m a diminutive 5’1 all I snapped where backs of heads. Joey is a whole foot taller than me. Don’t believe me? I’ve got the evidence to prove it.
I’m not a movie critic but I want to tell you about a beautiful film. If you didn’t get a chance to see Bill Cunningham New York in New Orleans on Saturday you still have time to catch it today at the Prytania Theater at 5:30pm as part of the Film-o-rama Festival.
When you think of famous fashion street style photographers the names Scott Schumann of The Sartorialist, Tommy Ton of Jak and Jill, Yvan Rodic of Face Hunter, and Liisa Jokinen of Hel-Looks might come to mind. However before most of these people were even born there was Bill Cunningham.
Mr. Cunningham, now in his 80s, got his start by photographing New Yorkers where the real fashion shows take place, the streets of New York. He worked at a handful of publications before landing at the New York Times. He has certainly led an interesting life, having worked as a milliner in the 1950s and leading a humble and elusive existence as one of the last artist residents of Carnegie Hall.
This poignant tale makes the fashion almost a backdrop to Bill Cunningham’s rather reclusive personal life and the secondary cast of characters in the film. The film has a sense of joy but at times feels melancholic as well. While Bill attends high profile society events and photographs runway shows he never allows himself to become completely submerged in the jet set lifestyle. Instead he silently snaps away as a spectator, often patiently waiting in line to get into a fashion show with everyone else. It is amazing how level headed he remains as he gets up close and personal with venerable fashion icons and socialites such as Anna Wintour, Iris Apfel, Brooke Astor, and Anna Piaggi among others.
One of my favorite parts of the film is Bill getting turned down at Paris Fashion Week by a doorman that doesn’t recognize the plainly dressed older gentleman as a well known photographer. “He is the most important person in the world” corrects an in the know Parisian, which literally brought a tear to my eye. Here is a man who simply wants to take pictures of clothes and is so dedicated to his work that he has eschewed romantic relationships and even modern conveniences such as a kitchen in his apartment in order to perfect his craft. His penchant for photos of the dramatically dressed is a startling contrast to his drab dress and modest means.
My friend Zachary Wilson, who I watched the film with me, said it best:
“Today, our generation worries so much about status, living a “good” life, making money, what we’re worth, but back then it was all about the work. Sometimes I wish we could get back to that basic level, but at the same time, I don’t want to be 88 and living alone in a closet with no bathroom, no family, no “life,” just work. Maybe we’ll be able to find the balance between living life and living our work.”
The biggest thing I took away from this film is just do what you love. Don’t worry about the recognition, chasing the almighty dollar, or rubbing shoulders with the right people. At the end of the day all you have is your integrity to push you through this life and Bill Cunningham is a true testament to that.
Not in the New Orleans area? If you would like to see if the film is coming to your area visit Zeitgeist Films for a complete list of showings around the country. Now get out there and put your best peacock foot forward!
Sshhh!!! Hear that? The sound of crickets? Yea, I thought so. Sorry ’bout that. I’m sure a few of y’all have noticed that is has been a little quiet here at Slow Southern Style. I’ve been working on some neat projects that have been time consuming yet utterly fun. Excuses, excuses I know but I’m finally pleased to tell y’all what I have been working on.
If you picked up a copy of April’s New Orleans Magazine you may have noticed the three part piece on “Rediscovering the French Quarter”. I was thrilled when Morgan Packard, Managing Editor, asked me to pen a piece on French Quarter shopping for the magazine. If you haven’t had a chance to read it please do!
In addition to my weekly posts for Go NOLA I’ve been proactively picking up freelance writing jobs for local and nonlocal publications both in print and online. Slow Southern Style even got another mention in the Times Picayune and in the Gambit’s Cue! I’ve been doing all of this in addition to my regular full time job which hasn’t left me with much free time. I love writing but everyone needs a break from time to time, no matter how much you like doing something.
Speaking of love (awww) I also have one day off a week with my husband now. We haven’t had a regular day off together in about a year so I’m planning to use this time wisely and take advantage of it. This means we might actually get a chance to paint the living room and plant some flowers in the yard.
But don’t fret! I’ve got some interesting articles lined up here, including interviews and profiles of some great southern fashion designers and new shops that have opened up here in New Orleans. Thanks to everyone for your support thus far and sit tight, there is even more to come!
Today’s post comes from guest blogger Jamielyn from Seams That Way.
As the full two months of “Spring” have come and gone, the city is picking up steam with all things that consume our social calendars of events that force us to enjoy the outdoors. The days seem to grow longer, the hot, sticky embrace of this humid city awaiting with arms wide open. Yes, ladies and gents festival season is in full swing! Personally, it is my ultimate favorite time of year.
What are my favorite things about festivals? The abundance of local food vendors showcasing, brass bands gloriously blaring and the migration of big headlining acts. It’s the kickstart that sets the tone for a fun summer. Of course I also love watching the sizzling hot fashions on parade as everyone tries to manage through the tightly packed crowds; libations and food in hand. It is a perfect formula for our love affair with the transitional season.