The Beautiful Fall

I'm still recovering from New Years. All that celebrating. 2011 has rolled into town so FAST!

I admit I have still not bought my new week-at-a-glance journal. I'm in denial, ahem

I'm trying to get a grip on the new year, but it feels rather tenuous like this high wire act.

These adorable miniature tableaux are from a tiny shop on a side street in the 6th arr.

I was passing by with M. after an Italian dinner and a date with George Clooney at the cinema.

You know how it is. I was lucky to get these shots to show you.

I am wondering if Balenciaga passed by too at one time.

 Was he inspired to create his bolero jackets by the above mini tableau. You never know.

I've never painted these little figurines.

Though I certainly painted many mini petite dejeuners.

And lots of small wind-up birdies.

Next trip I'll stop in and see what I can paint here if I can find it again $#@!

While we're on the circus theme and the weather is still beastly out, there's nothing like curling up with a good book and a nice hot bowl of butternut squash soup. I recently discovered Water For Elephants. I loved every thrilling page. Who never dreamt of running off to join the circus raise your hand? It's set during the Great Depression so full of details one can relate to a bit today non?

Another 'circus' book is the tale of the great couture designers relationship, YSL and Karl Lagerfeld in Alice Drake's The Beautiful Fall. Full of thrilling details of the Paris 3-ring fashion circus in the wild 70's. What a naughty boy was YSL! He made his staff and everyone else jump through hoops and climb the high wire, so to speak. A must read if you love Paris and fashion couture.

BONJOUR PARIS MINIATURES!

Inside YSL Retrospective

The line waiting outside the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Petit Palais on Friday morning. Get your ticket at FNAC please. I walzed in with no hindrance. Assuming you'll be in Paris.

This bow affair is one of YSL's early works at Dior.

Red lips on black velvet and a major charmer.

YSLs' influence by art is evident throughout the exhibit - Mondrian and Matisse to name two artists.

Strong exotique influences of the Near East and Morocco, his home away from Paris - another strong theme.

Braque-influenced gowns.

YSL was such an innovator, constantly referencing sources. There's a room of just fabric swatches. YSL was a great colorist.

Pink, his favorite color.

15 rooms to view and near the end this collection of brilliant evening gowns. It's worth getting the audio tape, though it might take a week to get through.

 A large room painted black and completely covered with YSL's 'Le Smoking' tuxedo suits.

Sketches always catch my eye - YSL's Trench.

Word out is YSL could be impossibly cranky and unreasonable at times. Perhaps too much drink, drugs.Read The Beautiful Fall by Alice Drake for the whole story. There's also a new book out on this aspect of his personality, Mauvais Garcon/Naughty Boy.

Yet this pic of YSL with all of his French Bull Terriers won me over completely - he's obviously gaga over his doggies.

Who do you think is the boss here?
Over the years, he owned an endless string of French Bulldogs, each 'Brindle pied', each called Moujik. Upon the death of each dog, he immediately acquired another Moujik.
What can one say?

BONJOUR YSL!