Boston Ballet: The Nutcracker

It was an absolute dream to visit The Boston Ballet for a behind the scenes look at the new costumes and production opening on November 23.

What a marvel to view the craft and intricate handiwork of the costumes in the costume shop and speak to costume shop manager Charles Heightchew. 2,000 yards of net and tulle along with cottons, silks and linens were some of the materials used, with extensive hand painting (award-winning costume designer Robert Perdziola hand tipped every Sugar Plum and Snow Queen tutu with metallic paint) and jewels (as many as 200,000) individually sewn on with 3,600 jewels alone for the Sugar Plum's and Dew Drop's costumes.

The creative team wanted to keep the dancers' silhouettes streamlined and control the color palette in Act I in an early 19th century inspired way. Act II showcases a burst of color as we saw during the dress rehearsal, where the costumes were tested for the very first time.

Creative Director Mikko Nissinen tells us that the set design was inspired by "18th century Prague with the use of flats with everything hand-painted to incredible detail and resembling a puppet theatre". As the play goes on, layers of of the story unfold, irising out of one another.

Robert Perdziola on Mikko Nissinen:

"We needed a strong Captain and needed to abide by that. Mikko is the Captain!"

It was a magical day at the ballet; very Degas-esque for me! I can't wait for what promises to be an extravanganza of a production, the biggest show the Boston Ballet has built in over a decade!

The Nutcracker runs from November 23 - December 30 at the Boston Opera House. For tickets visit BostonBallet.org

Boston Ballet: La Bayadère

The Boston Ballet is celebrating it's 50th season at the Boston Opera House, and with an opening night like La Bayadère, it's easy to see why.

“La Bayadère is a feast for the senses,” said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “Complementing the technical qualities of our dancers is an intriguing love story, set in the vibrant and exotic India, and performed to a beautiful score by Ludwig Minkus. It is the quintessential classical ballet.”

Elaborate sets, fantastical costumes, the cornerstone of which are the enticing performances by an incredibly talented cast, beautifully supported with an enchanting musical score. The entire production is of a calibre that is out of the world, and maybe only surpassed by THIS production.

Florence Clerc's La Bayadère premiered in Boston in 2010 to rave reviews and is considered to be one of the greatest classical masterpieces ever to be choreographed.

To me, every time my hand flutters to my face in open-mouthed awe and amazement, that is the magic of the ballet...

La Bayadere is on now at The Boston Opera House until Sunday November 2, 2013, for tickets visit the Boston Ballet website.

Boston: Saks Fifth Avenue: DONNA KARAN

I had the honor of meeting and photographing the iconic Donna Karan, thanks to commissioned coverage for Saks Fifth Avenue, this Fall. I was delighted to cover the opening reception party for her luxurious designer shop in the newly remodeled space for modern and contemporary fashion.

In grand company, Ms. Karan was welcomed by Stephen Sadove, CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue, Gretchen Pace, VP General Manager, Jennifer De Winter, VP of Stores at Saks Fifth Avenue as well as other friends and guests.

To me, Donna Karan has always represented the modern woman; the strong woman. Her Fall 2013 collection is no different. Built upon her first stand-out collection of seven easy pieces and also influenced by her late husband Stephan Weiss' sculptures, the pieces are sensual and sculptural, working together by addition or subtraction.

Of course, I wore her clothes, and loved capturing the essence of the collection up close, each piece is beautiful, timeless and powerful, just like the woman herself...

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Boston: Hippie Chic at the MFA

I was born in the 70s....um...that's the LATE 70s, but have always been a fan of the 70s boho chic look. Especially all of the colors and patterns of that decade, so when I was invited to check out the new Hippie Chic exhibit at the MFA, I brought Anathalia along for the "trip".

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Boston: Jason Wu at the ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art recently hosted fashion designer Jason Wu for a conversation with chief curator Helen Molesworth.  

I met up with Elizabeth, Jaime, Noelle and Elissa for the talk and I think we were all impressed by how warm, candid and genuinely funny he was!

Wu credits his parents for allowing him to go to any college he wanted, with the only condition being that he went to boarding school. Wu went to Parsons.

He also thanked Debi Greenberg, owner of Louis Boston for being a tastemaker and one of the first stores to carry his designs.

He reflected on how gorgeous the First Lady Michelle Obama is, and how well-dressed!

He mentioned that his "approach to fashion is that it's super wearable" and reflected upon the first time he saw someone wearing his clothes, thinking "That's look #9!"

A few quotes I tweeted:

"As designers we have to react to what's relevant." "It's the ability to do something when it makes sense" - @JasonWu @ICAinBOSTON #JasonWu

"I'm most myself when I'm doing my work." @JasonWu "I do things that I want to do" @ICAinBOSTON #JasonWu #ICABoston

Wu laughingly remarked:

"A Jason woman doesn't want to talk to you. She's a little bit bitchy."

For more coverage of the event, be sure to check out Elizabeth and Elissa's awesome recaps!