Saturday 16 June 2012

After The Royal Storm.............



I deliberately waited for all the excitement of the Queens Diamond Jubilee to subside.   It was one of the greatest and historical moment at Saint Paul's Cathedral watched on television, world wide.


St Paul's Cathedral is one of the United Kingdom's most historic and iconic buildings and indeed the biggest Anglican Cathedral in the UK.  I must say, it is one of the most breathtaking buildings I have seen.  The architecture is amazing, you have to be there for yourself to appreciate it.


Tens of thousands of well-wishers took to the streets of London to witness the event.  It started on Saturday, with the Thames Diamond Jubilee pageant, where the Queen and the rest of the royal family watched that was said to be over a thousand boats that paraded before the royal family that day.  I also shared the excitement of the day in my own living room.  I watched the new generation of the royal family still in their youthful self, embracing a whole new era of the monarchy.    It was something, for some reason it never occurred to me until that day.  ....... funny!  





 Upon writing this post, I drew some key issues that were mentioned on the thanksgiving service.  According to my observations, there were two sides to the event. The human side of the Queen's splendour of the monarchy, all the hard work and preparation that took place on the Queen's big day.  ............ and then there was the spiritual side of it, " The Thanksgiving".
The service was great!  It was grand and colourful, majestic is the word.  The biggest and important memory that I will always cherish, is the Thanksgiving service.  I was quite moved by the Queen giving thanks to her creator who has blessed, protected, favoured and made everything possible for her to see and celebrated this day.  To me, this was the pinnacle of the whole three day event that took part in Great Britain.  It moved me!!!! 


Apart from the wonderful hymns, the readings from the bible and the message from Archbishop Dr Rowan Williams were so relevant towards the times that we are living now.  It was refreshing and caused one to think of their own lives be it personal or at the market place without a doubt, it was a 'check' on each and every one of us .   In a nutshell, I would say the message was about, Love, Respect, and Honoring one another!


What was so memorable to me was the sermon and the readings, especially the reading from the book of Proverbs 8.  The book of wisdom, Gods wisdom!  I can confidently say that it is the foundation of not only good but prosperity and healthier living, again, be it on one personal life and equally important when running government. 

 I have selected a few lines from this book from verses 10 - 17, but it goes up to verse 36 it is awesome!
"Wisdom says; choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare with her.  I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.  The fear of God is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech.  Council and sound judgement are mines:  I have insight, I have power.  By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me princes govern, and nobles-all who rule on earth.  I love those who love me and those who seek me, find me".
In conclusion of my highlight of the Queen's thanksgiving service, it was the indisputable point that was mentioned by the Archbishop that I think it was just precise, "The financial greed of our leaders"............. ouuuch!!!!!  I believe this message was for all the world leaders, I hope they all heard it wherever they were.....!   But hey, the dust has settled, we are back to normal, business as usual does anyone care??? .... corruption, the order of the day!


Be blessed!

ThanX!


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Friday 1 June 2012

Memorable & Wearables Pick N Mix Of All Times



It has been known historically that designers always go out of their way to find methods or that niche that creates that particular unique look. The look that best describes them as designers and what they are all about.  It is called "a fashion statement."  Throughout the decades, fashion has also demonstrated to be an influential force in the establishment and expression of both cultural, political and personal Identity.

Bi Kidude the queen of Taarab music from the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania in a stylish native Khanga wears.

Throughout history, fashion designers depend on icons such as movie stars, public figures, or newspapers and magazines in order to gain recognition.  The trend is the same today too. Media plays a vital part in doing just that in the fashion industry. It is the heart and soul of the postmodern lifestyle, that keeps it alive globally.  

I have chosen a few of my favourite pieces of classic frocks, worn by first ladies, actresses, singers, models and other celebrities, made by different designers.  What I like about these clothes is the fact that they are timeless.  The kind of clothes that can stay in your closet for as long as you want them to and not have to worry about time.   Just hoping that they will be able to fit you again the next time around!!  ......lol!

   

Actress Ava Gardner 1940's



Marilyn Monroe 1955



Miriam Makeba  a Grammy award singer and civil right activist from South Africa 1960




Tanzanians first lady Mama Maria Nyerere 1961 looking so elegant in her floral print dress with her guest.


Audrey Hepburn 1961. 


 Audrey Hepburn the Hollywood actress who was known for her beauty, elegance and grace.



The Mondrian Dress 1965 by  Yves Saint Laurent, is not just a dress but a piece of art and history created  and inspired by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian

Abstract painting by Piet Cornelis Mondrian in 1920
.  



The iconic wrap dress by Diane von Fusternberg.  I love this pattern, I think every lady out there should have one!   One can definitely not go wrong with this, I promise you that.



Grace Jones featured in Vogue Italia 1980,s.   

Princess Di in the lil black dress 1994
 She looked amazing in anything.   Not everyone can wear this dress I must say, one needs to have that something.... otherwise, it could go very wrong.


2007
First ladies Shekha wife of Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani and France's Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, love the two colours together very striking. 

My favorite style icon and  muse Shekha Mozah of Quatar.


Daphnee Guinness in Alexandra McQueen 2009
As I pointed out earlier, there are some dresses that are not for everyone and this is one of them.  I guess I am attracted by the whole look.  Love the fabric, the colour, the style and it suits the wearer.  The shoes are left for your discretion, but she looks absolutely dazzling! ....... and this is 3 years ago!  Just to tell you that one can never go wrong with style!




First lady Michelle Obama wearing one of my favourites in her 2 piece inauguration dress 2009.  Classy look, definitely an all timer!



Jordan Dunn in Marchesa frock fall 2012.  Pretty, classy and exclusive.  A one-off, for your wardrobe.
Style.com



"The relationship between fashion and politics is not just a vintage affair, our current age has a huge number of fashionable women in politics to choose from.  "(Atelier-Mayer vol.2)














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Friday 18 May 2012

Ballet Pumps Are so In!




After reading this article "Pumps are so over" from a yahoo blogger, it made me want to share my opinions.    We all have different views on how we perceive things. The writer talks about these shoes being out of fashion.  I asked myself, is it about fashion?  Fair enough, we all know that fashion/trends come and go.  Personally, I thought the article is a bit on the extreme if you ask me.
  please read more about it here.......  http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/ballet-pumps-170013059.html
I am no fashionista, nevertheless,  I do believe we are all unique beings and have different tastes, opinions, and preferences, isn't that what makes the world beautiful and interesting?

Most of us might believe that when we wear heels it is an instant glamour.  Wearing heels also gives the wearer confidence of looking elegant.



 What I am trying to say is, it completes the kind of look intended.  I am not going to go much into talking about heels.  We all know exactly how they make us feel when we wear them right? (healthy or not).   On the other hand, with ballet pumps, you can never go wrong whatever the occasion is.  It all depends on the style of the shoe and how you put the look together.  Ballet pumps can give you that touch of femininity as well as effortless glamour.  Bring them on any day, any time, after all, I am the wearer.  I know what's good or what is not for me, without being told when, where, or what to wear.


Harpers Bazaar - Haute Couture 2011



Christian Dior red pumps




Christian Louboutin studded zipper ballet flats




Just keep it U! :)
x













Friday 20 April 2012

Paul William Architect

Paul R William (1894 - 1980)



Visionary architects of the 20th century, I'm talking Frank Lloyd Wright, Kenzo Tange, le Corbusier, and Mies van der rohe are just a few of many other architects who are popularly known for their outstanding work.  However, upon my research, I was quite pleased to find out about a few African American architects of the same century who equally contributed to society and had significant work.  Other African American architects apart from Paul William who also built a successful career in this very challenging industry are  Robert Taylor, J Max Bond Jr, Robert Traynham Coles, Albert Cassel, etc, etc.

I would like to talk about Paul William, an African American architecture of the 20th century.
Born in 1894 and was an orphan at the age of 4.  He was then raised and educated in Los Angeles by a foster family.  It is recorded that he was the only African American from his early elementary class to his higher education.

William continued to pursue his education and also worked in several different architectural offices in Los Angeles in late 1910.  He was licensed as an architect by the state of California by 1921.  In 1923 he was the first African American to become a member of the American Institute of Architects.

During his thriving career, Paul Williams designed numerous private, public buildings and monuments.   From churches, schools, to offices.   My fascination with the building below is actually what ignited this research.  I wanted to know the architect behind this design.  I was delighted to know it was actually an African American architect who designed it.



"Arhitect Paul Williams in Front of His Famous Project, the Theme Building, Los Angeles Airpot"












"The Ambassador Hotel, was owned by one family, the Shines, from its opening in 1921 until 1971.  The hotel closed in 1989 and was vacant until demolished in 2006.  During its long life, the hotel was the location of the famous Cocoanut Grove Nightclub, hosted the Academy Awards, and was the site of the assassination of Robert Kenedy.  Nixon wrote his "Checkers Speech" in 1952 while staying there.  Paul William's 1949 contributions to the Los Angeles icon were an extensive renovation to the interior as well as additional bungalows".


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Thursday 19 April 2012

The LooK

le chic!

Bring on the bling! Bring on the shine! Here's something that caught my eye from style.com!
How a choice of fabric with a sprinkle of style can transform  a simple look to  a wow look!


Chanel Pre Fall 2012






Paris haute couture: Chanel & Gvivenchy 2011
Accessorized Look!








Tuesday 10 April 2012

ThreeAsfour Fall 2012



I am absolutely smitten by these innovating designs.  Definitely avant garde! 
 I have seen many laser cutting designs but this is just totally chic if I may say!  The collection has charming archs, swirls and circular shapes going on. It kinds of remind me of the Alphonse Mucha's  work during the Art Nouveau era.
My favourite is the interesting print dress of the woodland that appears to have a paper effect that was interrupted by tape and a beautiful  leafy contrast cape.  










Love the boots too!

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