How very fitting, right ladies- it’s always what they say and how they move-not how they look that ultimately keeps us hooked!

Well regardless of why the peacock has such a spectacular showing of feathers, one thing is for sure their beauty has inspired countless artists and designers through the centuries.

Peacocks are spoken of in Ancient Mythology, The Bible and the Hindu religion. They are often used symbolically in literature and in folk art, often being depicted as looking back at their tails ( signifying renewal, since they drop and replace their feathers yearly).

Personally peacocks feathers always make me think of a time when Art Nouveau was actually ‘nouveau’ and of  lovely heroines caught up in some wonderfully heart wrenching Edith Warton plot.

can’t you just imagine using this Preening Pen ($20 from Anthropolgie) to scratch off a calling card to your family matriarch or passionately write prose dedicated to a secret lover!

This year peacock plumes are inspiring everything from evening gowns to eclectic bedding. A peacock inspired palette is one of the most vibrant themes happening in wedding trends as well.

Peacock plate by John Derian, Giambattista Valli gown from Fall 09, Matthew Williamson’s spring collection for H&M was influenced by peacock hues, a vintage peacock inspired umbrella, peacock top from Forever 21, art nouveau peacock slip on sneakers, peacock bedding from Target

Martha’s saying Peacock wedding hues is a ‘good thing’ this year

For home the colors inspired by the blues, greens and golden tones of peacock plumes have always been considered dramatic.

Whistler and the birth of the ‘Decorating Diva’ syndrome

My favorite is the very famous Peacock Dining Room, designed by the artist James McNeill Whistler for the art collector Frederick Leyland’s London home.  The story goes that Leyland intended to hang Whistler’s painting “The Princess From The Land Of Porcelain” in the room and asked the artist for a suggestion on what other colors to paint the rest of the room.

Leyland, away during the renovation was completely unaware that Whistler- unhappy with the way the room’s colors were clashing with his artwork – had taken it upon himself to paint every square inch of the space in gold and peacock blue ( it even has peacock feathers patterns on the ceiling).  When Leyland returned he was shocked to find his room had become a rhapsody in blue and gold.

He refused to pay Whistler the entire amount billed for the artist’s time spent as’ interior decorator’- Whistler later painted an image of two squabbling peacocks on one of the room’s walls depicting the conflict that ensued.  The room now resides in Washington D.C.’s Freer Gallery Of Art.

A brilliant blue peacock palette can also go a bit modern when combined with bright colors and white.  Kiki has a really great post about the trend of blues going green over on our blog Color For Your Home.

Her example of this bedroom by Kendall Wilkinson Design is my dream!

Overall though my favorite way to be inspired by a peacock’s colors for home is to simply look directly at the bird for color clues.  Multiple shades of brilliant blues and greens mixed with a little iridescent shimmer accented by shades of drab golds, browns and inky blacks.

If you have a room that basically browns and blues ( we all loved the choc-aqua trend), then an addition of another blue and some greens with golden accessories might be a great way to opulant- up the room’s overall look!

Or if you want to go very adventurous ( I know I do) then peacock blue walls with a metallic wash ceiling could result in a jewel box of a space! Doesn’t that sound so good- guest room redo, here I come!

swatch source House Beautiful

Benjamin Moore’s Baltic Blue, Mills Spring Blue, Hague Blue and Farrow and Ball’s Pelt all make an interesting foil to Benjamin Moore’s Paddington Blue ( a real peacock blue designer Robin Bell tells House Beautiful).

A quick palette just to get you inspired…now shake a tail feather and get styling!

No two stars showed up in the same dress ( a phenom that has been happening at a few events as of late- though Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore came pretty darn close!) so the chatter was mostly about the amazing array of saturated colors. Most hues made it out in full force except of course for my favorite Orange.  I really do think a deep shade of Pumpkin was missing from the night’s fashion lineup. The perfect color for either a fashion forward starlet like Drew or Chloe or ravishing on Jenna (whom I would love to see in more color at these things) or better yet worn as a refreshing and unexpected color on ’still cute as a button’ Sally Field.

Instead Reds and Purples seemed to rule the carpet, with glitzy grayish white taking home the award for looking the most modern. Cobalt Blue was replaced this time by Teals and a Navy Blue so dark it read as black.  A few Golden frocks made it ( perhaps a shout out to sunny CALI) as did a stream of classic black that almost felt a little boring next to all the other bold color.  Except of course on Heidi who rocked her midnight gown like only a super model working a 4th baby bump could- now take a maternity leave, Heidi…your making it really hard on the rest of us mommies out here!

There were plenty of spray tans very few necklaces, instead bangles, drop earrings, structured clutches and a few chunky brooches seemed to be the accessories du jour.

all images from NYTimes.com

My 2 personal fave color matches of the night:

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Sandra Oh is no stranger when it comes to getting well meaning advice after an event as sometimes she doesn’t always get it so right.  This time though I thought the dress and it’s golden color paired with her sheer makeup and easy hair were spot on style!

You can tell from the pictures that she feels totally comfortable with her look- and she should cause I’m thinking it may be her best outing ever.   Metallic gold can be a hard color to pull off in pictures- her Marchesa dress is super flattering both to her skin tone and hair color.

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I’m well aware that Mary Louise is being named by the fashion police as being under dressed.  But I think she looks incredible in this multi-purple hued number by Zac Posen.  She’s got both the one shoulder and big bow trend working, as well as the coolest sparkle sling backs I’ve ever seen.

I love, love her in these jewel-like tones. Purrrfect for her coloring and personality.  And come on, her body is just so INCREDIBLE- how can you blame her for not wanting to hide it under some long, stuffy dress!

Who do you think got it colorfully right?

]]> http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/orange-feels-left-out-from-sundays-emmy-awards/feed/ 1 http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/angry-patterns-is-the-economy-driving-us-crazy/ http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/angry-patterns-is-the-economy-driving-us-crazy/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:58:39 +0000 juliehoylen http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/?p=5604 I wish I had some exciting news colorwise to report from last nights VMA’s ( though Taylor and Beyonce both appearing in red after the Kanye debacle did feel a little like synchronicity!) but all and all after a quick run through of the photos- to me, most of the fashions were as ridiculous as the show itself. Even Style.com’s Candy Pratt Price took the time to phone in a scathing review- declaring that she and her designer friends walked out half way through the night ( based on the lull of the show and bad behavior of some- not the fashions, I must add).

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Taylor and Beyonce- partners in both an odd scandal and the color red

But there was one interesting trend that I did notice this week emerging from NY- a bevy of looks featuring bold black marks, lines and smudges mixed within colorful patterns and solids.  Prints that seem a bit aggressive, a bit subliminal- stranger then the ‘arty’ painterly versions of seasons past.

Tattoo you at Jason Wu

boned out corset at Derek Lam

literal body art at Ralph Rucci

smudged at Toni Maticevski

tell me what do you see- ink blot like at Thakoon

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fierce mildew at Christian Sirano

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smeared at Cynthia Rowley

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even the guys are not immune- strange camo at Phillip Lim

When I spotted it on Victoria Beckham ( during Thursday’s Fashion’s Night Out) and then on Drew Barrymore at the VMAs I knew maybe I was on to something.

somewhere between lace tattoos and a Rorshach Test-Drew’s zingy Alexander McQueen is sure to get lots of ‘Fashion Police’ attention

Victoria forgoes her demure dresses as of late, for this Giles ‘attention getting’ number

Are designers having a bit of an artistic ‘hissy fit’- a printed outlet of all of the pressure they all must be having due to the ever sinking economy.  What do you think? Cathartic, pretty or just plain strange?

images from Style.com, NYmag.com and Eonline.com

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Since then, the return in popularity of exotic prints has made my quest much easier- vintage is still wonderful, but with so many products out there it only takes a quick surf of the web or jaunt to the mall to get your style roaring today. And as trends merge and converge (i.e. brighter more saturated colors),  it’s only fitting that my favorite motifs would find themselves getting a colorful makeover…I’m thinking Holly and Ginger would approve!

Eva in a red leopard gown at this year’s Venice Film Festival, colorful exotics from Marie Claire, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz’s red zebra mini marks the return of Melrose Place ( it’s back?-now I am beginning to feel like a teenager again!)

Hue- infused, animal prints and faux furs ( yes they are getting a wash of color also this season) can add instant excitement to your wardrobe and home.  Think of them as neutrals with a trippy pop.

And even if your not ready for a full on ensemble like our starlets or adding a pink and chartreuse leopard print rug is totally out of the question for your current lair, doesn’t mean you can’t partake.  Tame the trend by using it in small doses ( scarf, flats, wallet, desktop notes, outdoor pillows…you get the idea). Every time you spot them you’ll feel purrr-fectly sexy. So go on- give your style a walk on the wild side!

rug by James Ducan from Decorati, animal print silk scarf and leopard wallet from Forever 21, Lanvin ballet flats, Dresses from Vivienne westwood and Diane Von Furstenberg from Net-a-porter, Trina Turk’s outdoor fabric for F. Schumacher available through Decorati, sunglasses by Fantas-Eyes, laptop cover from Freddy&Ma,, shorts by J.crew and sherling coat by Bottega Veneta available through Net-a-porter

And though I applaud anyone who chooses color over basic black ( good girls! ) I have to admit that getting the right color is not always so easy.  So who ( in my opinion ) was awash in color and who was just plain washed out?  Take a look and see if you agree.

It wouldn’t be an award show if not all eyes were on Brangelina… as they continue with the same ‘plain and simple’ dress code that seems to be flavoring their ensembles as-of-late (funny, but in this palette their simple-ness almost looks a wee bit -do I dare say -Amish).

Regardless, the blue of her gown is super pretty with her eyes, the makeup is puuurfect from the slight smokiness of her eyes to her signature pale lips… it’s actually amazing how color coordinated they are in the photo- his blue eyes pick up her dress color, her deep colored hair matches his suit. How are they always so synched?

Even her tats match!  Do wish though that she had gone with a slightly bigger hoop earring, this size seems a bit too casual.

Christina Applegate knocked it out of the park in this goddess green gown.  Again so pretty with her eyes and honey toned hair.  The bright red lipstick is exciting with the green- it almost acts as an accessory… I think a deep berry lip would have been softer, but overall I think she looks sensational!

VaVaVoom!  How can you not love Kate Winslet!  She just keeps getting better and better…. especially fashion wise.  Bright, brilliant blue is not always the easiest color to wear ( often times in end up looking like it’s wearing you) but Ms. Winslet pulls off her curve enhancing little cobalt number in pure super hero style!  Her frosty makeup gives her peaches and cream skin an ethereal boost, her little knowing smirk simple exudes confidence.

Holly Hunter is another actress that I love for the fact that she just seems to be getting prettier and sexier as she ages- I mean honestly she looks better now than she did in Broadcast News!  Unfortunately I found her choice of a strapless, complete with long train iridescent shocking pink gown to be quite frankly-  shocking.  Honestly this should have been the gown that Milly Cyrus wore to the Golden Globes.  Skip the Barbie pink next time Holly and go for a deep rose instead.

I find myself a little perplexed about Claire Danes.  Full view I thought her poppy red gown overpowered her, but up close I have to admit she looks pretty good.  I’m glad she choose a soft pink lip and blush to balance out the brightness of the dress and I think the lighter blonde hair color is flattering as well. Eat your heart out Jordan Catalano!

First of all I’m glad Marissa decided to wear color this time around.  And though I heard “mother of the bride’ come out of some critics mouths about her pale golden gown, I thought the color had a vintage-old Hollywood feel ( I also thought it look way better from the front ).  Where I feel she did go wrong though was with a lack of color on her face.  If she had wanted to look ‘au natural’ she should have either 1. worn her hair in a softer style ( a lighter color would also help… this dress would have been great on a ‘warmer caramel or red headed’ Marissa) or just by (2.) adding a touch of color to her face i.e. forgo the bronzer for a brighter pink cheek with a golden eyeshadow and lip gloss or take a hint from the spring runway and add an unexpected dab of deep purple on either either lips or eyes.

Simply enchanting Amy Adam…. I love her in this color!  Eggplant is a color that looks good on a wide array of coloring, but I think on a blue eyed red head it simply rocks!!!  Love her pink cheeks with deep berry lips and those killer earrings- she looks decadant to me, like a modern day Marie Antoinette.

America Ferrera is another one of my usual favorites because she obviously loves fashion and is always willing to try something new and trendy both style and color wise.  And though I know that this ‘greige’ color is super trendy in fashion come spring I don’t think it’s the best choice with her skin tone….paired with the black sash, dark hair and lips the whole look seems too heavy.

No doubt that Alison Pill is cute as a button and that she looks adorable in green… but I think that this deep shade of green is too mature for her… now here’s a candidate to pull of Michelle Obama’s ‘lemongrass’ if I ever saw one!  I brighter yellow-green would be so fresh and fashion forward on her ( switch out her  matte lipstick for a red gloss instead)…. she’ll have plenty of time for these colors when she’s older… a photo of actress Melissa Leo ( who looks great in these colors as well)…. from the same night proves my point!

Oh and best surpise use of color goes to Evan Rachel Wood… it appears as if she left the influence of Marilyn Manson with her color sense well intact….

Welcome back to the world of Color Evan Rachel!  You’re perfect in peacock!

Who were your color mavens and misses of the night?

images: Getty and AP from E online.

Thanks to my very rich childhood TV life, I grew up with the best caped crusaders and heroes any girl could wish for. My absolute favorite is of course Wonder Woman . She remains my ultimate beauty icon. My other favorite show was Isis – I would spin around in my Grandmother’s hair cape and chant “Oh mighty Isis..”

My next fashion icon with a cape was Samantha from Bewitched. She didn’t normally wear a cape, but when she did – she rocked it.  Even Mattel’s Barbie tribute to her included the cape.

Of course I must also give a shout out to my main man with a cape – Adam West , as Batman. His caped crusader is suave, yet not too scary and violent.

Today’s fashion outfits must have respect for this classic look, after all , capes and cloaks are one of the 1st tried and true staples throughout history.

Here are some of my favorite recent capes and their designers.

Top row (L to R) : Alberta Ferretti Fall 09, vintage Jean Desses, Coach Bonnie Cashin (http://www.coach.com/)

Burberry capes at http://www.neimenmarcus.com/

Ghulan Sakina (London fashion week) and INC cape from Macys

Pink silk cape from Miu Miu and green wool cape from Newport News catalog.

Pucci cape 2007

Speigel catalog belted cape and Lucy Lui , Brooke Sheilds, J Lo, and Posh Spice all in a cape.

Both capes by Stella McCartney

Gorgeous Tocca cape

Tartan cape no longer available from QVC and UK bright cape from an ad.

Dame Vivienne Westwood offers the most superhero like cape of the bunch.

Looking at the array of warm and stylish capes – I long to throw one on and meet some friends at the weekend flea market. In a cape , your arms are unencumbered and free to grab up some treasures.

What caught my eye this week was the display created by Andrea and Preston for PR’s Daniel.  Though the design did not take home the prize ( it came in second ), their choice of colors to surround Daniels awesomely bright yellow gown received kudos from the judges and had me jumping for joy in my pajamas.

It reminded me just how much I love the combination of a muted purple, gray, black and yellow. It immediately brought to mind an apartment that was featured in the May issue of Domino magazine- interestingly enough designed by actress Julianne Moore for her wardrobe stylist- that at the time had really caught my eye.

before and after- muted grays and mauve spiced up with lemon yellow bring the pad to life

Like the window on Top Design, her use of bright yellow accents upon a backdrop of grays and purples with accents of black was a real success and gave a nice cohesive feel to a small space..

I love finding color schemes that work for both home and fashion.  So if your looking for a new way to liven up your neutral grays in your fall/winter wardrobes- think about throwing in  a pop of both yellow and purple in the mix.  And if your looking for a sophisticated palette to update a plain jane room in your home- this may just be the color combo to do the trick.

Wall colors:

Window Display- Flat Stone #6005 Sherwin Williams

Living Room- Pigeon Gray # 2133-50 Benjamin Moore

Bed Room- Iced Mauve # 2115-50 Benjamin Moore

Yellow fabric ( on curtains and stool ) Silk Trading Company, Lemon Yellow about $25 a yard

The issue, which features a gorgeous Jennifer Lopez ( who by the way looks way too good for having twins at home) on it’s cover- comes in two cover options- full color (newsstand) and black and white (subscriptions).

The black and white cover is most definitely beautiful, the pose and Dolce and Gabbana gown super chic- but without a speck of true color on the cover it reads to me as somehow odd and quite frankly after a tumultuous week on Wall Street- a little eerie.  After all fashion is fantasy- and in times like these I crave lots of colorful fantasy!

The photo spread inside has Jennifer living out any fashionista’s fantasy- being photographed as a muse to some of the world’s greatest designers- half the pix are in b&w, half in color ( okay-now I’m getting it!)

I really do love when magazines use duo covers- like with JLO’s cover- It’s fun to try to figure out the psycology behind the editors choices. Obviously in this case, an experimental cover that is ’sans’ color may fly for a pre-paid reader, but when it comes to grabbing the attention of a potential buyer- color sells.

I’ve been preoccupied with fashion week coverage and was surprised to see my favorite designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood, had made a compilation album of music, which she has used in previous runway shows.

I’ve also read about Karl Lagerfeld’s $1200 teddy bear from Steiff. I get that he would want to immortalize himself as a tiny , furry mirror image – but, isn’t he to busy designing for top couture houses to make a toy?

The first time I remember a designer branching out, was Bob Mackie making Barbie clothes in 1990. Now this makes sense…the genius behind Cher outfits turning his skills to my hero..the blond bombshell Barbie. Recently Patricia Fields has added her jewelry design to Barbie. Again , this makes sense to me.

I am so over celebrity clothing lines for sale at the local mall. I understand that teen shoppers at Kohls want to wear Avril Lavigne designed duds . I guess I can get that boys and girls , shopping at Sears, want to dress in outfits designed by LL Cool J. It’s the same sensibility my mother has in appreciating Jacklyn Smith outfits from Kmart. Our my drive to pretend to like the Vera Wang collection at Kohls…I still don’t like the stuff, BTW.

But , to my dismay, the celebrity designed clothing line is a growing trend. Urgh. The world is waiting for bated breath for Tara Reid’s bikini line. And who can do without Katherine Heigl’s line of health care uniforms for Peaches Uniforms ?

Janet Jackson, ironically, has just launched a line of lingerie called “Pleasure Principle”. (Insert your own Superbowl ”wardrobe malfunction” comment here). JLO is creating a new line of exercise gear…this actually makes sense, since she just lost all that twin birth weight.

Jeans are a popular avenue for celebrity designers. Rachel Bilson is working on a line called “Edie Rose” denim for DKNY – sue out this month. And Heidi Klum is designing a line for Jordache (don’t forget her jewelry line for QVC ).

The fashion world is clamoring for the delightful designs of Posh Spice. These Victoria Beckham dresses are actually quite stylish – I’m hoping they come in more than a size 2.

Beyonce is expanding her Dereon line with jewelry for Spring 2009. And Celine Dion has created the “Blue Heat” line , available only in China, featuring classic diamond bands. America’s sweetheart Julia Roberts designed leather bracelets for Georgio Armani and the RED products. At least the $ goes to charity.

The hardest working (and cutest) man is show biz , Justin Timberlake, has had much success with his classy and trendy line William Rast, launched in 2006 with his BFF. He wore this new tux looking jacket to his runway show at Bryant Park.

We are all familiar with Steve & Barry’s celebrity clothing lines as well as Target offering us top notch fashions at a lower price level. We are familiar with supermodel Kate Moss designing for Topshop. We love you Todd Oldham for doing clothing, housewares, furniture, flower arrangements and hotels. And as much as I hate to admit it, Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. is really great !

But you may not be aware of some of your favorite actor’s side jobs. These heartthrobs and true talents seem unfulfilled by Oscars and living the high life.

Matthew McConoughey launched  a line in 1996  called “just keep livin” featuring surf inspired gear.  He was just on Jay Leno wearing a j.k. livin t-shirt talking about his cute new son. John Malcovich’s 2005 endevor “Uncle Kimono” has t-shirts with his own sketches screenprinted on them.

Quietly, Martin Sheen created “Jackson Clay” which is a boys clothing line. Huh? (Maybe he had unstylish grandsons to outfit)

And my favorite “pimp” and very talented actor Terrence Howard helped to design a Jeep Cherokee in 2006.

Leo di Caprio has designed 2 watches for luxury brand Jaeger- Le Coulture for fall. The 2 designs cost either $3000 or $4000 and are super environmental – proceeds go to his environmental charity.

But my absolutely favorite celebrity designed fashion item is from Naomi Matsustima. She is half of an Osaka comedy duo called “Othello” and has designed the grooviest sanitary napkins. Now this is groundbreaking ! I have no idea how famous she is…but at least it’s a product I need and can afford.

I’ll leave you with one last mention …Brad Pitt is designing a 5 star Eco Hotel in Dubai. I trust that Brad will try to manage the idea of eco, luxury, and Dubai in the same giant complex. (You’d think he’d have his hands full with all those kids).

Georgio Armani was one of the first big designers to enter into Dubai design. Sounds like good work if you can get it.

Is it fair that these beautiful people are multi talented ? Who are your favorite celebrity designers ?

Each morning, I’ve been happily perusing the images of the various shows as they are released ( thank you Style.com and New York Magazine!)  and I am already  happy to report lots of exciting colors and color pairings are in our future- but more on that later.

What has really caught my eye ( second to the colors of course ) is the array of interesting textures coming down the runway-  it appears Fall’s trend of ’shiny’ fabrics reigns forward into spring as all things iridescent, reflective and high gloss( Kimberlin will be thrilled!- see yesterday’s post ), will be simply ‘illuminating’ come Spring! ( I wonder if Marc Jacobs was inspired by our “Live In Full Color’ iridescent butterfly icon when he picked this fabric?- Hey, you never know!)