Latest Posts by visionofsplendor - Page 3

The Incarnations of Kimiko Yoshida

LOUIS XIV AS THE RISING SUN IN "LE BALLET DE LA NUIT" AT VERSAILLES. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY PACO RABANNE

SULTAN SALADIN THE GREAT. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY PACO RABANNE

GODDESS OF WAR ATHENA BY KLIMT. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010.   COURTESY PACO RABANNE

WISE KING MELCHIOR BY MANTEGNA. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY PACO RABANNE

THE GOLDEN BRIDE FROM FEZ, SELF-PORTRAIT 2005. COURTESY OF THE ISRAEL MUSUEM, JERUSALEM

QUEEN OF FRANCE MARIE DE' MEDICI BY RUBENS. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY PACO RABANNE

EL CONQUISTADOR HERNAN CORTES AS EL DORADO. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY PACO RABANNE

LAST SAMURAI KATSUMOTO. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

THE TORERO BRIDE WITH A BLACK SUIT OF LIGHTS , REMEMBERING PICASSO. SELF-PORTRAIT 2006.

ASSOMPTION OF VIRGIN MARY BY TINTORETTO. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

SAINT AUGUSTIN BY EL GRECO. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

WOMAN OF ALGIERS BY DELACROIX. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2007-2009

PHARAON BY GUSTAVE DORÉ, SELF-PORTRAIT, 2007-2009

SISTINE MADONNA BY RAPHAEL. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

KING OF FRANCE FRANCOIS I BY JEAN CLOUET. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010.COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

JUDITH BY CRANACH THE ELDER. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

THE CAPRICIOUS GIRL BY WATTEAU. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

ZAPATA BY DIEGO RIVERA. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

QUEEN MARIANA OF AUSTRIA BY VELASQUEZ. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

HECATE, THE GREEK GODDESS OF THE MOON AND THE SPIRIT OF THE DEAD, BY WILLIAM BLAKE. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010

DON QUIXOTE BY PICASSO. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2010. COURTESY OF PACO RABANNE.

THE SILVER BERBER BRIDE, MOROCCO, EARLY XX th CENTURY. SELF-PORTRAIT 2005. COURTESY OF THE ISRAEL MUSUEM, JERUSALEM

THE MEXICAN BRIDE,  SELF PORTRAIT 2012

THE RED EGYPTIAN BRIDE (HARRY WINSTON). SELF-PORTRAIT, 2008

THE BRIDE GRAND COMMANDEUR DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR. SELF-PORTRAIT 2006

THE RED PALESTINIAN BRIDE , EARLY XX th CENTURY. SELF-PORTRAIT 2005. COURTESY OF THE ISRAEL MUSUEM, JERUSALEM

THE MAO BRIDE RED GUARD RED. SELF-PORTRAIT, 2009

"A fundamental part of Japanese culture is linked to the notion of disappearance.

Unlike the West, in Japan we use makeup in order to disappear, to erase our identity. The basic idea behind my makeup is tied to the geisha’s traditional use of a ghostly-white makeup, called ” doran ” which leaves only the outline of her eyes and bright red lips visible. Makeup in Japan is not perceived as a way of making a woman become more beautiful, but rather as a way of transforming her into an abstraction of a woman. She becomes an “idea of a woman “, rather than an “ideal woman.” It is a way of dying." text by Barbara Oudiz

Transformation, Metamorphism, Shape Shifter. These are the words that come into my mind when I look at Kimiko Yoshida and her impacting self portraits. All the pictures use always the same setting, same subject, same lighting, same framing. She does her own make-up, lighting and design using a Hasselbald camera with no retouching or editing. 

I find these images so deep and mesmerising, the Series "Painting, Self- Portrait" where she transforms herself into people from famous historical portraits with pieces from Paco Rabanne's Haute Couture collections works of art in themselves are my personal favourites. 

Do go to her website and see her extensive portafolio of work I had a hard time not putting all her work on this post, then this would just be pages and pages long. I spent hours reading, there are also lots of in depth articles on her and great interviews, Kimiko you are a fascinating lady!

Am hoping that she will do a show in London someday soon. 

All images Via Kimiko Yoshida

INTERMISSION

LUX AETERNA

A Journey of Light, from distant galaxies to small drops of water

3D Animation by Cristobal Vila

www.etereaestudios.com

Music Theme "The Gift" by Johann Johannsson

www.johannjohannsson.com

Oh Papi!

Are you in need of some unique earrings? Are you in to Renaissance and Roman Baroque styles? Or do you have a jewellery obsession like me?

Here comes a Roman Gentleman named Diego Percossi Papi, well actually his creations have been around since 1968 when his little atelier opened next to Rome's Pantheon. Where else could you imagine him to be! 

Originally trained as an architect Signor Papi taught himself how to make jewellery and enamelling. With a keen eye for colour and historical vintage jewellery his pieces have been used in many movies, including the superbly costumed movie Elizabeth:The Golden Age starring Cate Blanchett(first image). There is a hint of Faberge in his use of colours and the magnificent jewellery that I saw on my trip to St Petersburg. 

You can order pieces online or when in Rome stop by his atelier and be transported to another era. 

Stupendo xo 

  ATELIER PERCOSSI PAPI

Via S. Eustachio 16

00186 Roma

Tel +39 06 68801466

Mail: percossipapi@percossipapi.com

  All images via, 

Percossi Papi

Some pieces are available on Net-a-Porter

The Light Aquatic

Aqua Creations Lighting & Furniture Atelier was founded in 1994 by designer-artist Ayala Serfaty who completed her degrees in Fine Arts at the Bezalel Academy of art in Design in Jerusalem and then at Middlesex Polytechic in London. Well known for her art creations Ayala and her husband Photographer Albi Sefaty collaborated to evolve their talents to develop Aqua Creations a Lighting & Furniture Atelier.

Based out of Tel Aviv where their pieces are all handmade by their team of skilled artisans who use their craft to create such unique pieces. They create, manufacture and design all out of these headquarters.

I am especially fascinated by the Light designs, there is something so modern but yet so soft to each piece, for some reason I see them as creatures from the universe both below in the depths of our oceans and above in our galaxies. They make me dream and escape into these worlds.. These magnetic pieces can be commissioned for a home, apartment, hotel, restaurant  I imagine they would blend in well with any type of lanscape sea, mountain, desert or snow. Fun to play around with and use your imagination with various colour and shape choices you will be surely transported to their world. 

I am floating xo

To commission a piece, Aqua Creations can be contacted in their offices in Tel Aviv or their Showroom in New york City,

Aqua Creations Head Offices

29 Ben Zvi road, Tel Aviv 68103, Israel

Telephone. +972 3 5151 222

Fax. +972 3 5151 223

Aqua Creations USA

200 Lexington Avenue, Suite #427

New York, NY 10016, USA

Telephone. +1 212 219 9922

Fax. +1 212 219 4042

All images via 

Aqua Gallery

http://player.vimeo.com/video/37876758

INTERMISSION: CHAI BREAK

Masala Chai is perfect for a cold winters day.

Video by High Beam Media

Via Fine Dining Lovers

Under The Influence

Love these still life images from Under the Influence Magazine, Jewellery with an African Twist.

Photographed by Benjamin Bouchet & Styled by Julie Nivert.

Sourced via,

Under The Influence Magazine

Carribbean Chic

New Designer Alert!

Haitian -Italian Stella Jean has truly marinaded both of her unique cultures to create a very individual collection. The Italian blood shows in masculine pinstripe and jean shirts and the Creole side comes in the choice of fabrics and patterns. Then these are taken to another level with the impeccable tailoring and the fun and elegant accessories which include the hair scarf's (would love to wear them like that) topped off with hats and  some fun jewellery that was also created by Stella Jean. The formula works wonders, so could wear this in the summer but this is last years collection. But I loved it so much that I had to share who cares what season it is or what year it is.

In the meantime enjoy the Caribbean via Italia! xo

Moda Operandi had a trunk  show of her pieces , I think Matches  London will be stocking her this year too. Browse her site for stockists and video of the show.

All images via,

STELLA JEAN

Kate Hume

Based in Amsterdam of English origins Kate Hume is one very well rounded Designer, she has her own exquisite line of Glass Vessels and furniture collection co designed with Frans van der Heijden that is hand crafted in the Netherlands. With simple clean lines she add layers of the unexpected and enriching. Kate is very inspired by colour sometimes a clients art piece can set the tone to the whole scheme just by its colour.  Her travels have taken her all over the world where she continues to evolve her all ready very sharp eye for the unique and her diverse projects are sprinkled around the globe, the properties themselves are spectacular, from a mansion outside of Moscow to a farmhouse in France, a manor in England to a museum in Holland.

See more of her work on her site where you can contact them for projects or to buy some of her incredible Glass Vessels or furniture.

Zeer Mooie xo

All images via,

KATE HUME

Happy New Year 2013

May your blessings be bountiful, your health sparkling and your love contagious.

2013 is the Magic Number, just believe. xo

All Aboard The Passenger

When I first saw these images of The Passenger (great name ) I thought it was a real train, only when I read the text did I realized that this is a bar in Madrid that looks like you are on a train. What a cool idea, with video production by Spanish video Artist Franger gives the illusion that you are looking out of the windows of a moving train.

Owned by Spanish Actors Rodrigo Taramona & Jimmy Castro and two entrepreneurs friends, they commissioned Latin Creative Director, Producer and Designer Paraolio to create the luxurious interiors to transport you back in time. Open during the day for one of Madrid's best cafesitos and  by night drink your whisky and cocktails to classic rock . I wonder if the issue The Passenger Passport with drink stamps if you travel  a lot with them.

Buen Viaje xo

Sources,

Cool Hunter

Paraolio

The Passenger

WISHING YOU ALL A...

MERRY CHRISTMAS MAY YOU ALL BE FILLED WITH GRATITUDE .

I LOVE THIS WONDERFUL VIDEO BY LOUIE SCHWARTZ, IT MAKES ME FEEL SO GLAD TO BE ON THIS EARTH, TRY AND WATCH IT ON FULLSCREEN AND LISTEN.

FOR MORE INCREDIBLE TIME LAPSE VIDEOS GO TO HIS YOU TUBE MOVING ARTS CHANNEL,

MAKES ME FEEL WARM AND FUZZY XO

Cabin Fever II

Winter Glow photo by Pawel Kucharski

Yellowstone Club Montana

Chalet Angora Megeve

Chalet La Tene Val D'Isere

Chalet Atlantique Courchevel

Drinks at Fire Pit via Tumblr

Cosy Cabin via Tumblr

Chalet Grande Corniche Les Gets

Chalet Shatoosh Megeve

Chalet Savana Megeve

Chalet Cyanella Megeve

All aboard the Snow Train via Pinterest

Chalet Tigre Megeve

Chalet Floralie Saint Martin Belleville

Chalet Brickell Megeve

Chalet Bellevue Courchevel

Vintage skies via Pinterest

Chalet Les Anges Zermatt

Chalet Tigre Megeve

Chalet Angora Megeve

Boston Cream Pie via Pinterest

Chalet  Maldeghem Klosters

Chalet Cyanella Megeve

Chalet Shatoosh Megeve

Majestic Snow Leopard via Tumblr

Chalet Maldeghem Klosters

Chalet Silk Megeve

Chalet Savana Megeve

Chalet Lampas Megeve

Swiss Chalet via Pinterest

Heavenly Snow via Pinterest

Hurricane Ridge Sunrise Photo by Kevin McNeal

"In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer." Albert Camus

Its that time of year again, tomorrow is the Winter Solstice and the end of the Mayan Calendar, fear not as it is just the dawning of a new era and beginning of a new world. Wipe your slate clean and plant magical seeds, watch them grow with the wonder of all that is newborn and pure. Celebrate using your imagination that you are walking in this mystical snow covered mountains on your way to a nice cosy drink in your chalet with a roaring fire. If you could jump into one of these images which one would you chose?

Have a Happy 21.12.12 xo

Sources via

Ultimate Luxury Chalets

Evason Megeve

110 Years of Cadillac

1937 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Phaeton

Briggs Cunnigham 1961 Cadillac Coupe at Le Mans

Cadillac Design Studio by Eero Saarinen & Gm Design Chief Harley Earl

1934 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Roadster

1959 Eldorado

Hand sculpting full size clay auto models.

‘59 Le Mans Cadillac

Chrome covered 1965 DeVille reflecting the pink ground.

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

A Pair of Cadillac Fletwood V-16’s

1959 Pink Cadillac Eldorado

Cadillac Founder Henry M. Leland with his 1905 Osceola first closed body car.

Earl’s Rocket Inspired Cyclone Concept Car that never went into production.

Al Capone’s Armoured 1928 Cadillac

1950’s Ghia Cadillac owned by Rita Hayworth

1957 Eldorado Brougham fins

1902 Cadillac’s first prototype, Cadillac was founded on August 27th 1902.

Assouline’s Book Celebrating its 110 years of Cadillac.

This is a fantastic book to buy the men in your life for Christmas. 110 years of Cadillac, I would so love the 59’ Le Mans Cadillac under my Christmas Tree!

Hello Santa? xo

Sources Via, Auto Blog, RM Auctions, Autotrend, Assouline

California Niemeyer

While researching all of Oscar Niemeyer's work on the week of his passing I stumbled upon these images.

This 1963 Californian Mid Century Modernist house has an incredible history, It was commissioned by Film maker Josef Strick and his wife Anne after meeting Oscar Niemeyer in a film festival in Brazil. It was a complicated commission as Niemeyer was not allowed to enter the country because he had connections to the Communist party, regardless that he had designed the United Nations in New York. Not putt off by the challenge he cleverly designed the house via Aerial photographs and Topographical surveys. How is that possible! There was no internet or fax in those days all by mail from California to Brazil!

Oscar your genius will never be forgotten.

Que Marvilha xo

Sourced via The189.com, Architectural Digest

INTERMISSION

CHANEL

PARIS ÉDIMBOURG MÉTIERS D'ART 2012/13

Linlithgow Palace, KIrkgate Linlithgow, West Lothian Scotland

Gorgeous clothes and setting but shame about the music.

Farewell Oscar Niemeyer

"When you have a large space to conquer, the curve is the natural solution, I once wrote a poem about the curve. The curve I find in the mountains of my country, in the sinuousness of its rivers, in the waves of the ocean and on the body of the beloved woman."

Farewell to the legendary Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer, "The Concrete Poet " what a poet he was. Thank you for bringing our world such unforgettable monuments.

Sources via Flickr, Pinterest & Tumblr

~INTERMISSION~

THE GREAT CHINESE STATE CIRCUS PRESENTS~SWAN LAKE~

SPECTACULAR!

The Vision of Christopher Jenner

© Jenner Studio

Rising star Christopher Jenner is one talented man, born in South Africa based out of London the skill of  craftsmanship and future vision of design is exciting. Like the concept of how he sees the future of Eurostar, blending a sort of futuristic and vintage feel to create unique look that you want to experience

His work is well know for the design of the Diptyque Candle stores in Leadenhall Market London mixing traditional Victorian architecture, stained glass and English brass with modern aspects of colour. The Bleecker street shop in New York is filled with over 200 hand painted mirrors, Art Deco inspired metal ceiling, unusual  and elegant tables and display cabinets. Jenner studio has created some seriously bejewelled splendor here.  Not only you want to buy the candles but you wish you could take the whole shop with you. His next project is the upcoming opening of Diptyque in Chicago and there are many other interesting projects that you can have a look on his website.

Keep on Creating xo

All images via Christopher Jenner

Christopher Jenner Studio

Top Floor

Newman Hire Building

16 The Vale

London

W3 7SB

Tel 020 8746 1249

Email Info@christopher-jenner.com

http://www.nowness.com/media/embedvideo?itemid=2597&issueid=2220

INTERMISSION

Florence & The Machine LOVER TO LOVER

via Nowness

In the Mind of Siggi Eggertsson

Iceland

Iceland Detail

Stamp Mural Reykjavik

Iceland

"The Master" Little White Lies Magazine

Control

100 Pieces of Havana

Iceland Detail

Berlin

Brummel Eco Issue

Brock

Brock Close up

Peter & The Wolf

Some Type of Wonderful Poster

Iceland

Icelandic Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Typographer & Artist Siggi Eggerssson's work makes me smile, not only is he extremely talented, but his work is fun and imaginative. Love his repetitive geometry but softened with rounded shape, you could think that his work was vintage in some aspects but yet the colours are so vibrant and modern that makes it all come together to such a great effect.

One to watch xo

siggieggertsson.com

"DEMON CHEF" ALVIN LEUNG'S X-TREME CHINESE CUISINE..

HIS TWO MICHELIN STAR HONG KONG RESTAURANT BO IS OPENING IN LONDON'S MAYFAIR IN DECEMBER. NOW THAT WILL BE AN EXPERIENCE!

VIDEO BY RYAN HOPKINSON ON NOWNESS

Happy Diwali

HAPPY DIWALI "THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS'"

I love this festival, how amazing it must be to be in India to witness such a spectacular celebrations, One on my list of out of this world experiences to witness in your life. Pure Magic...

Excuse me have you got a light? xo

COFFEE BREAK

Now that's what I call a Pumpkin Meringue Pie...

Source PINTEREST

Based Upon ~ Metal Storytelling

 Set up by twin brothers Ian & Richard Abell Based Upon is a team of incredible craftsmen, metalworkers and artist that create spectacular designs out of liquid metals and resins. Personalized large scale Artwork, Sculpture and Furniture is painstakingly made with outstanding results. We all have a story or a memory that we want to have with us always, Based Upon can manifest this for you in an unforgettable way. 

Browse their website which is full of interesting information on what they can create for you.

Storytelling in Liquid metal, now that is unique. xo

Images sourced via their site,

Based Upon

Based Upon Unit A121 / Faircharm 8-12 Creekside London SE8 3DX UK

Tel: +44 (0)20 83202122 info@basedupon.com

http://www.nowness.com/media/embedvideo?itemid=2515&issueid=2183

INTERMISSION

Elephant Polo : The Kings Cup

VIA NOWNESS

www.nowness.com

Spellbound~Michele Ong

The exquisite one of a kind pieces designed by Jewellery House Carnet, was established in Hong Kong over 20 years ago by elegant jewellery designer Michelle Ong and gem stone dealer Avi Nagar .

A beautiful blend of Eastern and Western traditions. Each piece is crafted with such finesse, using the most rich and vibrant gemstones of incredibly high quality. With names such as Stars of the Night, Floating Clouds and Spellbound Sapphire am indeed utterly Spellbound.

If you live in Hong Kong and are dying for a special piece make an appointment at The Carnet boutique which was designed by another master Architect Ed Tuttle .

Carnet Jewellery

119 Prince's Building

10 Charter Road, Central, Hong Kong

www.carnetjewellery.com

For enquiry In London contact Harry Fane,

www.harryfane.com

Spellbound xo

All images via Carnet, Tumblr and Pinterest.

PAVILLION OF ART & DESIGN LONDON 2012

Guy De Rougemont~ POP Sculpture Lamp~ Galerie Diane DE Polignac

Francis Sultana

Mattia Bonetti Colour Ball Armchair~ David Gill Galleries

Chanan Gallery

Lustre de Virevolte ~ Herve Van Der Straeten

Herve Van Der Straeten PAD Paris 2011 Stand

Mattia Bonetti~ David Gill Galleries

Karry Berreby Paris PAD 2011 Stand

Bulgari three gold watch circa 1980~ Karry Berreby

Galerie Hervouet

Francois_Xavier Lalanne~Gorille Console 2005~ Ben Brown Fine Arts

Galerie Jean-Louis Danant

Astrid Koch~ Sky 2012 Fibre Optic Tapestry~Galerie Maria Wettergren

List of Exhibitors PAD London 2012

Its arriving next week, the Fairs of all Fairs! Pavillion of Art & Design London Edition.  For me is the most elegant and beautiful of them all. All my favourite galleries under one roof, with impeccably curated stands. I go several times during the week even if its not large to take it all in and eye pieces that I can dream of owning one day, or just feel good after seeing such beauty.

If you have never been go and if you have go again.

Oh C'est Beaux xo

PAD LONDON

10-14 OCTOBER 2012

BERKELEY SQ

LONDON W1

Website for more information on the PAD FAIRS and Tickets,

www.pad-fairs.com/london/en

The Need for Speed

Confederate X123 Hellcat Combat photo by Jerry Garns

Salt Flats Photo by Simon Davidson

1952 Buick Super Riviera photo by Gunther Maier

JCB Dieselmax 'Streamliner"

Indian Motorcycle photo by Jerry Garns

1952 Buick Bombshell

Sunset over the Salt Flats by Dirk Ehrentraut

Spectre Speedliner

Looks like a rocket bike photo by Simon Davidson

Love this Buick photo by John Michael Cooper

A little shade needed photo by Jerry Garns

Technical Support photo by Simon Davidson.

Bonneville Salt Flats Utah photo by Yawara on Flickr.

If you like Speed and the magical desert, and am not talking about Burning Man, this for you! Welcome to the Annual Bonneville Speedweek.

This famous race has been around since the early 1930's. There are some cars and bikes here that I have never seen in my life and they are here in the majestic Salt Flats of Utah to beat world speed records. There are over 500 entries for this race and speeds going over 400MHP. That is crazy, but these wonderful pictures caught my eye and I became fascinated. 

This ain't Driving Miss Daisy! xo

If you want to see how fast these people go, here are some amazing videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGGzdG7RAuA

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/racing/confederate-x132-hellcat-combay-bonneville-lsr/#more-35506

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonneville_Speedway

Master Illustrator Antonio Lopez

  This is the hot book of the month of the Master Fashion Illustrator Antonio Lopez.

He was born in Puerto Rico on Feb 11th 1943 but raised in Harlem. His mother a seamstress would ask him to draw flowers for her embroideries and he also helped his father who made mannequins to apply make up and stitch their wigs. At the age of 12 Antonio was awarded a scholarship to the Traphagen School of Fashion that had children's programmes, then in high school he was encouraged to attend the High School of Art & Design. His studies continued at The Fashion Institute of Technology. His career as a fashion Illustrator was born, and his talent was immense.

In the early 60's he began free lancing after working in newspapers for fashion Magazines such as Vogue, Harper Bazaar, Elle and Andy Warhol's Interview. In the 70's he moved to Paris with his creative partner Juan Ramos , the duo became a dynamic force in the world of Fashion. With their innovative rich Illustrations ,  Karl Lagerfeld, Gianni Versace and Yves Saint Laurent were just some of the designers who collaborated with them. Lopez launched the careers of models Jerry Hall, Jessica Lange, Grace Jones and others.

This is just a small round up of the talents of Antonio Lopez, this book is filled with his illustrations, paintings, mixed media journals and more. He lived a very creative , fun, and full life, and charmed so many. His legend is encapsulated in this wonderful book,Well done to the Authors Mauricio & Roger Padilha and Rizzoli publishing house who  reignited his mastery for all of us who did not get a chance to know him.

Hope they do an exhibition London of all his work. The book can be ordered on Amazon, not yet released in England.

What an Illustrious Life  xo

Images via

www.theantoniolopezbook.com

INTERMISSION:   Made by Hand- Martinez Cigars NYC

VIDEO BY bureauofcommongoods.com

LOVE THIS XO