Christmas With The Crawfords

 Once upon a time, a long time ago, back in the 1990's, I was commissioned to make a long silver evening gown for a fun little holiday show in San Francisco called Christmas With The Crawfords. My friend Chris March was in the show and I was hired  to make a bunch of the costumes that he designed. I love working with Chris - we just click - I get what he's trying to tell me, and I understand the scale of oversize that he is famous for. I pretty much discovered this while working on the show with him back in those days. We worked together at the famous Beach Blanket Babylon,  hit it off right away, and he has been throwing fun work at me ever since. I also get a bit of leeway with design if this is appropriate and it always works out.

So I got the call with "do you still have that Joan Crawford evening gown pattern that you made?" Well...............I actually, miraculously  had part of it. And the rest was from memory and about 2 measurements. Really. My height - a guess at a bust and waist from former projects - and it had to be fitted. With super stretchy  fabric. Oh my.

But it turned out perfect as you can see. This is Joey Arias as Joan Crawford for the upcoming show. Perfectly stunning as stunning can be. As always.

Go see the show if you are in or around NYC this holiday season! You will laugh and be charmed!!

New Rattie Tattie Skirts on Etsy

Well three. I have three red and black striped skirts in a small, medium, and large up on Etsy now.

I'm all recovered from the bad day yesterday. Very intense. And I'm glad that's over. And not only did the cosmic energy change, but the weather warmed up a bit this afternoon - it was almost balmy on my trek to the post office! I was kindly reminded by my friend Chris later in the day, that it is 20 degrees in NYC right now. Oh.

(Buy Chris's book, by the way - its incredible!)

I did wake up this morning with mosquito bites on my face. I did not know that the mosquitoes were around in December. And where have they been hiding? They must have been the Christmas Mosquitoes - I mean, even mosquitoes have to have a holiday feast, right? Well, they fed well. Glad to be of service.

It feels so good to get the packages sent. Its like crossing things off a list. I have a few more things to send off domestically on Monday and then we are done for the holiday season. Except for all the orders that I have to sew up still. Better to be busy than not!!!!!!!!!!

Kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Have Yourself A Merry Little Disco Christmas

I have to admit, I went to discos, many guys looked like this, I didn't pass up a line, I dressed in vintage and velvet and lace, I fell off a platform shoe or two, I loved Freddy Mercury with all my heart, those were the days. No - they really were. It wont ever be like that again. But if you go to Retro Fit on Valencia, you'll find plenty to take you back to those times! At least you can pretend!

I don't have  a lot of free time for blogging right now. Orders have to go out and merchandise has to be made. Christmas is leaping at me and while Ive got my tree all up and decorated,  I'm not ready for it yet, I know I'm not alone in this...........but here's one for the road........

My body is screaming to hibernate. I'm pretty sure that because of the quiet around here, the darkness of winter, the short days, my body and mind have accessed that primal code that says huddle  around the fire and stay in the cave. I think that I'm going through the transitional phase of not being overly stimulated for a length of time - maybe  for the first time in over 20 years. Myself just doesn't know what to do with this new thing called peace and quiet. Myself just wants to go to sleep - and Me, Myself, and I are having a bit of a battle about it right now.

Well, I'm sure as I get used to my new surroundings and lifestyle, the body and mind will adjust. Its like being thrust back in time with severe jet lag. That's exactly what it feels like. (not that Ive ever been thrust back in time...but you know what Im sayin....)

And I have to admit that I have been on quite a ride for a long, long time. 

So Last weekend I went all bridge and tunnel on myself and went to my friend Matthew James' annual Christmas party. He has a new theme every season and works very hard all year to provide the environment and ambiance for his circle of friends to come hang out and be silly for a while. He makes a new tree every year, makes and glitters his ornaments, makes all the decorations. This year was Studio 54. And he did not disappoint! Maybe because of the theme and the fact that some of us were actually around to know what those times were like, it wasn't hard to throw something together and get into the swing of things. Even those who were not of that era did a good job of it. I had a really good time  and we all hearkened back to the day. Its not hard, really....the stereotypical collars and pants and wigs are all out there and clothing today is very heavily 70's themed. I saw a lot of short little jumpsuity things and drapey dresses. - very cute! Anyone remember Quiana?

Wigs transform. Can I just say that if I HAVE to come back again for another round of earth living. that I want to come back with a big blond mass of poodle hair!  Screw this pansy ass white girl thin hair shit...............some ancestry I say,  as I stomp my foot.

Steven LeMay, owner of Retrofit on Valencia St. was my date for the evening. He let me borrow his best fro wig, we donned our tossed- together -at -the -last -minute apparel, hopped into a Homobile, and headed to Matt's house. Despite my best efforts to buy or steal that wig, my efforts fell on deaf ears. There are no more to be found. And its his last one. Oh well. At least I got to borrow it.

All  had was my iphone for pics, but you get the gist. Merry Disco Christmas!

 

                                                                     Matt as Dig Diggler

Chris March goes to the Oscars!

Way to go Chris! Once again, Meryl Streep outshines everyone with her elegance and poise!

I was down in the LA area this weekend, but had to drive home during the Oscars - knowing this dress was going to get so much attention! It was killing me! I ran to my computer as soon as I made the 7 hour drive home. Im so proud. I'm so happy when people I care about get the kudos they deserve. Isnt she lovely?

Not that there were not many, many lovely gowns to swoon over, but this is how I would feel most comfortable dressing for something of this magnitude. So many dresses wear the actress. But not this one. Its perfect.

Pallete For Spring

I had the craziest dream last night. I went to a fashion party with my friend Chris. I was supposed to present a sample of my work. Because I never have time to make anything that stays in the shop, I made a little cake out of things I WOULD LIKE TO USE and colors that are on my mind right now. It was like a potpourri of whats hanging around in jars and bags and scraps I have stuffed in corners.

Someone sat on my cake and ruined it. So I had to quickly use what was left and create something new and unique. I just couldn't come up with anything quickly and everyone was growing very impatient. I was taking forever. I knew I was working from a place of extreme stress and behaving irrationally. Even Chris was getting mad at me. Steven Meisel was supposed to photograph this display and was disgusted with my unprofessional ism and ready to bail. But in true NOT NY fashion, they let me come up with SOMETHING. So I just started grabbing whatever I could find that caught my eye and made a display on the table in my hodge podge style. It did have a color theme which I thought was pleasing to the eye, but it didn't really make sense. Some fashion world big wig was telling me to get the hell out of there and Steven was growing very irate. I was filled with anxiety, yet I continued on. When I was satisfied I told Mr. Meisel that he could shoot. He refused and said it was crap or something like that and I said said, shoot, you moron. Everyone did the gasp of horror. And he looked me in the eye and I said "Its the pallet for spring." So he shot the best photo of his life.

Just a little anxiety there and I did talk to Chris last night about the drama in NY at the moment. So of course, I'm playing out a Project Runway theme in my dream. And I am a Little under the gun right now. I just don't remember my dreams much these days, and since it has to do with the fashion world and trends, I thought Id share!

And no.......I'm not sharing the next "pallet for spring"! That's for me to know and you to find out!
XXX

The Week In A Nutshell

Oh, this week has been a series of challenges. Plumbing problems and wet floors and rugs, stomach problems, nightmares, tearing my studio apart and putting it back together twice, bridal fittings, scarce fabrics - STOP SENDING IT AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- repetative stress injuries, worrying about orders not being able to be sent or worked on, possible jury duty.........oh the list is a long one this week. But yet, Im really not very crabby and lots of good things happened too!

I found a $50 dollar bill in my pocket, I keep getting taken out to dinner, I managed to please a couple brides this week, I managed to send out a few things, I totally cleaned up this atellier and sorted and weeded and tossed out things I'll never use. I got my vaacuum cleaner working again, I ordered tools and more fabric, for some crazy reason, the floods always happened when I and my friends/helper were here...and last but not least, some of my friends were on Project Runway and a dress I made was worn on the runway.

So I dont have to go in for jury duty tomorrow and I can get back to work and plan that week that Im trying to take off next month to sew some fun things for myself - and then get ready for Halloween. I wont be off in some exotic place this time - but everyday is halloween anyway, isnt it.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Annida Greenkards red Dress

So yes, I made the red flamenco dress for Annida Greencard and I blogged about it here somewhere, but Im too tired to find it! Chris March and Annida shopped for the fabric in NYC and sent it out to me with her measurements. The fabric is impossible to see, but it is a black velvet snakeskin pattern flocked on red. All the ruffles are bound in black binding. She sure is stunning in it it - she wears the dress, the dress does not wear her.

Thats the secret ladies and gentlemen! You wear it - it doesnt wear you! Own it - whatever you wear!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

The Project Runway Runway

Something I made is on this runway. And If I do say so myself, it is the best.
Aside from Chris's of course.
Hee-hee!
Oh, what am I saying...they are all wearing the best.

Lemay is owner of Retrofit on Valencia st, SF. Go check out his vintage and burning man supplies!

And some of my friends and aquanitances are also on the runway. It does a girl proud to see such splendor!

Its been hard to keep my mouth shut. But Im used to it. I know how to keep a secret. I often know where the bodies are buried!
Please feel free to contact me for costuming.
Of course...the bolder, the more dramatic, the better.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Queens and Fairies and Fops....Oh My

I doubt it is any secret that I befriend the flamboyant.
Or is it the other way around.....
Well we all seem to like each other
So why dissect a good thing!

This week on Project Runway, I have been told that one of my creations will be worn and seen. Im not saying anything else, other than I know what it is, and I know who is wearing it and that this is going to be a very fun episode. I have no idea how long anyone will be able to gaze upon it - it could be just a blip - but a what a cool thing is that, anyway! I can talk about it all later.

So.....in my way, Ive sort of made it onto Project Runway and I have escaped the chaos and stress and lack of sleep that goes into being on the show.

Luck of the Irish, I guess!

Erling Wold is playing Fallen Angel.
You just cannot take him anywhere.

Photo: Kristine Adams

Chris March Day In San Francisco

Last Saturday, I got to hang out at the 5th Annual SF Fashion on the Square. I had a great time sitting up front by the stage with my long time buds, catching up with friends I dont see very often, watching the models walk by, catching rays, trying to look nonchalantly glamourous while not getting sunburned, and wondering why, oh why can San Francisico not pull off something that seems so easily done in NYC?
And I was a bit put off by the announcer's insinuations that she would like to jump every male model.

Paleeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzz can we have a little class here!

But all in all, it was fun and had something for everyone. And of course, I was happy to see Chris again. Mayor Gavin Newsom declared July 19th as officially Chris March Day by proxy. Tammy from
Beach Blanket Babylon came out in her red finale dress and sang "San Francisco". We cried. We laughed. We rolled our eyes. We hoped the model jumping comments were over.

Chris March's mini-line was very pretty and interesting. He used organic/sustainable silks. His clothing draped and moved well on the models. I enjoyed seeing his work up close and personal. I wish you could see the details in the photo. His designs had a lightness about them that was refreshing and perfect in the outdoor light. I cant remember the gentleman's name, but Chris used a San Francisco designers' handbags on his models. I'll post that later if I can remember to get it. They are all made of pop tops - very clever and I wanted one so bad! OOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooo I loooooooove the digital printing on the sheer gowns that Chris does!!! Ethereal Spleandor!

In general, there was a mix of clever and dullsville throughout the whole show and Chris was saved for last because he was the guest designer.(save the best for last!) I love being Down Town, a good crowd was entranced, the day was very entertaining, then I got to take a day off and go shoe shopping with Susie afterwards.

I didnt get to visit with Chris til the next night when we all just hung out at Matt James and dished the light fantastic like old times. Happy Days. Sometimes you can go back for a moment or two until you have to go back to the real life. Everything changes and everything stays the same.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Chris March Day July 19th

The rumors are abounding that July 19th has been formally announced as Chris March Day in San Francisco. While, I dont really know if thats the absolute truth - why not! And Im telling everyone anyway.

Here is what I just read online:


5th Annual Fashion On The Square

Date & Time: Saturday, July 19, 2008
Fashion On The Square presents:

5th Annual Fashion On The Square

Saturday, July 19, 12:00pm-5:00pm, San Francisco

MORE INFO: www.fashiononthesquare.com

Chris March is a native of San Francisco, who most recently made audiences gasp during his New York Fashion Week, Bryant Park, Fall 2008 showing of an awesome collection. Chris March was one of the designers on Season 4 of Bravo's Project Runway and then went on to show his amazing collection in New York.

On Saturday, July 19, 2008, Chris will show a limited edition, never seen before, collection at the 5th Annual Fashion On The Square, on Union Square in San Francisco.

Chris March is a freelance costume designer who currently resides in New York City. Chris has a client list that includes Cirque du Soleil, Madonna, and Thierry Mugler. Chris is originally from San Francisco, where his work on the giant trademark hats and wigs of America's longest running show, "Beach Blanket Babylon" earned him great acclaim. Chris and his creations have appeared on Entertainment Tonight, HBO, Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, Tyra, the Today Show, E!, the New York Times and MTV.

Fashion On The Square (FOTS) is the largest outdoor runway show on the West Coast. FOTS will rock the runway, in its 5th consecutive year on Union Square in beautiful San Francisco. Union Square sits in the middle of flagship stores such as Coach, Barney's, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Bloomingdale's, Chanel, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus surround this high retail location. FOTS 2008 will feature the hottest designers around the world, including Zambia, Africa, to be featured on the runway. This annual event is a fundraising effort for Fashion Group Foundation, San Francisco, Scholarship Fund (www.fgi.org).

A partial list of other designers showing on the runway include Premier Designer Virgil Ortiz, Apple Bottoms by Nelly, Wal-Mart, Verona Gordon (Zambia, Africa), Ta'She, Ja'ire, M Movement, Oxford Way and more.

For limited runway seat tickets, media credentials and more information contact Y'Anad Burrell at either info@fashiononthesquare.com or yanad_burrell@glasshousepr.com.

DATE/TIME:
Saturday, July 19
12:00pm-5:00pm

LOCATION:
Union Square
Post and Stockton Streets
San Francisco, CA, 94104
877-976-4400
unionsquareshop.com

COST/REGISTRATION:
$40.00.
www.fashiononthesquare.com

MORE INFO:
Website: www.fashiononthesquare.com
Email: info@fashiononthesquare.com
Phone: 877-976-4400
Contact: Y'Anad Burrell

About Fashion On The Square:
Fashion On The Square is the largest outdoor fashion show on the West Coast, which takes place right on Union Square in San Francisco. This is a benefit fund raising fashion show for Fashion Group Foundation, San Francisco's Scholarship Fund.


kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Are we the Borg?

Ive started jumping in on the comments about Chris March's collection. I dont understand this aversion many people - and I will say most americans have - for anything that is not "safe" and prescribed to sell to the masses. Basicly anything that is not made in America. If it is not made overseas and sold through the major clothing companies and advertised as THE THING to wear this season, we cant seem to understand anything else. Dear people, this isnt about style, its about making money quick and easy and catering to our ADD sensibility. RTW has to change constantly and it has to be made very badly for the most part. It isnt about art. Chris is an artist. Rami is an artist. Christian is an artist. Nobody has to like it, but it is what it is. Everyone wants to be a critic. Maybe its just jealousy.

The simple word "costume" seems to throw everyone into a tizzy. I would say that from what I read and hear, most dont even know what the word means.

Can we not as a nation start thinking about style and individuality?

Do we STILL not understand that couture is art and art is an expression of what is going on inside the designer/artist and also in the world around us?

Can we not just step outside of the box a little bit and stop being afraid of our shadows?

Are we the Borg?

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Fashion Terrified Are We

For all the bravado, we in this country are obviously fashion terrified. I love Tim Gunn and I know its JUST TV - but please........





Look how beautiful this is.
Whats so damned shocking about human hair on something? Haven't they seen whats on the Paris runway lately?

Of Course they have. Its just tv drama. Most Americans dont want to see Haute Couture anyway.(well, most people, Im sure - period) This show is supposed to be about sellable fashion. But I would wear this to the grocery store if I could. In fact, we should all dress nicer to go to the grocery store. Even in SF I see sweat pants and baseball caps in the aisles. Not Pretty. On anyone.

So I knew Chris wasn't going to win. I hoped. He deserved it. American fell in love with him like I hoped they would. And I sure hope he inspired some kids to step outside of the box.

Chris March played it safe all throughout Project Runway because he wanted to show that he could do fashion. Fashion doesn't have to be boring. But the judges on PR sure are.
Costumie? Dear God. Give me a break.
But in the end, he won anyway. And he gave everyone something to talk about.
And his exit speech reminded me why he is one of my favorite of human beings.
He's taught me a lot.


Well, I'm bored with Project Runway now. Hooray for whoever wins.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Love

Im watching an interview of Sweet Pea right now. I always really liked her. Her collection was great and she has done a lot of work in the industry. At the end of the day, she says, its all about making money.

Yes, we have to make money. It keeps us going and it keeps the world going around. They say that love makes the world go round. But loving what you do surely does. And loving what you do and making money at it is the greatest gift, I think. Love doesn't pay the rent (unless its a certain kind of "love" - but we wont go there), but if you love what you do AND it pays the rent......how cool is that!!!! And then actual bonafide love from a fellow human being is the icing on the cake. What matters first off is the love of yourself and then it all falls into place.

I made my first Etsy sale today. How LOVELY is that!
X

kathleencrowley.etsy.com

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Chris Was Robbed!

Yes he was!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

My Favorite Contestant

Hands Down.
Yeah.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com