Where Did Summer Go.............

I was fortunate enough to be hired by Chris March Design this season to make some SF Pride Costumes for the Anheuser Busch float!
This was a big rush job, and had to be started with no models having been hired yet. Not a job for the feint of heart.  We figured that we knew who the drag queens would be up on the float, so I could go with somewhat of a guess and make it work.  I wasn't so sure who would be hired to walk along the float, so it was "specifically suggested" that the company hire with a particular waist measurement in mind.  And of course, that didn't happen.  To be fair - that's not always so realistic within a small time frame.  And in typical train wreck style, not having anything to do with Chris or I, costumes were designated at the last minute to the wrong people. This is just how it  usually works when you have all these corporate departments trying to do too many things at the last minute.  And yet, somehow, it always gets done.  The pros amongst us (thank you, Matthew James who made that fun jewelry! ) just rolled our eyes and did the "of course this is happening........." stance.  Then we got our kits out and went to work.  We pinned, sewed, glued and lined where the sequins chaffed.  Everyone did their thing and did it well.  We did it quick.  And our work made it to the annals of Time .com's "Gay Prides From Around The World"

      
                                                                               *curtsy*.

Models: Pollo Del Mar
             LeMay
             Darcy Drollinger

Other credits will be given  when I find more names! Feel free to contact if you have credit info!!

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

Sonia

This is Sonia (Steven Eggers) modeling a corset and bustled train made by Yours Truly. The whole outfit was made of off white silk organza and covered in lace, pearls, and sparklie bit! She was the finale bride at the end of the Salome's Suitcase fashion show. This was held at the Tribal Fest Afterparty and I do believe that we ladies are now broken in and have learned a thing or two. I think we have all done our share of shows, and we all have our own ways of doing things but we pulled together and made this happen without one snafu. I was so proud of us. And our models were angels. All professional performers in their own right. So patient. Knew just what to do. The show went on without a hitch. Except for the bad stage lighting, but we're on it for next year. That's what I call team work!

Thank you, Steven! You were beautiful! And a simply amazing dancer! I did get to see the tail end of the show as she gracefully sashayed down the aisle, seducing the crowd - lovely to watch! I completely missed everyone else, including Zoe. :(

And thank you, Sequoia, for making sure you got some backstage shots - and  for making magic of our poor stage lighting! XXX

But I heard it was all lovely!


Hat and neck piece: Medina Maitreya
Gloves: Katherine Summer
Corset: KathleenCrowleyCostumeCouture
Detachable Bustle/train: KathleenCrowleyCostumeCouture
Photography: Sequoia Emmanuelle
kc.costumecouture@gmail.co,

PRIDE 2009

Every year, FatChanceBellyDance and students get asked to open for the Dykes On Bikes at the start of the San Francisco Pride parade on Market Street. This always means getting up very early in the morning and there are not a whole lot of viewers out yet, but the DOB love us and the press surrounds us like vultures - its a photo op fest!

At first it didnt seem like a whole lot of dancers would be able to show up this year, so I volunteered. I dont dance much anymore but this one is always fun and while we all want to do our best, dancing on concrete isnt easy and I figured I wouldnt be the worst dancer! It is always such a flurry of color and drama that a little loose technique isnt going to offend anyone!

But so many showed up for the live drumming......it was a blast..........



While I was in one quartet, we started moving around and the lead dancer was heard to say ........"head for the biggest camera!" It was one of the funniest moments ever! She was right, of course! Ok - it was Kristine Adams, my room mate - photographer extroidenare. So she would know.........


Above is Kristine heading for the biggest camera!


photos: Sean Vallely


So to make a long story short, I and my friends got into an SFGate photo that day and if I never do this again, I have a nice momento to mark the occasion.



kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Devotion 2009

It is interesting that weaving and cloth and all things pertaining to it seem to be celebrated this month. Dancing as well. I was a silhouette - a mannequin behind the screen at the Devotion show. I mimed sewing and weaving as Ling Shien of Helm read a poem about life, women, weaving, and the encroaching shadow of age. Carolena wrapped her head wrap and prepared to dance. It was lovely.

This meant a lot to me as I owe much to Carolena Nericcio for having a road for me to go down at a time when I wasn't sure what road to take. I certainly took the right one as my life has been forever enriched by discipline, hard work and the fruits of said labors! Oh my god - I could never have done the things Ive done and met the people Ive met without dance. American Tribal Belly dance - ATS - brought me back to myself.

I had such a fun time - the best time I could imagine for being in a dance show and not actually dancing in it! And I'll be dancing at the Pride parade this Sunday morning with the students and some members of FatChanceBellyDance. Very low key and fun to participate in! Market and Beale. 9 am. Come dance with us! We open for Dykes On Bikes!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

A Perfect Day

Easter is usually just another day for me. I don't get into the religious holidays since I'm not religious, merely spiritual. But my son, Haydn, was down visiting and since all the relatives had the flu, we hung out at Dolores Park for the 30th anniversary of the Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence. How much better does it get than that? We met up with friends, soaked up some rays, watched the glamor and the tragedy and admired the bonnets!



Matt James and Tom Holly in their Easter Finery.



And then we had a campfire down in the backyard in our newly acquired fire pit. Hot dogs and baked beans cooked in the fire and eaten right out of the can! And for desert, smores.



It really was a perfect day!

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

Pride 2008

So of course I had stayed up extremely late working the night before and couldnt get up early enough to dance in the parade this year.
The Dykes On Bikes always have the FatChanceBellyDance/Red Lotus/Saaidi/Nefertem gang come dance before they open the parade.
So we open to open!
Oh well. Maybe next time!
It was extra special this time around because of the marriage thang. Obviously!

Here is a link to a little vid from sfgate - my girls Saaidi are dancing and look spectacular!

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com

Spice For Life

Matt James and Tom Holly were wedded at City Hall
June 27th, 2008
Champagne and cake were served afterwards back at the ranch!

It was a small affair for being part of history in the making. And I was lucky enough to be one of the witnesses. They did participate in the mass wedding earlier in the century that made the headlines, so this was to make everything legal and binding.....
the house.....the cat.....the dogs......the car......for better or for worse (although we dont say this anymore if we have a lick o sense!)

I like the term "partners for life". You both stand on equal ground and no one owns the other.

Everyone at city hall was so happy. It wasn't just gay marriages happening. Everyone was participating .....straight, gay....hooray!

I like marriage. I would like someone marriageable to come along one day. That spells m-a-r-r-i-a-g-e-a-b-l-e - no issues here! (you know who you are!)

Until then, this makes me happy!

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

Art Reception For Matt James

My friend Matt James is having an art opening June 21st!
Good People!
Good Art!
Good Music!

Matthew James

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

Pride 99'

Steven LeMay wearing a Regency period inspired coat for San Francisco Gay Pride.
Check out Steven's store : Retrofit, S.F.

kc.costumecouture@gmail.com