couples

From the Yohji Yamamoto catwalk show (Fashion in Motion) at the V&A, as before.. so many shots I want to show you, so little time.. speaking of time, only three more days to see the exhibition, before it ends.

the most beautiful song i have ever known

When we saw Vanessa Redgrave speak at the Hay Literary Festival in June, when asked about the arts, and her phenomenal contributions in her lifetime thus far, she humbly spoke of music. How music is the most personal of all human expressions. So in order to try to convey to you how deeply moving and yes, spiritual, my experience of the Yohji Yamamoto catwalk show, held in the incredible space of Raphael's 'cartoons' (called, in fact, the 'Raphael Gallery' - where all the Fashion in Motion events are held), at the V&A last friday, the best thing I can do is ask you to click here while reading this post:







This was the first music playing when the show opened, as this couple, dressed in black, but walked out sombrely, together. It felt like a wedding. The song, Ave Maria, is one that is deeply personal to me - connected, as is often the case in life, to a moment so random: watching an episode of West Wing, with my father, as he lay in bed during his last summer. It was a personal moment - and deeply profound.





As was this show. It was an expression, I felt, of the sanctity of marriage. A celebration of love. All of the models in the show were real couples. Not just real couples, but real LONDON couples. Cast, often, from the street. So we're basically talking 'London street style.'

They were different sizes, and shapes. Sometimes, the woman was taller, or older. One couple were male, another, female. It had the effect that all true art seeks to achieve: it made me think about how each of us - like each object of clothing, or each painting, or each tree - is unique.

And whatever it is that draws us to our loved one.. it is a mystery.

We watched in awe. I wish I had filmed it. It will soon be available to view online.





There is still time, though, to get to the Yohji Yamamoto show before it closes on the 10th, and one of the highlights, for me - besides seeing the clothes, almost being able to touch them (I saw a few girls quietly, reverently do so) is to watch the films of other catwalk shows he has done in the past. In the meantime, I will try to focus on a couple in each post.

After this song, he played.. everything. Even, at one point, Jimi Hendrix.

All photos by me, during rehearsal and during the show, last Friday.

the girl with the converse sneakers

She was with her sister (coming up as part of the sequential series). She is Chinese, and a student here. They told me their names, and where she's going to school, and we had a lovely visit in the pool on the hottest day of the year so far, but of course, we were actually in water at the time - without pens. I didn't give them my card and the chances of her remembering my name to find me are slim but she - AND her sister - were just so delightful.

Speaking of 'the girl with..' have read an article about the long term girlfriend of Steig Larsson, and the issues with royalties/money.. there's definitely a book or two, and a film, in that real life story!

Doing a self style shoot outside with Mr. D now, for two unrelated sources (will explain). He's been getting antsy to go get it done since 8:00. Got my props all set up but trust me: it will end in tears (i.e., mine).

Shot at the V&A, where I'm headed soon, to see & shoot the catwalk show for the Yohji Yamamoto exhibit, which ends in nine days: if you're in London, definitely check it out before it's too late! (closes 10th July). I'm cutting it close..