Wednesday 22 October 2014

Mexico's Day of the Dead icon Catrina Calavera

I have long been fascinated with Mexico's largest religious event Dia de Muertos 'The day of the Dead' which takes place 31st October,1st and 2nd November. Although this christian tradition is celebrated universally, the Mexicans celebrate it differently. They look forward to these days, it is a time to connect with deceased loved ones in a festive spirit of remembrance and celebration rather than sadness and sorrow. And one such elegant skeleton dame called 'La Calavera Catrina' has become the famous symbol of death, common to see her embodied as part of the day of the dead celebrations throughout the country.  
The origin of Catrina was an etching created by illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada sometime between 1910 -1913. The image is of a female skeleton wearing a glamourous hat that depicts the upper class. 'she is offered as a satirical portrait of those Mexican natives who, Posada felt, were aspiring to adopt European aristocratric traditions in the pre-revolutionary era'. 
The skeleton symbolises that death eventually happens to all of us, no matter your status and wealth. Since Jose's etching, she has become an icon of the day of the dead. Please click on the links to read all about the history. 
Painting by Sylvia Ji of Catrina Calavera. Oddly, I find these quite beautiful.

It is common to see her embodied as part of the celebrations throughout the country with handicrafts made of clay and other materials: For sale and as displays in windows.

Artistic face paintings of skeletons seen throughout the streets.

Many people dress in incredible costumes and wander through the streets. Parades and parties are organised.




Friday 10 October 2014

News News News

Hello,
This is a short little post letting you know a couple of new things.

Firstly: The new post on stylish and fun race wear for the Spring Racing Carnival can now be viewed on my blog stylebygessica.Click here for some inspiration. And do remember to sign up as the stylebygessica blog is all about fashion looks, tips and advice. Obsessions will remain as is posting articles on art, travel, lifestyle and anything wonderful that captures my attention. However it will be without the fashion posts. Currently working on a great new article to be posted soon. 


Secondly: As of this week I started contributing fashion looks for Sydney health & fitness guru Dani Stevens on her lifestyle blog Danistevens. Every Wednesday you will see some fun and casual style looks under the Wow Wednesday column. There are plenty of great articles on there in relation to health, fitness, recipes, lifestyle and fashion. I am delighted to be collaborating with Dani, a gorgeous vibrant doer. We have many exciting things coming up: style days, giveaways and promotions.So keep reading.
Thirdly: A reminder of the spring promotion running through the months of October and November. Another great collaboration with a talented woman. 
SPRING PROMOTIONDuring the months of October and November you receive a pair of gorgeous flower and swarovksi crystal drop earring valued at $50 or two bracelets of your choice (6mm semi-precious and/or 6mm swarovski neon bead bracelet with or without tassel valued at $65) by the talented accessories designer SoniaM Designs....If you book yourself in for:
  • spring wardrobe update or 
  • shopping trip, or
  • refer me to someone else or 
  • purchase a gift voucher 
Thankyou to those that have booked in. I have been inundated and doing what I love: styling women to look their best.  


Ciao for now
Gessica X