Surrealist Photographer David LaChapelle

Once called the 'Fellini of photography', American David LaChapelle is a reknowned photographer and director who works in the fields of fashion, advertising, film and fine art photography. His style is a clever blend of pop and surrealism. The humour, bold colours, giant sets, glitz and glamour, freaks, soft pornography, crazy costumes, religious connotations, famous people......these are all trademarks of the photographer who likes to shock! 

Elton John

He is recognised for his surreal and sexualized style, working with a myriad of famous people, photographing them in quite often compromising poses and settings. His work has been described as surrealist, grotesque, shocking and ironic. Yet you can't argue the fact that his work is strong and individualistic sending strong political, religious and social messages whilst still maintaining humour!  Looking at any of his images long enough (especially in the later years), many complex stories emerge about human nature, materialism,consumption and environment. I have several of his books....he is not new on the scene ( he has been photographing for over 20 years) and many of you may know him. His film RIZE released in 2005, a documentary on the dance movements " clowning" and  "krumping" formed in the poorer areas of LA.........I just loved.  

Although he has published a series of interesting books and some are quite controversial, in this post, I'll stick to the lighter side with his depictions of famous people. Please go to his website here to know more about him and his works. And click here to view many images of his work. I am sure some may shock you and some make you laugh. Enjoy........

When he photographs celebrities, he like to exaggerate aspects of their personalities and their personal lives which you will see in all these images. 

Madonna

Alicia Keyes

Michael Jackson

Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow    

Lady Gaga

David Bowie

Vanderbeek

Tupac Shakur

To some extent, LaChapelle is considered an outsider in the art world and in the world of commercial photography alike. As a visionary, he tends to add subversive ideas and unusual aspects to the marketed product with the use of bright colours and props, making his work easily recognisable.

Some other Images from his books and Exhibitions.

Now, David LaChapelle's work is more likely to be seen in galleries and books rather than magazines. He has left a huge impact on the world of controversial photography. You either love him or hate him.....there is no middle ground.

.......and finally the man himself working on set.

To see more  of David LaChapelle's work, go this website Artsy

Enjoy

Gessica

You are not a carbon copy....stand out and shine.

Corporate Fashion Styling by Gessica

Melbourne, Barcelona, Dubai, Milan, Sydney

From this……

To this…..

You’re not a carbon copy. Stand out. Let me show you how to shine.

                     

Having a strong, authentic personal and professional brand is imperative for success and important for building influence and reach.

                       

That means embodying your brand on every level including how you dress.

Achieving that has little to do with chance. Just like your career you need to consciously develop a polished, professional style that sends the right message about your worth.

As author and connected brand expert Trevor Young says, be “conscious of how you want others to perceive your brand… and ensure that perception is consistent across all touchpoints.”

With spring in the southern hemisphere this is a perfect time to jazz up your existing wardrobe and turn something like this classy and simple dress into an individual style statement.

Dressing well at work is a professional investment that lifts your company image, self worth and confidence.

Book me in for a

•  One-hour express workshop – gather a group of colleagues during lunch and I will show you how to turn core, classic pieces into statements that ooze confidence and power. (A longer after work session of two hours is also available).

• Two-hour personal styling session – I work with you one-on-one in your home to sort through the good, the bad and the ugly, show you new ways to pull together what you’ve got and transform it by choosing the right accessories, highlight colours and accents.  

Workshop Highlights

• What's appropriate - and not- at work - the right lengths, sizes, prints and colours
• Making the most of what you've got - versatile looks for every day at work
• Confidence dressing for important meetings
• Stylish looks that transform from work to social events
• Dressing for your body shape and personality
• Accessories, hair and make- up

If you want to see more great ways to jazz up your corporate wardrobe see my post here

Contact: stylebygessica@gmail.com

About Me

Gessica Marmotta is a personal fashion consultant who has worked around the world including Barcelona, Dubai, Milan and Sydney with professionals to develop their corporate style and professional brand. She blogs at  stylebygessica  ObsessionsByGessica.

Incorporating Art into your wardrobe

I have always believed 'Fashion is Art', particularly when you think of the likes of Alexander McQueen, Vivian Westwood, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier and many more. There has been a different fashion movement going on the last couple years where the reverse has been true and Art has inspired Fashion. The designs of Frida Khalo, Picasso, Miro and eras such as Modernist, Baroque, Renaissance to name a few has been popping up on the runways.

Although I don't follow trends as I keep saying, I am finding this movement interesting and refreshing. There are intelligent and cultural complexities in the design of art in fashion.

  

I decided to write this post on 'Cubism' used in fashion and the use of block colours. This artistic movement was formed by Picasso and Braque and was inspired by 3D shape design and predominately primary colours. For me It is more about the influences of that art era using objects that are torn and reshaped in an abstract manner, symbolising that era rather than actual graphic prints of their art on fabric. Below is my interpretation of 'cubism fashion' and how it can be incorporated easily into your wardrobe, especially the work arena, hence adding to my post 'working it'  where I discussed jazzing up your work wardrobe. 
Many of the designs are flattering due to positioning of the shapes and colours.
I could have kept going and placed many more examples but there are too many wonderful Cubist inspired frocks out there to mention. But by all means, ask me for more tips if you like!!

Dresses, skirts, Pants

Colour blocked pants are a great alternative to plain pants...flattering due to the vertical panels generally placed on the sides. 

The abstract patterns with contrasting colours are very flattering especially if the detail  is around the stomach as it is distracting to the eye. Gorgeous coats in primary colours teamed with bright coloured pants are a bold corporate look.

These are great dresses for the corporate world. Notice again how the shapes are positioned around the tummy area. In my view these dresses have the slimming effect. Jackets can easily be added. Accessorise as I always say to do, this makes the look more interesting.... and even better add a graphic bag. 

A-Line and shift dresses can be pretty and feminine. Add bold colours with accessories and shoes. Go a little wild with handbags.  No matchy-matchy. 

The graphic dress: The asymmetrical design of the dress along with all the varied patterns on  make this style of dress a statement.  Tee it up with boots or nice heels and some pretty earrings.  

Cubist inspired skirts worn with sharp lined jackets. These three diverse styles can be worn with open toe shoes in the summer or boots/closed in shoes for winter. As you can see shapes and colours are mixed carefully making them interesting. 

Black and White

It is not all about bold colour with Cubist style. Sharp, hard edges in black and white...always very smart: sexy tuxedo jackets, wrap coats and dresses. There again is the 'slimming' dress with the black panels running horizontally down the sides giving you the illusion of a trim waist line. Chic looks for both the work and social areas. 

Night Time Glamour

Beautiful maxi dresses with sharp colour contrast are a wonderful change for the night time affair. 

Long Shift dresses with bold patterns are a real statement. Be daring and go for colour, and wear the dresses with equally colourful shoes and pretty handbags. 

Elegant and simple cut dresses with sharp lines are a proven formula. A dress like this is flattering with both horizontal and vertical lines blending. Wear it as a gorgeous cocktail dress with a sharp edged handbag or soften the look with multi-beaded one. There is no right or wrong with this.

I don't know about you, but I love this movement and know that if offers so much creative scope in your wardrobe. 

 If you'd like further help in incorporating this look in your wardrobe or for any styling consultations contact me via my email stylebygessica@gmail.com

Underwater Glamour

Fashion + photography + Underwater = Breathtaking Art 

Underwater fashion photography has been popular for years now. This unique style ranges from magazine editorials that show models gracefully submerged under water fully clothed in haute couture, some even in home decor settings (like photo above), to underwater fairytale creative shoots for books and personal family albums as you will see below. Although I had seen over the years some underwater fashion photographs, they didn't capture my attention as much as now. Maybe it's the calmness and elegance of these images that resonate with me now in this super busy world we live in. Either way you can't deny that these photos are anything but beautiful art. The collaboration of skilled photographers, makeup artists, choreographers, graceful models, glamorous fashion and 'water' is simply beautiful. I want to be a part of it.....just like a mermaid.

Clearly it is more complicated to photograph underwater than on land. To understand the world of underworld photography click on fashion photographer Aaron Wong  as he writes on the subject and gives you tips on how to do it. Personally, I'll leave it to the professionals...the fun for me would be dressing in a Dior gliding through the water. Oh dear! I wonder what happens to the wet garments?

Aaron Wong Photography

One of the most famous underwater photographers is Bahrain born/London raised Zena Holloway. Her images below leave me speechless. Click on her name to view more images of her work. 

Family albums: Yes kids and pets too are also stars under the water

And then there is 'funk' underwater art.......love it. 

It all looks like many hours of fun...and hard work. 

See you soon Gess X