Men are notoriously hard to shop for so here are some ideas for your adventuresome brother who also likes the finer things in life. 

As we get closer to the Giving Season it sometimes gets harder to figure out what to get people, all the ideas that I had back in the summer seem to fly out the window or not be in season any more. I always see things through out the year that I think my mom will like so I try to buy for her year round, that way when her birthday or christmas comes around I am prepared. In case you don’t do that however, here are some ideas for the mom who loves board games and Paris. 

It’s that time of year again, I’m drinking hot chocolate and listening to some Frank Sinatra. While some folks are already done with their Holiday shopping, I’m just starting. Here are some ideas for the outdoorsy sister (or best friend) that doesn’t mind a little pampering every now and then. 

The new Theater Dictionary aims to demystify and share the language of theater through a combination of blog essay and video posts. And keeps the discussion going by asking for help with entries from theaters all over the US and those visiting the site. They already have quite a few entries up and I can’t wait to see what else they add. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Mr. Valentino at work in the NYCB Costume shop alongside his longtime business partner Giancarlo Giammetti and NYCB Director of Costumes Marc Happel. Photo provided by NYCB.

As many know Mr. Valentino has retired from the fashion industry but apparently he was not done creating his beautiful feminine silhouettes. In an article from the Huffington Post Valentino is quoted as saying ”I stopped because in the `fashion world,’ I had done almost everything, and fashion was taking a direction I didn’t like, … This is a new life for me, and it’s been a very beautiful experience.”

For those of us that can’t make the Gala tonight the NYCB has been kind enough to share some photos of his work. You can also follow the events via the NYCB twitter feed. Enjoy!

A close-up look at a bodice. All sewn by hand! Photo by NYCB

Warm Ups in Rehearsal Skirts. Photo by the NYCB.

Detailing on a Valentino Costume. Photo by NYCB

Principal Dancer Janie Taylor in her Valentino Gown. Photo by NYCB.

Principal Dancer Wendy Whelan in her Valentino Gown. Photo by NYCB

In the theater, many costume designs tend to be based on historical fashions, in which case having a through knowledge of period, cuts, and fabrics can only enhance a costume designer’s work. For this information you need not look further than your local museum or library. Other shows however require a more futuristic take on the world, in which case certain designers such as Alexander Wang are wonderful to look to for inspiring garments.

Alexander Wang Spring 2012 – Image Provided by The NYTimes

Spring 2012 NY- Image Provided By the NYTimes

Spring 2021 NY – Image Provided by the NYTimes

And sometimes fashion is playful and inventive in a way that is throughly in line with the theater world.  In this case it’s can be helpful to look to fashion for ideas in shape, color and cut that might inspire the next design.

Meadham Kirchhoff Spring 2013

Peter Pilotto Spring 2013

As a designer I am always trying to look for inspiration  in new places. Fashion week is a wealth of color, style and shape and I can’t wait to see what else London and Paris have to offer this year.

For more information click the link here or watch the video below. To vote for Punchdrunk to present at SXSW click here.