The Last Black Man in San Francisco

April 30, 2015 in INSPIRATION

I met Joe in San Francisco years ago. He's a really informed creative that doesn't settle-something I've always admired and that continues to inspire me.

His most recent project, "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," just brought me to tears as I was waiting for my iced carmel macchiato at the corner of 13th and U St NW here in DC. I rarely go to Starbucks, but today I woke up in a funk and needed something to remind me of who I was, am and can be. This drink from this place is my comfort food. I grew up in the suburbs.

Joe did not. He grew up in Bernal Heights in the whirl of a city stuck between nostalgia and chaos, culture and convenience. He's a unicorn--a person that grows up in the city and stays to create something meaningful about it.

I think his parents had a huge part of framing his outlook on life, culture and art, but I also think he's gone above and beyond to maintain the ties he made as a kid, when curiosity was the main objective. When art was the foundational layer of life and profit had no meaning.

Produced by Rolla Selbak and writen/directed by Joe, "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," features Jimmie Fails, Joe's childhood friend, who dreams of buying back the home his grandfather built in the Fillmore. This film, to me, demonstrates the power to share a voice, a vision and a city. A city we glorify all over the world, in which only some have the courage and tenacity to create, and few have the talent to capture a unique perspective in an artistic and powerful way. We all know what's going on in cities across America, this film tells one story that is worth being on the silver screen. A small attempt to drown out main-stream sensational media, but a really, really important one.

"Now living in the city’s last, dwindling black neighborhood with his (Jimmie's) oddball best friend, Prentice, they search for belonging in the rapidly changing city that seems to have left them behind." (IndieWire)

Watch their Kickstarter film pitch and the concept teaser below.

Then, Help fund this project!

It's not just about giving money to someone to make a movie, but helping to bring a universal concept to life.

Dolores Del Rio

February 18, 2015 in INSPIRATION

Dolores Del Rio was a Mexican Hollywood star in the 1920s and 30s. Del Rio was in 1905 born in Durango, Mexico and died in 1983 in Newport Beach, California. She was born into a wealthy family, but during the Mexican Revolution her family lost everything and had to relocate to Mexico City. Del Rio married at a young age (16) and had a successful career in both the US and Mexico. Her and her husband moved to Hollywood after meeting director Edwin Carewe at a friend's wedding (Del Rio was dancing a tango). She started out in silent films and successfully transitioned to talkies, unlike many other silent actresses.

She was often mislabeled (purposely) as Spanish and would have to ask to be correctly described as Mexican. At the time her Mexican heritage limited her opportunities for film roles. She was often, if not exclusively, cast in roles overtly ethnic or exotic. She was often cast in ethnicities other than her own, a chameleon of sorts, a blessing and a curse. Hollywood still will cast ethnically ambiguous actors/actresses for a variety of ethnicities even when someone of the actual background is available. Despite being pigeonholed because of her Mexican heritage, she was an international movie star. When she became disenchanted with the Hollywood portrayal of her, she returned to Mexico and continued to have a successful career on the screen and on the stage.

What's most interesting to me about Del Rio, besides her amazing style, beauty, business savvy and charm, is that she was herself despite her status, fame, fortune and the perceptions others placed on her via stereotyping and media hype. She lived an amazing life, with a long career into her 70s. She did not let anything stop her.

I'm really inspired by her quote "Living for me is made of three things: love, travel, and good books or music. Success–it never made me happy. Fame–when I had it most, I was miserable. Money-love costs nothing".

Think about it. This trailblazer had it all and experienced so much of life. Yet what she most valued are things we all can enjoy.

Instead of being concerned about the success, fame and money, I'd rather focus on the love in my life, the travel I get to experience (even the small everyday journeys), the books I can read and the music I can listen to. With the internet, we have insane access to the world. We can talk to anyone anywhere, travel anywhere (if not in person, virtually), read anything we can find and listen to a huge archive of music from the oldest recorded sound to something recorded three seconds ago on the other side of the world. Next time if I find myself thinking about success, fame, or money, or jealous of someone else's, I'm going to come back to this quote. It's a good reminder of what really matters to me!

What really matters to you? Do you think success, fame or money alone can make you happy?

Dolores Del Rio inspired me to create the Del Rio Robe and the name of her 1943 film Flor Silvestre is the inspiration for the name of my Flor Silvestre Collection.

Collected Quotes:

During the days of silent films, Miss Del Rio's face, elegant and expressive, made her one of Hollywood's important actresses and one – Dorothy J. Gaiter, NY Times

“The two most beautiful things in the world are the Taj-Mahal and Dolores del Río.” – George Bernard Shaw

“I tried to interest my producers in stories about Mexico. I was forced to play glamorous characters which I hated.” – Dolores del Rio via Film International

“I didn’t want to be a star anymore. I wanted to be an actress. By 1940, I knew I couldn’t build a satisfying career on glamour, so I came home.” – Dolores del Rio via Film International

“I am not, by nature, melancholy, weepy, sorrowful, languishing, or sweet. I am the girl of What Price Glory? There, for a bit, I could show my real self. I am, by nature, tempestuous, fiery, stormy, eager.” – Dolores del Rio via

“Take care of your inner beauty, your spiritual beauty, and that will reflect in your face. We have the face we created over the years. Every bad deed, every bad fault will show on your face. God can give us beauty and genes can give us our features, but whether that beauty remains or changes is determined by our thoughts and deeds.” – Dolores del Rio

Notable Films:

The Loves of Carmen (1927), What Price Glory? (1927) Ramona (1928), Bird of Paradise (1932), Flying Down to Rio (1933), Madame Du Barry (1934), Wonder Bar (1934), Journey Into Fear (1942). and María Candelaria (1943). See Dolores Del Rio's IMDB page for her full film credits.

Collage Sources:

Love over Fear: A Valentine's Day playlist

February 14, 2015 in INSPIRATION

Just whipped this up on Spotify and wanted to share! It's a playlist of my favorite (love over fear) songs. Inspired by this Taking Risks in Love article in the NYTimes, The Phone Booth and my short career as a flower girl in all my parents' friends' weddings.

Click the image to listen to the Love over Fear playlist

Happy Valentine's Day!

Spread love today and everyday.

xx,

Stephanie

ps PLAY LIST INCLUDES:

Erotic City Prince
Suedehead Morrissey
Some Girls The Rolling Stones
Gypsy Fleetwood Mac
Should I Stay or Should I Go The Clash
Jungle Boogie Cool and the Gang
Last Dance Donna Summer
Get Off of My Cloud The Rolling Stones
Hey Joe Wilson Pickett
Stay Maurice Williams
Bonnie and Clyde Brigitte Bardot + Serge Gainsbourg
Green Onions Booker T and the MGs
I Get Around The Beach Boys
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom Selena
Changes David Bowie
Faith George Michael
Joy and Pain Rob Base
Mr Big Stuff Jean Knight
Proud Mary Tina Turner
Whatcha See is Whatcha Get The Dramatics
I Just Want to Make Love to You Etta James
Should The Isley Brothers
Do You Love Me The Contours
Just One Look Doris Troy
Tell Me Something Good Chaka Khan and Rufus
You May Be Right Billy Joel
The Shoop Shoop Shoop Song Cher
If You Wanna Be Happy Jimmy Soul

pps Here's the last playlist I made: favorite songs of 2013. It's been a while.

Oaxacan Textiles + Arquetopia Residency

February 11, 2015 in INSPIRATION, STYLE

Last year I went to see a film about Oaxacan textiles called Vidas Enretejidas (Woven Lives). It documented contemporary Zapotec weaving in six different villages. It was really amazing to see how fabric is woven into hundreds of different shapes and dyed, naturally and chemically, into a rainbow of colors. The film touched on economic factors changing the way this cultural institution has changed and continues to evolve. I was really interested because I'm always looking for new textiles and would love to collaborate with some Zapotec weavers someday!

Today I saw this post for a Mexican Textile Residency via Arquetopia in Oaxaca. It looks amazing. ~future wishes~

Image sources:

https://livingtextilesofmexico.wordpress.com

http://www.traditionsmexico.com/textildayENG.htm

http://esephoto.com/

http://www.arquetopia.org/

Friends + Strangers: DC music scene update

November 25, 2014 in INSPIRATION

Singing all the way home

Last weekend my friend and I sang all the way home--from Dupont to U street. We belted out our favorite songs while weaving our way through the groups of college students, young professionals, and diplomats that were jumping in cabs or lingering outside of bars. They may or may not have heard us, but we did not care...though we did take some side streets so we could really get into Michael Bublé.

It’s not that it’s the holidays. It’s that when you are really happy you sing. And even though I’m a bit stressed about getting designs done for next season, I’m super happy I’m even trying to do it!

I had forgotten how much I love to sing. I used to sing a lot as a kid, and in the shower, and just around the house...even though I’m not that good at it (my friend did teach me how to harmonize, which isn’t as hard as I thought). I’ve dabbled in a few instruments--violin, guitar, piano, drums, anything I could get my hands on when hanging out with more musically talented friends--but never really stuck with anything. I like to write songs, but haven’t done that in a while either. I think as a creative person music is just something you are drawn to and want to be around. I look forward to visits to my parent’s house so I can dance up some tunes on their piano.

In LA and SF I was more a part of the music scene. Now I get super nostalgic about bands I used to follow and venues I used to frequent. Even in Bilbao I was pretty tuned in. I had the luxury of having musician friends and being tied into the dj scene so I usually knew who was playing where and was often on the list. I’m one of those people that doesn’t remember names of bands or songs so having friends that do is really key for me to actually retain the information.

Well, no more excuses! DC has an amazing music scene and awesome venues. I’ve been to shows mostly due to my sister inviting me (thanks Val!). I’m finally starting to find my favorite spots (probably the 9:30 club, the Black Cat, Rock N’Roll and Babe City) and meet other people that like music, too.

DC music scene update

Hemlines

A while ago my friend told me he was joining a feminist punk band. I was like, uh, okay...but last week I went to see Hemlines at DC nine and they are most certainly a feminist punk band. They totally rock. They’re fresh. They aren’t overstated or under prepared. I was pretty impressed by their raw lyrics, fierce stage presence and punchy bass lines. Yes, their performance will recall every other feminist punk band you’ve seen or heard--but in a good way. I wish I came up with their band name.

listen: https://hemlines.bandcamp.com/ | https://soundcloud.com/hemlines

follow: https://www.facebook.com/hemlinesband

see: Saturday, January 17th at Rock N’ Roll Hotel $12 buy tickets here

The Sea Life

Speaking of Rock N’ Roll...I went to see Beach Fossils a few weeks ago and since my friends were friends with someone in that band we didn’t show up until right before the headliner, which means I totally missed the Sea Life. Fast forward to this weekend when I met the band at another show. I think I met all of them and they are each super sweet, friendly, open and committed to good music making. I’m sad I missed their performance. I feel really rude. I’m trying to make up for it by playing Prozac & Merlot on repeat.

listen: http://thesealife.bandcamp.com/ | https://soundcloud.com/thesealifemusic

follow: https://www.facebook.com/thesealifemusic

see: Thursday, December 4th at The Black Cat $10 buy tickets here

Photography by Girolama Bui — Photography by Girolama Bui

Big Hush

You’re invited by someone you don’t know. On the internet. You go. You bring your own beer. You show up, but don’t know where it is. You remember the map on the invite. Because it’s kind of hidden. You’re supposed to go through the back door. There is no back door. You watch the small crowd in the back yard and wonder how you are supposed to get in. You go into the garage and hope for the best. You open the door and realize that was the back door.

You say hi to strangers. You walk down the stairs. You start swaying in a sea of people and forget to check your phone. You dance. You don’t care that you aren’t in the front, that you can’t see anything, that it’s warm. That you don’t know the name of the band. You’re just in it. It moves you. You’re amongst friends. It sounds like you. You’re a part of it.

That’s kinda what Big Hush sounds like. Or at least, that’s what it feels like.

listen: http://bighush.bandcamp.com/

follow: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BIG-HUSH/261982550578214

see: (I don't know when/where they are playing next...let me know so I can add!)

Extra: some sites to check out

Capital Bop - DC Jazz calendar, Jazz loft series, new music, experimental shows

Showlist DC - DC/VA/MD concert calendar

Are you in DC? What's your favorite venue? Band? Dance party?

create: paper crane garland

November 20, 2014 in INSPIRATION, STYLE, IN THE STUDIO

Ever wonder how to make paper crane garlands?

Last night Analog hosted a Pretty Paper Party with Amina of Handmade Habitat. I was happy to escape the cold dark night for some origami fun in the cozy shop.

It's pretty simple to make paper crane garlands.

Paper Matters

First, find some cool paper. You can create the cranes out of any type of paper. Amina had book pages and maps cut in squares that we could use. I loved the way my cranes came out when I used these pages from a Jane Austen book--nice and vintage looking.

Origami Fun

Second, make the crane. This youtube video will show you how if you don't already know. Nice thing about this video - you can pause if you get lost. We just kept asking Amina what to do next. I didn't really memorize the steps until my fourth crane.

Next, make more cranes! I made about five for my garland.

String it on like popcorn

Now, get some string (I loved this striped white and red one) and thread it with a needle through the center of the crane.

You did it!

And, voila, you have a paper crane garland! Cranes symbolize many things, including longevity, balance, wisdom, and good fortune -- so hang some up in your room if you're into that. I put mine up in my kitchen for no good reason except it looks awesome.

Here's my step-by-step: