Building on Character
It takes a lot to build on something you think you know and then making sure you create a dramatic story. Influenced by real life, art should be thought provoking. Finally establishing a reasonably seamless identity within a movie is also a task that most audiences, if done right, just take for granted.
Having a background in studying the classics has helped me make decisions that actors appreciate. If the story is compelling, then a rich character can have many choices within a wardrobe. It is a thrill and a serious art form that most Producers understand. It also is one of the last to get budgets that substantiate your work. Hence, it is a gift to be able to work with a good script and you have to listen to the collaboration of the rest of your team. Good advice to younger and up and coming costume designers' is to start by making costume design plates. Distort the images of the models because it distracts your reader in showing this. And be willing to merge to the ideas of the Production Designer.
Although, I still think you have to stay strong to your decisions because you are authentically thoughtful in your creative process, skill and education. You must also be willing to intelligently support your ideas for your concepts but stay professional.
PRO FREEDOM
Sorry for the confusion. Here is the thing, since I don't mind making my opinions public in this forum, I do not agree with Congress making decisions on behalf of where we can watch our movies and search that changes our direction towards payed ads from large Entertainment companies such as failing music industry. As an entrepreneur, I made a commitment to help others with my fashion/ film background to serve in businesses of smaller entities.
We all have to stand for something. If not, then we all fail, and should just consider ourselves slaves to the man. This is not Denmark. We are not living in a socialist society where the govt' provides us with our necessities but don't have a say as to what we can and cannot do.
Our forefathers came here to follow their dreams and start a new system. Yet the system doesn't work if we all sit back and don't do anything. Have we become a lazy community? Yes.
Its part of the problem as to why boutiques carrying local designers are suffering, thus closing their doors in growing in numbers. I remember a time in NYC when you could rely on Independent feature films to have a place in the market place, thus producing great art. Meanwhile, 20 years later, and whether its a recent Director graduating drom Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, or Columbia University or the smart fashion driven person that wants to offer her interpretation of style to an audience, these people are cash strapped. They aren't going to get loans from a bank. So, unless they were born with deep pockets, most of them do not come from the elite. The ones that can afford to produce fashion and entertainment are not the people that the rest of us identity with. People, you ALL need to get involved and get with the program. Don't sit around waiting for someone to do vote on your behalf. Because it will for sure effect you sooner rather than later ( like next week ).
Freedom is at stake here. Major companies/ group, its marketers, advertisers along its many arms of entertainment properties are swallowing up enough mom and pop shops all over the country. And now this. So, if you don't put forth your support, freedom, which is the very fabric of our country, will be lost forever.
Don't click pirated movie sites, and don't waist our time in saying freedom is someone else's problem...because it all comes with a price.
Public policy / Politics and privatization of businesses aren't someone else's issues, it is yours.
Vintage Future Bloggers or Writers
The obvious obsession of those that are nostalgic of a time when writers had printing presses, deadlines that meant something and penmanship authenticated signatures, was evident at the recent blogger 
station inside PROJECT SHOW ( a trade only retail buyers/ influence-r showcase). The black walls and
signage created a mood within the environment that we had been transplanted back to North Dakota circa 1857. Everybody including the designers reinvented the plaid shirt / farmer look. Complete with fuzzy overgrown beards, eek, I thought I was in Nebraska during the Gold Rush. I appreciate the fact that writers can wear anything because they no longer have to show up at an office wearing a tie and suit. Its as easy to work from home as all they have to do is get out of bed, walk to their desks and click. Instantly an article is uploaded through an FTP. This is a significant difference from the old days. Now, our behavior changes news delivery, but it also makes the art vulnerable. Not to get too radical here but today we are being scrutinized by a bill called PIPA/ SOPA, which the government is trying to censor what we write online. As part of the online technology business here in New York, I find it difficult to believe it makes audiences safe. Hence, the bill suggests we should be a more responsible community. Whatevs! I believe that artists, such as bloggers at PROJECT, are influenced by the original writers' choices. Well, at least through their style. I think they all long for a time when writing was actually done with a utility other than a computer screen. They are making an effort to bring back those days when people rode horses through the new frontier in search of freedom. Channeling the western industrial revolution, I actually saw creative settings for bloggers and buyers to congregate.
The displays were cool too:
Clearly, vintage fashion for men is being set by those bloggers/ writers that embrace the era of bourbon, jeans, flannel, Native American Art, paper, potatoes and freedom.
station inside PROJECT SHOW ( a trade only retail buyers/ influence-r showcase). The black walls and
signage created a mood within the environment that we had been transplanted back to North Dakota circa 1857. Everybody including the designers reinvented the plaid shirt / farmer look. Complete with fuzzy overgrown beards, eek, I thought I was in Nebraska during the Gold Rush. I appreciate the fact that writers can wear anything because they no longer have to show up at an office wearing a tie and suit. Its as easy to work from home as all they have to do is get out of bed, walk to their desks and click. Instantly an article is uploaded through an FTP. This is a significant difference from the old days. Now, our behavior changes news delivery, but it also makes the art vulnerable. Not to get too radical here but today we are being scrutinized by a bill called PIPA/ SOPA, which the government is trying to censor what we write online. As part of the online technology business here in New York, I find it difficult to believe it makes audiences safe. Hence, the bill suggests we should be a more responsible community. Whatevs! I believe that artists, such as bloggers at PROJECT, are influenced by the original writers' choices. Well, at least through their style. I think they all long for a time when writing was actually done with a utility other than a computer screen. They are making an effort to bring back those days when people rode horses through the new frontier in search of freedom. Channeling the western industrial revolution, I actually saw creative settings for bloggers and buyers to congregate. The displays were cool too:
Clearly, vintage fashion for men is being set by those bloggers/ writers that embrace the era of bourbon, jeans, flannel, Native American Art, paper, potatoes and freedom.
Celebrate Seasons with American Customs
It is once again another season for fashion buyers and sellers to come together. Ending the last three days of fashion retailers to purchase trends that will hit your boutiques and online shops is Fashion Weeks trade shows open for late deliveries. I pounded the halls at the Piers in Manhattan and heading out to the small but incredibly inspiring D&A show which showcases independent designers. We found several trends that are going to be big. Trending is not all that important but this is one that is everlasting. As much among our customs to spread around the world, the American made and crafted staple is a pair of jeans. Denim is important. But more to the point, the best jeans fit just right to your bum, regardless of your individual style. To refocus this, is none other than premium denim designer Joes Jeans. His team always cares about all of our figures which is why they offer selections that come in all shapes and sizes. Joe's Jeans have several surprises coming March. Urica, they did a great job of designing the must have wild floral prints typically reserved for carpets. My youth comes to mind in my 321 days ( a flashback for me of a time when I strutted my Creepers and New Romantic look at the famous Santa Monica nightclub ) but I am still going to purchase them.
Fashion is an art form. And as it always evolves, this time is no different. Though the eighties were a fantasy gone wild with the influence of blasting through the walls of Berlin and allowing the world freedom of expression, the modern people expected change from the radical 60s and 70s. I can see the same things happening now politically and respectfully-globally. I see that ques from that particular epoch have changes in stores as well. In many ways, fashion is being defined by the movements we are experiencing in today's technological advancements. Prints that couldn't have possibly been done before are now realized through the age of computers as we are reinventing manufactured textiles. Very much so, now we see floral prints that look close to the real thing. The Native American all block colors and Maya calendar are appearing to show on just about every accessory you can imagine. Not that you would like a weaved multicolored sandal, but than again, you have options more than ever. Neon colors done appropriately with neutrals should replace reds and purples as your pop color.
To manage our heavy screens and beauty products, we can either carry heavy totes or travel light with the coolest fashion accessory I saw at the ENK's Intermezzo and Accessories Circuit. Today I carry my own bags but tomorrow, I plan to carry light weight and pretty bags by Clava. A lovely interpretation of the Chanel styled hard ware and quilted leather done with a nylon synthetic. A luster shines both from the fabric and the metals.
Not seen yet, I predict shall become a staple for Fall, is Crushed Stretched Velvet dresses for the romanticism inside us all. It is a powerful time to feel luxurious without spending. A great travel item and goes from day to night without so much as purchasing several dresses. I haven't seen this played out yet, but it will. Trending can come from a variety of influences and this was just one idea I picked up on from the movie The Artist.
A Broken Dream builds a better Entrepreneur
Cheering in the New Year makes one remember to not look back, forgive and forget. I took a chance in the New Year to make a resolution list. It works if you commit. Last year I made one...alas, it has happened. It took the last 10 months to see that resolution through. Wanting to love the work you do, not for yourself but for the universe. As is the case, if you hate something, chances are, you are looking at the mirror image of your inner beliefs. So as not to be so preachy... I am just sharing one valuable lesson. This, from a lady that has been fortunate to live a dream but to admit mistakes as blessings of the past.
I spent an entire career working towards helping others tell their story through design, integrated marketing and entertainment. While it is true that at times, everybody gets handed difficulty and even have to work with people you are not their biggest fans, and sometimes you have awful clients. It is a huge relief when you no longer rely on a crutch such as a job. It is the lesson of learning that building confidence comes from making the best choices for yourself. It makes you and your entrepreneurial aspirations so much more worth living for and in deserving of successes.
For more than a decade, I am honored to say that I have been a Costume Designer for motion pictures and television shows. That, along with Fashion Styling countless of print editorials and commercials kept me super busy. I had to constantly go after new projects, clients and get hired over and over. In a sense, it was entrepreneurial, because you have to re-invent all the time and its an exciting life to work 12 hours on a set with celebrities. So, why would I decide to change course? Because it was the natural extension of my desire to ALWAYS be better than I am already.
For the next few years, I learned what having a real job was like. In having to clock in and out at Chula Jeans Couture, and Jordache, I pursued becoming a Fashion Designer. I did it because I was embarking on a dream of some day waking up to owning my very own fashion collection. Then in 2006 I realized that dream. I sold Mildred Brignoni Denim to boutiques in New York and South Korea. My potential did not reach its best yet. Sadly I failed in my first Entrepreneurial endeavor due to a combination of a saturated denim market, overseas manufacturing costs, the wretched NAFTA agreements and bullying from business partners..Though, I reflect on this with a sigh of relief today, I didn't stop pushing the boundaries of my capabilities.
I didn't limit myself because of lack of a formal MBA ( Although those three letters from Columbia or UCLA would be nice ), I turned to my skills that would secure another position and which I knew innately fit a companies needs. I became the VP of Business Development and Marketing for several Start up Technology, Film / TV businesses and Fashion companies. Because of my background in fashion, and entertainment, I stewarded partnerships while learned valuable assets such as metrics, best practices for digital advertising and content production. For a time, I worked for others, yet always leaned on my creative thinking to bridge need, desire, demand and solution. Hence, I have been rewarded through opportunities set in motion today.
Always learning to recover, I constantly utilize the value in my vast experiences and finally embrace my love of creativity. I have confidence that good decisions leads to fulfillment. With the support of truly great mentors and friends, I brought several businesses to the next level and helped monetize my own practice in design, digital advertising, social media and now my next project - Digishon.com.
I am constantly asked what do I do? I think the answer is clear today. I am an Entrepreneur. I am a woman embracing my left and right brain. And, while I am still Costume Designing motion pictures and television shows. Also, I Executive Produce if the story is worthy of my assistance. I help in distribution of content. Of course I haven't stopped thinking about building another fashion line of accessories. Except this time, it will say made in USA.
I think to discriminate against my own skills and let them lay dormant would be failing. I am always reminding myself that there is no guaranteeing I will make lots of money. But one thing is certain and that is it will bring me joy and happiness. My mission now has 7 wishes, and although I have recovered from turbulent proposals and failed visions, I rejoiced the days set free.
Holiday Bright Eyes
Most of the professional parties are almost over, but for the art and design industry, this just means, you put your best face on throughout the rest of the year. Although, many of us loose color in our cheeks, and lips. Whats worse, your eyes start to turn red and slightly close. For those of us that still have to entertain, and have a handful of parties yet to attend, burning the midnight oil morning through night can make your appearance look even worse. I do have a suggestion for us all during the Holiday season to help in preserving ourselves. I am no beauty expert but I do recommend Youngblood's Eye-Illuminating Duo pencil. It acts like an eye whitener by popping the whites when applied under the lids and eye shimmer for brow. Why would you listen to me? Because lets face it, anything is a good idea since we haven't even gotten to New Years Eve yet. I merely offer my opinion in this area because baking my skin doesn't feel good but I have found a remedy that seems to work for me. 
Zen blogger or pushing advertising online - changing the landscape of professional and educated opinion
As an 18 year veteran of fashion and entertainment style and design, I consider myself a purveyor of good ideas. Ever ask why am reading this blog?
Reading lots of fashion stylist's online opinions, makes one very tired of hearing silly stories about how they pair a nice jean with kitten heels, blah blah. Although, sometimes I discover what is relevant while spending time online to see what women shoppers want. Audiences naturally want to stay on sites that speaks to their problems directly. The author wants to sell a few clicks on an ad from their affiliate partners, but lets not kid ourselves. Is that unfair? I don't hate advertisements if done properly. If we stay away from advertisers, we will never be excited through clever little hidden creatives. Plus, all would be lost to rants and bored with each others' sites. A blogger offers an educated and selective opinion, if done right. Everything is relative. Sadly, though professional writers and marketers are being forced out of their cushy publishing jobs by the ever increasing home blogger. At a recent event for mobile marketers, Gary Schwartz and Joe Carvelli spoke in depth about the information we receive is being driven harder by pocket size hand held platforms vs. laptops. Joe hammered in the idea that the Kindle Fire is unstoppable. The elegant publisher of Gary's book by Simon and Schuster's emphasized that they are at the mercy of Amazon because though yes, you can easily buy your books through Amazon ( the Kindle Fire ), the publisher also has to compete. They have to sell books to stay alive. To make matters worse, agents are not backing down at monetizing their content either. Back in the day, I served as an Executive Assistant to a top Literary Agent at ICM. Back then, I held a highly coveted position of making sure no one got through to my boss unless screened and discerned as top priority. This would have made some freak out, but the importance of her time changed my perspective of the entertainment/ publishing business. I worked the desk of the one and only Dianne Fraser, a successful Television Business leader. I learned from her to curate the work you do. Because of her, the talented writers were published and got to executive produce work we all saw on television. She lent her selective eye to works she believed made them invaluable. Now, ICM could not survive without trying to sell their own work. So, they have gone from Agents to Publishers/ Producers of content. This serves as a lesson to future bloggers, because while I don't personally drive messages I don't believe to be useful, I am commenting on the state of everything we use to shop, entertain and technology that changes the landscape of cool. I, as you, watch what others are doing to be inspired by not trying to compete with experts in industries. However, believing this is a free market, if I offer businesses as an extension to making ones' lives enriched, than I have hopefully been given the gift of spreading the word. Publishers spend a lot of time, nurturing a writer and editing the crap out of bad assumptions they make. They also anticipate a level of readers interests. While, its true, we all can get a blog going, if you are a professional artist, of some sort, offer your clients something they wouldn't expect from you. And, let the professional writers do their job and vet the bad from the good. They value the worth of an authors ability to contribute to us all, not because of their subjective opinions, but because of their education in the history of all writers before them, to hopefully, offer thought provoking and intelligent works of art.
To all my fellow artists, designers and future online bloggers, I propose, ask yourself what makes you uniquely qualified to share in a public forum? Be conscious of your audiences needs, interests and more importantly, are you offering a value or just trying to sell something? Naturally, if you are in business, you must have something to share, so don't be afraid to share your knowledge, not just pimp out other advertising for the sake of monetizing. We all have a voice, but lets no over-share.
Reading lots of fashion stylist's online opinions, makes one very tired of hearing silly stories about how they pair a nice jean with kitten heels, blah blah. Although, sometimes I discover what is relevant while spending time online to see what women shoppers want. Audiences naturally want to stay on sites that speaks to their problems directly. The author wants to sell a few clicks on an ad from their affiliate partners, but lets not kid ourselves. Is that unfair? I don't hate advertisements if done properly. If we stay away from advertisers, we will never be excited through clever little hidden creatives. Plus, all would be lost to rants and bored with each others' sites. A blogger offers an educated and selective opinion, if done right. Everything is relative. Sadly, though professional writers and marketers are being forced out of their cushy publishing jobs by the ever increasing home blogger. At a recent event for mobile marketers, Gary Schwartz and Joe Carvelli spoke in depth about the information we receive is being driven harder by pocket size hand held platforms vs. laptops. Joe hammered in the idea that the Kindle Fire is unstoppable. The elegant publisher of Gary's book by Simon and Schuster's emphasized that they are at the mercy of Amazon because though yes, you can easily buy your books through Amazon ( the Kindle Fire ), the publisher also has to compete. They have to sell books to stay alive. To make matters worse, agents are not backing down at monetizing their content either. Back in the day, I served as an Executive Assistant to a top Literary Agent at ICM. Back then, I held a highly coveted position of making sure no one got through to my boss unless screened and discerned as top priority. This would have made some freak out, but the importance of her time changed my perspective of the entertainment/ publishing business. I worked the desk of the one and only Dianne Fraser, a successful Television Business leader. I learned from her to curate the work you do. Because of her, the talented writers were published and got to executive produce work we all saw on television. She lent her selective eye to works she believed made them invaluable. Now, ICM could not survive without trying to sell their own work. So, they have gone from Agents to Publishers/ Producers of content. This serves as a lesson to future bloggers, because while I don't personally drive messages I don't believe to be useful, I am commenting on the state of everything we use to shop, entertain and technology that changes the landscape of cool. I, as you, watch what others are doing to be inspired by not trying to compete with experts in industries. However, believing this is a free market, if I offer businesses as an extension to making ones' lives enriched, than I have hopefully been given the gift of spreading the word. Publishers spend a lot of time, nurturing a writer and editing the crap out of bad assumptions they make. They also anticipate a level of readers interests. While, its true, we all can get a blog going, if you are a professional artist, of some sort, offer your clients something they wouldn't expect from you. And, let the professional writers do their job and vet the bad from the good. They value the worth of an authors ability to contribute to us all, not because of their subjective opinions, but because of their education in the history of all writers before them, to hopefully, offer thought provoking and intelligent works of art.
To all my fellow artists, designers and future online bloggers, I propose, ask yourself what makes you uniquely qualified to share in a public forum? Be conscious of your audiences needs, interests and more importantly, are you offering a value or just trying to sell something? Naturally, if you are in business, you must have something to share, so don't be afraid to share your knowledge, not just pimp out other advertising for the sake of monetizing. We all have a voice, but lets no over-share.
Holiday Gifts for cheap
Times are tuff for everybody. If you don't know what gifts to purchase for your people, I suggest these comfy and fun rubber soled moccasins designed by Dearfoams. These are great because they are functional. Not only are they warm, but they are good to weather the outdoors as you walk your dog in the blistering cold. They wear well and have a variety of styles to choose from for the men and women in your lives. Or you can go for a coffee table book.
Hal Rubenstein's new 100 Unforgettable Dresses makes a really nice option. If you aren't familiar with him, he is the Fashion Director of Instyle.com and Instyle magaines. Joe's Jeans held Hal's book signing last night and I was reminded that luxury doesn't have to be expensive. Both are under $40 dollars and lasting value add. But of course if you have the bucks, by all means, a nice pair of denim bottoms from Made in the USA - LA Brand Joe's Jeans, makes anyone happy. They offered a vast selection of colors and styles. Back to your gift giving, choose any of them and remember it is thoughtful.
In the Spirit of Champagne
Oh My Veuve, it was rainy on December 7th! Maybe the best way to get your hustle on is hitting a book signing to drink the bubbly.
That powerful little tingle in the tongue really puts me in the mood to shop and eat delicate finger nibbles that pop in your mouth! And, it provides a soothing reminder that the end of the year is near ( which makes me happy to celebrate ). The bottle I prefer to purchase comes in an egg yolk colored label. That to me, is a pretty good reason to trek onto the 57 street Press Party location. What was on the menu? Veuve Clicquot of course. Plus it is my favorite champagne to celebrate another Birthday and "The Seasons of Veuve Clicquot", penned by Stephane Gerschel. It was dual strategy. First, it was a stop at the book signing to indulge myself while getting to chat to the special French Communication Director of the brand at the Rizzoli bookstore. Second, I needed a clearing of my palette to top off the night. It is the effervescence that champagne provides in every drop, thus, making every drink especially tantalizing . Stephane was a natural fit to write a cookbook for the luxury brand. The variety of inspirations he discusses encompasses his favorite foods, events and drink of choice. He also mentioned that the color of the label was designed to match the color of egg yolks by the founders/ creators which continues to work decades later.
Great taste and style are perfectly paired with great wine! The Art of Reading, and creating feels much better with this delicious tasting companion. It never gets old and it never goes out of style because everybody loves bubbles. Bon Apetite!!
That powerful little tingle in the tongue really puts me in the mood to shop and eat delicate finger nibbles that pop in your mouth! And, it provides a soothing reminder that the end of the year is near ( which makes me happy to celebrate ). The bottle I prefer to purchase comes in an egg yolk colored label. That to me, is a pretty good reason to trek onto the 57 street Press Party location. What was on the menu? Veuve Clicquot of course. Plus it is my favorite champagne to celebrate another Birthday and "The Seasons of Veuve Clicquot", penned by Stephane Gerschel. It was dual strategy. First, it was a stop at the book signing to indulge myself while getting to chat to the special French Communication Director of the brand at the Rizzoli bookstore. Second, I needed a clearing of my palette to top off the night. It is the effervescence that champagne provides in every drop, thus, making every drink especially tantalizing . Stephane was a natural fit to write a cookbook for the luxury brand. The variety of inspirations he discusses encompasses his favorite foods, events and drink of choice. He also mentioned that the color of the label was designed to match the color of egg yolks by the founders/ creators which continues to work decades later.
Great taste and style are perfectly paired with great wine! The Art of Reading, and creating feels much better with this delicious tasting companion. It never gets old and it never goes out of style because everybody loves bubbles. Bon Apetite!!
Everyday is an inspiration - Artist impressionism
The quote of my day is "Everyday is an inspiration" . Having just read the self help book: Every day is a Friday, by Joel Osteen, I found it useful to look at fine artists that painted the changing tides of their times. In organizing a set of tasks successfully, thus, proving useful in the eyes of my peers, it is important for me to gather a collection of my dreams and thoughts in studying one image. This is a painting I found in my college years: The beautiful impressionist painting by John Williams Waterhouse, for me epitomizes gearing up for what may come ahead that day. I see many translations for this picture. Ironically, though the painting was created in the late 19 century, it its clear to me, she ponders her next move. And, her drink could be for morning cup of coffee or afternoon wine. Either way, it helps to look at this before I embark on the world ahead:
Appropriately, Mr.Waterhouse entitled this work " Destiny".
Tonight, I will be attending the Holiday House event to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. I hope you may do something as important to the causes that matter to you most after you are through your accounting, coding or anything you have in store over the lovely weekend ahead
Appropriately, Mr.Waterhouse entitled this work " Destiny".Tonight, I will be attending the Holiday House event to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. I hope you may do something as important to the causes that matter to you most after you are through your accounting, coding or anything you have in store over the lovely weekend ahead
BLOG.MILDREDBRIGNONI.COM
