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http://artlifeandstilettos.onsugar.com

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Couture Undressed

VMagazine offers a close-up of body conscious Fall 2009 Haute Couture collections.

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Michael Jackson Interview with Andy Warhol, Bob Colacello and Pharrell

These interviews have been reposted from the Interview Magazine website

Michael JACKSON

By ANDY WARHOL, BOB COLACELLO, PHARRELL WILLIAMS

1982

In August of 1982, Interview’s executive editor, Bob Colacello, interviewed Michael Jackson, then 23, at the condominium in the San Fernando Valley that the singer was renting with his family while their house nearby was being redecorated. (Andy Warhol called from New York midway through their conversation.) Jackson, of course, was already famous for his work with his brothers in the Jackson Five, but his first adult solo album, Off the Wall (1979), released three years earlier, had made him a star in his own right. When this interview took place, he was at work on a storybook companion record for the Steven Spielberg film E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)—hence the E.T. references—and was fielding an array of film-role offers. He was also finishing up recording Thriller (1982), which would go on to become the best-selling album of all time. The following is an excerpt from their interview as it originally appeared as the cover story of the October 1982 issue.

Click for the full excerpt...

Here Kitty Kitty, want to play?

This beautiful promo ad for MAC Cosmetics Hello Kitty! collection was released almost a year ago, but is worth looking at again. Director Floria Sigismondi always creates fantastic worlds in her music videos. I just love the Alice in Wonderland theme.

What's Opera Doc?

The best Bunny-sode ever.  I knew my love of opera came from somewhere meaningful.

One of these things is a lot like the other...

When I sam the album artwork for Rihanna's new CD Rated R, I was instantly reminded of the album artwork for Duran Duran's Rio, and clippings of artist Leigh Bowery.  It isn't difficult to see that nothing "new" is ever really fresh.  Boys and Girls have been ricking the androgynous Glam look for decades.  Here's a brief look back:

Rihanna Rated R (2009)    

Adam Lambert For Your Entertainment (2009)

Debbie Harry Rockbird (1986) - David Bowie Aladdin Sane (1973)

Leigh Bowery (1987) - Boy George (1983)

The Stephen Sprouse Book (2009)

Anna Piaggi (2007)        Lindsay Lohan (2009)

Leigh Bowery

Lady Gaga, Are you more Loveable Now...Or Then?

There is little bad to say about Lady Gaga.  She's brilliant, both artistically and musically. Yes, she can sing.  Yes, she can compose.  Yes, she's beautiful.   Yes, she's a brunette.  Don't believe me? Here she is performing in a talent competition at NYU in 2006.  

Do You Question the Value of Celebrity? Do You Love Beauty?

Julianne Moore as Ingres's 'Grand Odalisque', New York City, by Michael Thompson, 2000, publ. April 2000. Michael Thompson. © 2000 Michael Thompson.

If you haven't yet visited Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913 - 2008, please make the effort to take in this fabulous exhibit. The recent celebrity portraits are obviously a huge draw, but the real jewels are the photos taken during the first half of the twentieth century. It is incredible how creative and inspired these photographers were considering their limited technological resources. This exhibit will give you a new appreciation for portrait photography.

Even more exiting is the accompanying 'Question of Celebrity' film series going on tonight. Two films will be screened. Choose one, or stay for both! The first is a documentary on photographer Annie Liebovitz entitled "Life Through a Lens." The second film is one that I have seen. "Valentino: The Last Emperor" is an amazing behind the scenes look at the creation of Valentino's final Haute Couture collection, and the retrospective exhibit that was produced in his honour. You will not want to miss it. The preview below is a hilarious insight into his personality..."I love beauty, it's not my fault."

Screening Information: Monday November 23, 2009: 7pm Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens (2006) Annie Leibovitz, chief photographer for Vanity Fair magazine, has produced some of the most iconic images of the last 30 years. Director Barbara Leibovitz reveals her sister’s artistic process and personal journey. (82 minutes) 9pm Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) Director Matt Tyrnauer takes an intimate look at the world of high fashion through the relationship of designer Valentino and his longtime business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. (96 minutes) both films are playing at the Royal Ontario Museum, Signy and Cleophee Eaton Theatre, Level 1B Please enter through President's Choice Entrance, at south end of Museum. Single film: $10 / ROM Members: $8 / Friends of ICC: $6 Both films on the same night: $15 / $12 / $10 This film series is presented by the Institute for Contemporary Culture. A collaboration between Vanity Fair and the National Portrait Gallery, London. Vanity Fair is a registered trademark of Advance Magazine Publishers Inc.

Victoria's Secret to eating cupcakes and keeping ice in your skivvies

Only in the dream-o-sphere that is the Victoria's Secret fashion show can any one get away with wearing a three million dollar diamond fantasy bra. I want to say that seems excessive, but who am I kidding. The frivolity is incredible.

Marisa Miller had the opportunity to wear the $3 million Fantasy Bra this year. It's piped with 150 carats of stones, including a dangling 16-carat heart-shaped stone.

In case you have nothing better to do with a few million, you can actually buy the bra. Unfortunately, orders are taken by telephone only and no other discount applies.

In this exclusive video we find out that models actually do eat... preferably cupcakes.

Dudamel is a "Duracell Plus"

Watching Gustavo Dudamel work with an orchestra is such a pleasure. He's young, enthusiastic, and he knows his music. He knows exactly what he wants at all times, and makes sure that his orchestra brings to life his vision of "the universe that is a symphony." Not all art is beautiful and pretty, sometimes it has to be repulsive... Rumor has it he's being considered for the position of Music Director at La Scala. He will definitely bring in a fresh perspective.

Tim Burton is a Terrifying Genius

Take me to New York right now! The MoMA is currently running a career retrospective exhibition of his artwork and design.

In this clip he discusses his body of work, the inner workings of his mind, and growing up on monster movies. He let's us know that the circular dynamic of striped socks both calms and grounds him, and "the word normal always scared me because that indicated something that was quite subversively terrifying in some way."

8 1/2 plus 4 Oscar Winners = NINE

There are no words for how amazing Federico Fellini's original 1963 film "8 1/2" is. It's the story of a film director (Marcello Mastroianni) who has a severe case of director's block. The film captures the process of creation, and unfolds organically. If you haven't seen it, please go rent it before shelling out for the upcoming Hollywood Musical remake "Nine." I have a feeling that it would be very difficult to appreciate the subtleties of the original after watching the new version. I'm obviously really excited for "Nine" anyway.

Here's a clip from 8 1/2, it's a scene of the unforgettable "La Saraghina." Fellini loved full-figured bombshells. Fergie plays the prostitute in Nine, I wonder how her scenes will compare.

Vogue and the Fantasy of the Performing Arts

During times of economic turmoil, the arts are the first to feel the pinch. In response Vogue has made performing arts the star of their December issue.

Check out this behind the scenes video of Annie Liebovitz shooting the cover and fashion spreads. Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington talks about Lady GaGa arriving on set naked under her plastic raincoat, Liebovitz discusses the jazz scene. Berlin inspired band leader Max Raabe takes part, Lily Cole and Coco Rocha give cameos.

The [Naked] King of Ballet

Roberto Bolle will be making [partially clothed] appearance at a bookstore near you. He is the focus of a three year collaboration with Vanity Fair photographer Bruce Weber. If you don't know him already, please take to time to discover the beauty, strength, and yum that is Mr. Bolle.

Bad Romance

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Lady GaGa is a brilliant image maker, artist, and performer. She is changing the face of the mainstream as we know it, ushering the avant garde. Welcome to Art, Life, and Stilettos. Killer.