Equality

In Search of the Perfect Purse

RUNAWAY WEST MINI

BY TYLIE MALIBU

A new year calls for a new purse. Where can I find a tasteful, yet edgy everyday lug-my-junk bag? In my search, I remembered this Tylie Malibu bag. I actually discovered this bag last summer and I now I have no idea why I didn't just buy it on the spots. Perhaps my resolution for 2011 should be to "buy it now, or regret it later". The studs running down the center of the rich mahogany leather give just a touch of edginess.

For more Tylie Malibu bags: http://www.tyliemalibu.com

DESIRES

I NEED THIS COUCH

I forget where I found this image, but this couch is epic. It's hot pink, studded along the base,  and the back cushions have adorable button accents -not to mention the graphic throw pillows. I can see myself draped over this couch, watching romantic comedy after romantic comedy, eating Ghirardelli chocolate after Ghirardelli chocolate. Can I just take this couch right out of the computer screen and put in my living room, NOW? If anyone knows what furniture company makes this couch or where I might acquire one, I would love to know.

Christian Dior Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

CHRISTIAN DIOR

SPRING 2011 RTW

Tim Banks gave Dior's Spring 2011 RTW runway show a bit of a scathing review, noting the "vampy, campy lassitude of the boudoir-ness of it all" and criticizing the bright silks reminiscent of the tropics. I, on the other hand, think the collection is beautiful! The colors are so rich and the fabric seems to float as if caught in a tropical breeze. Kissed with a touch of opulence, I catch the scent of the salty sea wafting through the balmy air as I lounge on warm sand.


For the entire Christian Dior Spring 2011 RTW line: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-CDIOR

Inspiration: Edie Segwick

EDIE SEDGWICK

Probably best known as Andy Warhol's superstar, Edie Sedgwick is one of the most vibrant people I have ever heard of. I just watched the film Factory Girl, which details Sedgwick's (played by Sienna Miller) rise to fame with Warhol's factory. In the film, she is irresistably charming and quite the party girl. No wonder she was Andy Warhol's muse!

BURLESQUE

SHOW ME HOW YOU BURLESQUE

Although the plot of Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, is a bit predictable:the ambitious girl from a small town achieves her dreams in the big city, I can't help but fall in love with the main character Ali (Aguilera). Her feisty personality and sweet sexiness draw you in. Besides Ali, the burlesque costumes and stage make-up that the dancers wear is to die for! Fishnets, sequins, feathers, and pleather, show-stopping outfit after outfit continue to appear on screen. Each costume is so salacious and over the top...perhaps the inspiration for my Spring 2011 collection. Overall, Burlesque is a fun film if you love feisty females and outrageous ensembles.

More on Burlesque: http://www.burlesquethemovie.com/

Fashion Inspiration: Badgley Mischka

SEQUIN SILK CHIFFON DRESS

BY BADGLEY MISCHKA

I'm thinking: New Years Eve? Badgley Mischka balances perfectly the sheer with the shiny to create a look of pure sophistication. The luxurious sheer silk chiffon sleeves and loose-hanging drapes of fabric add a hint of mystery to the metallic sequins beneath. For the cosmopolitan party queen, this dress is flirtatious yet elegant.

For more Badgley Mischka: http://www.badgleymischka.com/

My Current Work: "Untying the Knot" Fall 2010 Collection

"UNTYING THE KNOT"

NIKKI DANCE, Fall 2010 Collection

This three-piece collection, designed for UC Berkeley's Fashion and Student Trends (FAST), embodies different reasons to fear of commitment, as each piece appropriates traditional wedding attire. The red dress is reminiscent of the playfulness of childhood. Red a symbol for life and vivacity, and the childlike thirst to experience life challenges the idea of commitment and 'settling down.' Symbolizing femininity and power, the bustier explores sexual desire and fear of committing to a single partner. The third piece questions the idea of femininity associated with being a bride. The suit and top hat allude to masculinity and dominance. Unified with a touch of burlesque, this collection plays on the fear of commitment by subverting the traditional attire of the wedding, a practice that stands for the epitome of commitment.


Photo credit: Steven Sun (http://www.flickr.com/stephensun)

Fashion Inspiration: Chanel Resort Line, Pre-Fall 2010

CHANEL

RESORT PRE-FALL 2011

I am in love with Chanel's pre-fall 2011 Resort line, themed "Paris-Byzance" after the Empress Theodora of Byzantium. She began her life as a circus artist, but quickly rose to become empress, commanding the fashions of the empire. Theodora's meteoric rise, although in the 5th century, is not unlike that of Coco Chanel's in the 1920s. Anyway, I just can't get over the opulence of this collection -and this dress, pictured above, is definitely an all-time favorite. Delicate and sheer with metallics woven directly into the fabric, this dress is sensual yet channels the power of Empress Theodora. LOVE.

Check out the whole resort, pre-fall 2011 line: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/2011PF-CHANEL

Art inspiration: Fafi

FAFI

French graffiti artist, Fafi, is known for her overtly sexy, almost racy female graffiti characters. Through these characters, she explores the ideas of femininity and the stereotypes about femininity that society holds. I'm inspired only by the bright, bold graphics of Fafi's characters, but also by the language Fafi has created through graffiti to examine conceptions of femininity. Painted on the physical structures of every day life, graffiti is highly visible and an excellent medium in which to raise new social discourse.

For more about Fafi: http://www.fafi.net/

My artwork, circa 2008-2009

"CHILLA VISTA" & "ISLA VISTA"

BY NIKKI DANCE (2009)

illustration & digital coloring

These two pieces were created for the opening of Pardall Road in Isla Vista, California. The banners were intended to capture the unique personality of Isla Vista's current residents as well as allude to the charged political history of the anti-Vietnam War protests by students in Isla Vista in the 1960s. Along with other UC Santa Barbara student work, these two banners were hung on the street lamps of Pardall Road as a tribute to Isla Vista residents.

"CLOCKWORK"

BY NIKKI DANCE (2008)

graphite pencil

An exploration in depth.