Rendez-Vous:Â Lee Alexander McQueen and Ann Ray -The Crocker Art Museum- Sacramento, California4/3/2023  Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. "Brilliant, dynamic, and provocative, the British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen founded his eponymous label in 1993 and also led design at Givenchy between 1996 and 2001. Soon after he joined Givenchy, he met French photographer Ann Ray, whose stunning photographs recorded and inspired McQueen’s work behind the scenes and in runway shows for the next thirteen years. Combining Ray's intimate portraits and backstage images, along with key garments from McQueen’s most celebrated fashion collections and design drawings, this exhibition provides a unique insight into the creative process of this influential and complex figure. Rendez-Vous is organized and produced by Barrett Barrera Projects."  Alexander McQueen, "Plato's Atlantis" Spring/Summer 2010 Collection. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
McQueen is known as "one of the twentieth century's most visionary designers" with his highly artistic fashion designs appealing to, and studied by, many people. While arriving at the exhibit, a story began to unfold of the professional friendship and artistic connection of both McQueen and Ray. McQueen, the talented fashion designer, and the equally talented photographer, Ray, who had an eye for the photographic beauty in McQueen's works as her own subjects. From the first room of the exhibit, and throughout, both of McQueen and Ray's works are prominently displayed. The opening signage explains that McQueen was a "troubled artist" who kept a tight-knit group of collaborators, one such person being Ray. The partnership between the two began in 1997, lasting 13 years, and 43 photographic collections, with Ray documenting McQueen's work and creative process with her photographic works. Several times throughout each of the 13 years the two collaborated, McQueen and Ray would have a "Randez-vous- a weird, unexpected, warm, essential meeting." Ray had exclusive access to McQueen during this collaboration period, and thus, the fruits of this exhibit were created... The Exhibit  Designs by Alexander McQueen, 1998-2003. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. Enter with me into the second room of the exhibit, where a line-up of six exquisitely tailored coats and a dress are displayed, created by McQueen throughout the years 1998-2003. It is evident when studying the details and fit of these fashion designs that McQueen has a tailoring background. McQueen's designs are dramatic and striking. I love the flow of the exhibit as I began to enter into a labyrinth of rooms, that take the museum patron from one faze of McQueen's career seamlessly into the next. The garments were displayed in such a way, that the details and craftsmanship of each article of clothing were highlighted and showcased. The rooms are dark, but the garments and photographs are lit by a spotlight further adding to the dramatic effect of these artistic creations. Here are a few closer photos of this second display:
The following area of the exhibit introduces more of Ray's work and describes how McQueen was impressed with Ray's photographs. However, back in 1997, as McQueen was just starting out in his career as a fashion designer, he was unable to afford Ray's photographs. "The two established a barter system", where McQueen would exchange custom clothing created by him for Ray's photographic services. Here are four fashion ensembles that McQueen created for Ann Ray, as well as photographs taken of McQueen and his models by Ray.   "Gifted Garments" Clothing created for Ann Ray by Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
You can see here that Ray's photographs are not typical of Fashion Photography, but are more editorial, and artistic. This photographic approach really pairs well with McQueen's fashion design aesthetic. McQueen's clothing is artistic and dramatic, which I felt was really highlighted by Ray's stunning black and white photos. Now, let's reflectively stroll through the rest of the exhibit rooms... 
 Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  Photograph by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. The dress pictured here, front and center, is called Eshu from McQueens Autumn/Winter 2000 Collection. This dress has been a favorite design of mine ever since I learned of Alexander McQueen back in fashion design school. I recall the first time I saw a photo of this moss covered dress, in a book, while studying fashion, and how impressed I was with the look. However, nothing could prepare me for how exquisite this dress was in real life! The moss-like effect is achieved by glass beadwork! The skirt is made with real horsehair! It is absolutely gorgeous in person. The plaque on the display said this about Eshu: "Eshu A/W 2000 Glass Bead and Horsehair Midi Dress For his A/W 2000 Collection, McQueen explored the ideas of primitivism and tribalism in fashion. The collection was rich with references to traditional African dress, such as Ndebele neck rings and Samburu beadwork, and drew its title from Yoruba deity Eshu, the personification of mischief. This dress is a case study in couture dressmaking techniques as well as a collision between Western dress aesthetics and non-Western craft traditions. Although it was not uncommon for designers to derive inspiration from other cultures in the late 1990's, present conversations surrounding the ethics of such cross-cultural borrowings forces a reassessment of this collection. Specifically, one needs to consider the extent to which it blurs the boundaries between respectful appreciation and cultural appropriations." Fascinating!  Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  Photographs by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  Alexander McQueen. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  Photograph by Ann Ray. Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
I found the story behind the following Embroidered Evening Coat by Alexander McQueen, extremely interesting. This coat features a "Bespoke Textile" created as a tribute to McQueen's friend Annabelle. The textile features embroidered words of Edgar Allen Poe's poem "Annabelle Lee" in gold thread!
The fashion designs by McQueen were not only a marvel to gaze upon, but were highly inspirational to me. I love how McQueen played with the shape of silhouettes, added artistic elements, and incorporated many intricate details in his designs. I loved how the fabrics McQueen selected for his collections were luxurious, with his designs often incorporating a mix of texture and color. I also greatly enjoyed the photographs by Ann Ray, who I had not been familiar with previously to this exhibit. Her work was equally inspirational to me. The photographs truly captured a moment in time of fashion history... A Tailoring Background... One of the final sections of the exhibit showcased McQueen's tailoring background and expertise, as well as patterns he had drafted, and mock-ups he had created of coats. It might be a surprise to many without sewing knowledge, to see how these fashions are created and constructed! The back wall of this room featured behind the scenes photos of McQueen's fashion shows, while a video played showing footage of McQueen's life. I found this exhibit to offer such a complete picture of not only McQueen's works, but also of his creative process.
"The Dressing Room" An Interactive Gallery While concluding the tour of the McQueen/Ray Exhibit, the last room to explore is The Dressing Room, an interactive gallery filled with fashion themed activities for all ages! I was particularly impressed with this area, since my visit to The Crocker was accompanied by my husband and our two youngest children. Our young girls were delighted by the hands-on activities, including the first one we came upon, a magnetic doll dressing board, where you can create a fashion look for Alexander McQueen himself! Additional activities included a doll clothing design station, learning basic embroidery stitches, identifying fabrics, matching fabrics, as well as dressing up in real designer fashions, and hitting the runway!
Here are a few photos of my husband and I enjoying the interactive activities with the little ones, it was really fun!
 "The Dressing Room". Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, 2023. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. The Crocker: Then and Now  "Residence of Mrs. E.B. Crocker" Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1875. The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.  The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. 2023. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel. Although the "Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray" Exhibit was temporary, The Crocker Art Museum is a fascinating place, all on its own. The museum is comprised of three buildings joined together, including two 1800's Victorian mansions, once owned by the wealthy Judge Crocker, and a modern 2010 building connected to the back. The Victorian mansions had been used as a residence to the Crocker Family, and an art gallery back in the late 1800's, and then gifted to the City of Sacramento in 1885. The museum is considered the oldest in California, and is now full of amazing collections of fine art, pottery, porcelain, and more.
Check out these lovely photos of The Crocker Art Museum grounds and interior. If you are fascinated by architecture and interior design of the past, as I am, you will see that this museum is a historical dream!
 The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel.
I greatly enjoy any chance I get to visit The Crocker Art Museum, in Sacramento, California, and find it equally enjoyable that this time I was able to take you with me on this blog-tour of The Rendez-Vous: Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray Exhibit, which was absolutely fantastic! I always enjoy seeing designer fashions in a museum, and I am always on the lookout for these types of exhibits! If you enjoyed this article, check out related articles that I have written in the "Related Links" section below. Let me know, what was your favorite McQueen design, or Ray photograph from this exhibit, in the comments below!
See you at the next fashion museum exhibit!  Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel at The Crocker Art Museum. Sacramento, California. Related Links:
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Welcome back! Today I would love to take you on a Fashion Illustration Appreciation Journey to the 1940’s! In this article we will be taking a close-up look at my personal "Home-Sewing" pattern collection, specifically the fashion illustrations found on the front of my Vintage Sewing Pattern envelopes! The patterns I have selected to share with you today are straight from the 1940’s!  A 1940's Silhouette Timeline- 1940-1949 Whenever I pull out these gems, I am in awe! The condition of these paper patterns alone amazes me! And then... the illustrations! Just studying the lovely fashion illustrations that grace the covers of these vintage pattern envelopes are sure to inspire! Hence, my desire to scan, and archive these treasures to share with those that may not have access to such historical fashion illustrations!  25 Vintage Sewing Patterns from the 1940's. These patterns are part of my personal pattern collection. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel As of yet, I have not used these patterns for sewing, merely for fashion inspiration. However, I do plan on creating a few blouses using my vintage sewing pattern, Simplicity Pattern 4864 soon! I will keep you, Dear Reader, updated on that endeavor! Following are the 25 Vintage Sewing Patterns printed in the 1940's, that I hired my two teenagers to scan for me! Enjoy! Advance Pattern Printed in 1940-1949: Pattern Numbers 2348-5370
Hollywood Pattern Printed in 1940: Pattern Numbers 1929-1998 1941-1949: Pattern Numbers 559-2170
McCall Printed Pattern Printed in 1940-1949: Pattern Numbers 3505-7867
Simplicity Printed Pattern Printed in 1940-1944: Pattern Numbers 3264-4999 1944-1949: Pattern Numbers 1000-2715  Simplicity Pattern Co., Misses' and Women's Blouse, #4864 (1943) (From the "Home Sewing" and Commercial Pattern Archives of Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel)
I hope that you have enjoyed viewing this photo collection of my Vintage Sewing Patterns from the 1940's! 1940's Fashion has always been an inspiration to me, and after studying these illustrations it is no wonder that 1940's Fashion has continued to inspire so many, for decades there after! If seeing these lovely vintage fashion illustrations, from the 1940's, are intriguing to you, I have a few more fashion illustration resources to recommend: From my fashion and sewing library, I have the lovely book of sewing pattern illustrations: Blueprints of Fashion, Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940's, by Wade Laboissonniere. This book is laid out in a similar fashion as this blog article, it features scanned archived photos of the original sewing pattern envelopes from the 1940's, with a large collection of over 550 images! I also have the 1950's Volume of Blueprints of Fashion, which is just as amazing.
The book, Dress Design: Draping and Flat Pattern Making by Hillhouse and Mansfield is a pattern drafting book from 1948! That is a book I could do a whole article on alone! If that is something you would like to see more of, let me know! I am privileged to have several vintage design books within my library! Another fantastic fashion resource regarding 1940's Fashion is this video by Vogue, narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker: Lastly, I'd love to share with you a fun 1940's relic within my Sewing Workroom: this lovely 1944 Singer, with the owner's manual and desk! I hope to fully restore, or at least clean her up, one day!  My 1944 Singer! Thank you again for reading my blog! I hope 1940's Fashion has inspired you as much as it has me! I have plans to continue this Blog Series with a photo collection of more of my vintage sewing patterns from other decades, as well as fashion illustrations from patterns that are vintage reproductions! Leave me a comment below on your thoughts, what you like or do not like about 1940's fashion, or what decade inspires you? Now, I'm off to start sewing! Have an Inspired Day! Related Links:
 Close-up of carded Vintage Buttons that were my Grandmas! Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel I once sifted through hundreds of vintage buttons, that a dear friend of mine had collected over the years. Gazing upon the uniqueness of each button, the art and craftsmanship of something so small, with a purpose so simple, had me wondering, "Where had these buttons been, and where will these buttons go?" It seemed as if these precious buttons had such a long life before making it here, to this pile before me, and would continue to exist, long after my friend and I... Taking this photo of my friend's buttons, I began to reflect on the mysterious lives of buttons...  Vintage Buttons, photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Buttons are the oldest clothing fastener known to mankind! Ancient buttons, made of sea shells have been found that date back many centuries. In today’s clothing we have alternative clothing closures such as zippers, snaps, hooks & eyes, even elastic, but the classic button still prevails!  A few favorites from my Button Collection... Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel As I began to create clothing myself, I also began collecting buttons. If ever I am in a fabric shop purchasing fabric or notions, and I find some interesting buttons, I will most certainly buy them, even if I do not have an immediate use for them. In addition to solid colors of every sort and size, I now have a few jars full of buttons, both unique, and standard. Having this unique and quirky stash has proven fun when I need to fulfil the task of a button! Children too take delight in buttons! How fun it is to sit with my daughters and look through a poured out pile of color, design, and texture! My children love exploring the treasures stored within my button jars just as much as I do!  A few of my Button Jars!  Selected Buttons from my Button Collection... Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel A few years ago, my dear Aunt Patty sent me a box of Sewing Notions that belonged to my Grandma Marcia. To a sewing enthusiast such as myself, it was exciting to find so many Vintage Buttons, still on their original packaging cards! Not only are the buttons delightful, but so are the lovely illustrations and graphics found on the cards! Here are a few of my favorites:  These Vintage Snaps and Button Card were once my Grandmas! Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel
Do you enjoy the unique designs of buttons too? How do you store or organize your button stash? I’d love to hear your experiences or button memories! Leave me a comment below!  Tailor Shop Buttons, photo by Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Thank you for reading my Blog!  A favorite button... Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Related Links:
 Here I am, pictured to the right, on the day of my college graduation, to the left is my dear college friend, Shanae. The two of us were honored as having the second highest GPA in our graduating class, a 3.95 GPA, and we both received the title of Class Salutatorian! October, 2015. I began my full-time college career in the Fall of 2012, when I enrolled in the Fashion Design and Merchandising Bachelorette Program at The International Academy of Design and Technology, located in Sacramento, California. Years prior, I had attended a few semesters of college courses at Modesto Junior College, when I was a young lady, fresh out of high-school. Back then, I had no idea what I wanted to focus my studies on. At MJC, my listed major was Veterinary Science, yet I found myself loathing Math and Science courses. I soon found myself dropping what wasn't General Education, and adding several Art Classes instead. I recall, my guidance counselor called me into his office one afternoon, asking if I would like to change my major to Art. I was, after all, getting all A's in these classes, and not working at all towards completing required Veterinary Science courses. However, at the time I couldn't imagine any interesting career as an Art Major. When I expressed this to my guidance counselor, he replied, "I am an Art Major!" I am no fine artist, and becoming an Art Teacher, or a Junior College Guidance Counselor, did not sound very appealing. I soon dropped out of junior college, and began to work full-time instead.  This is me, age 19, as a junior college student (definitely one of my "awkward stages"), and a magazine collage self-portrait project that I completed in one of my MJC Art Classes. Fall, 2001. In the year 2011, at the age of 29, I unexpectedly lost my job at the Credit Union I had been working at for the past 9 years. Around the same time, I was gifted a brand new sewing machine, along with Sewing Lessons, from my Step-Mother, Kathy. As I began to learn sewing techniques and how to read a commercial patterns, I fell in love with creating clothing. I wanted to learn more and more. I also found that sewing was an unexpected creative arts outlet that satisfied and challenged my artistic abilities. I had temporary employment with a construction company, and decided, maybe I should go back to school to start a career in a field that I actually would enjoy. I thought to myself, "Could there be such a thing as 'Sewing College'?" I Googled 'Sewing College', and (silly me!) Fashion Design popped up! This was the first time I ever thought of a career in Fashion.  Myself and Mrs. Margie Duran, the woman who first taught me how to sew! Here we are at an award ceremony, in which I was awarded a scholarship from P.R.O.U.D. Modesto. October, 2014. After researching Fashion Design programs available in the Northern California Area (there isn't many), I decided to attend IADT, in Sacramento. I attended this school full-time, taking an accelerated pace of courses, for the next three years. In May 2015, I graduated college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. I was also honored as Class of 2015 Salutatorian, earning the second highest GPA of my graduating class, a 3.95 GPA. In 2015, I was the first person in my family to earn a Bachelors Degree. During the three years I attended college full-time, I learned more than I could have imagined regarding Sewing Construction, Pattern Making, Fashion Research, Trend Forecasting, Apparel Manufacturing, Global Sourcing, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Fashion Illustration, starting my own business, creating my first clothing line, and more! The professors I learned from where truly amazing, and either were, or had been professionals in one of these fields.  Here I am in the IADT Sewing Lab! As a student, I took many photos on campus, as I worked on, and completed my assigned projects. Recently, I was looking though the photos that I had taken during this time, and I wanted to share some of my favorite photos with you, my dear reader! I hope that you will enjoy visualizing the life of a fashion design student by viewing the following photos!  This is me, taking a Sewing Lab Selfie!
 This is me, at school, wearing a skirt I made!
 Fish Eye Darts, and Bishop Sleeves!
 Here I am receiving a Presidents List Award for earning straight A's during a particular term, presented by my school's Dean.
I hope you enjoyed this photo collection glimpse into my daily life attending college as a fashion design student! Tell me which photo or photos you enjoyed the most by sending me a comment! To see what I've been creating since college, check out, and follow, my Official Instagram by clicking HERE.  My classmates and I on our last day of college! We did it! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! Related Links:
 Taking a "selfie", as I move mirrors and furniture from one location to another during the hotel renovation. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, in an impoverished neighborhood, attending college never seemed like a realistic option for me. My parents only attended a few community college courses prior to my birth, and no one in my family had ever finished a college program. While I was in grade school, education didn’t interest me much, and despite my later proven potential, I was not a kid who excelled in academics or sports, and I had no hope of obtaining a college scholarship. I recall during my high school years, occasionally, various professionals would visit my class and present the details of their career path. I remember one such individual who told the classroom that regardless of the career we might hope to pursue, and even if we receive training or education in preparation for that career, many times, an individual will find that they will have many careers throughout their lives. Someone can change careers due to many factors; job loss, a networking opportunity, or just accepting a job that is available at the time they are searching for employment. I found that interesting, since many people will ask children and young adults, “What would you like to be when you grow up?” As if we only have one choice. Right now, as I write this, I am 33 years old. I have worked many jobs, some longer than others. I have worked as an animal shelter employee, a tele-marketer selling magazine subscriptions, a retail customer service representative, a bank teller, a call center representative, a waitress, a voter register, a hotel front desk receptionist, a dress maker, a fashion designer, a tailor shop administrator, a lip-balm crafter, and an insurance agent! I have even once worked as a construction worker! Traditionally, a woman working on the construction worksite is a rarity. Now-a- days, with the progression of women’s rights, it seems as if there is no job that a man can do that a woman cannot. However, construction work can be very physical, and although there are many strong women, not many seem to enjoy carrying 4x4’s, tools, and climbing roofs. Maybe some do, but I am sure there are not many. In the fall of 2011, I had un-expectantly lost my job at the local credit union, and was offered a position at my father’s construction company. It was a very different work environment from what I had been used to up to that point. My previous job at the credit union was with a team of all women. My new job at the construction work site was on a crew of all men. The jokes were more crude and perverted, but I am not one to easily take offence. I am also certain, that the fella’s held back, due to the fact I was the boss’s daughter.  Fellas from the work crew relax on break. My work duties primarily included administrative paperwork: typing workman’s comp reports, and payroll, as well as keeping an inventory of all of my father’s tools. I cleaned the wallpaper machine, I moved furniture, installed curtains, and carried 4 x 4 beams of wood from one location to another. I got muscle tone. I learned to use some power tools. I re-upholstered benches. During that time, my step-mother surprised me with a gift: a sewing machine and sewing lessons.  My father can be quite a joker... He told me to carry this package of Styrofoam, and act as if it was really heavy. He then sent the picture to my Grandma, saying it was wood! She freaked out. Wearing my pink construction boots daily, I decided that when the job we were working on, a remodel project of a hotel that my dad had built 10 years prior, was completed, I would enroll in a college program and get training in a field that I enjoyed. I did enjoy learning about construction, and the process of how buildings are constructed. I also loved learning sewing techniques, and how to read commercial patterns. I knew for a certainty that going back to a career in the financial industry was not what I wanted, nor did I want a career in a medical field like many of my college-going peers were pursuing.  The best woman work boots in my opinion! Pink Work Boots by Safety Girl! I went through two pairs of these sweet boots during the year I worked construction! I received complements daily! Eventually, I decided that if there was such a thing as a sewing college out there somewhere, that is where I would enroll. I Googled “Sewing College” and, slap my head, it was called… Fashion Design School! I enrolled, and started my courses immediately. During my year as a construction worker, I took hundreds of photos of the crew and job site. Perhaps because I grew up having very little, or perhaps because I have always loved and appreciated art, I tend to see the artistic beauty in many every day scenes. I appreciate a cool breeze on a hot day, a fresh rose blooming in the rain, and a hot fresh baked pastry. I appreciate the luxurious beauty in simple things; such as the contrast of color and shadow as the sun beams down on an ordinary object. As I would walk briskly around the job site doing this, or doing that, I would see intriguing images that I could not help but snap a picture of. I have sifted through these images and compiled my favorite photos for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy the photos I have taken documenting my experience as a construction worker! Enjoy!
 An illustration my father drew of himself and me. Related Links:
Today, I am taking a trip down Memory Lane, to share with you my experience entering a Rubber Chicken Photo Contest, and surprisingly taking home the coveted Third Place Prize... Although slightly bizarre, this is my Award Winning Photo:  Original Photo by Roxanne Rodriguez. Third Place Winner for Twisted Oak Winery Rubber Chicken Photo Contest- 2010. I am not a professional photographer, but I love taking photographs. I believe I have an eye for an aesthetically pleasing photo, and have used my skill to photograph my own work, my life, and most recently, as the Creative Director for OFW Art & Style Magazine. I purchased my first camera in 1994, when I was around 12 years old. Back in those days, when digital photography didn't exist (at least to the mainstream public), I was thrilled to have a small camera that used a roll of 110 Film, and had clip on flash bulbs. Do you remember those? Truly a relic of antiquity!
Technology sure has advanced at a surprisingly quick rate over the last 24 years. Now, everyone has a camera in their pocket, equipped with high resolution, filters, and different lens options. I heard comedian Dave Chapelle say on TV recently, "Do you remember when people used to say, 'I wish I had a camera!'" No one says that anymore. Murphys, California Living in California, where picturesque landscapes abound, I found myself exploring the local region in my early to mid 20's, when I finally owned a somewhat reliable car... During my road trip travels, I found a fantastic little Gold Rush mountain town, called Murphys. In Murphys, the historic downtown still looks very much like an 1800's frontier town, with wooden storefronts, and a tranquil creek streaming under Main Street through a delightfully peaceful public park. On the outskirts of town, vineyard after vineyard can be found, each with a modestly priced tasting room. If you love wine, as I do, Murphys is a fabulous destination.
Leave me a comment about your thoughts on my article, or on my photo! Have a Remarkable Day!! Related Links:
 Continental Display-Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel In 2014, I ventured into a wholesale display store in Sacramento, California called Continental Display, located at 525 Display Way, Sacramento, California. I had heard of this store, that has been in business for well over 35 years, while I was in fashion design college. Although I myself do not own a store front location, as a Fashion Designer, I sometimes may need display materials for Tradeshows, Pop-Ups, or Vender Booths. As I arrived, I was surprised that Continental Display had so many items for sale. Display Cases, Hat Racks, Garment Racks, Shelving, formed huge rows in a warehouse building. I walked through the rows and came to a separate area full of used mannequins. Hundreds of mannequins were pilled on top of one another, or arranged neatly on shelves or on the floor. Mannequin parts were organized by body type. It was all visually jarring. The human-like realness of many of the mannequins gave me an unshakable eerie feeling. Some of the mannequins have very realistic features, and are even decorated in what appears to be professional cosmetic make-up. Some of the mannequins are generic in appearance, with cartoonish faces and blunt hair styles. I couldn't help but see a grim beauty in the composition of these lifeless forms. With camera in hand, I took a few pictures of what I was seeing. I hope you enjoy this bizarre photo collection as much as I do!  Continental Display-Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  Continental Display-Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  Continental Display-Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  Continental Display-Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  Continental Display-Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  Continental Display-Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel  Continental Display-Sacramento, California. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel Thank you for reading my Blog, and viewing my photo collection! Leave me a comment! I'd love to hear your thoughts on my post or on my photos! Have a great day! Related Links:
Last week, my Fiancé, Step-Children, and I, took a day trip from Hayward, and journeyed across the bay, to The Legion of Honor, located on Land’s End in the beautiful city of San Francisco. Although I grew up in the East Bay Area, I relocated to the Central Valley as a teen, limiting my exposure to historical sites of the Bay. I had never visited this museum previously, and was happily surprised to find a tranquil palace atop rolling hills veiled by a curtain of cloud-like fog. The building itself is a large Neo-Classical structure, a three quarter scaled replica of Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris (1788), and was completed in 1924. When walking up to the museum entrance, I felt like I was walking back in time, as a colonnade of large Ionic Columns peered down upon myself and the other lowly human visitors staring up in awe. Although I adore architectural design, the reason for our visit, was not to study the architecture of the building, but to “ooo” and “ahh” over another type of human design… The “High Style” Fashion Exhibit, which had traveled all the way from the East Coast, to make its appearance here, in the West!  All photos featured in this blog article are the property of Roxanne Rodriguez. The Legion of Honor I love visiting museums. I have always enjoyed not only creating art, but admiring the masters of art of times past, for as long as I can remember. My family and I arrived at The Legion of Honor with sketchbooks in hand, eager to draw out any inspiration we might glean from our trip. Before making our way to the "High Style" Exhibit, we leisurely walked through the large rooms of historical paintings, sculpture, and other artifacts currently on display. Check out a few of the photos that I took:
 Javier and I's sketch of the same sculpture. Same subject, different styles. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez One of my favorite exhibits we came to, were the mammoth tapestries on display from The Triumph of the Seven Virtues Series, 1535. They were so intricate in detail, and beautiful in color. I could only image how vibrant the colors would have looked when these tapestries were first woven almost 500 years ago!
High Style And now, for the real treat! The "High Style" Exhibit! The “High Style” Exhibit is composed of selected Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When I first heard of this exhibit’s arrival, I knew I had to, (absolutely, positively, had to) see it for myself. Can you imagine, my fellow fashion lovers, being in the same room as vintage pieces designed by the masters we have all studied and loved? Worth, Dior, St. Laurent, Schiaparelli, and James, just to name a few! And to think, their gowns were right before me, in pristine condition, decades after their construction! Here are some of the photos I took of this lovely exhibit, along with more in depth information I learned about the some of the designers.  The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez.  Steven Arpad, Evening Shoes, 1940. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez. The House of Worth Charles Worth is often known as the man who started it all, the “Grandfather of Couture”. When Charles Worth, an Englishmen, started his dressmaking business in Paris, in 1858, he applied innovative concepts and artistic elements to dressmaking that had never been done before. Worth’s clientele were royalty, and other wealthy citizens of the day. The Brooklyn Museum obtained their first dresses that were made by The House of Worth in 1926, and continued to grow in their collection of Worth pieces. What I found most interesting is that Charles Worth, was the first designer for his design house. Following in his footsteps, was his son, Jean-Philippe Worth. Then, in the following generation after Jean-Philippe, was Charles' grandson, Roger. Fascinating how all three generations of Worth's were master couture dress makers.  Jean-Philippe Worth, House of Worth, Evening Dress, 1907-10. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez.
Elsa Schiaparelli Since her debut in 1927, Elsa Schiaparelli, an Italian born designer, captured the imagination of the fashion audience with her bold visual designs and uniquely surreal artistic qualities. Often, her designs include one-of-a-kind embellishments, such as piano shaped buttons, bright metallic threaded embroidery, or unique textile combinations. It is obvious that Elsa loved to push boundaries and create garments that were both functional, one of a kind, and, at times, bizarre. Her love of art, and great talent led to much collaboration with Surrealists artists such as Jean Cocteau, and Salvador Dali. Elsa Schiaparelli extended her talents not only to dress making, but Elsa also designed jewelry, shoes, and hats. Elsa Schiaparelli is one of my personal all-time favorites, and I find that she and myself have similar design aesthetics, as I too enjoy creating garments with bold unique designs and interesting color and textile combinations, as she once did.  Elsa Schiaparelli, Parasol Dress, 1937 & Dress, 1939-41. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Elsa Schiaparelli, 1940. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Elsa Schiaparelli, Dinner Ensemble, 1933-35. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Designers 1920's-1970 "The Essence of Fashion is Change." While exploring the displays presented in the "High Style' Exhibit, I could see clearly, the change in both silhouettes, use of textiles, and the progression of innovative concepts used by the designers over the course of the century. I loved that many of the costumes were free standing and not in any enclosures, which allowed viewers to lean over and see each stitch and design detail clearly. Following, are pictures that I took, in the museum, of Couture Designer pieces from the 1920's through the 1970's. I hope you gain as much inspiration from this beautiful collection as I did. Enjoy!  Madame Eta Hentz, Evening Dress, 1944. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Gilbert Adrian, Dinner Dress, 1944. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Gilbert Adrian, Dinner Dress, 1944. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Gilbert Adrian, "The Tigress" Evening Ensemble, 1949. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  From Left to Right: Vera Maxwell Ensemble, 1958. Bonnie Cashin, "The Tweed Toga", 1943. Claire McCardell, Ensemble, 1946. Madame Eta Hentz, Dress, 1944. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Carolyn Schnurer, Sundress, 1950. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Christian Dior, 1952-1953. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Yves Saint Laurent, "Refrain" Cocktail Dress, 1958. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez
 Hubert De Givenchy, Evening Dress, 1960. Madame Alix Gres, Evening Dress, 1969. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Arnold Scaasi, Evening Ensemble, 1961. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez
 Norman Norell, Evening Ensemble, 1970-71. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Norman Norell, Evening Ensemble, 1970-71. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Halston, Evening Dress, 1975. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Charles James Charles James is by far one of the most fascinating designers I have ever viewed the creations of. His construction techniques are awe-inspiring. Interestingly the book, High Style, describes James as "not having had formal dressmaking training, he developed his own methodology based on mathematical, architectural, and sculptural concepts as they related to the human body." I was able to capture a few of his stunning works of art in the following photos: Enjoy!
 Charles James, "Tree" Ball Gown, 1955. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez  Charles James, "Four Leaf Clover' Ball Gown, 1953. The Legion of Honor. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez I hope that you enjoyed this article about my recent visit to the Legion of Honor! Be sure to subscribe to my blog by clicking the "RSS Feed" Button to the right-hand side of your screen, under my Author Bio!  The "High Style" Book featuring photos of the entire Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the MET. Purchased at the exhibit. Photo: Roxanne Rodriguez Works Cited Reeder, Jan G. High Style: Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. 4th Printing, 2014. Tortora and Eubank. Survey of Historic Costume. Fairchild Brooks Publishing. 4th Printing, 2011. Related Links:
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AuthorHello Readers! Welcome to my Blog! I am Roxanne Rodriguez Rangel, a Fashion Designer from Northern California. I love all things Fashion, particularly historical fashion! Join me, as I take you around Northern California, covering fashion events and related topics! 
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